Absolutely Mama January 2018

JA N UA RY 2 01 8 I S S U E 1 2 • £ 3 .9 5

Mama

A FRESH START The ultimate new year detox

The Magazine For Stylish Mums

Style Counsel ROCK MAMA JESS MORRIS

PALOMA FAITH

On Motherhood, Music & Privacy ISSUE 12 • JANUARY 2018 MAMA_Jan18_COVER_UK.indd 2

Girls Online

HOW TO MAKE MUM MATES

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R ST Y L I S H M U M S

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T h e S u b s c r i pt i o n FO R ST Y L I S H M U M S

Exclusive offer for Absolutely Mama readers Subscribe today for 12 months and save over 30%*

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Absolutely Mama helping you through each key parental moment from pregnancy through to a child’s early years.

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M A R C H / A P R I L 2 01 7 I S S U E S E V EN • £ 3 .9 5

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Hot Mama

Life Skills

HOW A MINDFUL APPROACH CAN HELP CHILDREN

Style experts helping busy mums look their best

European

CHIC

13/04/2017 16:35

to Mexico

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R ST Y L I S H M U M S

13/02/2017 14:12

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the Chiappa sisters

ISSN 2398-8711

02

9 772398 871005

T H E M AGA Z I N E F O R ST Y L I S H MUM S

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Rethinking maternity style

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R ST Y L I S H M U M S

11/08/2017 14:34

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HITTING THE SLOPES WITH KIDS

GIFTS FOR EVERYONE

WHAT’S ‘NORMAL’?

HOW WOMEN REALLY GIVE BIRTH TODAY

KATE HUDSON On motherhood and movies

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R ST Y L I S H M U M S

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ISSUE NINE • JULY / AUGUST 2017

Stay cosy in the season's stylish essentials

SNOW TIME!

Perfect Christmas

ISSUE ELEVEN • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

ISSUE SIX • JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

COLD COMFORTS

NEW ERA

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The Magazine For Stylish Mums

Marion Deuchars' beautiful books for children

The Magazine For Stylish Mums

THE MAGAZINE FOR STYLISH MUMS

Art of the

MATTER

CHANGING THE RULES ON FLEXIBLE WORKING

Mama

Winter Warmers Hearty recipes from

Stella McCartney Kids meets Smallable

Flex APPEAL

N OV EM B ER / D EC EM B ER 2 01 7 I S S U E EL E V EN • £ 3 .9 5

Mama

Mama

Dream Team

Winter SUN ~ Mama's guide

Cool continental looks for mums & little ones

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DEALING WITH TANTRUMS

P E A R L LOW E From rebel to country girl

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R ST Y L I S H M U M S

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LOSING The PLOT

ISSUE TEN • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017

For littles, from boho to classically beautiful

GETTING PERSONAL

The new hub for creatives

ISSUE SEVEN • MARCH / APRIL 2017

ISSUE EIGHT • MAY / JUNE 2017

STYLE

LISBON

S LE E P S P E C IA L No more tears at bedtime

Wedding

Top places to live

The Magazine For Stylish Mums

The Magazine For Stylish Mums

The Magazine For Stylish Mums

PROVENCE The perfect family retreat

FAMILY LONDON

Penélope Cruz talks motherhood

TH E B I G M OV E Life after London

BACK TO NAPPIES FOR BABY SPICE

Mama

Mama

Mama

EMMA BUNTON

S EP T EM B ER / O C TO B ER 2 01 7 I S S U E T EN • £ 3 .9 5

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Mini Me Style HAVE FUN THIS SUMMER

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R ST Y L I S H M U M S

08/06/2017 11:36

£33 for 12 months OR

£60 for 24 months Follow Us On

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ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY We know that happy children means happy parents, which is why we offer exceptional childcare at our Scott Dunn Explorers kids clubs. They welcome children aged four months to 13 years and are found at luxury hotels in the Mediterranean, the Alps and the Maldives. All our clubs are run by teams of highly trained professionals and we have some of the best adult to child ratios in the business. Kids enjoy exciting on and offsite activities that are tailored around each of the four age groups.

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mama WELCOME

c ontent s JANUARY 2018

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AGENDA 10 M ama loves

30 Keep the Faith

14 What's On

34 Network news

New mama Paloma Faith on how motherhood changes things

Lots of gorgeous things

Events and activities for you and your little ones

16 New books

Fab new books for little ones

ESSENTIALS 21 Home comforts

All the baby kit you need

22 Tot treats

Luxe essentials for toddlers

ON THE COVER: ENVIE DE FRAISE enviedefriase.co.uk

MAMAHOOD 26 Listen and learn

Why podcasts are Mama's best souce of information

The new friendships: how mamas are meeting mamas online

43 Guilty Mother

Mama's columnist on the dreaded New Year's Resolutions

FASHION 46 Fashion Notes

The season's finest looks

55 Insta-mum

How instagram defines a brand

WELLNESS 66 B eauty Notes

Our favourite new products

56 68 Madeleine Shaw Motherhood and nutrition with the 'clean eating' blogger

70 W inter Wellness If 2018 is the year of your detox, read on...

HOME & INTERIORS 80 New additions

The latest kiddie pieces for your home

82 Bunny & Clyde

How the designers launched their styliesh brand

TRAVEL 92 Scottish tradition

Why Gleneagles is the perfect family desination for all ages

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mama WELCOME BOOKS, P16

MORAG TURNER

NINE IN THE MIRROR, P 47

Editor’s

LETTER

W

MINI RODINI, P56

NURSERY NOTES, P80

hat is it about January that makes us so keen to change our lives for the better?

Maybe it’s the hangover from the excess of Christmas or the longing for brighter days in the middle of winter, or simply ticking over into a fresh New Year and all its possibilities.

But what should these resolutions be? Well we have some ideas for you. Make this the year you really look after yourself by starting a health detox. We take a look at the easy ways you can make big difference to your wellbeing – and not a kale smoothie in sight. If you are looking to broden your horizons, or just have a really good laugh, check out our pick of the best podcasts, from the amusing to the enlightening. Or what could be more important, or more enjoyable, than making new friends?

Molly Whitehead-Jones from the Mama’s Collective shares the best ways to meet other like-minded mums. From apps to clubs, if you want to share the ups and downs of motherhood with others, there are loads of great ways to do it. I wish you all a very happy 2018!

THINGS WE LOVE, P10

Mo r a g T u r n er E DITOR

@morag_turner morag@zest-media.com

T h e M a g a z i n e Fo r S t y l i s h M u m s

Mid-weight Designer: REBECCA NOONAN Production Manager: CHRIS COUCHMAN Finance Director: JERRIE KOLECI Directors: GREG HUGHES & ALEXANDRA HUNTER Managing Director: SHERIF SHALTOUT

@ A B S O L U T E LY M A M A

For editorial enquiries please email: morag@zest-media.com

absolutely-mama .co.uk

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Editor: MORAG TURNER Editorial assistant: GEORGIA MCVEIGH Contributing Editor: APPHIA MICHAEL Commercial Director: LEAH DAY Commercial Manager: ROCHELLE STREATER Marketing Manager: LUCIE PEARCE Art Director: PHIL COUZENS Senior Designer: PAWEL KUBA

For media partnership enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: lucie@zest-media.com

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Part of the

LON DON OFFICE : 197-199 City Road, London EC1V 1JN, UK ABU DHABI OFFICE: FACT M.E FZ-LLC, Office 907E, TwoFour54, Park Rotana Complex, P.O Box 769328, Abu Dhabi UAE zest.london To read the lastest issue of Absolutely Mama subscribe at gb.readly.com/absolutelymama

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Januar y 201 8

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10 things we Absolutely

LOV E From innovative buggies to inspirational stories

TOUCH OF PARIS Lou is Lou is e Based in France, Louis Louise is one of our favourite designers at the moment.

This label is a perfect way to add a touch of class to the everyday with some Parisian chic. littlecircle.co.uk

QUIRKY COLOURS Noé & Zoë

Taking inspiration from elements of fancy dress, Noé & Zoë's contemporary label is all kinds of fun.

Coming in a spectrum of colours, the quirky homewear and clothing is characterful and cool. noe-zoe.com

Buggy bonanza

B a by ze n Yo Yo + These fully collapsible buggies are lightweight, can be carried as a bag and even travel as hand-luggage. Say goodbye to the days of struggling with levers, and welcome to the new era of ease. £336. smallable.com

Inspire me

Little Pe ople, B ig Drea m s We just love this adorable series of books that feature the life stories of inspirational people from scientists to designers. There's no better way to get your little one dreaming big. £9.99 amazon.co.uk

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ma m a LOVES

POTENT PRINTS

Da rin Mou nt A rtwo r k These graphic pop-art prints by Darin Mount Artwork will make a statement wherever you put them. Combining pastels with bold lines to capture famous landmarks, we love the modern feel of this Cambridge street scene. £15 notonthehighstreet.com

Paper Craft

St ud i o S n owp up p e These Dutch origami experts produce a huge range of beautiful light shades in folded paper. High quality fabric cables and fittings come in contrasting colours for a stylish contemporary look. studiosnowpuppe.nl

r’s editock pi

Chic Chick

Ti ba + Ma r l Tiba + Marl's luxury changing rucksacks are versatile, edgy and practical. With compartments for both baby and mama, they redefine the traditional nappy bag to create a cool, cosmopolitan alternative. tibaandmarl.com

Dust off

Mo o n Jui ce Beauty Dust is the best way to get yourself feeling well again after an over-indulgent festive season. Add to any drink to replenish your skin, reduce stress, and reinvigrate your cells for a whole new you. £39 net-a-porter.com

STREET STLYE

S ome day S oon The brainchild of a Danish couple who struggled to find fun and fashionable clothes for their son, Someday Soon takes its inspiration from streetwear. While their simple designs were originally for boys, there's growing interest from girls, too! someday-soon.com

Booster pack

Al p h a b et B a g s What better way for a boost than this fun little pouch? Keep your essentials together and improve your self-esteem every time you whip it out. alphabetbags.co.uk

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Snowy tales...

...and flights of imagination.

We’ve got your winter reading covered!

If you love reading, tune in to

and listen out this DINOvember for these prehistoric favourites from WIde Eyed Editions!

Find out more by visiting: www.funkidslive.com/podcasts @QuartoKids

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@QuartoKids

@QuartoKids

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agenda W H AT ' S O N p . 14 • T H E B E ST N E W R E A D S FO R LI T T LE S p . 16

Pinocchio Until April 2018 Lyttleton, National Theatre

This spectacular new production is brought to the stage by an extraordinary team including the director of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the writer of Matilda the Musical. Featuring unforgettable music and songs from the Disney film, Pinocchio comes to life as never before. nationaltheatre.org.uk

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W H AT ’ S ON

You and your little elves will have the Christmas adventure of a lifetime

3 PL AC E S FO R F U N AN D LE AR N I N G Exciting and educational events to entertain them this month

Whales: Beneath the Surface Ongoing Natural History Museum

Courtesy of Magic Light Pictures

Dive through one of the world’s most compelling evolutionary journeys to explore the extraordinary lives of whales.

Cromwell Road, SW7; mhm.ac.uk

Revolting Rhymes 12 February Southbank Centre

Magic Light Pictures bring fairytales with a mischievous twist with live music from Southbank Sinfonia.

Belvedere Road, SE1; southbankcentre.co.uk

Last chance

Cirque du Soleil OVO From 7 January  Royal Albert Hall

Cirque du Soleil returns to the Royal Albert Hall with the UK debut of OVO. A colourful carnival of crazy crickets, amazing ants and flexible fleas, OVO uncovers the ground at our feet. Rush headlong into an ecosystem teeming with life in this non-stop riot of energy, movement and mind-blowing, high-flying acts. royalalberthall.com 14

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Under the Sea 24 January Biscuiteers

Learn to master the art of Biscuiteers’ Under the Sea collection in this two-hour workshop. You and the little ones will learn how to pipe and ice like a pro.

13 Northcote Road, SW11; biscuiteers.com

absolutely-mama.co.uk

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Edtor’s pick

agenda

WHAT'S ON

London Mime Festival From 10 January Various Locations

The London International Mime Festival is a unique event in the family theatre calendar; a chance to see the very best in contemporary and cutting-edge circus, dance, physical theatre, object manipulation and more. From Lynchian magic to juggling inspired by Indian dance, there is much to be amazed by.

Various locations including Central Saint Martins, Barbican and Sadler’s Wells; mimelondon.com

H A M P TO N C O U R T PA L AC E

ICE RINK

HISTORY LIVE

Until 7 January Hampton Court Palace

here’s still time to get your skates on and ring in the new year with this most regal of outdoor activities. Perfect for all ages and abilities, the former home of Henry VIII invites guests to take part in this magically seasonal skating experience which sees the palace’s iconic facade illuminated with twinkling lights. The rink also features a cafe and bar, perfect for perking up between skate sessions.

East Molesey, Molesey, KT8 hrp.org.uk

T

Saturdays and Sundays throughout January Cutty Sark

ump aboard to hear Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to life by characters from the ship’s past.

Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master; Jock Willis, the man who built Cutty Sark; Nannie, the ship’s figurehead; or the ship’s cook, James Robson, who all have an extraordinary story to tell. Suitable for ages 3+. rmg.org.uk/cuttysark

J

3 Shows for the Season A L A D D I N TH E M U S I CA L

A LI C E I N W I NTE R L A N D

TH E S N OW Q U E E N

Disney’s spectacular musical is everything you could wish for. The classic hit features all the songs from the award-winning score alongside new pieces.

Old Compton Street, W1D; aladdinthemusical.co.uk

Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and discover a magical world of wonders in this new adaptation featuring gorgeous music and strikingly imaginative designs, puppetry and projections.

24-26 High Street, KT1; rosetheatrekingston.org

Follow this epic journey of selfdiscovery as they try to save Kai from the icy spell of the Snow Queen’s cold kiss. Can Gerda melt his heart before he forgets her forever?

240 The Broadway, SW19; polkatheatre.com

Ongoing Prince Edward Theatre

Until 7 January Rose Theatre Kingston

Until 4 February Polka Theatre

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New Year

BOOKS

Entertaining, informative and funny things to read out loud this month

This is Planet Earth

Wo r d s P E A R L B OY D

COLLECTIVE EFFORT

MY COLLECTION OF COLLECTIONS

by Nina Chakrabarti

HERE WE ARE

by Oliver Jef fers

Subtitled Notes for Living, this book explores what makes our planet and how we live on it. The enduring message is that we all need to be kind. It's a gentle and informative read from the man behind enduring classic Lost and Found. £14.99  harpercollins.com

Nina Chakrabarti invites you to explore different kinds of collection in this new, beautifully illustrated book. As you go through the pages you can complete and personalise the collections with beautiful stickers, spaces to write or draw, and even a special envelope for you to start a collection of your very own. £12.99  laurenceking.com

Editor's pick

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Mama loves

agen d a

BOOKS

WELL READ

THE BOOKSHOP GIRL

by Sylvia Bishop

Th is story is about a little girl named Property Jones, so-called because she was left in the lost property cupboard of a bookshop when she was five years old.

Property loves living in the bookshop, but she has a whopper of a secret… she can’t actually read... £5.99  scholastic.co.uk

R E CO R D BREAKERS G U I N N E S S WO R LD R ECO R DS 2018

by Guinness World Records

Daddy robber

Th is has been an annual phenomenon since its fi rst outing in 1955 and it's back for 2018 with a new section for superheroes and a whole separate volume for animals and their amazing achievements. Discover the fastest, highest and heaviest everything, and marvel at the world's longest fi ngernails.  £20, guinnessworldrecords.com

BA D DA D

by David Walliams

David Walliams' tenth novel for children is as fresh, funny and original as his fi rst. Bad Dad is is about a boy named Frank whose dad is thrown into prison for driving the getaway car in a bank robbery. £12.99  harpercollins.co.uk

PUPPY LOVE T H E H U N D R E D A N D O N E D A L M AT I A N S

by Dodi Smith

The Folio Society's beautiful new edition of Dodi Smith's classic The Hundred and One Dalmatians is introduced by former Children’s Laureate Jacqueline Wilson, who explains how the book won her heart when she fi rst read it as a child. Sara Ogilvie’s charismatic duotone illustrations heighten both the fun and energy of the story. £39.95  foliosociety.com

U N D E RWATE R WO R LD S BLUE PLANET II

by James Honeyborne and Mark Brownlowe

More than 200 breathtaking photographs will provide endless fascination even for those too small to read any of the words in this beautiful book to accompany the recent TV series. Even the tiniest tots were captivated by the underwater scenes on the screen, so now they can look through these pages at bedtime too.  £25, BBC Books Januar y 201 8

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quantum multi mode stroller

The new Quantum stroller.

