Body Shop skincare routine – what to buy for Mother’s Day
I was 13 when I first bought makeup at the shop. It was the 90s, so makeup meant Heather Shimmer lipstick, matte brown lip liner and ghostly pale face powder. I looked like an extra from the Addams Family, but I felt like a woman, especially when I discovered skincare for the first time at The Body Shop. I didn’t have a Body Shop skincare routine or any idea what my skin type was – I had teenage skin and a paper round allowance.
A trip to the Body Shop was an aromatic trip to heaven, and it soon became my favoured visit with friends every weekend. I tried on the fragranced hand creams, different array of eyeshadow and lip liners and treated myself to body butter and bath bombs.
Then the noise of the naughties drowned out the brick and mortar brands with online shopping paving the way to a whole new selection of affordable skincare. Social media heeled the barrage of gimmicky skincare fads and with influencers plugging their own merch too, I quickly became overwhelmed. My thirties were my ‘baby years’ (I had four babies in my thirties) so my skincare routine took a nosedive and since then I have stuck to serums which help me look like I’ve slept for more than a few minutes in the last five years.
After a long hiatus, I found The Body Shop again and I truly forgot how amazing it is. The Body Shop online took me straight back to that 13-year-old bright-eyed brunette, searching for her own identity and immersing herself in makeup and skincare for the first time.
Now I’m in my 40s, I try hard to have a basic skincare at the best of times and even though I rarely get it right, I have tried to look after my skin over the years.
I would love for someone to do the research for me and gift me with a suitable skincare kit for Mother’s Day this year because it would be one heck of a present for a tired mum with minimal time to think for or look after herself. You can’t go wrong with a well thought out skincare set!
So, let me do the research for you – here is a step-by-step rundown of the different body shop skincare routines that could work for that special mum in your life, so you can make her feel like she’s glowing on Mother’s Day.
My everyday skin care routine at home
I have to admit; I am not the best at keeping up with my skincare routine, but over the years, there are a few things I do (almost every day/night) to ensure my skin doesn’t age prematurely (the fine lines have already got to me, though.)
I take my makeup off before I go to bed
I only started religiously taking my makeup off in my thirties, but doing so has helped to ensure I have softer, cleaner skin when I wake up in the morning. I don’t wear foundation and I only use concealer on certain parts of my skin (especially around my eye area), so it’s important I wash the concealer off to prevent pore clogging.
I use a cleansing wipe to wash my makeup off and a hot wet 100% cotton towel to wipe it off
I use a cleansing wipe which I can lather on my skin in a gentle circular motion to wash my eye makeup off, so I’m not dragging on the skin. The cleanse ends with a hot damp towel, which feels like a mini spa facial. I place the towel over my face and press gently for a few seconds (which feels amazing). Then I gently wipe and repeat until all the makeup is off.
I always use a serum on my skin
Using a serum before you put on your moisturiser just helps to keep things properly moisturised. Now that I always use a serum, I find it is not enough to put moisturiser on. I have combination skin, so some moisturisers are too drying and some are too oily. But the serum feels just right on my skin.
I do a mini facial workout before bed
I always make sure I use lip balm regularly
I try to keep my lips as moisturised as possible, and they’ve helped to stay plump in my forties. I’ve been doing this since my twenties and I feel like the work has paid off, although during this winter weather, they’ve taken quite a beating! (I always have parched skin in the winter).
Here is a video of my basic skincare routine before bed:
What I should include in my step-by-step skin care routine
I’m slack with SPF and often forget to add it to my skincare routine before I go out. The only way to get around this for me is to buy a moisturiser which has SPF* in it. I’ve found some great ones from The Body Shop, which I’ll list below.
What you should include in your steps for skin care routine excellence
So, being a mum of four with tired, aging skin, I’d love nothing better than to receive skincare that makes me feel glorious on Mother’s Day. So here are the top Body Shop skin care products for each skin care routine so you know what to get for your special someone on Mother’s Day.
What is The Body Shop?
The Body Shop International Limited started in 1976 as a little green shop in Brighton. Its founder, Anita Roddick, wanted to revolutionise beauty in business as a force for good and with over 40 years of campaigning The Body Shop has strived to smash beauty industry standards with ethically sourced and naturally based ingredients from around the world, as well as no-nonsense packaging you could easily refill. The products are made for everyone with all skin types – no discriminating.
“Business shapes the world. It is capable of changing society in almost any way you can imagine.”
Dame Anita Roddick, FOUNDER OF THE BODY SHOP
Best skin care routine for combination skin
Shopping for combination skin can be tricky because sometimes your skin will be oily and other times it’ll decide to be dry. Or parts of your skin will be a bit of both! So, trying to work out a skin care routine step-by-step leaves you feeling like you’re going around in circles. Click here* for more information on combination skin.
The ultimate Body Shop skin care routine for combination skin should comprise:
Morning Face Routine Steps
Cleanser
A cleanser removes any buildup that occurs overnight. A great cleanser for combination skin is the Seaweed Cleansing Gel Wash*, which is also suitable for oily skin, and rebalances and controls shine. It’s also vegan!
Seaweed Cleansing Gel Wash FOR COMBINATION AND OILY SKIN. REBALANCES AND CONTROLS SHINE VEGAN. Buy here*
“Good wash for oily skin. Leaves skin fresh and clean.”
A hydrating toner removes any oil that your cleanser doesn’t and balances your skin’s pH levels. A great toner from the Body Shop for combination skin includes the vegan Seaweed Oil Balancing Toner* which rebalances and revives your skin and gently cleanses impurities.
Seaweed Oil-Balancing Toner FOR COMBINATION AND OILY SKIN. REBALANCES AND CONTROLS SHINE. VEGAN. Buy here*
“A great toner that leaves my skin feeling refreshed. Perfect for my combination skin.”
I’m a huge fan of serum, especially those which contain hyaluronic acid because they hydrate and protect the skin. A great serum from The Body Shop for combination skin is the Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil* which is suitable for all skin types and provides 24-hour moisture.
Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil FOR ALL SKIN TYPES. 24HR MOISTURE. Buy now here*
“Vitamin E Overnight serum in oil is amazing. My skin feels so soft and glowing after. I love it.”
If you can find a moisturiser with at least SPF30, then you can combine the sunscreen and moisturiser in one. A great, highly protective sunscreen is the Skin Defence Multi- Protection Light Essence SPF 50 PA +++* which has a weightless finish and helps protect skin against pollution.
Then add your makeup, but make sure it’s lightweight. Foundation and concealer should be oil-free. Check out the Matte Clay Skin Clarifying Foundation* which is lightweight and perfect for all skin types, especially oily skin.
Matte Clay Skin Clarifying Foundation FOR OILY SKIN. FULL-COVERAGE. MATTE FINISH. VEGAN. Buy here*
“Beautiful creamy foundation giving great coverage.”
You should always remove your makeup to keep your pores unclogged and help your skin to breathe. Micellar water is one of the gentlest products and is great to use on sensitive skin. Use gentle make-up remover pads, like these Clean Conscience Reusable Make-Up Remover Pads* which are reusable and machine washable too.
Clean Conscience Reusable Make-Up Remover Pads REUSABLE. SUPER GENTLE. MACHINE WASHABLE. Buy now here*
“Amazing, use them every day. Great that you can wash them.”
A nighttime cleanser helps to remove makeup remnants and natural buildup. A good cleanser for sensitive skin is the Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter* which gently removes make up and impurities.
Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter FOR SENSITIVE SKIN. GENTLY REMOVES MAKE-UP AND IMPURITIES. VEGAN. Buy here*
“Best on the market, I wouldn’t use anything else now.”
Use a strong serum and emollient-rich moisturiser for dry areas to get to work during the night while you’re asleep. You could also use a treatment to help with certain areas that need it the most. A good nighttime moisturiser is the Hemp Overnight Nourishing Rescue Mask* which is suitable for dry skin and keeps skin quenched for up to 72 hours.
“WOW, WOW, WOW! This is the best Body Shop product I have ever tried. It is superbly moisturising! Smells divine and makes by skin baby soft. A must have essential in everyone’s bathroom cupboard.”
Using an exfoliant once a week is great for removing dead skin cells and keeping pores clear. It also relieves dry areas. The Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Exfoliator* is suitable for combination and oily skin and gently exfoliates away dead skin cells.
Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Exfoliator FOR COMBINATION AND OILY SKIN. REFRESHING AND CLARIFYING. VEGETARIAN. Buy here*
“Absolutely love this product! Would recommend it to anyone and everyone who struggles with oily skin or blemishes!”
Once a week, you could apply a different mask to different areas of the face. The Seaweed Balance Sheet Mask* works in just 15 minutes to lock hydration in for 24 hours. And it’s only £4.00!
Seaweed Balance Sheet Mask FOR COMBINATION/OILY SKIN. VEGAN. Buy here*
“A lovely treat for the skin. Help to clear up my spots and hydrate my skin. Will buy again.”
Oily skin is one of the most common skin concerns, with shiny complexion and acne breakouts being typical symptoms for acne sufferers.
Cleanse morning and night
A Body Shop skin care routine for acne should include a cleanser that contains salicylic acid. The best evening skin care routine for oily skin should include a double cleanse at night if you wear makeup.
A toner could help fight blackheads and blemishes. Try to find an exfoliating toner that contains either salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid. A mattifying toner like the Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner* can help to purify, refresh and prep the skin so you’re ready to take on the world!
Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner FOR OILY, BLEMISHED SKIN. PURIFYING. VEGAN. Buy here*
“This is my go to product, day and night! Absolutely fantastic! Keeps my spots at bay!”
Treat your skin according to your specific skin concern. So if you’re prone to acne, use benzoyl peroxide or sulfur in the daytime to help curb oil production and prevent breakouts. In the evening, a retinol product can help to keep pores clear and skin glowing.
Tea tree oil for oily, blemished skin can be used throughout the day to target blemishes. Try Tea Tree Oil* which is suitable for oily, blemished skin.
Tea Tree Oil FOR OILY, BLEMISHED SKIN. PURIFYING VEGAN. Buy here*
“This product is amazing! It really helps to reduce my blemishes and oily skin. Can’t recommend enough.”
Even if you have oily skin, your Body Shop skincare routine steps for the morning should include moisturiser, but be more careful with the type you use. Look for a moisturiser that’s lightweight, free of oils and water-based.
When you have dry skin, the right skincare can transform your skin from tight and flaky to soft and glowing. But you need to start the day the right way.
The Body Shop skincare routine order for the morning should include products that keep moisture in.
Prepare your skin with a gentle non-foaming cleanser
A gentle cleanser removes oil and dirt without drying the skin. The Vitamin E Cream Cleanser* is suitable for dehydrated skin and removes impurities while leaving skin hydrated.
Vitamin E Cream Cleanser FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN. REMOVES IMPURITIES. Buy here*
“Love this cleanser, removes makeup so easily and the product itself lasts for a really long time.”
After cleansing, a good way to soak up moisture is to add a serum, especially one with hyaluronic acid. A good Body Shop serum for dry skin is the CBD Restoring Facial Oil*, which is good for dehydrated skin and leaves skin feeling soothed and smoothed.
CBD Restoring Facial Oil FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN. GREEN SCENT. Buy here*
“Love this oil, really soothes my skin, become a regular part of my skincare routine.”
