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Sumptuous Style from Seraphine – Nursing Shawl Review

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Some nursing products are practical, others are pretty but it’s rare to get both and add to that a drop of luxury.

Seraphine have managed it with their truly gorgeous nursing shawl:

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I used this so much in my last month of pregnancy when it started to get cold and none of my coats fit around my enormous bump and it was just so comfortable, soft against my skin whilst somehow managing to make me feel stylish at a time when I felt a bit like a beached whale.

I took it into hospital with me and I wore it on our journey home, it makes discreet breastfeeding so simple whilst being incredibly gentle on my baby’s soft face. She loves to cwtch (welsh word which more or less means to snuggle or cuddle up) up in it after a feed and I’ve used it as an extra blanket when out and about.

It’s so versatile that I would recommend it to every pregnant or breastfeeding mama.

Seraphine have also recently launched an online video guide to nursing clothes which is really helpful for new mums who are unsure about what to buy. You can see the video here

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* I received this item free of charge for review purposes.

Envie De Fraises Maternity and Nursing Wear – Review

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In the final month of my pregnancy I was contacted by a maternity and nursing brand called Envie De Fraises – I hadn’t heard of the brand before and immediately had a nose at their site – worth a look if you are pregnant, nursing or planning to be as they have some really lovely pieces. They are a leading French maternity brand who have just launched in the UK. I was asked if I would like to review a few items from the site ( of course I said yes) and this is what I chose:

3 piece nursing/maternity essentials

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Pregnancy and Nursing wrap top

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And this Wrap over dress:

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The items were sent to me promptly and I was really impressed by the quality of the clothing. My immediate favourites were the 3 piece loungewear set. I planned to keep this until the baby arrived but ended up using it in the week prior as I was desperate for comfortable clothing especially in the days prior to the birth in hospital. It was also what I dressed in immediately after giving birth:

Chloe loved being tucked up against my skin for the journey from the labour ward to the postnatal ward:

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I love that it looks a little more stylish than plain pjs and that there is nothing that could irritate a newbies sensitive skin – no buttons, catches or zips.

The pregnancy and nursing wrap top has been worn to death. It’s been washed at least 10 times already and still is in great shape and colour. It’s so useful for feeding but still looks smart enough to wear out and about.

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I am hoping to wear the dress to some Christmas events as its a lovely wintery colour and it will make it easy to nurse Chloe.

I’ve been really impressed with all three items and would definitely recommend the brand. I can see me purchasing some more nursing tops over the coming months.

My lovely lady bumps..

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At 17 weeks pregnant with baby number 1 I was still managing to conceal it pretty well..I had a bump and my chest was ahem ..starting to swell but it wasn’t hey smack you in the face noticeable.

This time around my bump is huge. Really. I’ve only gained 4lbs due to LOTS of sickness but my belly is BIG. My boobs are definitely a good deal bigger than last time too.

A lot is different the second time around:

1. I was sicker earlier and far more severe than the first time.

2. My stomach popped very quickly… Apparently this is normal as your muscles remember the first pregnancy. But really – should I have been showing at 6 weeks? Madness.

3. My chest is bigger.. and ouch more tender. Removing my bra is an incredible relief.

4. I felt movement earlier. Flutterings started weeks ago but proper definite movements started this week.

5. I’ve been more tired – I didn’t really notice the tiredness last time at all. This time woah I’ve been exhausted .. I’m guessing a combo of extra sickness, stress due to the scares we have had and having an exuberant toddler has contributed to that.

6. I’ve only bought 1 baby item thus far. Last time I didn’t go overboard but by this time I had bought lots of gender neutral newborn bits. This time it’s been a combination of not wanting to buy things I don’t really need until we know the sex and being scared to buy anything until we past the 20wk scan.

7. I worry more.

Now don’t get me wrong whilst I am definitely finding it harder in many ways than last time there are some definite positives:

1. We are a family now. We felt complete as a family before we found out I was pregnant but this has truly brought us all together.

2. It had made me and my OH even closer as we have dealt with some tough times. Stronger.

3. I have an absolutely amazing toddler who makes me laugh each day no matter what has happened. She hugs my belly and talks to the baby ( I don’t think she actually gets it) and I just know she will be a fabulous older sister.

4. I’m pregnant again. So lucky to be. I will be a mother of two in just under 5 months.

5. When pregnant with Izzy I didn’t know anybody else (locally) who was pregnant or had a newborn. This time I have two real life friends ( one who just gave birth, the other due before me) and a whole heap of online support from twitter and fellow bloggers. A HUGE thank you goes to the wonderful women/men who have answered my questions, sent positive messages and just generally been awesome on twitter and via the blog so far. You know who you are.

Here is a bump pic update for you who have asked to see:

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And an Izzy pic.. Just because she is so darn cute.

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PS. If anybody knows why lately I can’t seem to write a blog title without using song lyrics then please let me know. Can I blame baby brain? Sure I can.

Xxx

Bumps, Bras and Baby

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I’m just into the second trimester of my pregnancy and unfortunately still feeling pretty lousy but I do have the odd day here and there where I feel fine so for that I am extremely grateful. I think I’ve stopped losing weight and my belly is most definitely there for all to see..wooo I do like a good baby bump. I am still at the stage however where I feel fat rather than obviously pregnant so no bump shots just yet sorry. I will however share with you this awesomely clear photo from our check up scan on Tuesday:

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All is fine with baby and if all continues to plan we won’t need another scan until 20wks which is a big relief.

I haven’t had any real obvious cravings yet although lemonade lollies have helped a lot with the nausea. My food aversions aren’t quite as extreme as they were a few weeks ago and I’m managing to eat meat again finally. Tiredness isn’t too extreme really but on the days where I’m sick I get pretty worn out quickly. 4pm seems to be my only really difficult time when it comes to keeping my eyes open.

Izzy is coping well with the more tired/less energetic mum and has been opting for lots of cuddle time. She also loves to stroke my belly and kiss it saying ahhhhhh baby. I really don’t think she gets it but its rather cute.

During the pregnancy so far I’ve been really lucky to receive items from a number of pretty amazing brands such as Blossom mother and child, Seraphine, Isabella Oliver and Bravado to review for the blog. Look out for reviews over the next few months, I promise to included lots of pics and honest opinions.

First up I want to tell you about a bra I was sent from Bravado following a twitter appeal for pregnant/nursing bloggers. When I opened the packaging I was a bit disappointed ( sorry I said I’d be honest) as it was a rather shocking pink. The colour was a limited edition and I can imagine a lot of people loving it but pink isn’t really my thing. Anyway initial opinion set aside I immediately removed my current instrument of torture and tried it on and it was instant bliss. It seriously is BY FAR the comfiest bra I’ve ever worn – it was also at a point when my pregnant chest was at its most tender and it felt like a comfy blanket supporting my dear friends. I’ve worn it under outfits ( when the pink can’t be seen ) also to bed.. its the only bra I’ve been able to wear to sleep lately and also just for lounging around the house. It offers a lot more support than most maternity bras I’ve tried and gives a great shape too. It washes very well too. I’ll keep you posted on how the bra holds up throughout the pregnancy. The one I was sent to try is: Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra The colour I have is no longer available but it’s available in a range of others.. I’m quite tempted to purchase the black.

I’ll post pics when I take some bump shots but for now my bed is calling.

Night x

*I was sent the bra for free to review in exchange for my honest opinion.