Bella Mama Breastfeeding and Maternity Wear Boutique

The end of another busy week for Bella Mama. I've finally submitted my VAT return (woo-hoo! this has been hanging over my head for ages) and I am stocking two new fabulous suppliers - yay! Glamourmom's beautiful nursing tanks are just perfect for all nursing mamas. We are stocking two of their most popular styles, in long length which is perfect for covering new mum tum.

I had a Glamourmom nursing tank when I had Orla, and I swear I wore it virtually every day. They are so comfortable, figure-flattering and very versatile as they can be worn under wraps, cardis and jumpers! Our other new range is Milkstars, a fabulous new brand from the USA which offers a flattering, comfortable and incredibly stylish range of tops for nursing mamas...breastfeeding never looked so good! 

I had a great meeting this week with the lovely Emma from Womama, and in addition to their gorgeous birthing wrap, Bella Mama will also be stocking the most beautiful lingerie from Womama in the next couple of months. Womama design some of the prettiest maternity/nursing lingerie and I am super excited to add this range to Bella Mama. Details to follow...

Must Have Maternity Clothes Everyone Will Want

When women look for maternity clothes, they often sacrifice style for comfort. Many expectant mums are also surprised by the cost of creating a completely new wardrobe to accommodate their changing bodies. While it’s true that it can be expensive, there is one item every pregnant woman should invest in: the maternity dress.

One of the most sought after items of maternity clothing are dresses. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to slip on and off, and can easily hide the multitude of things you may want hidden at this point. There’s no doubt about it, a beautiful maternity dress is a must have for any woman about to give birth.

Try doubling up on value by buying maternity dresses that double as breastfeeding clothes. Bella Mama stocks an array of dresses that will see you through your pregnancy, breastfeeding and beyond.

Buying maternity clothes online is also a possibility. Online shopping must have been made for heavily pregnant women; after all, who wants to venture into all the stores in town looking for something you can buy without leaving the comfort of your home? Online shopping can save a mum-to-be a great deal of hassle and effort.

At Bella Mama, we stock a gorgeous selection of maternity wear and nursing clothes to suit every woman. Our lovely maternity dresses double up as nursing dresses with discreet designs that both flatter you and allow easy access for baby. With Bella Mama online boutique, you can be sure to find reasonably priced maternity wear that is simply stunning!

Stylish Nursingwear for Breastfeeding Mamas

So I have started my fitness regime for the Breast Foot Forward hike, I thought I would break myself in gently and this morning did the entire Cindy Crawford workout DVD. Amazingly I managed to get through it all, but discovered along the way I am hopelessly unco-ordinated when it comes to aerobic routines and much better suited to yoga as a workout!

Hubby is away to Barcelona next week, which means that getting out of the house and down to the gym is pretty much out.

Huff.

Looks like I'll be back to putting O into the Bugaboo and power-walking around the village.

My friend has just texted to say she is currently climbing up Teggs Nose and discovering how unfit she is. Suspect this is not true, she does lots of cycling and aerobics! Will definitely be walking out with her next week, and breaking in my new (hopefully amazingly comfortable!) hiking boots.

Yay!

The delivery of Milk Nursingwear arrived into stock this morning too. The keyhole dresses are fabulous and have been very well received by breastfeeding mamas in the UK. Black and Purple have been restocked, but are selling quickly.

There are also more of the brilliant halter neck dresses in classic black and stylish teal, perfect breastfeeding dresses for special occasions and super stylish too. The new smocked tops look beautiful, the "popcorn" type ruched/smocked detailing on the tops is very pretty indeed. The tops skim over new mum tum fantastically, and I think they're going to be really popular.

More new tops from Milk Nursingwear will be arriving shortly, their Spring/Summer range sounds lovely and I can't wait to bring them over to the breastfeeding mummies in the UK.

Breast Foot Forward, raising money for Breastfeeding groups!!

I have decided I am in need of a New Year challenge in order to improve my fitness, generally tone up and get more active!

