Thursday, 19 August 2010
Check out this lovely gift...
Anyway, I have been receiving a few gifts in anticipation of our new arrival but I was really excited to receive one very posh present sent by my friend a few days ago from Babes with Babies, it was so beautiful that I had to share...
I almost didn't want to open it up it was so pretty!
Luckily I did and now these lovely pyjamas are in my hospital bag all ready for the big day.
along with the cutest ever matching baby grow...
What a perfect gift from my friend Claire, a big huge thank you! My favourite gift so far and one that I would never have thought of myself. Mmmwwaaaa x
Sunday, 15 August 2010
And the winner of the MamaTens Family Thermometer...
Congratulations!! DM you details to @second_time_mum or email me at secondtimemum@live.co.uk and i'll have your fab prize sent out to you straight away!
xx
Friday, 6 August 2010
37 weeks pregnant and now I have DVT
By 6pm my right leg was pulsing and was swelling by the minute - not only that - it was aching so much that I called Chris in tears. I called the midwife as I had suffered from pre-eclampsia when I was having Mister A and I knew that this could be a sign of that. The midwife told me not to worry too much, I could either go up to the hospital or wait and see my midwife in the morning.
I made the decision to go up to the hospital - something was clearly wrong and given my past history I didn't want to put baby at risk. I was told there was no rush head up in about an hour.
I arrived at the labour ward at 7pm and my blood pressure was taken - it was high compared to previous readings so they set me up on a machine to be monitored every 15 minutes then I was hooked up the the fetal heart rate monitor after giving a water sample (-why do I never remember to take one with me?!).
20 minutes later the midwife came in to check the machines but she had forgotten to turn the printer on! I continued to be monitored and my urine sample was showing to have a trace of protein - another symptom of pre-eclampsia but more importantly baby was fine.
Gradually as the hours passed my blood pressure came down as did the swelling in my leg. I was all set for going home, I just needed the doctor to release me - after all it was 10pm and a pregnant lady needs her rest!
The doctor was lovely, newly qualified with pink hair, she had a good look at my legs and decided to measure the difference in size. After quizzing me on my family health history said she said there was the possibility of a clot but I could probably just go home and come back tomorrow for more observations. The registrar disagreed and said he wanted me kept in overnight and to have a scan first thing. I was gutted - I hadn't seen Chris or Alex all day - and as usual - I was starving!
I managed to persuade the hospital to let me go home and get a bag together and see my boys - as well grabbing some food - after all there was only a small chance of a clot and it was probably only a precaution that they were keeping me in.
I got back to the hospital at about 11.30 and was taken to the antenatal ward - the ward where I had been when I was induced with Mister A. There were 2 other ladies there - curtains pulled - one of them was clearly just starting in early labour so I knew it would be an eventful night.
I did manage to get some sleep despite the endless (yet very much justified) groans of the lady opposite but I was awoken at 6am to the announcement that through the night "You've done so well - you're 1cm" to which she replied "F%^£ off, is that all!" I did struggle to contain a giggle at her response!
I thought I had been forgotten when I looked at the clock and saw it was 10am - eventually the midwife came in and asked me to do a sample. Again, I was starving - no one offered me so much as a cup of tea never mind a piece of toast. After secretly eating my smuggled in Kellogg's bar I was told that I could get dressed and walk down to the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit for my Doppler scan at 11.20 so I hobbled down with my foot squashed in to my shoe.
In the scan room I had to take my pants off so that the ultra sound could be done on my leg. After being told that my knickers were too tight(?!) the exam began. It's just the same as a baby scan but highly uninteresting. The sonographer confirmed that there was a clot and sent me back off to the ward without explanation.
After buzzing the door and getting back on to the ward the midwife asked how I'd gotten on "I do have one" I said. "Really, we had all said it was just normal swelling" she said as I walked back to my bed. "Hey, guess what?" I head her shout "Leanne has got a clot, can you believe that?!" I was fuming but too exhausted to say anything.
