Feb 19 2014

31 Weeks Pregnant

Posted on February 19, 2014 by admin

… And I’ve had enough. In fact, I’m counting down the days until I can serve Mini Madam with an eviction notice without being seen to be willing on prematurity. The thought of another 9 weeks (2+ months!) of swollen hips, uncontrollable moodiness, and cries of “Ooompf” when I accidentally stomach crunch my little girl, seems like nothing short of punishment.

Dex 31 Weeks Pregnant

It’s taking sooo long, even Dexter needed reminding.

Now all my final appointments are booked, there’s nothing to do but wait. In a few short weeks, we’ll discover how this birth plan is going to play out and whether April will see #Labour tweets and unsightly pictures of me flailing around on a birthing ball from inside the Royal Berks Hospital.

My once pert little bump is now a sagging lump like an old sofa cushion riding low on my pelvis, and I’m now kicking myself that I didn’t undergo hypnotherapy to kick my cherry bakewell habit in the first trimester. This has bought on a relatively new phenomena for me - stretchmarks. In fact my belly now looks like the glaze on a loaf of tiger bread. No amount of smothering myself in Bio Oil seems to shift them and I’m slowly facing up to the fact that my bikini days are now definitely over.

SPD and sciatica continue to plague me at each at every waking moment. I’m getting by on around 4 hours sleep at night and as many naps as Dexter will allow. I’m definitely struggling to switch off as the pressure to get our 52 name shortlist down to 10 heats up. This insomnia is real problem and I’m positively hideous to be around. I’ve caught Craig camping out in the kitchen a few times and his eyes will widen in fear if I go within 3 metres of him.

When I’m not being as evil and cynical as Katie Hopkins, I’m usually crying at something ridiculous on the television. Coverage of the floods on the news, the sheer offensiveness of Mister Maker’s theme tune, or the GB curling team at the Sochi Winter Olympics… yes curling. What has my life come to?

31 weeks 31 Weeks Pregnant

Preparations for baby’s arrival are still woefully underfunded. With not one but two insurance claims put in this week (one a result of a nasty car accident) we’re berating ourselves for not having attacked the January sales with more ferocity. She now has a bath, and all the furniture she needs, and I’m delighted that she’ll be spending her first few month in an NCT bedside crib courtesy of Bednest, but she’s looking set to be a right exhibitionist as we haven’t bought her a single sleepsuit or babygrow. My breastfeeding ambitions better go to plan too as there are no bottles in the kitchen cupboard either > This is all a little woe-is-me isn’t it? We’re not as poor as I make out, but it certainly feels like it sometimes.

I was very close to reneging on the No Pink rule this week too. Having had my head turned by a seriously cute Laura Ashley print, I very nearly abandoned the grey and yellow nursery theme in favour of chintzy flowers. Thankfully Craig caught me just as the mouse cursor hovered over the checkout button and he gave me a stern talking to. I can now safely say I’m back on track and thinking rationally again.

So that’s it. This is the person I am at 31 weeks pregnant. Please tell me it gets quicker from here on in - Please, please, please.

Feb 2 2014

Introducing the Snoozle Maternity Slide Sheet!

Posted on February 2, 2014 by admin

As I’ve thudded into the third trimester, I’ve all but given up on a proper night’s sleep. I’m now on my third brand of maternity pillow (finally settling on the Theraline - review HERE) and am up around fives times a night to empty my bladder. We’ve also now upgraded our double bed to a super king - this wasn’t even up for discussion, I just went ahead and ordered it at 4am after a particularly bad night a few weeks back. Craig’s face was an absolute picture when he came home and discovered I’d taken a sledgehammer to the bedside cabinets and bought smaller ones in their place. I simply couldn’t cope with another elbow in my face and now need at least the width of a double bed to myself to toss and turn in my sleep.

When I spotted that Snoozle were looking for pregnant women to road test their maternity slide sheet, I thought I’d give it a go. The website is full of claims it’s helped women with painful night-time maneuvers. It’s said to help with a zillion different pregnancy ailments including SPD and Sciatica (two things I’ve regularly whinged about during both of my pregnancies), and also non-pregnancy related arthritic pain or easing the discomfort of those recovering from back surgery.

So what is it?

It’s a 75×75″ ‘tube’ made from kind-to-skin cotton on the outer layer, and a satin inner fabric that is designed to slide comfortably with your every move. It’s incredibly simple, but often these are the very products that work the best. It’s a concept that’s worked a treat for Icelandic midwives for years and has now been recreated by Snoozle for all to benefit from.

