Lets talk breastfeeding essentials! Whilst pregnant I figured that I would ‘give it a go‘ when it came to breastfeeding, and quite literally did not give it any further consideration. I just thought I would whack the baby on the boob, they would feed merrily and I would get on with my life. Wow, did I get a rude shock! I did not enjoy the experience at all and recall desperately wanting to give it up. Unfortunately for me, my daughter refused to take a bottle, whether it was expressed milk or formula. And whilst I am pro-breastfeeding, I also very strongly believe that fed is best. Because happy mum = happy baby. So if you want or need to stop breastfeeding for WHATEVER reason, that is okay too.Continue Reading
How to Feel Sexy After Motherhood
Feeling sexy after motherhood – is there such a thing? The answer is, yes of course! In those early days of becoming a mother it is very difficult to see how. Your body is no longer your own as your recover from birth and (quite literally) give life to your newborn if you choose to breastfeed. Maternity bras, pads the size of a surfboard and that pouch affectionately known as the ‘mum tum’ do not exactly scream sexiness. However, like everything with pregnancy and motherhood, it is all a phase and will soon pass. Before you know it, you will be back to feeling somewhat like your old self … or at least enjoying your new self. So, how do you feel sexy again after motherhood?Continue Reading
Product Review | Klorane Quinine Keratin Fortifying Spray
Photo Credit – Escentual
Earlier this year I was asked by Escentual to partake in a 3 month trial of the product, Klorane Quinine Keratin Strength Fortifying Spray. This spray is a thinning hair treatment said to strengthen hair which has suffered from thinning as a result of things such as stress, seasonal changes and post pregnancy.Continue Reading
10 Tips to Help you Sleep Better During Pregnancy
Squad Goals – 2 Days after Mackenzie was Born
Many mums-to-be struggle to fall to sleep and stay asleep during pregnancy. As your body changes, the hormones go into overdrive and the little person inside you grows, it can definitely lead to you staring at the ceiling and desperately counting sheep. I remember experiencing insomnia to some extent during my pregnancy. I would also wake through the night either because I was hungry or uncomfortable. So I thought I would compile a list of items and suggestions to help you sleep better during your pregnancy.Continue Reading
Mummy Daughter Photo Shoot with Framed by Laurie
Recently Mackenzie and I had the pleasure of participating in a mummy daughter photo shoot in York City Center with the lovely Framed by Laurie. Laurie was looking for some ‘models‘ for her portfolio and I thought it was an excellent opportunity for Mackenzie and I to have some photographs to help us remember our time in York (and where she was born!). The results are beautiful and I wanted to share my favorite captures with you all. They are very special to us and as my husband put it, they have captured ‘every emotion‘ of our little girl.Continue Reading
10 Toys to Occupy a Toddler on a Plane
This year has already seen us take several flights with our toddler, both short haul and long haul. Whilst I love traveling and exploring as a family of three, I also always slightly dread the flight with my toddler whom is 21 months old. We have been fortunate enough to fly Business Class on the long haul flights so that does give us a bit more room and comfort, however it is still very difficult to entertain a little one who is incredibly active but cant quite yet communicate. As such, I have spent a lot of time scouting Amazon for toddler friendly toys and activities. I pack them into our carry-on luggage to keep her entertained during the flight and then use them throughout the holiday. Here are the top 10 toys that I have opted for to help keep my very busy toddler occupied.Continue Reading
Bump & Baby Expo | Gift Bag Review
Myself and Vicki Psarias aka Honest Mum
Recently I attended the Bump & Baby Expo in York where I was very kindly given my first ever ‘Blogger Access’ to the expo. This event, which was organised in collaboration with Avocado Events, featured over 60 exhibitors with ‘bump and beyond’ products and services. We were gifted a very generous gift bag full of lots of lovely items – many of which are from local or small female mum businesses. I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight the things I received so that you can look them up and perhaps try them out for yourself. I am all for finding new amazing products as well as supporting small businesses where possible. Everything is linked below so you can find it easily online.Continue Reading
Why I ate my Placenta
Mackenzie’s First Outing – 10 Days Old
It sounds rather gruesome and barbaric doesn’t it … eating ones placenta post childbirth. However don’t be too alarmed – I didn’t fry it up in my kitchen or turn it into a smoothie – I had my placenta encapsulated. So okay, that sounds a little more humane and easily digestible but the question is WHY did I do it? And the reason I did ingest my placenta is simple – I was terrified of suffering from post natal depression after the birth of my daughter. I have experienced small amounts of anxiety in the past – I think this has mainly been a side effect from taking the contraceptive pill and stresses such as work. Its never been quite bad enough to seek any kind of professional help for it but I was really worried of post natal depression from very early on in my pregnancy.Continue Reading
Gift Guide: Mother’s Day 2019
Mummy & Daughter | York, UK
With Mother’s Day just around the corner for those UK mamas (this weekend, Sunday 31st March!) I wanted to put together a last minute gift guide for those who aren’t super organised or cannot fathom that it is the end of March already. Alternatively, if you are one of my Australian or US readers then it gives you plenty of time to plan for your upcoming Mother’s Day on May 12th. I’m sure none of you need a reminder that its an important time to spoil your Mum and special ladies in your life for everything they have done and sacrificed for you. So here is some inspiration from Wander & Luxe, or a list that you can forward on as a hint!Continue Reading
My Birth Story – Part 1
Baby Mackenzie – One Day Old
I was convinced that Mackenzie would arrive early. I had read articles that suggested that early births are hereditary in the female line. My sister and I were born early, as was my mum, and my husband was born 4 weeks early also. Nevertheless, when I discovered my show one morning and two weeks before my due date, I was in shock. My instant reaction was to burst into tears, but I think I was also the tiniest bit excited as I knew within 24-48 hours she would be here. The Oxytocin Hormone had obviously kicked in as I literally did not even consider what was about to happen to my body. I text Troy straight away followed by my doula and then got on with my day.Continue Reading