Soon after, Chris arrived and the doctor came to explain that this wouldn't affect baby in any way, just me. I'd need to inject a blood thinner every day until 6 weeks after baby is born and wear sexy white DVT stockings for a recommended 2 years. Two years - WTF? - I hope I can dye these bad boys, I'm supposed to be a fashionista!
I was eventually allowed home after having my first injection - which stung like hell by the way! I have to go back tomorrow and do it myself whilst they watch, after that I'm on my own!
And, if wearing white DVT socks under my jeans with red pumps on to leave the hospital wasn't bad enough -I have to return to the hospital on Monday with a 24 hour urine sample in this...
...could prove to be quite an interesting task! Funnel anyone?
Sunday, 1 August 2010
MamaTens Family Thermometer Competition
To win just comment below and tell me something funny about your family - it can be a quote from the kids or funny anicdote - anything really. I can't wait to read the entries on this one!
Just make sure you're following Second Time Mummy (you can do this through Twitter if you don't have a blog) and comment below. If you aren't able to follow then you can still enter - just comment anonymously but provide a contact method or email me at secondtimemum@live.co.uk with the subject line "MamaTens Thermometer Prizedraw". 1 entry per person. The closing date is Friday 13th August - midnight GMT.
Good luck everyone! x
Find more prizes at ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions.
And the winner is...
Last night saw the end of my first ever blog giveaway. Here's a full list of the entries...
I used Random.org to select the winning number...
Congratulations Utterly Scrummy!! I'll be in touch for your contact details x
Thursday, 29 July 2010
3 weeks to go but couldn't wait!
I know there's a few weeks yet but I couldn't help myself - I had to set up the crib - what do you think?
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Exercise during pregnancy?
I listened with interest at today's news story following new guidelines released by the NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence). The new report gives health care professionals consistent information about how they should advise women on their weight, before, during, and after pregnancy.
I make plenty of jokes about eating for two as I'm tucking in to a cream cake but I am under no illusions that eating for two does not mean I can double my intake of food. In fact being pregnant has made me eat healthier than before not worse.
My problem last time was gaining weight after I had my son - being at home all day with a house full of food was all too much and I gained about a stone and a half before I went back to work.This time around I plan to do things a lot differently - learning from my mistakes, if you will.
I haven't really found much time to exercise this time but the little bit that I have done has worked wonders and has probably boosted my energy levels. So let's see what the NHS says about it..
"Try to keep active every day. Keep up your normal daily physical activity or exercise (sport, dancing or just walking to the shops and back) for as long as you feel comfortable. Fitting in half an hour of activities, such as walking, can help to keep you active. If you can't manage that, any amount is better than nothing.
Don't exhaust yourself. You may need to slow down as your pregnancy progresses, or if your doctor advises you to. If you go to an exercise class, make sure that the teacher is properly qualified and that they know you're pregnant and how far your pregnancy has progressed.
So what can we do to keep in shape?
- Wear supportive shoes.
- Stay on level ground.
- Don't walk during the hottest part of the day.
- Carry water with you and drink it regularly.
Yoga is great for working your muscles without too much impact on your joints. Most of the breathing techniques used in yoga are a good preparation for childbirth, helping you to remain calm and breathe steadily through contractions.
Yoga also improves posture, which helps with back pain and can increase flexibility. This will make birthing positions, such as squatting, easier.
As you move into your final three months, the feeling of weightlessness in the water will be very comfortable, and you can continue swimming throughout your pregnancy.
Other exercises have an increased risk of injury due to the loosening of ligaments and joints in pregnancy. Swimming doesn't, because your body is supported by the water."
I have a great set from Queen Mum that I wear when I'm walking - a lovely cowl neck and matching over bump leggings. The material is unbelievably soft and I enjoy putting it on because I know I'll be comfy.
Whether you're walking or doing yoga, comfort is the key. I've selected these great pieces from a selection at Pretty Pregnant...