Everything you need from day 1 to 4 years xl seat capacity

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adaptors included

xl basket

uk.diono.com

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Te ch k i t TOP PERFORMANCE

With a nod to performance wear, grey is the primary colour in Stokke's new Xplory Athleisure buggy. Its technical fabrics have been carefully selected for their wicking and quick-dry properties. £869 stokke.com

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At Home Best for babies by day and night

Wo r d s G E O RG I A M C V E I G H

5

1. Colour splash

2. Sea change

3. Carry me close

4. Pram-handling

5. Step softly

Wee Gallery These fun little books from Wee Gallery retain your little one’s attention by bursting into colour as they hit water. Suitable for all ages, they change the bathtime dynamic, encouraging a love of water and learning alike. £9 • thelittlenaturalco.co.uk

Little Baby Company The Reva Seagrass Changing Basket is an all-natural and stylish alternative to the traditional table-top.

The chunky seagrass weave will make you think of babies left in the rushes, while remaining aesthetically pleasing. £45 • littlebabycompany.com

Cybex YEMA Th is versatile baby carrier allows you to keep baby close without putting undue stress on your back or hips.

Suitable for newborns up, it can even be worn sideways and comes in a variety of beautiful designs, including the new leather-look. £150 • cybex-online.com

Franck & Fischer Franck & Fischer's pramrattle adds elegance and entertainment to any outing. The hand-crocheted forest figures will enchant your little one, while the fun designs will add a splash of colour to otherwise drab walks in the rain. £31 • cottage-toys.co.uk

Gray Label Made from only the softest organic Italian fleece, we love these beautifully stiched baby booties, perfectly paired to be fi rst shoes. Guaranteed to keep toes warm and cosy, the days of struggling with socks will be long gone. £20 • thelittlenaturalco.co.uk

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6. Nappy news Kit + Kin Kit + Kin's biodegradable nappies combine practicality and cuteness.

Crafted from entirely plantbased materials, they're uber soft on skin and last up to 12 hours; not to mention the adorable array of designs to pick from. £9.99 • kitandkin.com

7. Brush smooth

8. Canvas carriers

9. Dress-up

10. Fine dining

Petit Stellou The eco-friendly Swiss design hairbrush from Petit Stellou is a crucial addition to any wash bag.

Its simply designed handle and bristles made from the softest goats hair can be used on both hair and skin to soothe your little one. £20 • thelittlenaturalco.co.uk

Marie Chantal These Italian-made nappy bags channel the canvas craze. They boast supple leather straps, custom-made changing mats - plus plenty of pockets for bits and bobs.

They're the designer bags you’ll want even if you’re not a mum. From £495 • mariechantal.co.uk

Molly and Moo A bathtime staple, the Beau Bunny hooded towel wraps baby in extra soft 100% cotton for those cold winter mornings, while the longeared hood keeps his head warm. Available in white or grey, keep your little bunny cosy this winter. £24 • mollyandmoo.co.uk

Nuna The new ZAAZ highchair from Nuna is a streamlined vision of the future of mealtimes. With a compact body and removable parts, it supports your baby’s evolution into childhood.

And what’s more - it’s dishwasher friendly. £200 • shopnuna.co.uk

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Winter

Whiles Fun pursuits for indoors and out this winter Wo r d s G E O R G I A M C V E I G H

Home and Away THE LITTLE NATUR AL CO.

Putting an original spin on the traditional dolls house, the Holdie House contains two storeys and is lightweight enough to be carried in small hands. So their imagination can be packed up and taken with them wherever they go. £55 thelittlenaturalco.co.uk

Time to shine

CREATE ILLUSTRIES

BOBBY RABBIT

Small and sparkly, these astrological hair slides will brighten up any grey day. The combination of felt, gold thread and glitter gives each one an individual feel, and adds a twinkle to any outfit. £6 bobbyrabbit.co.uk CAMP BESTIVAL: THE GRANDADDY

Those early days are among the most precious you'll have, and what better way to capture them than with this beautifully designed 'Hey Baby' memory book from Illustries? With a timeline and space for hand and footprints, don't rely merely on memory. £22.95 illustries.com

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essentia ls TODDLER

Rock it

LITTLE BIRD TOLD ME

This eco-friendly range of beautifully crafted soft toys, rocking horses and sit-on animals are a staple in any play-room. We love the range from the traditional to the wacky; any of this gorgeous collection is guaranteed to brighten up a room. littlebirdtoldme.co.uk

GO WILD SOPHIE ALL SOP

Sophie Allsop's gorgeous safari backpack is a great addition to any adventure. Even as the weather turns colder, the fun printed collation of exotic animals will have you dreaming of waterholes and warmer climes. We love the little elephants. £19 jojomamanbebe.co.uk

editor's pick

Rainy days BLOOMINGVILLE KIDS

The cheerful message and adorable teddy bear emblazoned on this umbrealla from Bloomingville kids is guaranteed to make morose moods and rainy blues a thing of the past. Add a touch of sunshine to every walk in the rain. £12 smallable.com

Cosy covers HARRIET HARE

This adorable mini duvet set is perfect for tucking up toys.

Not only does it encourage an early bedtime, the design is the carbon copy of Harriet Hare’s human bedsheet collection - so both baby and bunny can go to sleep in style. £22 harriethare.com

TENT TIME DJ ECO

From French designers Djeco, this new bright and bold teepee speaks for itself. We love the simple but striking design which makes a statement without being too overwhelming. £59 tickety-boo.co.uk

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*Offer is available on orders over £60 until 30/04/18. Excludes sale items, baby wear and the bump kit.

14:26 06/12/2017 16:38

mamahood M A M A' S FAVO U R I T E P O D C A ST S p . 2 6 • PA LO M A FA I T H S P E A K S O U T p . 3 0 FINDING NEW MAMA FRIENDS – THE APPS p.34

Truth or dare

THE SCUMMY MUMMIES

Wondering what a scummy mummy is?

Basically she's the opposite of a yummy mummy. The Scummy Mummies comedy duo host a fortnightly chat show for lessthan-perfect parents who accept that looking after children is infinitely more bearable if we can all laugh about it sometimes. scummymummies.com

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Listen up

Podcasts are a wonderful resource for mamas lacking the time to sit and read. Here are some of our favourite ones Wo r d s M O R AG T U R N E R Illustration PHIL COUZENS

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t can be all too easy to lose touch with the world when you are raising little people. It’s hard to find the time to pick up a newspaper when your toddler needs constant supervision or stay up to watch Newsnight if you’re functioning on five hours' sleep.

One great way to get your current affairs fix is with a podcast. Even if you can’t manage a slot in your day to sit down and focus on a screen or a book, audio is perfect for mums who need to keep their hands free and their eyes on other tiny humans.

Apple recently announced that podcast subscriptions on iTunes had hit the one billion mark for the first time. It might be that you want to listen to the latest news, laugh along with other mums regaling their parenting adventures or broaden your horizons with something totally different there is a podcast out there to suit everyone’s taste. So whether you have five minutes to put your feet up or want to tune in while multitasking in the kitchen, here’s our pick of some of the best podcasts that we think mums will enjoy listening to.

THE HIGH LOW

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ecause it’s totally acceptable to care about International Woman’s Day and what Kim Kardashian is up to. Journalists Pandora Sykes and Dolly Alderton discuss a range of topics from the serious to the silly.

Inspired by Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown, who coined the term ‘high low journalism’ in the 80s to denote an amalgamation of water-cooler gossip and hard-hitting cultural happenings, their podcast is based on ‘the belief that a life well-lived is one that enjoys both the trivial and the political, from errant chin hair to Trumpian politics’. As Dolly, author of Everything I Know About Love, says, “we will be covering stories far and wide, from brows high and low. There shouldn’t be any shame in enjoying all that life has to offer – even if for one minute, of one day, that might include studying what socks Kylie Jenner is wearing because you think your pal has the same pair.” We couldn’t agree more. ac a st .com /thehi ghlo w sho w

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mamah o o d

P ODCASTS

Januar y 201 8 | 27

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08/12/2017 11:57

Newborn Helper Service

Don’t miss out on the moments that matter Let us help you with your childcare and household tasks.

So you can feel relaxed, rested and happy 020 3002 3637 www.helperbees.co.uk HB.indd 2

15/08/2017 09:19

SCUMMY MUMMIES

mamah o o d

THE LIFESTYLE NEWSHOUND

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he brainchild of TV presenter Emma Forbes and her fashion stylist friend Gemma Shepherd, the Lifestyle Newshound is a mix of celebrity interviews – Jamie Oliver was a recent guest – and conversations about all things lifestyle, from travel to fashion, that are relevant to women over 40 (or heading in that direction). It’s also available on all British Airways planes as part of their inflight entertainment. So if you do find yourself with some quite time on a plane (we know the chances are slim but it might just happen) then you know what to listen to. thelife st ylene whound .com

SCUMMY MUMMIES

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searingly honest and often politically incorrect look a raising small children, this hilarious twice weekly chat show from two London mums, Ellen Gibson and Helen Thorn, has been a huge hit.

Following on from the success of their stand up comedy show, this podcast will have you laughing along as they share the ups and downs of life with kids that all parents can relate to. Guests on the show have included Thomasina Myers and comedian Dara O’Brian. scum mymum mie s .com

WOMEN’S HOUR

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ince 1973 this cult radio show has looked at every imaginable topic from a female perspective and has been listened to by millions daily.

Now their podcasts, presented by the likes of Jenny Murray and Lauren Lavern, can be downloaded to listen in whenever suits you.

Always topical and thought provoking, their discussions include the safest place to raise children (town vs country), menopause and aging and the work life balance.

Tune in and you’ll never be stuck for dinner party conversation again. bbc .co .uk

THE GUILTY FEMINIST

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t’s not hard to see why this podcast has had over 8 million downloads in the past 18 months. Hosted

by Deborah Frances-White, it

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“AU D I O I S P E R F ECT F O R MU M S WH O N E E D TO K E E P TH E I R EY ES O N OT H E R T I N Y H U M A N S”

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THE LIFESTYLE NEWSHOUND

P ODCASTS

is a comedy hour with a political twist. Episodes are recorded live to audiences that sell out months in advance. They are all structured around issues faced by women, with past episodes covering topics from anger to independence, crying and “being bossy”. Presenters and guests set themselves challenges where they confront these issues head on, with invariably hilarious outcomes. Great for an informed giggle. g uilt yfemini st .com

THE LONGEST SHORTEST TIME This American podcast has been a global hit. Hillary Frank hosts the intellectual yet accessible sessions in which no subject is off-limits. It began as a podcast aimed at new parents to let them know that they are not alone, but has grown and evolved and now covers teens, grown children and adults questioning whether they should have children at all. Big-name guests like Katie Couric are invited to contribute on a regular basis. It really is worth tuning in to. lon ge st shorte st ime .com

NO SUCH THING AS A FISH

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or something totally off the wall try this. If you love the TV show QI then this podcast will be a dream come true.

Here the team behind the programme share the most interesting things they have unearthed that week. Expect to enhance your general knowledge and always have a fun conversational gambit to conjure up. qi .com

THE COMMON SENSE PREGNANCY

O

ne for all expectant mums our there. This podcast is packed with useful, practical advice. Women’s health expert, midwife and mother of four Jeanne Faulkner has been at the bedside for thousands of deliveries.

She provides the honest insider advice you need during pregnancy. je annefaulkner.com

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Fa i t h H E A L E R Mama discusses music, motherhood and privacy with Paloma Faith Wo r d s N E I L BA R S T O N

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mamah ood

ecoming a parent is just about the biggest event in anyone’s lives, bringing with it a raft of challenges and unforeseen scenarios that potentially pose the sternest of tests.

For Paloma Faith, the experience of being a new mum may have left her wondering where her next night’s sleep might ever be coming from, yet it’s brought a renewed sense of purpose and focus to her music.

“I’m trying to juggle being a mother and a singer. I have no idea how I am managing, but I am somehow,” she laughs, recounting her whirlwind existence recording her fourth studio album.

The 36-year old Londoner has already amassed an enviable career over the past decade that has seen her become the only female artist beyond Adele to have three double platinum recordings to her name.

While it’s been a road requiring plenty of hard graft, her artfully soulful sound and quirky style have undoubtedly played their part in propelling the Hackneyborn star to success.

The singer’s latest offering, The Architect, follows boldly in its predecessors’ footsteps, showcasing her distinctive powerful vocals that have earned comparisons with everyone from 60s icons such as Etta James and Billie Holiday, through to the late Amy Winehouse.

As she admits, she’s hoping her latest work, partly recorded in America, might yet crack the elusive holy grail of top slot in the album charts. If the slick yet lyrically reflective lead single Crybaby is anything to go by, then the signs are indeed looking promising.

It seems the singer is enjoying a comparatively settled phase of her life living with French boyfriend Leyman Lahcine, and it’s apparent that starting a family has directly influenced her music.

“I do feel my approach to music has changed since I’ve become a parent - which does have an impact. With difficult things that are happening in the world, you feel protective and want to make things comfortable for your family.

“I think things are changing in our history and maybe not for the better, which is something I’m concerned about. I feel there’s a sense of duty to talk about events.”

Much like any other artist in the limelight, her rise has come with the perhaps inevitable burden of being

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PROFILE

followed around by the ever-hungry paparazzi. Everyone from Hello magazine through to the national red-top national papers has been waiting to secure pictures of her new youngster, whom she is keen to shield from unnecessary public attention.

“I value my privacy more so than ever now, as it’s a real responsibility being a parent, and I want my child to know itself first rather than everyone else feeling that they know all about them.”

Such determination to do things on her own terms has proved a consistent theme throughout her career, and something that has helped her stand out from the crowd.

As she recalls of her childhood in East London, the half-Spanish artist says that she always had something of a creative streak. However, it was far from obvious that she was destined to become a singer, with her initial studies being at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

“Growing up in Hackney, I was surrounded by lots of different types of music - from my mum, I remember listening to plenty of revolutionary music from the 60s such as Bob Dylan, while my dad was really into jazz, which is where my interest in all that comes from.

“Later, when I was studying, I got into R and B dancehall as well, and originally I wanted to be dancer. Then I did my musical theatre, and I think that music just chose me,” she explains of her formative years.

From her early CV that spanned everything from being a life model, cabaret dancer and bartender, to a gig as a magician’s assistant, her rich experiences have offered plenty of tales and adventures to fuel her inventive

~

I' M TRYIN G TO J UGGLE BE IN G A MOTHE R AND A SIN GE R . I HAVE N O IDEA HOW I' M MAN AGING

~

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M U T S Y E V O FA R M E R

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WI TH EVERY TH I NG THAT' S H A PPENI NG I N THE WORLD, YO U FEEL PROT ECTIVE OVER YOUR FAMILY

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songwriting. As if to underline her determination, she famously walked out on a deal for a record contract when the agent watching her refused to stop texting on his phone.

Needless to say, it was very much his loss, and the wider music industry’s gain, for Paloma then secured a major deal that set in motion her strikingly memorable debut album.

To her credit, Do You Want The Truth or Something Beautiful? blazed a trail into the top 10, and proceeded to lodge in the album charts for the next 100 weeks. But how does she look back on it now?

“Well, that was nearly 10 years ago, and it was what it was. But I think it is great that I’ve managed to sustain a career as unfortunately not many people get to make more than one or two albums these days,” reflects the singer on what she feels is now an over-saturated market.

