Category: Health and Beauty

How to Achieve Self-Love with Silatha Founder Veroniek Vermeulen

Founder of meditation app Silatha, Veroniek Vermeulen is on a quest to break women’s mental health taboos and help busy mamas to harness the power of self-love through meditation: www.silatha.com

Today on the blog, she takes us through a set of exercises to help you on your journey to achieve true self-love… think of it as a little Valentine’s gift to yourself!

…..

Valentine’s is a time to think about love. Often, we automatically think about others. Your partner, kids, parents, close friends and family. But what about loving yourself?

Self-love is accepting yourself as you truly are, flaws and all. Becoming your own best friend. This means, that you first need to take an honest look at who you are: all your positive qualities, your strengths, your super-powers (yes everyone has them!), but also your darker sides. This isn’t easy and doesn’t happen overnight, but don’t worry – it’s a journey.

1. Get to know yourself

 
 
 
 
 
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Start by making a list of all your positive traits. And be honest, you have many more than you think. It can help to ask people close to you what they value in you. Take the time to list it all. It should become a long list, which will keep growing as you evolve over time.

Then start with your less beautiful parts. How do you respond when you do not like something? Are you comparing yourself to others? How do you handle fears and worries? List them down for yourself. Again, be honest – without full honesty, it doesn’t work.

When you’re done you should have two lists, hopefully of a similar length. If not, likely you have missed a few in the shorter list.

2. Embrace yourself

 
 
 
 
 
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Congratulations! You made a big step in being honest and open with yourself. It’s time to give yourself a big hug. Speak out loud that you love yourself, use your name when you do this, even though it might seem odd. Do this for as long as it feels comfortable.

While you literally embrace yourself, start to welcome all that is you, let it all be and know that all you listed is beautiful and okay.

3. Forgive yourself and others

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The key now is to forgive yourself, for all you feel you did wrong in the past, for what you perceive as your faults in the present and for all that you will do in the future. Know that you are perfect as you are and forgive yourself for all that you are holding against yourself.

This goes for others too. Let go of any negative thoughts you have on others and know that they are perfect as they are. They do the best they can. Know that if you were them with their upbringing and life, you would act the same way. So let go of judgement and love and embrace everyone in your life. Now and in the future.

4. Set boundaries

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Knowing what your boundaries are allows you to truly see what you’re ok with and what you’re not ok with. And once these are fixed in your mind you can start to implement them. To have the courage to say no, even though it may not feel good to you in that moment. Even though this ‘no’ may not be to the liking of others. The most important thing is to be true to yourself. Realise that you are not responsible for others’ reactions or feelings. No matter what their response is, it is theirs to deal with and not yours.

The same applies to you: Remember that you are in charge of how you react. What’s important is that you care for yourself and whatever boundaries you have.

Take some time to reflect on what your boundaries are.

5. Set positive affirmations

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It may help to develop affirmations that you can repeat for yourself every day and that will support you in your journey towards deeper self-love. For example:

  • I am enough.
  • I am compassionate.  I forgive myself.
  • I am perfect as I am.
  • I know how to care for myself and love myself unconditionally.

These should be personal, so take time to create your own.

6. Meditate on Self-love

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Meditation is a great way to connect to yourself. We recommend the Silatha Self-love meditation series on the Silatha app. There are over 50 meditations on the Silatha app, designed to guide you in growing your self-love. To get a taster of Silatha meditations you can follow this practical self-love meditation session.

It’s a journey

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Remember that building self-love doesn’t come overnight. Be patient with yourself. Notice when you act in ways ‘not in line with the core of your self-love’. By becoming more aware, you have a good chance of acting differently next time. Just acknowledging it, is already a great step on your journey.

For more information on Silatha, check out their website and socials

To explore how self-love meditations can enhance your life, download the Silatha app here:

5 January Must-Haves for Your Daily Walk with Bump or Baby

Over the past year, many of us have developed new habits, routines & rituals to help bring a bit of structure to our time at home. And for us, a daily walk has become an absolute non-negotiable!

Beneficial for both mind & body, it’s the perfect way to get outside, get moving & breathe some fresh air.  

Check out our top 5 must-haves for your winter walk, ideal before & after baby arrives…

1) The Super-Warm 3 in 1 Puffer Jacket

Seraphine 3 in 1 Puffer Jackets - perfect for your daily walk

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Designed for bump, babywearing & beyond, our 3 in 1 Maternity Puffer Jackets will keep you & baby cosy in even the coldest climates.

The premium, ultra-warm coat offers a flexible fit that grows with your bump & comes with a detachable panel designed to zip up over your baby carrier after your little one arrives.

It’s even made using recycled plastic padding, so it’s good for the planet too!

