Category: Health & Beauty

Pregnancy Workouts for Every Trimester with Anna Saccone & the Active Kit

It’s crunch time for those New Year’s Resolutions mamas – can you believe we’re over halfway through January already?

Stick to your fitness goals throughout pregnancy & after with the Seraphine Active Kit.

And check out Vlogger & mama of 4, Anna Saccone’s pregnancy workouts tailored to each trimester!

 

Meet the Seraphine Active Kit

Get the Seraphine Active Kit

The 2-Piece Active Kit is designed to keep you moving throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

Featuring a comfy pair of workout pants & a matching racerback tank top, it is the ultimate gym kit for hard-working mamas.

AND when you buy the active kit, you can get 15% off of any Seraphine Maternity & Nursing Sports Bra to wear with it. Just enter the code: ACTIVE15 at the checkout.

 

Anna’s First Trimester Workout

Exercising While Pregnant: Is it Safe?

Yes, exercising through your pregnancy is safe, healthy & 100% encouraged.

If you led an active lifestyle before becoming pregnant, you should be fine to carry on with your regular workout routine.

 

Anna’s Second Trimester Workout

Whether that’s jogging, spinning, pregnancy yoga, aerobics, Pilates, weights, swimming or something else – just be careful and don’t push too hard.

Your aim at this stage should be to maintain your current level rather than trying to reach peak fitness.

Of course, it’s best to talk it through with your doctor before beginning any new pregnancy workout routine.

 

Anna’s Third Trimester Workout

Anna is wearing the Seraphine Active Kit

Shop all Seraphine Maternity Sportswear here

 

Be sure to let your instructor know that you are pregnant before the start of any gym class.

And If you start to feel off at any point, just stop and take a break. Now is not the time to be testing your limits.

Whatever pregnancy workouts you choose for your nine months, make sure you’re having fun and feeling strong.

 

To see more from Anna, follow her on Instagram @annasaccone

What is Hypnobirthing? How Does it Work & Which Celebs Swear by it?

Imagine labour & birth, re-framed as a positive, empowering, even euphoric experience. Sound too good to be true?

That is the birth that hypnobirthing advocates claim is possible.

 

What is Hypnobirthing?

Get the Look: Double Layer Maternity & Nursing Top

 

Hypnobirthing is a system developed to help women through labour and birth. It involves visualisation, relaxation, massage and breathing exercises.

The aim is to identify and release the fear surrounding birth and reframe it in positive language.

For example, instead of thinking about getting through the next painful contraction, you are encouraged to focus on how each ‘surge’ or ‘wave’ brings you closer to meeting your baby.

 

Vlogger Hannah Michalak Shares her Positive Birth Story

 

Busting the Myths

The term Hypnobirthing can be misleading – there is no hypnosis involved and you will be fully conscious and aware of what is happening at all times.

The method simply provides tools and techniques that you and your birthing partner can use to remain calm and focused throughout the final stages of your pregnancy, labour & birth.

 

Can Hypnobirthing Replace Pain Relief?

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Hannah Michalak loved our Little Black Maternity Dress

 

Every birth is different, and the only person who can decide which method of pain relief is right for you is you.

Hypnobirthing techniques can be used alone or in conjunction with other pain relieving options such as a birthing pool, gas and air or epidural. The decision is 100% yours.

Some women claim to have experienced a pain-free birth using nothing but hypnobirthing techniques, though these cases are of course the exception rather than the norm.

 

Celebrity Mums Who Hypnobirth

The Duchess of Cambridge loved our Printed Woven Maternity Dress

 

Hypnobirthing classes have grown steadily in popularity over the past decade or so, often through word of mouth from one mum to another.

Many celebrity mums have opened up about their positive experiences with hypnobirthing, including Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, Giovanna Fletcher and Fearne Cotton to name but a few. It is even rumoured that The Duchess of Cambridge practices the techniques.

 

How Can I Learn Hypnobirthing?

Get the Look: Bamboo Lounge Maternity Pyjamas

 

If you are interested in finding out more, we recommend investigating what’s available in your local area. In some parts of the UK, hypnobirthing classes are offered at reduced rates or even for free on the NHS.

Many private practitioners offer classes in small groups with other couples, or as one to one sessions.