Look for lightweight moisturisers that help to hydrate skin and form a protective seal over the skin’s surface. The Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream* offers up to 72 hours of hydration and is infused with hyaluronic acid to help lock in that moisture. Don’t forget to add an SPF to protect your skin further from the sun.
Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream FOR DRY SKIN. 72H HYDRATION. VEGETARIAN. Buy here*
“All my skin is consistently dry. This face cream has worked brilliantly for me since the first day I used it”
Cleansing is important to remove impurities and relieve parched skin, but moisturising is the key here to keep skin supple and hydrated overnight. The Vitamin E Sink In Moisture Sleeping Mask* is suitable for dehydrated skin and gets to work overnight to infuse optimum moisture levels for intense hydration.
Vitamin E Sink In Moisture Sleeping Mask FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN. Buy here*
“I leave it overnight and feel my skin softer! Great services of Body shop and very fast delivery! Great value for money!”
When creating a skin care routine for more mature-looking skin, you’ll want to plump fine lines, banish dark spots, and lift sagging skin.
Your Body Shop skin care routine for dry skin should include cleansing, treating and using sunscreen on your neck as well as your face. Choose a gentler exfoliant as your skin may be more sensitive.
Why not take just two minutes a day and give yourself a little facial yoga massage? I use Danielle Collins’ Face Yoga Interactive Journal which includes 53 exercises, motivational quotes and weekly wellness hacks to help you set your own goals, allowing you to get healthy, glowing, younger-looking skin just by dedicating a minimum of 2 minutes a day to face yoga.
It’s important to build a skincare routine that works for you and your unique skin. But the best face routine involves doing things in a certain order, so follow the above steps or find out what the recipient’s skin is like so you can buy the right Body Shop skin care set for Mother’s Day.
Check out The Body Shop skin care reviews on line too and see what others think of the products you’ve picked. There’s nothing better than a personalised Mother’s Day gift mum will actually use and it’s a great way to discover new products that are even better for your skin than you realise!
FAQ
What is your skin care routine that has changed your skin?
I found cleansing every night with an exfoliating wipe and moisturising with serum prevented me from getting spots. I used to have slightly bumpy and uneven skin, but that has changed since I have a good working skincare routine that works for me.
Does the order of skincare steps matter?
Yes, it’s important to cleanse and prep your skin before you moisturise so you lock in moisture.
What is Community Fair Trade?
Community Fair Trade was launched in 1987 and is the Body Shop’s bespoke fair trade programme, which helps their suppliers gain market access and invest in social and environmental projects that benefit their communities. You can find more information on the Body Shops’ Community Fair Trade programme here.
What can help with very dry skin?
Use the right cleanser, i.e. non-foaming cleanser, to clean your skin because some can be drying. Rehydrate the skin with the right moisturiser for dry skin. This article has additional helpful tips for how to relieve dry skin.
Do skincare products delay aging or worsen it?
Using the right skincare products can delay aging to a certain extent, but your genes and lifestyle will eventually catch up with you. The wrong products can speed up aging so make sure you’re using the right products for your skin.
What does it mean when someone says your skin is glowing?
“Glowing skin means different things to people. Many people use the term to refer to skin that looks healthy and “awake” rather than dry, dull, or unevenly textured. For some, healthy skin results in a natural sheen, or “glow.” Healthy skin is something that most people can work towards.”
Should I use cleanser and toner if I don’t use makeup? Is it optional?
“If you don’t wear makeup on your skin, you might be able to get away with just using a targeted toner on a cotton ball as a cleanser. However, the process of using warm water to cleanse the pores can help soften the pores and add radiance to the skin.
“If you have light skin and spend a lot of time in the sun, you’re more likely to develop age spots — areas of increased pigmentation. Age spots are small, flat dark areas on the skin. They vary in size and usually appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders and arms.”
“We recommend adding a face mask to your skin care routine once or twice a week. Masking should follow cleansing, toning, and applying a facial essence. These steps clear impurities and excess oil, provide a base layer of hydration and prep your skin to better absorb the benefits of your face mask.”
Is there any way to cure a hormonal acne without taking pills? Are there any natural ways to deal with it?
Following a nutrient-dense diet, cutting out dairy, and limiting added sugars are evidence-based practices that may improve acne symptoms. Taking certain supplements like vitamin D and green tea extract, getting enough sleep, quitting smoking, and reducing stress are other healthy ways to fight this disease.
*This post is sponsored by The Body Shop (some pictures have been taken from their website)
*Links marked with a ‘*’ are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission when you click through to buy. Prices are correct as at 11 March 2022
Mothers day gift experiences and ideas for expecting mothers
Mothers Day is around the corner and mums, new and veteran, will be expecting some form of special treatment (whether we get said special treatment or not is another story!)
But what would be a great gift for an expectant mother, especially when she can’t drink alcohol or go on a racecar experience day (I’m sure she’d want to if it weren’t for the pandemic – or the pregnancy)? And what are good mothers day gifts besides flowers and a gift box of some kind?
First-time mums tend to overspend on maternity/baby gifts. It’s like a rite of passage we all go through where we buy the unnecessary, necessary stuff until we realise we don’t need most of it anyway.
So, check out some Mothers day gift experiences and ideas that they’ll/we’ll actually use (pass this Mother’s Day gift guide on to your partner so they’re in on the secret to the perfect thoughtful gifts for us too)!
Psst, these gifts can also double up as great baby shower gifts for new mums too, so win-win!
A comfortable set of maternity/nursing bras
During pregnancy, your bra size will fluctuate from pre-pregnancy cuteness to maternity melons. They’ll get even bigger after birth then they’ll slowly reduce in size until they hit that post-pregnancy plateau. So one of the most important Mothers Day gift ideas experiences you can surprise an expecting mum with are comfortable maternity/nursing bras. Maternity bras tend to be padded and non-wired for comfort, to allow for room to grow. They should also double up as nursing bras should mum want to breastfeed, which means they’ll clip and unclip at the bra strap for ease of use. Some great bras which are super comfortable for pregnant mums are:
These Grey/White Non-Wired Padded Nursing Bras from Next offer maximum comfort and are on the larger size, if you’re like me and you’re already carrying bazoongas.
Bravado Designs Plunge Nursing Bras are also very comfortable and provide a smooth contour without compromising on flexibility. The soft yet structured bra adjusts with your body as you grow during pregnancy and fluctuate during nursing.
A comfortable set of briefs/underwear
As your top half grows so does your bottom half. A good fitting over the bump set of 100% cotton briefs like these Lace Briefs can offer maximum comfort. Opt for high-waisted underpants too so that if you end up having a c section, they fit over the scar and not ride on it. This helps to prevent friction and infection.
Comfortable maternity clothes, especially when mum has grown a few sizes, can provide that extra bit of comfort when needed. Flowing long tops like the MAMA V-Neck Tunic from H&M are also great at hiding other lumps but keeps the focus on that gorgeous pregnant bump. It also offers breathing space when all mum wants is for things to be off her skin, especially during the third trimester!
Experience gifts for every type of mum – Comfortable shoes
As you enter the later stages of pregnancy, footwear comfort becomes crucial. The Black Tulip Studio Farro Flat Chelsea Boot in Caramel Suede is an exemplary choice for mums-to-be seeking ease and style. These boots feature a slip-on design, which is a Godsend for when bending over becomes a challenge. The soft caramel suede offers a versatile look that pairs effortlessly with a variety of maternity outfits, while the flat design ensures comfort for your feet, which is essential as you prepare for motherhood. Whether you’re running errands or simply enjoying a day out, these Chelsea boots are designed to provide maximum comfort without compromising on style
These Imitation Suede Shoes from H&M are also easy to slip on and look great against black leggings and the black tunic top that they should become a staple in every pregnant woman’s shoe rack. Who says maternity clothing has to look dowdy!
If you still want some height but you’re too scared to strut in stilettos, go for these Platform Boots from H&M, which has a zip on the side so you can slip into them easily, but still add a few extra inches to your height. They also look fab with leggings or a long flowy maxi dress. Switch it up during pregnancy to keep your spirits high!
If you’re still exercising during pregnancy then, again, good for you! These Mesh Trainers from H&M are very comfortable for walking or even running during pregnancy, provided you’ve okayed it with your doctor first. The stripes on the trainers also light up in the dark so they’re perfect for those short days during winter.
Staying active during pregnancy is a boon for both mother and baby, and the right footwear can make all the difference. The Black Tulip Studio Arbi Sleek Sneaker in Giraffe is a chic and comfortable sneaker that is a perfect blend of style and functionality for expectant mums.
The playful giraffe print adds a touch of fun to your workout attire, while the supportive design caters to the unique needs of a pregnant body, ensuring safety and comfort during exercise. Ideal for walks, prenatal yoga, or even light jogging (if your doctor approves!), these sneakers will keep you moving and stylish throughout your pregnancy journey.
Travel becomes an experience once you have the baby, so mum needs to ensure she has everything to hand to weather all seasons in the UK. Apart from a comfortable and secure pram, accessories like a warm waterproof blanket can ensure the baby is protected, no matter the weather.
Bundlebean’s 5 in 1 Multipurpose Cover, Go, is a wonderful blanket that’s so multifunctional it fits onto buggies, bike seats, car seats and quality baby carriers. You can also open it out flat to use as a travel rug or play mat, so it’s worth the investment. We’ve got ours in the newly launched ‘bees’ pattern, which looks so cute on the buggy. Check out the Instagram pic below of my baby posing with the new blanket.
Help with getting baby to sleep at night!
It’s well known that once babies come along, your sleep disappears for an indefinite amount of time. But, it’s also a popular belief that swaddling baby helps them to sleep better at night. If you’re anything like me and never get swaddling right, grab yourself or pregnant mum a Love To Dream Starter Pack, which includes a set of swaddle essentials to ensure little ones are comfortable and safe from day to dream.
You can get different types of togs depending on the weather; the 1.0tog is more suitable for the warmer months and the 2.5tog is thick enough for the winter months. A Starter Pack ensures you have one for bedtime and one spare for washing too. I don’t think you can get better pregnancy presents than something which helps mum sleep at night!
Help to travel with multiple kids
Mama-to-be might have older toddlers so once the new baby comes along she’ll need a way to transport both baby and toddler either in a double buggy or a buggy with a buggyboard. Cheeky Rascals has a cute Lascal Mini BuggyBoard in either Jungle or Woodland which easily fits more than 99% of pushchairs, prams and strollers, giving tired toddlers a safe place to rest on the buggy. Travel items can make for great gifts for an expecting mother, especially if she has to worry about transporting more than one child.
Cute outfits – just because they’re cute!
Who says you have to just buy the normal white, yellow, blue or pink pastel babysuits? Stretch the imagination and get something really cool that mum can keep sentimentally for years after her babies have grown up. I absolutely love the new Lazy Baby iconic ‘Just done 9 months inside’ babygrows, which comes with a cute matching hat – perfect for those first few days after birth and it makes for a great gift for mum-to-be.
Mothers Day experience gifts every mum will adore – help with feeding
Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottlefeed, feeding can be a hugely difficult milestone to overcome. For first-time expectant mothers, the thought may be daunting before they’ve even got to try both methods out.
