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YUMMY MUMMY MAGAZINE

JUNIOR COLLECTION SPRING/SUMMER 2021

APRIL/MAY 21 ISSUE 39

www.mariposachildrensboutique.com Mode: Dolly, Photographer: @lisamccormickphotography

YUMMY MUMMY MAGAZINE

The luxury parenting publication for discerning mothers living in London

Alex Lux Editor

EDITOR ALEX LUX EDITORIAL ASSISTANT KATIE MILLER DESIGN & PRODUCTION LISA WADE SENIOR BUSINESS ACCOUNT MANAGER VANESSA LANE

DE USE CO ummy15 yummym COUNT FOR DIS

ACCOUNT MANAGERS NICOLA DREW, LISA WESTERMAN DIRECTORS RORY SMITH, PATRICK SMITH

0844 800 8439

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Slothy Cubs is a luxury online baby brand, founded by Jennifer a dental therapist and mother. We specialise in stylish and timeless baby accessories including teething necklaces for parents to wear, teething rattles and dummy clips. We have been independently safety tested in the UK. Shop at www.slothycubs.com social media @slothycubs. Exclusive discount code for readers yummymummy15

10% off for online orders, use LIFETEN at checkout EXPIRES 31.07.21

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JUNIOR COLLECTION SPRING/SUMMER 2021

he Emporio Armani Junior collection for Spring/ Summer 2021 is a dialogue between worlds. Here, children look to adults – to the way they dress – while still remaining kids. The effect is a complementary one: same values, same style, personal interpretation. The logo is the star of the Junior collection: it becomes a pattern that runs diagonally across sweatshirts and T-shirts, interpreted through sophisticated jacquard techniques, or transforms into a three-dimensional quilting for lightweight jackets. The details are what characterise the more athletic pieces, making them recognisable and perfect to pair with the dynamic flair of Bermuda shorts, or more formal blazers. The palette of white, blue, red and stone grey spans from apparel to beachwear, with graphic elegance. Pink and pearl grey mix with white in the girls’ collection, which features floral motifs that unfurl across outerwear, shirts and flowing poplin skirts. The shapes and styles are wide and playful. Multicoloured accents make a statement on the logo details and trainer soles, and also make an appearance in the beachwear. The small Emoji collection for boys rounds out the offering with sweatshirts, T-shirts, Bermuda shorts and casual-fit trousers – all in a palette of grey and white, and with high-impact graphics. The Emporio Armani Junior collection includes a range dedicated to new-borns and babies (0-36 months), as well as the Junior girls’ line (4-14 years) and the Junior boys’ line (4-16 years). The collection is available now in select Emporio Armani Junior retailers including Harrods, Selfridges, Childrensalon, Child’s Play and at armani.com All images Emporio Armani Junior SS21

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Girl 1 – Flounce dress with ribbon £200, silk necktie - £30 Girl 2 – Lurex Denim blouson with hood - £160, Seersucker silk top with floral print - £370, Dyed jeans - £135, Leather shoulder bag with logo - £180, Perforated leather sneakers - £210

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Boy – Stencilled logo baseball cap - £75, Striped single breasted jacket – £260, Striped Bermuda shorts £120, Stencilled-logo canvas high top sneakers - £190

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Girl – Nylon trench coat with hood - £260, Lace sweater with oversized eagle - £165, pleated dress in 3D floral fabric - £270, Perforated leather sneakers – £210

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Boy 1 – Denim Jacket with all-over eagle print - £210, jeans with turned up cuff and all over eagle print - £210, hooded sweater with embossed eagle - £165, perforated leather sneakers - £210 Boy 2 – Zipped hooded sweatshirt - £165, Supima t-shirt - £60. Denim Bermuda shorts with all over eagle print - £115, Monogrammed shoulder bag with eagle £170, perforated leather sneakers - £210

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Girl 1 – Poplin shirt - £125, Denim pinafore dress with all-over logo print - £210 Girl 2 – Lurex fabric sweater with ruches - £180, Darted denim shorts with all-over logo print - £170, Patent leather Mary-janes with maxi rhinestones - £240

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YUMMY MUMMY

Girl 1 – Lurex knit dress with ribbon - £220, Patent leather Mary-janes with maxi rhinestones - £240 OPPOSITE Boy – Virgin wool single breasted suit with - £620, Shirt with pleated detail £145, Bow tie - £105 Girl 2 – Lurex knit pleased skirt £190, Lurex knit sweater - £180

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YUMMY MUMMY

HAPPY FAMILIES AT CLARIDGE’S

The magical experience of discovering London as a family starts here.

ust as Mary Poppins danced through a chalk pavement drawing, or Harry Potter melted into the wall at platform 9¾, or Edmund stepped through the back of a wardrobe or Alice through a looking-glass, so walking through the doors of Claridge’s opens up a world that will capture your children’s imagination forever. At Claridge’s, in their experience it’s the small details and surprises that children love best. The cinema ticket in the room, an invitation to choose a movie from the library and kick back with a bucket of popcorn… Claridge’s tote bags of colouring books, stickers… a teddy bear in porter’s livery… hot milk with a chocolate dipstick and marshmallows… a rocking-zebra. Children who visit Claridge’s get to go on treasure hunts, eat from menus designed for them and can even meet the chef! And it’s all managed

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• Welcome bottle of champagne to toast your arrival • Surprise children’s treats • Selection of films to enjoy in your room or suite • Selection of games consoles on request (including Nintendo Wii, subject to availability) • Complimentary wifi throughout the hotel *late check-out subject to availability

like clockwork so that parents can enjoy time off in one of London’s most impeccable luxury hotels. Claridge’s can plan your adventures out too: take a picnic, snap a selfie with Peter Pan, feed the ducks, hop on a bus or the London Eye, shop tweenie fashion… and return to play ‘challenge the concierge’ and test your new-found knowledge of London. Rates from £960 for two rooms (inclusive of all taxes)

OFFER INCLUDES • Two bedrooms to accommodate all the family • Traditional English breakfast for a family of up to four • Take your time with a 2pm late check-out* • ‘Happy Families’ classic card game • Up to two children eat complimentary once per day - from our Children’s menu

Happy memories are made at Claridge’s – and so are happy families.

TO BOOK To book Happy Families online, visit claridges.co.uk/ luxury-hotel-offers/happyfamilies. If the offer is available on your selected dates the rate shown will include your additional room. Alternatively, call the Reservations team on 020 7107 8862 claridges.co.uk. Claridge’s, the Connaught, the Berkeley, Maybourne Hotel Group; maybourne.com

ABOUT CLARIDGE’S At the centre of London’s Mayfair, Claridge’s, part of Maybourne Hotel Group, embodies grand English style, timeless glamour and impeccable, intuitive and highly tailored service. It is London’s art deco jewel, and home to breathtaking rooms and suites. From London’s finest afternoon tea in the Foyer to vintage champagnes and rare spirits at Claridge’s Bar, all are part of the hotel’s unique splendour and charm. A P R / M AY 2 0 2 1 1 5

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[SHOPPING]

BABIES & KIDS GOING WILD Your little one will go WILD for the fun lion patch pocket on the front of this tee from Frugi. Made from GOTS certified organic cotton interlock. Superduper soft and cosy, in a fab indigo blue stripe. whippersnappersonline.com

ELEGANT STYLE NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL Beautiful hand-crafted wooden sitting toy Bear & Mouse, the perfect nursery decoration. Also available in Cat, Dog & Rabbit. Traditional toys built to last made for keeps & designed to pass down the family (with stories to tell along the way)! Ethically manufactured using sustainable beechwood from PEFC certified forests (for any trees cut, trees are planted) & un-varnished for a truly natural toy. bluebrontide.com

FUN WITH FOOD Fire up little imaginations and let the mealtime fun begin with this beautifully crafted solid oak Eco wooden car plate. With compartments for dippy sauce & sections so the peas don’t touch the carrots this little car is perfect for turning fussy eaters into foodies. bluebrontide.com

BEAUTY & FUNCTION The Pink Lining Yummy Mummy - Apples & Pears Blue is both beautiful and functional. A wellthought out interior with all the dividing pockets and pouches you need for baby (and mummy!) essentials is complemented on the outside by our graphic and bold Apples & Pears print in Blue. hellobabydirect.com 1 6 A P R / M AY 2 0 2 1

The delicate bird pattern is is a soft pink and grey colour which set against the ivory is absolutely stunning. It also has tufted dots embroidery throughout adding texture and sets the dress off completely. mamaetmoi.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

Meet Alexandra, founder of

FITTAMAMMA

as well. We tested and re-tested to make sure the designs looked good and provided all the necessary support.’ The new range sold out really quickly and since then our designs have been refined to meet customer demand and feedback, even creating our own fabric with optimum support and stretch. Next step was to have FittaMamma activewear independently tested under lab conditions to prove that our ‘bra for your bump’ actually does what it claims. We were delighted when the tests confirmed that our range reduces bump bounce by almost 50% compared to other maternity vests and leggings!’ Alex is currently expecting her second baby and loves wearing the maternity fitnesswear she designed herself. ‘Being pregnant during the pandemic means I tend to wear FittaMamma activewear all day, every day! This time I’ve suffered from pelvic girdle pain and supporting my bump makes such a difference, whether I’m exercising, running after my toddler or sitting at my desk!’ Visit fittamamma.com @fittamamma

ack in 2012 FittaMamma founder Alexandra McCabe saw pregnant women consigned to the back of the gym, working out in baggy joggers and over-sized T-shirts. There was simply no fitnesswear available to support and accommodate the changes a woman’s body goes through during and after pregnancy. It was easy to see why so many women gave up exercise despite medical advice that staying active benefits both mother and baby, giving you the strength, stamina and fitness needed for labour and parenthood. With plans for her own family on the horizon Alex was keen to find out how she could look good, feel good and continue to exercise during pregnancy. She resolved to design her own fitnesswear. ‘Designing our first range was so exciting,’ said Alex. ‘I wanted our maternity fitnesswear to be as stylish as ‘normal’ gymwear whilst including all the support you need to stay active right throughout your pregnancy. We took some of our inspiration from sports bras, aiming to create a top that could lift, hold and reduce bounce. Our leggings come right up over the bump and hold the lower back