And if classes aren’t an option, there are plenty of books, DVDs and other materials available to help you go it alone.

Spiritual Fitness: Kundalini Yoga for Before, During & After Pregnancy

Kundalini yoga is a fantastic way to keep fit, fight stress and boost your mood.

It can help to keep you centred during early pregnancy & can even help to ease postnatal depression. Read on to find out more about this ancient practice.

 

What is Kundalini Yoga?

Originating from ancient Tibetan practices, this kind of yoga combines asana (postures), breath, meditation, mantras (chanting) and mudras (hand positions). It works directly on the nervous system and the glands to encourage positive brain chemistry.

Regular practice develops fitness, spirituality, positivity and creativity.

 


The Seraphine Active Kit is ideal for pregnancy yoga and adapts to your shape after baby is born. – Get the kit now

And don’t miss the matching maternity & nursing sports bra

 

Kundalini Yoga During Early Pregnancy

In normal circumstances, women can practice this form of yoga up until the 120th day of pregnancy (end of the 4th month). After this, it is generally recommended to switch to a specific pregnancy-centric yoga class.

 

 

How can it help combat postnatal depression?

Kundalini yoga expert Harmanjot Kaur claims that regular practice can help to rebalance the hormonal system after pregnancy, boosting oxytocin and dopamine. It also helps to bring the body back into shape and helps new mums to create stronger bonds with baby.

Kundalini practitioners believe that for the first 40 days after a baby is born, the aura of the mother and newborn remain closely intertwined. Harmanjot explains that this kind of yoga works on that magnetic pathway to increase connection and communication.

 

If you’re interested in finding out more, check out Harmanjot’s website.

You can also purchase her new DVDs Kundalini Yoga for Happiness and Health.

Pregnancy Insomnia: Why Can’t I Sleep & What Can I do About it?

Babies steal your sleep. That’s a fact. We may not like it much, but we expect it and are prepared when it happens.

What can come as more of a surprise, is that the little munchkins start their sleep-stealing habits long before they’re born.

 

So what causes pregnancy insomnia?

 

We’ve identified the top 6 reasons for loss of sleep in pregnancy:

1. Difficulty getting comfortable
2. Nighttime bathroom breaks
3. Vivid dreams
4. Congestion & snoring
5. Baby kicks
6. Anxiety

Read on to discover why you’re losing sleep through pregnancy & what you can do about it.

 

1. Difficulty Getting Comfortable

Black maternity lingerie by Seraphine

The Cause:

Many women struggle to find a comfy sleeping position while pregnant.

What with backache, pelvic pain, heartburn and difficulty supporting the bump it’s little wonder – especially if you’re not used to sleeping on your side.

The Solution:

Extra pillows – lots of them! Try a pillow between your knees to take some of the strain away from your hips. Another one under the bump will provide extra support.

Specialist pregnancy pillows are a great option if you’re struggling to settle down at night. You could try a full body pillow or something a little more discreet like the Ardega 4 in 1 Pregnancy Support Pillow which is ideal for tucking under the bump, and will also help with breastfeeding after baby is born.

Of course, the right maternity nightwear, specifically designed for pregnancy will also work wonders. If you’re struggling with sore breasts at night, we recommend trying a maternity sleep bra for a little added support.

Our Sleep Kit offers all you need when it comes to maternity nightwear – with a comfy bra, a soft nightie & a matching dressing gown.

You can shop comfortable maternity pyjamas & nighties here>>

 

 

2. Night-time Bathroom Breaks

Seraphine blue maternity nightie in bathroom

The Cause:

A classic pregnancy symptom with a more involved explanation than you might think!
Hormonal changes in your body during pregnancy cause blood to flow more quickly to your kidneys, causing them to work faster than usual.

On top of this, you’ll have up 50% more blood pumping around your body than normal, which means more fluid for them to process. And of course let’s not forget the growing baby curled up comfortably, pressing on your bladder!

The Solution:

Cut down on drinks before bed. It sounds obvious, but it really is the best way to combat the situation. Try to drink plenty during the day, then stop right after dinner.

 

3. Vivid Dreams

 

Pregnant woman suffering pregnancy insomnia

Dreams reflect your mental state, so with all the life-altering changes & natural worries that come with expecting, it’s hardly surprising that vivid dreams during pregnancy are common.