2) The Baby Carrier

Caboo Baby Carrier for mama & baby's daily walk

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Of course, you can’t make use of the babywearing panel on our coats without a baby carrier to go with it! We love the carriers by Ergobaby & Caboo – both brands are certified as hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.

As an added bonus, you can enjoy a £20 discount when you buy a Caboo or Ergobaby Carrier with your 3 in 1 coat!

Find your perfect coat & carrier combo & get the offer now!

3) The Pram Mitt

Seraphine maternity Pram Mitt - perfect for your daily walk with baby

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The absolute best way to keep your hands warm & cosy on your daily walk, treat yourself to our Pram Mitt!

Lined in soft faux-fur, it fits on any pram with a single handle bar, and the best bit… it has a touchscreen-friendly phone pocket on the front, perfect for listening to your favourite podcast as you stroll!

4) The Face Mask

Seraphine maternity face mask

Shop the Face Mask

Our constant companion this year – don’t forget to bring your face mask! Perfect to slip into your pocket, just in case you run into unexpected crowds or decide to pick up some groceries on your way home.

Ours comes in a handy pack of two, is constructed in pure cotton & features a cute graphic heart print.

5) Daily Walk with Dad

Men's Babywearing Gilet by Seraphine - perfect for your daily walk as a family

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You didn’t think we forgot about Dad did you? We have babywearing essentials for him too! Our Men’s Babywearing Gilet comes with the same innovative zip-on pouch to keep baby cosy in the carrier.

It’s perfect as a stand-alone piece, or worn under his regular coat for that cosy extra layer on your daily walk as a family.

Happy strolling mama!

Online Prenatal Pilates Class with Shapes Studio Founder Paola Langella

Here at Seraphine, we are thrilled to be working with Paola Langella, Founder of online Pilates studio, Shapes. Paola is offering a free taster Prenatal Pilates class exclusively for Seraphine customers!

With winter drawing in & many of us locked down once again, now could be the perfect time to explore online fitness options. Take the free 20 minute class & read on to find out a bit more about Paola & her Pilates philosophy below.

Free Online Prenatal Pilates Class (20 Minutes)

And what better motivation to keep moving through pregnancy than a stylish & comfy set of maternity activewear! From leggings & joggers to maternity sports bras & tops with easy nursing access & the perfect post-workout sweatshirts – we’ve got your pregnancy sports kit covered!

Browse our maternity activewear collection online now.

Meet Pilates Instructor Paola Langella

Paola Langella - Pilates Instructor & Founder of Shapes Studio

1) Tell us a Little About Your Background – How Did You Get into Pilates?

My background is in dance. I studied Ballet for 10 years in Italy before moving to London.

I discovered the healing powers of Pilates after suffering a serious neck injury caused by a fall when my dance partner slipped. As part of my rehabilitation, my doctor suggested I explore the Pilates technique to strengthen the muscles of the neck and shoulder area. After a few sessions I felt much better, and once I understood the whole concept of Pilates (alignment, control, breathing), I was hooked.

I believe Pilates is a miracle for the body and I felt called to share this amazing technique with the world. After becoming a certified instructor in 2014 I taught for well-known studios in London as well as working with osteopaths to help rehabilitate their clients.

For the last two years I have taught clients one-to-one in my private studio in Notting Hill. And last year I launched www.ShapesStudio.co, an online studio that helps people achieve their best shape physically and mentally, wherever they are in the world.

2) Is it Safe to Practice Pilates During Pregnancy?

Pregnant mum at Prenatal Pilates Class

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Prenatal Pilates can provide a safe workout for women in all stages of pregnancy. A few of the exercises are modified in order to ensure safe and comfortable movements for both mother and child, with emphasis on strengthening the back, exercising the pelvic floor, and increasing flexibility.

Of course, every body is different, and the repetitions and positions differ according to the individual’s stamina, stage of pregnancy, and bone structure.

Shapes Studio offers a Prenatal Pilates Package for £20 per month, which provides access to the prenatal videos as well as access to the Nutrition and Lifestyle Categories with tips to achieve a balanced lifestyle, managing stress, and improving diet.

3) And What About For Post-Pregnancy?

Rosie Wicks wearing Seraphine maternity activewear

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After receiving the green light from your doctor to start exercising, Pilates is great for postnatal women as it provides a gentle, but effective workout. As well as stabilising and working all the small muscles of the body, postnatal Pilates focuses on reactivating the pelvic floor using the Pilates breathing and controlled exercises.

Certain positions will be avoided initially, and care needs to be taken to avoid overworking the back. Pilates helps rebuild stamina and can help to alleviate stress. The body will recover quickly if the workouts are consistent.

