We could all use a little more kindness in our lives these days. So this week on the blog, we’re thinking about the little things we can do to brighten someone’s day.
Receiving something exciting in the mail is such a simple thing, and yet it has the power to make someone’s day… Just think how happy you were to see the delivery person with your latest online order!
Why not send a little something to let someone know you’re thinking of them… whether it’s a hand-written letter, a bunch of flowers or a thoughtful gift for a fellow mama-to-be.
The people you live with, neighbours you pass on the street, the person who serves your take-out coffee… you never know who could use a friendly smile.
Pregnancy & postnatal expert & mother of two, Becca Maberly is the Founder of A Mother Place, a site which offers antenatal courses designed to prepare parents for pregnancy, birth & life with a new baby. This week her brand new book – Nobody Tells You – hit the shelves, so we caught up with her to find out more…
We had an early sneak peak & we can tell you, it’s an absolute gold mine of info, anecdotes & reassurance – a must-have for new or expecting parents!
First, tell us a bit about A Mother Place – What’s the Mission?
When I was pregnant with my first son, I was so lucky to have my dad, an Obstetrician at the end of the phone. It was amazing to have expert advice on tap throughout every trimester and to prepare me for my birth. I was like an A Grade student going in to ace my exam! However, there was a bit of a gap in my knowledge as I failed to prepare myself for what came after the birth!
I created A Mother Place because I wanted to make sure that no mother felt as alone as I did in those first few weeks, months and years. When I first had my son, I was so confused and angry that there seemed to be so much stuff surrounding birth and the postnatal period that nobody had told me about. Everything seemed to be shrouded in secrecy until you were actually a proper part of this mystical mum gang…and then suddenly people are dying to talk to you about their piles and postnatal depression! That’s great, but I wanted to know about this kind of thing before hand, so I could be prepared!
I created online courses to help prepare women and their partners. My wish is that new mums coming behind us embark on their parenting journey with their eyes wide open and armed with all the information and advice they need to for the nerve-wracking times ahead!
Now tell us about the book!
It’s called ‘Nobody Tells You’ and it’s a collection of over 100 honest stories about pregnancy, birth and parenthood. It covers everything that Nobody Tells you from infertility and miscarriage right through to giving birth and eventually going back to work AND everything in between! We have some amazing, brave, funny, sad and wonderful stories from the likes of Megan Rose Lane, Clemmie Telford, Anna Mathur and Cat Simms and amazing expert advice from Obstetrician Roger Marwood, who happens to be my dad!
It is inspired by my own frustration at the lack of honest information out there and I really hope it will become an invaluable guide to those who are thinking about becoming parents, already pregnant or have become parents recently.
There is no scaremongering, no sugar coating, just reassuring and practical advice alongside personal stories that prove there is no “right way” to do it!
Enter on Instagram to Win Your Copy + a Fabulous Prize Bundle, Including a Seraphine Skin to Skin Top!
We love the bite-size format – perfect for dipping in & out of when you have a spare 5 minutes…
There are more than 100 different stories from men and women covering just about EVERYTHING you can think of from trying to conceive right through to going back to work after having a baby, and everything else in between!
Each story is accompanied by expert advice that explains any issues that are raised in the story and information about where to get help if you need it. Despite the difficult and sometimes heart-breaking subjects we cover, the book is very positive, uplifting and funny too!
We have an absolutely amazing community on Instagram, @amotherplace, and everyone is so generous with sharing their stories, whatever the subject. When I decided to write the book I asked people to submit their stories and they just flooded in!
Did any of them hit particularly close to home for you? (Aside from your own, of course!)
Yes, the breastfeeding stories really hit home for me. I had a particularly difficult time feeding my babies and it was very emotional for me to read about the struggles that others went through too. I also suffered from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy a few years ago which went undiagnosed and almost killed me, so the story that we share about that is very personal to me.
Having delivered over 5000 babies in his time, Roger Marwood provides invaluable medical insights to accompany the stories in the book. What was it like navigating your own pregnancies with him on the end of the phone?
I felt so lucky and so privileged to have access to such expert advice 24-7. All my friends were always on the phone too – they still are when they have any pregnancy related questions! When I set up our Online Antenatal Classes on A Mother Place, it was because I wanted to be able to share this resource with everyone else. I wanted everyone else to feel as confident and prepared as I did when I went into labour. And the online Postnatal Courses I launched more recently to help new mums in that nerve-wracking first year!
