5 Safe Valentine's Day Activities for Expectant Mothers

For couples in the first throes of romance, Valentine's day often means romantic treats, dinner dates and the giving of very personal gifts. However, for couples expecting a baby, St Valentine's day is perhaps written off as something that is for the young and free. However, these five Valentine's Day activity ideas prove that romance can blossom during a pregnancy when the day arrives. 

1. A Maternity Photo-Shoot

Most young couples will wait until their little bundle of joy arrives before thinking about taking some quality photographs, but a pregnancy is part of the journey towards parenthood, and it should be savoured. A romantic way to share a pregnancy with your partner this Valentine's Day is with a maternity photo-shoot. Professional photographers often offer special packages for expectant couples, which sometimes include themed clothing and various backdrops - for a selection of photos that will capture this magical time in your life forever. 

The First 1000 Days of Parenthood

The first 1000 days runs from the very beginning of pregnancy right the way through to your baby's second birthday. It is known to be the most important time in a child's life when it comes to their development and it can be a big learning journey in terms of parenthood too. Us mums and dads can certainly experience a lot during this period, with a mixture of highs and lows, but there are plenty of magical memories to be made as we watch our little ones grow!

If it were just up to me I would most definitely love to welcome another bundle of joy into the world.

Although in the very early days it can feel like a blur with lots of dirty nappies, crying and feeding there are great times to follow. Seeing your baby grasp your finger as they stare deeply into your eyes, watching them roll over, the first gummy smile and first steps are unmissable and truly unforgettable. It actually makes the negative parts feel totally worthwhile. It does however go so fast and although Minxy is about to start secondary school it feels like just yesterday she was going to nursery for the first session.

The Baby Show Is Back (and your chance to WIN)

The Baby Show (www.thebabyshow.co.uk) with MadeForMums is the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event, and will be returning to ExCeL London from 20th to 22nd February 2015.

The show is a must-attend event for new and expectant parents providing everything needed for bump, baby and you including all the essentials, alongside the latest, innovative products and not-on-the high street brands. This year it will incorporate The Work & Family Show, which is dedicated to providing expert advice, solutions and ideas for managing work and family life, and helping to kick start careers after having a family.


The Baby Show highlights include:

• Over 200 trusted brands offering visitors the chance to thoroughly test and try before buying.

• Exclusive show offers and competitions from top parenting brands. 

Maternity fashion

I found it really difficult to find clothes while pregnant that were stylish, comfortable yet affordable  and I virtually remained in the same few boring tops and dark trousers for 9 months!

With the weather constantly changing from snow to rain and then sunshine, it also makes deciding what to wear to cover your bump quite tricky at times. Ideally it's nice to have a few key pieces that you can dress up or down to suit any occasion and Vertbaudet have some lovely items available that won't break the bank!

Jeans are almost an essential part of a maternity wardrobe and these great value straight-cut style ones come in white, blue and untreated for a bit of variety. Worn with trainers or flats they can create a casual look or when paired with heels or boots they make a great outfit for work or more formal occasions. With an adjustable waist these can expand as your tummy does and the wide stretch jersey panel and mock fly makes them comfortable with nothing to dig in to your bump. In sizes 6-20 there is something to suit most tastes and sizes.

This pretty pink top, which is perfect for the arrival of spring, will provide just the right amount of warmth from the winter wind with its long sleeves without the risk of overheating from the sunshine. The stretch fit and draped panel to the front provide added detail and support as your body changes. This would look lovely teamed with leggings or with trousers - a versatile top.

Being fitted for a bra is really important during the various stages of pregnancy to help cradle your bust properly. With lace trim, under-wire and breastfeeding clips this maternity bra has everything has everything you need from conception to feeding your baby once it arrives. It comes in 3 colours or black, white and coral in sizes 32B to 44F.

Vertbaudet have a lovely collection of maternity wear including dresses, lingerie, sleepwear and coats.

What items are essential for your maternity wardrobe?

Christmas Gift Giveaway - Babyhuddle

Imagine a website where you can shop for all of your baby and toddler essentials and Christmas gifts, create wishlists with all the lovely items you would like or need AND receive great advice and product recommendations from other parents and parents to be. Babyhuddle provides just that!

Babyhuddle is a wonderful support network where you can have questions answered while online shopping for your little ones. No new parent need feel scared about seeking advice when you can do it discreetly from the comfort of your own home, or even on the go with your mobile device.

Babyhuddle have kindly provided a superb Avent Bottle Feeding Essential Kit worth £49.99 to giveaway!

The kit contains everything you need to start bottle feeding your baby and would make a lovely gift for a parent-to-be or someone with a newborn this Christmas.