4) As a Qualified Nutritionist, Do You Have Any Tips For Pregnant Women?

Pregnant mum and 2 daughters eating fruit

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To prenatal women, I would say that establishing your baby’s gut microbiome starts before birth. A balanced microbiome can help build a strong foundation for your baby’s own gut health.

A few of the best ways to improve gut health are regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and enjoying a balanced diet, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fermented foods.

A probiotic supplement can also help, though you should consult with your doctor to confirm what type and dosage of probiotic (if any) is best for you.

5) Any Final Words of Wisdom?

Paola Langella - Prenatal Pilates Instructor & Founder of Shapes Studio

I believe consistency is key. If you can find five minutes to spare each day, use them for exercise. If you’re consistent, you will gradually set your standards higher and before you know it, you’ll be exercising for 20-30 minutes daily.

Also, health is not just about diet and exercise. A healthy lifestyle needs to be achieved by both the food we eat and the other ways in which we nourish ourselves, like a good exercise routine, a job we love, fulfilling relationships, a spiritual practice, financial security, exploring new things that stimulate our brain, joy, creativity, home cooking.

It is important, for prenatal women in particular, to have a balanced lifestyle during this amazing journey in order to make healthier food choices for yourself and your baby.

Join Shapes Studio

Paola Langella - Pilates Instructor & Shapes Studio Founder

The most popular user category on Shapes is the full annual membership, which provides access to all the classes – Dynamic, Cardio, Prenatal, and stretching.

I include a complementary 45-minute Health Consultation for all new Shapes members, so we can pinpoint areas you want to work on and help you achieve a flying start.

Olympic Champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill’s Top 3 Tips for a Fit Pregnancy

Coming back to win her third world championship title in Beijing just 15 months after welcoming her first son Reggie, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill is an expert when it comes to training through pregnancy & postpartum recovery.

Here at Seraphine, we are delighted to be partnering with the Olympic champion heptathlete & mum of two & her new fitness app @jennispregnancy.

Jessica Ennis-Hill Talks Training Through Pregnancy

Staying active through pregnancy is a fantastic way to prepare your body for the challenges of labour. We caught up with Jessica to find out some of her tops tips.

1) Jennis Pregnancy – a Tailored Pregnancy Workout Program

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The Jennis app was developed by Jessica & her team, based on her experience of training before, during & after pregnancy. The app provides 3 separate programs, tailored for general fitness, fitness during pregnancy & postnatal recovery.

It offers a range of fun workouts that are easy to follow at home, with options tailored for all abilities & fitness levels as well as every stage of pregnancy.

With Jessica guiding you through the sessions, it’s almost like having her as your own personal trainer! We think it’s the perfect fitness companion for women at every stage of their journey into motherhood.

Find out more at Jennisfitness.com

2) A Supportive Sports Bra

Get the Look: Black Maternity & Nursing Sports Bra

“One of the most important things while you’re training during pregnancy is having the support of a good sports bra.” – Jessica Ennis-Hill

At Seraphine, all our sports bras are designed to offer the optimal level of support for pregnancy as well as easy nursing access – perfect for after baby arrives.

3) Comfortable Maternity Workout Clothes

“Having clothing that fits you well can make you feel happier when you’re training, so hopefully you feel that you can do a little bit more.” – Jessica Ennis-Hill

Like Jess, we believe that when you feel comfortable & confident in your workout clothes, you’re more likely to work harder & come away from your session feeling positive & energised!

We have a fantastic range of maternity activewear, all designed to be comfy, breathable & to grow with your changing body.

Browse the full maternity sportswear collection online today.

Seraphine Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week 2020

Happy World Breastfeeding Week mama!

Naturally nourishing, utterly intimate & not without challenge, your breastfeeding journey will be as unique as you are.

Here at Seraphine, our clever nursing designs are made with love, to help you & your little one get off to the best possible start.

You are doing an amazing job – our innovative designs are here to ensure maximum comfort & easy access whenever & wherever you need it – all to make your life that little bit easier in those precious early days.

These are some of the hero pieces we recommend to all new nursing mamas:

1. The Bamboo Bras

World Breastfeeding Week - pregnant mother wearing a Seraphine bra

Made in soft bamboo viscose, these nursing bras are comfortable & breathable, offering a whole host of amazing features – they’re hypoallergenic, temperature regulating, moisture wicking & even offer antibacterial properties! 

The soft, seamless, wire-free design is perfect for everyday wear & the simple drop cups offer quick & easy access.

Get the two pack in classic black & white or soft grey & blush pink.

2. The Basic Tops

World Breastfeeding Week - mum nursing her baby in a Seraphine top

As a new nursing mama, there’s simply no such thing as too many basic nursing tops. These ones are soft, stretchy & easy to wear – perfect for layering.

