Tag: Pregnancy

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!

White Maternity Dresses: A Style Essential for Spring & Summer

Forget the LBD – the wardrobe essential every mama needs this season? It’s the little white maternity dress! Here at Seraphine we are all about the LWD for the warmer seasons – it’s a chic choice, will keep you cool in the heat and looks fantastic with a suntan! Check out some of our favourite little white maternity dresses as styled by you…

 

For Off Duty Days

 

Whether you’re enjoying the sun on a well-deserved holiday or relaxing at home with your family, simple white maternity dresses will always be a stylish option.

 

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For Everyday Styling

 

Ideal for trips to the beach, days around town or simply running errands, our white cotton maternity dresses are designed to keep you cool and comfortable all day long. The perfect summer alternative to your everyday LBD, the little white maternity dress is an equally versatile option.

 

 

Baby Shower Dresses & Special Occasions

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A beautiful choice for baby showers, hen parties, christenings and stylish summer parties, a little white maternity dress will always hit the right notes at a special occasion. We especially love the idea of white baby shower dresses – it sets you apart as the centre of attention, and gives nothing away about the sex of the baby, making it perfect for a surprise gender reveal party! Our beautiful bridal maternity dresses aren’t just for weddings – we have plenty of short lacy styles which would work perfectly for any special event.

 

For Maternity Photoshoots

 

A maternity photoshoot is the perfect way to capture and celebrate your beautiful new curves, and we think the little white maternity dress is the perfect fashion choice for your photos.

 

 

Super chic, ethereal & pure, a white dress captures the magic of pregnancy, and works wonderfully whether your shoot is classic, bohemian themed, or fresh and modern!

 

 

Enjoy the sun mamas! Browse our maternity clothes collections and shop stunning white maternity dresses for the new season!

New Year’s Resolutions: New Year, New Beginnings, New You!

Making New Year’s resolutions is a great way to start the year with a positive attitude & some new goals to strive for. But with a beautiful new baby on the way, this year’s resolutions are sure to look a little different from last year’s. You’re already headed for a dry January, and you certainly won’t want to be losing any weight!

Here are a few of our favourite resolutions for mamas-to-be…

 

Resolution 1: Take More Pictures

Get the Look: Black Maternity Shift Dress

This one’s a no-brainer. Pregnancy is such a special time in your life, and it’ll be over before you know it (even if it may not always feel that way)! Organising a pregnancy photo shoot is the perfect way to make some memories. Treat yourself to some beautiful new maternity clothes, get dressed up, do your hair & makeup, and capture your gorgeous new curves on camera. Of course once your little bundle of joy arrives , you won’t be needing any encouragement to get the camera out!

 

Resolution 2: Get Active

Staying active through pregnancy is a great way to help prepare your body for the physical demands of labour & caring for a newborn. Whether you decide to hit the gym, join a pregnancy yoga class or get out for a gentle jog, a little exercise is guaranteed to boost your mood and your energy levels. Check out our selection of stylish maternity sportswear & yoga gear.

 

Resolution 3: Eat Well

You’re eating for two now – and with a baby on board, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re getting your 5 a day along with plenty of pregnancy-friendly vitamins, minerals & nutrients.

For more info, check out our post on healthy pregnancy eating habits

 

Resolution 4: Get Nesting

Babies come with plenty of stuff, so now is the time to harness those nesting instincts and have a good spring clean before he or she arrives. Take the opportunity to de-clutter, tidy and organise your home – you’ll have plenty on your plate once baby is born, so seize the moment & do it now while you have the time.

 

More Me-Time

Last but certainly not least, make sure that you take some time out for yourself to relax, recharge & indulge in things that make you happy.  Whether it’s a trip to the spa, a lazy weekend brunch or even just a  quiet afternoon to yourself, that brief moment will work wonders for your mood & your energy levels.

 

Whatever your resolutions, we wish you a healthy, happy New Year mamas!

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.

 


See more stylish Nursing Tops online

 

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.

 

Nursing Bras

Discover our range of chic Nursing Bras & Lingerie

 

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.