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“I wanted our maternity fitnesswear to be as stylish as ‘normal’ gymwear whilst including all the support you need”

YUMMY MUMMY

ZARA TINDALL’S BABY BORN IN THE BATHROOM How to cope with unexpected rapid birth

The Queen’s granddaughter couldn’t make it to hospital in time for the arrival of son Lucas.

ike Tindall has spoken about the dramatic arrival of baby son Lucas on March 21, revealing that wife Zara (granddaughter of the Queen) gave birth to their third child on their bathroom floor. “Arrived very quickly. Didn’t make it to hospital. On the bathroom floor,” he said on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast. “So yeah, it was running to the gym, get a mat, get into the bathroom, get the mat on the floor, towels down, brace, brace, brace.” A rapid labour is not uncommon in mothers who’ve given birth before, says midwife and founder of hypnobirthing and pregnancy yoga company GlowMummy Sharon Salvage: “When

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it’s your second or third baby, particularly when you’ve had a long labour the first time, your body has done it all before, and it can happen really quickly.” So, what do you need to know if you’re a mum or partner expecting a baby – or you happen to be on hand when someone goes into labour? Here, midwives explain what you should do in the event of an unexpected arrival.

Call an ambulance “To be honest, most babies are born in really good condition if they’re born that quickly, but you just don’t know,” Salvage says. “The first thing to do is if you feel you can’t make it to hospital, then you need to make sure

“A rapid labour is not uncommon in mothers who’ve given birth before”

you’ve phoned an ambulance and that someone’s on their way to you, with a midwife as well.”

Keep calm and listen to mum “It’s important for women to listen to what their body needs when giving birth. I find that instinct kicks in quickly and they often automatically kneel or get on all fours,” says Lesley Gilchrist, registered midwife and co-founder of My Expert Midwife. “A lot of women will naturally put their head a little bit lower than their bottoms, they’re literally working against gravity, and it just slows down that process and helps you start to really calm yourself,” Salvage says. She recommends “breathing your baby out” slowly: “You don’t need to start doing massive big pushes or anything like that, it’s less likely that way that you’ll get tears.”

“Skin-to-skin contact with mum is the best place for babies to be as soon as they are born. This will help to regulate their breathing and keep them warm”

prepared, just in case.” Then you should keep mum and baby warm by covering them with a warm towel, blanket or anything else you’ve got to hand.

Don’t cut the cord This is one part of labour that should definitely be left to the professionals. Gilchrist says: “As long as the umbilical cord is left, the baby will receive oxygen into their blood to help them transition into the world. Never cut or tie the cord until a medical professional arrives.”

Get ready to catch the baby “This can be anyone with a reliable pair of hands,” says Gilchrist. Salvage adds that bathroom births are common, as mothers naturally seek out an enclosed space to feel safer: “Your partner might need to make sure they are able to support baby’s head and body so they don’t literally flop on the floor.”

Skin-to-skin contact “Skin-to-skin contact with mum is the best place for babies to be as soon as they are born. This will help to regulate their breathing and keep them warm,” Gilchrist says. “If your baby isn’t breathing, while you wait for assistance, I would recommend rubbing your baby with a cloth or towel to stimulate them. Most babies will breathe spontaneously within one minute of birth, however, it is always best to be A P R / M AY 2 0 2 1 2 1

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GORGEOUS CHILDREN’S CLOTHING FROM TILLY & JASPER offer an outstanding selection of bright, fun styles, that are as varied as the characters of the little ones they are designed for. Choosing organic clothing offers a wealth of benefits. Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful chemicals, which helps preserve soil, conserve energy and reduces water usage. Not only does this aid towards a lower carbon footprint, but it can also provide a much more comfortable material for your children to wear, helping reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions for newborn or sensitive skin. Being made from a higher quality organic cotton means READER clothing can last much longer and be OFFER: SAVE handed on once it has been outgrown, reducing the amount we produce and consume. Tilly & Jasper offer one of the largest collections of beautiful organic children’s clothing in the UK. You will find a fabulous collection from most of the leading brands of organic children’s clothing, alongside a growing collection of sustainably sourced wooden toys. Tilly & Jasper are offering 10% of for all Yummy Mummy readers with code YUMMY10 tillyandjasper.co.uk

10%

illy & Jasper are committed to achieving long-term sustainability, with the aim of helping combat the impact of fast fashion. Founded around their kitchen table in 2017 by husband-and-wife team Arend and Philippa, and still run today from their rural HQ in East Sussex, Tilly & Jasper continue to focus on their vision of providing beautiful children’s clothing that leave as little impact on the environment as possible. Named after their own children and obvious inspiration, Tilly & Jasper, founders Arend and Philippa wanted to establish a company that would help leave a legacy of positive change. Through their intentional choice of designs made from low impact, natural materials, their hope is to help spark curiosity and raise awareness of the effect our clothing choices have on the environment. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that the fashion industry is one of the most damaging when it comes to our planet, rife with over consumption and excessive production of shortlived, low quality, disposable products. To help combat this challenge, Tilly & Jasper offer one of the most sustainably produced collections of beautifully made, long lasting children’s clothing from 0 to 8 years. Made almost entirely from organic cotton and recycled plastics, Tilly & Jasper

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TILLY &

JASPER

Beautiful organic children’s clothing to make you smile Helping to provide some much needed cheer, we offer an ever-evolving range of bright, bold and beautiful organic children’s clothing from newborns up to 8 years.

Discover one of the largest collections of organic children’s clothing brands in one place, including: Toby Tiger, Frugi, Pigeon Organics, Little Green Radicals, Maxomorra, Kite Clothing, Piccalilly and more. Organic Cotton isn’t just softer — it’s better. We believe that offering 100% organic materials across our range provides customers with a far higher-quality product. Visit tillyandjasper.co.uk and enjoy fast, free UK shipping on all orders.

YUMMY MUMMY

COOL FOR KIDS

itch&son is a cool and fresh boys’ brand from Picture Book Fashion. This season sees some fun and colourful looks for ages 6 months – 6 years. With three collections to choose from there’s something for everyone; Beach Days, Art Attack and An Apple A Day are full of cool artwork, a carefully selected colour palette and include easy to wear, quality pieces that both kids and parents will love. Each mitch&son collection features a range of matching sets and separates. These can easily be paired together with shoes, socks, hats, and summer jackets from the collection to create a

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coordinated look that all matches perfectly making it easier than ever to dress your little ones in stylish clothes. This brand is designed with quality and care in mind, soft comfy fabrics and practical clothing means kids can have fun and stay active without having to compromise on style. Each collection features a mix of their incredibly popular tracksuits as well as shorts sets with a mix of polos and t-shirts giving you the choice of a smarter or more casual look. A lightweight jacket is included in each story, perfect for completing any look in the collection. The outfit is easily completed with matching socks and comfy canvas trainers as well as a cool cap for sunny days! Picture Book Fashion is also the name behind popular girls’ brand A*Dee, for ages 2-14 years. This brand is perfect for girls that love to stand out from the crowd! With four beautiful collections each with their own specially designed prints, A*Dee is all about expression of style! A mix of practical but pretty legging sets, beautifully embellished dresses and skirts and well as stand out jackets and those all important accessories, A*Dee has it all when it comes to dressing your kids in quality clothes that they’ll love to wear! Picture Book Fashion are a Scottish family run company, their brands include A*Dee, mitch&son, MiTCH and Little A. With stockists across the UK and Europe you can find your nearest stockist on their websites a-dee.com and mitchandson.co.uk

“This brand is designed with quality and care in mind, soft comfy fabrics and practical clothing means kids can have fun and stay active without having to compromise on style”

Botanical Beach Babes Swimwear Presents the Endless Summer Collection by Designer Erika Hauser as seen on model Greta Buz. Parisian based designer Erika Hauser is a Colombian fashion entrepreneur & content creator based in Paris, France and The Netherlands. Endless Summer is a beautiful and new upcycle series of romantic swimwear designs inspired by the love of nature, exotic travels, sensuality, femininity, and sustainability. Envision a sweet escape to a mystical & magical destination by the sea where European elegance and slow fashion meet. Botanical Beach Babes discovered Erika Hauser while updating their Pinterest page to explore new backdrops for content creation. “Erika Hauser immediately stood out to us as her calendar of stunning content conveyed the classic appearance of romantic paintings one would find inside a love storybook from an antique bookstore”., says Botanical Beach Babe’s Brand Manager Laura Preston. The 2021 Endless Summer series of swimwear designs are made in collaboration with Botanical Beach Babes through an exclusive collaboration debuting at Miami Swim Week.