Get the two pack in classic black & white or grey & navy

3. The Versatile Dress

World breastfeeding Week - mum & baby. Seraphine nursing dress

A comfy dress is the ultimate easy outfit & right now we’re offering 20% off* a selection of our favourites!

Check out our DRESS EDIT & enter the code: GLOW20 to claim the discount.

*T&Cs apply

4. The Skin to Skin Top

World Breastfeeding Week - mum nursing her baby in the seraphine skin to skin top

A must-have for new mamas, these tops are designed to help keep your hands free while enjoying the amazing benefits of skin to skin time with your little one… and you can nurse in it too!

Discover our full range of cotton skin to skin tops now

5. The Nursing Kit

World Breastfeeding Week - Seraphine nursing kit

A great way to kickstart your nursing clothes collection, the kit includes a simple striped nursing top, a classic A-line dress with easy zip nursing access at the front & a comfy pair of post-pregnancy leggings.

The three styles work beautifully together & are ideal for mixing & matching with pieces from your regular wardrobe.

Shop the Nursing Kit

In the end, it all comes down to what works for you & your baby. As long as everybody is happy & nobody is hungry, you’re doing a fantastic job – keep it up mama!

READ NEXT

Top breastfeeding tips from Seraphine mums

Lactation specialist’s top breastfeeding tips

Our fourth trimester favourites

Coronavirus: GP’s Vital Advice for Pregnant Women

This week Sky News Presenter & mama-to-be Sarah-Jane Mee interviewed GP Dr Zoe Williams to clarify the current advice for pregnant women surrounding Covid-19, also known as Coronavirus.

Sarah-Jane, who is currently 26 weeks pregnant with her first baby, is self-isolating at home, so she conducted the interview online, along with a follow up Instagram post the next day, looking stylish both times in Seraphine maternity dresses.

You can watch the interview on YouTube, but we have also transcribed it below.

Do Pregnant Women Have to Self-Isolate for 12 Weeks?

 
 
 
 
 
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Watch the Full Interview Now

Sarah-Jane: I spoke to Dr Zoe Williams about this and she said that the current guidance is that it’s only pregnant women with heart conditions who should be self-isolating for 12 weeks.

If you’re having a healthy, normal pregnancy, you should be practicing strict social distancing rules as a precaution. That will involve working from home if you can. If you can’t, you need to operate that strict 2 meter social distance rule and put into practice all the other government guidelines – things like washing your hands regularly.

Why are pregnant women more at risk?

Dr Zoe: So far, from the evidence that we have, pregnant women are no more likely to get the infection and they’re no more likely to have the serious consequences of Covid-19. However, we know that pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, can affect your immune system and many women can be more vulnerable to getting unwell with viruses.

So, although this doesn’t seem to be the case so far with coronavirus, because we know so little about it, it’s really a case of taking additional precautions.

But the reassuring this is that so far with coronavirus we’re not seeing that pregnant women are more likely to run into the serious consequences.

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Is there a greater risk depending on what stage of pregnancy you’re at?

Dr Zoe: During the third trimester, the interference that pregnancy can have on your immune system is more likely.

But there’s an added note – although pregnant women and young healthy people are very unlikely to get the serious consequences of Covid-19, a small number do, and if a woman is pregnant in the third trimester and she does require ventilation, it can be very difficult and very complicated. So, there are just a couple of reasons why women in the third trimester need to be a little more cautious.

Are newborns particularly vulnerable?

Dr Zoe: So far, the evidence tells us that newborns are not a vulnerable group – they are not more likely to get difficulties with Covid-19. Which is really good news, because obviously with newborns we wrap them up in cotton wool and we protect them from everything, and of course we should still do that, but they are not vulnerable. So, let’s annihilate that anxiety that many new mothers will have.

But it is important to say that everybody wants to come and visit when you have a newborn and at the moment, for a number of reasons, to protect the newborn but also to protect the people visiting and everybody else, unfortunately, no visitors allowed.

Here at Seraphine, we were all proud to take part in Thursday’s applause for the amazing front-line workers at the NHS. We are so grateful for your strength, courage & resilience in these challenging times. We were aslo pleased to spot Sarah-Jane joining in at home in her Seraphine dress!

Disclaimer: The above advice is aimed at healthy women with normal pregnancies. No two pregnancies are the same, so as always, please follow the advice given to you by your own doctors & health care providers.

Victory for NCT’s #Hiddenhalf Campaign: New Mums to Receive a Six-Week Check

It’s official – from April, all new mothers in England will receive a six-week check focusing on their physical & mental health, as well as one for their baby.

This fantastic news marks a landmark success for NCT’s #Hiddenhalf campaign, which we at Seraphine have been proud to support.

