How to Keep a Pregnancy Journal

The journey of pregnancy and having a baby is such a huge, mind-blowing, life-changing experience that you'd think it impossible to forget each and every stage and all the emotions that go hand-in-hand. But you do forget, the tiny details at least which are often the ones which are so joyous to be remembered. Like your first scan, your last day at work, the day you and your partner finished off the nursery, the day you bought your babies teddy that will stay with them for the rest of their life. There are so many memories and feelings, probably more than you will ever experience at any other time of your life, and it would be a crying shame not to be able to re-visit them and relish in them all over again.

A Pregnancy Journal can help you do that and it can also be a wonderful gift to your child later in life. During your pregnancy, write a diary to your unborn child telling them how you're feeling, how you are changing, how they are growing, what you are enjoying, and what you're not enjoying! A daily schedule of your life before baby arrives will be very different to that of when they are born! Include your maternity notes, scan pictures, baby shower cards, all reminders of the time leading up to the birth, and a lovely idea is to keep a newspaper from the day your baby is born so they can see what was going on in the world the day they were born.

Take a look at the Pregnancy Journals we stock here at Mamissima, and start to plan your precious book of memories.

Glass bottles are better for baby .....

Glass feeding bottles are becoming increasingly popular with parents amidst scientific proof that they are safer for your baby, and the environment. Polycarbonate (plastic) baby bottles contain Bisphenol-A, which has been found to migrate from the bottle into the milk. Alarmingly, Bisphenol A is a Developmental, Neural, and Reproductive Toxicant. Whilst we are all exposed to this in bottled water and drinks bottles, and other plastic packaging, babies are especially at risk as the amount of toxin ingested is large compared to their body weight. Plus a baby's organs are still growing and will be more affected than those of an adult. For more information see the Environmental Health Reports on Baby Bottles.

So what's the alternative? Glass. Our Green Baby Glass Bottles are 100% safe and bisphenol-A free, therefore do not leach toxins, and the cap is a BA free polypropolane. They are also hygienic: glass does not retain smells or tastes from previous feeds; practical: made of heat resistant, toughened glass so can be washed in a dishwasher, boiled or steam sterilized; and another really important feature, sustainable: glass is a recyclable, renewable resource. They are available in 2 sizes; 125ml and 250ml, and all come with a size 2 (3-24mths) medium flow, orthodontic, anti-colic latex teat.

So when presented with this informed, and actually quite shocking, information(read the Health Report) it appears that there really should be no choice; our babies should be fed with glass bottles. Join the crusade against plastic and buy Green Baby Glass Bottles, because the less plastic we buy, the less will be produced.

How to swaddle your baby ....

Swaddling is a wonderful way for making a baby feel secure. And if your baby feels secure, your baby will be happy! Swaddling creates a light pressure around your baby's body that may remind him of the pressure he would have felt in the womb. For some babies it becomes the trigger for sleep ... yay! But, like with everything in life, it's not for everyone, so if it doesn't work for your baby then don't despair, we're all different.

To swaddle your baby, spread a cotton cot sheet out flat, with one corner folded over a little. Lay your baby face up on the sheet with his neck resting against the fold. Wrap the left corner of the sheet over his body and tuck it beneath him. Bring the bottom corner over his feet, and then wrap the right corner around him, leaving only his head and neck exposed. Don't cover your baby's face with the sheet, as he could over heat, and swaddling isn't about keeping your baby warm, only snug and secure.

You can swaddle your baby until he is about a month old, after that it could interfere with mobility and development. When your baby begins to kick off the covers, it's a sign he no longer appreciates being bundled snugly.

If you want to try swaddling your baby, then invest in some wonderful 100% organic cotton Swaddling Blankets .

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.