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pregnancy

Family Life Services Spotlight

Business Spotlight: Apparently Kids – Services & Support For New Parents

Apparently Kids is something I wish was around when I was a new parent. It’s a network of parenting professionals who can help you wherever you need support on your family journey. Of course, it’s easy enough to Google whatever service you’re looking for and get hundreds (even millions) of results but then you worry (1) can they be trusted?, (2) are they certified?, and (3) are they recommended by other parents? So, that’s where Apparently Kids steps in. I spoke to its founder, Lara Russell-Jones, to find out more.

What is your business and what makes it unique?

Apparently Kids is your new parent support system and we’re here to help you find the trusted, professional support you need from pregnancy through to the toddler years.

There are a huge and diverse range of services available from private midwives and breastfeeding support to pregnancy massage, mental health support and baby first aid. Now, parents can find them all in one place and book online support, or search by postcode for in-person professionals local to them.

We invest time to background check all our professionals to make sure they are:

  • Fully certified and accredited with relevant organisations
  • Experienced for advice you can trust
  • Recommended by other parents

How did it all begin?

I started Apparently after my own experience of becoming a mum. Like many new parents, my son and I had birth complications and, combined with a few weeks of sleep deprivation, it became a toxic mix physically, emotionally and mentally.

I looked for support but didn’t know where to turn and was overwhelmed by conflicting advice I read online. I was lucky to find some amazing women who helped me through stitches, tongue-ties, reflux and pelvic floor issues all through tears and lots of laughter.

On my maternity leave, I met so many new mums in the same position and realised that everyone had their own story. Many had not been so lucky and still hadn’t found help. It seemed deeply unfair to me that women, new parents and their babies were struggling just because they didn’t know help was out there or who to trust.

Read also: Business Spotlight: Slow Fashion With the seen collective

I knew that I wanted to help. New parents deserved a place where they could easily see and understand the full breadth of support available to them and find experienced and trusted professionals. I couldn’t find an online source that did this, so I decided to give it a go – Apparently was born!

What is the meaning behind the business name?

We’re starting as a website right now, however, we aim to be the go-to app for all parents….hence Apparently!

Who is your ideal client/customer?

All new parents or parents-to-be. I love meeting people who are recently pregnant and opening their eyes to this whole new world!

Which services do you strongly recommend?

Each family is unique in the services that they may need to best support them, however, I always recommend three things:

  • Baby First Aid Course. If you do one thing, this course could honestly save a very important little life.
  • Women’s Pelvic Health Physio. Incontinence and pelvic pain is not a normal part of giving birth. I can’t stress this enough and no woman should ever be dismissed if they suffer from it.
  • Lactation (breastfeeding) consultant. Breastfeeding can actually be quite challenging! Lactation consultants have done years of training and can support you in all of your feeding choices.

How do you manage a work/life balance?

Planning. I left a career in strategy consulting to start Apparently and now really value being able to control my own time. When you say you’re going to stop, stop.

 

What is your top parenting tip?

Stock up your freezer with as much food as possible before a new baby comes long. COOK parent bundles were the best present I ever received!

Interviewee’s favourites

Shop: The White Company. I always find the perfect gift in The White Company no matter who I’m shopping for.

Website: Etsy. We’re decorating our son’s room at the moment and getting all the most gorgeous and personal things from Etsy.

Holiday destination: In the UK, Salcombe in Devon. It’s the scene of all my favourite childhood memories and also where my husband proposed! Abroad, you can’t beat the coral reefs, wildlife and beaches of Indonesia.

Read also: New Business Spotlight: Sustainable Cleaning Essentials From Seep

Restaurant: Murano – a real treat and special occasion destination

Hotel: Whatley Manor in the Cotswolds. Gorgeous hotel, stunning countryside, lovely spa and one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had!

Anything else you’d like to add?

‘It takes a village to raise a child – we are your village’ – Apparently Kids

Visit ApparentlyKids.co.uk

And don’t forget to follow Apparently on social media:

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter


You might also like:

22 Christmas Decorations To Get Your House Ready For The Big Day

21 Christmas Gift Ideas For The Man Who’s Hard To Buy For

23 Christmas Gifts The Kids Would Love To Get From Santa This Year


Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, style and business recommendations.