You may be one of the lucky ones and birth a baby who knows how to breastfeed straight away or you may have a problem with latching, which ultimately leads to cracked, sore nipples. Breastpumps can help take the pressure off your boobs and provide some respite so your partner or a loved one can feed the baby while you take some time off. I love the Medela Swing Flex™ 2-Phase Electric Breast Pump which is quick and efficient for whenever you need it, and, most importantly, when you need that all-important break!
Other great Mothers Day gifts for expecting mums
Still stuck for gift ideas for expecting mothers? Here are some other great gifts for pregnant women which they’ll appreciate during pregnancy:
Belly butter for their growing belly
A diaper bag that can double up as a hospital bag for those magical first few days after birth
A family framed photo with the growing bump, which are great pregnancy gifts for first-time mums
A pregnancy gift basket that can include a collection of necessary gifts for mum-to-be.
You can get some great gifts for a good price on Amazon or eBay too. Make sure to shop around so you find unique mum-to-be gifts for that special mum!
Mothers Day should be about appreciating mum and showing her how much you love and care for her. The perfect pregnancy gifts for Mothers Day will ensure that life is made easier for them, so they can enjoy motherhood with reduced stress! If you keep that in mind you shouldn’t have a problem finding the perfect gift.
FAQ
Why is it important to celebrate Mother’s Day?
Celebrating Mother’s Day holds special significance when mum is pregnant for several reasons:
Acknowledging the Transition to Motherhood: Pregnancy is a significant period in a woman’s life, marking her transition into motherhood. Celebrating Mother’s Day during this time helps honour this important journey. It’s a recognition of her soon-to-be status as a mother and the love, care, and nurturing she’s already providing to her unborn child.
Emotional Support and Recognition: Pregnancy can be an emotionally intense and challenging time, filled with anticipation, anxiety, and a myriad of changes—both physical and emotional. Celebrating Mother’s Day offers an opportunity to show support for these changes, helping mum feel valued.
Strengthening Bonds: It’s a chance for partners, family, and friends to bond with mum and express their excitement about the new arrival. This celebration can strengthen relationships and build a supportive community around her.
Focus on Self-care and Well-being: Pregnant women often prioritise the well-being of their unborn child and may neglect their own needs. Mother’s Day can be a reminder for them to take care of themselves, emphasising the importance of self-care and relaxation.
Creating Memories: Celebrating Mother’s Day during pregnancy adds to the treasure trove of memories that the mother can look back on fondly. It’s a beautiful way to commemorate the pregnancy period as a time of joy and anticipation.
Boosting Mental Health: Positive experiences can have a beneficial impact on mental health. Being the centre of affection and attention on Mother’s Day can boost the expectant mother’s mood, reduce stress, and contribute to a positive pregnancy experience.
Acknowledging Her Efforts and Sacrifices: Pregnancy involves numerous physical and emotional sacrifices. Recognising these efforts on Mother’s Day is a way of showing appreciation for all that she is doing to bring a new life into the world.
What is a great gift for a mum with no hobbies who doesn’t do self care either and is always busy with work?
Other questions asked were:
What are some good gifts for a mother that has no hobbies or interests?
What are some good Mothers Day gift ideas for mothers with different hobbies?
Finding unique mothers day gift experiences and ideas for a mum who is always busy with work and doesn’t have hobbies or engage in self-care can be challenging, but it offers a great opportunity to introduce her to something new or make her daily life easier and more enjoyable. Here are some thoughtful gift ideas:
Quality Time Experiences for Expectant Moms: Some great experience gifts for mothers can include planning a day out that’s relaxing and pregnancy-friendly. Consider a stroll in a botanical garden, a comfortable outdoor picnic with pregnancy-safe foods, or a casual lunch at a cosy, quiet restaurant complete with a restaurant gift card.
Meal Subscription Service with Pregnancy-Safe Options: Choose a meal delivery service that offers healthy, pregnancy-safe meals. This will not only save her time but also provide her with the right nutrition needed during pregnancy.
Professional Cleaning Service for a Nesting Environment: Arrange for a cleaning service to prepare her home for the new arrival. A clean, organised space can significantly ease her nesting instincts and reduce stress.
Comfortable Maternity Loungewear or Pajamas: Gift her with high-quality maternity loungewear or pyjamas that are specifically designed for comfort during pregnancy.
Smart Home Gadgets for Easy Pregnancy Living: Consider devices that can make her life easier during pregnancy, like a smart vacuum, a voice-activated assistant to manage tasks, or smart lighting that she can control without getting up.
Audiobook Subscription for Maternity Reads: An Audible subscription filled with audiobooks on pregnancy, parenting, or simply her favourite genres can be a thoughtful gift, especially for nights when sleep is elusive.
Personalised Jewellery with Baby’s Birthstone: A piece of jewellery that includes the expected birthstone of her baby, or a charm that symbolises motherhood, can be a touching and sentimental gift.
High-Quality Bedding for Better Rest: Invest in premium bedding or a pregnancy pillow that can help her find a comfortable sleeping position during pregnancy.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Relaxation: Noise-cancelling headphones can be a great gift for her to relax and unwind, listen to soothing music, or enjoy audiobooks and podcasts without disturbance.
Plant or Flower Subscription for a Soothing Environment: A subscription for low-maintenance, non-toxic plants or flowers can beautify her space and create a soothing environment.
Gift Cards for Maternity Shopping: A gift card to a maternity store, an online platform with a variety of pregnancy products, or her favourite restaurant offering healthy options can give her the freedom to choose what she really needs or desires.
A Handwritten Letter with a Focus on Motherhood: Write a heartfelt letter expressing your excitement and support for her new journey into motherhood, sharing your thoughts and feelings about this special time.
What are some last-minute non materialistic gift ideas for mums Day?
Other questions asked were:
What are some handmade Mothers Day gift ideas?
What’s a good gift you can make for Mothers Day?
How to make cool things for mother’s day?
Best Mother’s Day experience gifts that mum will love?
Write a Heartfelt Letter or Poem About Motherhood: Express your excitement and joy about her upcoming journey into motherhood. A letter or poem that reflects on this new chapter can be incredibly touching.
Create a Video Message from Loved Ones About Her Becoming a Mother: Experiences for mothers day can include gathering video messages from family and friends, focusing on their excitement and well-wishes for her new role as a mother.
Cook a Pregnancy-Friendly Meal: Prepare her favourite meal for one of the best mothers day experiences, keeping in mind any pregnancy dietary restrictions or cravings. You could also bake a healthy treat that’s safe and delicious for expectant moms.
Organise a Virtual Baby Shower or Family Gathering: If an in-person gathering isn’t possible, for the best mother’s day gifts online, get the family together! Arrange a surprise virtual baby shower or a family get-together to celebrate her and the baby.
Plan a Day of Prenatal Relaxation: M other’s day experiences can include taking over her chores and arranging for a day where she can indulge in prenatal relaxation activities, like a warm bath with safe bath oils, reading, or simply resting.
Pregnancy Memory Scrapbook or Digital Slideshow: Compile a scrapbook or digital slideshow documenting her pregnancy journey, including ultrasound pictures, maternity photos, and notes about her experiences.
‘Day Off’ Voucher for Postpartum Use: Create a voucher of gift experiences for mum, promising her a day off after the baby is born, where you take over baby care and household responsibilities.
Plan a Future Family-Friendly Outing: Mother’s day experience gifts can include planning a special outing for after the baby is born, to a place that will be enjoyable for both her and the newborn, such as a peaceful nature park or a family-friendly resort.
Host a Relaxing Movie Night with Pregnancy-Safe Snacks: Mothers day experience ideas can include setting up a movie night at home featuring her favourite movies or feel-good films, along with snacks that are safe and appealing during pregnancy.
Offer a Helpful Skill or Service: Mothers day experience gifts can also include offering services that will be beneficial for her as an expecting mum, like assembling baby furniture, setting up the nursery, or helping with prenatal exercises.
Personalised Playlist for Mother and Baby: Curate a playlist with soothing songs for both mother and baby, or select podcasts about motherhood and parenting that she might find insightful and comforting.
Prenatal Yoga or Guided Meditation Session: Memorable experience days for mum can include arranging a gentle prenatal yoga or meditation session at home, led by a professional instructor who specialises in pregnancy wellness.
What are some of the best Mother’s Day gifts my mum will actually love?
Customised Family Portrait with Baby Bump: Mothers day gifts experiences can include commissioning a family portrait that includes her with her baby bump. This can be a beautiful way to capture her during this special time.
Pregnancy-Friendly Gardening Kit: Choose lightweight and easy-to-use gardening tools, along with seeds for plants that are non-toxic and safe for pregnant women. Consider raised planters to reduce the need for bending.
Pregnancy-Safe Cooking Class: How about for experience gifts for mums you can enroll her in a cooking class that focuses on healthy, pregnancy-safe recipes. Look for classes that teach meals easy to cook and nutritious for both mom and baby.
Bird Feeder and Bird Watching for Relaxation: A bird feeder and a book on bird watching can be a soothing hobby, perfect for enjoying quiet moments in nature without too much exertion.
Personalised Recipe Book with Baby-Friendly Meals: Compile a recipe book that includes her favourites, and add sections for baby-friendly and easy postpartum meals.
Subscription to a Parenting or Maternity Magazine: Mother’s Day experience gift ideas can include choosing a magazine subscription that focuses on parenting, maternity health, or baby care, providing her with valuable insights and tips.
Star Registration for the Baby: Name a star with the expected baby’s name or in honour of her journey to motherhood, creating a beautiful symbolic connection.
Cultural Experience Tickets for Future Dates: Offer tickets to cultural events that are scheduled post-pregnancy, giving her something exciting to look forward to.
Virtual Reality Headset for Relaxation: A VR headset preloaded with calming experiences, such as virtual nature walks or meditation sessions, can be a wonderful escape for an expecting mom.
Customised Puzzle Featuring Baby Ultrasound: Create a puzzle from a family photo, including ultrasound images, making it a unique keepsake of her pregnancy.
Handmade Bookmark for Baby Books: A custom-engraved bookmark for her to use with baby books or pregnancy journals can be a sweet and thoughtful gift.
DIY Herb Growing Kit for Easy Culinary Use: An herb kit that she can easily manage from a windowsill, providing fresh herbs for cooking without much effort.
Online Course in Baby Care or Parenting: An online course subscription focused on baby care, prenatal yoga, or parenting skills can be both useful and appreciated.
Telescope for Future Stargazing with the Child: A telescope she can use in the future for stargazing with her child, fostering a love for astronomy in the family.
Book by Her Favourite Author with a Motherhood Theme: If her favourite author has a new release, especially one focusing on themes of motherhood or family, it can be a thoughtful and relevant gift.
What Mother’s Day ideas do you have that aren’t a physical gift?
Scenic Drive with Comfort Stops: Unique experience gifts for mothers day can include organising a scenic drive that’s comfortable for her. Plan for regular stops at picturesque spots where she can stretch and relax. Include a drive-through or picnic at a beautiful, serene location.
Pregnancy-Friendly Family Photo Shoot: Arrange a professional maternity photo shoot at her favourite outdoor location or home. Capture this special time with beautiful pictures of her pregnancy.
