Getting organised for a 'Home Birth' ...

One of our really good friends is about to have her second baby and she's opted for a 'home birth'. How does that work then and what do you need? Does the mid-wife turn up with loads of equipment that she just rolls out of her bag? Ummm, no. You have to get organised yourself. What your midwife will have is a list of all the things you will need to have in place and ready, but if you're still in the early stages of deciding on where to have your baby, and a 'home birth' seems appealing, then here's a quick overview of the key things a home birth requires.

'Birthing Pools are second to epidurals in alleviating pain', say the National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence. And you can have one for your home birth. Here's a great website which would be a good starting point for your research http://www.homebirthsupplies.co.uk/

The first thing that springs to my mind with a home birth, is the cleaning up! A floor sheet is an essential and something you can simply roll up and throw away with minimal fuss and no cleaning! Disposable bed pads are super absorbent and obviously really useful. A mirror with a handle will allow your midwife access to you without you having to get out of the pool ..... she may have one, but get one yourself just to make sure. A large bowl to receive the placenta. Face cloths will keep you fresh and cool. Drinking straws .... allow your partner to hold a drink for you so you can get fluids easily without using your hands. Lip balm, at hand for dry lips which can be an off-putting nuisance. Candles .... you're at home, so surround yourself with calming and soothing light, or even scented with a relaxing fragrance. Clary Sage oil is fantastic for labour as it acts as a uterine tonic which encourages labour and stimulates contractions. Other oils, Lavender and Rose, are well know for their relaxing and calming properties. And music! You may not feel like rocking out(!), but some of your favourites may help you get through and can be a wonderful distraction for a busy mind. Prepare some meals before hand and keep in the freezer ... you'll be hungry after all that hard 'labour' and some home-cooked food will be exactly what you'll need. Enlist some support, if it's not a partner, for your birth, a close friend or a 'doula', and also ask this person to record some notes throughout the labour to record the birth and take some pictures at the joyful ending! If you already have children you may want to have a couple of freinds 'on call' to come and collect them or keep them occupied whilst you're delivering their sibling.

And most important of all, when you've done all the hard work, what better place to be than in your own bed ..... sounds like a great option to me.

Help! What do I pack in my hospital bag?

We often get asked this question by expectant Mums who come into the shop, and I remember, when I was counting down the days to meet my baby, that I didn't really know what to take and what I would need. So we thought we'd put together a little (or quite long!) check list of everything you can pack which you might find essential, useful and comforting for your (short stay away.

A small travel bag is ideal as it will allow you to take lots of different things with plenty of room to see, and access easily, what you've got. And here's what we think should be inside:

1. a comfortable nightgown (and something you'd be happy for potential visitors to see you in)

2. slippers & couple of pairs of socks

3. nursing bra

4. breast pads

5. nipple cream

6. sanitary towels

7. pants (disposable or ones you'd be happy to throw away - large and comfortable!)

8. toothbrush & toothpaste

9. shampoo & conditioner

10. hairbrush

11. face and body creams

12. hand towel

13. deodorant

14. lip balm

15. comfortable going home clothes (don’t forget shoes)

16. a little bit of make up

17. some cash could be useful

And now you also need a bag for baby;

1. nappies

2. wipes

3. muslins

4. swaddling blankets

5. soft baby blanket

6. few baby grows and long sleeve vests

7. baby hat

8. something for the baby to wear to take home, a favourite baby grow perhaps (trust me, you will keep this forever)

And now all you need ..... is your baby!

Light a candle and indulge in some luxury ...

Scented candles are sometimes seen as a bit of a luxury aren't they? I think this is because we associate them with beautiful scents and relaxing environments, or simply some time to yourself to help you unwind. And I guess that all of those things are, indeed, a luxury. So if you're going to indulge in a candle, we say, make sure it's a good one. Our Mamissima candles are made from100% natural organic plant wax which means no parabens or black smoke (which is even more so important when you are pregnant). They also contain Essential oils, making the scent as rich, natural and clean as possible whilst allowing you to receive the natural remedies of your chosen scent. Lavender for example is famously known for its relaxing qualities. The Mamissima Candle also has other properties which make them even more wonderful and luxurious. Due to the organic wax and the essential oils, when burnt and softened they can be used as a brilliant and highly effective emollient massage oil or body cream. Warm and full of charming natural scent they are the perfect way to help unwind tired bodies, not to mention filling your home with a wonderful relaxing, heavenly vibe. Available in 3 different scents; lavender, Rose & geranium and Wild Fig 7 Grape.

Baby shower goodies ....

Baby showers are becoming increasingly popular and are a great way to spoil a friend and new Mum as she embarks on a new chapter in her life. We've put together a Mamissima Baby Shower Basket, full of gorgeous gift ideas for new babes. Beautiful blankets for cots and strollers will always be welcome and make a lovely gift; choose from the Wool Check Blanket and Dwell Baby Owl Stroller Blanket. Books to journal your pregnancy and first baby stages and a Baby Handprint Keepsake kit to guarantee precious memories. For practical organisation an OiOi Changing Bag has no rival and we have lots of different designs to suit every taste. For newborns Petit Bateau is renowned for its high-quality cotton and a pack of bodysuits is, we think, a staple. For bright and fun choose a Bakker bib or a wooden Pram Chain, and for babies playthings we have some very soft and cute teddies! We will happily suggest ideas for your baby shower gifts, or you can browse through our website for a bit of inspiration for your own ideas.

Time for 'You' ...

Susan and I thought we deserved a little treat at the weekend ... a little getaway with some girlfriends, time-out from work and family, and some 'you time' for ourselves. And we found just what we wanted at the Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa, in Midhurst, West Sussex. It was a gorgeous weekend in a beautiful environment; good company, extremely relaxing and the Spa treatments were wonderful! It comes highly recommended to anyone lucky enough to be able to find the time to get away; it really does do the world of good and also helps get you through the last bitter months of winter. If you haven't got a whole weekend, or even one night, to spare then you could always come along to our very own Wellbeing Clinic here in Brighton and treat yourself to one of our many treatments - you don't have to be pregnant or a new-Mum, we offer treatments to all! Having some 'You' time for body and soul, together with 'Sleep' must be the best medicine in the world.

Timeless classics .....

What's on your little one's Christmas list for Santa this year? Inevitably it will include lots of plastic, lots of 'batteries required', and at least a few things that you personally regard as 'tat'! As parents, we get swamped with all sorts of toys, games and gadgets that we simply don't want to buy for all of the above reasons, and because we know that they simply won't last and will probably break after countless throws, pushes and pulls. That's why we, here at Mamissima, look really hard to bring you beautiful, traditional, often wooden or fabric toys and games that will stand the test of time, can get handed down, will give endless hours of play, and won't look out of place in your beautiful home if you haven't got time to tidy up! Our selection falls under 3 categories, 'Traditional Toys', 'Novelty Toys' and 'Soft Toys'. There is lots to choose from, for boys and girls, and we think parents will be rather pleased with them too! Remember, orders over £50 receive free delivery!

Snug as a bug ....

We might be getting our winter warmers on and wrapping up cosy but what about baby?! Whether it's a little pramsuit, stroller blanket, extra cosy sleeping bag, hand crochet blanket for the nursery, or a beautiful embroidered quilt, we have all aspects of snug comfort completely covered. Not only are these things all essential for your little ones but they also make beautiful gifts for newborns. And remember, all on-line orders over £50 qualify for free delivery!