Guest Bloggers | Seraphine Blog

Summer maternity occasion wear – by StyleNest’s Charlie Barnett

Charlie Barnett from StyleNest roundups up a few of her favoruites…

Us Brits aren’t used to the heat but when the long awaited British sunshine arrives, it really hits us with full force. Transport for London, aren’t prepared, our makeup is melting and we’re regretting not giving ourselves that mini-pedi last night so our feet can see the light of day. And before you know it, the sun has gone and the brollies are out.

Summer dressing however becomes even more of a challenge with the forthcoming wedding season. Bump or no bump, there really is nothing harder than shopping for occasion wear.

Although you may be daunted by the season of weddings, races and summer parties, help is on hand to ensure you feel fabulous. You might not be able to drink the champagne and your feet may be swollen, but with these top tips you will no longer size up another non-pregnant woman again as we guarantee you will be looking chicer and more glamorous than her.

To avoid any Kim Kardashian catastrophes, first rule of thumb is to dress for your bump and be comfortable.

Issa Gathered V Dress £425

Ideal for weddings, this elegant and classic nude dress will cover your bump neatly with the beautiful wrap detail, whilst the plunging neckline will highlight your brilliant new cleavage. With a simple colour palette seen at the SS13 shows including Celine, JW Anderson and Preen, not only will you look bang on trend with this number but you will also have something effortlessly stylish to wear post pregnancy.

Valentino So Noir Leather Sandals £600

Nothing makes me feel happier than a new pair of shoes. It’s like a fairytale story of Cinderella and the glass slipper, every time I find that pair. We’ve spotted numerous celebs sporting these bad boys, from Emma Stone to Alexa Chung and we understand what all the fuss is about because they are irresistible. If you’re going to be on your feet all day, this sensible heel height is elegant enough to give you a bit of height without making you hobble ungracefully around the dance floor. I love the candy pink and nude combo to add a contrast pop of colour to your sensible dress and the signature golden studs gives the whole look a tough-luxe finish.

Pink Laser Clutch Bag £22

I love this pink floral laser cut clutch to complete your summer wedding outfit. Big enough to fit an iPad so if you have a little one they will remain occupied all day yet chic and stylish so it won’t compromise your outfit.

Long Gold Open Style Cuff Bracelet £14.95

I love a bargain as much as the next person and this gold finish cuff statement bracelet with faux leather inlay detail is the perfect way to finish off any occasion wear outfit. With this, you don’t need to worry about earrings or a necklace as the cuff says it all.

Seraphine Navy Sleeveless Maxi Knot Dress £59

Now, if in typical British form the weather takes a turn for the worst, Seraphine’s navy sleeveless maxi knot dress makes for the perfect dress to wear to wear to a special event. It will cover your legs, if you’re feeling a little self conscious and the gorgeous knot detail flatters your bump perfectly. The great thing about a maxi dress is that you can wear sandals and flats without losing any glamour stakes.

Olympia Le-Tan Madame Bovary Embroidered Clutch £1035

I love this gorgeous Olympia Le-Tan clutch embroidered with Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary novel. Not only does it carry your lippy and all your bare essentials but the bright pop of yellow allows you to add another statement colour into your ensemble.

To add the perfect finish to your look, your makeup is almost as important as the outfit. Coordinate your look with a statement pop of colour such as a bright yellow varnish or strong pink blush.

As these affairs are usually long, it’s important to keep your skin looking fresh so you don’t face the dilemma of melted makeup at the end of the day. Although you should already have that glowing look, it won’t hurt to enhance it a little more.

Bobbi Brown’s Brightening Finishing Powder £40 gives you’re skin an illuminated finish and is perfect to keep in your handbag for throughout the day touch-ups. Simply sweep over your nose, forehead and cheeks for that summer fresh look.

For more information on summer maternity occasion wear, visit StyleNest at www.stylenest.co.uk.

Products that help cheat sleep – as road-tested by Ellie Crompton

This baby is going to be an ‘Angel Baby’ and a great sleeper I smiled to myself as I lay on the sofa reading The Baby Whisperer and playing Mozart to my bump. I am fairly relaxed, I reasoned, some might even say happy go lucky. I LOVE sleeping, ergo, my baby will be just the same as me. Babies pick up on vibes you know, so if I am all chilled out and zen, the baby will be too non? NON. My first baby hated being put down, would happily fall asleep in my arms and then having been gently lowered into a pre-warmed (I tried all the tricks) cot would wake instantly on next to no impact. She hated naps in the day and woke at least twice a night until she was one. This meant that I was very, very tired for about a year. All I thought about was sleep. I became enraged when friends told me about their snoozy little bundles sleeping soundly through the night AND for two hours during the day and I began to look as demented and sleep starved as I felt.