By her own admission, trying to sustain a fanbase and avoiding the trap of merely recreating a formula for previous hits has offered plenty of challenges.

But as she enthuses, she is not one to rest on her laurels, and ‘likes to mix things up a bit’ which is certainly the case with her latest material. While her towering vocal abilities have continued to garner contrasts with the late

PROFILE

Amy Winehouse, it’s something Paloma is entirely at ease with.

“I’m flattered by comparisons to Amy. It’s not something I am offended by, though I am quite different.

“When she met me once, she asked if I played an instrument, but I said no, and she said that was a shame as she would really have liked someone like me in her group.

“I was a massive fan of hers, and after watching the documentary about her life, I wrote a song for her, Price of Fame, which is on the new album. Her death was such a tragedy,” adds the vocalist with a note of sadness.

Her down-to-earth manner is a breath of fresh air in an industry awash with egos, and her willingness to give something back was seen with her time on The Voice series.

Beyond being a vocal mentor, she was determined to help those under her wing with additional songwriting classes.

As for her own career, having been nominated several times for a Brit Award, persistence paid off two years ago as she claimed a long-awaited win in the best female solo artist category. Being in an industry that is often quick to cast judgment, she felt there was a real sense of vindication in claiming the coveted accolade.

“It was amazing to win the Brit Award and to finally gain some acknowledgement. I come from a long line of people that haven’t really been acknowledged for what they did. I think there are a lot of people out there doing important work, like doctors and nurses who don’t get that recognition they should.”

With a major award to her name, there has been plenty of hype surrounding her latest release, bolstered by notable additions including an appearance from Samuel L Jackson and a duet with singer songwriter John Legend in the mix.

Besides the album, fans will have to wait a little longer for her next UK tour, which kicks off next March. It’s destined to feature some of Paloma’s trademark self-designed sets to spark the tone for a hit-packed series of shows.

“The only reason I do what I’m doing is because I love touring – as when I’m out there I am excited and feel that I’m in the right place,” adds the engaging singer, who may well have a little more to think about with a young child in tow, yet it won’t stop her from enjoying every single moment.

PALOMA FAITH New album The Architect is out now on RCA Records Januar y 201 8 | 33

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Mum Mates The Modern Mama’s guide to getting out and about and making true friends Wo r d s M O L LY W H I T E H E A D - J O N E S

I

t’s often said that it takes a village to raise a child – but the very nature of 21st century life means that support network you so vitally need as a new mum is unlikely to come ready-made.

A study conducted by The British Red Cross and the Co-op last year highlighted early motherhood as one of the loneliest possible times in women’s lives; research from Channelmum has revealed that 92% of British mums feel lonely, with 54% saying they’ve felt more so since having a family.

And, disturbingly, the biggest source of this isolation comes from “cliquey and bitchy” baby and toddler groups – the very endeavours that are supposed to help us forge new friendships – which 51% revealed they feel excluded from.

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FRIENDSHIP

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“ TODAY'S TECHNOLOGY MAKES IT EASY TO SEEK OUT YOUR OWN TRIBE AND FIND ACTIVITIES THAT ARE STIMULATING FOR BOTH MUM AND BABY ”

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But now modern mums are taking back control. We simply aren’t prepared to make do with the mum mates that NCT deals us, to switch off our brains for mindless baby classes, or spend our maternity leave sinking into a boxset black hole. Why should we be content to settle when today’s technology makes it easy to seek out our own tribe and find activities that are stimulating for both us and our babies?

So how can you meet these women who are as keen as you are to retain their own sense of self in motherhood? Here’s a guide to the apps, events and venues designed to make it easy and fun to create a handpicked ‘village’ of your own.

T

TH E A PP S here’s no need to hang around the local playground/playgroup hoping to bump into a likeminded mama when your phone can help you seek them out from the comfort of your sofa instead.

Peanut, possibly the edgiest of this new breed of ‘mating’ app, lets you swipe through mums in the local area, Tinderstyle, and either ‘wave’ or reject them based on your shared interests. When you sign up, you select three primary interests (among the decidedly-unmumsy-sounding categories you choose from are “Spiritual Gangster”, “Fashion Killa” and “Powered by Caffeine”) which helps ensure you only end up connecting with women on the same page as you.

Other popular apps of this ilk include Mush, which allows you to search for other mothers based on a variety of filters (age,

baby’s age, distance from you, etc), and Mummy Social, where you can arrange and/or sign up for locally-based events.

For those on the cusp of becoming a mum, there’s The Bump, designed to help you meet other pregnant women and get a head start on forging a connection before your babies arrive.

And because it’s often hard to plan outings in advance when you’ve got a baby in tow, there’s also Hoop, which helps you find a whole range of classes and events going on in your local area – perfect for those days when you find yourself going stir crazy in the house and need some ideas for what to do with yourself.

B

TH E M E E TI NG S

ored of baby sensory? Feel like you’ll go mental if you have to sit through another Music Makers class? Then it’s time you headed to an event that’s about you rather than them (and let’s face it, your little one’s not going to mind – they don’t even know where their nose is, let alone that Wednesday’s normally your ‘little yoga’ class…).

The super-cool Mothers Meeting – the original pioneer of this kind of mum-focused meetups – is still going strong, regularly hooking up with top brands and your favourite InstaMums for exciting panel events, focus groups, film screenings and exclusive product launches.

As well as running a great online resource for London parents, SW Mummy organise both family-friendly and mumsonly events (so you can either bond over your kids, or over how nice it is to get away from them for a while).

If you’re outside London, groups like Mamas Collective in Manchester, Mums the Word in Sussex, Mum’s The Word Online in Tunbridge Wells, Love For The Januar y 201 8 | 35

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Redefining changing bags.

The Modern Midwife – Marie Louise introduces the MLM Classic and All Black pre-packed changing bags containing essentials for labour, birth, the first 24 hours of your newborn baby’s life and beyond. Combining 8 years’ experience as a working midwife with British heritage, timeless design and premium quality. MLM bags and contents embody the spirit of Marie Louise.

“Safe, environmentally friendly, trusted and premium products are the hallmark of Marie Louise.”

• • • •

Designed by The Modern Midwife Manufactured in Britain Toxin Free Fabrics Organic Cottons & Products

“Confidence you can carry, created by a midwife for mums everywhere.”

Shop online: www.mlmaternity.com

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Contact Marie Louise: marie@mlmaternity.com

Follow The Modern Midwife for expert advice

12/10/2017 10:57

mamah o o d

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“HOW CAN YOU MEET THOSE WOMEN WHO ARE KEEN TO RETAIN A SENSE OF SELF IN MOTHERHOOD?”

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Mama in Birmingham, Trouble Lounge in Bath, Cheltenham Mamman, are all based on a similar model.

And if you’ve recently started your own business and are looking for advice, the monthly Roundtable XYZ meeting gives you the chance to grill the experts and chat with other parent-preneurs, all while bouncing the baby on your knee.

W

T H E C LU B S A N D C OU R S E S

orld’s away from the horrors of soft play, Purple Dragon provides a safe, welcoming and much more sweet-smelling place where kids can burn off some energy and explore their creativity; mums can join in the fun or kick back for a coffee and chat instead. With branches in both Putney and Chelsea (and plans to open more locations soon), You can

choose the membership package that best suits your needs and access a whole range of stimulating classes and workshops.

Family members club Maggie and Rose – located in Kensington and Chiswick – is designed, in their words, to “provide a beautiful creative space for children in surroundings that appealed to grown-ups too – bye bye chilly church halls, hello inspirational home from home,” while The Cupcake Family Club in Parsons Green offers a similar membership-based programme of fun activities.

And if you’re looking to get out of the capital for a while, spend a little time relaxing as a family and meet others with children of a similar age, try &Breathe Postnatal’s incredible postnatal wellbeing retreats. You can head to either Morocco or France for a restorative weekend of exercise and healthy eating, and childcare’s thrown in.

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THE VENUES

e all know how important coffee is to us mums, but heading to Starbucks with a toddler in tow often leaves them with itchy feet from having to sit still for more than five seconds, and you with a burnt tongue from your hastily-downed flat white.

Thankfully, there are lots of places where you can get your caffeine fix while the little ones run riot, and they’re also great spots to chill with your baby too.

FountLondon in Hackney bills itself as “an oasis for creators and makers, families and parents.” Here, you’ll find plenty of kid-friendly events, fantastic Italian restaurant Il Cudega and a shop stocked to the rafters with beautiful bits and bobs from a huge range of independent brands.

The Little Highness Play Cafe in Highbury runs a range of workshops for kids, and has a soft play section that’s mercifully clean

FRIENDSHIP

The digital directory

Channel Mum: channelmum.com Peanut App: peanut-app.io Mush App: letsmush.com The Bump App: thebump.com Hoop: hoop.co.uk Mummy Social: mummysocial.com Mothers Meeting: mothers-meeting.com SW Mummy: swmummy.co.uk Mamas Collective: mamas-collective.com Mum’s the Word: mumstheword.online Love for the Mama: loveforthemama.com Cheltenham Maman: cheltenhammaman.co.uk Roundtable XYZ: tantrum.xyz Purple Dragon: purpledragonplay.com Maggie and Rose: maggieandrose.com Cupcake Family Club: cupcakefamilyclub.com &Breathe Postnatal: andbreathepostnatal.com FountLondon: fountlondon.com The Little Highness Cafe: happity.co.uk FMLY Store, Bruton: thefmlystore.com

and well-kept. And, if you fancy jumping on the train for a day out in the country, the by-now-legendary FMLY Store in Bruton enables you to not only stock up on all your Selfish Mother goodies but also grab a coffee (or even a glass of bubbles if you visit on ‘Fizz Friday’) alongside a gaggle of other smart, stylish mums.

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ROCK &ROLL MAMA

Mama meets Jess Morris, who is living proof that having children doesn't need to cramp your style. She talks about her brand Rockins and how she took inspiration from her own mother's fashion Wo r d s J OY M O N T G O M E RY

I

f you thought rock and roll was dead then clearly you haven’t met Jess Morris and Tim Rockins. Both tousle-haired and denim-clad, you’d be forgiven for thinking they’d just stepped off the Glastonbury stage.

In fact, this inimitable couple – and parents of two boys, Vincent, 8, and Lenny Blaze, 6 – are the brains behind fashion brand Rockins. Eat your heart out Kooples, because these guys are the real deal.

We meet Jess Morris, one half of the design duo, in the sartorial melting pot that is a fashion PR’s headquarters. We pass rail upon rail of high-end wares before finding Morris standing sentinel beside a line-up of Rockins’ latest designs. Even in such neutral surroundings both designer and collection stand out against the neighbouring brands;

a fashion microcosm that transports us to a world of glam rock, groupies and 1970s Bohemia.

In non-stretch denim, white tee and skinny scarf, Morris is a pure personification of the brand. ‘We were going to do vinyl for next season’, she muses, spotting my high shine vinyl trousers. ‘About six months ago Julia Hobbs from Vogue told me “do vinyl and do it quick!” I just didn’t do it quick enough’, she adds with a throaty laugh. This casual namedropping of the stylish and the star-studded turns out to be a recurring theme throughout our conversation, littering her memories and offering a glimpse into the impressive social network of this fashion PR-turned-designer.

The Rockins love affair began after Tim and Jess met in Notting Hill, working as an illustrator/DJ and fashion PR, respectively.

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PROFILE

JESS MORRIS

Fast forward a few years and they find themselves at home with two kids wondering what to do next. Describing themselves as ‘very Good Life’, the creative pair were known for their homemade Christmas presents everything from Monopoly boards to bespoke vinyl music covers - and one year they created a small run of 1920s inspired silk scarves.

Little did they know that Rockins had just been born.

'The scarves were our entry point into the fashion industry’, Morris explains. ‘Tim and I were always looking for those old 1920s scarves that people wore in the 1970s - it’s the aesthetic we love and what our rock and roll heroes were always wearing - but they just weren’t available. Within two to three seasons our scarves were in so many stores. We caught the wave’.

It’s worth noting that among the group of friends who received the first Rockins scarf were fashion royalty Kate Moss, Jamie Hince and Katie England. As a result Rockins appeared in high profile fashion editorials and even around the neck of Mossy herself. Now that’s what you call promotional gold dust.

Following the success of the scarves, in 2016 Rockins moved into ready-to-wear, selling everything from printed tees and silk

~ “THIS LOVE OF ALL

THINGS RETRO GOES BACK TO HER OWN CHILDHOOD, WITH SATURDAYS SPENT AT HER MUM'S VINTAGE STORE”

~

shirts to waistcoats and non-stretch denim.

Irreverent yet stylish, luxe yet laid-back, the collection is a visual mash-up of Morris’ love of vintage fashion and her husband’s urban aesthetic. ‘We’re heavily influenced by music, it inspires everything we do’, Jess explains.

‘Tim is an ‘80s kid and brings a street vibe to the brand, while I’m stuck in the ‘70s'.

This love for all things retro can be traced back to Morris’ childhood, spending Saturdays working at her Mum’s vintage store.

‘I always loved going to jumble sales - you would put your hand in and come out with all these 1950s fabrics and Victorian lace’, she recalls. ‘This was the 1970s and everyone Januar y 201 8 | 39

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iCoo creates unique solutions to enrich family life

+44 (0)1978 664362 HAUCK.indd 1

www.icoo.de

info@hauckuk.com 09/10/2017 16:55

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PROFILE

looked fantastic because they were wearing second-hand clothes. It was like an amazing dressing up box’.

It’s clear that this immersion in the world of time-worn objects has become embedded in the brand’s DNA. How does Jess reconcile this nostalgia with the fast pace of the modern fashion industry? ‘Originally we said we’d only do two collections a year, all our denim would be well worn in and we’d spend time on customisation’, she says with a wry smile. ‘But it’s tricky when you have an agent constantly asking “what’s next?” and stores wanting newness every month. There’s an impatience and demand in the fashion world that is unavoidable. We’re just trying to keep our charm in a commercial world without selling out’.

Navigating the demands of a contemporary fashion brand might be tricky, but Jess and Tim have fought to hold onto their ‘charm’.

From the packaging, which sees scarves folded into cassette boxes and 7-inch vinyls, to the ‘brandzine’, a print magazine inspired by old music fanzines, you can’t help but be impressed by their dedication.

Rockins husband, Rockins home and even Rockins kids - yup, check out the brand’s Instagram page - Jess Morris is certainly living the Rockins life. ‘I had dinner with Vivienne

[Westwood] on Monday night in Paris and she couldn't believe I was doing my own clothes line’, she says with unwavering casualness.

Yet, despite her obvious successes, Jess still suffers from that all-too-familiar feeling of imposter syndrome. ‘Sometimes I feel like a fraud because I didn’t go to St Martins or train as a designer’, she explains. With such distinctive style, intuitive design skill and impressive contacts to boot, something tells us she’s going to be just fine. rockins.co.uk Januar y 201 8 | 41

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08/12/2017 12:12

is here to help!

We all know how unpredictable babies can be!

Even if you follow a regular routine, no two days are the same, and there are certain trigger times1 when your baby may be more prone to nappy rash 1.Morris H, The bottom line on nappy rash, British Journal of Midwifery, September 2012, Vol 20, No 9, pages 540-543

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Treatment

for Nappy Rash For occasions when it does strike, Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment can be used to treat nappy rash, relieving the irritation and redness.

Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is a medicine. Always read the label.

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Protection

from Nappy Rash For daily protection, use Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment or Easy Spray Barrier Lotion at every nappy change to help protect against the irritants that can cause nappy rash.

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9242 Absolutely Mama

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08/12/2017 22/11/2017 11:56 13:18

guilty mo ther

COLUMN

SLEEP MORE

 A little less scrolling, a little more sleeping.

Do we ever get eight hours sleep? New parents lose out on more than six weeks’ worth of sleep in a single year of caring for a newborn, so perhaps we spend the rest of life trying to fi nd the 42 days we lost along the way.