The theory is that it makes your movements smoother and faster so you don’t need to put in as much effort when you toss and turn. This means you won’t use as many sore muscles and move as many painful joints. It’s ideal if you’re bed-sharing as it only goes on your side of the bed and is designed to be completely noiseless so as not to disturb your other half. Reportedly, it also makes rolling out of bed in the mornings that little bit easier.

086 Introducing the Snoozle Maternity Slide Sheet!

It’s highly recommended during child birth when you’re struggling to change position (don’t worry, it’s washable at up to 60 °c), and equally useful if you’ve had a c-section and are struggling to sit up in bed to breastfeed.

So what did I think?

First up - I love the simple packaging. It came in a really pretty box which is handy to tuck away in your hospital bag if you’ve bought two.

I was sent a pink Snoozle (but it is also available in blue or grey) - the design is as simple as I’ve suggested above but I’m really impressed with the quality. The logo is embroidered so it doesn’t irritate you when in contact with your skin, and the outer layer (that you sleep on) is soft to touch.

snoozle bed Introducing the Snoozle Maternity Slide Sheet!

You simply pop the sheet on the bed (on top of your regular bed sheet) with the satin trims beneath your shoulder and thighs. It’s very generously proportioned so you have plenty of room either side.

There’s no denying my movements were MUCH faster and smoother with the Snoozle. I’m also making far less noise when I toss and turn. I used to moan and whimper a bit as it was so painful. It’s also completely noiseless and hasn’t disturbed Craigy in the slightest. Having used it for the past 5 nights, I’m happy to report I feel much more rested in the mornings and my symptoms are better throughout the day as a result. If I have a bad day and Mini Madam pushes down on my sciatic nerve one too many times, I simply have a nap on my Snoozle and gain a few hours respite.

My only niggle (not a criticism of the product at all as this is completely unavoidable) is that after several turns from side to side, the Snoozle inevitably gets twisted underneath you. This shouldn’t wake you up at night, but does mean you’ll constantly have to straighten it out when you get back from every one of your many trips to the loo!

060 Introducing the Snoozle Maternity Slide Sheet!

But that’s it! I can’t think of anything that would prevent me recommending the Snoozle maternity slide sheet to anyone who is struggling with sleep in pregnancy. It’s had a huge impact for many mums-to-be and is only a tiny £24.00. In fact, so convinced is Snoozle’s founder Lilja that it’ll help you, she offers a full money-back guarantee if it doesn’t!

DISCLAIMER: I was provided with a Snoozle for the purposes of his review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Linking to Tried & Tested by the lovely Kate at Family Fever and Colette at We’re going on an adventure.

download1 zps1b46984f Introducing the Snoozle Maternity Slide Sheet!

Aug 28 2013

Full Maternity and Postpartum Support Solutions From 3M Nexcare (20% Off Discount Code)

Posted on August 28, 2013 by admin

Okay - so I have another little person inside me… maybe 2 or 3 little people considering the awful symptoms I’m experiencing (more on this coming up in a separate post). Although I’m beyond excited, this being my second pregnancy, I’m all too aware of what is to come.

When pregnant with Dexie I suffered from SPD and was in considerable pain around the 30-week mark. This is caused by pressure exerted by a burgeoning bump over the pubic bone. For me, this pain moved across my back throughout the day and led to problems sitting & sleeping comfortably. I’m anticipating this pregnancy will be no different.

This time around however, I have a secret weapon: The 3M Nexcare Maternity Support For Pregnancy. Yep, not just limited to post-it notes and scotch tape, 3M also have a range of fabulous maternity products. Although, I’m not ’round’ enough to give this bad boy a thorough road test yet - it certainly looks more substantial that the terrible support band I wore last time (The Bando from Mothercare).

index10 Full Maternity and Postpartum Support Solutions From 3M Nexcare (20% Off Discount Code)

Perfect for bumps from around 20 weeks, the belt comes in sizes small to large meaning it’s a viable solution for ladies with pre-pregnancy dress sizes of 8 to 28 (well done 3M Nexcare). Although it’s unlikely to excite your other half, it does promise to offer a whole host of benefits:

Helps to reduce pressure on your lower back and tummy
Lifts the abdomen to achieve relief from sagging weight and leg pain
Latex free, whisper-soft elastic provides gentle, yet firm support
It has concealed velcro hooks to prevent the rough stuff coming into contact with your skin
Expands to accommodate your baby’s growth

The band comes in two sections. First up you receive an ASP (Abdominal Support Pad) which is incredibly soft to touch. This support pad will sit under your bump in a lifting position. It’s fastened by looping an elasticated strap around your body then attaching it at the front using velcro to the outer lining of the ASP. This means no irritating velcro will come into contact with your skin and it’s very easy to fit when you’re stiff at the later stages of pregnancy.