Shop: www.BotanicalBeachBabes.com Follow IG: @BotanicalBeachBabes

YUMMY MUMMY

PURL & WEAVE: THE BABY COMPANY

url & Weave was created back in 2017 by Simone Jenney and has become a go-to for expecting mums & Dads. They specialise in beautiful Nursery Furniture that is not only unique, but practical and sustainable. Their Scandi inspired range are hand crafted using natural and organic materials. They truly are stunning pieces that can be passed from generation to generation. They are the proud designer and creator of the Newborn Baby Nest. These are hand crafted using

only the highest quality Merino Wool, right here in the UK. The Newborn Baby Nests have proven to be the must have baby product. They not only look absolutely amazing, but they are also super soft, temperature regulating and available in a variety of stunning colours. Most recently Purl and Weave have introduced the most amazing, on trend, Baby Wraps & Accessories to their store. These truly are a simple and beautiful way to swaddle your baby. They would make the perfect gift for a new baby or the expecting mum. Light weight, breathable and easy to use. They are super soft and gentle on baby’s skin. Over the past 4 years Purl and Weave have become a huge hit in the Newborn Baby industry providing luxury items for expecting Mums and Dads. This really shows in the beautiful products they have to offer. Combining traditional British craftsmanship and the best of modern design, every piece offers unrivalled quality, safety and beauty. Only the finest timber and organic materials are used to create the furniture that is natural, beautiful and durable.

THE DETAILS Visit them at purlandweave.co.uk Be sure to follow them on Instagram @purl_and_weave & Facebook: purl and weave Exclusive Readers 10% Discount YummyMummy21

H 1 IT 2 W MY T N M U MU CO Y IS M D M % YU 10 DE CO

Purl & Weave Bringing beauty to everyday life for mums and their babies. Designs are commissioned and hand painted by artists from around the world. We also offer a beautiful selection of baby cribs & cot beds handcrafted by bermbach. These are truly stunning pieces that can be handed down generation after generation. Each piece is of the highest quality and durability, providing comfort and pleasure for parents and children alike. Created using natural materials and eco-friendly methods. A furniture range that offers simplicity, comfort and style to any nursery. www.purlandweave.co.uk

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The Ultimate Boxed New Baby Gift ribbed bundlers & cashmere booties. Customers can shop the pre-made Collection boxes, perfect if you’re short on time or just prefer one of their carefully curated combinations. Alternatively, you can customise the contents of your gift box, great if you know the recipient’s style, for a truly unique gift. Either way you will experience a premium gift service and a baby box that will delight the new parents!

ondon based OOji baby continues to delight new parents with their luxury boxed gifts. Motivated by a desire to offer premium quality baby products that arrive beautifully gift wrapped and provide a memorable un-boxing experience for the new parents at this poignant time. With a continued focus on offering pieces that are gender neutral whilst not shying away from colours, favourites include their expertly crafted 4-layer muslin blankets, cotton soft knit toys, organic comforters,

THE DETAILS Visit: oojibaby.co.uk Instagram: @oojibaby.uk Gift box prices start at £30

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YUMMY MUMMY

How can I stop my child lying? W A child psychologist reveals how to get kids to stop telling fibs.

hy does my daughter lie all the time and how can I get her to stop? Child psychologist Dr Angharad Rudkin, says: “Children learn to lie around the age of three, when they develop a ‘theory of mind’ (an understanding that others can think differently to them). So, in many ways, lying is a sign that your child is developing just as they should be. But, lying can cause a lot of worry and disappointment for parents. “Some children lie more than others, and this can be related to their personality and imagination, as well as their personal experiences. There are two types of lying. In pro-social lying, children are not telling the truth, so they can protect the feelings of others. This may include saying they love a present even if they don’t, or that they are too busy to attend a party, even when they’re not. These lies are often reinforced by parents and other grownups, who frequently tell children to be ‘polite’ and ‘nice’. “The second type of lying, anti-social lying, can cause more difficulties. These lies are usually told in order to save the child’s own feelings. By telling anti-social lies, children are trying to avoid being shouted at or punished, or to save disappointing their parents. In families where there are more rules, there is more chance that a child will break a rule, and therefore more chance they will lie to get out of trouble.” No one is going to stop lying altogether, but here are some top tips from Dr Rudkin for making it easier for your child to tell the truth rather than lie… Praise kids when they tell the truth “Adults have a mere 50% success rate in detecting lies in children, so give up on the guessing and instead focus on the times when your daughter tells you the truth. Heap loads of praise on her and let her know how proud you are of her for following the family rules and telling you the truth.” Work out punishments together “Families are becoming more democratic, with children having an increasing contribution to family decisions. For example, a recent study conducted by global experts in family holiday 2 8 A P R / M AY 2 0 2 1

rentals, Vrbo, found that over half of parents said they shared the decision-making process. “Your daughter tries to gain more control over her life by lying. Help her use this desire to contribute more positively to family life by organising a democratic family meeting. Use this meeting to discuss how you all value honesty and good behaviour, and agree together on the consequences of lying, with these consequences applying to everyone in the family.” Spend time together and chat lots “Make sure you spend lots of quality time with your daughter, so she has plenty of opportunity to talk about her feelings with you, and also so you can rebuild your trust in her.” Keep a routine “Children are more likely to lie when they feel uncertain about themselves and the world around them. Consistent routines, carried out with care, can help children to feel less wobbly and more relaxed and rested.” Lead by example “Children learn by observing and imitating, so as a parent, you need to behave the way you would like your child to behave. If you don’t want her to lie, then you need to be very honest yourself, so you can role model the kinds of moral action you would like to see in her.”

GET READY FOR AN ACE SUMMER!

ith the spring season finally here, and with summer fast approaching, there has never been a better time to get out and enjoy the sunshine! Last summer saw loads of families staying active in London’s parks and green spaces, with tennis proving to become the most indemand sport of the summer! One company which are enjoying the new-found popularity of the sport are Will to Win. Their tennis centres saw huge demand as soon as they opened their doors at the end of March and continue to see both Parents and Juniors enjoying their courts and range of lessons. Resting in some of London’s most iconic locations, Will to Win really are the beating heart of activity in London’s Royal Parks. Will to Win have been delivering community sport across London for more than 25 years with locations in Hyde Park, The Regent’s Park, Greenwich Park, Lammas Park, Chiswick House Gardens and Pitshanger Park. With lockdown restrictions easing from the 17th of May, Will to Win have also seen a huge surge in demand for their bespoke events

service as members of the public look to celebrate with their loved ones once again in some of London’s most beautiful outdoor locations. With sessions available for kids of all ages and abilities, their coaching team are experts in providing top quality instruction and have experience nurturing players to become national level champions. Whilst they have had an impressive ability to produce results, their main message is (and always has been) “Sport For All”. Will to Win pride themselves on creating an open and accepting place for all levels to develop their skills and are committed to their goal of making sport accessible for all. Learn more about Will to Win and their tennis sessions at willtowin.co.uk

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YUMMY MUMMY

MYTHICA:

World of Mythical Creatures The UK’s first flying theatre ride to open at the Legoland® Windsor Resort

he LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort has revealed that its new multi-millionpound land - created by kids for kids - will be home to the UK’s first Flying Theatre ride when it opens this May. Standing at over 25 metres tall, the Flight of the Sky Lion ride will be at the heart of LEGO® MYTHICA: World of Mythical Creatures, the hotly anticipated new land which marks the Park’s single biggest investment since the gates opened 25 years ago. Once aboard the Flying Theatre ride, families will quite literally be taken under the Sky Lion’s (Maximus) wing and transported to the parallel universe of LEGO MYTHICA, where mythical LEGO creatures come to life. As they swoop, duck and dive over the incredible landscape, families

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will come face-to-face with the realm’s many characters, including the two-headed Hydra (Duo), Fire and Ice Bird (Crystal Flame) and the Greek mythology inspired Chimera creature. The Resort has released an incredible artist’s impression showing the other exhilarating new rides and attractions that feature in the land. Standing at 13 metres tall, the equivalent of 325 LEGO Minifigures, are two drop towers named Fire and Ice Freefall, and prepare to get wet on Hydra’s Challenge as guests steer their own vessel on this thrilling water attraction. Also not to be missed, will be the 13 mythical creatures made from more than 1.7 million LEGO bricks by a team of 15 master builders over the course of 8,649 hours, almost a full year of building. Adorning the Flying Theatre

“Once aboard the Flying Theatre ride, families will quite literally be taken under the Sky Lion’s (Maximus) wing and transported to the parallel universe of LEGO MYTHICA”

building will be the breath-taking model of the Sky Lion, Maximus, made of 685,530 LEGO bricks, weighing more than 5,819 kilogrammes. Using the Resort’s new augmented reality technology, guests will be able to see the mythical LEGO creatures come to life before their very eyes using the LEGOLAND App. Working in partnership with Kids Industries, the LEGOLAND Windsor team behind the new land spent a year discussing and testing ideas and concepts with seven to 11-year olds and their parents who influenced everything from the final ride experiences, names and characters. Helen Bull, Divisional Director at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the first Flying Theatre ride to the UK and today revealing all the rides and attractions which will make LEGO MYTHICA: World of Mythical Creatures a must-do experience for families in 2021.” “The whole country has never needed escapism more than they do right now and we’ve worked closely with children and their families to make sure our new land delivers the thrills for everyone, whether it’s their 25th visit to LEGOLAND Windsor or their very first. Subject to Government guidelines, we’re planning to open LEGO MYTHICA on Saturday 29 May and tickets are on sale now to experience the country’s first Flying Theatre as well as everything else the Park has to offer.” Also set to feature in the new land will be the Creature Creation where guests can build their very own LEGO MYTHICA creatures; an adventure play area called Lava Dragon Play; a character meet

and greet experience, Creature Encounter and The Hungry Troll restaurant and Beastly Bites snack bar. The Resort’s existing 4D Cinema will feature a new and exclusive LEGO MYTHICA film which tells the story behind the mysteries of the parallel universe through the eyes of the loveable BitsandBobs character. LEGO MYTHICA: World of Mythical Creatures will be found between Heartlake City and the Resort’s LEGO-themed Hotels.