I know I'm always self conscious when I go swimming but I actually feel better about my body now with my ever growing bump. There are some great maternity brands out there that will keep you looking your best whether you're on holiday or at your local pool...
 |
| Noppies, Mama Beach and Amoralia have a great selection of tankinis and swimsuits. |
All of these items are available at Pretty Pregnant in store or online. Follow Pretty Pregnant on Facebook this month (July) and you could win 1 of 3 Bebe au Lait nursing covers or 1 of 3 essential Lilypadz starter kits!
Monday, 26 July 2010
Thank You MamaTens x
A couple of weeks ago we received a Talking Family Thermometer from them which we had ordered to use in case Mister A or baby got sick. This week though it was me that felt ill and I have to say I was feeling rather sorry for myself. In all honesty I thought I just had a cold but I was probably feeling it more than usual because my energy levels are getting low as my bump grows.
On Wednesday night I felt really bad so Chris went and got the thermometer and took my temperature - it was 39.4 degrees - not a great sign so I took myself off to bed. By Thursday morning my temperature had reached a dangerous 40.1 degrees so we took a trip to the Health Centre where I was diagnosed with a serious chest infection and given antibiotics.
Without this fabulous thermometer I never would have had the energy to drag myself to the doctor and get seen to - it was only that I was alerted to how high my temperature was that got me moving.
It can be damaging to both mum and baby if a high temperature, especially at this level, is left untreated so that is why I am writing this post - I want you all to know what a great little gadget it is and encourage you to get one for your family - without it I might be telling a different story.
|
| MamaTens Talking Family Thermometer |
So why should you buy one of these over the hundreds of other thermometers out there? Well - you can take temperatures in only 1 second - either via the ear or on the forehead - great for newborns who might wake up if you start poking around in the ear!
It has it's own docking station and when it's not in use it displays the time, the date and even the room temperature so we'll be keeping ours in the nursery.
The temperature is read back to you after each reading so it's good for those that are visually impaired and for your little ones it plays a tune to entertain them whilst it's being used.
It's so much more than jut a thermometer - so what are you waiting for - order yours now!
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Pregnacare Prize Draw *NOW CLOSED*
So I've reached the home straight - the end of my pregnancy is looming and I can not wait to meet my beautiful little girl. To celebrate and thank you for being with me throughout my journey so far I thought I'd run some giveaways.
Throughout my pregnancy I have been taking Pregnancare supplements and I intend to carry on taking them whilst I'm breast feeding too.
I have some fab Pregnacare goodies to giveaway to one lucky reader - just make sure you're a follower and comment below - the winner will be announced on 1st August 2010.
The prize consists of 1 x Pregnacare His & Her Conception Dual Pack, 1 x Pregnacare Plus Omega 3 Dual Pack and 1 x Pregnacare Stretching Skin Cream worth over £35.
Non bloggers/ Non Twitter users can email me to win at secondtimemum@live.co.uk using the subject line "Pregnacare Prize Draw".
I will draw the winner from Random.Org and the closing date is Saturday 31st July - Midnight GMT.
Good Luck Everyone! x
Find more prizes at ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions.
Sunday, 18 July 2010
Baby Couture
I had a good look around anyway - feeling a little bit like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman - yes I know I can't afford any of this stuff but there's no need to look down on me!
It got me thinking - if I was rich, if I did have a millionaire lifestyle, would I be prepared to pay £12 for a pair of newborn baby socks? I mean, even if I won the jackpot tomorrow, I'm pretty sure I'd still be heading off to see (dare I say it) good old George at ASDA for my baby socks!
So bearing in mind that my little girl is due to arrive in 5 weeks time, I thought I'd see what was on offer for those of you that do have Louis Vuitton purses bulging with £50 notes...
It's not just designer clothing that's needed to keep me ahead in the fashion stakes, it's all of the accessories too!
Last season's top selling pram at Very.co.uk was the Maclaren Juicy Couture Pushchair and it's still going strong - it seems you fashionistas out there can't get enough!
Then there's the all important changing bag - if only I could affford a Gucci at £570 - unfortunately I didn't even have that much to spend on a pram!
So I think, at least until I win the lottery or I become a famous fashion blogger with designers throwing their fab baby couture at me I'll just have to rely on cheap baby basics but I'm sure my daughter will forgive me!
