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Bond Before Birth with Blooming Lovely Jewellery!
Blooming Lovely Jewellery produce a range of beautiful, handcrafted pieces of jewellery designed specifically to aid bonding with baby from before birth and beyond. The Bola Necklace features a chiming pendant traditionally worn by pregnant women in Mexico, the pendant would be worn on a long thread enabling it to be level with the unborn child. The soft tinkling chime of the pendant is said to gently serenade and soothe baby whilst Mum goes about her daily life. Once the baby has arrived, the same relaxing sounds of the Bola necklace are said to bring comfort and a sense of familiarity to the child.
It has been scientifically proved that babies within the womb (from around sixteen weeks onwards) are able to hear sounds from outside of the womb and over time build familiarity with those sounds they experience regularly. Once a child is born, they recognise and are familiar with voices and sounds that they experienced during their development within the womb.
Blooming Lovely Jewellery stock three designs of the Bola Necklace, all of which are silver plated and attached to lengthy natural cord measuring 200cm which can be adjusted to the required length. Whilst these necklaces are designed to be worn during pregnancy at a longer length, once your baby is born is is advised to wear this item at a shorter length for safety. The silver plated loop on each charm is wide, allowing thread to be folded and doubled to adjust length without causing any issues over rethreading the charm.
The Bola Necklace is the ideal distraction to be worn by Mums to entertain young infants whilst feeding or to listen to as a soothing charm whilst being rocked to sleep. Whilst this is a beautiful item to be worn during and after pregnancy it is also suitable for wearing once your child has grown as Blooming Lovely Jewellery is just that, blooming lovely! Each necklace comes beautifully wrapped and presented in a handmade jute pouched with a card detailing the story behind the Bola Charm
Mums Baby Magazine give the Blooming Lovely Jewellery ‘Bola Necklace’ 10/10 for beauty and charm. Blooming Lovely Jewellery Bola Necklaces are the ideal gift for Mums to be and are available from http://www.littlelilypad.co.uk from £18.00.
What does PREGNANT stand for? We asked you…
PLANNING
From the moment that you find out you are expecting onwards it seems that ‘becoming and being a parent’ requires far more planning than day to day life beforehand. It may well be worth investing in a notepad and pen to jot down ideas and lists when required, making notes can be especially handy during pregnancy as many women suffer from so called ‘baby brain’ and do tend to become forgetful.
REFLUX
Reflux is one of the main causes of heartburn, although not all women experience this problem it does tend to be a common issue throughout later pregnancy. During pregnancy the bodies levels of estrogen and progesterone increase, the reasons for this natural increase is to assist the muscles in your uterus to relax as your baby grows. However, these hormones also tend to relax the muscles in the lower oesophageal sphincter. When the sphincter relaxes it is then unable to prevent stomach acids from flowering into the oesophagus (the throat) which is the cause of reflux and heartburn.
Old wives tales suggest that those ladies who do experience heartburn and reflux are said to be having babies with lots of hair!
EMOTIONS
Finding out that you are expecting can trigger many emotions and feeling. Pregnancy hormones also tend to play havoc with our emotions.
GROWTH
Growing is a key aspect of pregnancy for both your baby and yourself. Whilst many people lavish the idea of ‘eating for two’ this isn’t necessarily the wisest idea. Recent research suggests that overeating and consuming the incorrect food and drink types can be potentially harmful both for you and your child.
During pregnancy the body becomes more efficient in absorbing nutrients from the food that you consume. Therefore doubling your food intake isn’t required, it is more likely to result in excessive weight gain for you and could cause serious pregnancy complications.
NEVER ENDING TRIPS TO THE TOILET
Carrying a child in your uterus does tend to put added pressure onto your bladder especially during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy. This added pressure will cause you to need to toilet more frequently. Also the hormones produced during pregnancy cause blood to flow an increased rate through your kidneys, filling your bladder more frequently.
During the later months of pregnancy ‘toilet trips’ tend to interrupt sleep. It is said that disturbed sleep during the later months of pregnancy is simply preparing the parent for interrupted sleep after the child is born.
ANTENATAL
Antenatal classes are workshops which expecting parents are encouraged to attend in order to learn ‘what to expect’ during labour, birth and beyond. Antenatal classes vary in frequency and time (some classes run over short periods of time, for example one full day class whilst other classes are offered on a weekly basis).