THE DETAILS Day tickets start from £29 per person, kids under 90cm go free. Make a weekend of it by booking an overnight stay at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Hotel or the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel with prices starting from £341* for a family of four. *Price includes bed, breakfast, one day Park entry and is based on two adults and two children staying on selected dates in June 2021. To book visit legoland.co.uk

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YUMMY MUMMY

NEW PINKFONG BABY SHARK CLASSES ACROSS THE UK

ulti award-winning, nationwide preschool class provider, Baby Sensory, has teamed up with ViacomCBS Consumer Products (VCP), to launch a series of new Pinkfong Baby Sharkthemed sensory classes for parents and babies. The fun-filled, educational sessions are available nationwide. Developed by leading child development expert and published author, Dr Lin Day, in consultation with VCP, the sessions, which are expected to reach an estimated 32,000 babies across the UK alone, feature an exciting interactive mission to find Baby Shark and the Shark Family in the Great Barrier Reef.

Babies and parents can enjoy a unique, (socially distanced or virtual) Baby Sensory class filled with sensory delights designed to thrill and captivate the imagination. The magical, musical sessions aim to get everyone moving alongside a very famous little shark and an unforgettable tune. Designed for babies from birth to 13 months of age, the specially created sessions promote visual skills and sensory awareness while inspiring awe and wonder of the underwater world via colourful moving fish, lights and ocean-inspired props including the use of fabric, musical instruments, puppets, inflatables, bubble balloons, ribbons, fibre optics and more. Sessions provide a safe, 3 2 A P R / M AY 2 0 2 1

calming, bonding activity for parent and baby to support early years’ development. Dr Lin Day, Founder of Baby Sensory explains, “Our new Pinkfong Baby Shark sessions explore and celebrate the beauty and wonder of our living oceans. From bright, happy fish that glide through the glittering sea to jiggling jelly fish and mysterious creatures that light up in dazzling displays of bioluminescent colours. We also investigate the richness of the marine eco-system that exists in the deepest parts of the ocean as part of an exciting journey to find Baby Shark and the Shark Family.” Dr Day added, “Sessions are great for new parents and couldn’t come at a better time, given the impact of the last year on young families. Parents feel safe and at ease, in comfortable surroundings and learn how to facilitate their baby’s play, learning and development. Our fun approach to replicating the wonder of the ocean, with rowing, swaying and rolling ‘sea action songs’ are designed to foster communication between baby and parent and to promote and reinforce postural balance and coordination skills from an early age.” Special virtual and socially-distanced sessions are running now.

THE DETAILS To book a Pinkfong Baby Shark session please visit babysensory.com Sessions cost from £7* (*prices may vary according to region).

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A magical adventure awaits you at

Audley End Miniature Railway

ake your family on a magical miniature adventure in the enchanted Audley End woods this Spring. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Essex countryside, just outside of Saffron Walden, the Audley End Miniature Railway is a family fun day out in the great outdoors, surrounded by nature. Your family can enjoy a miniature train ride through ancient woodlands, before returning to the picnic field to enjoy amongst other things the Elf and Fairy Walk, storytelling sessions and the railway themed adventure playground. Opening from the 12th April onwards, the railway holds regular seasonal events, starting with their enchanting Easter Special, running every day from the 12th to 25th April. To see a full calendar of events please visit audley-end-railway.co.uk NEW for 2021 are the Woodland Adventure Days, running from 1st May to 26th September excluding school holidays. Perfect for an off-peak, great value visit with your toddler or baby. If you

THE DETAILS audley-end-railway.co.uk Facebook Facebook.com/ audleyendminiaturerailway Instagram Instagram.com/ audleyendminiaturerailway

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visit three times, you get your forth visit free with a loyalty card offer. Launching on the 29th May is the NEW Nature Corner. Featuring bug hotels, a wormery, bird and hedgehog houses and much more, for nature loving children to learn and explore. Wildlife Week will be running every day in the summer half term from the 29th May to 6th June. Amanda Murray, the owner of the railway said “we are so excited to be opening our woodland doors from Spring, for families to enjoy a series of activity-packed days out. “Having spent the first quarter of the year in lockdown, families can come and let off some steam in the great outdoors, with plenty on offer to keep little one’s entertained and magical memories will be made!”

YUMMY MUMMY

MARIPOSA CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE

ariposa Children’s Boutique was created back in July 2011 by Angela Brown and has turned into a successful online boutique specializing in bringing the best Spanish designers of Children’s Wear to the UK. Having spent 7 years living in Spain, Angela fell in love with the traditional, classic Spanish READER children’s clothing ranges. On her OFFER: SAVE return to the UK and seeing a gap in the market for timeless pieces and Ilusion, Artesania Sonata, Condor, stunning puffball dresses Mariposa Angelitos Spanish Footwear and Children’s Boutique was born. many more. From newborn to 10 We have grown year on year and are years you will find everything from pleased to work with the best designers of classic baby knitwear to stunning puffball Children’s Wear from Spain including our own dresses and boys 2 piece sets. Exclusive range of beautiful girl’s dresses for any Follow us online @mariposachildrensboutique special occasion, hand created by our very talented or Facebook at Mariposa Children’s dressmakers Ana & Alex. Boutique. Shop online at We stock well known brands such as Miranda, mariposachildrensboutique.com use code Dolce Petit, Belcoquet, Meriche Alta Costura, Mac YUMMY for 10% off your first order

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“We have grown year on year and are pleased to work with the best designers of Children’s Wear from Spain including our own Exclusive range of beautiful girl’s dresses for any special occasion, hand created by our very talented dressmakers Ana & Alex”

These party invitations by MINI-EPIC have to be seen to be believed!

one are the days of sending paper invites in to school with the kids. We’re living in the 21st Century! And if you haven’t heard of Mini-Epic. com you may be missing out on the trendiest way of inviting all your little one’s friend’s to their big birthday celebration. What’s all the fuss? At Mini-Epic you can personalise a short animated video invitation, send it via email with RSVP tracking, or download

your video to share via WhatsApp (hugely popular right now!). “As parents of twin daughters, we always felt the bog-standard paper invitation didn’t quite capture the excitement of the party to come, not to mention how frustrating it was sending them all out! So we set about creating short animated invitations that are easy to send and fun to watch, and that’s how we came up with the name “MiniEpic” - they’re like mini-movie-trailers for your little one’s party!” – Jonathan & Ashley Shine, Founders of Mini-Epic.com From Unicorns and Rainbows, to Superheroes and Pirates, Mini-Epic.com takes party invitations to the next level with their eye-catching range of animated invites that you can personalise and send online in seconds, all for just £4.99 (incl. VAT). mini-epic.com

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THE DETAILS Visit www.mini-epic.com to create your personalised video invitation now, and enter YUMMYMUMMY at checkout to receive 10% OFF… Here’s to an epic party!

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YUMMY MUMMY

Space to be yourself at Gresham’s

ounded in 1555, Gresham’s provides a fully-rounded education to children aged 2 to 18. The school is set on a 200 acre site, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just four miles from the breathtaking North Norfolk coast. Our Nursery and Pre-Prep, located in Holt town centre, is for children aged 2 to 7. It’s an environment where happy, relaxed, calm, courteous and curious children can flourish and

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be their best. Children benefit from the use of our Prep and Senior school facilities, including the swimming pool, Chapel and the Auden Theatre. Weekly trips to our Outdoor Wild Learning School (OWLS), located in the woods of the Senior School, provides a stimulating environment where imaginations can run free and creativity is enhanced. Activities here include everything from building grand hotels for minibeasts and homes for teddy bears, to creating leaf presses and exploring nature trails. Children are taught in small class sizes in single year groups to ensure learning is individualised. Specialist teachers work alongside class teachers to ensure children have the opportunity to explore different skills and interests at a young age, this includes languages, dance, drama, music and sport. Regular yoga sessions provide time to pause away from screens and distractions whilst developing body awareness and increased strength, balance and coordination. greshams.com

“Children are taught in small class sizes in single year groups to ensure learning is individualised”

YUMMY MUMMY

Rachel Riley:

“We’ll have to learn to be parents in the real world once the pandemic’s over”

Countdown presenter Rachel Riley loves being a mum to baby Maven but tells Lisa Salmon she thinks parenting will be different in a post-Covid world.