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Summer Linen - Maternity Style
I really wasn't sure what to expect because sometimes linen pants can cling to all the wrong places even when you haven't got a bump - so how would my ever expanding lower half look it these?
Well I have to tell you these over the bump linens are sooo comfy and they look fabulous. The fit is great and because of the stretchy over bump panel they don't cut in anywhere like other trousers. I am only 5ft 3 so I did have to turn up the bottoms but that actually added to the look. I even took them to London with me for the Gurgles and they kept me cool in the blazing heat!
I've been wearing them with my favourite gladiators and dress them up or down with different coloured tops depending on the occasion. They are a fabulous addition to my maternity wardrobe and they even wash well - something my mum tells me can be quite an issue!
And the great news is they're available in 4 colours and they are currently 30% off at Pretty Pregnant!
Monday, 5 July 2010
Mister A Reviews... The VTech Storio
Mister A was immediately enticed by the Toy Story 3 pictures on the box. He absolutely loves the Toy Story films and is really excited about this months film release, so he couldn’t wait to see what was inside. He had high expectations and he wasn't disappointed. He's being playing with the Storio for a couple of weeks now so we thought we'd start a new feature and review it here on the blog...
Mummy’s Verdict:
It’s great for Mister A because he absolutely loves books but finds it frustrating that he can’t read them himself. With the Storio the book is read aloud to him and he can turn the pages electronically using the big buttons.
As he grows and starts to learn to read he can point to the words he doesn’t know and a the word is read out loud along with a dictionary facility that tells him what the word means.
From a parents perspective it’s great because not only is this an interactive learning toy, you can also monitor your child’s learning by printing out progress reports and reading certificates.
The Storio is a great learning device that Mister A will be able to play with for many years to come - it’s sold to cater for 3 to 7 year olds. You can purchase different cartridges for around £17, so you can buy depending on what characters your little one is in to – from Shrek and Scooby Doo to Dora the Explorer.
My only negative comment is that it’s costing me a fortune in batteries!
Alex’s Verdict:
Alex loves his new Storio book, he’s spent hours playing on it – using the story book function and the games.
His only frustration is that he gets some of the answers wrong when he plays at the advanced level!
Great stuff VTech!
You can buy the VTech Storio now at all good retailers RRP £59.99 www.vtechuk.com
Sunday, 4 July 2010
The Gurgles
The event was held at the swanky Soho Hotel. There was a make up artist and manicurist ready to pamper all of the mummy bloggers as well as Strawberry Daiquiri's on tap. Not for me, obviously - watermelon coolers all the way! There was a great fitness talk from Gurgle's pre and post natal fitness expert, and founder of Beez-Knees, Vicky Warr and then it was on to the presentations.
The rest of the blogs were voted for by a judging panel consisting of Gurgle's celeb blogger, Mylene Klass, Gurgle Editor, Nifa McLaughlin and Gurgle Community Manager, Tor Brierley.
Next up was my category - Best Mummy Fashion Blog
The other deserved winners were...
Best Mummy Blog Writer - 20somethingmum
Best Funny Mummy Blog - Hot Cross Mum
and finally
Best Overall Mummy Blog - English Mum
So some of you might be wondering what I ended up wearing! The last time I left you I was without an outfit and all the shops had closed - bad times! Fortunately I had packed a maxi dress that I bought in Singapore last year but the trouble was it just wasn't dressy enough for such a special occasion. Eventually the crisis was averted - randomly I had the chiffon tie of another Singapore buy in my case and I tied it in to a posh bow above my bump. Problem solved!
It really was a great night and it was lovely to meet all of the other bloggers that attended as well as the Gurgle team but I must give a special mention to my new friend Pippa who had us laughing all night! Check out her funny blog - A Mothers Ramblings - too!
Saturday, 3 July 2010
Tonight's the Night - The Gurgles
Anyway, I was hoping to find 'another' outfit for me to wear tonight, but no such luck - it seems the only place in the centre of London that wanted to sell me maternity clothes was Topshop and thier collection was minimal. Why would I want to wear long sleeves Mr Topshop? In the height of Summer? Don't you know that us pregnoids get hot even on the coldest of days?! Grrrrr.