Having returned to work at heat magazine after 7 month’s maternity leave I was extremely fortunate to have access to a whole arsenal of tiredness antidotes. As I hooked myself up to my breast pump in the fashion cupboard (seemed perfectly normal at the time) which doubled up as a beauty cupboard I would scan the shelves and grab any product that promised to soothe my puffy eyes and tighten and brighten my grey, sagging face. There are of course no miracle potions and lotions out there but there are some creams that really do perk you up and make you feel a whole lot better. Yes, you may have walked to the corner shop with your jumper on inside out and a pair of knickers tying your hair back, but with a few wise beauty buys you can at least feel reassured that your face isn’t falling off and at the very least your thighs feel invigorated.

Maybe the sheer act of rebelling against the tiredness and doing something, anything to take control is what helps the most? Here are the products that I discovered in the fashion cupboard and a few more that I found during the early months with my second daughter. No, she didn’t sleep much either.

• Guerlain Midnight secret late night recovery treatment 30ml £65
A lovely indulgent treat that smells gorgeous and really does make your skin look better in the morning. Best reached for at around 3am.

• Eve Lom Cleanser 100ml £55
If you have time to do this three times a week it really is worth it. This cleanser may smell like a pet shop but it always works wonders when I have tired, flakey, spotty skin and I kick myself for not using it all the time.

• Origins Plantscription Anti-aging cream £46
I am dedicated to this cream which really does feel like a drink for my skin. I do think it has improved overall lines and complexion too.

• Bliss Hot Salt Scrub £28.60
Uplifting and invigorating this is like a mini spa treatment in your own bathroom.

• This Works Deep Sleep Pillow spray £16, This Works Deep Sleep Night Oil £25
When sleep is limited you might as well make the sleep you do get the most restful and effective sleep you can get. These products are relaxing, soothing and make you feel wonderfully cosseted.

• This Works Energy bank Bath and shower oil £37
Need to wake up? The essential oils in this will give you a boost.

• La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream, 20ml £212.00
Crazily expensive but definitely the best eye cream I have ever tried. I would consider buying it if I was flush otherwise I stick to Bobbi Brown’s excellent Hydrating Eye Cream £29

• Sarah Chapman Facialift Massager £25
This is a recent discovery and I am addicted. It gives you a mini lymphatic drainage massage and helps relax forehead wrinkles. I really notice a difference after a few minutes of rolling.

• Floradix – Floravital Herbal Iron and Vitamin Formula £9.99
A great tonic to help boost your energy levels and make sure you are getting enough vitamins especially good for when breastfeeding.

• Bobbi Brown creamy concealer £18
A thick concealer with a great texture that covers the darkest shadows.

• Daniel Sandler WATERCOLOUR CRÈME ROUGE BLUSHER In Soft Peach £15.50
This ultimate flushed cheeks shade will instantly freshen up a sleep drained face.

• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser in Nude £33
This is my hero product. Never clinging to wrinkles, not too sheer and not too heavy it creates a luminous, dewy complexion that looks very natural.

• Rimmel Wake me up instant radiance shimmer touch in shimmering sand £4.99
An instant pick me up for the face. Dab on cheekbones, brow bones and apply a tiny dab on inner eye corners for a dewy, wide eyed look

Ellie Crompton is mother to Beatrix and Mathilde and a freelance Style Editor who has worked for Company, Elle and most notably heat magazine over the years. She recently started her blog The Mumday Times (themumdaytimes.tumblr.com) where you can catch up on all her shopping tips, mum musings and more.

What’s your maternity style? – Annabel Kerman

Annabel trained in costume, and worked in television and stage design before moving into fashion styling. She worked as Fashion Editor of a national newspaper for 15 years from age 21, and now primarily styles celebrity clients, editorially, for television, and personally.

1. Describe your pregnancy style

I have tried various styles throughout my 3 pregnancies, during the first two I wore a lot of empire line and bodycon dresses, showing off my bump. This time around I’m having a bit of a ‘Victoria Beckham’ moment: I’m not wearing so many figure hugging pieces, prefering outfits that just skim, rather than shouting out ‘I’m pregnant!’ I’m also bigging up the accessories with statement bags etc. I’m trying to achieve the idea that my bump is not the main focus of my style.

