Hoping you all had a fabulous New Year's, with plenty of food, fun, family and friends!
I wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has supported Bella Mama last year! The past year has been an amazing one for Bella Mama, our range of breastfeeding and maternity clothing has grown and we've brought some lovely new designers on board this year, as well as continuing to offer beautiful pieces from our ever-popular established designers. Some items were so popular the pre-ordered stock had sold out before the stock had even hit our shelves! Our range was broadened further by adding even more new mama essentials, with new luxury baby changing bags, beautiful nursing necklaces, breastfeeding-friendly nursing covers and ponchos in a variety of colours and designs, super stylish breastfeeding lingerie and yummy indulgent skincare.
We were all thrilled when our lovely Bella Mama Maia breastfeeding top was awarded a finalist in Practical Pregnancy's best feeding top category. Yippee!! Maia is our best-selling nursing top, and new mamas just love the design for it's simple elegance, flattering fit and easy nursing access. Maia is now available in black, lilac and midnight blue, and will be available in some enticing new colours in Spring.
In Summer Bella Mama moved to a brilliant new office (hooray!), which was quickly followed by the launch of our brand new and improved website, which has proven a hit with new mamas! Our first gorgeous nursing dress design launched in Autumn, the pretty Thalia breastfeeding dress, which will be followed by more gorgeous new designs as we move into Spring 2011...
Bella Mama loves to support new breastfeeding mothers, and our commitment during the past year has seen us pro-actively help to raise awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding, donating nursing tops and breastfeeding dresses to breastfeeding charities and support groups throughout the UK. We are delighted to have been able to support many other causes helping to support nursing mothers - 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.
I look forward to providing even more help, support and donations in 2011, and I 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 I would love to help you out!
There are some exciting new designs lined up for SS11, including more new Bella Mama breastfeeding tops and dresses. As well as this, look out for more new products, new website features and amazing new designers that will be available over the next few months!
Wishing you all a Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous 2011.
Kirsten xx
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Monday, 6 December 2010
Stylish Breastfeeding Dresses from Dote NOW IN STOCK!
The super-stylish nursing clothing from Dote arrived at Bella Mama this week - what an eagerly anticipated delivery!! Lots of the dresses were pre-ordered before their arrival in the UK and there will be lots of happy mamas this week as they receive their gorgeous new nursing dresses.
This time of year the beautiful berry red breastfeeding dresses have proven incredibly sought after - with only 1 Bridget breastfeeding dress left in stock, and a waiting list on any returned items! The Sienna halterneck nursing dress and red 9th Street breastfeeding dress have also been really well received - a beautiful strong shot of colour is just perfect for making you feel amazing during the cold, dull days of winter!
The Twinkle nursing dresses have proven as fast-selling as ever, the soft ruching at the bust and the elegant styling giving it a chic edge. This season Dote have added classic black, as well as reprising the deep navy colour which was super popular earlier this year.
This season Dote Nursingwear have added several new styles to their line-up.We are stocking the Sabrina dress, Natalie Ribbon dress, Chloe breastfeeding top and the Lindsey nursing top for the first time.
If you're after a beautiful breastfeeding dress which effortlessly combines style and function, do check out Dote's AW10 range at Bella Mama!
Kirsten
xx
This time of year the beautiful berry red breastfeeding dresses have proven incredibly sought after - with only 1 Bridget breastfeeding dress left in stock, and a waiting list on any returned items! The Sienna halterneck nursing dress and red 9th Street breastfeeding dress have also been really well received - a beautiful strong shot of colour is just perfect for making you feel amazing during the cold, dull days of winter!
The Twinkle nursing dresses have proven as fast-selling as ever, the soft ruching at the bust and the elegant styling giving it a chic edge. This season Dote have added classic black, as well as reprising the deep navy colour which was super popular earlier this year.
This season Dote Nursingwear have added several new styles to their line-up.We are stocking the Sabrina dress, Natalie Ribbon dress, Chloe breastfeeding top and the Lindsey nursing top for the first time.
If you're after a beautiful breastfeeding dress which effortlessly combines style and function, do check out Dote's AW10 range at Bella Mama!