Content in partnership with Apparently Kids
Family Life Services Spotlight

Bump & Baby Club : Modern Antenatal Classes in London

In my excitement of finding out I was pregnant with my first child, I eagerly booked into my local NCT class, the free hospital course and a private Antenatal class. Yes, I did 3 as I didn’t want to miss out on any potential friendships (wasn’t too worried about the information!)

Anyway, if Bump & Baby Club had been around in 2010, I would have certainly just signed up with them. They are the largest independent provider of antenatal classes in London and the number one alternative to the NCT and would have ticked all the boxes in one.

Bump & Baby Class

Currently operating in 29 locations across the capital – about 4,000 people pass through their doors each year!

In addition to antenatal classes, they run hypnobirthing courses and fun pregnancy events.

Let’s find out more from Alex Kohansky, who founded Bump & Baby Club.

Alex

Why did you start Bump & Baby Club?

Becoming a parent is one of the most extraordinary and emotional times of your life, and sharing the transition with a group of people who are going through the same thing as you, at the same time, is incredibly special. I experienced it myself when my husband and I took antenatal classes during my first pregnancy.

It inspired me to set up the company and I noticed that there was a real need for unbiased, evidence-based antenatal education, that was high in quality.

There’s so much information out there and I was keen to find a way to deliver it in a way that would appeal to modern parents-to-be.

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Who is it Bump & Baby Club for?

Our antenatal and hypnobirthing courses are for anyone looking for a relaxed, straightforward and unbiased preparation for parenthood.

We attract a very sociable crowd and most of our groups go on to become great friends, which we love!

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What’s next for Bump & Baby Club?

We’re working on increasing the number of classes we run each year and expanding to new London locations too. One day we might expand outside of the capital, but our priority is to maintain the highest level of teaching – excellent instructors take time to find, and the search for them sets the pace of our growth. Offering ancillary services might be something we consider as well.

Where are your courses?

We’re currently in 29 fantastic areas of London – and each one has lots of character.

North of the River we’re in Fulham, Notting Hill, Queen’s Park, Hampstead / West Hampstead, Belsize Park / Primrose Hill, Kentish Town / Tufnell Park, Mill Hill, Finchley, Muswell Hill, Crouch End, Islington, Stoke Newington, Walthamstow, Hackney.

And South of the River you’ll find us in Greenwich, Blackheath, Brockley, East Dulwich, West Dulwich, Crystal Palace, Clapham, Balham, Tooting, Battersea, Earlsfield, Wimbledon, Putney, Richmond and Twickenham.

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Find a venue near you…

Alex’s Favourites

Website : Babycentre

Shop : JoJo Maman Bebe

Restaurant : Dishoom (especially the calamari)

Hotel : The Pig, Brockenhurst (New Forest)

Holiday Destination : California

Parenting Tip : Trust your instincts but don’t hesitate to seek support if you feel you need it

bumpandbabyclub.com

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

Family Life Fashion Spotlight

Up Close with Leonora Bamford

Continuing on my Up Close series, I am delighted to be interviewing the lovely Leonora Bamford, founder of My Baba THE parenting website.  I first met Leonora (or Leo as her nearest and dearest call her) her when our sons were doing football (or chasing a ball like drunk toddlers) together. I pretended I didn’t know her (come on, we all do that with high-profile peeps, don’t we?) even though I knew where she had been the night before from her tweets! 

I had been following her blog since it started (originally called My Baba Blog) and have watched it grow exponentially. My Baba now boasts an online Magazine and videos as well as the daily scoop on food, family and lifestyle for all your parenting needs.

Leonora Bamford

Leonora has also collaborated with Zita West to develop a range of children’s multivitamins so if your kids are sniffling at the moment, this multi biotic powder is for them. (They love sprinkling it on their breakfast).

Zita West

My Baba  is also supporting the charity Child Bereavement UK. Leonora is hosting an event at the Tory Burch store on Bond Street this week, so follow my Instagram to see photos and lots of instastories! (So excited!)

So, let’s start with most people’s favourite topic. Fashion. What’s your fashion style?
I would love to say I’m a fashionista but really I’m not. I have 5 minutes to pull a look together in the morning and if I’m organised I do it the night before. If I could have a Fashion Style it would be Olivia Palermo but I have a feeling that might take some time!

