Though many women hope that they will transform into a glowing earth mother during pregnancy, the reality is that many people find the nine months in which they’re carrying their unborn child very tough. Hormones are raging, the body is changing, and there is plenty of preparation to be done before the baby arrives.
Luckily, there are lots of ways in which women can make their pregnancy easier, more special and more enjoyable. Take a look at our luxury picks to help any woman through the vital pregnancy period.
Your skin is going through many changes during pregnancy – some women note that their skin has never looked better, while others break out in acne or experience extreme dryness. Every pregnancy is unique and affects each woman in a slightly different way.
One great way to ensure you’re ready to face the world is to invest in some good quality skincare. Victoria Beckham is said to favour Elemis, while Decleor and Mama Mio are other celebrity favourites. If preventing stretchmarks is your aim, natural rosehip oil is said to work wonders.
Morning sickness can be dreadful, and when it comes to treating it, there are a limited number of options available for mums-to-be. The Sea Band is a great, natural alternative, offering nausea relief without any medications or drugs. Gwen Stefani is said to be a fan of the simple wrist bands, which work to stimulate acupressure points to reduce nausea and vomiting.
Being pregnant does not mean you need to swamp your figure in baggy clothing for nine months – in fact, the maternity clothing market has never been more varied. Invest in a few, well-made, well-fitting statement pieces – a flattering dress, comfortable maternity jeans and a glamorous nighttime outfit to ensure you stay looking chic, and don’t have to remain confined to the house for the duration of the pregnancy.
Working out is fine during pregnancy, as long as it’s nothing too strenuous. In fact, the best way to keep in shape while pregnant is said to be swimming, as it doesn’t place any pressure on your joints but still offers a great cardio workout. Find a gym with a spa, and you can treat yourself to luxurious massages, facials and other treatments as rewards through each month (or week!) of your pregnancy.
Finding a comfortable position in which to sleep can be tough during pregnancy, especially in the latter stages when the bump is naturally much larger. A pregnancy pillow is a must and come in a range of shapes and sizes, many now are multi-purpose with a soft and flexible shape that supports the body so you can get a good night’s sleep.
If the festive season didn’t feel exciting and filled with wonder already, along comes your little one and gives you a fresh perspective on what the Christmas season truly means.
Making that first Christmas special can feel overwhelming, you want everything to be picture perfect but you know they’re not going to remember all the fuss.
Gift giving for your newborn is the easy part, after all, you want to spoil them. But we’ve listed below some thoughtful first Christmas presents that will last well beyond this Christmas and go on to be treasured keepsakes in their lives.
It’s true what they say - children are the ones that make Christmas special.
With festivities fast approaching, you may be getting overwhelmed in the planning of your baby’s first Christmas. And that’s completely understandable.
After all, as parents, we want to make it perfect for them and create memories that can be looked on in many years to come.
Although your little one will not remember their first Christmas, traditions are a great thing to begin to establish during Christmas, as they can continue year-after-year, and become something that your child cherishes about the festive season when they are older.
To help inspire you, we’ve listed some of the thoughtful traditions you can begin to help your baby’s first Christmas to be magical, in the hope they will last far longer than the real fir tree.
As parents, we want to be able to capture all those special moments of our little one's lives. But when you’re not a professional photographer, sometimes capturing those picture perfect moments can be frustrating.
As famous photographer WC Fields once said - “never work with animals or children.”
And when you’re a parent you can understand why. Not only because your model is often a wiggle bum, but also because the lighting might not be great, or you’ve realised you can see the giant pile of ironing in the background.