athematician and Countdown presenter Rachel Riley has loved her first year of being a mum – despite the pandemic restrictions. Riley, 35, had baby Maven Aria in December 2019, a few months before the pandemic started, and after a brief maternity leave has successfully combined motherhood with presenting Countdown and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. In one way, the pandemic has made her busy life a little easier, as it’s meant her husband, the dancer Pasha Kovalev who she met on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, has been around a lot more. “It’s been lovely in a lot of ways,” she says. “All of Pasha’s work has been cancelled – he was supposed to be on tour, and on stage, but he’s not been able to do any of those things. So, when I’ve gone up to Countdown, he’s been able to come with us and he takes Maven out, and brings her in for a feed, so it’s been lovely family-wise. “But on the other hand, she’s not seen my parents for three months and she’s just not socialised with other children at all, because there’s not been the baby groups that we most likely would have gone to. It’s been different – we’ll have to learn to be parents in the real world when things open up again, because we’ve only done it in the toned-down, Covid restrictions time.” It can be a worry for parents when toddlers have had such little interaction with other people. “She’s really unsocialised,” laments Riley. “We had one little friend around in the summer, and it was the first time we’d had anyone here. Whereas when we’re out in the street, she loves seeing the other little children. When my friend’s daughter was here, she was so jealous – she took all her toys away and even shoved her away when my friend was hugging her own daughter. “But there’s nothing we can do about it,” she says stoically. “We just hope that when things open up again, kids will learn quickly. They’re malleable, so fingers crossed she’s not a little terror when she has to actually share things. “She’s definitely missed out, but she didn’t know any different, and she’s had a lot of parental time,

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“It can be a worry for parents when toddlers have had such little interaction with other people”

which is really important when they’re little.” While Maven understandably hasn’t yet learned how to play nicely with other children, she’s clearly a joy when she’s alone with her parents. “She’s running around now, and she’s in this little phase where she won’t let us sit down for dinner,” says Riley, fondly. “We put music on during dinner, and if a song comes on that she likes, she shoves us off the chairs and forces us to dance, so every night it’s like ‘OK, we’re not sitting down…’ She definitely keeps us busy!” But is Maven the little mover a better dancer than her parents yet? “She’s better than me,” laughs Riley, who was eliminated from Strictly in week six of the show in 2013. “She’s got my moves so far, rather than Pasha’s. Barry Manilow came on the playlist the other day and she started twirling and twirling. Some songs she doesn’t respond to, and then some – it can be Nineties garage, and she’s like ‘Yeeeah!’” Riley is a big Manchester United fan – her dad’s from Salford – and little Maven’s got her own miniature kit. During one match, Riley was thrilled her daughter appeared to be supporting the reds – but her delight didn’t last long. “Ages ago, we watched the Tottenham game. We scored first and she was sitting there in her little kit, and she started clapping – I was so proud,” remembers Riley, “And then when Tottenham scored, she clapped again – she loves a good clap!” Football is just one of the sports Riley enjoys, and her love of sport is one of the reasons she’s involved with the new Always Fuel Her Future campaign, to highlight the long-term benefits of girls participating in sport. “A third of girls are dropping out of sport around puberty, and that’s for a bunch of reasons – 28% said it’s because they don’t think they’re good enough, and 25% said they’re not encouraged enough,” she says. “This campaign is about highlighting all the benefits of doing sport that you might not think

about, like building resilience and confidence, and being vocal. I think you need a lot more resilience than you possibly did when I was younger,” she admits. Riley played football, netball and hockey at school, and was in all the teams. She says: “I really enjoyed sport at school – thinking back to my teenage years, some of the girls in my class would be off smoking and drinking, and me and my mates, none of us smoked, we were training, and at lunchtimes or after school, we’d go to the court or to the pitch. We had to look after ourselves, because we wanted to do well in the next tournament or sports meet.” But playing sport wasn’t an option at Riley’s girls’ school sixth form, and were it not for collegiate sports at Oxford University, where she played football and was college netball captain, she says she thinks playing sport would have “fallen by the wayside” for her, like it does for so many teenage girls. “Sport kept me out of trouble and I made lots of friends,” she says. “I found it really valuable – learning the value of practice and making improvements.” Riley says playing sport has even helped her with her role as the maths whizz on 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and explains: “When I started playing football, they really drilled into us that you have to be vocal, so if you wanted the ball, you had to shout ‘Riley’s ball!’ “Looking now at the work I do, where you go into a room with possibly intimidating people – in 8 Out Of 10 Cats, you’ve got a bunch of professional comedians and if you want to get a word in edgeways, you have to be able to take your chance and speak out, so I credit football for that.” Rachel Riley has joined forces with Always for the Fuel Her Future campaign, to highlight the long-term benefits of girls participating in sport.

“Sport kept me out of trouble and I made lots of friends,” she says. “I found it really valuable – learning the value of practice and making improvements”

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YUMMY MUMMY

BIMBI BABIES

imbi Babies is an online destination for baby and child essentials, from newborn up to 4 years. Bimbi pajamas are elaborated with the finest quality

of hand-picked, Peruvian pima cotton. Pima cotton is eco-friendly, cozy, hypoallergenic, ultrasoft and absorbent. They specialize in beautiful classic European style solid coloured footies, and delicate minimalist and monochromatic prints. The footie with inverted zipper was nominated for the Smallish design awards in 2018. Footies with the zip-down closure keep the little ones cozy while the inverted zipper makes changing and dressing a cinch. Bimbi Babies also offers artisan handmade products such as rattles and plush animals made with natural, high-quality cotton, because to us it’s important that they’re safe, soft and cuddly. You can now find Bimbi products in the United States, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Honduras.

“Bimbi Babies is an online destination for pima cotton babywear for newborn up to 4 years. They specialise in beautiful classic European style solid coloured footies, and delicate minimalist prints using the finest quality of hypoallergenic and extremely soft pima cotton. Visit www.bimbibabies.com for store locations and worldwide shipping information or follow @bimbibabies on Instagram to find out more.

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THE DETAILS To shop these beautiful prints you can visit bimbibabies.com for store locations and worldwide shipping information, or follow @bimbibabies on Instagram to find out more.

YUMMY MUMMY

Screen-free family time

If your kids are fed up of doing the same old things, the author of The Little Grower’s Cookbook has some suggestions.

y young children are bored of going to the park – how can I get them off their screens and doing more natural things? Ghillie James, co-author of The Little Grower’s Cookbook, says: “You’re not alone! If I ask, ‘Shall we take the dog for a walk?’ I’m guaranteed a collective groan from all three of my young kids – however brightly the sun’s shining. The magnetic pull of gadgets and TV is just too great for most children today. But it’s worth persevering – there’s a world of wonder just outside the door, which has been proven to hold the key to happier, healthier, energised kids, who eat better, sleep longer and chat more when given a dose of fresh air every day. You just need a few clever ideas up your sleeve… “So, what’s the answer? Well, you can turn off the wifi for a start! Try having a ‘no gadget afternoon’ (for everyone) and see how your kids naturally just turn to other things when given a few enticing options. Climbing trees, making camps or looking for tadpoles are all well and good, but they’re not easy for everyone to do, especially in these strange times. The good news is that there are lots of fun things to do just outside the back door at home, using recycled items collected

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“They could make their own simple pots from newspaper and plant some sunflower seeds in them”

around the house. “Your kids could make bird feeders using scooped out oranges to hang from a window or tree (draw pictures of the birds you see), design a mini-beast mansion using an old tin can and some foraged leaves and sticks, try planting strawberries in a hanging basket, make their own wormery in an old lemonade bottle, looking for treasure as they dig up some worms from under the soil. “They could make their own simple pots from newspaper and plant some sunflower seeds in them, sprinkle lettuce seeds in a compost-filled colander for their very own pick-your-own garden, or re-pot some herbs in jam jars to give as presents. Kids love to cook too, so they could help you to make lunch, or perhaps a gardener’s cake for tea, after all their hard work? “Getting kids off screens and into the green feeds all of your children’s senses, and most importantly, activates their imagination, restoring their sense of wonder. Hopefully soon, the question will be ‘have we got enough spare time to get all this done?’”

THE DETAILS The Little Grower’s Cookbook by Ghillie James and Julia Parker is published by Lettuce Publishing, £20. Available now.

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YUMMY MUMMY

HOLO: The lilo with a hole

An interview with Emma Benson creator of the holo What made you decide to create this product? I had summer pregnancies with both my girls and so had two holidays whilst being pregnant. It is not until you get there that you realise that you actually cannot lie down! You are told not to lie on your back as the weight of your tummy can cut off blood flow and there are obvious physical constraints (mainly your big tummy!) to stop you lying on your front. Both times, I just joked - “I just need a lilo with a holo in it!” How do you manage caring for a family and running a business? I was determined not to send my children to daycare and so I managed on very little money while they were small. Now they are at school I easily fit my work into the hours they are not here. Although my phone is always in my hand for dealing with emails at all hours of the day and my lounge is quite often full of blown up holos! How long did it take to go from idea to your product being ready for sale? Going from idea to product took a lot longer than I expected with a few blips along the way. Mainly trying to get the size of the hole right. Luckily I found a manufacturer fairly easily by just going online and they provided many prototypes free of charge until after a year of trying I produced the holo that you see today. It has not changed in 10 years now! The hardest and longest part was getting a patent - this took 4 years from beginning to end and took a lot of determination as I did it without a patent lawyer and was told many times I wouldn’t get one. But I KNEW it was an original product and so just kept going and now I am the owner of a UK patent, a European design registration and a registered trademark for most of the world. What major problem/effect do you hope to solve/have with this product? Initially I invented the holo so you could actually enjoy your holiday whilst pregnant, relaxing on your front rather than having to sit up. But, it has actually become much more useful than that and has seen many pregnant women using them to sleep, have pregnancy massages, use in a yoga class and most importantly relieve SPD and PGP pains by relieving all the pressure on the hips and pelvis 4 6 A P R / M AY 2 0 2 1

by lying in this position on an airbed which allows movement without any restriction.