3 favourite small clothing brands
She’s not small any more but I LOVE Zoe Jordan for everything but particularly her knitwear.
I lived in Clare & Peg when I was pregnant and for kids I’m crazy for Love My Smalls.

3 favourite high street shops
Zara, M and S and Sandro

Top 3 go to items in your wardrobe when you are in a rush
Dare I say Leather trousers – they’re from Ralph Lauren and fit like a glove. Worn with a crisp white Bamford shirt and a bright red handbag.

White Shirt

3 items that make you feel a million dollars
A great pair of Tom Ford sunnies
My mothers old fur coat or my grandmothers old Chanel blazer.
A killer pair of heels can also have the same effect.

1 item that everyone asks where you got it from
A pair of Joseph hight waisted suede trousers I got this year.

Leo

Biggest purchase mistake ever
Head to toe Burberry!

Best return of investment on an item
Chanel bag!

Boots or trainers
Trainers, my husband is a big trainer buyer.

Favourite fashion bloggers
London Chatter, Fashion Mum Of 40The Frugality, The Fashion Bug Blog, SheerLuxe, Wardrobe Icons

Interior style
CLJ Home, Turner Pocock

Interior tip
Spend time at antique stores.

Where do you get your interior inspo from?
Pinterest, I get totally sucked in!

Bare faced or full face?
Bare with a touch of powder

Leonora Bamford

Best beauty buy on the market
Charlotte Tilbury anything!

3 items in your make up bag
Pommade Divine, Tom Ford red lipstick and a palette from Charlotte Tilbury

Pommade Divine

Hair tip
Always have dry shampoo!

Life saving hair product
Dry shampoo and a Tangle Teaser.

Tangle Teezer

Silver or gold jewellery
Both

Lustful Jewellery brand
i’m crazy about Rebecca de Ravenel earrings.

Rebecca de Ravenel

Keep fit activity
Walking and pilates

Best exercise that works for least amount effort
Does a massage count?

Most romantic restaurant in the world?
The one in Hotel Costes in Paris

Best hotel with kids?
I hear the best things about Borgo Engazia in Puglia

cala masciola restaurant

Last supper meal
Baked potato or my grandmothers chicken noodle soup

Your default kids supper when you can’t think
Pasta with secret tomato sauce that’s loaded with everything.

Hangover cure
Paracetamol and lots of water and salty crisps.

Beach or pool?
Beach for the kids

Swimsuit or bikini?
Loving both at the moment

What you do to relax
Meditate or Yoga, doesn’t happen very often!

All time favourite film?

Romeo and Juliette, Baz Luhrmann

Last book you read?
The Bump Class: An Expert Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond.

The Bump Class

 

I’ve got a stack of books from my favourite shop, Jaffe and Neale in Chipping Norton but I’ve yet to read! Christmas is around the corner.

Favourite box set
Gilmore Girls

Gilmore Girls

 

The song you pelt out on your own in the car
Aerosmith Crazy – I feel like I’m 16 again.

Evocative smell
Sun cream – Anya Hindmarch has launched a range of candles and that’s one of the scents, takes me back to very happy times.

Sun Lotion

 

Bonding family game
Certainly not Monopoly! My husband and son have just started playing chess which is adorable.

3 most useful apps
My taxi, Calm and The Mail

3 websites for passing time
Cool Hunting, Food 52 and Matches Fashion

Best tip for building Instagram following
I’m not very good at this but they say, posting regularly and engaging with others.

A quote you try and live by

 

Treat others how you would like to be treated.

 

Always expect the unexpected

 

What tests your patience?
Bad internet

3 words to describe yourself
Honest, Reliable and Loving

What do you want for Christmas?
A Votary silk pillow case, apparently it takes years off!

Votary

So many lovely great tips, I am off to investigate her website and app recommendations!

www.mybaba.com

Follow Leonora on Instagram

Big Fashion Products

Maternity Dressing With Topshop

Gone are the days when the only maternity clothes are a choice of either excrutiatingly expensive or buying a size (or 2) up from your normal. Topshop* have some gems this season to help you avoid wanting to hide away under a rock until little Timmy has been born and beyond. Here are some top picks that will see you through dressing your expanding bump and the obligatory wobbly tummy for a few months after!

