Author Archive: Lydia
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Christmas Shopping Already?
We hit the shops this weekend to see Christmas trees dressed in lights and to browse all the pretty Christmas decorations that have started to adorn the shops.
I took the opportunity to step out in my favourite pumps by Gabor. It made a nice change after wearing boots almost daily since the start of autumn.
Living in London I expect the shops to have a constant stream of foot traffic but I was shocked by the number of Christmas shoppers. Rolls of Christmas wrapping paper were being snapped off the shelves.
I overheard conversations about the Christmas gifts people have already bought for their loved ones. I can’t stop thinking that it’s still October and there’s 8 weeks and 1 day until Christmas!
Some of the pretty Christmas Decorations we found at John Lewis.
Imogen needed a new pair of shoes and we found a beautiful pair of classically simple dark red leather shoes at Startrite.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
No doubt you will have heard Breast is Best.
Despite this there’s still a lot of debate when it comes to feeding and what’s best for your baby.
Exclusive breastfeeding, mixed feeding with breast milk and formula or exclusive formula feeding?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) published a statement in January 2011 indicating findings show exclusive breastfeeding up to the age of 6 months is best for babies, as it helps to achieve optimal growth, development and health.
This statement on breastfeeding by the WHO is for all babies, not just babies in developing countries.
My thoughts are that if you can breastfeed and if you want to breastfeed then it’s best for Mum and baby to breastfeed. Nutritionally, emotionally and physiologically.
Here are just some of the Benefits of Breastfeeding
- The fat in breast milk is more digestible for babies, compared with cow’s milk, so there’s a greater absorption of fat-soluble vitamins into baby’s bloodstream.
- The hormones in breast milk promote baby’s growth.
- Breastfeeding will give your baby the best start and allow them to grow and develop at optimal levels.
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
- Breastfeeding decreases the risk of your baby developing infections as Mum’s breast milk provides antibodies for her baby.
- Breastfeeding can help to reduce Mum’s risk of developing breast cancer.
- Breastfeeding is the best way to burn calories, and you get to sit down and put your feet up at the same time!
- Breastfeeding gives Mum and baby regular skin-to-skin contact which nurtures bonding and provides great emotional benefits.
- There’s a reduced risk of breastfed babies developing childhood diabetes.
- Breast milk provides baby with protection against allergies, eczema and asthma.
What are your thoughts on the benefits of breastfeeding?
Healthy Pregnancy Tips
I want to share the things that helped me to enjoy a healthy and happy pregnancy.
These are my top Healthy Pregnancy Tips which I found easy to practice and essential for relaxation and keeping me supple.
Exercise gently everyday
A gentle walk and some Pregnancy Yoga worked wonders for my flexibility and my mood when I was pregnant. I used a Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat. It’s thicker than a standard yoga mat so it gave me extra cushioning which was really needed during the later months of my pregnancy. It has a great non-slip surface so it stayed in place during my yoga workout and stretching.
Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat from John Lewis
Neal’s Yard Organic Mother’s Bath Oil
Relax, don’t stress!
I found little treats worked wonders. I loved having a warm bath using Neal’s Yard Organic Mother’s Bath Oil for deep relaxation, listening to my favourite music and reading the books on my reading list while I still had some time to myself.
Eat healthy, organic foods
As a Nutritional Advisor and Mum I always make the following recommendations for pregnant women.
Look after your back
Being pregnant naturally puts strain on your lower back as your tummy blooms.
- Don’t lift anything heavy.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- I used a maternity support pillow to support my back when I was sleeping or relaxing.
Pelvic floor exercises
These are very important during pregnancy and help to strengthen your pelvic floor so your body can support the weight of your pregnancy. Pelvic floor exercises help to prevent stress incontinence.
If this is your first pregnancy you’re probably wondering what stress incontinence is! I certainly didn’t have a clue until we discussed this in our NCT Antenatal Classes. Stress incontinence occurs when you have weak pelvic floor muscles and can cause leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise.
Here’s a really useful link from the NCT on how to exercise your pelvic floor during and after pregnancy.
Take a Pregnancy Multivitamin
Despite having a healthy diet, as soon as I knew I was pregnant I started taking Vitabiotics Pregnacare Plus Omega 3 and continued to take these throughout my entire pregnancy. These multivitamins plus Omega 3 ensured my baby and I had all the essential nutrients we needed, including the recommended level of 400mcg folic acid.