Lastly, any advice to share with new & expecting mamas?
It’s wonderful but it is also VERY hard work, but I think if you know about the tough stuff and you expect this, then often it will be better or easier than you thought. So be prepared, do your research. Understand how the human body is meant to work and how we are designed to give birth, but also understand that Mother Nature doesn’t always get it right, and if this happens to you then you do not need to be afraid. We have amazing doctors and nurses who can help deliver your baby safely.
You need to appreciate that your body and mind will change, not for the worse, but things will be different. If things don’t feel good for you after you have had a baby, then again, you do not need to worry as there is help and support out there for you whatever issues you are having. And above all, remember that however you are feeling, whatever you are going through, you are not alone.
At Serphine, we pride ourselves on offering innovative solutions to support new & expecting parents at every stage of pregnancy & early parenthood. You can shop our full collection online here
Layering our bodycon maternity dress with her own fringed cover-up & completing the look with a pop of colour, @mayawilliamz rocked this outfit at London Fashion Week.
Another masterfully layered look from @mayawilliamz – she teamed our navy shift dress with her own sleeveless jacket & a statement pair of leopard print boots.
Pretty in plaid – @karmengwilson is perfectly styled for autumn! We love the open toe shoes & adorable felt hat – they’re the perfect finishing touches.
The style doesn’t stop after baby arrives! @mamastillgotit_ teamed our innovative post maternity shaping jeans with our classic Breton nursing top, adding a pop of colour with a statement orange jacket.
Stunning mama @sophiepatersoninteriors is another fan of our faux leather leggings – these leggings are a celebrity favourite with stars like Anne Hathaway, Gwen Stefani, Marion Cotillard & more rocking the look.
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By now, everyone from your doctor to your mother will be telling you that the most important thing for you and your baby is to keep calm while expecting.
So as it turns out, a relaxing babymoon is practically prescribed!
Take a look at our top 5 babymoon ideas for a romantic trip for two before baby makes three…
Timing is everything! Be sure to slot in your babymoon some time through your second trimester. Morning sickness should be a distant memory, and you’ll have plenty of energy to travel.
Not to mention that this is the time when your pregnancy curves are at their cutest and will look adorable in a stylish maternity bikini!
Choose your destination carefully. Pick a place you’ve always wanted to go, but maybe save the serious sight-seeing for another time – if there was ever an excuse to lie on the beach for a week, this is it!
Think carefully about your travel times as anything over 4 hours may be a struggle, and it’s also smart to steer clear of any potential for tropical diseases or deli belly. This could be the perfect opportunity to spend that beautiful week on the French Riviera.
Indulge in a luxury hotel! This is your last big blow out before baby takes over for a while, so make sure to take full advantage.
A huge comfy bed, en-suite, 24-hour room service and a spa are all prerequisites. It’s also a great idea to call ahead & let them know you are babymoon-ing… you never know who might offer an upgrade!
Above all, your babymoon is the perfect opportunity for you and your partner to reconnect and strengthen your bond before this major life transition.
Now is the time to go out for a romantic meal, indulge in couples’ spa treatments and generally enjoy each other’s company. Because let’s face it, once your little addition arrives he or she is bound to steal the limelight for a while.
We could all use a little more Headspace in our lives – especially during pregnancy!
Developed by a former Buddhist monk, Headspace is a meditation app, with over a million users worldwide. Starting with just 10 mindful minutes per day, this app aims to transform the way your brain works, helping to reduce stress, recharge creativity, boost focus and even improve your relationships.
So how can it help during pregnancy?
This summer, the founder of Headspace Andy Puddicombe released a book – The Headspace Guide to a Mindful Pregnancy, along with a brand new pregnancy pack, which can be found in the health section of the app.
Now we know what you’re thinking…. A pregnancy guide written by a man? But hear us out! It offers simple, empowering exercises designed to create the best state of mind from conception, through pregnancy, birth and parenthood. Andy puts it better than we could – check out his explanation on the Headspace blog.
Andy Explains
This app changes lives for the better; scores of celebrities and successful entrepreneurs swear by the Headspace system including actresses Gwyneth Paltrow and Emma Watson, TV presenter and fan of the Seraphine maternity jeansFearne Cotton, Huffington Post founder Arianna Huffington and Seraphine founder Cecile Reinaud.