Guilty Mother

MORE CRAFT WITH THE KIDS

Ringing in the

NEW YEAR

Mama's resident Guilty Mother has hopes for her New Year's resolutions this time round Wo r d s J O W I M B L E- G ROV E S

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ubs and bars around the UK are full of the sound of Auld Lang Syne blaring out, we lock arms and sing out hearts out (even though we don’t know the words). But after all the booze comes a new day and a new year.

Every magazine you pick up will remind you that 2018 is the year of ‘new you’. But what does that even mean?

According to a recent poll, the most common New Year’s resolutions were to exercise more, lose weight and eat more healthily. Last year, after a major blowout of wine and frankfurters on a very jolly Christmas family ski trip, I made the decision it was time for dry January.

I had never done this before. To be honest I don’t believe in new year’s resolutions as they set us up for disappointment, but I felt compelled to give this a go. “More water, less wine” I told myself over and over again. I wasn’t the only one to come up with this bright detox idea. According to the Dry January website (who knew there was such a thing?) over two million people cut down their drinking for one month, but how many people will actually make it through to the end of the month? According

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 I want to spend more time being creative with my kids. The idea of more cutting and sticking can make me want to pick my eyeballs out but I’d determined to curb my OCD and deal with the glitter they spill everywhere. So more craft it is. Well, maybe a fraction more, but don’t worry, it all goes into the recycling when they are not looking.

DRINK MORE GIN

 Ever wondered how after 50 years in MI6 James Bond still looks and appears so… young and healthy? You barely see Mr Bond with a glass of wine. Apparently gin is better for you than wine. Drink Aware says that a single gin (without tonic, 25ml gin) is around 110 calories, while a pint of 4% ABV beer has 180 and glass of red is more like 159 calories. It might not seem like a lot, but when you’re having six drinks across an evening, that could add up to the equivalent of almost 700 extra calories. No argument there.

to daysoftheyear.com, 17th January was the most popular day for people quitting their new year’s AP PAR E N T LY, I AM resolutions.

N OT ALON E , W H I C H So, why do so SPEND TIME M AKES M E F E E L many of us quit? We ALONE SLI G H T LY BE T T E R tell ourselves that  Th is is an important AS ON LY E I G H T this will be the year one. A study found that P E R C E N T OF P EOP LE we’ll give up carbs, the average mother AC T UALLY KE E P go running every gets just 17 minutes T H E I R N EW Y E AR’S morning, become a to herself a day. I’m R ESOLUT I ON S vegan or quit drinking. not sure if this includes Inevitably, three weeks trying to go to the bathroom later, we fi nd ourselves right without any children. If so, back where we started. you might wish to take that up to I am a very self-motivated person 19 minutes of free time per day. Joking and I get myself going every morning by aside, it’s not enough. Mama needs some telling myself ‘today will be a great day’. But time back. when it comes to willpower, I fi nd so many excuses to avoid sticking to my resolution. I DON’T BE A ‘YES’ MUM am not alone, as only eight percent of people  It is a simple one mamas, cut yourself some actually keep their New Year’s resolutions. slack and don’t have to say yes to everything.

So, the question is, as busy mums already, If you can’t commit to it, make your new how do we pick a resolution that we can year’s resolution to give yourself a bit of actually stick to? breathing space and if you can’t do it, it’s OK. Perhaps my new year’s resolutions as Just say no. 2018, we’ve got this. listed below might be some we can actually keep for longer than the average of 17 days: -

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g uilt ymother.co .uk • @g uilt ymother Januar y 201 8

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Denim Dreams  MIRA MIK ATI

Mira Mikati's designs are the perfect combination of playful and contemporary. The 80s style colour explosions are seamlessly matched with the latest and cheekiest trends to create a fresh, vibrant and oh-so-chic new you. nineinthemirror.com

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6 of the best C O SY C OAT S

’s tor i d e pick

MANGO Contrast faux-fur coat; £79.99 shop.mango.com

mama

ST Y LE NOTES

From pregnancy must-haves to colourful bags, this seasons best.

BY. BONNIE YOUNG Dropped-shoulder shearling coat; £3,780 matchesfashion.com

HAIDER ACKERMAN Velvet-trimmed wool-blend coat; £2,200 net-a-porter.com

BIMBA Y LOLA Long Crossed Coat; £415 bimbaylola.com

Beautiful Bumps • T I F FA N Y R O S E •

BIMBA Y LOLA Oversized two-tone coat; £445 bimbaylola.com

From red carpet to bridal, day dresses to nursing, Tiffany Rose has it all. Their gorgeous collection of dresses are the perfect way to add some sparkle to your pregnancy, and will make you feel like an A-lister on any occasion. tiffanyrose.com

MR & MRS ITALY Army Long Parker; £1,592 farfetch.com

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fas h i on

MAMA

HATS OFF •Lock & Co. Hatters•

Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri berets are big news. Pair yours with an oversized shacket or slouchy polo neck. If Dior’s leather iteration isn’t your thing then Lock & Co’s classic style will certainly hit the spot. lockhatters.co.uk

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KHAITE The brand redefining wardrobe basics WHO?

VINTAGE VIGOUR

Khaite is the new fashion label created by womenswear designer Catherine Holstein. The brand, which means ‘long flowing hair’ in Greek, only launched in 2016, yet within 18 months has attracted over 50 influential global stockists, including Matches and Net-a-Porter.

•Clary & Peg•

Clary & Peg's vintage inspired maternity clothes are unique in that they appeal to everyone - pregnant or not. The quintessential cuts that are influenced by the 70s, 80s and 90s are the timeless classics that we can't wait to get our hands on. claryandpeg.co.uk

WHAT ?

we love

PREHISTORIC PICKS •Dinosaur Designs•

Th is handcrafted jewellery has caught our eye with its sculptural quality and unique use of resin. Their collection of statement-making earrings, necklaces and bangles will act as the perfect centre piece for any outfit. net-a-porter.com

Fringe BENEFITS T h e Vo l o n

his fringe detail cross-body bag is tonnes of fun with its colour spectrum and tassels. An easy way to brighten up knits or add personality to a LBD; £1,128. farfetch.com

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After noticing a gap in the market for strong, feminine design, Holstein set about creating a brand that offered ‘buy now - love forever’ pieces.

Eschewing fashion’s love of fleeting trends, Khaite’s polished staples balance functionality with luxury. The result? Sharp ’90s-inspired suiting, slouchy, butter-soft cashmere and fluid slip dresses.

WH ERE? Based in New York, Khaite has garnered international acclaim amongst the fashion community - Caroline de Maigret and Lily Aldridge are known fans. The brand’s jeans have been a particular hit, however we’ve been won over by Khaite's surprisingly chic collection of bodysuits, which will prove an invaluable layering tool this winter.

khaite.com

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Paris Match

French fashion is known for its wearable, chic flair.

Mama looks across the Channel for sharp ways to dress up our denims sezane .com

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63cm / 25in urban jungle™

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63cm / 25in duet™

63cm / 25in duet™ as a single

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fash io n

INSTA-M A M A

INSTA MUM

We chat to Amanda Woodward-Brown of maternity wear company Nine In The Mirror @amandawoodwardbrown

ABSOLUTELY MAMA: Tell us more about Nine in the Mirror AMANDA WOODWARD-BROWN: I was approached by the co-founders of Nine in the Mirror about working on the launch of the site whilst I was on maternity leave with my first daughter. I thought it was such a clever concept – an edit of ready-towear designer looks to suit pregnant women and new mothers. The site launched in 2014 with a line-up of pieces from high-profile designers and an exclusive interview with supermodel and philanthropist Natalia Vodianova. Since then, new designers have been added to the offering, alongside exclusive collaborations and we have featured a line-up of inspirational women such as Elisa Sednaoui, Charlotte Olympia Dellal and Yasmin Sewell in the online magazine.

ABS: How has instagram helped to grow the business?

AW: Instagram has been extremely important in helping to shape Nine

in the Mirror. It is a powerful tool in creating a community and visual identity for a brand, especially when you are working on a concept that is new and unique like Nine in the Mirror. Being able to gain an immediate insight into the stories, products and posts that resonate with followers is always inspiring.

ABS: Your feed is beautifully curated - how do you get the perfect shot and what inspires you?

AW: I have always loved photography - it’s one of the reasons why I started my career in fashion as a stylist. I like playing with crops and colours. I use Instagram as a sort of visual diary of moments, things or people that I love, or which inspire me – fashion and flowers figure a lot in my feed.

ABS: What do you love most about the insta community?

AW: The ability to connect with mothers all over the world, thus realising that everyone shares similar challenges raising children. When I was struggling with my second daughter’s silent reflux, I put up a post on Instagram asking if anybody else had been in a similar situation and was overwhelmed by the helpful advice and support I received. The sense of community that Instagram has created amongst mothers is particularly special. It has even led me to designing a pair of shoes,

which I created in collaboration with Mariam Syed of A Piedi – a dream project that would never have happened without the app.

ABS: Tell us what’s coming up next for you and Nine in the Mirror?

AW: Nine in the Mirror has been a gamechanger in the way that pregnancy and motherhood is perceived, and I feel lucky to have been able to work with such inspiring women, some of whom I have long admired. We have a number of highprofile features coming up. nineinthemirror.com

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kids

6 of the best C O SY C OAT S

r’s editock pi TINY COTTONS Grid Snow Jacket cubscartel.com

FASHION NOTES Stay warm with all the hottest designs this winter

VERTBAUDET Boys' Coated Cotton Parka With Lining; £38 vertbaudet.co.uk

MINI BODEN Check Wool Coat; £60-£66 boden.co.uk

Dramatic Dress •Noé & Zoë• FINGER IN THE NOSE Snowfield Quilted Down Jacket Golden brown; £151 smallable.com VERTBAUDET Boy's Lightweight Padded Jacket; £24 vertbaudet.co.uk

Created by costume designers, the bright and colourful clothes from Noé & Zoë Berlin are firmly established in dramatics. Showcase the showbiz at every occasion. noe-zoe.com

MINI RODINI Bat Down Jacket Dark grey; £120 smallable.com

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KIDS

ALL ENCOMPASSING •River Island•

Always current and fresh, River Island's super cool new gender neutral range moves away from traditional gender tropes, allowing them to forge their own way in the world without being pre-defi ned. riverisland.com

MAINIO

THROWBACK •Louis Louise•

Beautifully tailored with a hint of nostalgia, Louis Louise combines classic designs with a modern twist. Like the pinafore, these dresses are versatile and can be worn on any occasion. littlecircle.co.uk

Products and brands to bookmark

PLAYFUL POOCH •Mini Rodini•

Swedish brand Mini Rodini's eclectic designs are based on playfulness and dreams. Th is dog sweatshirt is made with 100% cotton, using only organic materials for the softest skin. The simple cut promises to provide warmth and fun. £45 thelittlenaturalco.co.uk

Stomp Style Jojo Maman Bébé

wenty-three years on, and Jojo Maman Bébé's success and longevity are a real testament to their beautiful items, loved by parents and children alike. The quirky designs are in a league of their own, and are guaranteed to set your child apart from the generic. We love these fun frog wellie liners. £14. jojomamanbebe.co.uk

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new range from Finnish brand Mainio Clothing Oy channels their culture in the expressionistic character of their designs. Launching this month, it combines neutral tones with bold shapes and splashes of colour, and designers have sought to recreate the calmness and serenity of Finland whilst maintaining a sense of the strength, simplicity and boldness of Finnish designs. Their clothes are easy-to-wear, comfortable, suitable for all seasons, and made from 100% organic cotton.

Mainio clothing is not only super-cool, but sustainably sourced, too. Made in India, the brand ensures that 2% of its sales profits are donated to the immediate community around its factory, making it an open and natural choice for your kids.

Check out the other lines, which all feature inspiration taken from the world directly around them, including a focus on street art and entertainment to provide a fun, fresh and fabulous take on kids fashion. mainioclothing.com

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Fairytale CHILDHOOD Muted florals, classic check, corduroy, and heritage herringbone combine with bold knitwear in this timeless winter collection lacoquetakids .com

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TAL ANTENA CLASSES Mondays 5pm from 5.4 m to 7.45p

Intensive Care Units

24/7 Consultant Obstetric Anaesthetist

Midwife-led Care

Offering you the luxury and comfort of private care, with the peace of mind that comes with being in the hands of the professionals at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

Community Postnatal Package

Physiotherapist After-Care

The Kensington Wing Private Maternity Unit To find out more about our services, please call us on 020 3315 8616/18 Kensington_Suite_Ad_V3.indd 1

kensington@chelwest.nhs.uk www.thekensingtonwing.co.uk 09/08/2017 15:15

wellness

B E AU T Y N E WS p .6 6 • T H E W I N T E R D E TOX p .70 • E S S E N T I A L S LE E P T I P S p .75 G A B R I E L A P E AO C K ' S N U T R I T I O N T I P S p .7 7

S t r e t ch yourself

YOGA FOR MOTHERS AND BABIES

Mums and babies yoga classes are suitable for babies from the age of six weeks to crawling. Yoga postures may incorporate your baby and are particularly designed for stabilising the pelvis, toning the abdominals and strengthening the pelvic floor. thelifecentre.com

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5 of the best CONDITIONING HAIR T R E AT M E N T S DAVINES Melu Conditioner, £15.95; allbeauty.com

mama’s

BEAUT Y NOTES Prep and pamper with the best new products this winter season

MOROCCANOIL Treatment, £32.85; feelunique.com

AUSSIE 3-Minute Miracle Treatment, £4.99; boots.com

’s tor edipick

Against The Grain •Vidal Sassoon•

PUREOLOGY Strength Cure Mask, £26.50; cultbeauty.com

Vidal Sassoon is honouring individualism with the Mondaine Collection by exploring the relationship between Sassoon hair design, the work of anti-fashion pioneers the Advanced Stylists and couturier Cristobal Balenciaga. The result is a portfolio of cut and colour concepts promoting bold colours, strong lines and precision techniques. sassoon.com

2 UMA Intensely Nourishing Hair Oil, £54; cultbeauty.com

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welln es s BE AUT Y

FACIAL FITNESS •FaceGym•

FaceGym is the world’s first face training studio, reinvigorating the industry with its new approach to the traditional facial. This season, it's expanding into skincare with a three-step process that allows you to pick from a range of skin-loving ingredients and create a truly unique formula for your skin. facegym.com

THE NED De Mamiel Urban Warrior Facial at The Ned

we love

HANGOVER CURE •Katherine Daniels•

W

Words: Joy Montgo m e r y

Too many New Year’s parties got you feeling a little more Grinch than Grace Kelly? There’s nothing that feels better on tired eyes than a cooling eye mask, and Katherine Daniels’ latest offering will have you bright-eyed and bushytailed in no time; £58 katherinedanielscosmetics.com

BALM FOR THE SOUL • D r. PAW PAW •

Why settle for a balm that targets only one area? Dr. PAWPAW's is made from fermented Pawpaw, contains natural healing properties and can be used on any area of the body from lips to hair. If you're going for lips though, we suggest you grab this tinted range; £20.85 drpawpaw.com

Make me up Tr i n n y L o n d o n

rinny Woodall's new makeup range is as carefully curated and tasteful as her work with women all over the globe. Stylish, practical and multifunctional, she has addressed the real makeup bugbears.

Lips, cheeks and eyes; all in one stackable pot!

• trinnylondon.com

T

e pay a visit to The Ned’s spa to try the exclusive de Mamiel Urban Warrior Facial.

Created by Annee de Mamiel, one of the world’s most respected holistic facialists, the Urban Warrior facial is targeted at fatigued urbanites and designed to restore tired, sensitised and inflamed skin and release chronic stress. Not an easy task.

This indulgent 90-minute treatment is based on de Mamiel’s healing techniques and uses the brand’s organic products alongside rose quartz and herbs to soothe and repair the skin. We enjoy the invigorating deep cleanse combining deep tissue and lymphatic massage to improve circulation, followed by cool, camomile-soaked flannels to clean off the residue.

Then is the stress-busting part of the facial: the muscle-meting neck, shoulder and head massage and nearly nod off at various points - a very common occurrence, our therapist assures us.

We make our way out of The Ned in sleepy haze and our skin looking better than it has in months.

The Urban Warrior Facial: £170 for 90 minutes 27 Poultry, EC2R 8AJ; 020 3828 2000

thened.com

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Girl with

THE GLOW

Wellness guru Madeleine Shaw has collaborated with Mamas and Papas to design a new fitness wear range. Here she talks healthy living and new motherhood with Mama Wo r d s M O R AG T U R N E R

ABSOLUTELY MAMA: How has motherhood been for you so far?

MADDIE SHAW: It’s been an amazing journey so far. I found the first six weeks quite hard, I think it was such a shock.

I went from working for myself with every aspect under my control to my whole life being out of control. Once I got my head around that I relaxed and really started to enjoy it. Shay is now three months old and I love every minute of it.

AM: How did you stay fit and healthy through out your pregnancy and what are you doing now postnatally?

MS: I mainly did yoga and a weekly weight training session. I had loads of energy in my second trimester but in my first I was throwing up the whole time so I was usually on the couch. During my third trimester I just did yoga and long walks.

AM: Was your pregnancy as you expected it to be? How did you feel about all the changes that your body went through?

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Q&A

AM: How are you balancing work and wmotherhood?

MS: I am trying to cram as much as I can into two days when I have a wonderful nanny looking after him. Then I do emails etc when he naps in the day.

AM: What is your favourite piece from your Mamas & Papas collection?

MS: The cold shoulder grey jumper I’m wearing now! It’s so cosy and versatile, you can wear it to yoga and then to brunch after.

AM: What advice do you have for other pregnant women and new mums on how to stay well?

MS: Do a big weekly shop and prep. Ask your partner or friend to look after your little one while you whip up a roast chicken and veggies that can be tucked into throughout the week. Buy food that can be easily put together: bircher muesli, almond milk and berries for a delicious brekky, smoked mackerel fillets, avocado and lettuce to make a yummy salad. Prioritise sleep - I know that Netflix is good, but it's better to get a nap in.

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I didn’t get that. I really enjoyed my body changing. I know that it’s not for everyone but I felt so proud being pregnant in public and amazed at what my body was doing.

AM: How was your birth experience?

MS: It was actually great - I had heard of so many horror stories and my doctor had told me that Shay was going to be 10 pounds so I was a little nervous.

But actually it was super magical. My midwife was amazing and he came out in 45 minutes at only seven pounds three ounces. I spent that whole night holding him in my arms, I couldn›t believe I had created this incredible boy.

AM: You went totally offline for two months - what was that like and what did you learn from it?

AM: How is your boyfriend finding fatherhood?

MS: He is amazing, he loves Shay so much and it makes me love him more. I feel like we are such a unit, the three musketeers.

AM: What have you found most challenging since Shay was born? And most rewarding?

MS: Challenging - His reflux at week three. He started pulling off the breast and not feeding, there were lots of tears from both of us - but we came out the other side. Rewarding: Every time he smiles at me it’s the best feeling in the world.

“THE BIRTH WAS SUPER MAGICAL. MY MIDWIFE WAS AMAZING AND SHAY CAME OUT IN 45 MINUTES”

MS: It was amazing, I had so much more time in the day (before he came into the world) and I was way calmer. It also gave me more ideas of using the platform and gave me a new found love for it when I went back. I think I was just on it too much and so taking some time out helped me to use it in a more mindful way.

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AM: What’s next for you and your little family? Any exciting work news to share or are you taking some time out?

MS: I’m just getting back into work, I›m excited about my Mamas & Papas partnership and spending time with my little boy.

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THE H E A LT H DETOX

Don’t be put off by the dreaded ‘D’ word.

Following these realistic steps could change your life for the better Wo r d s M O R AG T U R N E R

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wellness

THE DETOX

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ou can’t go anywhere in January without hearing the word ‘detox’. It immediately conjures up images of images of slug-coloured juice, kale and the treadmill. But a true over all health detox is about so much more than cleansing, fasting and slogging it out at the gym. It’s not a quick fix, but neither is it so extreme that it you’ll endure it for a week and then slip back into unhealthy habits.

Here are some realistic ways to give your health proper detox this year. You won’t regret it.

Stop focusing on just your weight

es we all know that everyone has a few pounds to lose after Christmas and it is a good idea to slim down to your ideal weight (more on that later), but there are often other much more important health issues you need address first.

When did you last have a check up at the doctors? You know that sore back/ dodgy knee/funny clicking noise your hip is making? Get it looked at! We tend to underestimate the impact these little niggles have on our lives. Aches and pains that don’t go away after a few weeks are often not normal and you shouldn’t solider on.

Whether it’s an osteopath or a physio you needs to see, make the appointment ASAP. If you’re not sure quite what is wrong then your GP is your first port of call and they can point you in the right direction.

But if, as is so often the case, you can’t get an appointment for weeks, try out the amazing online doctors service The Push Doctor for an online consultation where you can speak to a qualified doctor with in minutes. It’s not a free service, but if you need a prescription in a hurry or a chat at a more convenient time, then it’s the perfect option.

And when was the last time you had a smear test? If you don’t know then make booking one a top priority. What about a skin check too? Even if you are super careful with the sun screen now, it’s thought that 80% of the sun damage we receive in our lives happens before the age of 18, but it can take years for the effects of this to be visible on our skin.

Having a mole check at least once a year is a very good idea. The Mole Clinic has clinics

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“SPONTANEIT Y FALLS OFF A CLIFF THE MINUTE YOU HAVE KIDS AND TIME FOR YOURSELF IS A PRECIOUS AND RARE THING”

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all over London and can offer appointments within a few days. Like so many things, if changes are spotted early they are much more likely to be treatable.

Also consider a full health MOT or ‘well woman check’. They can be booked through BUPA or many private hospitals. There are plenty of options in central London, many on Harley Street. Googling what is available in your local area is a great start but if you’re not sure which doctor or clinic to go to ask your GP and they will definitely be able to advise you.

Setting aside just a couple of hours to really invest in your health could make a massive difference to your wellbeing in the long run.

Be honest with yourself and schedule realistic exercise o in our heads we are going to do three HIIT work outs a week, two pilates classes and sign up to the local half marathon right? But in reality we are never going to find the time to do all that even if we retain the will to.

The key to a successful fitness regime is being totally realistic and, above all, planning. As all mums know, the days of waking up and thinking ‘you know what?

I fancy going for a run’ are long gone.

Spontaneity falls off a cliff the minute you have kids and you realize quickly that time for yourself is a precious - and rare - thing.

Ring-fencing a few hours in your diary is the key. Only you know when it will work best – whether you are a morning person who can fit in a work out after dropping the kids at school, or prefer an evening class on the way home from the office. Maybe it has to be the weekend so that your other half can watch the children.

Whatever type of exercise you like, just make sure you put it in your diary and let anyone who needs to know in on the plan.

And if money is involved then pay up front.

Nothing is more likely to make you commit than £40 an hour to a personal trainer going

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QUEEN’S AWARD for the INNOVATION supporting the PREGNACARE range

1. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol.18, No.5, 487-489 (1999). 2. For more information on this research, please visit www.pregnacare.com/mostrecommended. 3. Based on a survey of 1000 midwives. 4. Folic acid contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy. Pregnacare® has always contained 400mcg folic acid, the level recommended for all women from the start of trying to conceive until the 12th week of pregnancy. 5. Source: NHS Choices. 6. Agrawal, R. et al. Prospective randomised trial of multiple micronutrients in women undergoing ovulation induction, Reproductive BioMedicine Online December 2011. 7. L Brough et al. Effect of multiple-micronutrient supplementation on maternal nutrient status, infant birth weight and gestational age at birth in a low-income, multi-ethnic population. British Journal of Nutrition (2010), 104, 437-445. *UK’s No.1 pregnancy supplement brand. Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Unit Sales 52 w/e 25 March 2017.

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wellness

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MOST WOMEN WANT BALANCE AND THE 80/20 RULE IS A GOOD PLACE TO START

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down the drain. No one can tell you what work out will suit you best, how much you will enjoy it or quickly you will get in shape – that’s down to you. But forward planning and strict scheduling makes all of the above a whole lot more like to happen.

Do you really need the body of a 21 year-old?

f the answer to that question is yes then great – go for it. Eat as clean and lean as you can and never let a Kit Kat pass your lips. If you are the kind of person who can truly give up sugar/wheat/dairy to slim down then that is your choice and it is to be respected.

But most women just want balance and the ‘80/20’ rule is a good place to start.

What this means is that 80% of the time you eat very healthily, and that does mean very.

Tons of fruit and vegetables lean meats, nuts, seeds, pulses and whole grains. This will make you feel great and you’ll enjoy making nutritious food for yourself and your family.

I

The other 20% we eat whatever the hell you like. A croissant with a coffee, dessert in a restaurant, popcorn and a full fat coke at the cinema. Enjoy them because they are treats not staples. But we don’t keep telling yourself that they are somehow guilty pleasures because then you’ll obsess about them. Just get into the 80/20 habit and it will become second nature. And it’s not exactly a hardship – unprocessed, healthy food tastes so much better.

And back to the point about the 21 yearold body. Unless you are one, you’re kidding yourself if you think you can actually look like one. The key is looking the best you can for the age you are and a healthy diet will do that for you. Your skin will glow, your waistline will stay trim and you’ll have loads of energy. Isn’t that more important that being super skinny and chasing youth?

To drink or not to drink? o alcohol is good alcohol. The experts tell us this all the time and our heads certainly agree the morning after the night before. The weekly recommended limit for women has recently been reduced from 21 to 14 units a week. You don’t need to be bored by a list of how much that means in real terms because you know that already.

But safe to say it isn’t a lot.

So we know that it’s not that good for us (the negative impact booze has on the nation’s health is clear to see) but it goes back to the old adage ‘everything in moderation’ – like the 80/20 rule that is applied to diets. Sharing a bottle of wine with your husband on a Friday night, having a cocktail on holiday and dancing around a friend’s kitchen till 2am after the prosecco has been flowing will do you no harm once in a while. This is the 20%. The fun and happiness it brings to your life is worth the occasional hangover. But it is not every night of the week. Excessive drinking has become a normal part of every day life for so many women and it’s extremely

N

THE DETOX

dangerous. Celebrating a birthday or a romantic dinner is a reason to open a bottle of wine, just getting home from work or putting the kids to bed is not.

Everyone manages their alcohol consumption in different ways but possibly a good place to start is not really drinking in the week at all and making sure you don’t go above a few glasses on the average weekend – birthday parties, weddings and the like are obviously exempt from this. And from time to time try to abstain completely. Whether it’s dry January or any other time of the year, you’ll feel your body and mind thank you for a few booze-free weeks.

Focus on your own goals aybe you want to lose weight and tone up. Or is this the year you plan to get pregnant and want to give yourself the highest chance of conceiving and your baby the best start. It could be that you want to push your fitness boundaries by completing a triathlon or even climbing Kilimanjaro. The goal itself is irrelevant really, what matters is that you find something you want to achieve in relation to your health and make sure you take positive steps to making it happen.

M

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North Bridge House Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep Schools provide an excellent co-ed, mixed ability educational environment, setting up happy boys and girls for the top London Seniors, year after year.

2017 data from end of Key Stage 1 placed 40% of the Pre-Prep cohort in the top 5% of the country.

North Bridge House Nursery, Pre-Prep & Prep Schools

Prep School pupils do exceptionally well in their 11+ and 13+ Common Entrance assessments, with numerous scholarships for the top Senior Schools in London and the UK. Book an upcoming open event and find out more about 2018 entry.

Book a Spring term open da y

Challenged and high-achieving, never pressurised. www.northbridgehouse.com/open

020 7428 1520 NBH.indd 1

admissionsenquiries@northbridgehouse.com 08/12/2017 16:43

well n es s SLEEP

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TAKE A CUE FROM YOUR TO DDL ER .

N AP PI NG I S AN E FF EC T I V E P E RFOR MA NC E E N H A NC ER

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smart-phones or tablets, even up to two hours before our usual bedtime, keeps our brains stimulated which delays sleep onset and reduces sleep quality. While most of us are unlikely to switch off two hours before bed, installing a blue-light filter on your device or creating a habit of switching off devices at least 40 minutes before bed can help.

Sweet

DREAMS A healthy lifestyle is nothing without a solid sleep routine. Here’s how to get it right Wo r d s D R G U Y M E A D OWS Illustration PHIL COUZENS

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he craziness of everyday parenting can interfere with your beauty rest.

Thankfully, Dr Guy Meadows has created a list of ways to guarantee a good night's kip (assuming the baby is sleeping through, of course).

SILENT, DARK AND COOL hese are three easy-to-follow T guidelines to create the perfect haven for good quality sleep: Silent. Our brains never stop listening, even during sleep, so using a pair of ear plugs can ensure that any unwanted noises won’t disturb your slumber.

Dark. Making your room as dark as possible by drawing the curtains or using an eye mask informs your internal body clock that it’s time for sleep, releasing the sleepy hormone melatonin.

Cool. Setting your room temperature to a cool 16 - 17C will encourage the 1C drop in core body temperature that we need to help us fall asleep.

SWITCH OFF FOR SLEEP hecking social media or catching C up on the news before bed may seem like a good use of time, but it could be disturbing your sleep. Clinical research shows that using stimulating ‘blue light’ emitting devices, like

CALM YOUR MIND oing to bed with a busy mind can G make it harder to fall off to sleep, increase night time waking and leave you feeling unrefreshed the next day. Calm your mind by choosing to gently focus your attention onto your breath for a few minutes at a time.

When your mind wanders off onto thoughts, let them go by returning to your breath. Scientific research suggests that, if practiced regularly, mindfulness can promote structural changes in the modern rational part of your brain, leading to deeper and more refreshing sleep.

NAPPING POWER ake a cue from your toddler.

T Napping is an effective natural performance enhancer, proven to help boost energy levels, memory processing and even creative problemsolving. Taking a regular nap for no more than 20 minutes - ideally between midday and 3pm - can be a helpful way of staying sharp and overcoming fatigue. Avoid napping any more than 20 minutes as you’ll run the risk of you slipping into deeper sleep and causing you to wake up feeling groggy. Napping later than 3pm will weaken your night-time sleep drive.

Dr. Guy Meadows is a sleep specialist and Co-Founder of The Sleep School. the sleepschool .org Januar y 201 8 | 75

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Bebe Bombom collections are steeped in tradition and quality creating pieces that are generational and can become family heirlooms. From newborn to 4 years.

Visit our online shop www.bebebombom.com BBBB.indd 1

Follow us 09/10/2017 11:01

The Dream Baby Box is inspired by the celebrated Finnish baby box, which has been providing a safe sleep medium for around 80 years.

Aside from your baby’s first crib and wardrobe, our box also contains all the essentials for both mum and baby. Made in the UK, our box is a perfect gift for family and friends and ideal for baby showers.

w w w. d r e a m b a by b ox . c o m

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08/12/2017 10:51

wellness NUTRITION

You Are What

YOU EAT Inspire your New Year’s wellness resolutions with nutritionist Gabriela Peacock’s day on a plate

Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T

levels. My favourites are protein bars or little bags of nuts or seeds. I like the spicy/ mildly flavoured versions for variety - the Punch foods seeds selection are good, they are delicious and sprouted which makes them super healthy. The high protein content of these snacks means the glucose is released more slowly, keeping me feeling fuller for longer, plus nuts are nutritional wonders – high in magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese plus B vitamins and vitamin E.

BREAKFAST  I fully advocate that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

I always try to have some protein and carbohydrates as I find that it sets me up for the day. When I have time, I like to have eggs (which are rich in amino acids) boiled, poached or scrambled, with lots of fresh herbs or slices of avocado.

Other days I might have smoked salmon with rye bread or a green juice. I love to load up on greens in my juices so include cucumber, celery, and apple, and often add ginger for its digestive and immuneboosting properties.

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B R EAK FAST IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY. WHEN I HAVE TIME , I L IKE TO HAVE EG G S

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DINNER

LUNCHTIME  Lunchtimes can be quite a busy as I juggle being a mother, working at my practice in Grace Belgravia and running my supplement range GP Nutrition.

Often I’ll have lunch out. A couple of my local favourites are Granger or the Electric in Notting Hill, or if I’m at the clinic Grace Café is great. I adore sushi so that’s one of my go-to lunches. If I’m at home I like to make a big salad with greens, tomatoes, avocado and cucumber and add some oily fish (such as salmon or mackerel) or pulses, such as chickpeas or cooked lentils with herbs and a dressing made from cold pressed rapeseed or walnut oil and lemon.

SNACKS  I always carry snacks for mid-afternoon cravings and dips in my blood sugar

 By the time it comes to dinner it’s usually something relatively quick and easy. There is always fish and organic chicken in the fridge and loads of vegetables. My favourite grains are brown rice, barley and spelt/ rice pasta. Sometimes I’ll have a baked sweet potato with hummus and salad. I personally avoid gluten about 95% of the time for my own digestive symptoms. If we get a take away it will always be Thai or Japanese with brown rice.

I also try to avoid lots of ‘free’ sugars, found in sweets, confectionary etc.

However, when the desire strikes, I find plain dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (at least 70%) satisfies my urges for a little piece of something sweet. Plus, good quality chocolate does contain minerals and antioxidants and nothing beats glass of lovely red wine after long day at work. g pnutrit ion .com Januar y 201 8 | 77

08/12/2017 13:51

‘ Enjoying childhood and realising our imagination.’ Challenge your preconceptions about Education.

Give your child time to develop a love of learning and enjoy the academic successes that it brings.

Dallington is a family-run co-educational independent school, with a nursery, in the heart of London.

Personal tours each day of the week, except Wednesday.

Email: hercules@dallingtonschool.co.uk Phone: 020 7251 2284 www.dallingtonschool.co.uk DALLINGTON.indd 1

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home &

N U R S E RY N OT E S p . 8 0 T H E M A K I N G O F U S – B U N N Y A N D C LY D E p . 8 2

Hide Out  OLLI ELLA

Olli Ella was founded on the idea that just because something is made for a nursery, it needn’t look out of place elsewhere. Every piece in the Olli Ella collection is made for a child’s space, but looks fabulous in grown-up spaces too.

Especially this teepee. olliella.com

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5 of the best ALPHABET PIECES

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N UR SERY NOTES Bamboo, beds, and bold wall coverings - this seasons best

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mama’s

Wall Magnets •Sian Zeng•

Marrying European illustrations and Chinese painting, if Sian Zeng's new wallpaper range isn't innovative enough already, it's made with magnetic lining so your littlies can add a personal stamp. sianzeng.com

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r’s editock pi

5

1. Personalised Johnston mug, £9.95, ltmuseumshop.co.uk 2. Ridley's jigsaw letter, £48, amazon.co.uk 3. Alphabet cushions, £35, nubie.co.uk 4. Letter hooks, £22, designletters.dk 5. Message board, £90, designletters.dk

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NURSERY NOTES

PINE PERFECT •Bobby Rabbit•

Bobby Rabbit's magnificent minimalist furniture is perfect for any bedroom or nursery.

This treehouse bed is made from untreated Scandanavian pine and is low to the ground for little legs. Bedeck with some fairy lights for cosiness. £499 bobbyrabbit.co.uk

MODERN NOSTALGIA Olli Ella NIGHT GLOW

Words: Pendle Ha rte

O

•Becky & Lolo•

These bulbous paper nightlights from Becky & Lolo are the best way to keep bad dreams at bay. The brand aims to stimulate and inspire, and these fun woodland lamps are an obvious culmination of this. £9.96 beckyandlolo.co.uk

we love

PAINTED PASTELS •Edward Bulmer•

Made from entirely natural ingredients, Edward Bulmer's Nursery Collection paint is a safe and obvious choice for your baby.

Available in a wide range of pastels, it's durable, eco-friendly and easily applied in just two coats. edwardbulmerpaint.co.uk

Dinky Desk We D o Wo o d

his fabulous toddler desk by We Do Wood makes a statement through its subtle simplicity. Crafted from sustainable moso bamboo, it's the perfect way to encourage creativity whilst adding a sleek and strong component to the nursery. £230. miniobjectsofdesire.com

T

lli Ella was founded on the idea that just because something is made for a nursery, it needn’t look out of place elsewhere.

From modern nursing chairs to wool rugs, every piece in the Olli Ella collection is made for a child’s space, but looks fabulous in grownup spaces too. Sisters Chloe and Olivia Brookman set out to create a collection of nursery furniture and baby bedding that was playful, iconic, and above all, beautifully made. Since its launch in Clerkenwell in 2009, Olli Ella has garnered a devoted following, with an everexpanding collection of pieces for childrens’ spaces, including nursing chairs, rugs, nursery furniture, baby bedding, and much more. Olli Ella is sold worldwide. Chloe and Olivia draw inspiration from their children and from their own childhoods. Olli Ella designs are nostalgic as well as modern, capturing the hearts and admiration of parents, children and design influencers.

406 St John Street, London EC1 olliella.com

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THE MAKING OF US Mama chats to sisters Nathalie and Lisa Vos and their friend Mariette Berg about setting up Bunny & Clyde

MAMA:Tell us the background to the brand.

MARIETTE: The brand was born out of the Tsitsikamma National Park on South Africa’s Wild Coast – it’s one of the most beautiful places on this earth - home to virgin forest, breathtaking coastline, ancient archaeological sites, wildlife, flowers, big sky (everything in a capsule).

We did an amazing five-day hike in the wilds, called the Otter Trail. On our first night the camp was filled with fireflies and the following morning we were watching whales in the ocean. It’s a place of magic and wonder where nature is free and the effect of visiting it is powerful and humbling. Within weeks of finishing the Otter Trail, both myself and Nathalie were pregnant. Obviously with the excitement of becoming mommies, everything to do with babies was suddenly at the forefront of our minds.

Nathalie and Lisa’s parents are in the interior design field and Lisa observed that there was a gap in the market for stylish nursery furniture. That’s when Lisa conjured up the idea of starting this brand. Nathalie and Lisa’s mom and dad were our first makers too, producing all of our first prototypes and production runs.

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HARRISON TODDLER BED AND DAYBED

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From stylish baskets, perfect for storing dinosaurs after a busy day of play, to hobby horses and cuddly octopuses. JJ’s WIGWAM is the place to find something a bit different.

www.jjswigwam.com JJWW.indd 1

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h o me & interior s COCO DRESSER AND CHANGER

PROFILE

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W E LOV E HOW O U R COTS B ECO M E DAYB EDS T HAT WORK I N A NY GROWN-U P SPAC E

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child’s bedroom, so with that in mind, we designed the ranges to be really versatile – we love for example how our cots become daybeds that work in any grown-up space.

We really wanted to make heirloom pieces that would hold all the beautiful stories of being born and growing up.

MAMA: How did you all meet?

LISA: Nathalie and I are sisters, and Mariette is one of my best friends. We all went to an Art School in Johannesburg and that’s where I met Mariette at the age of 13. So it’s pretty much a lifetime of knowing each other.

MAMA: What were you doing before Bunny and Clyde?

NATHALIE: Lisa’s done it all – she’s been a

COCO 3-IN-1 COT BED

LISA AND MARIETTE

massage therapist, a diving instructor and done her fair share in the corporate world too. I was working in London in luxury residential design as a senior designer before moving to rural Ireland with my now husband. I still undertake interior design jobs and offer my expertise for kids’ rooms through Bunny & Clyde too. Mariette worked as a graphic designer and art director in the magazine industry for six years until she decided to become a full-time artist instead, only to be whisked up by us Vos girls to form Bunny & Clyde.

MAMA: What inspires your designs/work?

NATHALIE: Many things. Mother nature is the greatest designer of all and there isn’t a shape, colour, form or texture that is not first

derived from the natural world. Nature is primal. Nostalgia and beauty; objects that are timeless and treasured for generations.

Life in the slow lane, living in the moment.

MAMA: What are your favourite pieces from the collection?

LISA: The Harrison set is our favourite, I love the how this cot converts into the chicest of daybeds.

MAMA: Where do you source?

NATHALIE: Well our products are all our own designs that we have made. One thing that we really care about is creating a sustainable future for our kids. We practice local manufacturing in both Ireland and South Africa and we use small family-run Januar y 201 8 | 85

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1 2 3 4

Organic New recipes Steam cooked Best for texture and lumps 5 Great value

Try our new no added sugar breakfast and 100% fruit jars with an extra wide opening – perfect for feeding with a spoon. Our organic range of 60 tasty, nutritious jars are sure to meet the needs of your little one’s taste buds.

The m ment they’re ready for weaning 1735_HiPP_JARS_2017_Campaign_Ad_220x285_5_IN_1.indd 1

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PROFILE

HARRISON NURSERY SET

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WE' R E PAS S IONAT E A DVOCAT ES O F DES IGN- L ED S U STAINABIL IT Y AN D BEL IEVE T HAT CH ANGE STA RTS AT H OM E

NATHALIE VOS

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businesses to make every product. Our raw materials, such as the solid hardwoods are all sourced from sustainable and certified forests and we use only 100 % non-toxic natural products to finish each item.

We’re passionate advocates of design-led sustainability and believe that change starts at home. When we care about our where our things come from, and how they are made, and when we buy things that are made to last a lifetime, our children are instinctively learning the principles of living sustainably.

We feel it our duty to be both socially and environmentally responsible because after all, our children will inherit the world we leave behind for them.

MAMA: As working mums, tell us how you balance the business with motherhood?

MARIETTE: (Laughs) It’s tough. As a mother

it’s not possible to work whenever it suits you; family life demands most of what used to be your free time, so it helps to have routines in place. Each family’s situation is different and depends on whether your partner works the same hours or not, and whether you have additional support structure such as grandparents. But generally, work time must be stolen whenever the kids are at creche/school and aftercare. As difficult as it is though it’s also really great to have the flexibility to see our kids growing up as we’re building a brand.

MAMA: What has been your greatest achievement with Bunny and Clyde?

LISA: That we are being recognised in the design industry for our work. We recently won Furniture Designer of the year at the Image Interior Design awards in Dublin.

We’re also immensely proud of our collaboration with Mamas & Papas.

MAMA: And your biggest challenge?

LISA: Having to do everything ourselves, filling positions that we’re no experts in, such as marketing and sales and accounting.

Growing extremely slowly because we started without any funding or savings to back us up.

MAMA: What’s next for the brand?

NATHALIE: Exciting times ahead, we’re working with some amazing 3D printers to produce some very cool accessories and we’re also working on some new furniture for older kids – a single bed for the Harrison range that will double up as an adult daybed and a bunkbed. We have so many plans and all in good time…

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HARRY, 2

GRACE TINDALL

Pale and

INTERESTING

Grace and James Tindall, founders of Scandibørn, show us around their impeccable family home Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T P h o t o g r a p h y M A RYA N N E S C O T T

Q What came first - decorating your own nursery or launching Scandiborn?

A We launched Scandiborn in 2016 but with a year of preparation the year before. I was on maternity leave at the time which gave me some space to think about life plans and also think about how I wanted to decorate Harry’s nursery. It was at this time, I noticed a gap in the market for Scandi inspired homewares for children which wasn’t IKEA.

How would you describe your style?

I like a minimal, pared back look with simple but chic designs with a focus on the detail. For us it’s important for products to be beautiful, functional and built to last.

Q A

Why the name Scandiborn?

Neither of us are actually from Denmark (which is where Scandibørn began – it means Scandi kids in Danish). We have a few close friends that live in and around Copenhagen so it’s been our go-to summer destination for about six years now.

Q A

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THE LIVING ROOM IS MOSTLY CHILD-FREE – APART FROM THE SLIDE

How did you launch the store?

We launched the business in autumn 2016. It was defi nitely a combination of factors that came together at the right time to give us the fi nal push to just get on and do it. Maternity leave gave me some much-needed headspace to think about my career and the life we wanted to build post-kids and it also allowed me to formulate the business plan that I had thought so much about when I was pregnant. Simultaneously my husband, James, got made redundant and we decided (against the advice of pretty much everyone) to invest the very small pay out, take a leap of faith and go for it.

We love the whole ethos that surrounds Scandinavian living and interiors. It places value on buying products that will last years and fulfi ll different needs as our lives change. We’d spent a long time getting our home just perfect and having children seemed to open the door into a whole range of eyesores that I didn’t want lying round our living room (don’t get me wrong – Harry still has a whole lot of plastic toys; they are just stowed away in stylish storage bags).

We felt there was a gap in the market for people like us who wanted to be able to create beautiful, playful and stylish spaces for their children that fitted with their contemporary homes.

Q A

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“NEI T HE R O F U S I S AC T UALLY F R O M DENMAR K BU T T HAT 'S WH E R E SCAND I BO R N B EGA N”

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What are your backgrounds?

Previously I was a management consultant for a big US-based IT fi rm. Obviously this is a totally unrelated industry so it took me a bit longer to work out the dos and don’ts of running an online retail store. In the same vein that’s given us advantages too – I had to go with my instinct and I used the skills I’d already gained – project management, contract management, Q A

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IT’S IMPORTANT FOR PRODUCTS TO BE BEAUTIFUL, FUNCTIONAL AND BUILT TO LAST

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The atmosphere and decoration are a combination of modern Scandinavian style teamed with features which stay true and sympathetic to the era of the house. We’ve kept neutral tones throughout but have gone with some bold colours like the LigneRoset orange sofa in our lounge.

We’ve taken a lot of inspiration from Danish design - flats are generally pretty small in Copenhagen yet everything has its place. Storage is plentiful and their decor really generates a sense of calm. We’ve tried to emulate that by building in enough storage in our key family spaces - some permanent, some portable (storage bags and baskets including those from Liewood, Fabelab, Olliella from our store).

Like lots of families, our kitchen is the hub of the home. We have a small snug off the kitchen which has turned into our son, Harry’s playroom. After Harry goes to bed we migrate into our front room, which at the moment is a child free zone most of the time. We love the bay window and we’ve installed a log burner it’s my favourite place to be in winter.

I adore our Ercol furniture in our front room. And something to hide all of Harry’s plastic toys. I also love the Hubsch leather strap shelving, No Fred table and chair and the Oliver Furniture cot in Harry’s bedroom, which are all available in our store. Clean lines, minimal and Scandinavian style at its best.

MA K E S U R E P R ES E N T-BU Y I N G O CCA S I O N S AREN'T AN E XCU S E TO BU Y LOTS O F STU F F N O -O N E WA N TS delivery to tight timelines and, importantly, never accepting ‘no’ as a fi nal answer. James’ previous experience is in PR and marketing, so our combined skill set has worked well when launching the business.

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Q Talk us thorough your house. You have a slide in your living room. How did you live before you had your son?

A We bought our house from Jessica Ennis-Hill, the Olympic athlete in 2013. It’s a 1930s semidetached house, on a leafy street in Sheffield, a stone’s through from the Peak District, yet just three miles from the city centre – there couldn’t be a better location for us. Since moving in we’ve extended it with a large kitchen extension plus a loft conversion and restored lots of 1930s features (picture rails, fi replaces and coving).

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HARRY IS TWO AND CARS FEATURE HIGHLY ON HIS LIST OF FAVOURITES

Q You are very free of clutter. How do you maintain that?

A It’s important to us to have as little clutter as possible - I feel so much better when our house is tidy.

There are a few ways we maintain it…

1. Storage 2. N ot putting things in cupboards that you ‘might’ use in the future when you know you won’t.

3. Making sure present buying occasions aren’t an excuse to buy lots of stuff no one really wants…

Harry is getting a few specially selected toys (mostly wooden) for Christmas, although I’m sure one of the grandparents will buy something that’s far too big for our house.

Q What are your favourite products that you stock, and your best-sellers?