Anyway I never found anything, partly because my pregnant body decided to start to swell in protest of the long walk, so we went back to the hotel - safe in the knowledge that I had the 'back up' dress. My trusty black maternity dress that accompanies me to all of my finest occasions.
So here I am, I've just awoken from yet another 'pregnancy nap' and I'm all ready to go except for one thing - the dress, the trusty 'back up' dress, the one I've known that I would end up wearing all week, is not here - I didn't pack it. It's at home on my bed...crying. So what am I going to do now? What will I wear? I still don't know, I'm limited as a bump rocker anyway but this is awful! I'm stranded in London, far away from home with nothing to wear and not much time to rectify the situation. So if you see someone in Soho tonight, heavily pregnant and struggling to walk whilst wearing a hideous outfit then you'll know it's me.
Clearly my luck has ran out!
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
What to Wear?
It's difficult enough deciding what to wear normally, never mind with added complication of a huge bump! And with less than 8 weeks to go 'til baby arrives I am feeling slightly limited in what I can wear. Heels are definitely out of the question - I certainly don't want to end up with the dreaded 'cankle' or aggravate my back so I'll have to opt for some sensible flats - something I would never usually consider for such an important occasion.
The trouble with any event of this kind is you never know what anyone else is going to be wearing. It's not like when you go out with your friends and call each other up beforehand to see if it's skirts or skinny jeans. I have no one to call, no one to rely on and what's more I have to actually plan in advance not even knowing what the weather will be like by the time I step off the train. It's got fashion disaster written all over it!
For those of you 'bump rockers' and nursing mummies that are struggling for outfits check out my top picks from some of the hottest maternity brands...
Ripe Maternity has some of the most amazing occasion dresses. Whether your off to a black tie dinner or you've been picked to be a bridesmaid you're sure to find the perfect dress in their collection.
Belly Button has a great selection ranging from basics like vest tops and shorts through boho tops and evening dresses. I am completely in love with the Nicola Evening dress shown here (in purple).
Queen Mum have a fab selection of day wear and key pieces for your Summer maternity wardrobe.
Finally, Boob is another great brand - specialising in nursing pieces - they have a great selection that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Maybe the problem is that there are too many gorgeous things to choose from! Who knows what I'll end up in come Saturday night!?
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
National Breastfeeding Awareness Week
This week is National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (21-27 June) so what’s it all about?
Well, since 1993, the National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (NBAW) has been run annually by the Department of Health as a key event for promoting breastfeeding. The main aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding, increase social acceptance and promote support for breastfeeding.
I breastfed Mister A exclusively for the first 6 months until I went back to work and I would recommend it to everyone. Not only does it benefit baby but it’s also a lot cheaper than buying powdered milk. Breastfeeding for 6 months could save you around £300 on formula milk, which is a massive amount for those of us on Statutory Maternity Pay.
Obviously the benefits are much more important than costs so let’s have a look at what the NHS say:
“Breastfeeding also allows you and your baby to get closer - physically and emotionally. So while your child is feeding, the bond between you can grow stronger.
Bottle feeding does not give your baby the same ingredients as breast milk, which is designed to be easy for your baby to absorb and is perfect to help him/her grow and develop. Also, bottle feeding doesn't provide protection against infection and diseases."
Breastfeeding helps protect your baby against:
· ear infections
· gastro-intestinal infections
· chest infections
· urine infections
· childhood diabetes
· eczema
· obesity
· Asthma.
Breastfeeding helps protect mothers against:
· ovarian cancer
· breast cancer
· Weak bones later in life.
“Women who breastfeed return to their pre-pregnancy figure faster.”
I’ll definitely be breastfeeding this time round especially knowing that it will help me get back in to shape quicker!
P Peer Counsellors from La Leche, Breast Feeding Mothers Association, The NCT and the NHS will be present to give a talk on all the benefits, offer helpful advice and any useful hints/tips.