6-week check for new mums - NCT #Hiddenhalf

“It’s fantastic news that NHS England has responded to our calls for better postnatal mental health checks. This is a huge step forward and means more new mothers will be supported to talk about their mental health problems and get the help they need.”

Angela McConville, NCT’s Chief Executive

About the Six-Week Check

New mum's 6-week check, wearing a Seraphine maternity jumper

This new appointment will be separate from your baby’s six-week check, though it may be scheduled immediately before or afterwards to save you a journey. It’s an opportunity to focus on how you are coping, both physically and mentally, and to raise any concerns you may have with your GP.

The hope is, that this dedicated maternal health check will help to catch more cases of postnatal mental illness & get mothers who are struggling, the help they need.

Why it’s So Important

Seraphine's Mama & Mini sweatshirts. New mums 6-week check

Mental health problems affect at least 1 in 10 women during pregnancy or the first year after birth.

But around half of new mothers’ mental health problems don’t get picked up at all.

The old system of a combined mother & baby appointment simply didn’t offer enough time to tackle tricky issues like postnatal mental health.

NCT's #Hiddenhalf campaign - for the maternal 6-week check

Now every new mum will have at least 10 minutes with a healthcare professional to focus purely on her.

Here at Seraphine, we are thrilled to hear such positive news & would like to congratulate the NCT & everyone else involved in this campaign!

Find out more about NCT

Read more about Seraphine’s support for NCT’s #Hiddenhalf campaign here

10 Minutes with Nadia Raafat, Pregnancy Yoga & Mindfulness Expert

Nadia Raafat is a pregnancy yoga instructor, mindfulness coach, qualified doula and a mother of four.

We caught up with her to talk yoga poses for pregnancy, birth stories and the power of empowerment.

1) Tell us a little about your background – How did you get into yoga & mindfulness?

Nadia Raafat - pregnancy yoga

As a former National rhythmic gymnast and dancer, I always used my body to express myself. Movement, balance, creative expression through the body – these were the things that made me feel alive.

I gave up aged 15 and was, physically-speaking, lost in the proverbial desert for some years, but upon discovering yoga aged 29, I felt my body coming home.

2) Why did you decide to specialise in pregnancy?

Nadia Raafat and her son

During my first pregnancy, I was too busy working late and navigating the drama of an unplanned pregnancy to take care of myself. I was young and naive and didn’t realise how much inner preparation is required for childbirth. I had a difficult birth experience and an emergency section.

When I debriefed the birth I could see where I had let myself down and where I had been let down by my carers. When I got pregnant again I promised myself I would honour the pregnancy and birth this time.

I found the most inspiring pregnancy yoga teacher, learned hypnobirthing, hired an independent midwife and decided to have a home-birth.

I went from being a frightened and disempowered pregnant woman to an embodied birthing goddess. It was such a healing experience and a call to action for me. I trained immediately afterwards and started teaching pregnancy yoga when my son was 9 months old. That was 14 years ago.

3) Can you tell us more about your role as a Doula?

Nadia Raafat - Pregnancy yoga & breastfeeding

During that first childbirth experience, I had felt really unsupported. I felt frightened and overwhelmed. I knew that this was not how a young first-time mother should labour.

When I heard about birth doulas, I recognised immediately their importance in supporting women through pregnancy, birth the transition to early motherhood. I trained with some of the original doulas and the great Michelle Odent – a pioneering obstetrician who went on to become the first male doula and is credited with bringing water births to maternity units both in the UK and France.

4) Have your own pregnancies impacted the way you support other women through theirs?

Every pregnancy is different and each one of mine has thrown up complications that have positioned me outside of the normal care pathway. This taught me how important it is for each mother to navigate her own unique position as she moves through the maternity system and not to relegate herself to little more than a statistic.

A key part of my birth preparation programme is empowering women to learn about the system, the NICE guidelines, and how to access the latest research and to make decisions from an empowered and informed place.

5) What makes yoga & mindfulness so beneficial for new & expectant mums?

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Yoga is widely regarded as the optimum physical practise for pregnancy; it offers all the strengthening, support and flexibility a pregnant body requires without any undue strain or pressure.

It also teaches self-awareness and is perfect as a birth preparation programme, as it shows you how to use your body during labour to relax through movement, make space for the baby, and use the breath to enter and surrender to the experience.

Mindfulness is the new hot ticket in Childbirth Education and the ultimate accompaniment to pregnancy yoga. It helps to cultivate a grounded and steady mind that is less affected by negative conditioning and unhelpful thought patterns…whatever they are; from anxiety to low self-esteem; from fear of labour to simply managing overwhelm – a very common experience for new mothers.