Pregnancy Exercises & Safe Training Tips with Physiotherapist Ailish Toomey

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

@Houseofvogahq Models The Active Kit 

Perfect Before, During & After Pregnancy…

House of Voga models the Seraphine Active Kit

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

The Active Kit

 

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

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

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

 

A photo posted by FittaMamma (@fittamamma) on

 

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

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

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

 

The Seraphine Active Kit includes

 

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

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

 

A photo posted by Threo (@wearethreo) on

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

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

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

 

House of Voga wears the Seraphine Active Kit

 

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

 

Maternity Jumpers: Seven Styles You Need in Your Life Right Now

You really can’t beat cosy maternity jumpers this time of year. Whether you’re curling up with a cup of tea & a good book, or bundling up & heading out to see the changing leaves, there’s a style to suit every autumnal occasion!

Here are a few of our favourites…

 

1. Feminine Maternity Jumper

Pregnant model wears a pink Seraphine maternity jumper

The Occasion: A girly lunch date – putting the world to rights while eating your weight in smashed avocado with your besties. You’ll share the gossip, order extra spoons with dessert (it would be a shame not to try them all!) and split the bill afterwards.

The Jumper: Blush Pink Cable Knit Nursing Jumper

 

2. Sports Luxe Maternity Jumper

Blonde pregnant model wears a grey Seraphine maternity & nursing jumper in New York

The Occasion: A day on the go – today you are super woman. You’re running errands left right & centre & loving the feeling of getting things done. You’re powering through that to do list so fast, you’ll be done with plenty of time to get to that yoga class – you’ll even stop for a green juice on the way – like a boss!

The Jumper: Grey Marl Roll Neck Maternity & Nursing Jumper

3. Neon Maternity Jumper

Brunette pregnant model wears a Striped Seraphine maternity jumper

The Occasion: A long nature walk & a lazy Sunday afternoon – today is all about quality time. Whether it’s just you and your man or you’re bringing the whole crew, a touch of neon is sure to brighten up even the dullest of November days.

The Jumper: Neon Stripe Roll Neck Maternity & Nursing Jumper

4. Draped Maternity Jumper

Pregnant model wears Seraphine maternity jumper on a New York balcony

The Occasion: Holing up indoors on a rainy Saturday – the best kind of captivity! Slip on a cosy jumper, find a comfy spot & settle in for the duration. Just add a good book & a steaming mug of tea…. Oh and a big box of chocolates if you have one!

The Jumper: Camel Draped Maternity & Nursing Jumper

 

5. Edgy Maternity Jumper

Pregnant model wears the Seraphine navy double zip nursing jumper in New York

The Occasion: Urban exploration. Whether you’re discovering a new city on a romantic babymoon break, or stumbling upon hidden gems in your own home town, today is the day to pull out your fashion A game and style it urban chic.

The Jumper: Double Zip Maternity & Nursing Jumper

 

6. Smart Maternity Jumper

Blonde pregnant model wears a black Seraphine maternity jumper

The Occasion: Sunday lunch with the in-laws – the ultimate smart casual situation. Today you will be enjoying second (and possibly third) helpings of your mother-in-law’s famous roast potatoes & entering into an epic family scrabble tournament. You want to feel put together yet relaxed and effortless.

The Jumper: Black Roll Neck Wool & Cashmere Maternity Jumper

 

7. Nautical Maternity Jumper

Pregnant model wears a Seraphine nautical maternity & nursing jumper

The Occasion: A Fun family day out. Whether you’re heading to the coast for a blustery day at the beach or feeding the ducks at the local pond, today is a day for wellies & rain macs. Jump in the puddles, explore the rock pools & embrace the mess.

The Jumper: Breton Striped Nursing Jumper

Babymoon Ideas: Seraphine’s 5 Top Tips for a Relaxing Getaway

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…

 

1) When to Book Your Babymoon

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!

 

 

2) The Dream Babymoon Destination

Shop Maternity Maxi Dresses

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.

 

 

3) Stay in Luxury

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Shop Julia’s stunning Ivory Maternity Kaftan – perfect for the beach!

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!

 

 

4) Summer Maternity Clothes

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Wherever you’re headed, make sure to pack the perfect maternity clothes for your glamorous babymoon getaway.

Shop cute summer maternity dresses, elegant evening wear, stunning maternity swimwear, and even sexy nighties to take away on your romantic escape.

Check out our stunning babymoon wardrobe selection for more beautiful babymoon ideas.

 

 

5) Romantic Getaway

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.

 

Third Trimester Fashion Tips: How to Work a Baby Bump

Third trimester – wow! Where did the time go? You are so close to meeting your baby, but you and your bump still have a little way to go together yet.