2. What is your fail-safe outfit?

A couple of failsafe outfits are a mini smock dress, or a stretch mini dress with a statement looser top worn over. Then a statement bottom covering coat to cover any sins. I am also NEVER without some bump covering thick black opaques or leggings

3. What is your favourite piece from Seraphine?

I am currently LIVING in my denim hotpants from Serephine- they work well with my pre pregnancy style- I team them with studded ankle boots , black opaques and a looser top. However I’m just off on holiday, and looking forward to wearing a beautiful black jersey maxi dress from the summer collection with a deep v and cap sleeves.

4. What is the one style tip you want to share with other pregnant women?

Concentrate on showing off your best bits, and don’t think that you have to wear a generic ‘maternity’ style just because you’re pregnant, try to adapt your pre pregnancy style which will always suit you best. Plus make maternity bump covering tights and leggings your friends.

Fashion and Celebrity Stylist and Consultant

www.annabelkerman.com

Find me on twitter @akermanstylist

What’s your maternity style? – Kirsty McCabe

Kirsty McCabe is a TV presenter and meteorologist who currently presents the weather on BBC Scotland. Previously she was the breakfast weather presenter for GMTV and Daybreak and prior to that she presented national and international weather forecasts across the entire range of BBC television and radio channels. She lives in London with her husband Renato and their toddler, Ethan. She is pregnant with her second child, due in May.

1. Describe your pregnancy style?

For work it’s dresses that show off the bump without being too clingy. Nothing too floaty or I just look big all over, it’s nice to try to define a hint of a figure hanging on in there… At home I live in my skinny leg over-the-bump jeans, and given our recent weather I usually layer on a vest, long-sleeved top and cardigan/wrap. I’m hoping I can move onto my maternity leggings (I do love things that come right up over the bump) and more spring-like tops soon.

2. What is your fail-safe outfit?

Again, jeans are great because you can smarten them up with a different top for evenings out. Although that doesn’t happen too often with a toddler..

3. What is your favourite piece from Seraphine?

A gorgeous navy lace dress from the Luxe collection that I wore to the Tommy’s Baby Awards in London. I got so many compliments on it and felt very glamorous, even with a big bump.

4. What is the one style tip you want to share with other pregnant women?

Invest in decent underwear – make sure your bra fits you properly and clothes will look much better. And I sometimes wear a maternity skirt from Seraphine under dresses that are a bit too clingy so they hang better and you can’t see any VPL!

What’s your maternity style? – Katie Lester

Katie Lester is the Fashion Editor at You Magazine, the hugely successful colour supplement to the Mail on Sunday. Having worked her way up the Fashion Department for the last 10 years, she edits the magazine still life pages and also styles and directs main fashion stories leading her to travel the world and work with some of the best known models and celebrities including Cheryl Cole, Mary-Kate Olsen and Behati Prinsloo. Katie helped launch and continues to work on Inspire Magazine, the Mail’s luxury bi-annual magazine

Katie has appeared on television, most notably BBC Breakfast and ITV’s This Morning as a Fashion Expert and her commercial clients include marks and Spencer’s, Boden and Next

Katie is married and has a two and a half year old son, Saul and a ten week old daughter, Sylvie

Describe your pregnancy style?

My pregnancy style pretty much mimicked my non pregnant style.

I lived in skinny jeans. I found a black pair that flattered me and teamed them with blouses and neat jackets for work with statement necklaces and cashmere jumpers and patterned scarves for the weekend.

What is your fail-safe outfit?

My seraphine black skinny jeans, white blouse top and Zara long-line tweed jacket (it doesn’t fasten over the bump but still looks great) with a pair of ankle boots.

What is your favourite piece from Seraphine?

I love the burgundy knit with zip details on the shoulder. Such an on trend colour and flattering shape whilst being really practical too.

What is the one style tip you want to share with other pregnant women?

Invest in some great support vests. Whatever I’m wearing I like to wear a comfy long-line vest underneath. These staples give a good silhouette making clothes more flattering. And the best bit is that you can continue to wear them after.