“I had summer pregnancies with both my girls and so had two holidays whilst being pregnant. It is not until you get there that you realise that you actually cannot lie down!”

What was your honest reaction when you got your first ever sale? My first sale came after an article appeared in a UK daily newspaper, one day after having a telephone interview. I had sent out hundreds of emails to magazines, newspapers etc and this one who ran the article was one of the biggest daily free newspapers. My email went crazy and I think I sold about 20 in the first day! Unbelievable. It felt unbelievable! What’s the most rewarding aspect of being the creator of this product? I really love hearing back from pregnant mums who have received a holo and tell me it has helped change their pregnancy for the better. Whether it has just helped them have a great holiday, to help them sleep or even help them walk again (as one woman told me) after suffering with terrible SPD. I just feel really proud and I need to keep reminding myself of what I have achieved. If you could speak with someone about to purchase your product, what would you tell them? I would tell them a holo will help you lie on your front as your pregnant belly gets bigger and you become more uncomfortable. It will help ease daily tensions and hopefully relieve any aches and pains. You can use it on holiday or at home, on land or water, for relaxation, massage and sunbathing. Yey! holo-lilo.com

YUMMY MUMMY

MEGHAN IS EXPECTING:

WAYS TO COPE WITH PREGNANCY AFTER A MISCARRIAGE Prudence Wade asks a midwife how to deal with any anxiety an expectant parent might feel. “Staring at the cold white walls, my eyes glazed over. I tried to imagine how we’d heal.” According to the NHS, miscarriages are more common than many of us realise, with about one in eight known pregnancies ending in miscarriage. Sophie King, midwife at pregnancy and miscarriage charity Tommy’s (tommys.org), says celebrating a new pregnancy might feel “bittersweet” for Harry and Meghan, as it can bring back memories of their previous loss. Children born after miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death are often called ‘rainbow babies’ – representative of a rainbow after a storm, but King says it’s important to recognise what you went through before. “Any expectant or new parent may struggle with anxiety, but it can be very hard for those who have lost babies to believe that won’t happen again, or

he Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced they are expecting their second child. In a black and white shot taken remotely by photographer Misan Harriman, the couple are pictured under a tree in Los Angeles and Meghan is cradling her bump. A spokesperson for Meghan and Harry said: “We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child.” In 2020 Meghan suffered a miscarriage, and opened up about her experiences in The New York Times. In a piece entitled ‘The Losses We Share’ she wrote: “I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second. “Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband’s hand. I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears.

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“According to the NHS, miscarriages are more common than many of us realise, with about one in eight known pregnancies ending in miscarriage”

Maternity ward of the stars could be Harry and Meghan’s choice for birth

they may feel guilty for being excited about a new arrival while grieving a sibling,” she explains. Anyone who is pregnant after suffering a miscarriage will have a different experience, but these are some ways you can help ease potential feelings of anxiety…

Connect with people in similar positions “Grappling with these issues can feel very lonely, but networks like Tommy’s Parenting After Loss Support Group on Facebook can help families connect and cope,” says King.

Talk to your doctor When you’re newly pregnant, you might feel nervous about suffering another miscarriage. King recommends touching base with your doctor, saying: “Healthcare professionals also offer support throughout the journey, such as extra scans for reassurance during pregnancy or talking therapy if parents are struggling at any point.” Tommy’s says recurrent miscarriages are ‘very rare’, affecting 1% of people trying to conceive.

Focus on what makes you calm and happy “We’re all different, so the only advice that will apply to everyone is to focus on your physical and mental health, doing things you enjoy or find relaxing, says King. “Grief, pregnancy and parenting are all very tiring, so take it a day at a time and be kind to yourself.”

Express your emotions “Talk to someone you’re close to, or release emotions into a journal, but don’t keep things in – asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, so reach out for support if you need it,” advises King. If you need support, you can contact one of the midwives at Tommy’s free on 0800 014 7800 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or email midwife@tommys.org.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex could choose the maternity ward of the stars for the birth of their second baby. Meghan and Harry’s first child, Archie, was born at London’s private Portland Hospital, favoured by those wanting a moneyno-object birthing experience. And the Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles can offer a similar level of comfort, expertise and exclusivity. The Californian hospital is where celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Jessica Simpson and Kate Hudson are said to have given birth. New mothers are given welcome packs which include nappies and a miniature bottle of wine, gourmet cuisine is also on offer, and, for those who do not want to be spotted arriving or leaving, secret entrances are available. The hospital’s deluxe maternity suite package costs thousands of pounds a night and includes a three-room suite which is said to provide a doula – someone who is not medically trained but helps a women through pregnancy, labour and birth. Facilities provided by hospitals at this level are like fivestar hotels and patients can ask for in-suite manicures, pedicures and a hairdresser so can they leave looking their best. In the black and white photograph the duke and duchess used to announce their good news, Meghan is reportedly wearing a floor-length Carolina Herrera dress. It is believed the outfit was made for Meghan when she was pregnant with Archie but she chose to wear it to mark her second pregnancy. The image of the “overjoyed” couple was shot by their long-time friend and photographer Misan Harriman, who took the picture remotely from London using an iPad. In the picture Harry is resting his hand on Meghan’s head as she lies in his lap cradling her bump.

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YUMMY MUMMY

‘WHY DO BABYGROWS HAVE ALL THESE POPPERS?’

y lovely hubby would ask me this all the time when we had our first baby boy. This got me thinking about the many times I was struggling to match poppers in the dark whilst trying to dress our newborn. I now have two very wriggly little boys who won’t keep still for a second, it’s like wrestling a lion getting them dressed after bath time. So with two busy little guys to deal with I need ZIPPYUP’s more than ever to make nappy and outfit changes quicker and easier. Just over a year ago I got to work on making ZIPPYUP a brand for all those parents like us, slightly tired, run ragged and doing the best we can... we’ll take any help that is offered...if it makes our life easier. Before I promoted myself to the position of Mummy, I learnt my trade working for a company that designed and made many of the clothes you’re probably wearing right now. So I have taken those many years of experience and knowledge and put them to good use by designing and making a babygrow that works well for both the wearer and the dresser. ZIPPYUP babygrows aren’t just well designed, they’re amazing value and made from good quality soft fabric, that’s because I personally source and work with the factories that are making ZIPPYUP

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designs to get the best possible prices and materials. The classic ZIPPYUP original babygrow is made from 100% super soft cotton fabric. The zips are concealed so they do not have contact with your baby’s skin and the tab at the neck ensures the zip puller doesn’t catch on any little chins. The long sleeves have turn back cuffs so you don’t need separate (often lost or odd) mittens and they are long enough for your baby to have lots of hand room. Colour combinations include unisex colours such as aqua with pale grey and traditional white with pale grey. For baby girls we have designed a pink and white stripe. New colour combinations of the classic one-piece ZIPPYUP babygrow are in the pipeline as well as new designs, I’ve taken inspiration from baseball style tees by pairing up interesting colours which look extra cute as babygrows, I look forward to sharing these with you very soon. zippyup.com

“ZIPPYUP babygrows aren’t just well designed, they’re amazing value and made from good quality soft fabric”

“Life-changing” “A complete mind shift” “Wow. I have been on a lot of parenting courses and read a lot of books but this really was a unique experience.”

Conscious Parenting: The Basics 4 part interactive online course A course with a difference: set the bedrock for a respectful, loving parent-child relationship, where healthy boundaries are formed and you parent from the heart. Learn the fundamentals of a connected relationship with your child to enable a collaborative parent-child connection built on trust.

You will learn • How to find calm in the chaos of parenting • Communication strategies so that your child will come to you when they need guidance • Simple tools to strengthen connection to allow your child’s personality to shine • The key elements of being kind to yourself as a carer • Simple mental health tools to support your child at any stage Next courses start: Tuesdays 27 April - 18 May 19:45-21:15 or Tuesdays 4th-25th May 10:00-11:15 Suitable for parents and carers of children of all ages. Small groups of 6 participants. £120 per person caroline@loveparentlove.co.uk | Insta @loveparentlove | 07867 784772 www.loveparentlove.co.uk

BABY CLOTHES WITH ZIPS

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Second baby born six months after the first! ABOUT LOMIE

r Fern Kelly is an international awardwinning scientist, specialist in textile innovation, and has always been an advocate for natural fibres and sustainable processes and practises. For a number of years, as a personal project she’d been working towards launching an athleisure brand made from 100% merino wool. She had wanted to assist in changing the way wool was perceived and the way in which items were produced and consumed. However, she never quite got there. The multipiece collection design and production, in itself, was too complex – particularly when she was trying to bring it all together on top of a demanding full-time role – and it never got past first prototype. Things needed to be stripped right back to the essentials to become manageable. The project got parked. Then Fern became pregnant, had her son and was enjoying maternity leave introducing the world to him. From around 3 months old he became a real dribble monster and the need for bibs was real. At that point they were using standard bibs, which may have looked ok, but became sodden and cold so quickly we were going through multiple per day - and often leading to the poor boy getting a

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terrible dribble rash. On talking to other parents, Fern realised they weren’t the only ones with this issue. A problem existed… When you have a baby, muslin cloths are an essential item for cleaning up spills due to their highly absorbent and quick drying nature. Given these magical qualities, Fern wondered why not also make bibs from the same fabric? The idea behind the LOMIE muslin scarf bibs was born. A single product, highly functional, quality-made with sustainability at its core. Despite herself being a scientist, Fern completed all design, pattern making and prototyping at home, whilst her son was napping. She then went about finding local producers to assist in bulk production. On returning back to full time work, it appeared that her maternity leave had seen the birth of not only one, but two babies. Not only are LOMIE muslin bibs super absorbent, quick drying and soft on the skin, the design has been created to adapt for your growing baby and to have the lowest impact possible. Fern hopes that they change your world as they have hers.