The final few months of pregnancy are all about keeping comfy, and of course your beautiful bump can’t help but make a BIG fashion statement.

Here are our top 5 fashion tips for your third trimester.

The Empire Waist


The empire waist is a miracle silhouette for the third trimester. Cinching you in at your slimmest point, an empire style brings fantastic definition to your shape.

Get the look with one of our super stylish empire maternity dresses with discreet lift-up nursing access, or simply add a chic maternity belt to complete your look.

Natural Fabrics

Comfort is key at this stage of pregnancy. And with extra sensitive skin right now, it’s a great idea to look for styles made in the softest natural fabrics like pure cotton, bamboo or cashmere.

Our new organic cotton maternity jeans in blue or black are perfect for pairing with our super-soft tops.

 

The Baby Shower Dress

Get the look: Floral Wrap Maternity & Nursing Midi Dress

Special occasions deserve extra-special outfits & what could be more special than your baby shower!

Whether you choose one of our gorgeous maternity cocktail dresses, or opt for something a little more relaxed, we’ve got plenty of stunning baby shower dresses to choose from!

Fourth Trimester Prep

Skin to skin - perfect for the fourth trimester

The third trimester is also the perfect time to pack your hospital bag & invest in the pieces you’ll need once baby arrives. If you plan to breastfeed, then a good collection of nursing clothes is a must.

And why not treat yourself to one of our signature skin to skin tops – perfect for the early days with your little one.

But of course the most important thing at this stage is to relax & enjoy. Wishing you all the best for your final months of pregnancy mama!

Beauty Tips & Tricks for Summer: 10 Beauty Hacks to Get Back your Glow

We love dreamy summer days by the sea! It’s all about sun-kissed skin, tousled hair and perfectly pedicured toes peeping out of pretty summer sandals. But all that sun, sea and sand can be tough on your natural glow. Read on for our best summer holiday beauty tips to fight the frizz, soothe the skin and get back your glow!

 

Maternity dresses

 

1) First thing’s first: Sun cream, sun cream, sun cream! You know the drill by now; opt for a high SPF with UVA & UVB protection & reapply at every opportunity. A great way to remember, is to reapply every time you have a drink – If you feel thirsty, your skin probably does too.

 

2) Once you’re home (or back at the hotel!) after a day in the sun, make sure to exfoliate and moisturise well. This is the best way to ensure an even, long lasting tan to compliment your stunning summer maternity dresses.

 

3) And because sometimes even the most diligent SPF patrollers will miss a bit, keep a stash of home-made cooling after sun in the freezer. Simply freeze aloe in an ice tray & pop out a cube or two to soothe sun burn when needed.

 

Maternity swimsuits

 

4) From dried out frizzy sun damage to colour stripping chlorine, summer can be hard on your hair. One great way to minimize chlorine damage is to wet your hair before you take the plunge. If it’s already saturated with water or a hydrating product, your hair won’t take on as much of the chemicals and chlorine from the pool – this is one of our favourite summer beauty tips!

 

5) The sooner you can wash your hair afterwards, the better – use a clarifying shampoo asap to banish the build-up of salt, sand and chemicals.

 

6) A deep conditioning treatment will give you back your natural gleam. Try mixing your favourite conditioner with equal parts of pure jojoba oil and olive oil for the ultimate re-hydrating treatment; leave it on for 20 minutes then rinse well to reveal beautiful, shiny, healthy hair.

 

Maternity dresses

 

7) We all know the havoc that summer can wreak on our feet; fight dry cracked heels and rough skin with a home-made Listerine foot soak! It may sound strange, but it really can help soften up your skin. Mix 1 part Listerine mouth wash, 1 part apple cider vinegar and 2 parts warm water in a shallow bowl and soak your feet for 20 minutes.

 

8) After a foot soak, exfoliate and remove dead skin using a sea salt scrub. Shop bought ones are great, but home-made can be just as good; we love this sea salt and coconut oil scrub from Nicole posted on her blog Wonky Wonderful.

 

9) A glossy coat of your favourite summer nail varnish will put the perfect finishing touch on your home pedicure. For easy application and the ultimate smooth finish, chill your nail varnish in the fridge before you want to use it – sounds weird but it really works!

