Three reasons I love baby wearing... 1. It keeps Three reasons I love baby wearing...

1. It keeps your hands free and means you don’t always need to take a buggy everywhere. Also perfect when places might not be buggy friendly. 

2. Keeps baby close and encourages all the oxytocin you need for breastfeeding and baby bonding. Plus, they usually love being close to you too so they tend to sleep the whole time they are in the sling. 

3. You can start as soon as they are born and carry on until they are just too heavy. I carried P in a fabric sling like this until she was over one, then we swapped to a more rigid one. 

They also don’t need to cost the earth. I have this one from @freerider.co for Indie as I liked the prints and the fabric is sooo soft. They also have a great tutorial video on their website to show you how to use the sling, which is so handy for first timers. I’ve also got a couple of £10 ones from Amazon that do the job just as well, so you can spend as much as you want to. 

Did you baby wear, or planning to? 

#babywearing #babysling #freerider #babywrap #newborn #babyinlockdown #secondbaby #mumofgirls
To our first born, Life is all a little mad righ To our first born, 

Life is all a little mad right now, your world has been turned upside down and I know you are feeling like you have to share the limelight. It’s ok, it’s going to take us all a while to adjust. But we still love you more than you know and are so proud of the Big Sister you are being.

I am sorry that Daddy is always the one to put you to bed at the moment. I’m sorry that I am breastfeeding when you want me to play. I’m sorry that dinner time is interrupted by a crying baby and that you have to share your bath times. I’m sorry that I can’t sit in your tent and read books for hours or draw all afternoon like we used to. I’m just sorry that life is different right now. 

But this won’t last forever and we also need to thank you. Firstly for making us Mummy & Daddy, but secondly for teaching us how to be so much more chilled this time. We know we can do it because we did it with you. We know we can survive the sleepless nights and cluster feeding days, because we survived them with you. It doesn’t feel like learning the second time around, it feels like growing and we are all growing together. Bigger and stronger. 

So thank you, little Pepper, for being patient and loving. This madness won’t last forever and soon it will feel like we’ve always been a family of four. You are doing a great job at being a Big Sister and we all love you so much. Just forgive us for the tears, lack of patience and endless times we have to say “in a minute” - it doesn’t mean we love you any less, we are all just working out this new normal. 

Lots of love, Mummy & Daddy x

Photos by @hayley_wilkes_
Big Sister Pepper reporting for duty ❤️ #bigsi Big Sister Pepper reporting for duty ❤️ #bigsister #lockdownbaby
Was so lovely watching them meet for the first tim Was so lovely watching them meet for the first time ❤️ #sisters #girlgang #lockdownbaby
Indie Lilac Lourdes Spinks 💜 Our beautiful lit Indie Lilac Lourdes Spinks 💜

Our beautiful little girl made her arrival on Monday 4th January at 2:55pm, weighing in at a mighty 5lb 9oz. 

Pepper is already loving life as a big sister and giving her new bestie lots of cuddles. We didn’t think we’d ever be having a baby during a global pandemic, let alone be plunged into a lockdown 2 hours after her birth, but here we go! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

#lockdownbaby #newarrival #babysister #birthinapandemic  #familyoffour
Because yesterday I wore this dress for approx 5 m Because yesterday I wore this dress for approx 5 mins and felt super sassy. Today, not so much! #pregnantinapandemic #mumlife #lockdownlife
Well 2020 you’ve sure thrown a lot at us all, bu Well 2020 you’ve sure thrown a lot at us all, but I can honestly say I’ve never entered a new year feeling happier. We have been able to spend so much time together as a family, reach milestones and embrace new beginnings that we could have only dreamt of, even with all that 2020 has chucked at us. 

So I am leaving 2020 a happier and healthier person, with a more grateful outlook on life. Here’s to 2021, a new baby girl and whatever the year decides to bring. We will take it all, day by day! ❤️
More Christmas spam, because Pepper was just too c More Christmas spam, because Pepper was just too cute not to share ❤️
And just like that Christmas has been and gone... And just like that Christmas has been and gone...