What’s your maternity style? – Ellie Crompton

Describe your pregnancy style? – Me with a bump

What is your fail-safe outfit? – A printed smock dress over leggings/tights worn with ankle boots and a cropped leather jacket

What is your favourite piece from Seraphine? It’s a toss up between the shift dress and the slim cut jeans

What is the one style tip you want to share with other pregnant women? You don’t have to wear top to toe stretch jersey. Mix up your fabrics.

Timeless Maternity Pieces – By MyChicBump

If you are anything like me, when you found out you were pregnant you had a million questions and knew that life would never be the same. Strange cravings, hormonal roller coasters, and the fear of losing that body you worked so hard for… And then the moment comes… you’re pulling on your favorite pair of skinny jeans, ready to head out with your hubby and something just isn’t working. GASP! That’s when you realize that your regular clothes just wont cut it anymore. So now what do you do?

Don’t worry, just because your body is changing and your skinny jeans don’t quite fit like they used to, doesn’t mean you need to replace your whole wardrobe. The key is to invest in the right kind of clothes that will work for you during and even after your pregnancy. When deciding where to spend your money, look for clothes that are classy, that accentuate your body (more posts on that soon!), and that will last for years to come. Maternity clothes don’t have to be baggy and frumpy, in fact, since giving birth in November I’ve worn each of the pieces below on multiple occasions.

Here are the top three items that are definitely worthy of investment and that will last you through pregnancy, nursing, and beyond:

1. The Tunic

It’s the perfect balance between comfort and style. A tunic is flattering on most bodies, pregnant or not. Pair it with black leggings or opaque tights for an extra slimming look.

2. The Tregging

This super functional pant is more than just a pair of leggings. Because of its quality fabric, belt loop, and tailored fit the tregging can be worn as a regular pant or trouser! They are so comfortable you will want to wear them well after you give birth. Definitely a must-have in your maternity wardrobe!

3. The Shawl

A post shared by Seraphine Maternity (@seraphinematernity) on Jun 8, 2017 at 10:07am PDT

One of the most, if not, the most versatile pieces I own in my closet! You can wear it over your shoulders to keep warm, as a nursing cover for stylish functionality, or a scarf to perk up any outfit! And its so incredibly soft and delicate you will want to wear it over and over again.

Read more about Karen Zaro’s fashion and lifestyle tips on her blog MyChicBump.com

Follow her on Twitter here.

What’s your maternity style? – Modern Mummy

Describe your pregnancy style?

Casual, comfortable, and a bit bohemian!

What is your fail-safe outfit?

Over the bump skinny jeans, ShoeTherapy ballerina pumps and a loose fitting cotton top or shirt.

What is your favourite piece from Seraphine?

My maternity denim shorts. I wore them all summer and into the autumn too (with leggings underneath!) They were so comfortable and flattering and I received so many compliments on them.

What is the one style tip you want to share with other pregnant women?

Invest in a decent pair of maternity jeans/trousers. Seraphine have a huge selection of uber stylish ones to choose from. Do not be put off by the elasticated waistbands, comfort is of utmost importance, especially when you’re really heavily pregnant! Most maternity trousers are available with either elasticated insert panels (just sections, usually above the pockets), with narrow jersey waistbands or with full over the bump waistbands. Don’t be afraid to spend a bit of money on these as it is likely that you will still wear them once you’ve given birth! Plus they are handy for when you want to visit the eat-all-you-can Chinese buffet

Katy is mum to two girls; Daisy, aged three, and Evie, three months. She loves food, fashion, festivals and photography (even though that doesn’t begin with an F) and blogs at www.modernmummy.co.uk

Follow Katy on Twitter @ModernMummyUK

Bye bye heels – by Modern Mummy

This week I have had to come to terms with something. I knew it would happen one day, although I didn’t expect it to be so soon. I’m only 32 29 for god’s sake! But yes. It has happened. Already. It’s official.

I can no longer wear high heels.

*wails*

Before I got pregnant with Daisy, I was one of those women that had to wear them. I mean I really did. I physically couldn’t walk in flats – they made my feet ache and I’d trip up over myself. In heels I could power walk through Mayfair like no-one’s business (which was handy because I was late for my meetings 95% of the time). Four inch killer heels were a standard part of my daily attire.

When I found out I was expecting, I didn’t stop wearing them immediately. In fact I carried on wearing my beloved heels until I was 7 months gone and started suffering from SPD. Even then I would still wear them to my meetings and would wear trainers for the walk to and from the tube and bare feet in the office. I thought flats made my calves look chunky, there was no way on earth I’d give in and start wearing them. Just because I was going to become a mother imminently, that was no reason to start dressing like one!