Online Workshop on Parenting or Pregnancy: Enroll her in an online class that focuses on topics like parenting, prenatal care, or pregnancy wellness. Choose something that aligns with her interests and needs as an expecting mother.
Family History Documentary with a Focus on Motherhood: Create a documentary that not only traces your family history but also focuses on stories of motherhood in your family, capturing insights and well-wishes for her new journey.
Virtual Baby Shower or Family Reunion: If family members are far-flung, organise a virtual gathering like a baby shower or a family reunion, making her feel supported and celebrated.
Personalised Pregnancy Podcast or Audio Messages: Record a series of audio messages from friends and family sharing parenting advice, stories, and good wishes for her and the baby.
Virtual Tours of Kid-Friendly Destinations: Find virtual tours of places she might want to visit with the baby in the future, like zoos, aquariums, or children’s museums.
Charity Donation in Her and Baby’s Name: Make a donation to a children’s charity or a cause she cares about in her and her baby’s name, reflecting the nurturing spirit of motherhood.
Relaxed Day with No Digital Distractions: Plan a day of relaxation without digital devices. Include activities like light prenatal yoga, reading, or simply enjoying nature.
Perform a Lullaby or a Kid-Friendly Skit: Write and perform a gentle song or a fun skit for her, something that she can later share with her baby.
Future Family Trip Planning: For perfect day out gifts for mum, surprise her with a Mothers Day Getaway by planning a family-friendly holiday for after the baby’s arrival, complete with comfortable accommodations and baby-friendly activities.
Customised Prenatal Yoga or Meditation Session: For relaxing experience gift ideas for mum, arrange a gentle, prenatal yoga session or a meditation class that caters to her current stage of pregnancy, focusing on relaxation and bonding with the baby. This could be a great mother and daughter gift experience too.
Pregnancy-Safe Movie Marathon at Home: Choose movies that are uplifting and pregnancy-related, or her all-time favourites. Prepare a selection of healthy snacks that are safe and appealing for an expecting mother.
Personal Documentary Celebrating Her Life and Motherhood: Create a documentary that not only highlights her life but also focuses on her transition into motherhood, including messages of love and support from close ones.
Stargazing with a Focus on Constellations for Children: Mum experience days can include planning a stargazing night where you research and share stories about constellations, perhaps focusing on those that are often found in children’s stories or nursery rhymes.
What are some ideas for making a Mother’s Day gift that will wow her socks off?
Other questions asked were:
What are some thoughtful and unique Mother s Day gifts that your mother would love?
What are some creative Mothers Day gifts for a mum?
What is the most thoughtful thing that you can do on Mothers Day weekend?
What’s a better Mothers day gift something useful and functional or something that’s just nice looking?
What Mothers Day gifts are meaningful and heart touching?
What are some unique Mothers Day gifts for a mum?
What is the best surprise for mother’s day?
Personalised Video Montage: Experience gifts for mum to give this Mothers Day can include collecting clips from loved ones sharing messages of excitement about the new arrival, well-wishes for her pregnancy, and expressions of love and appreciation for her journey into motherhood.
Nursery Home Makeover: If she’s planning a nursery, a surprise makeover or addition of a special element like a mural or a handcrafted piece of furniture can be incredibly meaningful.
Customised Art Piece for the Nursery: Commission or create a piece of art that can be a centrepiece in the baby’s nursery. This could be a painting, a sculpture, or a wall hanging that is soothing and beautiful.
Baby Milestone Memory Boxes: Craft a series of memory boxes themed for the baby’s first year milestones. Include slots for photos, keepsakes, and notes to be added as the baby grows.
Handcrafted Maternity Jewellery: Design a piece of jewellery that symbolises her journey into motherhood. You could include elements like birthstones for the expected birth month of the baby.
Personal Cookbook with Baby-Friendly Recipes: Compile a cookbook that includes nutritious recipes for pregnancy and meals that can be prepared and frozen for postpartum ease.
Family Board Game with a Baby Twist: Design a board game that incorporates fun elements of being new parents. It could be a humorous and light-hearted way to look forward to the joys and challenges of parenthood.
Illustrate a Storybook About Her Journey: Great mother’s day gift ideas experiences could include creating a storybook that narrates her journey to motherhood, including whimsical illustrations and heartwarming stories.
Garden Stones for a Baby Garden: Decorate garden stones with motifs and messages celebrating new life, perfect for a garden where she can spend peaceful moments.
Handmade Baby Blanket or Quilt: Craft a cosy blanket or quilt for the baby, perhaps incorporating family fabrics or designs that hold sentimental value.
Personalised Pregnancy Journey Puzzle: Create a puzzle using photos documenting her pregnancy journey, a sweet way to commemorate this special time.
Craft a Calming Scent: Mix a safe, gentle fragrance or essential oil blend that she can use to relax and unwind, especially beneficial during pregnancy.
Family Yearbook with a Focus on Expectancy: Design a yearbook that highlights her pregnancy journey, including photos, ultrasound images, and memorable moments.
Customised Pottery for the Nursery: Create or commission pottery pieces like a customised lamp base, a vase, or small storage containers for the nursery.
Original Song or Poem About Becoming a Mother: Write and perform a piece that celebrates her transition into motherhood, capturing the emotions and hopes of this journey.
What is the best gift that I can give to my mother on Mother’s Day that will cost me less?
Pregnancy-Safe Breakfast in Bed: Mothers day ideas experiences can include preparing a healthy and nutritious breakfast that is safe for pregnancy. Be mindful of her current food preferences and aversions due to pregnancy.
Relaxing Playlist: Create a playlist of calming music or soothing lullabies that she can listen to during pregnancy and later with the baby.
Handmade Coupons for Post-Delivery Help: Offer coupons for chores, baby care help, or meal preparation she can use after the baby arrives.
DIY Pregnancy-Safe Spa Kit: Put together a home spa kit with pregnancy-safe products. Include items like a natural body lotion, a comfortable bath pillow, and herbal teas that are safe for pregnant women.
Kitchen Herb Garden Kit: An easy-to-manage, small herb garden can be a soothing hobby. Make sure it’s something she can tend to without bending or straining.
Memory Jar for Baby’s Firsts: Create a memory jar where she can store notes about her pregnancy journey and baby’s first moments.
Letters to the Baby: Write heartfelt letters to the baby, sharing your excitement and hopes. These can be read to the child in the future.
Day of Rest: Offer her a complete day of relaxation where you take care of all her needs and chores, allowing her to rest fully.
Pregnancy Journal or Calendar: Gift her a journal or calendar to record her pregnancy journey, including appointments, milestones, and personal reflections.
Homemade Healthy Treats: Bake some healthy snacks or treats that are pregnancy-friendly, considering any dietary restrictions or cravings she might have.
Customised Pregnancy Pillow: If you’re handy with sewing, create a customised pregnancy pillow designed to support her belly and back.
Pregnancy Photo Album: Start a photo album documenting her pregnancy journey, which can be continued after the baby is born.
Movie Night with Pregnancy-Friendly Snacks: Host a relaxed movie night at home with her favourite movies and pregnancy-safe snacks.
Personal Video Messages: Record a video message from family and friends sharing their excitement and well-wishes for the expecting mum.
Learn a Lullaby: If you play an instrument, learn a lullaby that she can later play to soothe the baby.
The real value of your Mothers Day gift comes from thought and practicality. It doesn’t have to cost a bomb to make her happy,
Could I get a gift for a mother figure for Mother’s Day? Would she think it’s weird?
Of course! Here are some unique Mother’s Day gift ideas for an expecting mother figure that haven’t been mentioned previously:
Customised Maternity Photoshoot: Arrange for a professional maternity photoshoot. This is a wonderful way to help her capture and cherish this special time in her life.
Audio Recordings of Bedtime Stories: Create or gather a collection of audio-recorded bedtime stories or soothing sounds that she can later play to her baby.
Comfortable Footwear for Pregnancy: Gift her a pair of comfortable, supportive footwear designed for pregnancy, as comfort is crucial during these months.
Pre-Natal Yoga Class Subscription: Offer her a subscription to pre-natal yoga classes, which can be beneficial for both physical and mental well-being during pregnancy.
Streaming Service Subscription: A subscription to a streaming service with a good selection of movies and TV shows can be a great gift for relaxation and entertainment, especially for the days when she needs some downtime.
Pregnancy Memory Book: A beautifully designed memory book where she can record milestones, thoughts, and experiences related to her pregnancy.
Non-Toxic Nursery Paint or Decor: If she’s in the process of preparing the nursery, gifting non-toxic paint or safe nursery decorations can be both practical and thoughtful.
Personalised Lullaby Music Box: A music box that plays a gentle, soothing lullaby can be a unique and heartfelt gift.
Soothing Aromatherapy Set: An aromatherapy set with pregnancy-safe essential oils and a diffuser for creating a relaxing atmosphere in her home.
Comfortable Sleepwear Set: A set of soft, breathable sleepwear designed for pregnancy can provide extra comfort during nights.
Customised Nursery Artwork: Commission or create a piece of artwork or a wall hanging for the baby’s nursery.
Online Course in Baby First Aid: Enrolling her in an online course for baby first aid and care can be both a thoughtful and practical gift.
Temperature-Controlled Mug: A temperature-controlled mug to keep her drinks at the perfect temperature, whether it’s a warm herbal tea or a cool beverage.
Pregnancy Pillow with Personalised Pillowcase: A full-body pregnancy pillow for extra support during sleep, with a personalised pillowcase for a special touch.
What are some last second Mother’s Day gift ideas?
Digital Magazine Subscription: Many magazines have digital versions. Find one focused on pregnancy, motherhood, or her personal interests and gift a subscription for instant access.
Online Prenatal Fitness Classes: Sign her up for online prenatal fitness classes that she can join from the comfort of her home.
E-Book on Baby Naming: If she’s still deciding on names, an e-book full of baby name ideas could be both fun and helpful.
Mobile App Subscription for Pregnancy: There are many great apps for expectant mothers that track pregnancy progress, offer tips, and provide informative articles.
Instant Audiobook Membership: Gift an instant membership to an audiobook service where she can find books on parenting, relaxation, and entertainment.
Virtual Interior Design Consultation for Nursery: Many services offer virtual consultations. Gifting a session with an interior designer specialising in nurseries can be both exciting and useful.
E-Gift Card for a Maternity Store: An e-gift card to a maternity clothing store is a great last-minute gift that she can use to choose what she needs or likes.
Personalised Relaxation Playlist: Create a playlist of relaxing or uplifting music and share it with her digitally for instant access.
Instant Movie or TV Show Streaming Subscription: A subscription to a streaming service with a good selection of movies and TV shows, ideal for times when she needs to unwind.
E-Course on Baby Care or Motherhood: Enroll her in an e-course that provides valuable information for new mothers or on baby care.
Online Food Delivery Gift Card: A gift card for a food delivery service can provide her with easy access to a variety of meals, especially helpful for those times when cooking is the last thing on her mind.
Printable Art for the Nursery: Find digital, printable artwork online that she can print and use to decorate the nursery.
Virtual Guided Meditation Subscription: A subscription to a meditation app with guided sessions can help her find moments of peace and relaxation.
Online Journal Subscription: Gift a subscription to an online journaling platform, which can be a great way for her to document her thoughts and experiences during pregnancy.