Your pregnancy could be the perfect opportunity to shake up the way you think and introduce a little mindfulness into your routine!
Here at Seraphine we’re getting that new year feeling – you know the one. You wake up one morning and realise that you have literally nothing to wear to work. Sounds like it’s time for a work wear wardrobe re-vamp!
When it comes to dressing your bump for the office, the rules are basically the same as they were pre-pregnancy with just a few minor adjustments to flatter your changing figure. Read on for our top tips for professional style in pregnancy…
You Can’t Beat the Classics
Build up the basis of your working wardrobe with classic staples in black, white and grey. A comfy pair of tailored maternity trousers is a must, and you’ll never go wrong with a little black maternity dress. The Seraphine Bump Kit is a great starting point for your professional wardrobe; it offers 4 essential styles to mix, match and accessorise with key pieces from your regular wardrobe!
Add a Pop of Colour
That being said, don’t be afraid to introduce a touch of colour into the mix! Break up your monochromes with colours and patterns for a more feminine look at the office. Pair black or grey trousers with a rich jewel tone maternity blouse, or bring a little more personality to your look with stylish patterned maternity dresses. Small repeating patterns like polka dots will always flatter a bump!
Complete your look & tie your pregnancy work wear ensemble together with the perfect accessories! A well placed belt will work wonders for your figure, breaking up your outfit and defining your empire waist, while a smart It bag will lend your look that perfect professional edge.
And don’t forget the shoes! When you’re expecting at the office, you need shoes that will look the part, and feel comfy and supportive all day long. Seems like a tall order, but ShoeTherapy has got your back! Their fabulous range of stylish ballerina flats and fashion forward loafers are perfect for your 9 to 5; made with ergonomically engineered soles, and designed to take the strain out of walking.
Glamorous mama Claire Sanderson is the assistant editor at Look magazine, who describes herself as a Valley girl done good! Mum to 2 year old cutie Zak with another one on the way, we caught up with Claire to find out how she’s been styling her bump for the office.
1) Describe your day to day style
I’m all about simple yet knockout dresses and love a printed, vintage find. Pre pregnancy I’m a curvy size 12 with a narrow waist and wide hips so I’m a big fan of nipped in waistlines – the classic tea dress is my ultimate cut. I also prefer a midi length to balance out my hips. I rarely, in fact never, wear jeans or trousers. Even on the weekend you’ll find me in a dress with nice flats and a cross the body bag.
2) Did you stay true to your style during pregnancy?
Yes, definitely. I’ve worn more plain dresses as opposed to lots of prints, but my waist, although higher, has remained comparatively small to my ever growing hips and bottom so the fit and flare style still suits me best.
3) How did being pregnant affect your work wardrobe?
To be honest, it didn’t. I’ve just worn different dresses, but with flats rather than amazing heels. One of my colleagues paid me a lovely compliment recently saying I’d worn my pregnancy well and always dressed appropriately for the office. I’ve tried to keep my wardrobe elegant, even when it’s the last thing I actually feel.
4) What was your favourite Seraphine piece?
I love the navy pleated dress. It’s so comfortable, a must for expectant mums. The three quarter length sleeves are very flattering and the midi length is perfect to accommodate a growing bump without the hem riding up and becoming too short. The belt detail below the bust line exentuates what is still my slimmest area leaving me feeling confident and ready to take on the work day.
5) Any top tips to share with pregnant mums?
Pregnancy shouldn’t change who you are or your style, but obviously adjustments have to be made. When it became apparent that I was a liability in heels – my balance and spatial awareness seem to have all but disappeared – I bought a couple of pairs of great flats. I’d also advise investing in key maternity pieces that you can rotate and accessorise differently. Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself. No one is expecting you to look amazing every day.
Today marks the start of international Baby Loss Awareness Week, and here at Seraphine we are taking part by spreading the love and raising money for Tommy’s the baby charity with our #justforlove campaign.
This week is a special opportunity for parents around the world to mark the all too brief lives of babies lost in pregnancy or during or shortly after birth, and to raise awareness and funds for the fantastic charities working for the cause.
With our #justforlove campaign we are aiming to raise £100,000 to help Tommy’s fund the creation of the UK’s first medical research centre dedicated to the prevention of early miscarriage.
We are donating all profits from the sale of our iconic Love T-Shirt to Tommy’s, and will donate an extra £1 for every picture uploaded to our #justforlove page wearing the tee.