Fast forward three years and now, as a mother of two under three, I wonder how I ever managed to get the bloody things on, let alone walk in them! On a rare night out over Christmas I donned a relatively demure pair (only 2.5inchers – ones that were well worn in and ‘comfortable’ and had chunky heels too) and an hour into the evening I felt like my feet were BLEEDING. I spent most of the night sat down with my shoes kicked off. Most unlike me. This mama likes to DANCE!

I’ve tried a few different pairs of flats over the past few years but have never found a brand or style I liked. They have always pinched or I’ve had to cling on to them with my toes whilst I walk so they don’t slip off. Or they’ve just been plain ugly! Plus there’s always been the achey arch of my foot that has made me prefer heels to pumps in the past. I’ve spent a fortune trying out different varieties from different shops to no avail.

I bet you can imagine how over the moon I was to discover a pair of flat shoes that are stylish, comfortable AND affordable!

Introducing SHOEtherapy!

Quite possibly the most amazing shoes I have ever worn. And being a self confessed shoe addict, I have worn a fair few pairs.

These ballerina pumps and loafers have been clinically tested (after ten years of medical research, no less!) to correct your body posture, relieve back and joint pains and stimulate tired and aching legs.

Not only are they completely and utterly BEAUtiful, check out the uber innovative design!

I can honestly say that I was SO excited waiting for these to arrive and can confirm that they are the very first pair of flats that have got me all a-fluster. It’s easy to see why though, eh? I opted for the purple leopard print ballerina shoes which are made and lined in top quality leather. I thought these would make perfect all rounders – smart with a work suit or party dress, or casual with leggings or skinny jeans. I needn’t have worried about them working with every outfit though as I fully intend to purchase another couple of pairs, I adore them that much. No one would ever think that these gorgeous shoes are designed to better your health!

I have been wearing mine ever since their arrival. They are super comfortable and super supportive – I even wore them on a 5.5km round trip doing the school run and walking into town.

SHOEtherapy are available from Seraphine here. There are heaps of styles to choose from and range in price from £65 to £85. If you are pregnant (these shoes are actually recommended during pregnancy), or running around after small children on a daily basis, and want some shoes that work hard to support your body but don’t want to compromise on style then these beauties are most definitely for you.

Katy is mum to two girls; Daisy, aged three, and Evie, three months. She loves food, fashion, festivals and photography (even though that doesn’t begin with an F) and blogs at www.modernmummy.co.uk

Follow Katy on Twitter @ModernMummyUK

Pregnancy Style – by Modern Mummy

It is said that every pregnancy is different and, from my experience, I most definitely agree.

My first pregnancy was an absolute breeze; I had no symptoms whatsoever apart from my growing belly. I glowed through all three trimesters, enjoyed being made a fuss of and embraced my weight gain – all four stone three pounds of it.

My second pregnancy was a different story altogether. It started with severe morning sickness, which was superseded by heartburn and SPD. I then developed varicose veins and suffered from chronic insomnia. Running around after my two year old left me extra exhausted. To top it all off I was huge. GINORMOUS in fact. Despite only putting on half the weight that I gained first time round, my bump was twice the size. I got asked ‘are you sure there’s only one in there?’ more times than I care to remember. Overall I felt pretty wretched, both emotionally and physically.

My approach to style was also completely different with each pregnancy.

Pre-children I was fashion obsessed and thought maternity clothes were boring and middle aged and swore I’d never wear them. When I fell pregnant for the first time I lived in leggings and smock tops, both of which were on trend at the time, and which were just so EASY. I carried on shopping in my favourite high street shops and when I couldn’t squeeze into my regular clothes anymore I just bought the same ones in bigger sizes. I was uncomfortable, yes, and, let’s be honest here, there is nothing flattering about wearing clothes that are too big for you in some places and tight in others. I wasn’t happy with the way I looked but I WAS GROWING A BABY! – and I just couldn’t see the point in buying clothes that would only last six months. When I eventually saw the light and realised that maternity wear really was the way forward, I was 35 weeks pregnant and it was pretty much too late.

Second time round I decided to put together a full maternity wardrobe even before I got my positive pregnancy test. I didn’t want to look like a frump again and decided I would show off my bump with well fitting, stylish clothes and make myself feel glamorous and womanly.