Vivid dreams may, in fact, be as much a side effect of your interrupted sleep as the cause of it.

Dreams typically happen during the REM phase of sleep. If you’re waking up several times per night anyway, interrupting an REM cycle mid-dream becomes ever more likely.

 

4. Congestion & Snoring

Grey maternity nightie in the bathroom

The Cause:

If you suddenly find yourself snoring for the first time during pregnancy, hormonal changes are the culprit again.

Increased levels of oestrogen & progesterone can cause the blood vessels in your nose to dilate, resulting in congestion and all the embarrassing side effects.

The Solution:

If you aren’t already sleeping on your side, switching could make a big difference – snoring is worse when you lie on your back. You could also try elevating your head (this can also help with heartburn).

If these don’t work, there are always over the counter anti-snoring aids such as nasal strips.

 

5. Baby Kicks Through the Night

lace maternity nightie by Seraphine

You may have noticed the pattern – you sit down to relax & your baby starts to kick.

Babies love to move around in the womb when mum is still, so it’s no surprise that lying down to sleep at night can often trigger a dance party in your belly…

There’s not a lot you can do if your little one happens to be a night owl… just try to relax and enjoy the fact that baby is alive and kicking… as it were.

 

6. Anxiety in Pregnancy

Black maternity pyjamas by Seraphine

The Cause:

Anxiety is one of the most common causes of pregnancy insomnia.
Any number of things could be keeping your mind ticking over into the wee small hours: The birth, becoming a mother, work-related or financial issues, your changing relationship with your partner… take your pick!

The Solution:

There’s no fool-proof solution here, but optimising your nighttime routine can make a big difference.

First, banish all screens from the bedroom and try to wind down before bedtime – take a warm bubble bath, read a book – do whatever it is that helps you to relax.

If your mind is buzzing with worries or ideas, try keeping a notebook & pen by the bed to jot things down. Whether it’s a full diary entry, random thoughts or even a to-do list for the next day – purging it out onto paper may help to calm your restless mind.

 

If you are suffering with pregnancy insomnia we hope you’ve found these tips helpful. If you’d like further information check out the NHS’s online guide to tiredness in pregnancy.

And don’t forget, if you’re worried you can always speak to your GP or midwife.

The Duchess of Cambridge Tackles Mental Health in Seraphine Maternity

This week The Duchess of Cambridge was out promoting positive messages surrounding mental health issues in children, babies and new mothers.

As a mother of two currently expecting her third baby, The Duchess is the perfect advocate for this cause, and we couldn’t be prouder to have dressed her as she spread such a vital message.

 

The Duchess Launches Mentally Healthy Schools

 

On Tuesday the Duchess visited Roe Green Junior School in North West London to launch the fantastic new Heads Together initiative – Mentally Healthy Schools. 

The project entails a brand new website with free resources for teachers and school staff, aimed at helping them to support and promote pupils’ mental health and wellbeing.

Click here to find out more about Mentally Healthy Schools

 

Get the look: Royal Blue Tailored Maternity Dress

For her visit, The Duchess chose a bespoke Seraphine maternity dress created exclusively for her at our London studios by our talented team of in-house tailors. The Royal Blue Tailored Maternity Dress will be available to buy later this season.

 

The Duchess Visits Maternal Health Clinics in London

Get the Look: Natasha Cashmere Blend Maternity Coat

On Wednesday, The Duchess continued her amazing awareness-raising work by visiting two London clinics specialising in maternal mental health.

At King’s College, she visited the Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute to learn about their pioneering research and new approaches to perinatal mental health.

Then in the afternoon, she travelled to the Royal Bethlem Hospital to meet with patients and clinicians at the NHS mother and baby unit there.

 

Get the Look: Florrie Woven Print Maternity Dress

For these visits, the Duchess teamed our Natasha Cashmere Blend Maternity Coat with our Florrie Printed Woven Maternity Dress – a style she also wore earlier this month for her visit to Reach Academy in Feltham.

 

 

As a maternity brand, issues surrounding the mental health of mothers and babies are very close to our hearts. We are thrilled to see the vital work the Heads Together foundation is undertaking to end the stigma and open up conversations about mental health at every stage of life.