Stripe Mesh T Shirt £20

No summer wardrobe is complete without a bit of Breton stripe. Avoid the mumsy look with this cool mesh/pom pom detail on the shoulder.

Peplum Ladder T £34

If it’s your first baby and you aren’t chasing around a muddy toddler, wear white. It may be your last chance! Love this top with slightly fluted (flattering) arms and loose over the tummy.

Stripe Pocket Shirt £30

On trend with this seasons contrasting pocket, it screams ‘I will stay cool’ both proverbially and literally. Perfect for nursing too with a cami underneat.

Denim Shirt Dress £40

Perfect in the unpredicable weather. Leggins are acceptable when you are pregnant, so if it’s a bit breezy whack some on underneath.

Grey & Black Leggings £22

A staple that will also see you into winter.

Over the bump Leigh Jeans £40

The traditional Leigh jeans are a good idea even when you aren’t pregnant so they are defintely the go to jean when you are. I personally always liked over the bump maternity jeans so you could tuck everything in and there is no chance of flashing anyone your behind when you bend (actually a good idea all the time?!)  Love the way they just graze your ankle.

Ruffled Cold Shoulder Blouse £34

Fun colour that suits blondes, brunettes and red heads alike and perfect for those that are arm shy whilst also wanting to keep it summery. The flash of shoulder is also very SS16.

Wrap Dress £46

This wrap dress also comes in green and pale blue. Although not categorised under maternity, the wrap style would make you pregnant self feel super stylish. The bonus is that it would also look great when you are back to normal (whilst also being forgiving over the any wobble!)

One Piece Halterneck £32

Hitting the beach this summer. Play it safe with a classic black halterneck one piece.

Stripe Pajama Set £28

If you are having restless nights, atleast if you wear these you know won’t be kicked out of bed for what you look like. So pretty and feminine when you need to feel it most!

Copenhagen Star Trainers £26

Apologies for harping on about them again (see previous ‘Trainer’ post, but these have been my buy of the summer (!) Comfortable and cool, they are a fab investment.

If you want to be appear less heffer and more Hefner bunny, buy a few outsize pieces to give the illusion you look smaller. (Rule of thumb though, only outsize when accessory per outfit!)

Oversize Beach Bag £45

Perfect to shove your hospital notes in, a bottle of water and can even double up as an ‘everything’ bag when the baby arrives.

Chunky Cat Eye Sunglasses £16

These will be sure to draw attention to your face rather than your body. It’s all about cats eye sunglasses this summer. Apparently.

I hope this post has given you some ideas. I know most women find pregnancy a lead, but try to enjoy it and do buy something especially for this season of your life – it really does make you feel better!!

Topshop Maternity

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*sponsored post with affiliate links

 

 

Books Little People

The Pregnancy & Newborn Edit

Despite this blog being called ‘The London MUMMY’, I don’t actually post that much on one major part of being a mother – pregnancy & babies. There is a plethora of fantastic blogs & websites more geared towards that stage (my favourite is My Baba) whereas I am more focused on activities, fashion & championing new business’s.

However, when the lovely author Lucinda Van Der Hart, who is expecting her 3rd child after a 5 year gap, offered to do a guest post on what’s new in this underworld of pregnancy & baby products & services, I was delighted, as I was intrigued to know. She lives in Barnes and is author of Soul Food For Mums & The Pregnancy Book. Let me hand her over…

I’m 35 weeks pregnant with my third baby, and wiggling on a birthing ball as I type. My elder two children are now the ripe old ages of seven and five – which means it has been a few years since I last went through pregnancy. And when it comes to ingenious products for mums-to- be, it seems that a lot has changed in that time.  This time around, I’ve enjoyed discovering a selection of the gorgeous and useful that simply didn’t exist with rounds one and two. Here’s my edit of some wonderful finds.

1. The Sassy Bloom Box

If you are looking for a baby shower or new mummy gift, the Sassy Bloom box ticks every box – a prettily-packaged box of goodies delivered to your (or a friend’s) door. Costing from £23 each, boxes are available for a mum-to- be in her third trimester and can then be tailored to a baby’s stage, up to the age of three. Order a one-off box, or have a box delivered monthly. I sent off for the third trimester box, which included a stroller frame bag (for carrying tricky items such as flowers or older children’s toys on the back of a buggy), scrummy toiletries for mum and baby, a baby blanket and a buggy hook.