10) Once you’ve restored your natural glow, show it off with the perfect summer maternity clothes! Browse our collections & discover cute day dresses, gorgeous maternity swimwear & the stunning evening wear styles for pregnancy.

 

 

Postnatal Exercises to try with Baby | Pregnancy Yoga Video

So you’ve had your baby & are now raring to get back into your groove with some gentle postnatal exercises. It’s important to take your time with this – listen to your body and wait at least 6 weeks before you start in earnest. But once you feel ready, a little gentle exercise is a fantastic way to tone up, boost your mood and even bond with baby!

So slip into your post pregnancy leggings or Seraphine Active Kit & try these fun postnatal exercises at home with baby!

 

P.S. If you’re still expecting, scroll to the bottom to find a fabulous 25 minute pregnancy yoga video to follow at home…

 

Exercise with baby

This is just about the sweetest way we can think of to start toning your tum!

Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet placed firmly on the floor in a position ready to do sit ups. Sit baby half way up the slope of your thighs, holding him in place around his middle. Then simply do a set of regular sit ups, kissing baby at the top of each one! Aim for 3 sets of 12.

 

 

Front stroller squats

Who needs weights when you have a little bundle of joy to lift!

Strap baby into his front carrier, stand with your feet just over a shoulder width apart and complete a set of regular squats. Bend your knees to lower your body into an imaginary chair, keeping your weight over your heels. Aim for 3 sets of 12.

 

 

Buggy Lunges

Tone up and make baby laugh!

Put baby in the buggy facing you, then complete a set of regular lunges, stopping at the bottom to pull a funny face and make baby laugh, before slowly returning to your neutral position. This is great for toning your legs and baby will love this fun new game!

 

 

Exercise with baby

Teach baby his ABCs and tighten up your abs while you’re at it!

Lying flat on your back with baby next to you, place your arms at your sides and extend your legs straight up toward the ceiling, feet together.
Recite the alphabet slowly to baby, drawing each letter in the air with your toes. Keep the moves slow and controlled, and be sure to keep your belly button pulled in toward the floor. Aim to make it through the entire alphabet.

 

 

Exercise with baby

Lie baby down on your mat and position your hands either side of her for a set of regular press ups. This is perfect for toning up your arms, and baby will find it completely hilarious. If those delighted giggles don’t motivate you to finish the set, we don’t know what will!

 

 

Keeping Fit Through Pregnancy

If you still have a while to wait before you meet your little bundle of joy, why not try some gentle pregnancy yoga! Yoga is a fantastic way to stay active through your nine months – It’s perfect for relieving tension both physically and mentally, and can even help you to prepare for labour and speed up your recovery time. With regular practice, you’ll feel energised and more connected to both your body and your baby.

 

A video posted by HOUSE OF VOGA (@houseofvogahq) on

Gorgeous Voga Mamas love our Seamless Over Bump Maternity Leggings

 

Our stunning model Danielle is much more than just a pretty face! She is an experienced yogi, and runs her own wellness and clean living blog Natually Dee, complete with healthy recipes, yoga routines and reflections on pregnancy and impending motherhood. Check out her 25 minute calming yoga routine, made in collaboration with YouTube wellness sensation Wild Dish…

 

 

When it comes to pregnancy workouts and postnatal exercises, the most important thing is to listen to your body, and only do as much as you feel comfortable with.

 

 

Pregnancy Yoga Poses with Tara Lee | The Ultimate Stress Buster

Tara Lee has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and has been teaching for 12. She began teaching pregnancy yoga while pregnant with her first child 10 years ago and has developed her own dynamic fluid style. Now a mum of 2, she is also a trained Doula and Shiatsu practitioner, and has taught thousands of pregnant women including celebrities such as Cat Deeley and Rosamund Pike, guiding them through their pregnancies and births.

Shop Pregnancy yoga gear and maternity sportswear at Seraphine.

The exercises below are taken from her new DVD ‘Pregnancy Yoga with Tara Lee’.

 

1) Child’s Pose

Relieves tension in the neck and lower back, and helps to ease anxiety.

Pregnancy yoga child's pose

This classic pose is a masterful one to use during pregnancy. It eases the pressure of the baby on your pelvis and back, stretches the muscles along your spine and releases tension in the neck and shoulders – thereby helping to relieve tension headaches. As one of the few forward bends that feels comfortable and safe in pregnancy, it can be modified to suit most women. The intention here is to feel the broadening through the hips and lower back, gently stretching out and bringing relief to the muscles in your back.