Antenatal classes help to prepare all involved for the journey of ‘parenthood’. Ask your Midwife for more information upon when and where antenatal classes are available for you to attend. There are now a range of online antenatal classes available for those who are unable to attend workshops.
NAMES
Choosing the name of your child can be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make. Spend time contemplating how the name sounds, whether your child will or will not have a middle name, whether the name works in terms of initials and research the names meaning.
There are many websites now available to research baby names and list your preferred options.
TIREDNESS
Being pregnant is hard work! Many women tend to experience feelings of fatigue and tiredness especially during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Your body is working extremely hard throughout pregnancy especially during the first trimester of pregnancy whilst you are creating the placenta, your baby’s life-support system. Hormone levels and metabolism are constantly changing whilst your blood sugar and blood pressure tend to decrease, which in turn contributes to feelings of fatigue and tiredness.
Try to relax and take regular naps and eat healthily, most of all try to listen to your body and rest when you can.
Kate Lyons producer of the Vanessa Feltz Radio Show shares her Baby Shower Celebrations with us.
Kate Lyons, 29 from Highgate, North London is currently expecting her first child which is due to be born later this month.
Kate is the producer for Vanessa Feltz’s Radio Show which is on during midmorning on BBC London 94.9 FM.
Kate’s friends recently threw Kate a Baby Shower in order to celebrate her pregnancy, Mums Baby Magazine caught up with Kate to find out more upon the latest craze to hit the UK which is ‘Baby Showers’
When was your Baby Shower?
My baby shower was held last Saturday
Where did you have your baby shower?
Luckily the weather was nice so we were able to sit out in my back garden in sunny Highgate.
Who organised your baby shower?
My friends Charlie and Gemma. They were great. My garden looked so pretty as they decorated it with beautiful bunting.
Did you wear anything special for the Baby Shower?
I wore a dress (over leggings) and sandals. I did think about wearing heels but I’m glad that I didn’t as i think I would have been in a bit of pain by evening time!
What time of day was your Baby Shower?
It started at 2pm and went on until about 7ish.
Were you excited/ nervous about your Baby Shower?
I was really excited. I had told Charlie I didn’t want much of a fuss but she insisted she wanted to organise one. It was very sweet of her.
How many people were at your Baby Shower?
There was about twenty people altogether. A couple of friends brought their babies along too which was lovely.
How many gifts did you get?
I told people not to bring gifts as I felt bad but everyone did anyway. The lovely Vanessa Feltz bought me a new born baby swing which lots have friends with children said are wonderful to get the baby off to sleep!
The girls also bought me a cake made of nappies and muslin squares!. I also got some more clothes for the baby, a changing bag from Cath Kidson, a water massager for the birthing pool, a beautiful photo frame and two treatments to have while I’m on maternity leave! (i really did get duly showered!)
Did you have provide a gift list for people to buy from?
No. The only thing I choose was the changing bag.
What was the best gift that you received and why?
They were all lovely. I’m a very lucky Mummy-to-be.
Did you have a buffet/ drinks/ refreshments?
Yes! Everyone bought food and a bottle of bubbly! I made Pimms and sandwiches. We had so much food left over after we didn’t know what to do with it. We’re still eating cupcakes now!
How was the party?
It was really lovely. Very chilled out and a great excuse for all the girls and Granny’s-to-be to get together for the afternoon and have a drink and a gossip.
How do you feel about Baby Showers becoming popular in the UK?
Do you agree with these things or not? The reason I was so dubious about having a baby shower in the first place was because i didn’t want people to feel like they had to buy the baby or me a gift. As I said its nice to have a girly get-together before the baby arrives but some baby showers can be a little over the top.
Would you recommend a Baby Shower to other expectant Mums?
Yes as long as they’re fun and not too organised.
Mums Baby Magazine would like to thank Kate for her time and wish her well in the last few weeks of her pregnancy journey. We will be catching up with Kate shortly and keeping you updated with all the latest news upon the arrival of Kate and Joes beautiful bump.
Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil: The Ethical and Natural Stretch Mark Oil from Shea Mooti Products
The idea for Shea Mooti was conceived shortly after the birth of Violet Reid’s son, Alex (who is now five years old). Alex had very dry skin, cradle cap and was prone to eczema. Like all good Mothers, Violet hurried to get Alex examined by a Doctor who then prescribed steroid creams and treatment shampoos that contained harsh chemicals designed to ease discomfort. Violet later realised that this condition would be on-going and the creams prescribed could only offer temporary relief. Violet tried using many other organic and natural labelled skin products available on the market with Alex but they only seemed to exacerbate Alex’s condition, thus Violet began her journey to create a solution.
The only way which Violet could be absolutely certain as to what creams and body washes contained was to create them herself. Violet has a medical background and after intensive research enrolled in a natural soap making course and later a course upon making creams and potions. Violet became addicted to learning and soon discovered the most important ingredient which is now used within the Shea Mooti product range, Shea Butter.
Shea butter is an emollient in a pure form, which maintains and protects delicate skin (such as babies skin). The Shea Mooti product range uses the purest natural oils and ingredients to ensure optimum efficacy therefore guaranteeing great skin. Violet found that there was an improvement to her son’s skin after using the products that she created and at this point was expecting her second child and therefore decided to continue practicing making oils and body butters for herself and the new arrival.
Three years and two children later, Violet found herself expecting again. She began to test her products within a lab (not on animals but on her own children!). Family and friends began to make large orders for Violet’s products and it was at this point that Violet decided to share her idea Worldwide.
The company was named ‘Shea Mooti’ as every product contains the purest and natural form of Shea Butter and Mooti (derived from ‘Muti’ meaning ‘tree’ in Shona- the language spoken by Native Zimbabwe folk). The name seemed perfect as the ingredients are derived from trees and therefore Shea Mooti (‘Tree of Life’ ) was born.
Shea Mooti supports sustainable and ethical trade, the shea butter is ethically sourced from AfriKids’ Daughters, a multi-cooperate in rural northern Ghana. The self-titles women’s collection has been empowered by local charity. AfriKids, to secure a bright future for families through dignified income generation.
Shea Mooti products are designed specifically for Mothers and Babies, using high quality, natural ingredients that will provide you with the best possible results. The Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil is a non-greasy skin conditioning oil that is loaded with Omega 3,6 and 9 enriched oils. The Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil is formulated for use before, during and after pregnancy. Regular use of the Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil during pregnancy is said to maintain supple skin and optimum elasticity in order to promote growth throughout the months of pregnancy.
The Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil contains Organic Sunflower, Baobab, Rosehip, Shea Butter and Wheat germ Oils. The Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil has a rather distinct fragrance of wheat germ and once opened it is suggested that the Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil should be used within three months. This oil is to be used externally, it should be applied twice daily onto your bump, thighs and breasts, although it is suggested to avoid use upon the nipple area. Mamas Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil should be stored in a cool, dry and dark place.
Mums Baby Magazine put the Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil to the test upon a postnatal Mother with scarred, itchy and stretched skin for one week. The Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil has a rather distinct fragrance of wheat germ and a little of this oil seems to go a long way, therefore making the Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil well worth its price.
After seven days we saw improvements to the condition of her skin. Firstly, she found that the itching seemed relieved and secondly the skin felt softer and far more moisturised. Although the stretch marks are still plainly visible, the Shea Mooti ‘Mamas Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil’ has already worked wonders.
Mums Baby Magazine give the Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil 9/10. Shea Mooti Products including Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil (retailing at £14.99) can be purchased from www.sheamooti.co.uk
Kate Lyons (currently 34 weeks pregnant), producer of the Vanessa Feltz Radio Show updates us on her pregnancy progress.
Kate Lyons, 29 from Highgate, North London is now thirty four weeks and two days pregnant with her first child, due to be born in late July this year. Kate is the producer for Vanessa Feltz’s Radio Show which is on during midmorning on BBC London 94.9 FM.
Week 34
How many weeks of pregnancy have you got remaining?
Five weeks and five days left and still counting!
What pregnancy symptoms have you had during this month?
I’ve been getting quite a bad pelvic pain over the last month. It happens at night when I’m in bed and when I walk. I’ve been to physiotherapy and have been doing exercises so hopefully it’ll start getting better soon.
Are you loving your bump or now desperate to have your baby?
I do love my bump but it’s getting harder and harder do to things. Everything feels like such an effort. Even getting up from the sofa is a struggle so I’d quite like to feel normal again soon.
How do you feel about your appearance now?