When I found out I was pregnant, I spent an evening on the laptop browsing online maternity stores and discovered Séraphine. Stylish and affordable maternity wear that I had no idea existed! I then went on the shopping spree to end all shopping sprees and invested in everything, from underwear to every day jeans, t-shirts and knitwear – and even a cocktail dress. I didn’t spend a small fortune either, although I would have done quite happily and could have done quite easily. A couple of hundred pounds was a small price to pay for nine months plus of happiness, confidence and comfort as far as I was concerned.

And I was right. Some days, especially when sleep deprivation had got the better of me, it would have been all too easy to just stay in my pyjamas and feel sorry for myself. But wallowing in self-pity makes you feel ten times worse. Getting up and about, looking after yourself and making sure you’re comfortable really does make a difference. And if you’re looking a million dollars at the same time, that’s even better!

My top picks:

1. Comfy, over the bump straight leg jeans are a maternity essential.

2. Black tie front maternity blazer is smart and stylish – a must for all working mamas-to-be.

3. Nursing jumper is great for the later stages of pregnancy, as well as nursing.

4. Two tone body-con cocktail dress is the ULTIMATE date night dress, so glamorous!

5. Pink/Mocha nursing bra, because nursing underwear can be sexy too!

Katy is mum to two girls; Daisy, aged three, and Evie, three months. She loves food, fashion, festivals and photography (even though that doesn’t begin with an F) and blogs at www.modernmummy.co.uk

Follow Katy on Twitter @ModernMummyUK

Post Pregnancy Pressures, Like We Needed Any More! – By Honest Mum

Floating near the top of the ‘Things to make mums feel bad’ file, slightly behind the ‘How you gave birth to your baby (sunroof C section or standard delivery?)’ and ‘Did you breastfeed or not? comes the ever popular, highly discriminating category: Baby Weight. Yes, in addition to the pressures of how much weight you’ve put on during pregnancy (not referring to health pressures, but cosmetic): ‘big everywhere/ just a bump/ too pregnant/ not up the duff looking enough’, comes all the ‘well meaning’ concern of how soon or will you ever (SHOCK HORROR) lose the baby weight you’ve put on, creating life. Sad but true. Dolly Parton got it right when she sang, “Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman” and to think, she wasn’t even referring to her womb.

I get it, we’re ‘totes’, to (waters) breaking point, saturated with images of skinny, mostly supermodel mums leaving the hospital or ‘post hiding after birth period’, cradling newborns in their size 6 J Brand jeans and 4 inch Louboutins. Brilliant. Have you ever stood next to a supermodel or any model for that matter? I’ve directed fashion films and let me tell you, these women are otherworldly with their never ending limbs and naturally lithe bodies. Cotton wool eating aside (really)-it’s the way they were made. They’re not your average woman, and that’s why we’re not all models (worth noting this small detail next time you flick through Vogue and wonder why you’re struggling for a mirror image) yet we’re expected to compare ourselves, pregnant or not, with these super, hyper-beautiful human beings. Girlfriend, please. Yes, I have mates who are naturally slim and their baby weight (with not everyone gaining a lot in the first place) literally disappeared the moment their babies appeared, like some kind of weight loss Faustian pact and that’s fantastic-I’m not envious at all *cough, but every woman is different and according to a family friend and Consultant Nutritionist, if you had to work hard to stay slim before your baby, you’ll most definitely need to afterwards. That I can vouch for personally…

My first pregnancy was tough, I had constant vomiting until 7 months and later the pregnancy liver condition obstetric cholestasis which led to an induction and crash c section. Not the unicorns and rainbows start to motherhood I’d hoped for, then. I put on what is regarded as a healthy 2 and a half stone during pregnancy, but gained another from immobility post surgery and in my struggle to simply survive the sleepless nights, colic and becoming a mother with little help, as we were far from family. Second time round, now close to my folks and sans sickness and OC, along with a tranquil elective, I found I started to lose weight from the start. I felt happy and strong from the get go and perhaps this made some difference. Let me stress though, weight loss wasn’t my priority and in my case, post section, I was left with an expansive, empty stomach, (as often is the case with standard vaginal births), but propped up by a discreet line of stitches which take time to heal. You cannot exercise until the Dr approves at your 6 week check and this often means gentle exercise to begin with. I was only allowed to run after 3 months. It took me 14 months after the birth of my first son to lose my weight (I even lost more, making it to an athletic, curvy UK size 10) and second time, it doesn’t appear to be taking as long as I’ve felt well and able to exercise and diet from 3 months. I do want to lose the weight and resume my normal figure but the healthy way. I love that saying, ‘nine months on, nine months off’ and have attached a poster stating it, to my treadmill. There will always be pressure from the media and our peers but often the worst comes from ourselves. Well this time, I’ve vowed to not be too tough on myself. We can’t stop supermodels from bouncing back into shape to make us feel better but we can be kinder to ourselves. We can realise weight loss (if we want to lose it in the first place) takes time and energy- two highly elusive things when children arrive. It’s OK. Luckily, we don’t have the Paps waiting in bushes outside our homes desperate to take an unflattering picture of us or a Victoria’s Secret catwalk show to model in a month after our babies arrive (most probably-no not you Heidi if you’re reading this) so let’s just take a moment to appreciate what our bodies have done. Our cervix did good. Now go give it a high five and show it some respect. Who wants to look like Miranda Kerr anyway! Erm, not I!