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2. Mamaway 3-in- 1 Lightweight Down Jacket

This ingenious invention is must for every fan of baby-wearing – an ultra lightweight down jacket complete with a zip-in panel to extend its size for wear during pregnancy, or for use while your baby is strapped to your front in a sling. The panel can also be removed all together, turning it back into a normal jacket again, so this really has potential for longevity. The jacket packs neatly away into a small drawstring bag – I’ll be keeping mine in my changing bag at all times.

Currently available at the discounted price of £76.30.

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3. Amoralia’s Nursing Bras

Seven years ago, buying a nursing bra meant purchasing a functional, and quite frankly, very unattractive piece of underwear. Now there’s a host of gorgeous nursing bras to choose from. I love Amoralia’s Allure in ruby – a sumptuous, deep burgundy shade with black lace detail and velvet straps. It features a removable flexi underwire, enabling you to decide whether or not you want that extra shape or support. It’ll only set you back £39.

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4. The Squeezy App

Not so glam perhaps, but the reality is that every mum and mum-to- be has to do those annoying pelvic floor exercises. Recommended by my physiotherapist, this handy little NHS app costs just £2.99 and will not only remind you to do your squeezes at set times each day, but also give you instructions to follow for each set of exercises. Ta da! Exercises done. Almost.

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5. The Private Pregnancy Show

If you are considering private medical care for your pregnancy and delivery, you may like to pay a visit to London’s first Private Pregnancy Show. Taking place from 21-22 May 2016 in Mayfair, the show will host workshops and seminars from leading UK doctors, midwives and motherhood specialists on the benefits of private care for pregnancy and childbirth, breastfeeding, complementary approaches to birth preparation, returning to work and more. Tickets are £20.

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6. Leah Sarago’s Fit and Sleek Prenatal Physique

Somehow, sweating it out in the gym with an enormous bump on show has never appealed to me, so in pregnancy I turn to exercise DVDs. Five years ago, Davina McCall’s ‘My Pre and Post natal workouts’ DVD was pretty much the only acceptable home pregnancy workout. Now there’s a much bigger selection of DVDs available, and my favourite is Leah Sarago’s. This is made up of 15-minute segments – select which ones you want and put your own workout together. For me this offers a strong balance of challenging an expanding body, building strength and preventing injury.

£25.95 on Amazon

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8. The Baby Book: How to enjoy year one by Rachel Waddilove

I can’t strictly say I didn’t know that this book existed when I fell pregnant this time – I had it in an earlier version and used it endlessly with my other two babies. But Rachel, who has extensive experience as a maternity nurse and baby sleep expert and has helped Zara Philips, Gwyneth Paltrow and Minnie Driver with their babies, has recently launched a fully revised and updated edition.

£12.08 on Amazon

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7. Cook’s 10% Discount For New Mums

This is another fabulously practical gift that I would heartily recommend for any new parent – a hamper or vouchers from the makers of delicious homecooked freezer meals at Cook. Parents of new babies can receive the discount for six months after their baby’s arrival.

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9. WaterWipes

Here’s a product that I can’t quite believe wasn’t invented earlier – the chemical-free baby wipe. WaterWipes contain 99.9% water and 0.1% grapefruit seed extract, a natural skin conditioner. Available from Boots, Superdrug and Tesco’s among other retailers, I’ll be buying these for use on baby’s delicate skin.

12 packets for £25

Front of 60 Pack

10. The Honest Mum’s Club: Parenting. Depression. Cake. by Hannah Oakland

Every mum will experience the baby blues at some stage during the early days and weeks with a newborn. But at least one in seven mums go on to do battle with postnatal depression. In this newly-published book, Hannah Oakland bravely shares her experience of this often-hidden illness, approaching a serious topic with much-needed honesty and humour.