No bump needed to wear the Love T-Shirt – it’s designed to look great pregnant or not.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor Explains…
1 in 4 women will suffer a miscarriage through their lives, so whether you have experienced this terrible loss for yourself or you know someone who has, wear The Love T-Shirt in support of mothers and babies everywhere.
Gigi Brooks is a luxury lifestyle brand for babies and children facilitating the design and creation of furniture, interiors and gifts from some of the world’s finest artisans and designers. Whether you are after a one-off piece of furniture, a selection of gifts or a complete room design, Gigi Brooks offers a specialist bespoke service to help you realise your vision down to the most intricate detail.
Gigi Brooks are offering Seraphine blog readers an exclusive 10% discount across their entire range! Simply enter the code SERAPHINE10 at the checkout to redeem the offer. This week on the blog, we’re handing you over to the experts at Gigi Brooks to let them introduce themselves & explain what they do best…..
At Gigi Brooks, our vision is to make a child’s early years truly magical and memorable. We believe that nursery and children’s furniture should be made to last a lifetime, like the way they used to be made, charming generation after generation of children. We offer exclusive pieces that cannot be found anywhere else and ensure that each and every design is completely tailored to create an interior masterpiece.
Planning your Nursery
We are always eager to advise clients on how to find their perfect look for baby’s nursery and we’re passionate about creating truly magical spaces for babies and children. We begin a nursery design by considering the essential items that will need to be included in the room, and then build the design around this.
A baby needs somewhere to sleep, feed and be changed, so a crib, nursing chair and dresser are what we consider to be nursery essentials. Once these have been established, we then discuss with the client the designs that they have seen and liked, and the feel they want to create throughout the room.
For example, the design can be tailored to suit an ultra-modern feel, complete with sleek furnishings and minimal accessories, or alternatively to achieve a plush, regal look with everything from sumptuous silk crib skirts, intricate woodwork and luxurious crib canopies, we can suggest the ideal pieces for every design.
The Latest Trends
We’ve seen some gorgeous key trends coming through this year, and we particularly love the trend for the whimsical hot air balloon accents that can be found in a number of our designs. Perfect for both boys and girls and easy to incorporate through the use of well-placed accessories, we think this is a trend that will be sticking around for a while yet.
We’ve also seen a number of clients looking for the ever-classic and sophisticated gold accented nursery, a style statement offering unbridled opulence and extravagance.
We believe it’s important to ensure a design has longevity and really works with the rest of the home. The nursery should be seen as an extension of the home because, as a parent to a newborn, there will be plenty of time spent cherishing those special memories in baby’s beautiful room.
Don’t forget to enter the code SERAPHINE10 at the checkout when you shop at Gigi Brooks for 10% off your entire order!
Terms & Conditions
Use of this code constitutes full and unconditional acceptance of these terms and conditions.
The code ‘SERAPHINE10’ can be used on any products on gigibrooks.com without exception and will deduct 10% from the total of the order.
This code cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers that may be available through Gigi Brooks at the time of purchase.
This code can be used multiple times before the code expires and has no limited use per customer.
This code expires on Saturday 31st October 2015.
This code is not redeemable for cash, or transferable.
This code will be applicable to products only and will not be applied to any associated shipping costs.
September is here mamas! And with the new season trends gaining momentum, now is the perfect time for a makeup bag overhaul. Take a tip from the catwalks this autumn, and try out the latest makeup trends…
After a few seasons of “no makeup” makeup taking centre stage, we are pleased to report the triumphant return of the statement lip! This season saw pillar box reds at Monique Lhuillier, luxe berry shades at Dolce & Gabbana and even vampiric blacks at Emanuel Ungaro – work the trend if you dare!
This season’s blusher is all about the flush! Save strong contouring for later; right now the idea is to create a naturally glowing look as if you’ve just come in from the cold after a brisk wintery walk. As seen on the runway at Kate Spade, placement is key with this look – dust the apples of your cheeks, and bring the shade down to create the perfect instant flush.
Designers and makeup artists took eyeliner to a whole new level this autumn! From the spikey scribbled look at Fendi to slept-in smudges at Monique Lhuillier and floating liner at Rochas, this is the season to experiment with your liquid liner.