LOMIE’s first products are 100% cotton Muslin Scarf Bibs, with a unique leather Woggle fastening system. The Scarf Bibs are soft on the skin and ultra-absorbent, perfect for catching excess when breast or bottle feeding, and dribble from teething. During the colder months they also add warmth to your baby’s neck, while keeping them looking cool. The Woggle is removable and adjustable allowing the Scarf Bibs to adapt with your growing baby (2 - 24+ months), whilst also keeping the Scarf Bibs 100% plastic free. LOMIE’s goal is to contribute to change, however small that might be, in the way items are created and used. Sadly, nothing lasts forever - especially baby stuff! But because 100% natural fibres are used, and plastic is avoided at all costs, when the time does come to part ways, your LOMIE products can be returned to the earth (or to LOMIE) guilt free. lomiebaby.com

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London’s Coolest Restaurants FOR KIDS

veryone is looking forward to the hospitality industry re-opening their doors with many parents running out of ideas of how to keep their kids amused! There are countless London restaurants that welcome families and offer special kids’ menus and fun activities to keep little ones entertained! It is important to note that if your child has food allergies or sensitivities, confirm before you go that the restaurant is able to accommodate these restrictions. Here’s our pick of child-friendly restaurants that have a little something for everyone...

BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP

STICKY FINGERS, KENSINGTON Founded by Bill Wyman, bass player with the Rolling Stones, Sticky Fingers (taking its name from the Stones’ album) is a must visit for the whole family who likes to have a great time! Food at Sticky Fingers as the name suggests, is designed for getting your hands and face messy….. and that goes for the grown-ups too! The much loved steak and ribs restaurant has a children’s menu catering for under 12’s. And you can’t get more child-friendly than an ice cream float from the soda fountain! Mums deserve a treat too so for pure and naughty indulgence check out the freak shakes! You can also celebrate Birthdays in style at Sticky Fingers whether it’s for the little one or the older members of your family, they will make sure it is special. 1A Phillimore Gardens, W8 7QB Tel: 020 7938 5338 stickyfingers.co.uk

Give the little ones a taste of America’s Deep South at this Forrest Gump themed fun restaurant. Capturing the essence of the hit movie, shrimp is of course their speciality with a menu also including American burgers, steaks, grills and ribs, crisp salads and naughty desserts! Bubba Gump Shrimp serves kids’ favourites such as popcorn shrimp, chicken strips and macaroni cheese as part of its children’s menu; while, for dessert, they can even build their own sundae from delicious sweet treats! 13 Coventry Street, Piccadilly, W1D 7AB Tel: 0203 763 5288 bubbagumpshrimp.co.uk

HARD ROCK CAFÉ Take the kids to their newest flagship cafe and Rock Shop in Piccadilly Circus. Discover food, entertainment and culture spanning over 1,900 square metres on two floors. Take your children down your memory lane with authentic, one-of-akind memorabilia from decades of music history, from British music legends and international stars alike. The tasty menu is freshly prepared American cuisine includes mouth-watering steaks, sizzling fajitas and succulent burgers. There is a menu specifically designed for the under 10’s with wonderful names such as Ain’t Nothin’ But a Hot Dog and Skiddley’s Not-So-Diddly Chicken Breast! 5 4 A P R / M AY 2 0 2 1

PLANET HOLLYWOOD Criterion Building, 225-229 Piccadilly, W1J 9HR. 020 7287 4600. hardrockcafe.com/ location/piccadilly-circus

GORDON RAMSEY RESTAURANTS A great introduction to fine dining for your children – and it doesn’t get any better than this! The ultimate in family dining - there are Kids’ Menus with great offers, magicians, face painting, activity boxes and more! And incredible Children’s Party Experiences - Ice-Cream Parties at Heddon Street Kitchen, Pizza Parties at Bread Street Kitchen and Cookies & Cup Cake Parties at Hidden Heddon. A fantastic and enjoyable way for your pride and joy to discover their culinary skills – and looking the part in their own little chef apron! Contact the Gordon Ramsey team on 020 7592 1373. gordonramsayrestaurants.com

favourites, such as fish and chips, burgers, caesar salad, pulled pork and quesadillas. 20 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7EU. Tel: 020 7434 3111

ED’S EASY DINERS Enjoy American-style dining at its best! An authentic diner that captures the spirit of the American Dream. High stools, thick milkshakes, over ten tasty burgers and Foot Long Hot Dogs - makes this restaurant a great hangout for all ages. And for younger children under 10 they can choose from Ed’s Junior Menu including a main, side and drink for only £5.99! With feel good retro music you will be smiling throughout your meal. Located at Victoria Shopping Centre, Buckingham Palace Road SW1, Watford, Lakeside Shopping Centre and Cambridge. edseasydiner.com

A visit to Planet Hollywood is always a big hit with families and is located in the heart of the West End near the bright lights of Leicester Square. There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained including colouring sets and movie memorabilia. With delicious food on offer including burgers, hot dogs, fries and ice cream you can’t really go wrong! Their Kids’ Meal Deal caters for 12 years and under. There are big screens throughout the restaurant showing film clips, videos and trailers while you eat providing a fun atmosphere for all the family to enjoy. 57-60 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4QX. Tel: 020 7287 1000

GIRAFFE

RAINFOREST CAFÉ Let the kids go wild watching waterfalls, lightning, rain, animals and real tropical fish at the Rainforest Café. bringing together the sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest in a vibrant and exciting atmosphere of fun for all the family. See the venue brought to life by elephants, gorillas, jaguars, crocodiles, gorillas, mechanical butterflies and orangutans, together with tropical fish tanks and a thunderstorm! All adding up to an exciting dining experience for all ages. There is an extensive international à la carte menu that includes classic

Eating out with young kids doesn’t have to be a battle. A restaurant meal is a social event and an opportunity to spend time together – eating, talking, playing games like I Spy, drawing, and just generally having fun. The more engaged your little ones are, the more likely they will be well behaved!

With plenty of healthy options, you can take your kids for a guilt-free meal at Giraffe at outlets across London. Whether porridge, fresh fruit or pancakes for breakfast; or salmon, omelette or nachos for lunch, your kids will love tucking into the fresh fare at this relaxed eatery. Don’t miss their Kids Menu Deal – a main meal, drink and dessert for only £6.50! No restrictions, available all day every day with tasty choices including bangers, pizza and pasta and yummy Strawberry & Banana Lollipops and Choc Brownies - your kids will be spoilt for choice! Located Victoria, Spitalfields, Southbank Centre, Kings Cross and Heathrow Airport. giraffe.net A P R / M AY 2 0 2 1 5 5

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PRE AND POSTNATAL PHYSIOTHERAPY

regnancy is amazing and a life changing experience, but it can play havoc with your body as it transforms during pregnancy as your body undergoes dramatic change in a fairly short period of time. As the baby grows your hormones, posture and balance change. As the baby gets heavier, the pressure inside your abdomen and down onto your pelvic floor muscles increases, meaning your pelvic floor muscles need to stay strong to support the weight of the baby and to prevent urine leakage. Muscles, joints and ligaments undergo many changes which affect the whole body, and it is common to experience a variety of musculoskeletal symptoms. Prenatal Physiotherapy Some common conditions you may experience during pregnancy include: • Pelvic girdle/ Hip/ Groin/ Pubic pain • Lower back/ Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain/ Sciatica • Thoracic/ Rib pain • Pelvic floor weakness and Urinary incontinence • Carpal tunnel syndrome As every pregnancy is different you need an experienced physiotherapist who will design a specific program to suit your needs. This may include assessment and strengthening of the

pelvic floor and core muscles, joint mobilisations, massage, an exercise program to maintain flexibility and strength, education and advice. Postnatal Physiotherapy Post pregnancy and delivery (vaginal or caesarean), there will understandably be a weakening of your pelvic floor muscles, these are vital for continence, pelvic stability and sexual function. To prevent long term problems start pelvic floor exercises as soon as possible. Postnatally you will find yourself holding your baby in sustained positions and doing lots of lifting, which can lead to many aches and pains. Common problems experienced postnatally include: • Stress and urge incontinence • Pelvic and Lower back pain • Upper back and Neck pain • Diastasis Recti (Abdominal separation) Ideally a Postnatal MOT should be performed, by a physiotherapist experienced in womens health, from 6 weeks postnatally (after you have had your GP check-up). This should include assessments of pelvic floor , pelvis , SIJ and lumbar spine , abdominal separation, scar and return to sport/ exercise and then a personalised treatment plan is formulated together with advice on nutrition, sleep, posture and ergonomics But even if your pregnancy was years ago, it’s never too late!!!

