Relaxation for pregnant and breastfeeding mamas

Whether you are a mama-to-be or a new mama there are sure to be many demands on your time (work, your family and friends, laundry, cooking, cleaning, the list goes on...) So it's really important to take a little time for yourself every day and TRY to relax!

I just love baths, and find wallowing in the tub a great way to relax before bedtime. Throw in some scented candles and a good book, and I'm away! To indulge my love of bathing, I am always on the lookout for beautifully scented products, enticing me with their promises of relaxation, lifting my mood, enhancing sleep or unknotting my tired muscles... I trained as an aromatherapist years ago (but didn't pursue this new career, as I started Bella Mama instead!) so I look for products with top quality aromatherapy oils and having sensitive skin, I avoid anything packed with artificial foaming agents, chemicals and other skin-stripping nasties.

Yesterday in a local shop I discovered (and treated myself to!!) the most amazing range of gorgeously indulgent treats - heavenly bath bubbles, uplifting shower gels and divine candles - in the luxury line Abahna. Their philosophy is simple, and centres on the ritual of bathing. Their products are made with delicious sounding ingredients like wild flower honey, aloe vera, shea and cocoa butter, with fragrances from pure essential oils and they never use synthetic perfumes, artificial colourings, mineral oils, parabens and other nasties and are against animal testing. Love, Love, Love it!!

"A daily bathing ceremony is one of life's simplest luxuries. It is a chance to prepare yourself for the day ahead or reflect on the day just gone".  

Hubby was away last night, so after a busy day of BellaMama-ing, coping with the chaos of the building work we are having done and running around with the kiddos, I chose the Frankincense and Sweet Orange with its warm and comforting aroma, and it's promise to bring the emotions back into balance.

I lit the candle whilst the kiddos were on bedtime wind-down, and it really worked. They both loved the smell, and claimed they felt super relaxed too. haha, result! They both went to bed in super quick time, and left me to slip into my bubbly bath. It was just as divine, relaxing and calming as promised and I had a great night's sleep (for a change!). Oooh, it was the deep, restorative sleep that I usually get after a yoga class or relaxing massage, lovely! Will be checking out the rest of the range too...

Kirsten
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Breastfeeding Can Save You Cash

Most women are now fully aware of the many health benefits for themselves and their children, if they choose to breastfeed, but breastfeeding offers another benefit, few women consider when deciding how to feed their baby – breastfeeding can save you money.

If you've ever looked at baby formula in the supermarket, you will know that it is very expensive indeed. If you were to work out the cost of baby formula over the course of a year, it could cost you between £750 and £1000, so if you were to breastfeed your baby instead, you would make a considerable saving on your grocery bill, and let's face it, when you're a new parent, you need all the cash you can get.

Of course, there are some costs involved with breastfeeding. You will need good nursing clothes, such as maternity bras and breastfeeding tops, but these can be purchased from us at Bella Mama. You will also need to buy breast pads and if you are returning to work, you will probably need a breast pump too, but when compared to the cost of buying baby formula on a regular basis, these costs are minimal. Nursing clothes and breast pumps can be kept and used again if you decide to have another child.

Breastfeeding can also save you money in terms of work related costs. Babies who are breastfed are much less likely to get sick, so if you breastfeed, the chances of you having to take sick days from work to care for your child are vastly reduced.

Breastfeeding Dresses for all occasions

I am getting lots of requests at the moment for fabulous nursing dresses that can be worn at a variety of summer occasions - weddings, parties and christenings. New mamas want nursing dresses which are practical for breastfeeding, but that fit well and look amazing. At Bella Mama we just love the elegant simplicity of a dress, and have some amazing nursing dresses in store.

Here are a selection of my favourites, I'm sure you'll love them too,

Kirsten
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Annee Matthew Elena Nursing dress - £38
This popular nursing dress was a sell-out for us in summer, and we had lots of requests to restock it again this year.

The pretty bias cut ensures the dress flutters across your curves, cascading over the knee with a side tie in a bow for a figure-perfect fit right through your pregnancy and beyond. It's perfect dress for a wedding, christening, party, lunches, work, special occasions or holidays or whenever you want to feel fabulous.


Milk nursingwear halter neck breastfeeding dress - £49

Sexy halter style for nursing mamas! Worries over nursing bras to wear with halter necks mean this is a style which is often overlooked. Milk have magically added a built-in shelf-bra and place to hold your nursing pads - meaning you can strut your stuff in style. Gorgeous ruffles add a flirty fun edge to this pretty little dress, whilst the adjustable tie allows for a more customized fit
   
Milkstars Randa Breastfeeding Dress - £55

We're really excited to bring you Milkstars first nursing dress, perfect for weddings, christenings or just relaxing at home!