6) Which yoga poses are best for pregnancy?

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Cat-Cow for spinal flexibility, Pelvic Tilts or Rolls to energise and mobilise the pelvis and lower back, Dog pose, to stretch and straighten the spine, Childs pose (legs wide) to open up the lower body and let your breath expand and release your lower back, Supported Squat (heels on blocks) to open up the lower pelvis and stretch the pelvic floor, Dynamic Low Lunge (supported where necessary) to open up the hips, and hip-flexors, stretch the hamstrings… it’s also a great preparation position for childbirth and Wide Angle Standing Forward Bend (supported in the third trimester); this is an inversion which can help release and lengthen the spine, calm the mind and stretch the pelvic floor and hamstrings.

The essential aspect is that breath awareness and body awareness is brought to all of the poses that you do.

7) Do you have any top mindfulness tips to share with expectant mums?

Nadia Raafat - baby kisses

Yes. Each morning before you get out of bed, sit comfortably, close your eyes and take 10 breaths, counting each one on both the inhale and exhale. Do the same just before you go to bed at night. In time, progress to 20 breaths.

Learning to anchor the mind on the breath and on being with what is (without resistance) is the most important skill for labour and childbirth and, looking forward, motherhood and Life!

Mindfulness is for Life not just for childbirth! 🙂

Nadia’s popular Becoming Mother – online Yoga and Mindfulness for Pregnancy & Birth Course – a five-class home practice programme is available to download straight to your laptop, tablet or phone

Her Yoga and Mindfulness for Pregnancy & Birth DVD is available through Amazon.

Nadia Raafat Teaches a 12 week Yoga & Mindfulness for Pregnancy & Birth Course with weekly classes running in both Battersea and Kingston. You can find out more online at Nadiaraafat.com

How to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy – Mama Mio’s Tips

Congratulations, you’re pregnant! Stretch marks may be a baby-making badge of honour but sometimes they can affect the way we feel about our bodies. As a result, many mamas look for ways to prevent stretch marks or reduce their appearance.

We asked the pregnancy skincare experts at Mama Mio to give us their top tips for preventing stretchmarks & caring for your skin throughout your nine months…

3 things to look for in pregnancy skincare

1. A delicate scent for sensitive noses

We don’t need to tell you that morning sickness is no joke. Suddenly your partner’s cologne or the smell of fresh coffee in the morning is a recipe for disaster. That’s why it’s important to look for a scent that isn’t going to aggravate any morning sickness. Choose fragrance-free or a naturally formulated scent featuring fresh citrusy notes.

2. No nasties

There are a few common skincare ingredients which are best to avoid during pregnancy. Keep an eye out for skincare with a high content of natural ingredients and plant-based actives, particularly Avocado and Coconut Oils which are naturally, intensely nourishing.

3. Omegas for skin strength & elasticity

Stretch marks are easier to prevent then they are to minimise. When it comes to skincare, it’s really important to choose products packed full of Omegas 3, 6 and 9. These are essential fatty acids which help to maintain the elasticity of your skin. This allows it to move and grow with your developing bump whilst maintaining strength and minimising your chances of developing stretch marks.

A pregnancy skincare routine to prevent stretch marks

Your skin needs a little extra loving during pregnancy, so we’ve put together a super-easy, fuss-free routine to help prevent stretch marks. Remember when it comes to stretch marks during pregnancy, early defence is super important.

1. Smooth & polish

Make sure that exfoliation is the first step in your stretch mark preventing skincare routine. Gently smoothing the skin on your bump and removing the dead skin cells helps your nourishing product to be absorbed deeper and work a bit harder.


A gentle exfoliator such as Mama Mio’s Tummy Rub Scrub helps to perfectly prep and polish your skin using natural papaya extract and volcanic lava particles.

2. Nourish & protect

Take preventative measures with our award-winning Tummy Rub Butter and our incredible Tummy Rub Oil. Both are bursting with Omegas 3, 6 and 9 which help build the skin’s elasticity and strength, with mega moisturising organic oils that offer the very best protection available to help you prevent stretch marks.

3. Don’t forget your boobs, hips & thighs!

It’s easy to just focus on your bump, but make sure that you take your Tummy Rub from your boobs over your bump and all the way across your bum. These areas can all stretch during pregnancy! We recommend our Pregnancy Boob Tube & Lucky Legs cooling gel.

Pregnancy is a time of many changes, so it’s important to remember to do what’s best for you. A five-minute skincare routine at the beginning or end of the day can be the perfect way to take some well-deserved ‘me-time’.


Interested to know more about pregnancy skincare and caring for your bump? Visit Mama Mio for everything you need to know about itchy bumps to relieving sore, swollen ankles and soothing dry nipples.