I usually feel really sad on this day each year, but although this year was different to any other Christmas, I had the most wonderful time watching Pepper learn and understand the magic of Christmas, that there really was no time for sadness. And now, we have a very short countdown until this little one arrives and makes our world even more magical 👶🏻

Bring on 2021! 🥂

#lockdownchristmas #christmas2020 #mumofgirls #pregnantinapandemic #thirdtrimester
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Mama · 27th December 2018

Hypnobirthing diary: week three

3

As the end of our course emerged we spent some time recapping what we had already been through in the other two weeks, whilst also solidifying some of the preferences. This week we talked some more about what we think our preferences might look like, Joss’ super important role on the day and also, the all important pelvic floor.

Here is my diary for week three:

Preferences

So I talked about this in my previous blog, but I think it’s important to cover again as during this week we thought about it in a bit more detail. Joss and I had started researching and noting down some preferences and it’s important to do that together as although I will be the one labouring, it is still very much Joss child that I am bringing into the world and we should start to agree and make decisions as a parenting couple.

Again, if you don’t know where to start with birth preferences, this list from The Calm Birth School is actually really handy.

Your pelvic floor

So earlier in my pregnancy I did a pregnancy pilates course that focused on the pelvic floor and getting it as strong as possible. Now, you have probably heard a lot about your pelvic floor if you are a woman, but I didn’t really understand the importance of it until I got pregnant (oh my god, the need to be able to hold your pee is real!) If you don’t want to do something like pilates and would rather stay home and practice your exercises, the best thing is that you can do it anywhere. And a bonus is that if you have a birthing ball you can do rocking motions that also help strengthen it and they are all super easy to do in front of the TV. There are plenty of youtube videos and online tutorials on the best way to do them, also some handy apps you can download.

The perineal massage

Now this is something I definitely did not know about until I started following mums to be on Instagram and the whole world was talking about Expert Midwife’s Peri Prep Your Bits (and no it’s nothing to do with Nandos). A perineal massage is something they recommend for pregnant women to do from about 34 weeks pregnant and is a simple massage that can be done daily or a few times a week to help loosen your perineum to help with the birth.  

The Expert Midwife site does have a great explanation for how to do it properly without it being uncomfortable. You can also use things like almond oil, jojoba or olive oil if you don’t want to splash out on one of the branded ones. It’s not essential but I have heard good things and of course it’s not for everyone and I am sure will weird some people out, but it’s something we discussed so I thought I would share.

Prenatal bonding

This was something we talked about during our session as there is research to show that once babies are born they react to voices, sounds, stories and music that they heard whilst in your tummy. What a lovely thought. Babies can also distinguish the voice of their parents and even their touch, so whilst you might feel like you sound silly talking out loud to the bump, it is important. It is also great to play the hypnobirthing tracks out loud rather than through headphones as baby can then also listen and enjoy the relaxation with you. They may even settle to those sounds after they are born.

Babies will also know the difference between yours and your partner’s touch vs a stranger giving your belly a rub. I can personally vouch for this as whenever Joss holds his hand on my belly she will actively move her body in my tummy to sit under his hand, without fail. She doesn’t do that for anyone else, not even my hand.

In addition Kate told us that there is research to show that babies of mums who were early risers followed that pattern when they were born and those whose mothers slept late were then themselves late sleepers. I might spend my maternity leave purposely sleeping in until 10am if that’s the case!

Gemma-1058
SHOP THE LOOK

Top – JoJo Maman Bébé / Leggings - Topshop Maternity

Soothing strokes

One thing we have talked about in every session but I haven’t noted down yet in a diary is the impact of soothing strokes. This is where you get your partner to use the palms of their hands or finger tips to soothe you by very lightly stroking you on your arms, neck, shoulder etc - this is a great way of stimulating those all important endorphins.

We have yet to master this one as I am super ticklish, but if it works for you then go for it.

And here are the breathing techniques I have been learning again, just in case you wanted to remind yourself.

The Calm Birth School breathing: In for four, out for eight – all through the nose if possible. It takes some getting used to, I can make it to six at the moment, but I am sure practice makes perfect. I have been practising in the car on the way to work whilst listening to the Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcasts (which I highly recommend by the way)

Wave Breathing: This is a visualisation one, if you can. Imagine a wave or a surge of energy and take a deep breath in through the nose for seven, and then out through the mouth for seven. I am trying to practice this one in the mornings whilst I get ready for work, and I have heard it’s also a fab one to try when you are experiencing braxton hicks (which I haven’t yet).