Included in this set:

• Microwave Steam Sterilizer
• 6 Avent Bottles (4 of 260ml/9 oz and 2 of 125ml/4 oz) and 6 teats (2 x newborn flow teats and 4 x soft flow teats). 
• Neoprene ThermaBag
• Milk Powder Dispenser
• Curved Brush Head and Moulded Tip

*** WIN ***

For your chance to enter you can use the Rafflecopter entry form below.

The giveaway closes on 20th December 2012.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mumstuff Christmas Gift Guide and Giveaway

If you are looking for something fun and a little quirky for a mum or dad to be this Christmas, Mumstuff has some lovely exclusive and unique gift solutions!

Their range of gift sets are beautifully presented and contain a variety of great quality items.

The Mum to Be's Fabulous Christmas gift box and Bump & Bauble Gift set both feature a gorgeous pendant, bauble for bump's Christmas and badges, with the Mum to Be's box also containing a lovely bump shaped mug and drink too.

Dad doesn't have to be forgotten as the Pint and Preparation set has a pint size mug, 2 books and a badge to pop under the tree this December too.

MumStuff's Big Bump Mug Collection, features two exclusively designed mugs crafted in fine china and made in England and we have 1 to give away which would make a lovely stocking filling!

As well as being functional the humourous mug holds almost a pint! There are currently two 'MumStuff Big Bump Mug' designs available; a plain white design, and the ''MumStuff Big Bump Mug (Little Hands & Feet)' which is also white and incorporates a scanned image of teeny tiny hands and feet onto the front of the mug!

*** WIN ***

For your chance to win a Mumstuff Big Bump Mug you can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below.

The competition closes on 14th December 2012

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Being Pregnant Meme

I have been invited by Trinket herself from Trinket of Treasure to partake in her 'Being Pregnant' meme. The idea is to answer a few questions, link up and share the meme with a few friends to build up some info on what people feel about pregnancy.

 

  

THE QUESTIONS

 

What was your first reaction when you found out that you were/are pregnant and why do you feel you reacted in that way?

I felt pregnant before I had it confirmed by a test. I could sense it somehow. I was only one day late which was a regular occurance at the time but I felt different, maternal almost so I wasn't particularly surprised when the 'Pregnant' word appeared on the Clear Blue digital stick. I was nervous though and slightly concerned how my partner would react and my parents. I had just turned 18 and was living at home. Despite being with the father from the age of 13 it wasn't ideal, I was on the pill afterall. I was happy though, knowing a little person was growing in my tummy!

  

What major changes did/does being pregnant bring to your life?

I had sickness to the extent I was signed off work with dehydration. I hated the swollen ankles and stretch marks and going in and out of hospital with suspected pre-eclampsia. However I loved the planning, shopping, scans, feeling the baby kick and watching my tummy wiggle around as she moved about inside. I was mature for my age anyway, I never drank like my friends at the time and I had a job and car. I did have to grow up a bit though and I moved out of my parents into a rented home when I left work on maternity leave.

  

What did/do you like or enjoy about being pregnant the most?

 

My hair was wonderful and skin was fantastic when pregnant. I also used pregnancy as an excuse to eat whatever I fancied although shifting the weight afterwards was a lot harder than I expected! I enjoyed building a bond with my child before I even met her and feeling that my body was incredible to create something so loved.

  

What did/do you dislike the most about being pregnant?

 

The sickness and being tired all of the time was horrendous. It had a big impact on my social life and I lost many friends when pregnant. I found it really difficult to get comfortable and sleep too.

  

What are your overall thoughts and feelings on being pregnant?

 

Generally I loved it and I would LOVE another child although the Mr doesn't want any kids of his own *sob*. Maybe if I pester him for another few years he will eventually give in? Wishful thinking!!

 

I am inviting the following people to join in with this meme if they would like to:

 

The Boy and Me
Multiple Mummy
Mummy vs Work
Mummy Mishaps
Attachment Mummy

 

THE RULES (please copy):

• Please answer the following questions in depth.YOU’RE NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE ANY DETAILS OUT (only joking). But, please do write as much as you want, keeping in mind the joys of life are inthe finer details.
• Invite three or more women and link them to your blog post. As I don’t know many mothers or pregnant women, I’d appreciate it if you could invite as many mothers/expecting women you know to participate. But please remember you don't have to be invited to take part. THE MORE THE MERRIER!
• Leave a comment about what you think of this meme and a link to your blogpost HERE
• For lovelies that have been pregnant more than once, answerthe question in regards to your first pregnancy.