My daughter is now a month old. There have been sleepless nights, baby sick and countless squidgy nappies but she is still perfect. I can’t get over how gorgeous she is or express how much I love her.
Here is a selection of some of the pictures from her first photo-shoot including some family pictures:
Maintaining my blog is very challenging at the moment and I haven’t had a chance to make any progress towards the novel I’m working on since she’s been born.
Hopefully, with my son starting school, she’ll develop a routine and I can find a way to fit it in. At the moment, she needs me a lot and my son also wants my attention. Until then, I’ll just focus on keeping my children happy.
She was 12 days old when we got the pictures taken. Little Wattsits Photography shared the above collage pic on Facebook and if it gets 100 likes, we get a free print. If you can spare the time to visit their page and like it (image posted on 27 Aug) then it would be most appreciated.
With my first I left packing my bag until the day I went into labour and although I’ve tried to be more organised this time, it’s still not fully packed.
My bag is an overnight bag using an old small suitcase, the sort you can take on a cheap flight as carry on luggage. I’m not planning on staying in longer unless there is a complication. If that happens, my hubby can bring me more stuff.
For labour
Hypnobirthing Parents’ Workbook: RRP £10.00
We bought this book as part of the free antenatal course delivered by our local midwives. Click here to read my article about hypnobirthing.
Neom: Aromatherapy mist – RRP £8.00
I wasn’t sure which scent to buy so got one of each to try. Most aromatherapy oils seem to be a pippet liquid oil or roller ball pulse point. I liked the idea of a mist as I can spritz the air or some fabric. I also got their mini hand creams to try.
Kindle fire: It was a gift but google says about £50.00
As my hubby has amazon prime we were able to download the music used during our hypnobirth course for free. It will also double up as entertainment as I can read, watch movies, play games and browse the internet.
Currently, these are my emergency snacks from my locker at work – I brought them home on my last day. I’m planning on ordering a graze box as I got free vouchers in my bounty packs. I really fancied JOM Candy but it’s not easy to buy.
Joseph Joseph: water bottle – £9.00 but I think I got mine half price in a sale.
The bottle never leaks and I like the clicks feature. Keeping hydrated during labour is very important.
Scarf: Bought years ago by a friend years ago when popular as sarong and shawls. These can be used during labour to do the Rebozo techniques.
Stay Cool Ice Towel: Whilst shopping for a fan I saw this and it sounds amazing. You just add water and it stays cool for hours. It is used by sporty people but I’m going to use it in labour. It is currently on order as I had to wait until pay day but I’m hoping it will arrive in time.
Travel brush & hair bands: When it gets hot, it is useful to tie my hair back. Also, handy to make myself look presentable when I get cleaned up afterwards.
For baby
M&Co: Seven piece start set – RRP £18.00
The trickiest thing is guessing what size your baby will be. With my first I had tiny baby and newborn clothes. He was 8 pounds 12 ounces and fit in newborn clothes for a week.
This time, all I’ve packed is a set from M&Co in size newborn. This set is great value for money and all you need. It consists of a vest, top, trousers, sleepsuit, two bibs and a hat.
Kit & Kin: Size 1, panda, pack of 20 – RRP £4.00
I got these eco nappies from Boots so I could collect my club card points. I’ve got a few different nappies but these are hands down the cutest.
Organyc: Cotton wool pads – RRP £2.48
Newborn skin is so sensitive and you should use only water to clean their bums for as long as possible. You’ll get told to use cotton wool balls but they can get stuck to sticky poo – the first baby poo is like black tar. I found the pads much better.
Naty: Sensitive wipes (unscented) – RRP £2.95
I plan to use cotton wool and water to clean her bum but packed these just in case things get messy. They are eco friendly and only use safe ingredients. I got them in an ambassador deal (click here to learn more).
The Little Art Collection: Poppy Muslim – RRP £12.50
Mopping up baby sick is one of the unglamorous tasks of being a mum but this beautiful muslin makes it so much better. It is super soft and I plan use it for swaddling, as a blanket or feeding cover up. It’s too pretty for sick (except if the bibs run out).
Hipp Organic: Combiotic first infant milk (6x 90ml booties with teats) – RRP £8.00
I’m planning to breast feed again but got these incase I can’t. If I’m going to give my baby formula I want chemical free and as natural as possible. In addition, these pre-made bottles are sterilised and ready when you are. With Noah, I kept these in my changing bag for emergencies like if a creepy man kept staring – thankfully it never happened. It did come in useful when I left him with my mum and a leaky bottle of expressed milk. The lid wasn’t on tight and my milk was lost, luckily my mum was able to use one of these.