If you want to know more about hypnobirthing or Kate you can find it all here.  I will be documenting our four week course in a weekly diary, so keep popping back if you want to know what we are learning each week.

Fabulous photos by Fordtography

In: Mama · Tagged: baby, birth, hypnobirthing, labour, mama spinkdot, pregnancy, pregnancy journey, pregnant, style, tips

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Three reasons I love baby wearing... 1. It keeps Three reasons I love baby wearing...

1. It keeps your hands free and means you don’t always need to take a buggy everywhere. Also perfect when places might not be buggy friendly. 

2. Keeps baby close and encourages all the oxytocin you need for breastfeeding and baby bonding. Plus, they usually love being close to you too so they tend to sleep the whole time they are in the sling. 

3. You can start as soon as they are born and carry on until they are just too heavy. I carried P in a fabric sling like this until she was over one, then we swapped to a more rigid one. 

They also don’t need to cost the earth. I have this one from @freerider.co for Indie as I liked the prints and the fabric is sooo soft. They also have a great tutorial video on their website to show you how to use the sling, which is so handy for first timers. I’ve also got a couple of £10 ones from Amazon that do the job just as well, so you can spend as much as you want to. 

Did you baby wear, or planning to? 

#babywearing #babysling #freerider #babywrap #newborn #babyinlockdown #secondbaby #mumofgirls
To our first born, Life is all a little mad righ To our first born, 

Life is all a little mad right now, your world has been turned upside down and I know you are feeling like you have to share the limelight. It’s ok, it’s going to take us all a while to adjust. But we still love you more than you know and are so proud of the Big Sister you are being.

I am sorry that Daddy is always the one to put you to bed at the moment. I’m sorry that I am breastfeeding when you want me to play. I’m sorry that dinner time is interrupted by a crying baby and that you have to share your bath times. I’m sorry that I can’t sit in your tent and read books for hours or draw all afternoon like we used to. I’m just sorry that life is different right now. 

But this won’t last forever and we also need to thank you. Firstly for making us Mummy & Daddy, but secondly for teaching us how to be so much more chilled this time. We know we can do it because we did it with you. We know we can survive the sleepless nights and cluster feeding days, because we survived them with you. It doesn’t feel like learning the second time around, it feels like growing and we are all growing together. Bigger and stronger. 

So thank you, little Pepper, for being patient and loving. This madness won’t last forever and soon it will feel like we’ve always been a family of four. You are doing a great job at being a Big Sister and we all love you so much. Just forgive us for the tears, lack of patience and endless times we have to say “in a minute” - it doesn’t mean we love you any less, we are all just working out this new normal. 

Lots of love, Mummy & Daddy x

Photos by @hayley_wilkes_
Big Sister Pepper reporting for duty ❤️ #bigsi Big Sister Pepper reporting for duty ❤️ #bigsister #lockdownbaby
Was so lovely watching them meet for the first tim Was so lovely watching them meet for the first time ❤️ #sisters #girlgang #lockdownbaby
Indie Lilac Lourdes Spinks 💜 Our beautiful lit Indie Lilac Lourdes Spinks 💜

Our beautiful little girl made her arrival on Monday 4th January at 2:55pm, weighing in at a mighty 5lb 9oz. 

Pepper is already loving life as a big sister and giving her new bestie lots of cuddles. We didn’t think we’d ever be having a baby during a global pandemic, let alone be plunged into a lockdown 2 hours after her birth, but here we go! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

#lockdownbaby #newarrival #babysister #birthinapandemic  #familyoffour
Because yesterday I wore this dress for approx 5 m Because yesterday I wore this dress for approx 5 mins and felt super sassy. Today, not so much! #pregnantinapandemic #mumlife #lockdownlife
Well 2020 you’ve sure thrown a lot at us all, bu Well 2020 you’ve sure thrown a lot at us all, but I can honestly say I’ve never entered a new year feeling happier. We have been able to spend so much time together as a family, reach milestones and embrace new beginnings that we could have only dreamt of, even with all that 2020 has chucked at us. 

