Family Life Spotlight

Up Close with Marina Fogle

When I was first pregnant, one of my first missions was to decide which pre natal course to do. As it wasn’t obvious which to go for, I went on 3. Yes 3… hospital, private and NCT. I was certainly keen that’s for sure, but it was purely as I hadn’t been given a good recommendation so took it upon myself to investigate. Had Marina Fogle’s antenatal ante natal classes been around back in 2010, it would have been a no brainer to go with The Bump Class.

Marina Fogle

Their Eight Week Antenatal Course are tailored to meet the needs of mothers to be who want to learn about the practical elements of pregnancy, child-birth, breastfeeding, parenting from a supportive, pragmatic and unbiased point of view. They also have a fathers evening so you don’t have to drag unwilling participants to every class – just the part that involves them.

With classes all over South & West London, you will meet other mothers who are expecting at the same time, whilst also learning about everything from labour to weaning from experts.

The Parent Hood

If you aren’t able, or the moments passed and you have had your little one, Marina and her sister (Dr) Chiara Hunt have a new podcast covering topics that will suit parents of all age children. I particularly liked the podcast when & how to discuss sex with your children.

So, let’s get Up Close with Marina and hear her recommendations.

What’s your secret to working whilst raising a family?
Being mega organised. I buy as much as possible online so I’ve got more free time to hang out with the people who really matter.

What advice to you for people who have a business idea?
Be prepared to sacrifice things to get it off the ground.

What do you work wise?
I run The Bump Class that prepares women for the birth of their children.

We’ve written a book; The Bump Class; An Expert Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond and we’ve just launched The Parent Hood, a podcast that gives expert advice on all aspects of parenting delivered by professionals.

The Bump Class

What’s your favourite aspect of your business at the moment?
The Parent Hood! I’m having such fun getting together with experts and chatting about everything from whether dummies are good or evil to who to talk to your child about terrorist attacks.

What’s your fashion style?
I try to be smart in my working life but it’s got to be practical.

3 favourite small clothing brands
Wiggy Kit for beautifully cut summer clothes that I end up wearing all year round

PB 0110 for exquisite bags that get better and better with age

Natural Gold Shoulder Bag

North Sea Clothing for knitwear that’s made for men but looks great with skinny jeans.

North Sea Clothing

3 favourite high street shops
– Zara always seems to nail it
– MiH for jeans
– I love Me+Em’s trousers which are cut beautifully

ME + EM

Top 3 go to items in your wardrobe when you are in a rush
– a wool midi skirt from JCrew
– simple cashmere crew neck
– a statement necklace and some boots

3 items that make you feel a million dollars
– an ancient pair of gold Louboutins that add another 3 inches to my already quite substantial height
– a traditional Austrian hat (my mother is Austrian)
– an onyx and diamond ring I inherited from my grandmother.

1 item that everyone asks where you got it from
A simple white Wiggy Kit shirt that always looks amazing

Wiggy Kit Shirt

Biggest purchase mistake ever
A second hand Chloe coat – it was a bit small. Never buy clothes that you have to lose weight to fit into.

Best return of investment
A pair of JCrew loafers that smarten up any trousers.

Boots or trainers?
Boots – trainers are for working out

3 Instagram accounts you enjoy
Dee Caffari – she’s skippering a boat in the Volvo Ocean Race, around the world. I love this little window on to her challenge.
Bert & May I love their reclaimed interiors

Bert + May

– My husband Ben Fogle. He used to be a picture editor and his eye for interesting photos from around the world I love.

Interior style
Quirky!

Interior tip
Good lighting is essential

Bare faced or full face?
Full face that looks like bare faced beauty!

Best beauty buy on the market
Rosehip oil – great for eczema

Rosehip Oil

3 items in your make up bag
– Shisedo foundation
– No7 eyebrow pencil
Shu Umera eyelash curlers

Shu Uemera

Hair tip
It’s easier than you think to create a bed head wave using a cheap hair tong!

Life saving hair product
Batiste Dry Shampoo

Batiste

Silver or gold jewellery?
Gold

Keep fit activity
Sweat with Kayla This app has changed my body thanks for 30 minute work outs three times a week.

Kayla

Best exercise that works for least amount effort
Plank

Best hotel with kids
Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. Not cheap but amazing…

Soneva Fushi

Last supper
Ramen from Bone Daddies Japanese Soul Food

Default kids supper
Every week I poach a whole chicken which gives me tender meat and delicious broth. My kids love chicken soup which I pack with whatever veg I have in the fridge and add some noodles

Hangover cure
Extra strong mints – trust me, they’re amazingly effective

Beach or pool?
Beach, every time!

Swimsuit or bikini?
Bikini

What you do to relax?
Take my dog for a walk

All time favourite film
The Thomas Crown Affair

Thomas Crown Affair

Last book you read
Homo Deus

Homo Deus

Favourite box set
The Night Manager

The Night Manager

The song you pelt out on your own in the car
If my daughter’s with me, anything by Ed Sheeran

Most evocative smell
Proper homegrown garden roses

Homegrown Roses

Most bonding family game
Consequences

3 favourite apps
Bubble which makes booking my favourite babysitters easy
Ocado
my podcast app

3 favourite websites for passing time
I don’t really spend much time online – I prefer to listen.

Can I give you my three favourite podcasts instead? (Of course!)
The Parent Hood (obviously)
Desert Island Discs
No Such Thing As A Fish

Best tip for building Instagram following
You tell me!

A quote you try and live by
Add life to your days rather than days to your life.

What tests your patience?
Learner drivers

3 words to describe yourself
Busy, creative and happy

thebumpclass.com

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