When I heard that MedEquip4Kids were launching a new Charity, Committed2Breastfeeding, I wanted to help raise funds for this fantastic cause. Bella Mama are totally committed to supporting Breastfeeding mothers, and their decision to breastfeed. MedEquip4Kids has signed up to a global campaign initiated by UNICEF. The Baby Friendly Initiative is working to improve breastfeeding rates worldwide, and this campaign is supported by the World Health Organisation and the UK government, along with many of the Primary Care Trusts in the North West region. Its objective is to ensure that women are able to make an informed choice as to whether or not to breastfeed.

MedEquip4Kids has launched its first Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, Breast Foot Forward, and it will be taking place on Saturday, May 1st. The Yorkshire Three Peaks is one of the most famous fitness challenges in the country - walk 24 miles conquering Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. So, along with my friend Hayley,  I will digging out my walking boots, strapping on my rucksack and tackling Breast Foot Forward in aid of the Committed2Breastfeeding project!!

This is easily the most challenging thing I have ever done, (I'm going to have to work hard to improve my fitness for the event!!)  and it would be fantastic if you could help me to raise funds for this great cause.
http://www.justgiving.com/Kirsten-BellaMama 
So please dig deep and donate now.
Thank you so much,
Kirsten
xxx

Why You Need Beautiful Maternity Wear

Just because you are pregnant does not mean that you want to sacrifice your style. In fact, now more than ever you want to look your best to keep your spirits up as your body goes through some huge changes. By purchasing some flattering and comfortable maternity wear, this becomes possible.

Whether it's about looking good for you or him, there are many reasons for buying some maternity clothes whilst you are pregnant, or indeed after your pregnancy. Chances are, you're a bit apprehensive about the changes that your body is going through. This is perfectly natural, and it is normal for your confidence to lapse during and after your pregnancy, especially when your body has altered. To beat the hormonal blues, treating yourself to clothes that are designed precisely for the shape your body is in is ideal. Instead of being regretful about not being able to squeeze into jeans that fit you some months ago, buying maternity wear can help you accept that your body's condition is purely natural.

If you're a lady into fashion, it can make you feel a little down in the dumps when you ponder those dreadfully old-fashioned, floral-patterned dresses traditionally worn by pregnant mums. However, the selection available here at Bella Mama takes a step out of the old and into the new; we make it possible for you to still look fashionable when you're expecting, so why not browse through our selection?

Maternity Nightwear and Loungewear for Stylish Mamas!

Pregnancy is definitely a time for comfort, but spending your nights in your husband’s oversized tee-shirt or a nightie which looks like a circus tent is not going to win you any points in the style stakes!  Fortunately there are lots of stylish nightwear and loungewear options for pregnant mamas which will ensure you feel comfortable and glamorous, even if you are just spending time relaxing at home.

Choosing comfortable loungewear options will ensure that you are cosy whilst pregnant, and make it easy to rest during the day as you reach the later months of your pregnancy.  Lounge pants, or stretchy yoga pants are incredibly popular with mamas-on-the-go as they are smart enough to be worn whilst out of the house yet super comfortable for lounging at home. 1 in the Oven’s super-soft ruched pants are the ultimate loungewear trousers.  The smart luxury modal fabric offers great versatility and ensures they can be dressed up for a night out with a sparkly top, or down for a night in matched with a tee and slouchy socks.  They have a deep waistband which can be pulled up over your bump during pregnancy, then rolled down over your tummy to give extra support post-baby. Teamed with a soft, cosy tee these trousers can also be worn as comfy pyjamas.

Maternity nighties ensure your growing bump has plenty of room, but without the acres of extra fabric which come when you size-up non-maternity garments. There are lots of fabulous designs to choose from – long sleeved chemises, spaghetti strap babydolls, wrap-around robes, dresses with shirring and ruffle details, plain cotton nighties and sexy slips. Belabumbum is a fabulous range of nightwear and loungewear from the US, with the emphasis on fashion-forward, pretty pieces with just the right amount of detail to give them a sophisticated, but playful edge. Their maternity chemises also have nursing access, giving your great value for money. Their Lotus Lace range is beautiful, with soft lace edging and ultra-flattering to a pregnant figure. They have recently introduced an eco-friendly range of maternity loungwear in planet-loving bamboo and fruit-dyed cotton fabrics. Moody Mamas is another US label quickly gaining a celebrity following, their fans include Heidi Klum and Jessica Alba. Their loungewear collection is hip and sophisticated, featuring beautiful details like lace, pearly buttons, ribbons and wonderfully soft fabrics. Their flattering cap sleeved nighties, luxurious camisoles, silky soft robes and swishy lounge pants keep pregnant mamas cosy and looking gorgeous.