 

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

Hairstyles like the Stars: Style Your Hair the way Pregnant Celebs Do

Here at Seraphine, we are always finding maternity fashion inspiration from our favourite pregnant celebs. From Hollywood A-listers like Jessica Alba & Anne Hathaway to royalty including The Duchess of Cambridge, all the hottest celebs love Seraphine maternity clothes. But this week, we’re looking past the maternity fashion & concentrating on their fabulous hairstyles!

 

Short Hairstyles: Anne Hathaway’s Bouncy Blow Dry

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Anne’s Seraphine Style: Wool & Cashmere Black Maternity Coat

Anne’s Hairstyle: The Bouncy Blow Dry

Stunning actress Anne Hathaway rocked a chic shoulder length style while she was expecting. Big, bouncy & full of volume, we can’t get enough of her glamorous blow-dry. 

 

Coco Rocha’s Slicked Back Hair Style

Coco’s Seraphine Style: Black Shift Maternity Dress

Coco’s Hairstyle: The Sleek Low Ponytail

Super model Coco Rocha is another mama who rocks a shorter hair style, but this slicked back look is a classic style that works for any length. To achieve this hair style, Coco parts her hair at the side and slicks it back into a low ponytail, using a touch of hair oil or serum to catch the flyaways. This sleek look is perfect for pairing with our classic little black maternity dress.

 

Long Hairstyles: Jessica Alba’s Beach Waves

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Jessica’s Seraphine Style: Pastel Printed Maternity Maxi Dress

Jessica’s Hairstyle: Easy Beach Waves

Jessica Alba, currently expecting baby number three is well known for her relaxed boho style. We love her loose beachy waves, which are incredibly versatile. Dress them down for the daytime, or rock them after dark with an ultra-glamorous maternity dress. 

 

The Duchess of Cambridge’s Chelsea Blow Dry

The Duchess’s Seraphine Style: Fuchsia Knot Front Maternity Dress

The Duchess’s Hairstyle: The Chelsea Blowdry

For a glamorous occasion, who better to emulate than The Duchess of Cambridge. She rocked her signature Chelsea blow dry with our fuchsia knotted maternity dress in the first official pictures with Prince George, and then again while expecting Princess Charlotte. She looked particularly stunning on arriving in New York, dressed in Seraphine & blow-dried to perfection for her first official visit to the United States.

Watch the video with Kate’s hairstylist Richard Ward & learn how to re-create this glamorous look at home.

 

Easy Hairstyles: Binky Felstead’s Messy Bun

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Binky’s Seraphine Style: Two Tone Luxury Nursing Shawl Wrap

Binky’s Hairstyle: The Messy Bun

Made in Chelsea star Binky Felstead is another fan of the Chelsea blow dry, but on more casual days, she is often seen sporting the messy bun. The messy bun is the ultimate shortcut style for mamas with long hair – it’s perfect for second-day styling or for relaxed weekends hanging out with your little ones.

Pro tip: To achieve the perfect messy bun, you have to start with a mess!

 

 

Cute Hairstyles: Sophie Ellis Bextor’s Half Up, Half Down

Sophie Ellis Bextor pregnant, wearing a Seraphine black maternity dress

Sophie’s Seraphine Style: Black Zip Detail Maternity Dress

Sophie’s Hairstyle: Half Up Half Down
Looking for cute hairstyles that look great and are easy to achieve? We love singer Sophie Ellis Bextor’s chic half up half down style. She looked stunning teaming the style with one of our Black Maternity Dresses for the UKTV awards.

 

We’d like to thank blogger Kate from The Small Things for providing hair tutorials for this post. We hope it has provided a few hair styling ideas and has inspired you to try some of these chic hairstyles for yourself!

 

Pregnancy Diet: Healthy Recipes, Perfect for You & the Bump!

Hands up who’s still recovering from the Easter chocolate fest last weekend! You’re certainly not alone! Here at Seraphine we’re prescribing ourselves a much-needed health kick. Read on to find out which vitamins and minerals are most important for your pregnancy diet and why, and join us on our healthy eating mission.

 

Pregnancy Vitamins & Where to Find Them

Pregnancy vitamin wheel

 

Get all your pregnancy vitamins covered in your diet and you’ll really feel the difference. When your pregnancy diet is right, you’ll glow inside and out! Why not show off your glow with some stunning new maternity clothes.