Skin to Skin Snuggles: What are the Benefits for Mum & Baby?

From that first magical moment when your newborn baby is placed skin to skin on your chest, something amazing begins to happen.

That direct close contact triggers an array of fantastic benefits for both of you, which you can tap into & enjoy whenever the mood takes you.

Who’d have thought a simple snuggle could be so powerful!

Discover our range of skin to skin tops online now

What are the benefits of skin to skin snuggles?

mum wears the grey Seraphine skin to skin top

1) Relieves stress & promotes bonding

Being born is a stressful business.

But that first hour of skin to skin contact with you is the perfect way to help your new baby calm down & get used to being out in the world.

The warmth from your skin, the familiar sound of your heartbeat & even your voice will soothe your little one.

And the magic works for you & your partner too – skin to skin contact with your baby releases oxytocin (the happy hormone) and lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone), helping you all to bond as a family.

New mum & baby skin to skin

 2) Lowers risk of postnatal depression

According to the NHS, around 1 in 10 new mothers will experience some level of postnatal depression within a year of giving birth.

The natural increase in oxytocin & lower levels of cortisol brought on during skin to skin time can be an effective way to combat this.

Though of course, it goes without saying that if you are struggling with postnatal depression, you should get in touch with your GP or midwife as soon as possible to seek professional advice & support.

New mum wears the Seraphine skin to skin top

3) Stabilises temperature, breathing & heart rate

Did you know that your breasts will actually warm up or cool down in response to your baby’s temperature?

Mums of twins may even find that one breast warms and the other cools if your babies’ temperatures are different – mind, blown!

Meanwhile, your own breathing & heart rate will help to regulate your baby’s.

Christina wearing skin to skin top

 4) Minimises pain & reduces crying

Studies show that babies held skin to skin tend to cry less than those who are not. This makes sense if you think about a baby’s cry as a ‘separation distress call’.

They also experience less pain during necessary clinical procedures like the heel stick blood test.

As far as we’re concerned, less pain & crying can only be a good thing.

The printed Skin to Skin top

 

5) Boosts baby’s immune system

Not all bacteria are bad – in fact some play a very important role in protecting us from infection.

Skin to skin snuggling allows the friendly bacteria on your skin to colonise your baby’s – boosting their immune system & keeping them healthy & protected as they grow.

6) Encourages breastfeeding

If you & your baby are left in peace to enjoy skin to skin time, your baby will eventually seek out your breast by him or herself & begin to feed.

And another amazing benefit of all that oxytocin rushing around your system is that it will boost your milk supply – helping you to feed for longer.

Discover our Skin to Skin Tops – Perfect for the first year with baby

Here at Seraphine, we have developed the perfect tops to help you & your little one enjoy skin to skin time while remaining covered up & comfy.

Find out more about our Skin to Skin Tops here.

Shop the collection here

Who’d have thought a simple snuggle could be so powerful!

Win a Set of Luxury Pregnancy Skincare by Unity

This week on the blog we are offering you the chance to win a set of luxury pregnancy skincare from Unity Beauty Essentials. Enter now for your chance to win!

 

 

 

About the Brand

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Get the look: Black Dot Woven Maternity Dress & Ivory Cropped Peplum Maternity Jacket

The collection is the brainchild of Founder Parvathi Nair, a beauty industry insider, with years of experience working with brands like Olay, Vichy, Pantene, Wella, Burberry Beauty and more.

When she started planning for her own pregnancy, Parvathi quickly found that the selection of pregnancy-safe skincare options was limited, and lacked the touch of luxury she was looking for. She decided to bring together a team of top industry experts to create a range that’s safe for pregnant women, without compromising on that indulgent beauty experience.

 

About the Products

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The Unity Beauty Essentials pregnancy collection is made entirely from natural ingredients, free from parabens, phthalates, sulphates, retinoids and other nasty chemicals. The range is totally pregnancy-safe, also cruelty-free (thoroughly tested, but never on animals) and vegan-friendly.

The key ingredient is the Indian Gooseberry – a super-fruit with potent levels of antioxidants and even more vitamin C than oranges! These fruits have long been used in traditional eastern beauty treatments, and recent clinical studies have validated their beneficial properties.

 

Duo Stretch Mark Cream & Oil

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Housed in a unique dual chambered bottle, this must-have product combines a hydro-based cream, which works on the skin’s surface, with a rich blend of rosehip, coconut and avocado oils designed to penetrate deep into the skin.

With one pump, the 2 stretch mark fighting forces work together to increase skin elasticity and fight collagen degradation. Massage your bump with this luxurious stretch mark cream and oil combo daily for the best results.