For me
Happy Mama: Breast feeding nightdress – RRP £11.62
There was also a matching robe but I remember how hot the ward was in November, so I expect it will be hotter than hell in August. The less layers the better.
Cottons: Maternity pads with wings – RRP £3.95
Buying sanitary products is never exciting but I got mine from My Pure. This online store knocks £5 off of you buy five products (encourages you to stock up). In addition, they have a selection of free gifts if you spend £30 in one transaction. I got a Madara face peel mask (RRP £24) and the next time I chose the PHB Ethical Beauty pressed eye shadow (RRP £9.99). It certainly made me more excited to get my order.
Breast pad:
Lansinoh – free samples from bounty
Little lamb – £11.25 washable pads
Theraline Mamma Pads – £9 reusable invisible pressure pads (sticks to skin and prevents leaks whilst sleeping)
Last time, I found the washable pads brilliant as they were so absorbent and saved me money or having to keep ordering pads. The only issue I had was leaking in the night, so, I’m hoping Theraline will be the answer to that little problem.
Book: Who runs the world – RRP £7.99
I bought this at FBF after the author talk. It’s set in the future and about a world where a virus has almost wiped all men out so most women have never seen one. Click here to read my post about this book.
Note pad with pen: Various/Gifts
I don’t think I’m allowed to charge my kindle or phone at hospital (except for the purpose of hypnobirthing), plus there may be no WiFi! So, I will take some offline resources to enjoy.
Disaster Designs: Boho Make-up bag – £24.95
I actually don’t own a make up bag as I rarely take makeup out with me. This was a treat to myself and very pretty. I don’t intend to wear much makeup whilst in hospital, so all I have packed is:
Vapour: Concealer
Lue by Jean Seo: Blemish treatment
RMS: Signature set – Mod collections (contains master mixer, living luminizer, smile lip2cheek, spell lip2cheek and cococa lip/skin balm)
Pacifica: BB cream
Axiology: lipstick (shade The Goodness)
I recently got a lash lift & tint so don’t need mascara.
Disaster Designs: Boho Wash bag – £29.95
Whilst treating myself to the makeup bag, I had to get the matching wash bag which is so spacious. Inside, I will pack:
Bloomtown: Roller ball perfume
Salt of the Earth: Natural deodorant
Lucky Cloud: Balm Cleanser
Bespoke Aroma: Facial Mist (Toner)
Green People: Moisturiser & face oil
Concious Skincare: Shampoo & Conditioner
Pacifica: Body wash
Isla: Body oil
A’Kin: Dry shampoo
Pacifica: Deodorant wipes
Tooth brush & tooth paste
I’ve been collecting sample/travel sizes from my subscription boxes to save space in my bag. I also hope I won’t need to use the dry shampoo or deodorant wipes but they are just incase I need to freshen up and can’t wait to use the facilities (festival style).
Coming home outfit: I’ve packed a black nursing vest that doesn’t need a bra and a black floral maxi skirt with a stretchy waist band. I’ve packed three pairs of big comfy knickers.
My hubby can bring more if I stay longer but I’m so big now that most my maternity clothes are limited and in constant use. If I stay in, he’ll just bring me whatever’s clean (and may have to do laundry).
Coming home
Car seat: This time we bought a travel system and got the MeeGo Milano. The car seat is part of the package.
Baby hat: As it is August, I won’t be dressing her in a coat but she does need a hat (hospital rule) to be allowed to leave. As there’s one in the M&Co set, we’re sorted.
What have you packed?
Did you pack any essentials that I’ve missed? How late did you leave packing your bag?
For the past two weeks my husband and I have been attending Hypnobirthing classes.
Last time, we attended a traditonal antenatal and I didn’t feel I got much more out of it than what I had already read. At the time hynobirthing was a private course costing about £300 (from memory). We couldn’t afford that.
This time, the NHS are offering it for free so I jumped on it. My husband wasnt’t sure he wanted to go as it all sounds a bit hippy to him. My midwife said it is for me and my birthing partner so he has to attend.
We were required to buy the book for £10, download the music and bring a birthing (gym) ball.
Our course was split over two days and was delivered by a local community midwife that has been in the profession for years. She covers shifts at our local hospital, so was very famillar with the wards we would be using.
Day 1
We started with an introduction to hypnobirth to help us understand what the course will cover and manage our expectations.
We then did some exercises to understand the power of the mind and the use of language to influence our feelings. On a white board we came up with positive language for labour to replace negative words:
We then were taught surge breathing and how to break the Stress Tension Pain cycle. This lead to understanding the hormones are bodies produce in response to situations and those that help labour and those that are counter productive.
After lunch, we covered the different phases of labour and what to do to help our body be most effective at each stage.