When pregnant you are often warmer than normal, so look for nightwear made from natural fabrics - cotton or bamboo are perfect. These natural fabrics will stretch wonderfully and help you to stay comfortable and cool from your first trimester to your fourth! They are also very easy to wash and wear, and look good through pregnancy and beyond.  To get maximum value for money, look for pieces which offer easy nursing access for after your baby is born, that way they will work as fabulous transitional pieces in your maternity wardrobe.

Maternity Wear 101: What You Need To Know

Becoming a mother doesn't necessarily mean that you aren't allowed to consider yourself any more and have to devote every fibre of your being to your unborn child.  The rise of the term 'yummy mummy' has given hope to expectant mums around the world; it is now possible to take as much pride in your appearance with fashionable clothing as you did before your pregnancy, with clothes especially tailored for the shape your body is in when you are expecting.

But how do you know where to start? If buying maternity clothes seems like an overwhelming task, read on for some helpful hints on buying the perfect maternity clothes.

There's no escaping the fact that you are going to need maternity clothes at some point in your pregnancy. Look for natural, breathable fibers that will feel great against your skin. Items that double as nursing tops and dresses also make a great investment. Have fun browsing the maternity sections and see just how stunning some of the latest designs really are. There's no need to look frumpy at all!

It makes sense to shop online when you are heavily pregnant - save yourself the stress and keep that energy for more important things. There are many stores specialising in maternity wear in all price ranges. Best of all, many have flexible returns policies should you under- or overestimate your new size.

At Bella Mama, we know what expectant mums need. If you want to look your best without spending a fortune, look no further than our stylish online boutique. Stocked with maternity clothes, nursing clothes and a variety of accessories, you can be sure you have everything you need to look beautiful throughout your pregnancy.

Breastfeeding in Public – tips for new or expectant mums

So you are pregnant and you know that you want to breastfeed your baby. Congratulations! Maybe you have started breastfeeding but not yet ventured out in public.  Breastfeeding in public can be a scary thought for any new mum and even not so new mums.  These tips should help you on your way.

   1. Practise in front of a mirror.  It might help you to know exactly what can be seen when you are breastfeeding your baby, you might be pleasantly surprised!
 
   2. Wear the right clothes. Ensure that you are wearing something that you are comfortable in and that can give you easy access for feeding.  This might be a large top that you can easily lift or open.  Layering with a cardigan can offer additional coverage.  There are many different styles of breastfeeding clothing available, often with hidden openings across the chest allowing access without having to lift or remove any item of clothing.  You might choose to double layer vests and lift one and pull down the other which will provide a similar effect.

   3. Take a friend along for moral support.  If you are going to breastfeed in public for the first time, you should take someone supportive along with you whether this be your partner, friend, mum or even some other new mums.

   4. Go to a breastfeeding friendly place. You may want to seek out some breastfeeding friendly places in your local area and choose one for your first outing.  Your Midwife or Health Visitor should be able to advise you on breastfeeding friendly places.  Often child/baby friendly cafes are breastfeeding friendly.

   5. Find a seat out of the way.  If you are still feeling nervous you may want to find a seat out of the way or in the corner until you increase your confidence.

   6. You could use a breastfeeding scarf or cover such as a Mamascarf. This not only provides privacy for public breastfeeding but allows you to see your baby throughout the feed, can’t be pulled off and also provides some additional support.

   7. Plan your route.  If you know where you are going to be when it’s feeding time, you will be able to make sure that you are somewhere you are going to feel comfortable breastfeeding your baby.

   8. Have confidence in yourself and what you are doing. You are breastfeeding your baby, it is your right!  It is the best food you can give your baby and it is also good for you too.  Good luck and remember it gets easier with time. Happy Breastfeeding!