Super soft fabric is so comfortable to wear, and the cap sleeves and shirring give a pretty, feminine edge to this dress. The cowl neckline is both pretty and practical, nurse quickly and easily through the access by pulling aside the draped cowl neck.

Bellamama Maia Breastfeeding Top

Our best-selling Maia top has been reviewed by new breastfeeding mamas on TheBabyWebsite.com - and they are as in love with the top as we are here!! The Maia breastfeeding top is available this season in classic black, Lilac and Blue  If you love any of our tops, you can leave a review/comment on the site - a new feature on our new website!

"Lovely top, easy to feed in, pretty too."
I was really excited to see my new top arrive, as I do feel quite uneasy feeding my new baby in public and even more so in front of my extended family, so to have a top that means I can feed without showing off my breasts was very important to how successful breastfeeding was for me.

Upon opening the bag the first thing I saw the lovely lilac colour, it was so feminine and pretty, just what I wanted! I tried it on right away, and it was a perfect fit, its a size small, I am an size 10-12. I love the detail on the sleeves which match the double layer for the top where you lift for feeding. Also around the neckline there is an adjustable pull cord which is fab for changing the fit of the top around the bust area, and as my breasts change size by the hour, really is a great addition to the top. The top has a double layer all around unlike most feeding tops which only have a feeding area at the front which means my back and tummy are not exposed at all.

So for the first use I fed in front of my family which includes my 3 boys aged 13, 9 & 6 years and it was easy to gain access to my bra and breasts, and to latch baby on, my boys came to give the baby a cuddle and didn't even notice I was feeding! Fantastic.

So I decided it was time to venture out to town, my top looked smart, feminine and was so soft to wear and I looked great!! I was happy and confident :) I managed to feed my baby in town without a feeding cover and it was easy discrete and I am totally pleased with the top. I would recommend to every breastfeeding mum. The top is soft for you and baby, easy to wash and wear, smart and practical and great value for money. The only thing I noticed after wearing it a few times is that a few stitches have come loose on the hem, I think the machine has missed a few hooks or something, but I am sure that is a one off.

Member review by Abi - Mum to 3 boys aged 13, 9 & 6 and a baby girl aged 8 weeks. - review date 10th July 2010 

"super soft!!!!"
The first thing i noticed when i received the Maia feeding top was the softness of the product and had to try it on straightaway. I selected a medium size, as with breastfeeding size goes up and down and this top was flattering, not too tight and i loved the fact that it was stretchy too.
Furthermore the colour of my top is black so it goes well with a skirt,trousers, jeans etc. Also the little ties at the top allows you to control the neckline which in my case i hate showing cleavage and a great bonus feature.
Basically you lift the top layer to find the opening which is great and its not fiddly or fussy, no buttons and zips to worry about and get feeding baby straightaway.
At 29.99 the top is a bit expensive, it would be great if you got savings of buying two. However, the fact that the delivery on bellamama is free in uk , makes it a little more inclined to buy.
I would definitely buy another one in a different colour as the fit was very good, and no worries about returning it. I love the top as it is fashionable and convenient , and would definitely not irritate baby skin and feeding time. thanks

Member review by sumaiya - mumandbaby - review date 7th July 2010  

Pretty New Breastfeeding Tops Just Arrived at Bella Mama

It's been a busy week at Bella Mama, and I can't believe that school is breaking up today and we have the whole of the summer holidays stretching ahead of us!

Since we had our holiday in France in May this year, I have no fabulous, sun-drenched summer holiday to look forward to, instead we will be in the UK enjoying a "Staycation"...

hahaha!

I have lots of activities with the kiddos planned - a whole variety of days out, picnics, camping, meeting friends, staying with family, birthday parties, science day camps, swimming, fencing lessons and lots of playing... let's just hope the weather perks up. At the moment the rain is doing its best to fill our very empty reservoirs (and hopefully end the North West's current hosepipe ban!) so I am very envious of lots of lovely BM mamas who are off on their hols shortly, and have been stocking up on flirty, floaty sundresses and sunny weather tops!

New stocks of our stylishly casual Melissa tops have just arrived, and are again proving popular with new nursing mamas. The delicate silver print on the reverse of the top makes this a lovely everyday nursing top. This is a great style to wear year round, and looks equally good with jeans, joggers or combats.