From all fours with your knees as wide as you need to accommodate your baby, take the hips back to your heels and either reach the arms forward or make a pillow with the hands to rest the forehead on. Notice how this makes your back and hips feel. Notice the calming and soothing effect that being in this position has on your mind. Keep allowing the body to surrender towards the earth. Rest here for a few minutes, breathing deeply and slowly and imagine your body softening into the floor, releasing any tension.

You can come into child’s pose any time you are feeling stressed, anxious or if you have a tension headache. Use this position during labour if it feels comfortable when you need to rest. It will also be helpful for allowing your baby space to move into a good position.

 

2) Legs up the Wall

Relieves heavy legs and swollen ankles, and helps with insomnia or stress.
*Only do this exercise if you are under 28 weeks pregnant and still comfortable lying on your back*

Pregnancy yoga

Sit to the side of the wall (use a cushion or bolster under your hips if it’s easier) and swing your legs carefully up the wall while lying on your back. Stay for a few minutes or for as long as feels comfortable. To lower back down, hug the knees towards you (wide enough to make space for your baby) and slowly roll over to your side. Stay here for 5-10 breaths and then come up from your side.

If you get pins and needles in your feet, come out of the pose and rest to one side for a while before coming back up. If you feel nauseous, also come out of the pose.

 

3) Downward Dog Alternative

Relieves back ache and stretches the hamstrings.

Pregnancy Yoga Downward Dog

Towards the end of your pregnancy when Downward Dog feels too much, using the wall can be an excellent alternative. This pose is also great preparation for labour. It’s a great pose for if you’ve been sitting at a desk for too long and want to have a feeling of taking the weight of your baby off of your back. It can also be helpful for stretching out tight hamstrings.

Place your hands on a wall, shoulder width apart and walk back until you feel a comfortable stretch (making an upside down L shape with your body). Allow the body to soften as you feel the stretch through your back and down your hamstrings. Stay for 5 – 10 breaths. When you are ready, keep the knees bent as you walk back towards the wall slowly.

You can bend the knees and lengthen the tail bone back. Try swaying the hips from side to side to release tension in the pelvis.

If it feels uncomfortable place your hands a little higher up for a gentler stretch, and be sure to keep a bend in the knees.

 

Find out more at: www.taraleeyoga.com

 

 

Second Trimester Fashion Tips: How to Dress a Baby Bump

The secret is finally out… Baby is coming! Your second trimester is the time to settle in and start enjoying your pregnancy & flaunting your changing figure!

Every pregnancy is different, but it’s often at this stage that the bump will really start to show. Here are our top 5 tips for dressing a baby bump in the second trimester…

1) That’s a Wrap

This trimester you may go from barely showing at the start to beautifully blooming by week 27, so now is the perfect time to invest in maternity clothes designed to grow with you.

Wrap maternity dresses are perfect for this! A second-trimester mamma’s secret weapon, they’re comfy, stylish, ultra-versatile, and the clever wrap ties let you adjust the fit as you grow.

2) Let’s Talk Bras…


If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to invest in maternity bras – the sooner you make the switch the better. All of our bras offer a super flexible fit and easy access for nursing.

With the right support you’ll look and feel like a new woman!

3) The Perfect Pair of Jeans

With your newly budding bump, a comfy pair of maternity jeans is sure to be high up on your shopping list.

If you like a little extra support & cover, opt for a comfy over the bump style. Or for a pair that looks just like your pre-pregnancy jeans, under bump is the way to go.

Browse our denim collection online for skinny, slim leg, boyfriend fit, organic options and more in a great selection of colours!

4) Always Overalls


We don’t know about you, but we can’t think of anything cuter or more comfortable than a great pair of overalls – and they work so well with a second trimester bump!

Our essential denim overalls feature several size settings at the sides, so you can adjust the fit as you need to.

5) Flaunt that Blossoming Bump!

Styling in the second trimester is all about emphasising the empire waist. It’s your slimmest point right now, so highlighting it will flatter your figure & show off your beautiful bump to its best advantage. Afterall, now’s the time you want people to know it’s a baby in there… not a cheese burger!

Our double layer maternity & nursing dresses are perfect for this – the topper in a different fabric provides the perfect contrast to show off the bump.

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