Huge Thanks to Keira O’Mara from Mamascarf for allowing us to reproduce her article. Mamascarf is a revolutionary new design that not only allows mothers to breastfeed stylishly and discreetly, but also provides essential support without the need for a cushion!

Avoid a Maternity Style Crisis with Bella Mama Boutique

Bella Mama's Breastfeeding and Maternitywear Boutique has been featured on the feature in Maternity Style Crisis on SoFeminine.co.uk 

Maternity style crisis

Kirsten Baxter, a mum of two, found the choice of clothes for new mums unappealing.

‘The openings were all poppers and totally unflattering. After pregnancy, more than ever, women want to feel pretty and glamorous, and the clothes available did nothing to help.’

To solve that problem, Kirsten set up Bella Mama, an online maternity and nursing wear boutique. Check it out at www.bellamama.co.uk

Knowing what to wear for your new body shape is daunting so style coach Jenny Borges (www.jennyborges.com) offers some tips for averting a style crisis:

‘Accessories are a fun way to draw attention away from the parts you’re not so happy with. Use an interesting scarf, necklace or a gorgeous pair of earrings to draw attention upwards.’ 

She also considers supportive underwear a worthwhile investment, creating a sleeker silhouette and giving new mums style confidence.

For great maternity wear try these:

www.bellamama.co.uk

The best range of gorgeous dual-purpose maternity and breastfeeding tops online!

2010 - Bella Mama Breastfeeding Boutique

Happy New Year to you all!

2009 has been the most fabulous year for Bella Mama, the business has continued to go from strength to strength; we have increased our incredible range of designers bringing more new breastfeeding clothing brands to the UK for the first time, we are delighted to have had many of our products featured in parenting magazines and websites during 2009, we have broadened our selection of nursing clothing from our fabulous existing designers and expanded our range of chic accessories and changing bags to bring breastfeeding mothers the freshest and most stylish nursingwear and essential new mama products available from one online store.

Bella Mama’s commitment to supporting breastfeeding mothers during the past year has seen us pro-actively help to raise awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding, writing articles for magazines and online sites, and donating breastfeeding tops and nursing dresses to lots of breastfeeding charities throughout the UK.  In addition to our ongoing support for the UK Association for Milk Banking (sales of our “I make Milk” T-shirt support this wonderful charity) we are delighted to have been able to support many other causes helping to support breastfeeding mothers. From providing clothing for many breastfeeding fashion shows up and down the country, supplying breastfeeding clothing to charities supporting young breastfeeding mothers, donating nursing tops to breastfeeding support groups, providing raffle prizes to raise money for breastfeeding charities and raising awareness of breastfeeding at baby fairs and other events. We look forward to providing even more help, support and donations in 2010, and warmly invite anyone involved with a breastfeeding support group, charity or who is working on an event which supports breastfeeding to get in touch with Bella Mama (email me at kirsten@bellamama.co.uk) and we will be able to help you out!

I have big plans in 2010 for Bella Mama, and have several very exciting projects which are coming to fruition in the New Year. Our Spring Summer range of nursing clothing is going to be amazing, and the choice of styles and designers we stock will be bigger than ever. Our very own Bella Mama breastfeeding clothing has been fabulously well-received, and I have already had so much brilliant feedback from our road-testing mothers on the SS10 range. I have been so blessed through 2009 with the help and support of family, friends, amazing customers and the support of other working mothers who run their own wonderful business from home. Many of my suppliers are mums who have set up their own businesses and who juggle their children and businesses so well.  Everyone I have met through running my business has been so kind and supportive, a million miles from “corporate politics” in the workplace!

Thank you so much to everyone who has helped to grow Bella Mama in the last year, from giving advice, feedback, support, to providing inspiration and above all our wonderful nursing mamas who love what we are doing! Through 2010 we will continue to provide new breastfeeding mamas with the best nursing clothing available. Knowing I am helping new breastfeeding mothers feel great is amazing. I really do get ridiculously excited about the feedback from my customers who are delighted with the stylish clothing they have had from Bella Mama. Stylish nursing wear really helps us challenge the perception of breastfeeding as frumpy, and I am delighted that Bella Mama will continue to make breastfeeding fashionable in 2010!

Wishing you all a Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous 2010.

Kirsten
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