Kirsten
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Gorgeous recipe for Breastfeeding Mamas!

Nursing mamas know that breastfeeding is hungry work! The extra calories required during breastfeeding are often consumed as small snacks throughout the day. Keeping the healthy mindset you had through pregnancy, snacks can help you have more energy, recover from the birth faster and help to support a healthy milk supply.

 I just have to share this fabulous recipe from Annabel Karmel with you - makes perfect flapjacks every time, and packed full of nutritious ingredients. The additional dried fruit and seeds give a healthy boost, and a deliciously fruity twist. Pumpkin seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients, containing healthy omega 3 fats, which are crucial for brain development and a healthy heart. The oats in the flapjacks give slow-release energy, perfect for busy new mums!

These flapjacks are super popular with everyone in our house, for snacks and packed lunches. I made a batch last night, and am sitting in the office right now with my flapjack and cup of tea. Yummy! Need to build up my energy, as am off hiking up Shutlingsloe again this evening with Finn's Beaver pack...

Ingredients
80g butter
80g brown sugar
60g (2 tbsp) golden syrup
1/2 tsp salt
130g porridge oats
35g chopped dried apple
35g chopped dried apricots
25g dried cranberries
25g pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp sunflower seeds
25g desiccated coconut

Method
In a saucepan, melt together the butter, sugar, golden syrup and salt.
Mix all the dry ingredients together in a bowl and stir in the butter and syrup mixture.
Line and grease a 20cm square baking tin. Spoon the mixture into the tin and press down to level the surface using a potato masher.
Bake in an oven pre-heated to 180ºC for 18 to 20 minutes.
Store flapjacks in the fridge and cut into bars before serving.

Kirsten
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New Milkstars Breastfeeding Tops and Dresses have arrived at Bella Mama

Milkstars is a fab US brand, created by a mum who refused to give up her style just because she was a nursing mama. They have just launched the Suzi top, a gorgeous hoodie which is perfect for snuggling with your little one at home, or running around town!

Also brand new this season, is the pretty drape necked Randa dress. Effortlessly versatile, can be dressed up or down as the occasion demands.

Check them out online at bellamama.co.uk and let me know what you think!

Kirsten
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1intheOven nursing tanks back in stock!

The super-popular and amazingly comfortable maternity/nursing tanks from 1intheOven have been restocked.

Made from fabulously soft cotton, with a flattering fit, easy nursing access and deliciously cool to wear in the warm summer weather, these tops are perfect for new mamas!

The discreet layer will cover you while nursing in public. This is the perfect piece to wear with your jeans or yoga pants. The slightly longer length fits over a growing belly and is super flattering for a post-baby figure.

They are currently available in classic black, white, summer blue, pebble and love pink.

Kirsten
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Glamourmom breastfeeding camisoles in stock at bellamama

More stock of the fabulous Glamourmom nursing camisoles have arrived with us today. The revolutionary patented design of this tank combines complete post-partum tummy coverage with a built-in soft cup frame and elastic shelf for total breast support.

I practically lived in this top after I had Orla - the soft bra cups are just the best thing to wear when your milk comes in, incredibly comfortable and supportive. The tops are also longer length, which completely covers post-baby tums and can be worn under other tops to give a great layered look. I adore this top!!

Even better, Glamourmom have just added a new range of full bust tops which give extra support and a flattering shape for us more generously endowed mummies! Hooray!

 Kirsten
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Bella Mama's new breastfeeding clothing website is now live!

It´s finally here! A big welcome to our new and improved website! And this is set to be just the start of what is to come over the next few months.

As well as a new updated, contemporary logo and branding across the site, there are some great new features that are now available at Bella Mama:

•    Search by Size –  for quicker selection, see what’s available in your size quickly and easily
•    Nursing access openings information made clearer, and detailed pictures to explain how these work!
•    Live Chat – where an advisor will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about our products
•    More images to assist with product selection, with new larger image format
•    Fitting room to give more accurate sizing information, and recommendations on nursing tops and bra styles available
•    New Articles section – more information and help and support whilst breastfeeding
•    Quicker checkout process
•    Bella Mama loyalty points, earn points for each purchase and use these against future purchases
•    Customer comments/reviews/ratings section on each product

As well as this, look out for more new products and amazing new designers that will be available over the next few months!

I'd love to hear what you think about the new site, do drop me an email at kirsten@bellamama.co.uk and feel free to leave a review on the products on the site too!

Kirsten
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