All Customers will be offered a free bra fit to highlight the importance of the right fit at the right time, as well as a gift bag packed with useful info from the NHS and cute gifts from Bravado, HOT milk, Amoralia and lots of others.
Join Pretty Pregnant’s Facebook page this week to be entered into their free prize draw to win a Bébé au Lait nursing cover or Lilypadz starter kit – Both essentials for nursing!
For more info see http://www.prettypregnant.co.uk/ or T: 02082994438
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Maternity Jeggings
Looking at them I have to say my first thought was that they were tiny and I wouldn’t even be able to get in them, never mind feel confident enough to wear them out of the house but not one to shy away from fashion I took a deep breath and gave them a go…
So the trial began! I decide I would wear them for work – that way I could get a full days wear and review them in a real life situation.
As I pulled them on I was still unconvinced that my bum would fit but I was surprised to find that the stretchy material more than accommodated. The cut of the jeggings at the waist allows your bump to fit comfortably over the top whilst the rise at the back still manages to cover your hips and allows you to sit happily without exposing yourself.
These are so comfortable – even more so than my trusty maternity jeans from last time around - which have unfortunately started to cut in to my tummy when I sit down. Bad times.
The great thing about these jeggings is that they can be dressed up or down and potentially worn for any occasion – whether it be to work, a day shopping or a night out with the girls.
This time round I wore my trusty gladiators with a long t-shirt and I got so many compliments. In fact my friend even asked if she could get away with wearing a pair even though she isn’t pregnant!
I’m planning a night out soon so I’ll do a special feature on ‘maternity jeggings - ways to wear’ so you can get an idea of how you can make these fab jeggings a part of your capsule maternity wardrobe.
So what’s the verdict then?
A definite pregnancy must have – the soft stretchy material is perfect for sensitive ‘pregnancy skin’ they fit in all the right places and they’ll last you right through to the end of your pregnancy and those few weeks after baby arrives. What are you waiting for? Go get yourself a pair!
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
More exciting news!!
No, the real news is that I have just received an email telling me that I have been nominated for a Gurgle Blog Award in the "Best Fashion Mummy Blog" category.
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Stop Press! There is such a thing as 'Maternity Lingerie'!
After a trip to to the hospital at the end of last week, I was told to rest over the weekend - never a bad thing really, pregnant or not! Eager to keep me busy, my other half went on a mission for the Sunday papers so I could immerse myself in all the latest celeb gossip whilst he entertained Mister A for the day.
I've not really been taking an interest in any fashion pages over the last few months. There's never usually anything in the magazines for those of us with expanding baby bumps, so I was pleasantly surprised when I came across a heavily pregnant Danielle Lloyd in the Sunday Mirror Magazine looking gorgeously glam in 'maternity lingerie'?! No, these words could surely never fall in the same sentence! All the maternity and nursing bras and pants that I come across are huge and frumpy!
I got on the net straight away to investigate this amazing lingerie brand known as Hot Milk and it seems it's been right under my nose all along. Pretty Pregnant are currently stocking a variety of Hot Milk pieces at 40% off!
I'm not quite ready to pose in a national magazine wearing this attire but I've decided to risk it in the bedroom even though I know I won't look like any of the girls in these shots!
I really like the RMF Camisole with matching briefs (above right). It's sold as "a delicate nursing camisole [with] double-lined lace cups and scalloped lace trim. The microfibre makes it stretchy and comfortable, and flexible too." Sounds very practical for such a super sexy piece!
I'll definitely be investing in some Hot Milk - Chris won't know what's hit him!
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Pretty Pregnant- Exciting News!!
I cannot wait – you know I love my fashion, and being given the chance to try the latest must-have maternity items was too hard to decline! I’ll be giving my full and frank opinions on some of the great lines stocked by them. Reviews are something that are really important to me when I’m purchasing anything so it’s great to be given the opportunity to share my opinions.
My favourite items so far are the Queen Mum cotton singlet (above) great as a summer staple and perfect for layering up in the Autumn.
And the Fragile turnover top (left) which would look great working out in or wearing everyday
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