With autumn setting in, glamorous metallics are making a comeback. Start the season with some soft bronze eye shadow as seen at many a catwalk show. Then as winter approaches, you can up the ante with a dusting of glitter, or even sequins and crystals to make a statement for the party season. We can’t get over the gold sequins at Temperley London or the dewdrop glitter lashes at Carolina Herrera.
With September fast approaching, we’ve recently found ourselves eyeing up our tights and Chelsea boots, and wondering… “is today the day?” Our thoughts are turning to those first glorious weeks of autumn – the bright sunny days with just a hint of chill in the breeze.
These in-between days are notoriously tricky to dress for, so check out our top 5 transitional must haves, & prep your September style!
1) Denim Dress
A soft chambray denim maternity dress is the ideal style to transition the seasons. It tends to have a little more weight to it than a regular summer dress and looks just as stylish with sandals as it does with tights & boots!
2) Breton Top
Nothing navigates between the seasons quite like a classic Breton maternity top. Anything goes when it comes to this season-less style staple; pair it with denim shorts and flip flops, then transition the look for autumn with your favourite maternity jeans and a stylish wrap scarf.
3) Cover Up
Don’t give up your stylish summer dresses just yet! Transition them for the new season with a luxury cosy cover up. Our Cotton & Cashmere Maternity Cardigans in cream or soft grey are your perfect autumn allies.
4) Ripped Jeans
A true fashion all-star; a great pair of ripped maternity jeans offers year round style. Turn them up at the ankle & pair with a cute maternity tee when the sun shines, then add a cosy jumper and ankle boots when the weather starts to turn.
5) Nursing Shawl
It’s too warm for a coat, but not quite warm enough to go without altogether… so what’s a girl to do? This is the season for a stylish fashion nursing shawl. Drape it over any outfit to add a high fashion edge and to keep out the chill – discreet cover for breastfeeding is a bonus!
As your third trimester approaches, it’s time to start thinking about what to pack in your hospital bag.
Space at the hospital is limited, but you definitely don’t want to arrive only to realise that you’ve forgotten something essential.
Zabeena’s Hospital Bag Checklist
We caught up with third-time mama Seraphine model Zabeena, who shared her ultimate hospital bag checklist with us. These are the things she’ll be taking along for baby number three.
*Your Birth Plan: You’ll want a printed copy handy to give to your midwife.
*Comfy Maternity Nightwear: A soft button-down nightie is a must – it’s ideal for labour as well as skin to skin and breastfeeding afterwards. A matching dressing gown and supportive sleep bra are also a great idea to pack.
*Slippers: Because nobody wants to get cold feet during labour!
*A Camera: Capture those first precious moments.
* The Wash Bag: Make sure to pack all the regular overnight essentials – Toothbrush & toothpaste, lip balm, hairbrush, ties & clips, flannel, face wash, deodorant, travel size shower gel, shampoo, conditioner & towels, tissues, wet wipes, and maternity pads.
*Some Distractions: Magazines, music, phone, iPad & chargers – don’t get caught out without juice at a crucial moment.
*Snacks & Drinks: Pack plenty for you & your partner – It may be a long wait, and nobody wants a hangry birthing partner! Isotonic drinks like Lucozade are a great way to keep your energy levels up.
*Nursing Bras& Comfy Briefs: A few pairs of comfy briefs are a must for after labour. And if you plan to nurse, you’ll want to pack some comfortable nursing bras.
*Nipple Cream: To ease any soreness
*Breast Pads: An essential whether you’re nursing or not
*A Nursing Shawl: For discreet breastfeeding when visitors come to call. Our collection of stylish breastfeeding covers are a great choice and are also perfect for swaddling baby.
Baby Hospital Bag Essentials
*Diapers: Pack plenty, and make sure to bring the right size for newborns.
*Outfitsfor Baby: 3 soft newborn onesies, preferably front opening ones, and a nice outfit for going home in. Check out our beautiful gift sets for newborns featuring 100% organic cotton baby clothes.
*Accessories for Baby: a hat, socks, mittens and a baby blanket are all essentials for keeping your little one cozy for the trip home.
Leaving Hospital Outfit
Soft, Comfy Maternity Clothes: Your body will take time to settle back to normal, so your maternity leggings, tops and dresses will be your best friends for the first weeks & months with baby. Choose an outfit that’s soft, comfy and easy to wear. But don’t forget, you’ll be taking plenty of pictures of baby’s first few days, so make sure to choose an outfit you’ll be happy to look back on in years to come.