A That’s a hard one. I do have particular soft spots for several of our Danish brands. Cam Cam Copenhagen was the first brand we signed up – their style is classic

Scandinavian with a Japanese influence which makes them and their prints stand out from the crowd.

Liewood Design is another favourite, they are a relatively new brand who are all about simplicity with a playful twist. Our bestseller at the moment has to be the bbhugme pregnancy pillow which can be used in pregnancy, nursing and beyond – it’s top of our list for expectant mums. Our contemporary ballpits are proving popular, as are the wooden and wicker prams.

How old is your son and what’s his favourite toy?

Harry is two and unsurprisingly, like many toddlers, cars feature very highly on his list of favourites – his Park and Go garage has been used for well over a year now. He also has been watching daddy doing home improvements so he is enjoying his new wooden toolbox, also in store.

Q A

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J A M A I C A

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G R E N A D A

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B A R B A D O S

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22 Years Running

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Northern Light SCOTLAND

Gleneagles might not be an obvious spot for a family holiday but as Morag Turner discovers, a stop off at this world-famous hotel en route to the Highlands offers countless activities for children of all ages, as well as good food and lots of luxury for adults. gleneagles.com

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Th e S u b s c r i pt i o n FO R ST Y L I S H M U M S Top: Sign up to Readly for only £7.99 a month and read all back issues of Absolutely Mama, as well as our entire portfolio, including Absolutely Home, Absolutely Education and Absolutely Weddings. Readly Subscribers also enjoy unbounded access to over 2,300 top titles.

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INSPIRATIONS

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Whisk your little ones away for a taste of the exotic this winter. Saint Lucia's Capella Resort is the perfect opportunity to catch up on some R&R after a hectic Christmas. Fully family friendly, the resort offers four hours of free babysitting, alongside a kids activity centre to keep them occupied while you relax in the spa. capellahotels.com

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Offering an immersive cultural experience for kids over 4, encounter the world from the decks of a UniWorld River Cruise. From bustling cities to rural villages, wend your way through the water and introduce your kids to history whilst travelling in serious style. uniworld.com

Steeped in luxury, this doesn't stop the Cunard experience from offering a completely family friendly experience. With a fully supervised play area and the Night Nursery, a quiet zone for babies to sleep, you can rest easy and bathe in the bliss of being looked after yourself. cunard.co.uk

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WORLD-FAMOUS GLENEAGLES HOTEL

T RETREAT Highland

Mama's editor heads home to Scotland for a wonderful stay at the five-star Gleneagles Hotel

Wo r d s M O R AG T U R N E R

here is simply nowhere in the world more beautiful than Scotland.

I can make that biased statement because I am a Scot myself. I moved to London 13 years ago and while I love living in the South East, I so enjoy escaping to my family home in the Highlands whenever possible.The only downside to this is that I always go back to same place each time I visit, there never seems enough time to go anywhere else when you have so many friends and relations to catch up with.

But this year we ventured away from my usual spot to let my husband and children see more of the stunning country where I grew up. And what better place to experience the very best of all things Scottish than the

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HORSERIDING AT GLENEAGLES

world-famous Gleneagles hotel? Calling it a hotel almost doesn’t do the place justice.

Indeed Gleneagles refers to itself as a ‘glorious playground’ and this description truly is far more suitable – as we found out when spent two wonderful autumn days there during the October half term.

I spent the entire drive up from England telling my three sons what an amazing treat they were in for. My last trip to Gleneagles was over 10 years ago and lots of amazing activities and facilities had been added since.

We arrived on a beautiful sunny afternoon, the sweeping driveway guiding us up to the iconic hotel that has long been a favourite with celebrities and royalty alike. Our first port of call was afternoon tea in the stunning Glendevon Room. My boys are nine, seven and three so when a cake stand full of utterly gorgeous goodies arrived they were over the moon. I did try to get them to eat the delicious savouries first but frankly who wants an egg sandwich when you can have a macaroon or strawberry tart? So while all the adults around us leisurely enjoyed their champagne and scones, so began the race to the finish at the Turner table. But the staff, attentive as they are, kept us topped up with cakes and a superb selection of teas.

Everything at Gleneagles is that little bit more special that you expect it ever could be. Our suite was incredibly spacious and beautifully decorated. I left my all my boys A BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED SUITE

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CALLIN G IT A HOTE L ALMOST DO E SN 'T DO THE PLACE JU ST I C E .

GLEN E AGLES REFE RS TO ITS E L F AS A 'GLORIOU S PLAYGROU ND '

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relaxing there while I nipped off to the luxurious spa for a Body Cocoon treatment using ESPA products. Nearly two hours later I emerged, exfoliated, massaged and fantastically relaxed. I’ve been to many wonderful spas all over the world but few have been as good as this one. From the décor and the design to the treatments themselves and the fantastic therapists, it really is a place to properly unwind in style.

What makes Gleneagles so special is the plethora of activities available for guests to try.

You could stay for a fortnight and not exhaust the list, but as we only had two days before heading off to gran and grandpa’s house, we packed in as much as we could. After the most wonderful Scottish breakfast (the buffet is the stuff of dreams) we headed out, welly- and Barbour-clad to meet Duncan ,one of the

hotels many staff specialising in outdoor pursuits, to start out morning of activities in the fresh Highland air.

First up was mini Landrover driving.

These are child-size, open-top Landrovers that children age four and up can drive around a specially designed off-road course with an instructor right beside guiding them through out. I had kept this a surprise and when the boys saw the super-cute little cars their eyes lit up. Even though they only go at five miles per hour, the thrill of being behind the wheel was wonderful for them.

Next up was a trip to the Ferret School. The first of its kind in a hotel, the school gives lessons on how to handle and train these clever little creatures. Our boys got to hold two of the fluffy little things who behaved impeccably (no running up trouser legs) and Januar y 201 8 | 97

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PONY ACTIVITIES AT GLENEAGLES

MINI LANDROVER DRIVING

watch them race through tubes and around an artificial rabbit warren looking for a dummy bunny. It was hilariously good fun.

Finally we headed to the falconry school.

We couldn’t wait for the chance to hold one of the magnificent birds of prey.

After donning special falconers gloves, we were introduces to a stunning Harris Hawk.

He perched on our arms – even my three year-old managed to hold him – and then swooped off, returning for some food. Not tame, but unbelievably well trained in a very

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D ON' T BE PUT O FF BY THE VAR IABL E SCOT TISH W EATHE R – T H ER E IS SO MU CH TO DO T H ER E , RAIN O R SHIN E

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GUNDOGS AT GLENEAGLES

controlled environment. A truly wonderful memory we will all treasure.

While I’m not a golfer, I do fully appreciate that for those who are visit to the championship course is a must. After lunch of haggis (call me a cliché but I do love the stuff) at the Dormy Clubhouse restaurant, my husband excitedly skipped off to play nine holes while the boys and I took a look around the vast grounds.

This suitably tired them out so when the babysitter arrived that evening they were tucked up in bed as we headed to the chic American Bar for cocktails.

We ate at two of the hotel’s restaurants, the Birnham Brassiere with the kids and the Strathearn without them. Both meals were delicious, the former much more informal, the later something really special.

Four fantastic courses in the most beautiful dinning room - everything dinner at a five star hotel should be.

Gleneagles is very much a familyorientated place and the areas designated to kids really do show that. My sons loved hanging out in the Little Glen, a fantastic supervised crèche for two to nine year-olds.

They enjoyed painting and playing with Lego while we spent an hour clay pigeon shooting – something my husband and I love doing, especially in such an idyllic Highland setting.

For older kids there is the Den, where they will find all manner of games and the likes of Xboxes and PS4s to keep them amused.

It also has its own cinema room.

Babysitters can also be arranged. So if you fancy a bit of time sans enfants then you can do it safe in the knowledge that your kids are also having fun and are being well looked after.

On Sunday morning it was time to leave and head on to my parents' house a few hours further north. As we drove off we all agreed that it was one of the best places we had ever stayed. Gleneagles showcases all the very best that Scotland has to offer, from country pursuits and golf to fine dining and incredible hospitality. For us it was just a short stay, but it would make the ideal place for a much longer family holiday. And don’t be put of by the variable Scottish weather – there is so much to do there come rain or shine.

I never need another reason to feel proud of where I’m from, but a stay in this worldclass Highland retreat really reminded me of how nice it is to see more of the country I hold so dear. glenea gle s .com Januar y 201 8 | 99

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baby it’s cold outside!

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Hawkesdown House School

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UK GETAWAY

W h at T o D o

If the beaches aren’t enough entertainment, or if it’s a rainy day, there are lots of options in this beautiful part of the world. Local crab and seafood is exceptional, shopping for antiques and vintage clothes in Holt is a joy and a visit to Langham Glass enables you to have a go at glass blowing. It's easy to hire bikes for rides into the countryside and golf courses, wildflife watching and horse riding are all available nearby. Back at the barns there’s a communal games room and a Jacuzzi, as well as a very well-equipped toy and games cupboard.

I

The AREA

orth Norfolk’s beaches are some of the world’s best. The candy-coloured beach huts at Wells are almost too perfect in the vast stretch of soft white sand, gentle waves and shallow water.

Behind the sand dunes is a dreamy forest. Head to dramatic Holkham Beach, fringed with pine trees, or family-friendly Brancaster beach.

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Barsham Barns N O R FO L K Wo r d s PE N D L E H A R T E

The BARN

ix barn conversions make up Barsham Barns – if you book them all together you can sleep 52 people at once. We’re in the Great East barn, the largest one, which comfortably sleeps 14 with lots of room for lounging and a vast dining table, as well as a large garden with a bbq and another huge table.

Serious meals can be made in the kitchen, which features double everything – two dishwashers, two fridges, two ovens and endless crockery and cutlery as well as lots of cake-making equipment. Our foodie group is delighted.

S

THE JOURNEY

orth Norfolk isn’t the easiest place to get to from London, taking Friday traffic and the lack of motorways into account. We hired a spacious Volvo XC90 for the weekend to ease the pressure with its comfortable seats, excellent sound system and powerful engine.

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Three nights in Little Barsham, sleeping four, start at £575; three nights in The Great East Barn, sleeping 14, start at £2,210; Barsham Barns, Lower Farm Barns, North Barsham, Norfolk NR22 6AP

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Daddy Cool

THE POUCH PARK A

Seraphine's multi-function parkas have been so successful among mamas that they have launched a male version. The papa parker comes complete with an integral zip-off baby sling panel that will keep baby and daddy cosy and warm all winter. seraphine.com

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Sara KEEL

Sara is Founder of Babycup First Cups, award-winning mini open cups recommended by dentists from weaning onwards. babycup.co.uk Q How old should my child be for their fi rst dental appointment?

A The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) advises taking your child to see a dentist as soon as his fi rst teeth come through, and defi nitely by his fi rst birthday. The BSPD’s recently-launched ‘Dental Check by One’ campaign says these early appointments are a chance for the dentist to check teeth are developing as they should be. Dental decay is almost always preventable, so it’s never too soon to book that visit and to get information and advice,

DENTAL DECAY IS ALMOST ALWAYS PREVENTABLE, SO IT'S NEVER TOO SOON TO BOOK THAT VISIT AND GET INFORMATION

Ask the

EXPERTS Q

&

A

Parenting professionals and leading mumpreneurs answer some of your most pressing questions

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such as gently wiping gums with a soft cloth and introducing drinking from an open-top cup by age one, to help look after your little one’s precious smile. Not all babies or toddlers are keen on opening their mouth on their initial dental checks, but the vital thing is to help make it something that becomes familiar and natural. My little ones’ fi rst appointments mostly consisted of the dentist appearing to just count their teeth in time to a rhyme, but she was actually having a good look at the gums and what few teeth were showing. Those counting rhymes or fi rst go in the dentist’s chair are just little steps, but they play a brilliantly big role in helping our babies grow up with healthy teeth that are free from decay.

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reso urces ASK

Nicole HASTIE

Nicole Hastie is a Carrying Consultant and Director of Kangaroo Care UK. She is passionate about helping parents learn the benefits of skin-to-skin contact with their babies. vija-design.co.uk Q Should I put skin-to-skin contact in my birth plan?

A Where possible, mother and baby should spend time skin-to-skin for an uninterrupted hour immediately after birth. Once essential checks have been made, ask for the noise levels and lights to be kept low, giving you and your baby time to rest and get to know each other. Ensure you are both warm enough and comfortable by wearing something that supports baby on your chest and covers your body to maintain your

T HE EXPERTS

own temperature. Baby’s heart rate, body temperature and respiration will usually stabilise during skin-to-skin contact, easing their transition from the womb to the world. Being held against mum’s skin can help baby’s immune system, reducing the risk of infection. Requesting skin-to-skin contact as part of your birth plan, and packing a comfortable and supportive kangaroo care top or wrap, will help you enjoy this simple but powerful way of welcoming your baby into the world. Births don’t always go to plan, but skin-to-skin contact has many benefits even when it cannot happen straight away. Choosing what to wear for skin-to-skin contact doesn’t have to be expensive. There are comfortable options, such as the Bandeau from Vija Design which starts from just £17.99.

BIRTHS DON'T ALWAYS GO TO PLAN, BUT SKINTO-SKIN CONTACT HAS MANY BENEFITS EVEN WHEN IT CANNOT HAPPEN STRAIGHT AWAY

Marie LOUISE

Marie Louise became a senior midwife at the age of 22 and now teaches antenatal classes alongside midwifery. She is the founder of MLM bags, safe for mums, baby, and the environment. mlmaternity.com Q What pain relief is available for labour and does it matter if you have any?

A There are various forms of natural and non-invasive pain relief options and I would recommend you look into these and consider them too, but the drugs we offer in maternity and around most hospitals in the U.K. are Dihydrocodeine, Entonox (gas and air), Pethidine and an Epidural.

The main person it matters to is the mother. It’s her body and her baby and she needs to do what is

right for her at the time. There are risks involved with any clinical procedure or drugs given but as we have been using these various forms of pain relief for years they are considered to be safe. I have looked after women that have found the pain of childbirth traumatic and as a result have had problems bonding with their baby postnatally. Although this is not common it’s important women feel comfortable to ask for pain relief as having a traumatic experience and difficulty bonding really matters. My eight years of experience has led me to believe it’s best to manage labour at the time and not make too many regimented plans. I have known women to plan to have an epidural as soon as possible but when it comes to it they're coping fi ne and don’t need it. The very opposite has also happened and then women feel guilty for wanting and having an epidural.

To take the pressure off, research what’s available beforehand and decide what you need at the time. If anyone has any further questions please feel free to contact me directly.

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Heather MORRIS

Heather Morris is a Registered General Nurse and State Certified Midwife. She is mum to Freddy, Harry and Jack. metanium.co.uk Q What’s the best way to treat nappy rash?

A No matter how careful you are, most babies are likely to get nappy rash at some time. Nappy rash is usually mild and can be managed with a good skincare routine and a barrier ointment. Taking care of your baby’s delicate skin is essential in treating nappy rash.

These simple steps will help: • Lie your baby on a towel and leave your baby’s nappy off as often as you can, to let fresh air get to the skin.

Ruth ALLAN

(BSc, MSc) is a Registered Associate Nutritionist at The Kensington Wing chelwest.nhs.uk Q Is there anything that will help with my morning sickness?

A Around 75-80% of women will experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It is usually limited to the fi rst trimester and the early stages of the second trimester.

It's good to remember that this is a natural mechanism and it has been theorised that it may be to help prevent the ingestion of foods which could harm your baby. Try increasing your intake of ginger and Vitamin B6, found in wholegrain cereals, most vegetables and eggs. Eat little and often- an empty stomach can increase

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• Change wet or soiled nappies as soon as possible.

• Clean the nappy area thoroughly using plain water or alcohol and fragrance free wipes.

• Don’t use talcum powder as it contains ingredients that could irritate your baby’s skin.

• Try to bath your baby every day, but don’t use soap or bubble bath.

• Gently pat rather than rub your baby’s bottom dry and avoid vigorous rubbing.