E-Gift Card for a Bookstore: If she enjoys reading, an e-gift card from an online bookstore can allow her to choose books that interest her, including those about pregnancy and motherhood.
What is the most popular gift on Mother’s Day?
Other questions asked were:
What are traditional Mothers Day gifts?
What gifts can be given on Mother’s Day?
What are popular gifts for Mothers Day?
One of the most popular gifts on Mother’s Day, especially for pregnant moms, is a maternity photo shoot. This gift captures the beauty and essence of pregnancy, creating lasting memories for the expectant mother. It’s a thoughtful way to celebrate this unique period in a woman’s life and provides a cherished keepsake that can be looked back on for years to come.
Here are some additional unique gift ideas tailored for pregnant mums:
Customised Maternity Robe: A luxurious, personalised maternity robe can offer comfort. Look for one made from soft, high-quality fabric that can be used both during and after pregnancy.
Pregnancy Cravings Gift Basket: Put together a thoughtful basket filled with her favourite treats that she’s been craving during her pregnancy.
Maternity Spa Day: A spa day with pregnancy-safe treatments can be a wonderful way for her to relax and unwind. Look for spas that offer specialised prenatal massages and services.
Online Classes for Expectant Parents: Gift her and her partner an online class that covers essential parenting skills, baby care, or childbirth preparation.
Watercolour Painting of Her Ultrasound: Have a watercolour artist turn her ultrasound image into a beautiful piece of art. This unique keepsake can later be displayed in the nursery.
Belly Casting Kit: Belly casting kits allow her to make a 3D cast of her pregnant belly. It’s a fun and unique way to remember her pregnancy shape.
Personalised Nursery Rhyme Book: Create or order a custom-made nursery rhyme book that includes her name, her partner’s name, and even the expected baby’s name.
Pregnancy Journal with Personalised Cover: A beautifully crafted pregnancy journal with a personalised cover can help her document her journey through pregnancy.
Maternity Photo Album: A high-quality photo album dedicated to her maternity photos, ultrasound images, and other pregnancy milestones.
Subscription to a Streaming Service for Kids’ Content: Prepare for the upcoming days with a subscription to a streaming service that offers a great selection of children’s programming.
Professional Meal Planning Service: A subscription to a meal planning service, especially one that caters to prenatal nutrition, can be both practical and helpful.
Nursery Organisation Service: Gift her the service of a professional organiser to help set up and organise the nursery.
Pregnancy-Safe Cooking Kit: A cooking kit with tools and gadgets designed to make cooking easier for pregnant women, such as ergonomic utensils or a standing mat for the kitchen.
Personalised Story Book for Baby: A custom storybook where she and her baby are the main characters, which can be read to the child as they grow.
Comfortable Maternity Seat Cushion: A specially designed seat cushion for extra support and comfort during pregnancy.
What are some good Mothers Day gift ideas for under 30?
*All items are gifted for the article, but all thoughts are 100% my own
Tips about warehousing for your family business
Not all family businesses run proper warehousing facilities and often make do with a glorified stockroom or a garage, to keep everything stored. However, all businesses can learn from the principles behind modern warehousing. Not only will it help your business to stock more items, but also to fulfil customer orders more rapidly and cut down on errors. Overall, running a storage facilityw like a warehouse means improving your customer service ratings and nearly all customer-focused businesses can benefit from that. The beauty of taking this approach is that – even if you run your business from home – many of the essential ideas can be put into place. If you rent a small industrial unit, then there are even more possibilities. Let’s look at some of them…
Warehousing can improve your efficiency
If you’re in the food and drinks business, most food packaging companies offer flexible packaging, for example, flexible coffee packaging for optimum space. The same concept is offered for other product based companies. And, by using a racking system which is designed properly, most businesses will find they obtain functional gains. This might mean that your goods-in area immediately connects to your storage facility, for example, thereby reducing the amount of time it takes to get things into stock where they can be accessed. It also means that you need to handle fewer items or sign them over to another person, reducing the risk of human error. When looking for items, a proper shelving system as used in a logistics warehouse like Shurgardw means things can be found quicker and with less potential damage being done when items are picked.
Warehousing keeps your balance sheet accurate
Many business owners know immediately what their overheads are and where their turnover stands from month to month. However, they tend to be a bit hazier on the question of stock value. This is often because stock checks are done infrequently and are not accurate when they are carried out. Proper inventories using barcoded stock bins, as used in most professional warehouses, speed up the process and allow you to obtain a much better idea of how much cash you have tied up in items, especially those which aren’t selling. Fully understanding your stock’s value can have a knock-on effect in terms of how much insurance you might be forking out for unnecessarily.
Warehousing can optimise offices space
By fitting a mezzanine floor into an ordinary industrial unit you are able to make full use of the facility’s footprint. Of course, this means augmenting your warehouse operations without the need to get into heavy lifting equipment because everything remains at eye level with warehouse mezzanine Floors. Different companies provide mezzanine flooring service such as WSSL offers warehouse mezzanine floors all over UK. The additional benefit of fitting mezzanine floor is that they are completely versatile and can be used for additional office space just as much as increasing your company’s storage capacity. They are an ideal solution for entrepreneurs who want to grow their business and yet remain versatile in the process.
*Collaborative feature post*
Normalise breastfeeding during pregnancy and tandem feeding
A breastfeeding Mum from Perth, Australia ignores the noise of other’s opinions and tunes in to her inner voice when it comes to breastfeeding during pregnancy and tandem feeding with her toddler and newborn.
So many people are quick to judge. Strangers on the street, the medical profession, family, friends, the list goes on. While breastfeeding my three-year-old daughter during pregnancy, advice and opinions were given to me all the time wherever I went. I had to hear that my “milk was poison”, “the baby would be born prematurely”, “it’s NOT normal”, “you need to stop”, “she is using you as a pacifier”, “it’s not good”!
Breastfeeding during pregnancy and tandem feeding is my normal
Breastfeeding while pregnant and tandem feeding after birth is my “normal” and my “moo moo time” story.
Guess what I did? I let it go and I didn’t listen. My breastfeeding relationship is my own and I did what felt right for me and my children. I listened to my intuition.
I ignored the ignorant! I will repeat. I ignored the ignorant!
I call bullshit on all the opinions. I did not allow it to get to me and most importantly, I did not allow it to change what I intuitively felt lwas right and natural for my daughter and my body. The first photo was taken one week before I gave birth at 38 weeks pregnant. The second photo was 2 weeks after. I naturally delivered my baby boy with no complications, happy and healthy on an island in the Mediterranean far away from my hometown, Perth, Australia.
How I make tandem nursing a toddler and newborn work
I’m currently still nursing breastfeeding my 3-year-old daughter and my newborn and it’s all ok! Mother’s milk is not poison, the baby was born full-term and healthy and everyone is content and happy. I share our version of “normal” captured in this photo with you hoping stories and images like this make breastfeeding, extended breastfeeding, tandem breastfeeding and breastfeeding during pregnancy normal for all. For the females that get given all this advice, do your own research, listen to your own intuition and body. It is your body and your choice!
The female body and its human milk supply is simply incredible and we need to celebrate, encourage and support one another, not bring each other down.
“Moo Moo time” is what both my children would say when they wanted/want breast milk. It’s a name that my first nursing child came up with and it has stayed in our family ever since. “Moo moo time” was created after I posted a picture of breastfeeding my daughter while 9 months pregnant to a small breastfeeding support group in order to share what “normal” looks like in our house. It created a lot of curiosity, questions, admiration and a fair share of ignorance and backlash. I was criticised for my hair, my bra and told to go put my clothes back on by females and males (I inhaled and exhaled and ignored that part).
I’m here to address it all and be part of normalising breastfeeding worldwide. After 6 consecutive years of breastfeeding my children and now tandem feeding my 3-year-old daughter and newborn with no intention of weaning yet, I have been inspired to create “moo moo time” to raise awareness, share education, experiences, stories, ask for advice on topics of not only breastfeeding but also parenthood, pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Tandem nursing mothers, join me to normalise the most natural act in the world and share your moo moo stories and questions! A study showing family physicians supporting tandem feeding can be found here.
Facebook Page: Moo Moo Time
Instagram: moo_moo_time
FAQ
What is tandem nursing and is it safe?
“WHO and UNICEF recommend that children initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life – meaning no other foods or liquids are provided, including water. Infants should be breastfed on demand – that is as often as the child wants, day and night.”
World Health Organization
Other questions asked were:
What is tandem breastfeeding?
What does tandem feeding mean?
What is tandem feeding?
What does tandem mean in breastfeeding?
Reasons for tandem breastfeeding?
Why tandem nurse?
Benefits of tandem nursing?
Benefits of extended breastfeeding?
Is it good to tandem breastfeed?
Benefits of tandem breastfeeding?
Tandem nursing refers to breastfeeding two babies different ages, one child tends to be older and the other is younger. This can occur when a mother continues to breastfeed her older children after giving birth.
Breastfeeding tandem is generally considered safe for both the mother and her children, provided the mother is healthy, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated to support the increased milk production. You can even try tandem nursing while pregnant as long as you are fit and healthy to do so.
There are several benefits to breastfeeding a toddler and newborn. For the mother, it can help continue the bonding experience with the older child and help to manage the engorgement that often comes with a new milk supply for the new baby. For the older child, it can provide continued access to the nutrition and immune support offered by breastmilk. It can also be a source of comfort and help them adjust to a new sibling.
That said, breastfeeding 2 babies different ages can also be challenging. It can be physically demanding and time-consuming. You may also face criticism or lack of understanding from others, as it’s less commonly practiced in some cultures. It’s crucial if you choose to breastfeeding in tandem you ensure you’re taking good care of your own health and well-being too.
If you want to how to tandem nurse, you should discuss it with a healthcare provider, lactation consultant, or other professional who can provide guidance based on your individual situation and needs.
What are the different types of tandem nursing?
There aren’t necessarily “types” of tandem nursing, but the practice can look different depending on the ages of the children, your comfort, and the preferences of the family. Some examples could include:
Breastfeeding second baby with toddler: Nursing a toddler and a newborn is perhaps the most common scenario for tandem feeding. The toddler may only nurse a few times a day, such as before naps or at bedtime, while the newborn will nurse frequently throughout the day and night.
Nursing two infants (twins or triplets): This isn’t traditionally what people mean when they say “tandem feeding,” but it technically fits the definition. Here, you might baby tandem nurse at the same time to save time and ensure both babies are feeding regularly.
Nursing a newborn and an older child: Some children continue to breastfeed for several years. Here, the older child might nurse less frequently and more for comfort than nutrition, while the newborn’s needs will be more intensive.
Do you have any tips for tandem nursing breastfeeding an infant and toddler?
Other questions asked were:
How does tandem nursing work?
Can I breastfeed my 2 year old and newborn?
What if I decide tandem nursing isn’t for me?
Tandem feeding can be a rewarding but also challenging experience. Here are some tips to help make it a bit easier:
Prioritise the youngest baby: The newborn’s nutritional needs should be a priority. If you’re nursing both an older child and a newborn, try to feed the newborn first to ensure they’re getting enough of the nutrient-rich foremilk and fattier hindmilk.