Vicki is a former Magazine Editor and award winning screenwriter and director. You can read more of her musings on motherhood at her popular blog: www.honestmum.com

You can follow her on Twitter @Honestmummy

Second Time Around – by Linda Mngwali

There is something different about my second pregnancy, not only am I sharing this experience with my partner, but also my six year old son. My son seems more excited than I am. Can’t wait for the baby to be born! He wants it to come now! I remember telling him I was pregnant when I was three months but he wouldn’t believe me – “Mummy, where is the baby? You don’t have a fat tummy!” At that point I wasn’t showing much at all. He believes me now.

Before our son was born, it was just my partner and I. I was very happy the moment we found out that we were having a baby boy and decided to call him Prince. A name that suited him to a capital T! We were eager to find out the sex the first time but with my second pregnancy there’s definitely a difference.

With my first I was nervous about the whole pregnancy experience. Being a first timer, I didn’t know a lot about dealing with a newborn and secondly I didn’t have any morning sickness feeling. Now with my second pregnancy I certainly feel a difference – I know what to expect once the baby is born, the feeding, sleepless nights, the crying – what to look for when they cry and so forth.

In my first trimester of this pregnancy I had a bit of heartburn, which was new and uncomfortable. Tried almost everything that my GP recommended but none of the medication worked. Soon found out my only cure was drinking very cold water, and by very cold I mean minus temperatures. Surprise surprise it was the only thing that did the trick! It hasn’t been a walk in the park like the first time. It was so easy. No sickness of a sort! However the heartburn has finally ended thank goodness! Now I can enjoy the next stages of my pregnancy.

Another big difference is my maternity wardrobe. My fashion has also changed a lot compared to my first pregnancy.

I’m more fashion conscious now, maybe because there is a lot more maternity clothes available so I have no excuse! When I was pregnant with my first I wasn’t so stylish. Friends had advised me that there was no need to buy maternity clothes as you only wear them for a short while and all you need is loose fitting pieces. Wrong!

My thinking process has changed with my second pregnancy. I want to make the most of this time and to look fabulous whilst pregnant, because you are only in this for a short period and your body has changed dramatically. This is the period when you have amazing skin, hair glows, nails and your curves changes to suit the growth of the baby. Loving the new me!!!

So to fit with my new body changes I want more vibrant pieces. Maternity clothes that make me stand out! Pregnancy doesn’t mean I should not pay attention to fashion and what I put in!

The first time I didn’t pay too much attention to the outfits I wore. Now there are so many brands and great maternity clothes out there which are passionate about embracing the different changes to women’s bodies (and amazing changes may I say!) I feel more passionate about my pregnancy style.

Working in the maternity fashion industry I can see amazing pieces for pregnant women. I take great pleasure in wearing clothes from Seraphine as I know how much thought goes into the design process. Not only am I selling these to my clients, but I can also recommend the right pieces with confidence as I’m also wearing them myself! – The beauty about the clothing is that they are comfortable, good quality, very durable and very transitional as you can wear them during and after without breaking the bank!

My concerns when I had my first son was why buy all those pieces when I’m only going to wear them only for nine months, so I didn’t spend much on my maternity wardrobe on my first child! With this pregnancy I so want to look great plus feel beautiful during my journey!

Seraphine makes clothes that you can wear for pregnancy and beyond. I’m excited to be sharing this with all my wonderful mothers to be!!!

Enjoy your pregnancy!!!!!!