 

Spring maternity dresses by Seraphine

 

Healthy Recipes for your Pregnancy Diet


Stunning food blogger Madeleine Shaw is a certified nutritional health coach, who creates amazing healthy recipes & shares them on her blog, in her Instagram and in her beautiful cook books. And right now, she is expecting her first baby! We had a quick look through Madeleine’s recipes & chose a few of our favourites for breakfast, lunch & dinner to help you get your recommended pregnancy vitamins and minerals naturally from your food.

 

Healthy Breakfast


Madeleine’s overnight oats with milk, topped with fresh strawberries, nuts & seeds, washed down with a glass of fresh orange juice. Get the recipe>>

Start your day like this, and you’ll kick start your body in the best possible way. This quick & easy ultra-healthy recipe gives you a great boost of ALL 8 of your necessary pregnancy vitamins & minerals – what could be better?

 

Healthy Lunch Ideas


Madeleine’s black bean salad with roasted corn & fried eggs. Get the recipe>>

This is ideal for an easy light lunch. Packed full of protein and vitamin A, eggs are delicious and nutritious, while the beans and leafy greens provide plenty of folate.

 

Healthy Dinner


Madeleine’s brown rice pasta with broccoli, pesto, toasted almonds & peas. Get the recipe>>

A positive folate explosion, every ingredient in this quick week night dinner helps towards your daily folic acid requirement, as well as providing a healthy dose of vitamin A & C. Why not mix it up a bit by throwing in some shredded chicken to ramp up your protein & iron intake.

 

Best of luck with your pregnancy diet mama!

Sensory Deprivation Tank & Seraphine Maternity Swimwear with The Sass

Ever thought about trying a sensory deprivation tank? No?… Us neither. But after this, we just might have to give it a go! Watch the video and check out the amazing benefits of float tanks for pregnancy with top beauty Vloggers Susan Yara & Sharzad Kiadeh – AKA The SASS!

 

 

Both ladies were pregnant during filming, and have since welcomed their beautiful baby boys – Cyrus and Nikash, and they both rocked Seraphine maternity swimwear in the video. Susan looked super cute in our Nautical Braided Maternity Bikini, and Sharzad opted for our ultra-chic Black Halter Neck Maternity Swimsuit.

 

Sharzad Kiadeh & Susan Yara wear Seraphine maternity bathing suits

 

And this isn’t the first time the girls have looked stunning in Seraphine maternity clothes. Susan wore several Seraphine maternity dresses throughout her pregnancy – our favourite has to be this shot of her in our signature knotted dress.

 

 

And Sharzad was a big fan of Seraphine throughout her last pregnancy too. She even chose one of our cute maternity dresses for her baby shower!

 

 

For more from the girls, follow them on Instagram @susanyara @sharzadkiadeh.

 

Sensory deprivation tanks and Seraphine maternity swimsuits

 

 

The SASS visited Pause Float Studio in Marina Del Rey California, and were amazed by how utterly relaxed they felt afterwards – not to mention the silky soft feeling it gave their skin! To try it out for yourself, check online to find your nearest sensory deprivation tank spa.

Pregnancy Yoga on the Roof: Limbering up with Voga Mama & Seraphine

Take the amazing mind and body rejuvenating benefits of a pregnancy yoga class, add a cool location, an 80’s inspired soundtrack and a dash of attitude designed to get your Serotonin levels soaring, and what do you get?

A VOGA MAMA rooftop yoga class, that’s what!

 

 

This week, we went along to the stunning rooftop terrace at Coq d’Argent in London to meet House of Voga founder Juliet Murrell and sit in on her fantastic Voga Mama class. The class combined strong empowering poses with stress relieving pregnancy yoga positions, all designed to safely prepare the body for labour. The energy was high, the poses were fierce & the ladies were looking fabulous in the Seraphine Active Kit.

 

Pregnancy yoga in the Seraphine Active Kit

 

The kit is designed to be the ultimate maternity sportswear solution – a must-have for active mums and mums-to-be and perfect for pregnancy yoga. It features a supportive maternity & nursing sports bra, tank top, maternity workout pants and a matching headband, all packed up in their own stylish drawstring gym bag. The Active Kit is designed to grow with you through pregnancy and beyond, providing easy access for nursing after baby is born.