Stay hydrated and eat well: Producing breast milk for two or more children can be physically demanding, and you’ll need to take in extra fluids and nutrients to keep up. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water.
Find comfortable positions: Experiment with different breastfeeding positions that allow you to nurse both children if that’s your goal. For example, the “double-cradle” hold, with one child in a traditional cradle hold and the other in a cradle hold facing the opposite direction, might work. A lactation consultant can provide guidance here.
Get support: Surround yourself with people who understand and support your decision to tandem feed. A local breastfeeding or parenting support group can be an excellent resource.
Establish boundaries: It’s okay to set limits with your older child. You might limit nursing to certain times of day, or certain locations, or you might set a time limit on each nursing session.
Prepare your older child: If you’re pregnant and tandem feeding, begin talking to your older child about the new baby and how things will change. Explain that the new baby will also breastfeed, just like they do.
Take care of yourself: Beyond your physical health, don’t forget to take care of your emotional well-being. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it, whether that’s with household chores, caring for the kids, or just taking a bit of time for yourself.
Be flexible: Your tandem feeding relationship with each child is likely to be different and will continue to evolve as they grow and their needs change. Be prepared to adapt as needed.
And remember, it’s okay if tandem feeding isn’t working for you or your children. The goal is a happy, healthy family, and there are many ways to achieve that. Discuss with your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant if you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed.
What breastfeeding positions work best for tandem nursing?
Other questions asked were:
Best positions for tandem nursing?
How do you tandem nurse?
How does tandem breastfeeding work?
How to tandem breastfeed?
How does tandem feeding work?
How to start tandem feeding?
When it comes to tandem feeding, finding comfortable positions for both you and your children is key. Here are some common tandem nursing positions that can work well:
Double cradle hold: This position involves placing each child in a traditional cradle hold, one on each arm, with their heads resting on your forearms and their bodies across your stomach. This can work well if you have two infants or a baby and a toddler. For an older toddler, you might need to have them sit next to you and lean in to feed.
Cradle hold and football hold combo: In this position, you would place the younger baby in a cradle hold, while the older child or toddler is positioned in a football hold, tucked under your arm. This can give you more control, particularly if your older child is larger.
Double football hold: Both children are positioned like footballs under your arms. This can be a good position for breastfeeding twins and can also work well if you’ve had a C-section, as it puts less pressure on your abdomen.
Laid-back or biological nurturing position: In this position, you recline back on a bed or couch, and each child lies on top of you, straddling your stomach or hips. This can be a very comfortable position and is often helpful for encouraging good latch, particularly in newborns.
Parallel position: This position can work well if you’re nursing an infant and a toddler. The younger baby is in a cradle or football hold, while the older child lays parallel to you, with their head at your breast and their body extending behind you.
Remember, it may take a bit of trial and error to find positions that work well for you and your children. A lactarian consultant can be a valuable resource in helping you find comfortable positions for tandem feeding.
How to wean a tandem nursing toddler?
Weaning a tandem feeding toddler may be a sensitive issue, especially as the child sees the younger sibling continue to breastfeed. Here are some strategies to make the process smoother:
Gradual weaning: Gradually reducing the nursing sessions can be less abrupt and stressful for the toddler. You could start by eliminating one feed at a time, giving your toddler time to adjust to each change.
Don’t offer, don’t refuse: This is a gentle approach where you don’t offer to nurse but also don’t refuse if your toddler asks to. Over time, your toddler may naturally lose interest and ask to nurse less often.
Distraction and postponement: Try distracting your toddler with other activities when they ask to nurse. Or you can tell them “not now, but later,” and they may forget or move on to something else.
Shorten nursing sessions: Gradually reduce the length of each nursing session. You might find it helpful to sing a short song while your toddler is nursing and then end the session when the song is over.
Introduce the concept of “Big Kid” activities: Explain to your toddler that there are certain things only big kids get to do, and one of them is moving on from nursing. Highlight the positive aspects of growing up, like being able to eat more different foods, play certain games, etc.
Provide alternatives: Offer comforting alternatives to nursing, such as cuddling, reading a book, or giving your toddler a favourite soft toy. Also, make sure that your toddler is getting plenty of nutritious foods and drinks as they nurse less.
Be consistent: Once you’ve decided to wean, try to be consistent. It can be confusing for your toddler if you allow them to nurse one day, but not the next.
Be patient and understanding: Weaning can be a challenging time for both you and your toddler. Try to be patient and understanding of your toddler’s needs. If your toddler is having a hard time, it’s okay to slow down the process.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to weaning, and different strategies will work for different families. If you’re struggling with weaning, it might be helpful to speak with a lactation consultant or your child’s pediatrician for guidance.
How common is tandem nursing?
Tandem feeding isn’t uncommon, but it’s not universally practiced, either. The practice can vary depending on cultural, personal, and medical factors.
In some cultures, extended breastfeeding and tandem feeding are widely accepted and practiced. However, in many Western societies where breastfeeding beyond infancy is less common, tandem feeding may be less frequently seen.
Whether a mother practices tandem feeding can be influenced by a range of factors, such as her comfort level, her health, the advice of healthcare providers, and the needs and ages of her children. For example, if a woman becomes pregnant while still breastfeeding an older child, she might choose to wean the older child due to discomfort or medical advice, or she might decide to continue breastfeeding through her pregnancy and after the birth of the new baby.
While tandem feeding is a personal decision and not necessary for every family, it’s an option that can work well for many. It’s always a good idea for any mother considering tandem feeding to seek advice from a healthcare provider or lactation consultant to make an informed decision based on her individual circumstances.
How do you prepare an older child for tandem nursing?
Preparing an older child for tandem feeding requires careful communication, empathy, and patience. Here are some strategies you can consider:
Start before the new baby arrives: Begin talking about the new baby well before their arrival, and include discussions about breastfeeding. Use simple, age-appropriate language to explain that the new baby will need to nurse a lot, just like they did when they were a baby.
Read books: There are many children’s books available that talk about new siblings, breastfeeding, and the changes that come with a growing family. These can help your older child understand what’s going to happen in a fun and engaging way.
Show and tell: If you have friends or family members who are breastfeeding, it might be helpful to let your older child see this happening. You could also use dolls or stuffed animals to show your child how you’ll be nursing the new baby.
Reassure your child: Reassure your older child that they are still important and loved. Discuss how they will always be your “first baby” and have a special place in your heart.
Set expectations: If you plan to continue nursing your older child, explain how this will work. You might tell them that the new baby will need to nurse first, or that there will be certain times when they can nurse and other times when they’ll need to wait.
Practice patience: If your older child is still nursing, there may be times when both your children want to nurse at the same time. You can practice telling your older child to wait their turn, and praising them for their patience.
Provide alternatives: If you plan to wean your older child from breastfeeding, start introducing alternatives to breastfeeding for comfort and nutrition.
Remember, every child is unique and will react differently to the news of a new sibling and the changes that come with tandem feeding. It’s important to be patient and understanding during this transition.
Are there any side effects of breastfeeding while pregnant?
Other questions asked were:
Safety concerns of breastfeeding while pregnant?
What are the cons of tandem nursing?
Is tandem feeding bad?
Is tandem feeding safe?
Ias tandem breastfeeding safe?
Is tandem nursing safe?
Is tandem nursing healthy?
Potential drawbacks to tandem nursing?
Should I tandem breastfeed?
What are the challenges of tandem nursing?
Is tandem nursing hard?
La Leche International says:
“You can breastfeed while pregnant; some mothers go on to nurse both their new baby and their older child after the birth. This is known as ‘tandem nursing’. Family, friends and healthcare professionals may express concern if you are breastfeeding while pregnant.”
La Leche League
Breastfeeding while pregnant is generally safe for most people, but it can come with some discomforts or potential side effects. These can include:
Nipple tenderness: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause nipple tenderness or sensitivity, which may be amplified by breastfeeding.
Fatigue: Pregnancy itself can be tiring, and the added demands of breastfeeding can contribute to feelings of fatigue.
Nutritional demands: Both pregnancy and breastfeeding increase your body’s demand for certain nutrients. Therefore, it’s important to maintain a well-balanced diet to support your own health and the growth of your unborn baby, as well as milk production for your nursing child.
Uterine contractions: Breastfeeding can cause the release of the hormone oxytocin, which can lead to uterine contractions. These are generally mild and not a concern, but for those with a history of preterm labour or certain other pregnancy complications, there may be a potential risk.
Decrease in milk supply: Hormonal changes during pregnancy may lead to a decrease in milk supply. Additionally, the composition of breast milk changes towards the end of pregnancy, preparing for the newborn’s needs. These changes may lead your older child to wean naturally.
Emotional considerations: Some pregnant people may find that they experience feelings of irritability or aversion during breastfeeding. This phenomenon, known as nursing aversion and agitation (NAA), can be a natural reaction to the hormonal shifts of pregnancy.
If you’re pregnant and considering continuing to breastfeed, it’s important to discuss it with your healthcare provider. They can guide you based on your personal health status, your pregnancy, and any potential risks or concerns.
Does tandem nursing burn more calories?
Yes, tandem feeding typically burns more calories. Breastfeeding in general is a calorie-intensive process, as your body needs extra energy to produce milk.
On average, it’s often said that breastfeeding can burn around 500 extra calories per day for one baby. However, this can vary depending on factors like the frequency and duration of feedings, the age of the child (as older children who nurse less frequently will require less milk), and individual metabolic factors.
When you are tandem feeding, you’re producing milk for two children, so it’s reasonable to expect that the caloric demands would be higher than nursing a single child.
But while tandem feeding may increase calorie burn, it’s crucial for mothers to remember that they need to replenish those calories with nutritious food to maintain their energy and health. Always ensure you’re eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet and drinking plenty of water. If you have any concerns about your diet or energy levels while tandem feeding, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or a dietitian.
How long have women been tandem nursing?
Tandem feeding, or the practice of breastfeeding two children of different ages is likely as old as humanity itself. It’s difficult to determine exactly when this practice started, but it’s safe to say that women have been tandem feeding for thousands of years.
In prehistoric times and throughout much of human history, birth control options were limited or nonexistent, and it was common for women to have many children in relatively quick succession. Extended breastfeeding was also common, as there were no alternatives like modern formula. Therefore, situations where a woman was breastfeeding a toddler or older child and then had a new baby to breastfeed were likely quite common, leading to the necessity of tandem feeding.
Even today, tandem feeding is practiced in many cultures around the world, especially in societies where extended breastfeeding is the norm. While it may be less common in societies where breastfeeding beyond infancy is less typical, it’s still a choice that many families make based on their individual needs and preferences.
So while we can’t pinpoint a specific time or place where tandem feeding began, it’s a practice rooted deeply in human history and biology.
Can I continue tandem feeding when one is sick?
Generally, yes, you can continue tandem feeding even when one child is sick. In fact, continuing to breastfeed can be beneficial as breast milk provides important antibodies and immune factors that can help your child fight off illness. It’s also a source of comfort and hydration, especially important when a child is not feeling well.
It’s important to note, however, that good hygiene practices should be observed to avoid transmitting the illness between siblings. Frequent hand washing and trying to keep the children from coughing or sneezing on each other can help.