£9.98 on Amazon

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Lots of food for thought – thank you Lucinda (great name btw 😉 )

PS. Going to tell you about my latest venture soon, but in the meantime here is a sneak peek whilst I tweak www.tlmedit.com

Events Family Life People

The Parent Practice

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We are bombarded with information about how to have a baby, what to do in pregnancy and the paraphernalia we need to buy for the new addition by well meaning friends and a bit of research. There are also many fantastic pre-natal courses but once the baby has arrived and we have overcome the usual breastfeeding hurdles and heeded advice on how to prevent the dog getting jealous, we are left to our own devices.  Where do we turn to if we need a few pointers on raising little Timmy? I have it on good authority from some experienced mothers, that The Parent Practice could be your answer.

They have been offering training for parents and helping to create a happier childhood and brighter future for children since 2004. Working face-to-face with parents every day through their parenting coaching, they understand the issues parents struggle with and know which solutions really work.

If you’d like to become the best parent you can be and see your children blossom, their flexible range of parental training courses, workshops and private consultations are the ideal way forward. You can learn with them individually (and have their full attention), or else in a supportive group. You can now also learn online in the privacy of your home, at times to suit you. They have courses and workshops running Nationwide.

I am particularly excited about the ‘Bringing Out The Best In Boys’ workshop.  After the weekend I have had, I need all the help I can get!

Course in London *Free taster sessions for TLM Readers*

‘Positive Parenting’ Course in Chelsea, SW3. 10 Week Rolling Course, every Wednesday morning. 9:30-11:30am. Reference The London Mummy when booking.

Workshops

‘Positive Discipline: How To Be Firm And Fair’ in Clapham, London. 14th May, 10am-12:30pm.

‘Parenting In The Digital Age’ in Clapham, London. 19th May, 10am – 12:30pm.

‘Bringing Out The Best In Boys’ in Belgravia, London. 3rd June, 7.30pm – 10pm.

www.theparentpractice.com

Family Life People

What I Wish I Had Known Before Babies

Don’t we all wish we had the beauty of hindsight especially when it comes to our children and how to bring them up. Here is my list of ‘What I wish my mother had told me about…babies’

  1. You won’t find a buggy that does everything but make sure you find one that folds easily!
  2. Never discuss your baby names unless you are telling your chosen name. Everyone knows a bully at school/a great Aunt that had bad breath etc with that name and you don’t need to hear it
  3. Prenatal baby group friends are great. There is nothing better than having a baby at the same time to compel a friendship and hopefully it will last past the baby phase
  4. To establish breastfeeding, if possible get that baby latched on ASAP. Frequency frequency frequency
  5. Check for tongue tie. Impossible to breastfeed successfully if they are even slightly tongue tied
  6. Fairy liquid is an adequate substitute to sterilising when it comes to cleaning baby bottles
  7. They aren’t distressed when they are crying unless it’s a prolonged and sustained period of time
  8. Short sharp cries = hungry
  9. Long low wail = tired
  10. If your baby has reflux, hang on in there – it does get better with time
  11. Teething pain is worse before the teeth cut through so be sympathetic from as early as 3 months
  12. If your baby is doing explosions up the back – go up a nappy size
  13. Cheap nappies are a false economy
  14. If your baby is sucky you need a dummy. Go cold turkey by 1 year so you don’t have to get into dunmy fairy territory
  15. Take videos even if you think the gurgling is dull at the time. Often better than a photo down the line
  16. Don’t compare your baby. Your baby is the most advanced and beautiful so don’t worry if it seems others can’t see it
  17. Monitors might seem slightly neurotic but oh it is so much easier than questioning your ears every few minutes
  18. A baby sleeps in cycles of 45 minutes, therefore be quiet/keep car moving 45 minutes in to their 2 hour lunch time sleep
  19. Babies will stay sleeping in the car if you stop within the first 15 minutes of sleep but touch and go nearing the half hour mark
  20. Trying to get your child into a routine too quickly is futile as they will change as soon as you have told someone they are in a routine
  21. Ditto to ‘sleeping through the night’
  22. That I only just realised that ‘smug’ mother wasn’t saying baby slept 7-7 at 4 weeks – the definition increases with each week!
  23. Don’t spend too much money on baby clothes as they grow so quickly. Invest more when they slow down.
  24. The more you try and keep your old life as is the harder it will be
  25. Embrace it and don’t wish it away as it is such a short phase of your life

On that note, do what works for you as deep down you knew what you were going to do anyway!