 


Maddie, one of the stylish yoga mamas had this to say:

“I felt fantastic in my kit, it was very lightweight and stretchy & I feel like I can move around a lot. I’m very pleased and comfortable!”

 

 

Pregnancy yoga is the perfect way to de-stress and prepare your body for the challenge of labour, and with the added attitude and fun factor that Juliet brings to her classes, we can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday morning. Check online to sign up to her next class on 26th of March.

Fertility Expert & Grandma-to-be Zita West Talks Getting Pregnant

Zita West is a leading fertility expert, practicing midwife, acupuncturist, nutritional advisor and author of ten fertility and pregnancy books – and the founder of the Zita West Fertility Clinic. She has been involved in fertility for over 30 years, and has helped thousands of couples to get into optimum shape for all the vital stages of childbirth from pre-conception to conception, pregnancy and the months immediately after birth.

 

 

1) Tell us a bit about what you do…

At the Zita West fertility clinic, we believe that fertility is a whole body event, and many factors contribute to getting pregnant. What sets us aside from other fertility clinics is that we assess all of the factors that can impact on success, from the medical to the psychological – stress and mindset play a huge role. We believe that every couple is different – you cannot have a one-size fits all approach with fertility. The programme we have developed is highly individualised. We start with getting to know our clients, their lifestyle, their nutrition and even their mindset so we can develop the right plan of action for them.

 

 

2) Can you tell us more about your methods? How do diet and lifestyle factor in?

My approach to fertility, IVF and pregnancy has always been an holistic one. It’s about making little changes to various aspects of your life, remembering that fertility is a whole body event rather than something that just happens in the fallopian tubes. I believe that the best way to conceive is to start by looking at five key areas in your life – medical, nutrition, relationship, mindset and lifestyle. Many women trying for a baby just focus on the pregnancy and not what they can do beforehand to ensure a healthy egg and a healthier pregnancy.

 

 

Nutrition is ultimately the foundation for a healthy pregnancy. When you are pregnant, the baby doesn’t rely on what you eat in any one day, it will rely on your valuable stores of nutrients. So looking at what you’re eating and when you’re eating is vital. You both need regular meals filled with lots of protein for healthy eggs and sperm, essential fatty acids for cell membranes and hormone regulation, and micronutrients.

 

 

3) Do you have any advice along these lines for expectant mums?

My book The Pregnancy Companion is full of great tips, it’s a huge tome that took me a year to write! In the first weeks of pregnancy many women are anxious, they fear that they are going to do something that may harm the baby such as the foods they eat, their diet and exercise. They need a lot of reassurance.

I always encourage women to learn stress techniques or have treatments such as acupuncture to cope with some of the early pregnancy anxieties.

 

 

4) Tell us about your pregnancy products

I developed my pregnancy range of multivitamins and minerals 15 years ago and have tweaked them throughout the years. I have a different product for each of the 4 trimesters of pregnancy, with the fourth being the post-natal period. I believe growing a baby results in different nutritional needs throughout the pregnancy, so the supplements vary accordingly. Likewise DHA Omega 3 is so important to start taking prior to pregnancy to build up in the system so it’s available for the baby’s brain development – it is hard to get large amounts from food. The supplements are all about meeting the body’s needs at various stages.

 

How Much Do Londoners Know About Their Fertility?

 

6) It must be amazing to know that you are helping so many families. What would you say is the best part of your job?

That’s easy. It’s when women come back with their babies!

 

 

7) And the most challenging?

The fact that there are no guarantees. If you pay £10k for a hip operation, you’re going to get a new hip. With fertility treatment, we cannot ultimately, despite all that we do, guarantee a couple a baby. And seeing a woman who regrets that she left it too late to become a mother is always heart-breaking.

 

Luxe maternity dresses

Zita’s daughter Sophie is wearing our Luxury Black Lace Maternity Cocktail Dress and our Navy Silk & Lace Maternity Evening Gown.

 

8) A little bird told us that you are about to become a grandma! Congratulations – What are you looking forward to the most?

I am so excited as it has taken me a while to persuade my daughter to get on with it!!!!!  As a midwife, I take nothing for granted, so until she has had the baby I can’t relax. I’m looking forward to being in labour with her and the time after, helping her through those early days and giving her the confidence she needs.