Find out more & shop online…

 

Intensive Body Nourisher

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Combining sweet almond oil, mango seed butter, shea butter and Indian gooseberry extract, this rich buttery moisturiser is designed to actively repair dry & damaged skin. It locks in nutrients and moisture to problem areas, prone to dryness.

Used as a night cream, the nourisher soothes, pampers and repairs while you drift off to sleep, lulled by the wonderfully calming scent.

Find out more & shop online…

 

Daily Body Hydrator

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Lightweight, non-greasy and fast absorbing, the Daily Body Hydrator is a serum which can be used all over, including your face.

Perfect for an early morning hydration boost & for quick top ups during the day, the formula absorbs almost instantly, saving you precious time in your morning routine.

Find out more & shop online…

 

So what are you waiting for? Enter on Facebook now for your chance to win!

To find out more about Unity Beauty Essentials fantastic range of pregnancy skincare, check out their website, and follow them on Instagram @unitybeautyessentialsuk

Pregnancy Exercises & Safe Training Tips with Physiotherapist Ailish Toomey

Ailish is a top physiotherapist & running guru with Six Physio in Fitzrovia. She is an expert in the ways of safe training and pregnancy exercises, AND has specialist knowledge when it comes to pre & post-natal exercise!

To celebrate the launch of our brand new ACTIVE KIT – 4 sporty essentials for active mamas – we caught up with her to ask a few questions about how to exercise safely through pregnancy and beyond.

 

 

1) Tell us a little about your background! What made you choose physiotherapy & why do you love it?

I’ve always been quite sporty and interested in how the body works. I love my job as I get to help people feel better and what’s not to love about that!

 

@Houseofvogahq Models The Active Kit 

Perfect Before, During & After Pregnancy…

House of Voga models the Seraphine Active Kit

 

2) Us preggos are often advised to take it easy & put our feet up through pregnancy. Which is great for a little while, but soon gets boring for those of us used to an active lifestyle. What’s your advice?

The general rule is to maintain the fitness that you have pre-pregnancy for as long as you can but not to try and get fitter. However, during the first trimester a lot of women feel particularly tired and nauseous so it’s important to respect this and not push yourself just for the sake of it. It is also very important to respect any niggles as these can escalate quicker when you are pregnant as a result of the different hormones in your body.

 

 

3) Do you have any special tips for us mamas who like to run? Is there anything we should be thinking about taking extra care of?

Your pelvis goes through changes as pregnancy progresses and this needs to be assisted by certain muscles, in particular the glutes (bum) muscles. I would suggest that you start a glutes strengthening programme to do alongside a running routine. It is also very important to keep on top of your pelvic floor exercises. You have the extra weight of the baby for the pelvic floor to support so they need to be good and strong.

Oh and as the baby gets bigger, it is quite common to need to stop off on your runs to use the loo so make sure you know where they are!

 

The Active Kit

 

4) What other forms of pregnancy exercises would you recommend for mums-to-be?

Swimming is fantastic as you can keep it up throughout the entire pregnancy. Lying on your tummy is something that pregnant ladies often miss so swimming is a nice way of getting your fix!

Pilates is another great way to keep strong and supple in the right areas. Working on arm strength and upper/mid back mobility will help for when the baby arrives for all the lifting and sustained postures while feeding.

 

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5) What about after baby is born? Do you have advice for mamas wanting to get back in shape post-pregnancy?

Generally there is a six week rule: take it easy for the first six weeks. Walking is fine to do and is encouraged as it’s nice to get out and about with the pram. With running, I wouldn’t suggest it until after 10 weeks. Again however, glutes glutes glutes, it’s important to ensure the glutes are nice and strong to support the pelvis as it changes shape again.

The rules are slightly different post C-section and more care will be needed with regards to getting back into exercise – your midwife should take you through this.

 

The Seraphine Active Kit includes

 

6) Would you recommend massage through pregnancy? (Please say yes!)

Haha, yes, pregnancy massage is a great idea and I think is such a nice treat. The body goes through a lot when pregnant so why not give it a break. I would seek out someone with specific pregnancy massage experience. Some places even have beds with space for the bumps so you can lie on your tummy!!

 

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7) Now enough about us… We hear that as well as being a keen marathon runner, you are also a triathlete! How do you do it? What’s your secret to staying motivated?

Yes, I love running, and encouraging people to run. Running, if done correctly, can be done until a great age with no ill effects. We’re hearing more and more about 90 year olds still running marathons which I think is just fantastic!!

When it comes to motivation, it always helps to join a club and make friends with people who exercise. It becomes social then and a lot less daunting.

 

House of Voga wears the Seraphine Active Kit

 

If you are interested in finding out more, or booking a session, you can find Ailish & the Six Physio team at their new Fitzrovia office.

 

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