Kirsten
xx
Friday, 12 November 2010
Maternity and Nursing dresses for Special Occasions
I've had lots and lots of requests for nursingwear for special occasions... lots of new mamas have weddings and parties to go to and find themselves in the same position I did shortly after I'd had both of my babies, and had a number of weddings to go to. My inability to find a gorgeous nursing dress was what led me to set up Bella Mama in the first place, so I can definitely sympathise with that panicky feeling of wanting to look fab at an event, and needing to be able to breastfeed easily whilst there. Nothing more stressful than either feeling like you're going to expose tummy or boobs whilst feeding your baby, or wondering if the only private place you're going to be able to feed is in the loos - ugh.
I have chosen some beautiful breastfeeding dresses for Bella Mama's Autumn/Winter collection this year, all of which will allow you to feed your baby quickly, easily and with minimum fuss and no boob/tummy flashing! Here's a quick rundown of some of my favourites:
Maternalove Isabella nursing dress - £48.00
This classic breastfeeding dress with a hint of understated sexiness can be worn for just about any occasion, and has been selling well since it hit the stockroom this week! The Isabella Nursing Dress has a simple surplice neckline and faux wrap skirt, the sash can be wrapped around your waist several times and tied at the side for an elegant touch. The dress is very comfortable with the fluid, smooth jersey knit skimming gently over your curves. To nurse, pull aside the surplice neckline to access the concealed nursing openings.
Mayreau Cowl Breastfeeding Dress - £89.00
This luxurious breastfeeding dress is made from super-soft modal fabric, just divine, it feels buttery soft on the skin and gives a real feeling of luxury. The cowl neck cleverly conceals the nursing access, and the gathered sleeve detail is a stylish twist. This dress is just the perfect balance of comfortable, functional and glamorous!! Super easy to nurse in, just pull aside the cowl neckline and lift the modesty layer. Voila! easy breastfeeding.
Annee Matthew Valencia Breastfeeding Dress - £55.00
Another gorgeous design from Annee Matthew, queen of delicious nursing dresses for new mamas! Stylish ruching detail, figure flattering styling and a gorgeous rich wine colour combine to create a lovely dress for breastfeeding mamas attending a special event. Breastfeeding is easy, just lift the dress at the empire line ruching to access the nursing openings.
To save £10 on any dress in Bella Mama's AW10 collection THIS WEEKEND ONLY (12-14th November) please use code FABDRESS at checkout, and look forward to celebrating and breastfeeding at your special occasion in style!
Kirsten
xx
I have chosen some beautiful breastfeeding dresses for Bella Mama's Autumn/Winter collection this year, all of which will allow you to feed your baby quickly, easily and with minimum fuss and no boob/tummy flashing! Here's a quick rundown of some of my favourites:
Maternalove Isabella nursing dress - £48.00
This classic breastfeeding dress with a hint of understated sexiness can be worn for just about any occasion, and has been selling well since it hit the stockroom this week! The Isabella Nursing Dress has a simple surplice neckline and faux wrap skirt, the sash can be wrapped around your waist several times and tied at the side for an elegant touch. The dress is very comfortable with the fluid, smooth jersey knit skimming gently over your curves. To nurse, pull aside the surplice neckline to access the concealed nursing openings.
This luxurious breastfeeding dress is made from super-soft modal fabric, just divine, it feels buttery soft on the skin and gives a real feeling of luxury. The cowl neck cleverly conceals the nursing access, and the gathered sleeve detail is a stylish twist. This dress is just the perfect balance of comfortable, functional and glamorous!! Super easy to nurse in, just pull aside the cowl neckline and lift the modesty layer. Voila! easy breastfeeding.
Annee Matthew Valencia Breastfeeding Dress - £55.00
Another gorgeous design from Annee Matthew, queen of delicious nursing dresses for new mamas! Stylish ruching detail, figure flattering styling and a gorgeous rich wine colour combine to create a lovely dress for breastfeeding mamas attending a special event. Breastfeeding is easy, just lift the dress at the empire line ruching to access the nursing openings.