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About the Author Farhana is passionate about restoring pain-free movement and function in patients. An expert in male and female health as well as MSK physiotherapy rrmg.com

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HOW CAN I HELP MY YOUNG CHILD TO LOSE WEIGHT? M An early years expert explains parents should instead focus on the amazing things healthy food and exercise can do for our bodies.

y four-year-old daughter is overweight, but we struggle to get her to eat healthy foods and try new things. How can we talk to her about weight and eating in a way she’ll understand? Child psychologist and early years teacher Hannah Tranah, childcare development manager at Storal Learning nurseries (storal-learning.co.uk), says: “Talking to children about weight and size in the wrong way can be harmful, so it’s important to go about this the right way – you want them to be healthy, but you also want them to be accepting of their bodies. “For very young children, the best thing to do is avoid any discussion around weight, size or BMI – these metrics are not the best indicators of health. Instead, factors like nutrition and physical activity play a much more significant role. So the focus should be on the amazing things eating healthy foods and exercising can do for our bodies, like giving us the energy to run, jump and play. “You should also check in on how you and other adults your child spends time with interact and talk about body image and weight. Children copy our behaviour, so if they grow up around adults who consistently criticise their own bodies or the bodies of others, they’re likely to take on this negativity too. “While it’s critical for children to gain an understanding of why a balanced diet and exercise is important, for very young children the most effective approach is ‘less talking, more doing’. To make lasting change, lifestyle adjustments should be gentle and fun. Healthy eating should be a priority for the whole family, not just for your children. “Realise that as the parent, you have the most control over what the family consumes, so analyse

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your weekly shop and wherever you can, cut down on the junk and make healthy swaps in stages. “Try not to worry, as children’s tastes often change with age. Ensure your daughter is given the same food as the rest of the family and make sure you all eat together. Praise her when she tries something new and be patient if she’s slow. This ‘gentle changes’ approach also goes for physical exercise and movement. Getting children into the habit of exercising when they’re young and full of energy is much easier than when they’re in their teens or in adulthood. “Try out different forms of movement and exercise as a family (even if it’s walking to school instead of driving) and see if there are any physical activities your daughter might be interested in – whether this is taking up in a class or team activity with her friends. This might take some trial and error, but pace it gradually – don’t enrol your daughter in five different new hobbies at once, take your time with it and you’ll be sure to find something she enjoys.”

“Try not to worry, as children’s tastes often change with age”

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Get fast treatment for minor accidents, injuries and illnesses with no waiting times Casualty First provides excellent urgent care for all the family

asualty First’s urgent care centre at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital in St John’s Wood provides first class care and treatment for all the family for a range of minor accidents, injuries and illnesses with safe, efficient consultations without the wait.

No waiting times – just book an appointment The urgent care unit is open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and has same day appointments and no waiting times so patients are seen quickly and are guaranteed to receive tailored care promptly. The highly valued service is currently operating on an appointment only basis but booking is easy and made over the telephone, allowing patients to choose convenient times for their consultations.

A wide range of treatments The clinic offers a wide range of treatments for 6 0 A P R / M AY 2 0 2 1

urgent injuries and illnesses, including: sports injuries; fractures, soft tissue injuries, sprains and strains; ear, nose and throat conditions; eye conditions; stomach, bowel and bladder problems; gynaecology; travel vaccinations and general medical conditions. Instant referrals are also available within their fully equipped on-site private general hospital to over 500 expert Consultant specialists.

Safety assured The Hospital has been recognised by Bupa as a COVID-19 Green Zone for complying with the UK guidance on COVID-19 infection control.

Visit Casualty First Located at the entrance of St John & St Elizabeth Hospital in St John’s Wood, North London, Casualty First is a self-pay service with treatment available for all the family, including children from the age of one year.

THE DETAILS Book your appointment by phone on 0207 432 8300 casualtyfirst.co.uk Open 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday St John & St Elizabeth Hospital; 60 Grove End Road, London, NW8 9NH

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Screening and ultrasound scans at The Kensington Wing The Kensington Wing is a dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable ensuite private rooms and hospitality services along with a wide range of additional services during pregnancy and after birth care. Throughout pregnancy they provide a range of screening and scanning options from the initial dating/viability scan to gender scanning, detailed anatomy and fetal wellbeing scans. The ultrasound scans are performed by their Fetal Medicine Consultants, and a Screening Midwife will be on hand to guide you through your results and options for other screening services.

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SCREENING

ULTRASOUND SCANS

The Kensington Wing also provides screening services including the combined test and a NonInvasive Prenatal Test (NIPT). NIPT is the most accurate way of estimating the risk of a baby having Down syndrome, Edward’s syndrome or Patau syndrome. The NIPT test differs from traditional screening for chromosome abnormalities, such as, the Combined Test and the Quadruple Test because it analyses the baby’s DNA rather than ultrasound features and/or hormone levels in the blood. The cell free DNA is present from early pregnancy and is undetectable 2 hours after the baby is born. This means a NIPT test is highly accurate and gives a strong indication of whether the baby is at high or low risk of having trisomies 21, 18 and 13. The NIPT detects 99% of babies with Down and Edwards syndrome. For Patau’s syndrome it will detect 92-99% of babies. At an NIPT appointment you will discuss the purpose and limitations of the test, the timeline for results and the implications of the result. There will be ample opportunity to ask questions during this consultation, a sample of your blood will be taken and transported to the laboratory the same day.

The ultrasound scan aims to determine the number of babies present, the expected date of delivery, to check the anatomy of the baby, and to determine whether the pregnancy is developing normally inside the womb. They provide the highest standard of care by highly skilled specialist consultants in fetal medicine. Routine scans by consultants are performed for the following indications: • Dating/Viability scan • Nuchal screening and first trimester scan at 11-14 weeks • Gender scan • Early anomaly scan 16-19 weeks • Anomaly scan at 19-22 weeks • Uterine artery Doppler screening • Cervical length assessment • Growth scan or fetal wellbeing scan • Placental localisation • Reduced fetal movement • Post-dates pregnancy The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions. Please call them on 020 3315 8616 or email kensington@chelwest.nhs.uk

The Kensington Wing offers you and your birth partner a safe, warm and welcoming private maternity experience in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Around the clock clinical care and hospitality services complement the expertise and peace-of-mind afforded by one of London’s leading teaching hospitals. The Kensington Wing provides: • Midwife and consultant led packages of care • Private consultation rooms for antenatal appointments • 24/7 onsite consultant anaesthetist support • Immediate proximity to the hospital’s neonatal intensive care facilities • Postnatal en-suite private rooms for you and your partner • Luxury postnatal suite, The Kensington Suite • Bespoke antenatal classes • Lactation consultant • Water birth workshops • Complimentary therapy • Postnatal support in your home by our dedicated team of midwives • Full range of catering services including afternoon tea, fine wine and champagne For more information about the packages and services that are available please contact the team on 02039 938 683 or email kensington@chelwest.nhs.uk. All private care income is reinvested into our NHS services. The Kensington Wing is part of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. © 2020 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. thekensingtonwing.co.uk

SAFETY COMFORT PRIVACY

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How new mums can manage anxiety

Psychotherapist Anna Mathur tells new mums how they can calm themselves by controlling their thoughts.

’m so anxious about my baby - if there’s a spot on her skin I think she’s got a serious illness, and I’m frightened she won’t meet her milestones. How can I calm down and enjoy motherhood more? Psychotherapist and maternal mental health expert Anna Mathur, author of Mind Over Mother, says: “As mothers, we become more vigilant and aware of risks and possibilities. So, be kind to yourself first and foremost. It’s incredibly common to have these concerns. “Anxiety makes you aware of risk, signalling to your body to respond quickly in order to preserve life. However, when this response is consistently activated unnecessarily by fear-based thoughts, it hinders your ability to enjoy the good things in life. “Anxiety provides a sense of false control. We may feel that if we live through every worrying potential in our mind, we’d be better equipped to deal with it in reality. However, what actually happens is we feel feelings of fear or grief unnecessarily. “While we can’t control what thoughts pop into our mind, we can take control of how we respond to them. Here are my favourite techniques to calm your thoughts and reclaim control when fear strikes... “When you find yourself playing the ‘what if ’ game, halt the spiral by counting back from 100 in threes. This will distract your mind from the cycle of overthinking.

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“Be wary of where you search for information on health and symptoms. Knowledge can be power until we overwhelm ourselves with it. Choose factual, educational websites rather than trawling through personal experiences, or speak with a doctor. “Use a mantra such as ‘I’ll cross that bridge IF I get to it’. Remind yourself you’ve successfully lived through tough challenges in the past. Therefore, you’re stronger than you may be giving yourself credit for. “Re-ground yourself in the present. Thoughts about the future are based on assumption, whereas what’s happening in the present is real. One grounding technique is to focus on the sounds, textures and smells around you. “Ensure your basic needs are being met. Selfcare is a cornerstone of good mental health. Do what you can to meet your needs for rest, connection and sustenance. When you’re depleted, it’s harder to rationalise anxious thoughts. “List five to 10 things in your life you’re grateful for. Gratitude doesn’t devalue very valid emotions; it simply brings balance to them. Gratitude draws attention from focusing purely on what could go wrong, to what is going right. “If you continue to find yourself regularly feeling fearful and anxious, speak to your doctor or a therapist. While anxiety is common, there are so many ways to successfully ensure it doesn’t impact your enjoyment of motherhood.”

“While we can’t control what thoughts pop into our mind, we can take control of how we respond to them”