We then learnt another breathing technique called ’J’ breathing which helps to move the baby down and out.
We watched some videos of women ’breathing’ their babies out and making it look very easy. I got very emotional as it brought back the feeling when my son was first placed in my arms.
We ended by covering the benefits of delayed cord clamping which is when you wait until the pulsating stops – it is usually only takes a few extra minutes. We covered the different methods of delivering the placenta and told why the vitamin K injection is important.
Day 2
We covered how gravity is our friend. It is very important to keep moving in labour and stay upright as this helps move the baby down. We were shown why a bed birth is not the optimum method.
To use gravity, use:
A floor mat
A bean bag
A birth ball
A birthing stool
Rebozo (a scarf)
We we’re shown some good positions and how to use a scarf to move the baby. The techniques had names like ’shaking the apples’.
We then discussed the best position for baby. You want them head down, at the front (anterior) and on the left. The midwife used a skeleton diaphragm and doll to show us why. We were told babies move clockwise. Then she showed us some techniques to move baby into this optimum position.
We then did more breathing exercises and relaxation on mats to scripts read by our partners. Our partners we’re taught how to calm us if we are getting stressed and signs to look for. They were shown some massage techniques to help and we covered the power of touch.
We watched a video showing a supportive birthing partner to see the impact they have to improving the experience.
The midwife covered the other resources available to us at the hospital including other pain relief methods. She encouraged us that they are there if we need it and not to rule something out or be disappointed if our plans change.
We discussed resources to improve our environment and increase our oxytocin.
She told us about golden hour and the benefits of it. This when the baby has just been born and has skin to skin contact and often supports breast feeding (you can still do it with a bottle). It helps with bonding. If the mother needs medical attention, the father/birth partner can do this. Sometimes, it’s not possible if the baby needs medical attention.
Final thoughts
I really enjoyed the course and got a lot more out of it than I expected.
Firstly, it was brilliant quality time with my man. We were both so relaxed afterwards, it felt like we’d been on holiday.
Secondly, the course made me feel empowered and prepared for labour. I feel excited about labour rather than afraid it will hurt or could go wrong. I’m focussed on the positive affirmations.
Thirdly, I liked how informative it was and not pushy. There was no anti-talk. It was positive and inclusive of everyone. The techniques were backed by scientific facts explaining why it works (like our hormonal responses or the way a baby moves down).
The breathing has made my baby more active – she’s been lazy until now. I love surge breathing as I get to feel her wriggle about.
I like all the exercises and tips we received to support an optimum birth – oxygen, gravity, positivity. I feel my husband is clearer about how he can support me. He has written some positive affirmations to put up round the house like subliminal messages.
I would recommend giving it a go. The techniques you learn will benefit you for life – how to relax and be positive. The course also covers the other options so if hypnobirthing isn’t for you then you are still prepared.
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I plan to post after the big day on how my labour went so I’ll let you know if any of the techniques I learnt helped or not.
Have you done hypnobirthing? Do you use positive affirmations or relaxation in your life?
Your new baby will not be a tiny newborn for long. Many parents want to take lots of pictures of their precious bundle in those early days to capture the first moments when they are so little.
Anne Geddes is an artist that has made a living out of taking beautifully artistic photos of babies for years. Her stunning imagery has inspired other photographers to learn the art and offer it to new parents.
Now, there are lots of studios that offer newborn photo shoots. This article is based on what I learnt from my experience last time with my son and what I am doing differently this time with my daughter.
Bump 2 Baby (with Noah)
With my first pregnancy, almost 5 years ago, I bought a coupon voucher for £30 for a bump to baby shoot at Baby Art Uk by Taylor Made Portraits. It included the studio time and the first picture free.
Bump shoot
I had this shoot when I was 36 weeks pregnant. The photographer provided all the accessories and had lots of ideas on what to do. My husband doesn’t like his picture being taken but he got involved for me.
If I had known what I know now, I wish I had bought a nice maternity bra for the shoot. I’m not a fan of the pictures with my bra in it.
Newborn shoot
The best time to have a newborn shoot is when the baby is a few days old (1 to 14 days old). This enables the baby to be positioned for the artistic shots. The photographer provided all the accessories and had the scenes set up. The shoot took 4 hours to allow for feeding and getting the baby to sleep. Noah was exactly 1 week old in his pictures.
If I had known what I know now, I would have gone with some premixed formula as this enables babies to sleep longer than breast feeding. We nipped out mid shoot to get some. I was worried that it might affect breast feeding but it didn’t.
Costs
Studio fee
I thought £30 was a great price until we had the shoot. The studio charged quite a lot per image, i.e. £60 a picture or £250 for 5 pics on a USB. I was heartbroken. I couldn’t afford that on maternity pay! They took pity on me and sold me the presentation video of the images and I took screenshots to get images to print.
If I have known what I know now, I would check the additional costs associated with the shoot as this is often where the photographer makes their money.
All inclusive package
This time I have booked with another studio that charges £250 (and I’ve paid the 10% deposit of £25). This is an all inclusive price and will include all the images taken during the 4 hours on a USB. We will have a family pic and then the artistic shots whilst my little boy & his dad go stretch their legs. I can then print and share the pics as much as I like or ask the studio to print for me at their prices.
I like an all inclusive price because I can budget for this and won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to share the pictures.
Packages
There is now a wider choice of options too:
Bump (watch me grow) – This is a shoot that will involve you visiting the photographer a few times to get the same picture taken to illustrate your bump growing. You will need to choose an outfit you can wear throughout your pregnancy and will need to start seeing the photographer from around 12 weeks pregnant.
Bump shoot – this is where you get pictures of your pregnancy bump at about 30 weeks+. The photographer usually offers a maternity gown and organza to get some pretty pictures. You can also take scan pictures or items you have bought for baby like tiny shoes.
Newborn shoot – This is when you get pictures of your baby taken when they are only a few days. Have a look at the photographers album to see if they do the baby art style pictures or not.
Little sitter – This is when your baby is able to sit independently from around 6 months old. You will need to choose the outfit for your little one to wear but the photographer will provide the set and props, although you can bring props too i.e. a favourite toy.
Cake smash – This is often added onto a package for newborns to encourage parents to return when their child is one year old. It is their first birthday picture and involves them getting in a mess with a beautiful cake.
Often studios will offer the above shoots as packages with a saving. For example, Bump 2 Baby (will be a bump shoot and a newborn shoot) or My First Year (could be a newborn shoot, little sitter and a cake smash). Some studios offer loyalty cards to encourage their customers to return for other milestones.
If I have known what I know now: This time I have booked an all inclusive package with a studio that has a loyalty scheme. So, if I wish to return I can collect discounts for being a returning customer. I like this no pressure approach and feel in control of how much my photos are going to cost me. The studio were upfront about pricing that I feel assured I won’t get a nasty surprise on the day.
Booking
It is best to book your photographer as soon as possible. For a maternity shoot, you will need to book the shoot for the stage in pregnancy you wish to capture – the more time you give the photographer the more likely they will have availability for the week you need.
For a newborn shoot, you book the photographer before your baby arrives. Photographers who specialise in these shoots know babies rarely arrive on their due date. They will make a note of when you are expecting and keep some slots free in their diary around this date. This time I booked the studio when I was around 24 weeks pregnant.
Once the baby arrives, call your photographer as soon as you can to book the date at the studio. With Noah, I called the studio the morning after he was born from the hospital.
It’s been a tough three weeks without a bathroom. Luckily we have been able to stay overnight at my mother-in-law’s and there are people with bigger problems so I don’t want to complain.
My son has been really good about keeping out of the workers’ way and not complaining about the noise, mess or disruption – it hasn’t been easy for him. He would have loved to have given them a hand but it was too dangerous.
I felt he deserved a treat and when I saw Good Bubble had released a new Gruffalo range, I knew it would be the perfect treat.
https://instagram.com/p/Bf1IVlLBs_o/
He was really happy when he saw his new products sporting the Gruffalo, one of his favourite storybook characters.
The Review
Here is what I thought of the new line and the yummy fruity prickly pear scent.
Bubbly Gruffalo Bubble Bath (£3.99): The bubble bath made a decent amount of bubbles and smelt delicious. We have had the bubble bath before in Dragon Fruit and CloudBerry.
Grubby Gruffalo Hair & body wash (£3.69): It was easy to get a lather and my little boy was confidently by washing himself. We have had the wash before in Dragon Fruit and CloudBerry.
Little Softy Moisturiser (£3.99): This is new to the brand and an excellent addition. My little boy loved having his first body moisturiser. At first, he thought it was a hand cream until I encouraged him that he could apply it all over. This was easier for him to use than their Organic Coconut oil (£7.99).
Grizzly Mane Detangler (£3.99): He doesn’t have long hair that tangles but he does get flyaways so I decided to give this a go to see if it helped tame the problem. I think it has worked. It smells really good and can be used on dry hair so we are using it to freshen up between hair washes.
Dragon Fruit was my favourite but now it is the Gruffalo prickly pear. We will, definitely, be buying this again.
I was only able to get this range direct from their site but I’m hoping Sainsbury, Ocado and Holland & Barratt will get some in stock soon as they sell the rest of the range.