Keep in mind, if your sick child has a contagious illness that’s passed through close contact, such as the flu or COVID-19, the healthy child may already have been exposed by the time symptoms appear. You should follow your healthcare provider’s guidance for managing the illness and reducing the risk of transmission.
If you or your sick child has a specific condition that you’re worried about or if the child is seriously ill, always consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide guidance based on the specific situation and circumstances.
Women have an equal role in gender selection before conception
Conception is that moment when the final standing male sperm beats the vying sperm in the race to fertilise the female egg (ova) and kickstart pregnancy. If the winning sperm contains a ‘Y’ chromosome, that baby will become a boy. Alternatively, if the sperm contains ‘X’ chromosomes, the baby will become a girl.
Many sources claim that you can maximise your chances of conceiving either a boy or a girl through fad diets and certain fancy positions and that getting the baby boy or girl you want is, ultimately, down to pure luck. Plus, if you wanted to find out whether these diets and conceivable positions worked, you would typically have to wait until the 20-week ultrasound scan to catch a glimpse of your baby’s parts – and, even then, it’s not 100% accurate.
But, what if a company from America has come forward and not only claims that they can, with over 90% accuracy, offer gender determination of baby from the date of conception but also claim that women have an equal role in gender selection of their baby before conception has even begun?
Get an insight into your fertility with an accurate at-home test and check your female hormone levels from the privacy of your own home. Code below!
Urobiologics’ hypothesis – women’s hormonal environments can determine gender
A company called Urobiologics extensively researched 100% natural, non-invasive methods of gender selection and post-conception gender determination, and they have finally proven that there is a way. The answer lies within the woman’s hormonal cycle.
Dr Kuldeep Verma, Chief Scientist of Urobiologics, believes that women play an equal role in gender selection. Just like there are two different types of sperm, ‘X’ and ‘Y’, there are two different types of hormonal environments which alternate in every menstrual cycle. Urobiologics advise couples that if they want to have a boy, they conceive in the ‘boy cycle’, and if they want to have a girl, they conceive in the ‘girl cycle’. And these tests are believed to be over 90% accurate. But, how do they work?
The PreGender Preconception Test Service (for Gender Planning Before Pregnancy)
Dr Kuldeep Verma is vehement that couples do not need to play a game of chance and end up with multiple babies of the same gender. There are no pH hoaxes, no acidic or alkaline douching, no gender dieting, charts, calendars or moon theories to follow. Using the PreGender Preconception Test, couples are only required to submit mid-cycle urine samples, which can be mailed from most countries without the need for travel. Urobiologics then identifies the alternating uterine hormonal environments by testing the urine samples (you cannot identify the cycle by testing the blood or saliva.) And, Dr Verma is so confident of the test’s success that Urobiologics will refund couples double if they do not get their planned boy or girl using his program. The woman’s hormones will do everything that is needed to determine the gender of the baby.
“I completed my family through preconception advice from Urobiologics. I got my son last week. It is amazing that simply by conceiving in the cycles recommended by them one can get the baby they wanted. As I didn’t go for any other test, scepticism kept me occupied all the time during pregnancy; now I am a stronger believer in this technology”
Gloria Hu, Netherlands, 11.02.2012
Get a comprehensive picture of your hormonal health without the need for clinics or appointments. Easy testing, free shipping, and fast results.
The science behind the PreGender Preconception Test
Ovulation creates two types of hormonal environments in the uterus. These environments alternate in consecutive menstrual cycles. The sperm then ‘determines’ the gender, yet the hormonal environment of the uterus in that cycle appears to ‘influence’ the expression of the baby’s sex characteristics. So, if there is a ratio of more testosterone to oestrogen in one cycle, the environment will favour the conception of a boy. If there is a ratio of more oestrogen to testosterone in the alternate cycle, the environment will favour the conception of a girl (and select the ‘X’ chromosome bearing sperm). Urobiologics will then guide the couple via a conception plan on when and how they should conceive. The process of conception then ‘locks’ the environment and that the environment would stay the same until the baby is born or miscarried.
Urobiologics believe they can prove that the above steps work and that the result will allow for gender-specific conception to be possible naturally if one conceives in the appropriate menstrual cycle.
The above diagram shows the alternating ‘boy’ and ‘girl’ cycles after testing two urine samples. If conception occurs in ‘Cycle 3’, the boy phase is locked for nine months. Some pregnancy test kits can detect pregnancy six days before the expected period date. However, Urobiologics’ second test, The FirstGender Test, can detect the gender of the baby from the date of conception and there is a 90% chance that it would be a boy because conception occurred in a boy phase.
The below diagram shows some examples of the process the PreGender Test uses to conceive the gender of choice:
The FirstGender Test Service (for Gender Detection after Pregnancy)
Dr Kuldeep Verma’s company uses unique technology to evaluate the gender of the baby by testing a mid-stream sample of the expecting mother’s urine (for two resting periods pooled into one bottle). The test can be administered from as early as five weeks up to the twentieth week of pregnancy, and with an expected accuracy of 95%. More information on the process used can be found on Urobiologics’ website.
What is the scientific basis of the early FirstGender Test?
If the mother is carrying a boy, her urine will contain more testosterone than of a mother’s urine who is carrying a girl. Through several developed procedures, Urobiologics compares the sample with that of a mixed sample from several women who have delivered girls or confirmed they are carrying girls through amniocentesis or CVS test. If the sample matches, then Urobiologics are reasonably confident that the baby is a girl
“You ensure conception, we ensure gender”
Dr Kuldeep Verma, Urobiologics
Get an insight into your egg reserve with LetsGetChecked's Ovarian Reserve test.
Urobiologics claim they are the first ever company to determine gender by testing urine and have put in thirty years of extensive work on developing unique technology for gender selection and determination.
Urobiologics believe they can detect gender as soon as the woman has confirmed a positive pregnancy test.
No procedure can ever be 100% accurate. Urobiologics believe their test results are 95% accurate as long as directions are followed for sample collection and storage carefully.
Urobiologics have currently filed two patent applications worldwide.
If you have any more questions on the FirstGender test, please visit Urobiologics’ website for Frequently Asked Questions.
Isn’t Urobiologic’s PreGender Test just a natural way of creating Designer Babies?
No, because you are not genetically modifying the baby through invasive methods; you are simply selecting the cycle in which to conceive and then letting nature take its course. This process may work well for couples who already have multiples babies of the same gender.
How do I order a test?
The PreGender Test can be ordered over the phone or through the website.
Urobiologics will mail the urine sample materials along with a prepaid ship-ready UPS or FedEx envelope so that you can mail the samples back to them.
You collect two urine samples separately for two cycles near ovulation and ship both samples together.
A full plan is then discussed as to which cycle you are advised to conceive, as well as how to conceive.
No additional testing is required for six months.However, Urobiologics do recommend to take two tests any time after six months to reposition the family planning effort. This is because undetected conception may temporarily lock the hormonal environment and disturb the sequence.
If conception is a problem, Urobiologics recommend customers to go for Intra-uterine Insemination (IUI) but in an appropriate cycle. IUI is a more natural alternative to IVF, as IVF involves a lot of hormonal injections and may cause an imbalance to the natural hormone set up in a particular cycle, ultimately causing low success rates.
Customers are offered a 10% discount (on the combined price) when buying both the PreGender and FirstGender test (please refer to the fee table below). Customers are also offered a double refund warranty and entry into the ‘Live Chart’. More information on these benefits can be found on Urobiologics’ website.
Customers can contact Urobiologics by calling toll free at 1-877-HE-OR-SHE (1-877-436-7743) or direct at 313-574-7500 in the USA or through email: drverma@urobiologics.com
“Not only has Urobiologics got extremely high success rates but Dr Verma is so helpful and supportive. I found out yesterday that the pre and post-gender test had worked for me when other techniques failed. Dr Verma guided me in which cycles to conceive to get me a girl. Interestingly, I conceived in the desired cycle, and the post-con sample test also confirmed a girl. Finally, after two correct boy reports by Urobiologics, my ultrasound was very clearly a girl. If you are reading this, I know how desperate you are to have a baby girl/boy. Please try it; you can only imagine how happy I am, I want you to experience it too.”
Emma Hine, UK, 19.05.2011
Whether you are planning for your first baby or you have boys, and you would like a daughter (or vice versa), Urobiologics offers a PreGender Test so you can successfully conceive a baby of your desired gender. However, a caveat must be inserted here that the sex of the baby should not matter more than his/her health and well-being, and that all babies are miracles regardless of whether they end up as boys or girls!
If you are planning a family would you want to know the gender of your baby before conceiving? Share with us in the comments below!
LetsGetChecked can help you understand your hormonal health with their female fertility testing options. Collect your sample from home and you'll receive accurate results within 2-5 days of the lab receiving your sample
*Links marked with a ‘*’ are affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases
How to avoid damaging your family car this winter
This year, we should expect to experience blistering cold and possibly a bout of snow in the UK and whilst, for some, a white winter can be a fun side effect, especially if you’re out and about in it, your car will be suffering. Snow, hail, ice, heavy rain and the overall cold temperature can play havoc on the running of a car and the last thing you want to do in freezing temperatures is have to fix a bent bumper or a broken windshield. So, here are some quick, sure-fire tips on how to prepare your car for the winter months.
Tyre Pressure
Cold air is known to affect tyre pressure, so make sure you continuously check your tyre pressure at least once a month. Fitting winter tyres during the colder months, however, are preferable as they are specially-made and suited for the winter season where snow and sleet are on the roads. Winter tyres have a stronger grip and easier traction on the roads because they are made with more natural silica and rubber components, which don’t easily harden during cold weather.
Check Your Radar
Winter weather can be unpredictable, i.e. it’s either snowing, raining, windy, or all three! So, you would want to take the appropriate steps to protect your car. A quick look at your weather radar can help you prepare for heavy winds or hail by bringing your car into a garage or using a protective cover. For best results, you need the most accurate weather app available, so check out customer ratings and find an app that provides real-time weather and not just a forecast.
Get Your Maintenance
Small problems with your car can be exacerbated by the cold and rain, so if you haven’t had your car checked out in a while, now would be the time to make sure that nothing is wrong. A good first step is to make sure your MOT has not expired. If repairs need to be made, do your best to make them promptly to avoid having your car break down in the cold. There are some great online stores with quick deliveries if you need to have a part replaced as soon as possible. Sparepartstore24.co.uk is a good place to start because it offers the largest selection of analogue car parts for any car. Ensure that your car battery is checked as car batteries tend to suffer the most in the winter months. They can lose their ability to recharge as quickly and as efficiently in lower temperatures. Remember that you should also run your air conditioner, even in the cold. Running your air conditioning system at least every couple of weeks for a short spell on full-cold will allow the coolant, which contains a lubricant, to circulate through the system and keep all the rubber seals and pipework in good nick. Be careful not to turn the air conditioning system on as soon as you get in the car, though. According to research, the dashboard, sofa and air freshener emit Benzene, which is a carcinogen. So, it’s safer to open the windows after you enter your car and turn on the AC after a few minutes of the engine running.
Avoid Driving in Bad Weather
If at all possible, avoid driving in dangerous weather altogether. Your weather app can let you know if something particularly nasty is heading your way and give you an idea of how fast it is moving, which can help you change plans and avoid a potential accident. Make sure to also check your children’s car seats. Are they strong and durable to withstand rocky and turbulent roads during the winter?