I do feel huge! I think I’ve probably put on about two stone which I know is about average but not having a waist and not being able to get into my skinny jeans is hard! I’m living in maternity leggings and jogging bottoms at the moment and think I will continue to do so until I give birth.
Would you say your babies movements have decreased or increased since we last spoke?
The baby has always been active but the bigger I’m getting the harder the kicks are. The movements have certainly not decreased! I’ve been filming my tummy quite a bit and watching it back is very funny. You can easily make out body parts now.
Has your bump ‘dropped’ yet?
No, it’s still really high. I’m guessing that my bump will start to drop in the next week or so though.
How is it to breathe now?
Yes it’s getting harder to breathe. If I’m laid down in certain positions, suddenly I’ll find I have to catch my breath. Also, early in the morning when I’m getting ready for work, I do get quite breathless. Surely that’s a good enough excuse to stop working now?
Have you had any further Braxton hicks?
Yes, I’ve been having quite a few. Now I know what they feel like I’m not as panic stricken by them. I had quite a bad bout of braxton hicks the other day and I found I had to get up and walk about for a while in order for them to stop.
Is your heart burning for your baby to arrive? In other words… have you hit the Gavison yet?
I’ve had a bit of heartburn but not so much that I’ve had to take anything for it.
Cravings? What are your latest food requirements?
Chocolate!
How is your head? Have you been experiencing any of the following: headaches, light flashes, seeing spots?
No, none thank goodness.
How have your midwife appointments been lately?
All my appointments have been fine. My last one was with my GP who told me that the baby was in the right position with the head down and its back to the left. I’ve got another check up next week which I’m looking forward to as I love my hospital visits and hearing the babies heartbeat.
How packed is that hospital bag of yours?
We made a long list of last minute hospital bag bits that we need to get. We’re heading out this weekend to buy everything we need including a nice new dressing gown and slippers for me!
How are your legs, your pelvis and your back feeling?
My legs are fine. My back and pelvis have been causing me pain though. My sister bought me a pregnancy massage so as soon as I’m off on maternity leave (3 weeks today!) I’m booking it.
How are you sleeping now?
Some nights I sleep fine but others really aren’t so good. I have tried using cushions but they never stay where they are supposed to.
What equipment have you purchased recently?
We bought a steriliser and have been given a breast pump. I’ve practically sterilised everything in the house now learning how to use it!
Has the pram arrived and have you tried it in your car boot?
All being well the pram is arriving next week. I did spend quite a long time in the shop when we ordered it, working out how to collapse it! I’m excited for it to arrive and to take it on a test run.
How is ‘babies’ room coming along?
The babies room is nearly finished. We recently bought a cot top changer and I’ve washed and ironed every single item of clothing already! We still need to get a night lamp and finish a few bits off but its looking great. It just needs a baby in it now!
What have been your latest purchases?
I’ve bought loads more muslin squares and a few more baby outfits. I still need to purchase a birthing ball to bounce on and some raspberry leaf tea to help bring on the labour. I’ve heard it doesn’t taste great though.
How is your partner coping?
Joe is coping really well. We had our NCT classes last weekend which were fantastic. We learnt so much about giving birth and taking the baby home and I think it was really beneficial for Joe. He now knows exactly what to do when my waters break and how to change a nappy.
Where have you been out lately? How has it been?
We were down in Devon two weeks ago for my best friends wedding. I was a big, pregnant bridesmaid! The wedding was fantastic but I did feel tired the following week. It was funny to watch everyone getting drunk! Joe and I also went to see Shrek the musical this week which was brilliant but I did get quite uncomfortable in the small seats half way through the show!
Are you having/ have you had a Baby Shower?
My lovely kind friend Charlie is organising me a baby shower for the 2nd July. It’ll be at my flat with a few close friends and family members. They’ll be lots of tea, cake, champagne and games! I’ll let you know how it went in the next update.
Have you had any feelings as to boys and girls?
Well Joe and Charlie both think its a girl but my parents think its a boy. In all honesty I really don’t have a clue! We finally have names for both genders though and as long as its a healthy baby we don’t mind. I’m really looking forward to meeting ‘it’ now.
Mums Baby Magazine would like to thank Kate for her time and wish her well in the last few weeks of her pregnancy journey. We will be catching up with Kate shortly and keeping you updated with all the latest news upon the arrival of Kate and Joes beautiful bump.
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