You will then take the belt band and place the ribbed section around your spine. Bringing it forwards towards your bump, you then attach it using the velcro to the ASP. The generous ribbed section will alleviate pressure on your lower back and tummy, and help with your pregnancy posture to ensure the weight is spread evenly throughout your body. There is an optional tummy strap to go over your bump should you need the extra support.

Having cheekily tried it on for size, it’s very comfortable and feels nice and secure. My only slight concern is that I can imagine (with the additional weight I’ll be carrying when the small clump of cells I’m carrying turns into a fully fledged baby) that the bottom of the band could sit quite uncomfortably upon your hips. I should point out this is a common problem with all bump supports and certainly wouldn’t stop me wearing it. I would however recommend wearing it under your clothes, but over a maternity vest to mitigate against chaffing or rubbing.

This retails at £35.99 from the 3M website. This is slightly more expensive than other brands on the market but I can absolutely assure you that you get what you pay for when it comes to bump bands. If you really are experiencing pain or discomfort, it’s worth spending a few extra pennies to get some relief. Although I’m a huge eBay queen, I wouldn’t recommend buying these secondhand either. After a few months use, the band will mould to the shape of your bump - as every bump is different, it’s perhaps safer to buy as new.

Next up are two postpartum products.

The 3M Nexcare ColdHot Maternity Breastfeeding Compress Kit is really quite clever. In each kit you’ll get 2 gel pack compresses that you can pop in the fridge or gently warm in hot water to ease discomfort caused by engorgement, blocked ducts and inflammation. What sets the 3M Nexcare compresses apart from other brands, is that they are nice and big. As I have a GG cup size, these stand a better chance of soothing my entire breast. They also come with super soft pouches to prevent the plastic gel packs from coming into contact with your skin. At just £13.99, they are great value for money. Completely reusable they’ll offer month’s (if not years) of relief for tired and overworked boobs.

MaternityCompress Full Maternity and Postpartum Support Solutions From 3M Nexcare (20% Off Discount Code)

I can’t wait to give these a proper go. With Dexter, I was only able to breastfeed for 6 weeks. He was hospitalised very early on with Strep B and I was unable to relax enough in the hospital to effectively express my milk. Because we only had a short time of breastfeeding, I didn’t experience painful and sore nipples. With this new baby however, I’m hoping to breastfeed for as long as possible. I suspect these compresses will therefore see a lot of action in a few months time!

Finally, I have been sent the Nexcare Postpartum Support Belt. This belt features the same gently stretchable ribbed fabric as the maternity support belt. Once again it is front fastening so very easy to get on and off after the trials of labour. The idea os to support the weakened abdominal muscles after giving birth. It’s also highly recommend after a c-section as it provides additional protection against rips, tears and infection. This is available for £24.99.

009 Full Maternity and Postpartum Support Solutions From 3M Nexcare (20% Off Discount Code)

As I’m likely to push for an elective c-section with this baby this belt will definitely come in handy. After my c-section with Dexter I discharged myself from hospital after just 12 hours - I have a fear of hospitals and just wanted to be at home with my baby. I wasn’t in any real discomfort as I have a very high pain threshold and was pumped full of adrenalin and excitement about being a first time mummy. At times though I was careless. I was up and down from the sofa tending to Dex like no one’s business and refused to put to my feet up. I was very lucky not to have sustained any problems with my wound - the stitches stayed put and I kept them really clean. The belt will be fabulous reminder that I need to take it easy and be a little more cautious this time around!

So there we go! Some great innovative maternity and postpartum support solutions from 3M Nexcare. I have to say I’m really impressed. To top it all off, the guys over at 3M Direct/Nexcare are offering you all 20% these products by using the below code on their 3M Direct website.

index11 Full Maternity and Postpartum Support Solutions From 3M Nexcare (20% Off Discount Code)