So I am leaving 2020 a happier and healthier person, with a more grateful outlook on life. Here’s to 2021, a new baby girl and whatever the year decides to bring. We will take it all, day by day! ❤️
More Christmas spam, because Pepper was just too c More Christmas spam, because Pepper was just too cute not to share ❤️
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Three reasons I love baby wearing... 1. It keeps Three reasons I love baby wearing...

1. It keeps your hands free and means you don’t always need to take a buggy everywhere. Also perfect when places might not be buggy friendly. 

2. Keeps baby close and encourages all the oxytocin you need for breastfeeding and baby bonding. Plus, they usually love being close to you too so they tend to sleep the whole time they are in the sling. 

3. You can start as soon as they are born and carry on until they are just too heavy. I carried P in a fabric sling like this until she was over one, then we swapped to a more rigid one. 

They also don’t need to cost the earth. I have this one from @freerider.co for Indie as I liked the prints and the fabric is sooo soft. They also have a great tutorial video on their website to show you how to use the sling, which is so handy for first timers. I’ve also got a couple of £10 ones from Amazon that do the job just as well, so you can spend as much as you want to. 

Did you baby wear, or planning to? 

#babywearing #babysling #freerider #babywrap #newborn #babyinlockdown #secondbaby #mumofgirls
To our first born, Life is all a little mad righ To our first born, 

Life is all a little mad right now, your world has been turned upside down and I know you are feeling like you have to share the limelight. It’s ok, it’s going to take us all a while to adjust. But we still love you more than you know and are so proud of the Big Sister you are being.

I am sorry that Daddy is always the one to put you to bed at the moment. I’m sorry that I am breastfeeding when you want me to play. I’m sorry that dinner time is interrupted by a crying baby and that you have to share your bath times. I’m sorry that I can’t sit in your tent and read books for hours or draw all afternoon like we used to. I’m just sorry that life is different right now. 

But this won’t last forever and we also need to thank you. Firstly for making us Mummy & Daddy, but secondly for teaching us how to be so much more chilled this time. We know we can do it because we did it with you. We know we can survive the sleepless nights and cluster feeding days, because we survived them with you. It doesn’t feel like learning the second time around, it feels like growing and we are all growing together. Bigger and stronger. 

So thank you, little Pepper, for being patient and loving. This madness won’t last forever and soon it will feel like we’ve always been a family of four. You are doing a great job at being a Big Sister and we all love you so much. Just forgive us for the tears, lack of patience and endless times we have to say “in a minute” - it doesn’t mean we love you any less, we are all just working out this new normal. 

Lots of love, Mummy & Daddy x

Photos by @hayley_wilkes_
Big Sister Pepper reporting for duty ❤️ #bigsi Big Sister Pepper reporting for duty ❤️ #bigsister #lockdownbaby
Was so lovely watching them meet for the first tim Was so lovely watching them meet for the first time ❤️ #sisters #girlgang #lockdownbaby
Indie Lilac Lourdes Spinks 💜 Our beautiful lit Indie Lilac Lourdes Spinks 💜

Our beautiful little girl made her arrival on Monday 4th January at 2:55pm, weighing in at a mighty 5lb 9oz. 

Pepper is already loving life as a big sister and giving her new bestie lots of cuddles. We didn’t think we’d ever be having a baby during a global pandemic, let alone be plunged into a lockdown 2 hours after her birth, but here we go! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

#lockdownbaby #newarrival #babysister #birthinapandemic  #familyoffour
Because yesterday I wore this dress for approx 5 m Because yesterday I wore this dress for approx 5 mins and felt super sassy. Today, not so much! #pregnantinapandemic #mumlife #lockdownlife
Well 2020 you’ve sure thrown a lot at us all, bu Well 2020 you’ve sure thrown a lot at us all, but I can honestly say I’ve never entered a new year feeling happier. We have been able to spend so much time together as a family, reach milestones and embrace new beginnings that we could have only dreamt of, even with all that 2020 has chucked at us. 

So I am leaving 2020 a happier and healthier person, with a more grateful outlook on life. Here’s to 2021, a new baby girl and whatever the year decides to bring. We will take it all, day by day! ❤️
More Christmas spam, because Pepper was just too c More Christmas spam, because Pepper was just too cute not to share ❤️
Load More…

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