Avoiding obvious threats like falling trees due to wind, hail, and hazardous roads will help you keep your family and your car safe during this festive season. By taking a few steps and being proactive, you can not only avoid car damage but also help give yourself and your family peace of mind this holiday season.
*Collaborative featured post*
The process of egg donation for In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
Getting pregnant is not always as simple as some couples make it out to be. Some can conceive at the drop of a hat, whilst for others it takes months, even years to get that big fat positive. And for thousands, the only chance of getting their baby is through medical intervention, such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
However, even some couples may not find this option very practical, as their medical history proves egg fertilisation to be a challenge. IVF costs a lot of money and if you are trying everything in your power to get pregnant and sadly it is not happening for you, you may feel that it is risky to put all your eggs in one basket.
Of course, there are always lots of natural pathways to follow to increase your chances of getting pregnant, like a healthy diet or even a restful holiday to calm the mind and soul. But if, medically, you are still struggling to conceive then following the egg donor route may provide you with increased chances of getting pregnant via IVF, using viable eggs from a third-party source.
Get an insight into your fertility with an accurate at-home test and check your female hormone levels from the privacy of your own home. Code below!
Growing Generations, a company dedicated to supporting families through egg donation, gestational surrogacy and parental education, have created a helpful infographic that lists out the process of egg donation and its effect on IVF success rates and other aspects of pregnancy. The process may seem difficult to understand at first, but it is quite straightforward as you will see below.
Get a comprehensive picture of your hormonal health with no need for clinics or appointments. Easy testing, free shipping, and fast results.
Egg donation is a common fertility treatment option offered for couples following the IVF route who find themselves unable to fertilise the sperm with their own eggs. So, an egg is donated from either a known or unknown third-party source, to help with fertilisation during IVF. Egg donation is intended for parents who have the following characteristics or conditions:
Over 40+
Premature ovarian failure
Poor egg quality
history of a genetic disorder
Family type needing an egg donor such as single males and gay couples
The success rates are quite high with eggs that are 30 years old or younger, with 70% of pregnant parents having a live birth on their first attempt, 88% on their second attempt and 98% on their third attempt.
Get an insight into your egg reserve with LetsGetChecked's Ovarian Reserve test.
The journey starts with parents selecting their egg donor where they can search for their donor online, using search filters including physical appearance, blood type, ethnicity and state/region. Recipient parents can browse the egg donor’s profile which includes photos, a personal bio and video, health history, education history, family and genetic history, genetic screening and fertility testing. Once the parents have made their choice, the donor is contacted to make sure that both parties are comfortable to proceed with the journey.
Psychological and Genetic Screening
Within two weeks of selecting a donor, a psychologist is called up to meet with the donor and evaluate whether she is psychologically suited to being an egg donor. The evaluation also includes an interview with personality testing. The parents can then review the genetic report and request a Geneticist to go through any of the questions.
Medical Screening
Within three to four weeks, a physician then examines the donor’s complete medical and medication history as well as any prior surgeries or donations. Blood tests will be taken to check hormone levels and screening tests will be conducted to check for any infectious diseases. A pelvic ultrasound will also be administered to gather information about the viability of the donor’s ovaries to ensure a less risky and safer egg donation process for the parents.
Legal Contracts
Within four to six weeks, depending on the parties’ response time, legal contracts will be drawn up to protect the rights of both the egg donor and the recipient parents.
Medical Protocol and Egg Retrieval
Parents can opt for a ‘fresh’ cycle, which means that the egg donor and the intended mother (or gestational carrier) will sync their menstrual cycles. The egg donor will then go through her medical protocol while the intended mother’s uterine lining is prepared and monitored for optimal embryo implantation.
Another option, which is quite common today, is to go ahead with the egg donor’s retrieval of her eggs, where embryos will be created and frozen ready for implantation.
To retrieve the eggs the egg donor administers hormone fertility medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce, ideally, 10 to 20 mature eggs. Typically, one to two eggs is produced per menstrual cycle. The donor is put under twilight anaesthesia and a Transvaginal Ultrasound Aspiration is conducted, where the physician guides a thin, suctioning needle into the ovary to retrieve the mature eggs. The donor returns home 1 – 2 hours following the procedure.
LetsGetChecked can help you understand your hormonal health with their female fertility testing options. Collect your sample from home and you'll receive accurate results within 2-5 days of the lab receiving your sample
Once the donor’s eggs have been retrieved, the frozen sperm is thawed and used to fertilise the eggs in a lab. Five to six days afterwards the embryo is implanted into the intended mother’s uterus. Ten days later a blood test is performed to determine whether the mother is pregnant.
Pregnancy
The mother or gestational carrier then follows the normal maternity procedures under personal obstetric care.
The process of egg donation needn’t be a taboo or complex subject when you’re struggling to conceive. If you think that egg donation sounds like a viable option to help you get pregnant, then visit the Growing Generations’ website here and find out how you can increase your chances of conceiving now.
If you’re interested in reading more articles about how to increase your chances of getting pregnant, check out our preconception articles here.
*Collaborative featured post
*Links marked with a ‘*’ are affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases
This may feel a little cold – the long wait to pregnancy
It was finally here. Our first appointment with the gynaecologist. Why was I so nervous? For the last couple of days I had been preparing mentally, going over answers to possible questions they may ask, terrified that I might say the wrong thing and be sent away with our dreams trailing sadly behind us.
As we sat in the waiting room I looked nervously around me and couldn’t help but think about the other women and couples. Had they been trying for as long as we had? Did they want it as much? Did the two pregnant ladies go through all of this too?
Our name was suddenly called by a rather serious looking chap who introduced himself to me, completely ignoring the man of my dreams. We sat down in his office and he began asking me a long list of questions:
Get an insight into your fertility with an accurate at-home test and check your female hormone levels from the privacy of your own home. Code below!
That went okay I thought. He hasn’t told us to leave yet.
Next it was time for an internal. Lovely. At least I had taken extra care in the tidying department that morning – just in case! The man of my dreams (who had still not been acknowledged in any way) looked increasingly uncomfortable and sat perched on his chair not quite knowing what to say or where to look.
Get a comprehensive picture of your hormonal health without the need for clinics or appointments. Easy testing, free shipping, and fast results.
As I stepped behind the curtain to “remove everything below the waist” I was suddenly faced with a dilemma. Obviously I needed to take off my jeans and knickers but what about my socks? Now, I do realise that my socks would of course in no way hinder the examination but let’s face it; socks are not a good look. But to take them off did seem a little informal. I must have stood there, knickers off, for at least 30 seconds debating this before realising my priorities may have been a little skewed that morning. The socks stayed on.
“Are you ready?” the jolly nurse chaperone called from behind the curtain. I resisted the temptation to respond with some witty remark (“I was born ready” etc.) and simply responded with a subdued “yes”. All this time the man of my dreams was sat in the same room on the other side of the curtain. A very strange and somewhat uncomfortable state of affairs not helped by the doctor announcing he was now going to insert his finger and have a feel around. I could only imagine the horror in his eyes as he tried to digest this information.
It was over. I dressed and sat down next to the man of my dreams who looked visibly shaken by this point. The doctor told me (I say me as he really did seem to think I was the only other person in the room) he would refer me for a couple of other tests and that I would need to go back and see him in three months to decide what to do next. I think my face must have dropped at this point but he kindly explained that it was a long process and that these things had to be done in the right order. I nodded stoically, trying to hold back the tears.
Get an insight into your egg reserve with LetsGetChecked's Ovarian Reserve test.
me feeling happy that things were moving forward but upset as the magnitude of the next few months/years hit me
the man of my dreams debating whether it would have been inappropriate to get his book out and read it rather than sit there being ignored/forced to listen to my examination by a doctor he would now only refer to as Igor
We held hands and headed off to pay the extortionate hospital car parking fees.
LetsGetChecked can help you understand your hormonal health with their female fertility testing options. Collect your sample from home and you'll receive accurate results within 2-5 days of the lab receiving your sample
*Links marked with a ‘*’ are affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases
5 minute interview with Daniel Alexander – published author and public speaker
Welcome Daniel to our interview hot-seat. We’ll only take up 5 minutes of your time!
Motherhood Diaries (MD) – Tell us a little bit about yourself, Daniel.
Daniel Alexander (DA) – I didn’t have a great childhood and I see more and more kids going through similar things. So a part of my life at the moment is making a better world for children.
MD – Daniel, you have written and published a book called, ‘Through the Crimson Mirror’. Congratulations on the success of your book. Why did you decide to leave your job as a programmer and become a writer?
DA – Life wasn’t fulfilling as a programmer. As a society, we’ve forgotten about the things that really matter: people and connecting with people; not machines and money. This isn’t to say that I’m a hippie and live in a van. We need some money to live. However, value and happiness come from self and others.
MD – You have had quite a tough childhood, to say the least! Can you tell us a little bit about growing up and how it’s made you the person you are today?
DA – Growing up was lonely. We didn’t communicate much as a family, and so my communication skills didn’t fully develop. Life in the ‘real’ world is a lot about communication, so if you don’t have good skills in that area, you may struggle. When I do public-talks I say there are two things that almost all human beings want at a deep-down level: to be loved and to be listened to. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel like I had those growing up.
MD – You feel so passionate about parenting in this modern age that you’ve created a blog on parenting, called Parenting 2.0 The child’s perspective. Your blog is so refreshingly honest and to the point. What would you say would be your ultimate parenting tip and why?
DA – Make time to really sit and listen to your children! In addition, you may not like what your child has to say all the time: be it something towards you or just something very dark. Be open-minded enough to stick by your children even when the going is tough or not to your liking…
MD – You’ve also written an eBook on, ‘Beginner’s success in Public Speaking’, but you state that you were afraid of talking to crowds yourself. How did you overcome your fears and do you have any words of advice for young and aspiring public speakers out there?
DA – Hahahaha; you’ll have to read that book for that 😉 I think part of it is I want to talk about parenting and similar topics. Passion is something we’ve forgotten to teach children today. We learn all the maths and science behind our jobs, but it’s passion, and other intangible things, that drive a human being. When one is passionate about something, magical things can happen.
MD – When can we expect the second edition of your book?
DA – Less than a month (I hope). I just have one (maybe two) more read through to do, but at the same time, I’m formatting books for other people. So that takes up some time.
MD – Are you working on anything else right now?
DA – I do book formatting and I have a few books to do at the moment. I’m also writing talks and workshops. I’ve learned so much about public speaking in the past while, so it’s time to update my talks.
MD – Is there an author that you look up to? Who is your inspiration?
DA – I’ll quote four books from where I have learned much information, and their authors: Sperm Wars by Robin Baker, The Red Queen by Matt Ridley, Virus of the Mind by Richard Brodie and The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins.
MD – What do you like to do to relax when you’re not writing?
DA – Read, go to the beach in summer, watch a movie here and there, hang out with some people. All the usual stuff.
MD – Finally, what is your most embarrassing moment in life?
DA – When I was in junior school I wee’d in my pants in a shop 🙁
Yikes! Thanks for sharing and your time, Daniel.
If you are interested in following Daniel’s journey, here are some ways to get connected:
