Overheating is not good for you or your baby so here are some top tips for all pregnant women to help you stay cool and comfortable during the UK heatwave and any vacations abroad.
Always take cold drink and wear light loose clothing to any hospital/ doctors appointments whilst being pregnant to help keep you comfortable, hydrated and cool.
A few ways to reduce swollen ankles, feet and fingers in pregnancy
Hot weather can increase swelling in ankles, feet and fingers during your pregnancy.
It is normal to get some swelling in pregnancy but this can often be worse during hot weather, at the end of the day or further into your pregnancy. Although uncomfortable it isn’t usually harmful to you or your baby and can be reduced.
Here are a few recommended ways to reduce swollen feet, ankles and fingers during pregnancy.
Normal pregnancy swelling
Swelling is caused by your body holding more water than usual when you are pregnant. Throughout the day the extra water tends to gather in the lowest parts of the body, especially if the weather is hot or if you have been standing a lot.
The pressure of your growing womb can also affect the blood flow in your legs. This can cause fluid to build up in your legs, ankles and feet.
Things you can do to avoid and help ease swelling
Foot exercises
You can do foot exercises sitting or standing. They improve blood circulation, reduce swelling in the ankles, and prevent cramp in the calf muscles:
Advice if you experience a sudden increase in swelling
A sudden increase in swelling however, can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, a condition that affects some pregnant women, usually during the second half of pregnancy (from around 20 weeks) or soon after the birth.
Call your midwife or GP immediately if you have any of the below symptom's as these could be symptom's of pre-eclampsia which could lead to serious complications if not treated and monitored by a medical professional.
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Postnatal Anxiety
After the birth of my second daughter (Isla), I found myself in a place that I never thought I would be. It sounds so naive as I type this, because only the year before I supported my sister through undiagnosed PND and My career is 15 years experience as an early years worker/family support worker, supporting families through many experiences and milestones, BUT there I was experiencing what I can only describe as pure physical and emotional exhaustion, uncontrollable overthinking and very random crying outbursts. I never experienced anything like that after my first daughter (Eva), so it was extremely difficult to explain, comprehend and control. I have always suffered from mild anxiety, big events would trigger it; exams, job interview or deadlines, who doesn’t in this day in age? BUT I never could of imagined the emotions and fear that came with postnatal Anxiety. I had difficult deliveries with my both my girls due to their positioning, but the second one was particularly tricky, and caused a bad tear. I had to go to theatre for 2.5 hours after delivery and I really feel thats where the severe anxiety began. Instead of feeling empowered for getting my ‘stuck’ baby out by myself, I felt like I’d failed again, failed at having a ‘normal birth’. I had an expectation, and it just didn’t happen. The Recovery was difficult and I was physically drained and in pain for weeks after, but at the same time, I was so grateful that it wasn’t worse; the main thing is that we were both ok, right?!?! I was battling my thoughts against my feelings and it was really hard work.
It quickly became apparent that Isla had some tummy issues and as a result of that, she would scream in pain anything from 2 to 4 hours every evening, she hated being flat and she just really struggled to settle in the evening, to the point I was up every hour with her. She had silent reflux and colic and it is awful seeing your tiny baby in that much discomfort. I was Breastfeeding and my husband and I began to research how we could help her. Our research continuously brought us back to dairy, so I just bit the bullet and cut all dairy out of my diet, the difference was huge!!! It didn’t stop it completely, but we definitely saw a big improvement. The terrible anxiety that surrounded this time, literally took over my wellbeing, and mixed with sleep deprivation I was literally a walking zombie. Yet, I was so set on trying to find solutions, trying to manage everything and just get up and get on every day. I was also trying to compensate for the immense guilt I felt for my eldest daughter, I just remember constantly saying “wait a minute Eva” or “Eva can you just stop”, she was 2.5 years old and had no understanding what was happening. Any opportunity I had to just just spend time with her, I did it. I should of slept, and got some rest, but to me, giving her that time was way more important. This little baby had come in to her world and just turned it all upside down, I know I should of tried to balance it better, but I just did what I thought was best at the time and that was making one on one time for Eva. I put my own needs to the bottom of the pile.
Family wise, everything did settle down, Isla went on solids at 6 months, started to sleep really well at 8 months (we actually moved her to a bed, but thats another story) and Eva started preschool – everything was ‘rosey’ and we were happy and most of all we were all SLEEPING!!! However, I still did not feel right; my anxiety was getting worse but I was trying to ignore it. I’d been to see my GP numerous times but because I was breastfeeding, there was no help in terms of medication, just self referral to CBT. I tried everything to try and control it but it was just spiralling. Because I looked ok, I think the assumption was that I was fine. I found it very difficult to reach out because there was little understanding from anyone close. I have always been the go to person, the strong one, so it was difficult to say otherwise, plus what was I actually trying to say?? How do you explain how you feel? It was so very difficult, you just end up trying to get on with it.
My experience has speared me to create a community project that enables mums (and dads) to reach out and get some support that focuses on their wellbeing. I feel it’s so important to talk, to feel like you can talk and to know you’re not alone, but most importantly to know PND and PNA has no reflection on the love you have for your child/ren. As parents, of course we put our children first, of course we sacrifice for them, but a friend of mine made a very good comment and that was… ‘you can’t keep giving from an empty cup, you have to refill in order to be the best you can be’ it’s so true! Our wellbeing is just as important as our families, we just have to try and remember that and figure out that balance which I’m sure we’d all admit, is the bloody hardest thing to do!!!
I love the above quote. Whats the saying… it takes a village to raise a child? So why are new mums not encouraged to talk about their feelings? Or when they do talk, no one actually listens.. or passes comment like.. ‘but you’ve got such a beautiful baby’. Why are we left to get on with it after those first couple of weeks; when in my opinion thats the most vulnerable time. What is/should be the most amazing time of a women’s life, can also be the most traumatic, the loneliest and the scariest.
Lets be sure to look after each other
Vik x
]]>We wanted to show you a snap shot from our latest shoot (Autumn 2020) to give you an insight into how we get creative behind the scenes. Bel Bambini has been lucky enough to collaborate with Isabella Banks photography since launching in 2019 together with our superstar model Halle. Isabella has a wealth of experience and is ever so talented at creating beautiful shots for us with a stunning portfolio covering weddings/ lifestyle/ brands/ family's and more so if you need a photographer be sure to check her out.
We all know how incredibly challenging it can be to keep a baby or toddler still for 10 seconds, let alone in the right position and at the right angle to capture the perfect shot, however Izzy manages just that and in return captures the most stunning images of Halle dressed head to toe in Bel Bambini styles. Watch our behind the scenes video for yourself below to really get an insight.
Isn't Halle just the cutest? Moving around and doing her thing without a care in the world. As you can probably imagine you have minimal time to keep Halle happy and entertained before its game over and she wants to move onto something else, just like anything in toddler world though right!?
A note from Isabella...
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So much goes on behind the scenes at BB HQ including lots of creativity. We take all of our own photos at Bel Bambini to ensure we create a true brand experience for our customers. Here are some shots taken from behind the scenes of some of our still life set ups this season. We like to use props unique to us that we have either up-cycled or made ourselves to ensure our identity remains unique. Simplicity is key so our beautiful styles stand out and we really work hard to ensure we have our very own Bel Bambini brand stamp.
Each season we evolve and try our best to up our game whilst remaining true to our brand. The main thing to us is to bring lots of Bel Bambini creativity to our customers when showcasing our latest baby and toddler collections.
Hope you have enjoyed our little snippet of working behind the scenes on our images this season, its been lovely being able to let you all in to see a little of what we get up to.
Special thanks to Isabella Banks Photography and Halle our beautiful model.
]]>Part 3 of 3
My baby was born 4 weeks early and I hadn’t started producing milk so I was formula feeding and latching her on, together with pumping to stimulate my milk supply. On day five my milk came through and that was when Amelia made her own mind up that she didn’t like the bottle, she would pull her face like she was given a lemon. So I let her take the lead and I exclusively breastfed her from there.
It was very demanding in the beginning, and I had sore nipples on and off until she was 2 months old. Amelia gagged quite a bit in the the early days after first latching on and my mum was encouraging me to bottle feed because of it. I decided to persevere and I am so glad I did because after reading a few articles/ blogs and speaking to others I found out that it was quite common when your milk flow and let down is strong for babies to do this.
Everything seemed to settle down after two months.Since then it’s been plain sailing. I have to say breastfeeding my baby is so amazing, to know I’m giving her all the goodness she needs and the best start in life. Words can’t begin to describe the feeling. not only is it the best she can have but it’s also free, convenient and there aren't any bottles to make up and sterilise.
Part 2 of 3...
Natalie, breastfeeding mama 2 years on...
I breastfed my little one from birth and I still breastfeed her in the morning and before bedtime 2 years 4 months on. After falling pregnant I had no doubt in my mind that I wanted to breastfeed, it was something that naturally appealed to me for so many reasons and not something I ever questioned. Of course I was aware of the many complications that some mothers can experience and so I kept an open mind.
Despite a traumatic birth and me being put to sleep after the birth, breastfeeding came so naturally to us, which surprised me because she was given formula for her first few feeds whilst I was being operated on. As soon as she latched on for the first time there was no going back for my little milk monster, it was mama's milk or nothing in her eyes. My baby would never take a bottle of expressed milk/ formula or anything other then my milk directly from me, which meant I could never be away from her longer then a few hours after around 6 months of age, prior to that she was very attached to me and would feed on and off all of the time so leaving her at all made me feel anxious at times. I was up and down feeding most of the night, all the way up until she was almost 2!
What I didn't know or realise at the time was how breastfeeding my little one would be so much more then 'feeding' her. There were times when I was totally exhausted and it felt like all I had done that day was breastfeed. I can honestly say breastfeeding has been one of the most precious and rewarding yet hardest things I have ever done. Cluster feeding was certainly real for us for a long time so i just went with the flow and fed on demand.
When we started weaning onto solids I found that to be a really long process because she wanted my milk more then anything. Nobody ever tells you how hard it can be to be constantly on demand when your baby flat out refuses to take a bottle, my little one has always been very attached to me but as a result we share an unbreakable bond.
I am so glad we have had such an amazing journey together, our bond is so special and although at times it felt really tough because she wanted to feed a lot and nothing else would ever be good enough to substitute that. I feel proud because I did it and I know I have met all of her needs nutritionally and comfort wise. Now she is a toddler and if she trips up or feels unsure about something she will cling on to me and want to breastfeed, but that is just natural for us.
I didn't think she would ever naturally wean herself either with the amount she wanted to breastfeed. However she has reduced her feeds since turning 2 so I am hoping it will gradually stop when she is ready to, there are times when she wants extra breastfeeds but 9 times out of 10 she will have a snack instead and mainly feeds in the morning and evening. As for stopping those feeds I have no idea how until she is truly ready because its just not worth the upset.
Whether you decide on exclusively breastfeeding, bottle feeding or doing a little of both the choice is yours. Only you know whats best for your baby and your motherly instincts will guide you. Don't feel pressured, there are plenty of support groups and advice you can seek if you feel unsure about anything. Do what feels right for you ad your baby.
Abby, breastfeeding mama to newborn, Charlie
Breastfeeding is so beautiful and rewarding however it can also be one of the toughest at times for many reasons.
Part 1 of 3...
I gave birth with an open mind about breastfeeding. My preference was to breastfeed however if for whatever reason if it wasn’t meant to be that would be perfectly fine too. I had heard stories from too many mothers that had decided against or experienced problems breastfeeding and were as a result carrying negative feelings.
I often say my son Ellis was ‘born to breastfeed’, he led the way and made it so easy for me. Within minutes of being born he was suckling on the towel he was wrapped in and had no issues latching on, Ellis is now 2.5 years old and hasn’t been breastfed for a year but he will still reach for my “boobies” at any opportunity!
I enjoyed breastfeeding and have absolutely no regrets however at first its hard work! After Ellis was born I stayed in the hospital for 3 days, I remember saying to the midwife on day 2 “I don’t think he’s getting enough milk, he’s feeding all the time” to which she replied “ yes, he will” and I responded ‘”NO, you don’t understand, he’s feeding ALL the time!”and I couldn’t believe that this was normal!... it was! Through shear exhaustion, I would have done mix feeding after being discharged from the hospital, however I was advised by my midwife to wait 6 weeks or there was a risk Ellis wouldn’t latch back on to me after experiencing a bottle so I decided against this. In hindsight I am certain my boob obsessed little baby would have gladly latched back on and it was the bottle that would have been at risk of desertion! I’m glad I stuck with it as it got a lot easier and less demanding after a couple of months when his stomach grew and so he fed less often. I continued until Ellis was 20 months as I felt Ellis was ready at this point and I was too.
In the beginning I was laughably awkward at arranging Ellis and myself so as not to flash any bust, even sending any male relatives out of the room while I got him latched on and my clothes suitably positioned, after a few weeks I was a ninja pro and could ‘pop’ Ellis on anywhere! I never felt awkward breastfeeding Ellis in public, my view was if anyone had a problem with it, it was their problem and not mine!
Breastfeeding definitely created a bond between Ellis and I, I was not only providing his food but I was his comfort too. There were countless moments when he was feeding and we would get lost in each others gaze cementing our mother and son bond. Once he could smile he would often look up and smile back at me and even burst into laughter whilst latched on, clearly in his ‘happy place’ lol, ill never forget those priceless moments.
I cannot exclude a shout out to my husband, being positively supportive throughout our breastfeeding journey.
I think we were both conscious in the earlier days of his limited time to bond with Ellis due to our decision to exclusively breastfeed and Ellis initially being latched on more than off. Understandably this must be a common worry for most fathers in the same position, though honestly this has had no bearing on their relationship and their bond is just as strong!
Lastly, I just wanted to mention although I was lucky to have a seamless and enjoyable experience, every mother and baby are different. Try not to let others sway your decision and definitely do what feels right for you. A happy mother makes for a happy baby, whatever path you take!
That is why we have put together a holiday packing checklist of all the things you may need for your baby/ toddler on your family trip, and to help you feel less stressed and more excited about getting organised.
First off the travel part.... yep keeping your little ones entertained and making sure you have all the essentials can be stressful but do not worry we are here to help guide you.
Travelling to your destination
Essentials for your holiday stay
Out in the sun essentials
Sleeping on Holiday essentials
Clothing essentials
Food/ Snacks
It seems like a never ending list doesn't it? Don't worry about forgetting anything you can usually buy most things in most places and a good tip if your travelling abroad is to stock up on baby snacks/ food at the airport so its not taking up lots of space in your suitcase. That way you have the snacks handy for travelling too. I usually buy any activity/ colouring books at the airport as well to keep my little one occupied.
Enjoy your family holiday making lots of amazing memories!
Here are some useful links to travel company's that cater specifically with baby and toddler holiday needs in mind:
https://www.holidaytots.co.uk/
https://www.tui.co.uk/destinations/discover/family/best-toddler-friendly-holidays-abroad
https://www.firstchoice.co.uk/holiday/free-child-places?vlid=fccategory1a_Kids%20Go%20Free#
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Here is a list of things to look out for that show readiness to take on potty training.
Every child is different (as we all know!) and potty training can typically begin between the ages of 18 months - 3 years. One thing for sure is that your child will be able to control their bowels and bladder when they are physically ready and will naturally want to be dry and clean, so I am in no rush to push potty training on my little one. I am only just starting to plant the seed and encourage the right behaviour. Its a lot easier and quicker to potty train once your child shows many of the signs more frequently especially the last stage of knowing that they need a wee, meaning less accidents YAY!
So far I have e bought her a potty which she is aware of and even likes to sit on it now (at first she would get up and run off shouting no as soon as she sat down so I just let her get on with it and I always tend to go with the flow). I had heard that its a good idea to have a potty around for it to become familiar, after all using the toilet is a part of our everyday life and now she knows what the potty is and what its used for. Also I was recommended the books 'Princess Polly's Potty' and 'Pirate Pete's Potty' which also have you tube videos, so I have been introducing those too. Another thing I bought is a potty reward chart and stickers ready for when we start, lets face it all toddlers love stickers and generally show enthusiasm to praise so I thought this was a great way to go when I heard about it.
Another thing that a few fellow Mama's had recommended to get were Puppy pads! Especially for the car seat, pram, sat on the sofa and for under the potty. It will help with the accidents so I am definitely going to take on that advice too. There will be lots of accidents so its best stay calm and not to make a fuss, that way they wont feel anxious when it comes to next time.
Here is a list of the things I have done or am doing in preparation;
This is going to be a huge development stage for my little one so I am holding out until I feel the time is right but I think preparation is definitely key as well as getting her used to the idea. I want to make it fun for her so its not boring and she wants to go on the potty so we will see how it goes when we start...
]]>Signs your baby is teething
Tips for helping to sooth teething infants & toddlers
We would do anything to take away our baby/ toddlers discomfort at any time, so here are some tips to help relieve their teething pain.
Its a really good idea to pack a bag of essentials in preparation for your hospital stay during labour and after the birth of your new baby at least 2 weeks prior to you due date. Here's our hospital bag checklist to help you get started.
What should I pack in my hospital bag for labour?
Make a playlist of music that's soothing and will help to relax you as well as a list of your favourite songs, you never know you may fancy dancing to pass the time.
What should I pack in my hospital bag for after the birth?
Run through whats in your bag with your birthing partner so they can be on hand if anything is needed in a hurry. Then once packed leave it by the door so its ready to leave with you on the way to the hospital
What should I pack in my hospital bag for baby?
Birthing Partners Hospital Bag Checklist!
Some hospitals allow you to book a tour so you can familiarise yourself with the surroundings on where to go and what to expect as you progress through labour, this can be helpful making you feel a little more at ease knowing. if your planning to breastfeed.
]]>There are many ways to exercise during pregnancy, swimming and aqua aerobics are a great way to exercise as the water helps to support your weight as your pregnancy progresses. There is Yoga and Pilates, jogging, cycling and even dancing at home or brisk walks that also clear your mind and allow you to get in touch with nature. Its always better to go to a class where the instructor is specifically trained to help pregnant women or ensure the instructor knows you are pregnant at a normal class. Another way is to use a birthing ball at home to help with your posture and balance as well as exercise your tummy muscles.
There is one type of exercise that every pregnant lady should do and that is Pelvic floor exercises. Your pelvic floor supports your bowel, bladder and womb and when pregnant also helps to support your baby so its important to strengthen the muscles by doing these exercises. You can ask your midwife about these or look up how to do them. Having strong pelvic floor muscles reduces the risk of problems such as incontinence after giving birth.
Here are some tips for exercising whilst pregnant
Most importantly look after yourself throughout your pregnancy by eating well and keeping hydrated. Enjoy exercising and the benefits it can have for you and your baby whilst listening to your body.
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