To save £10 on any dress in Bella Mama's AW10 collection THIS WEEKEND ONLY (12-14th November) please use code FABDRESS at checkout, and look forward to celebrating and breastfeeding at your special occasion in style!
Kirsten
xx
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Enjoying Autumn and being busy!
Family life is moving at breakneck pace at the moment... half-term was super busy... no sooner are we back from our trip to Kent, D whizzed off on a training visit to Barcelona, the kiddos and I kept busy with Wacky Woods, Pumpkin Carving, shopping trips, lots of cupcake baking and then this weekend we were celebrating Aunty Ze's (shhhhhhhhhh!) 60th birthday with a family get-together!
We then spent a lovely few hours on Sunday out and about catching up with friends for an autumnal picnic (complete with my super seasonal ginger cupcakes with ginger fudge icing, yum!). Our local National Trust property, Tatton Park, had a pumpkin poetry trail and a brilliant display of pumpkins and squashes. Helping the kiddos hunting for pumpkins, Halloween inspired poems and strolling through the gardens was lovely. We enjoyed kicking through the piles of crispy fallen leaves, whilst my 8 y-o Finn delighted in covering me in leaf compost!
My friends' baby (my little god-son is now a proud big brother) arrived this weekend too. A beautiful baby girl, I am so happy for them and can't wait to meet her! Big squidges to them all.
Weekend was rounded off by making gingerbread cookies, trick or treating and a Sunday roast with my mum and dad.
So, all in all, a good weekend to round off a busy, busy week. I am hoping for a slightly calmer week this week!
Kiddos back to school/pre-school/nursery yesterday, and I am catching up with the arrival of more stock from Annee Matthew and Momzelle, and all the pre-ordered items of breastfeeding clothing which you've all been super-patiently waiting for.
Whew!
Bella Mama website moved servers this weekend, and we are now on bigger, better, faster servers which should make shopping for breastfeeding and maternity clothing with us better than ever. Yippee!
Kirsten
x
We then spent a lovely few hours on Sunday out and about catching up with friends for an autumnal picnic (complete with my super seasonal ginger cupcakes with ginger fudge icing, yum!). Our local National Trust property, Tatton Park, had a pumpkin poetry trail and a brilliant display of pumpkins and squashes. Helping the kiddos hunting for pumpkins, Halloween inspired poems and strolling through the gardens was lovely. We enjoyed kicking through the piles of crispy fallen leaves, whilst my 8 y-o Finn delighted in covering me in leaf compost!
My friends' baby (my little god-son is now a proud big brother) arrived this weekend too. A beautiful baby girl, I am so happy for them and can't wait to meet her! Big squidges to them all.
Weekend was rounded off by making gingerbread cookies, trick or treating and a Sunday roast with my mum and dad.
So, all in all, a good weekend to round off a busy, busy week. I am hoping for a slightly calmer week this week!
Kiddos back to school/pre-school/nursery yesterday, and I am catching up with the arrival of more stock from Annee Matthew and Momzelle, and all the pre-ordered items of breastfeeding clothing which you've all been super-patiently waiting for.
Whew!
Bella Mama website moved servers this weekend, and we are now on bigger, better, faster servers which should make shopping for breastfeeding and maternity clothing with us better than ever. Yippee!
Kirsten
x
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Breastfeeding for beginners
Breastfeeding can be daunting, especially for new mothers, so here at Bella Mama we have put together some useful tips which will help you out when your baby arrives:
1. Prepare. Breastfeeding is one of the most natural processes on the planet but it is not always an easy thing to do. By preparing for it well in advance you are more likely to succeed. Go to classes, read books and ask questions on the subject in order to mentally prepare for the coming events. Buy some breast shells and breastfeeding clothes such as nursing tops, before you give birth and take them to the hospital with you, ready to be used when baby arrives.
2. Don’t panic. It can take a few days after the birth for your milk production to really kick in. This means that the baby may not seem to be feeding too much in the first couple of days. This is nothing to worry about as long as your baby is actually feeding regularly and manages to latch onto the breast without too much difficulty.
3. Positioning. Your baby will not automatically know how to latch onto the breast. This is something you must help them to do until they get the hang of it. Always support your baby as best you can and find a position that works for you without causing pain. It may take a little while to find the perfect position but don't worry too much as you’ll quickly get the hang of it.
1. Prepare. Breastfeeding is one of the most natural processes on the planet but it is not always an easy thing to do. By preparing for it well in advance you are more likely to succeed. Go to classes, read books and ask questions on the subject in order to mentally prepare for the coming events. Buy some breast shells and breastfeeding clothes such as nursing tops, before you give birth and take them to the hospital with you, ready to be used when baby arrives.
2. Don’t panic. It can take a few days after the birth for your milk production to really kick in. This means that the baby may not seem to be feeding too much in the first couple of days. This is nothing to worry about as long as your baby is actually feeding regularly and manages to latch onto the breast without too much difficulty.
3. Positioning. Your baby will not automatically know how to latch onto the breast. This is something you must help them to do until they get the hang of it. Always support your baby as best you can and find a position that works for you without causing pain. It may take a little while to find the perfect position but don't worry too much as you’ll quickly get the hang of it.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Cosy Breastfeeding Clothing for Autumn
Just a quick update to let you all know that more fabulous Momzelle tops are on their way to Bella Mama from Canadian company, Momzelle.
*yay*
The purple hoodies have completely flown off Momzelle's shelves, so I can't get any more stock. I'm really sorry to all the breastfeeding mamas who have contacted me wanting to order one of the purple breastfeeding hoodies... but there are more gorgeous colours available, including berry pink, turquoise and black.
I am also restocking the lovely turtleneck breastfeeding tops. These comfy and practical tops get wonderful reviews from Momzelle's customers:
The tops are due in 30th October, but are available to pre-order now... so if you want to look stylish, and keep cosy whilst breastfeeding, head on over to Bella Mama asap!!
Kirsten
xx
*yay*
The purple hoodies have completely flown off Momzelle's shelves, so I can't get any more stock. I'm really sorry to all the breastfeeding mamas who have contacted me wanting to order one of the purple breastfeeding hoodies... but there are more gorgeous colours available, including berry pink, turquoise and black.
I am also restocking the lovely turtleneck breastfeeding tops. These comfy and practical tops get wonderful reviews from Momzelle's customers:
I received this product a few days ago and I find myself reaching for it each time I go into my closet. I wore it to get my hair done the other day and my husband brought me my son to feed. My hairdresser was shocked to learn that I was wearing a nursing top. She thought it looked so stylish. I love how I can throw it on with a pair of jeans and it looks great. The fabric is very comfortable and warm. It keeps its shape and is very figure flattering. I love that the length is longer to cover me when I bend over. I highly recommend this piece to any nursing mother.
The tops are due in 30th October, but are available to pre-order now... so if you want to look stylish, and keep cosy whilst breastfeeding, head on over to Bella Mama asap!!
Kirsten
xx
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Best-Selling Breastfeeding Clothing from Bella Mama
Last month our fastest selling breastfeeding top was Annee Matthew's fabulous striped scoop neck breastfeeding top.
This top sold out on pre-order, and despite ordering even more stock both colourways were still sold out before they actually hit the shelves!!
The lovely button details at the shoulder, and the flattering two-tone stripes with contrast cuffs have been a huge hit with nursing mamas. This top looks brilliant with jeans, denim skirts or joggers and is a brilliantly comfortable breastfeeding top. The double-layer nursing access is super-simple, and is a lovely top to wear whilst out and about with your little one!
More stock due in soon!
Kirsten
x
This top sold out on pre-order, and despite ordering even more stock both colourways were still sold out before they actually hit the shelves!!
The lovely button details at the shoulder, and the flattering two-tone stripes with contrast cuffs have been a huge hit with nursing mamas. This top looks brilliant with jeans, denim skirts or joggers and is a brilliantly comfortable breastfeeding top. The double-layer nursing access is super-simple, and is a lovely top to wear whilst out and about with your little one!
More stock due in soon!
Kirsten
x
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