 

To find out more, visit www.zitawest.com or check our her YouTube channel.

Zita West’s pregnancy products are available in her shop

Top 5 Breastfeeding Tips with Breastfeeding Specialist Geraldine Miskin

There are some simple breastfeeding tips that can make feeding enjoyable and sustainable and it starts with how you position and latch your baby. When you get this right, breastfeeding can be pretty straightforward.

I want to let you in on some of my top breastfeeding tips and why they work so that you feel empowered and equipped from the first feed.

 

1) Breastfeeding Positions: Get Comfortable

 

Feeds typically last for 45 – 60 minutes at a time and babies like to feed often in the early days, so comfort is super important. Common breastfeeding challenges are often caused as a simple result of baby being positioned too high or too low.

 

 

As a rule, if you are using a firm feeding cushion, you want to ensure that there is 2 fingers width between the base of your breast and the cushion to allow for baby’s lower arm to wrap around you. If you already have a special cushion, try it out on your chairs or sofa before baby arrives so that you have a good idea of where you’ll feel most comfortable.

And of course, make sure to have a great selection of comfy nursing clothes to wear which allow easy access for breastfeeding – Seraphine have fantastic options.

 

2) The Perfect Breastfeeding Latch

Get the Look: Bamboo Maternity & Nursing Nightie

 

Looking at the breast, it’s easy to believe that your nipple is the most important bit to get into baby’s mouth. However, it is the areola, brown bit around your nipple that is more important. In particular, the areola close to baby’s lower lip. The more areola your baby scoops up, the more comfortable the latch is for you and the more milk your baby gets.

 

Breastfeeding tips: Seraphine maternity bra & robe

Browse our collection & discover more stylish Maternity Pyjamas & Nursing Nightwear

 

In order to get the right amount and bit of the breast into baby’s mouth, you want to line your baby’s nose up with your nipple. Try this illustration. Pretend you’re a baby and your thumbnail is a nipple. Placing your thumb in a thumbs up position, line the tip of your nose up with the nipple, and notice where your lower lip is. Keeping your thumb in place, open your mouth and pop your thumb into your mouth and give it a suck. You’ll notice that it feels quite comfortable and that your thumbnail (would be nipple) is right at the back and out of harm’s way.

When you get this right, breastfeeding is much better for you and baby.

 

3) Be Confident That Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk

 

The most satisfactory way to know that your baby is getting enough milk, especially in the first week when your breasts feel empty or like there’s nothing there, is to monitor what comes out. Yes, I’m talking about your baby’s poos and whilst they probably don’t sound exciting now, just you wait until you see what baby has in store.

 


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Your baby has the most fantastic poo display in the early days, moving from black (meconium), to green, to brown, orange and yellow by day 10. Allocate 3 days for black poos then 2 days for each colour thereafter. If your baby’s poos track the poo colour spectrum, baby is getting enough milk. If they are slow to change, baby needs more time on the breast/s and if they are quick to change, you know that your baby is ahead of the game and doing really well.

 

4) Embrace Your Uniqueness

 

Breastfeeding tips can be a bit stiff, especially if they are not tailored to suit you and your baby. Different feeding patterns suit different mums and babies. Whilst you are finding your feet, follow your instinct and your baby, monitor output and your baby’s weight gain as this never lies.

 

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As a rule, you can expect your baby to lose 10% of birth weight by day 5 which we want baby to regain between week 2 and 3. After this, we want to see a weekly average weight gain of 210g or 7oz. If baby gains less, you need to feed more and if baby gains more, you can stick with what you are doing, or take the pressure off yourself and be confident that you and baby are doing just fine.

 

5) Find Your Breastfeeding Routine

 

It all starts with you, so decide what you’d like to achieve and find out how to do it before your baby arrives. If by nature you like routine, follow a routine loosely to start with until you and baby carve one out that works well for both of you. If you don’t like structure, don’t bother with a routine. Either way is fine provided it works for you and baby.

 

Geraldine Miskin is a breastfeeding specialist with years of experience helping mums and babies find what works for them. Visit her site Geraldinemiskin.com for more breastfeeding tips, and to find out about her 1 to 1 consultations, over skype or at your home, and discover her new book Breastfeeding Made Easy – The Miskin Method.

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