• Use a suitable barrier ointment at each nappy change.

Most mild cases of nappy rash can be easily treated with an ointment recommended by your pharmacist, but if you are worried always seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

NO MATTER HOW CAREFUL YOU ARE, MOST BABIES ARE LIKELY TO GET NAPPY RASH AT SOME TIME

nausea. It's important to keep hydrated, drinking little and often as large amounts of fluid will increase your chance of vomiting. You should contact your doctor if you cannot keep food or fluids down for 24 hours.

It’s important to maintain a healthy balanced diet during pregnancy, the baby’s nutritional needs depend on what you eat. Aim for three meals and two or three snacks per day.

Carbohydrates for energy - choose whole grain/ high fibre options low in fat, sugar and salt. Keep to your five-a-day. Protein such as lean meat, pulses and eggs are a source of iron - needed for your baby’s brain development. Calcium helps build bones, choose low-fat versions unless you’re underweight. Maintain a healthy weight by minimising the amounts of high fat and sugary foods and limit caffeine to 200mg per day.

Although the baby will get vitamins from your food, I would advise taking a supplement containing Folic acid and Vitamin D, but look for a pregnancy-appropriate multi vitamin- not containing Vitamin A.

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reso urces ASK

Tamara BUGEMBE

Tamara Bugembe is a paediatrician and Founder of the agency HelperBees, that assists new mums in adapting to life with a baby. helperbees.co.uk Q I am due to return to work after a year of maternity leave. Do you have any advice about how to prepare myself and family for this transition?

I am particularly worried about how my return will affect my child.

A Keeping In Touch days are a wonderful way to ease back into work before the big return. They allow you to refamiliarize yourself with work, identify areas where you may need refresher training, projects you would like to be involved in and a working out a pattern that suits you. Once you start work, your child will sense

Karolina LEWIS

Mum of two (10 years and 6 years), Founder and Creative Director of maternity nightwear and loungewear company Bumpkyn London bumpkyn.co.uk Q Why is it vital to closely monitor fetal movement from the beginning of pregnancy?

A Th is is such an important subject and doesn’t get touched on enough in antenatal classes or by medical professionals.

Many mums who experience a stillbirth say that there was a change in their baby’s pattern of movement beforehand and it’s thought that up to a third of stillbirths could be prevented if mums reported their concerns promptly and babies thought to be at risk delivered.

T HE EXPERTS

a change in the family routine and react to it. It is not unusual for them to become clingier or more challenging around their sleeping and eating patterns. These new behaviours are their way of getting information about what's changed in their lives, and what these changes mean for them.

Reassure them by being consistent to allow them time to get used to the new routines.

There is evidence that the fi rst three months of the transition are the hardest for the whole family.

Your child is likely to develop viral infections from the new childcare environment. During the fi rst few months, be careful not to over commit at work and explain to your colleagues that they may need to be flexible during this phase.

Parental guilt is real and excruciating. Find a sisterhood of other mothers who have recently been through the same transition support each other. Having a mother that works has not been shown to a negative effect on a child’s development.

Most women usually begin to feel movement between16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy and it is essential, therefore, for both Mums and Dads to get to know their baby’s movements to be able to react quickly.

Here at Bumpkyn we recognise the importance of this, which is why we work closely with Kicks Count, a charity which aims to empower mums-to-be with knowledge and confidence about their baby’s movements during pregnancy, to ensure healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.

Kicks Count have also developed an award-winning, free app which lets you record the baby’s pattern of movement by tapping the screen each day and observing it over time, which makes it a great tool.

In any case, if you instinctively feel something isn't right you should immediately call your midwife or the maternity unit.

Learn more on the subject at kickscount.org.uk Januar y 201 8

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reso urces ASK

Wendy SHAND

Co-founder of family friendly holiday specialists Tots To Travel totstotravel.co.uk Q How do I ensure our fi rst holiday with a baby is a success?

A Initially, holidaying with a baby might seem stressful – but with the right preparation you can enjoy a stress-free and sublime family getaway.

Choose holiday accommodation that’s genuinely family-friendly and suitable for your family’s specific needs.

If you want privacy and flexibility, opt for a self-catering private villa or apartment. If you’d prefer to have a week off cooking with plenty of on-site facilities, choose a resort. It’s now possible to fi nd a combination of the two which offers the best of both worlds.

If your villa has a private pool, double check that a physical pool barrier is in place and the more thoroughly a property has been vetted for child safety, the better, for your peace of mind.

It’s also really important to research your destination – fi nd out about the family activities, restaurants and facilities available. Choosing a short haul holiday with a quick transfer time is a good way to avoid overtired travel tantrums.

Overpacking can also be an inevitable and costly problem for parents when there’s so much baby kit and caboodle required. Aim to pack only what you’ll need and consider choosing a destination that comes equipped with key baby items, for example we equip each of our destinations with an Essential Kit, containing 20+ baby/toddler items (one thing you should never leave home without though: wet wipes).

During your holiday, it’s often tempting to stick to your normal routine.

Remember that a holiday is a time to relax, so don’t worry if your little one ends up staying up a little later than normal.

Adjust your expectations and take the time to unwind and enjoy this special time together.

T HE EXPERTS

SAFELY SPORTY Mama talks to women's health expert Camilla Lawrence about the benefits of antenatal and postnatal physiotherapy

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a women’s health physio or a pelvic physio so I specialise in treating pregnant and postnatal women for any aches, pains or muscle problems they may develop during pregnancy or postnatally. I also treat women of all ages who are struggling with pelvic floor issues. I set up the women’s health physio team at SIX Physio in 2010 and I’ve been running the team in Chelsea since then. We’ve got about six women’s health physios that cover our clinics.

Q A

Q How would you suggest one best prepares themselves for pregnancy?

A I think the most important thing is to try and be as fit and active as you possibly can.

Active women who have a good fitness level tend to cope with the pregnancy better. With that comes a good measure of rest as well.

There needs to be a balance in all of our lives so the rest point is also important. Pregnancy really takes it out of you, and a lot of women don’t expect the levels of exhaustion. There are physical symptoms like sickness, headaches and fatigue, and that can put a lot of women, particularly from an exercise standpoint, back quite a lot. They just don’t feel like they can do it. So if you’re not very fit going into the pregnancy and you’ve spent the fi rst three months feeling horrendous and not exercising, it can be quite difficult to start catching up at that point - although it’s never too late.

What are the benefits of physiotherapy after birth?

A While aches and pains are common after Q

pregnancy, they’re not normal. It's not normal to have back pain, or rib pain, or pelvic pain lots of people get it because of the changes that your body is going through during those nine months - but it’s never normal. It’s absolutely treatable, but you shouldn’t end up with escalating pain coming up to or after the birth.

If women are in any pain or experiencing pelvic floor issues we can see them immediately postnatally to sort it out.

We also provide postnatal body check-ups from six weeks onwards, when we do a really thorough assessment of their back, their spine, their pelvis and their abdominal muscles to check whether there’s any separation there. We can also check their pelvic floor muscles.

If they’ve consented we’ll do a vaginal examination and be able to give them a good idea as to how well they're recovering. From there we give them specific advice about how to get back to what they want to return to.

Some women never dream of getting back to running, but others want to be doing it from day two; it’s about a safe return to exercise.

CAMILLA LAWRENCE

Lead Women’s Health Physio at SIX Physio advises on getting back to exercise safely after having your baby: sixphysio.com Januar y 201 8

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reso urces NURSERIES

Oliver Thomas Nursery School 1 Mathews Ave, London E6 6BU 020 8552 1177

to know Mama's guide to London's best nurseries and preschools.

N O RTH W EST North Bridge House Nursery School/Pre-Prep 33 Fitzjohn's Ave, Camden Town, London NW3 5JY 020 7267 6266 The Mulberry House School 7 Minster Road, London, NW2 3SD 020 8452 7340 Living Spring Montessori St Michael's Church Annexe, St Michael's Road, London, NW2 6XG 020 8830 7331

Nuffy Bear Nursery Brondesbury Park Fitness & Wellbeing Centre, Sidmouth Road, London, NW2 5JY 020 3432 8708 Sylvia's Happy Childcare 119a Chevening Road, London, NW6 6DU 020 8960 2217

NORTH Les Trois Oursons 4 Collins Yard, London N1 2XU 020 7099 0452

Little Stars Nursery 58 Allen Rd, Stoke Newington, London N16 8RZ 020 7254 4367 Puddleducks Nurseries Puddleducks House, r/o 75 Friern Barnet Road, London NW3 5JY 020 7267 6266 Hackney Care For Kids 61 Evering Rd, London N16 7PR 020 7923 3471 William Patten Daycare Nursery William Patten School, Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington N16 0NX 020 3844 4227 Creative Explorers Day Nursery 18 Gisburn Rd, London N8 7BS 07956 809748

E AST Hatching Dragon Nursery School 1 Viscount St, London EC1Y 0AA 020 7256 9365 Sahan Preschool Day Nursery 12 Stukeley Rd, London, E7 9QZ 020 3719 7002

SOUT H E A ST Dulwich Montessori Nursery School St Stephens Church, College Road, Dulwich SE21 7HN 0208 766 0091 Henry Fawcett Community Nursery (Leaf ) Clayton St, London SE11 5BZ 020 7582 0509 Base Zero Nursery Happy Days 109A Randlesdown Rd, Gramsci Way, London SE6 3HB 020 8461 3510 Dulwich Montessori Nursery School St Stephens Church, College Rd, Dulwich SE21 7HN 020 8766 0091 The Villa 54 Lyndhurst Grove, London SE15 5AH 0207 703 6216 Chairbears day nursery 9-12 Deptford Broadway, London SE84PA 020 8305 6588

SOUT H W EST The Knightsbridge Kindergarten St Peter's Church, 119 Eaton Square, London, SW1W 9AL 020 7371 2306 The Willcocks Nursery School Holy Trinity With All Saints Church, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2BA 020 7584 5054 Melrose House 55 Finlay St, Fulham SW6 6HF 020 7736 9296

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112 | absolutely-mama.co.uk

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Tadpoles Nursery School 68 Park Walk, Chelsea, London SW10 0NQ 020 7352 9757 The Barnes Village Nursery 3A Station Rd, London SW13 0LP 020 8878 5111 Gwendolen House 39 Gwendolen Ave SW15 6EH 0203 441 2450 London Early Years Foundation 121 Marsham St, Westminster, London SW1P 4LX 020 7834 8679 One World Nursery 9 Knowle Cl, London SW9 0TQ 020 7924 9505 Dee's Day Nursery (Wimbledon) 2 Mansel Rd, Wimbledon, London SW19 4AA 020 8944 0284 Learning Ladders Nursery Ground Floor, Falkner Court, Francis Chichester Way, London SW11 5HX 020 7622 9300 Kiddi Caru Day Nursery 2 Piazza Buildings Empress State, London SW6 1TW 0207 386 4505 Tiggers Nursery School, Putney 87 Putney Bridge Rd, London SW15 2PA 020 8874 4668 Wee Ones Nursery 4 St Ann's Cresent, London SW18 2LR 0208 870 7729 The Orchard Day Nursery 201-203 The Broadway, Wimbledon London SW19 1NL 020 3880 7373

Tiny Thinkers Childcare 192 Tudor Drive, Kingston upon Thames KT2 5QG 0203 441 2450

W EST Rolfe's Nursery School The Little House, 34a Oxford Gardens, London W10 5UQ 020 8969 5805 New Studio Pre-School Kelfield Mews, Kelfield Gardens, London, W10 6LS 020 8969 5805 Denbigh Under Fives Group 5b Denbigh Road, Denbigh Road, London W11 2SJ 020 7221 5318 Kids Unlimited 34 Ladbroke Grove, London W11 3BQ 0845 365 2918 St Peter's Nursery School 59a Portobello Road, London W11 3DB 020 7243 2617 Ladbroke Square Montessori School 43 Ladbroke Square, London W11 3ND 020 7229 0125 The Square School 18 Holland Park Avenue, London W11 3QU 020 7221 6004 Holland Park Nursery School Kenley Walk Hall, Kenley Walk, London W11 4BA 020 7792 0323 Jack in the Box Kelmscott Community Hall, Ashchurch Grove, White City, London W12 9BT 020 8811 8099 Stepping Stones Nursery 5 Gayford Road, London W12 9BY 020 8811 1646

Bright Sparks Montessori School 142 Sinclair Road, London, W14 0NL 020 7371 4697 Vanessa Nursery 12 Cathnor Road, London W12 6JA 020 8743 8196 Little Owls Nursery 108 Lakeside Rd, London W14 0DY 020 3266 0044 The Kensington Kindergarten St Barnabas Church, 23 Addison Rd, Kensington, London W14 8LH 020 7371 4848 Millie’s House Nursery and Pre-School Distillery Ln, London W6 9PL 020 8748 4303 One World Montessori and Pre-Preparatory 69 - 71 Brook Green, London W6 7BE 020 7603 6065 Little Cherubs Nursery School Our Lady Of Victories Church Hall, 16a Abingdon Road, London W8 6AF 07810 712241 Carmelite Parish centre Pitt Street W8 4JH 07810 712241 Iverna Gardens Montessori Nursery School Armenian Church Hall, Iverna

Gardens, London W8 6TP 020 7937 0794 Caterpillar Montessori PO Box 105 11 London W4 5WU W4 5LG 020 8747 8531 Maggie and Rose 55 Finlay St, Fulham SW6 6HF 020 7736 9296 Millie’s House Nursery and Pre-School Disterllary lane, Fulahm Reach W6 9US 020 8748 4303 Windham Nursery School Windham Road, Richmond, Surrey, London TW9 2HP 0208 831 6060 Merchant Square Day Nursery 13 Harbet Rd, Paddington, London W2 1AJ 020 7402 2227 Busy Bees at Hammersmith 3 Bute Gardens, London W6 7DR 0208 741 9945 The Corner House Day Nursery 82 Lavington Rd, London W13 9LR 020 8567 2806 Bunny Park Day Nursery & Nursery School 37 Manor Court Rd, London W7 3EJ 020 8567 6142

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COLUMN

HELP – I'M HAVING A BABY!

New Dad

DIARY Mama's resident TV magician and new dad celebrates his new arrival Wo r d s C H R I S C OX

S

tolen. One heart.

Prime suspect is Anri Matilda Cox who as I write this is now a week old. Meaning I’m counting every blink as a muchneeded nap. After nine months of rehearsals and hypnobirthing practice she arrived after an incredible labour by my incredible wife Helen. It was faster than Amazon Prime. After cutting the cord and doing my best impression of someone opening a supermarket, all was fantastic. But then, in the middle of the night, green vomits set alarm bells ringing and before we know it we're on the special care unit for days of tests. Thankfully, just as we had reached peak emotional exhaustion, it turned out to be nothing and we fi nally got to take her home. And now she’s here, and she’s ours, and we couldn’t be happier.

Since being home Helen has been working on getting breastfeeding established and I’ve been working on making cups of tea and playing around with smart home gadgets (more on that in another edition) which’ll make our lives easier. One thing which has been the most incredible godsend is the care we’ve been getting from Angela and Tammi at North Surrey Midwives (northsurreymidwives.co.uk ). After 114

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CH RIS’S TOP BABY BUY

Private Midwives North Surrey Midwives have totally saved the day, giving us time, support, advice and care which the NHS just can’t manage these days. northsurreymidwives.co.uk

IT WAS AN INCR ED IB LE LABOUR - FASTE R THAN AMAZON P RIM E

~

never seeing the same midwife twice during all our pre-Anri appointments I felt that the best support (other than an amazing cup of tea) I could offer my wife was to give her access to private midwives. So the day after Anri arrived home, and for seven further appointments, North Surrey Midwives have been to our house and with no eye on the clock answered all our concerns, helped with latching, answered our midnight texts, provided all the postnatal care for Helen, fi xed Anri’s tongue tie and have just been, well, amazing. I don’t think we could’ve had a better start to life with a newborn than having them, and I just can’t recommend them enough. Th is might feel gushy, but they had just made the world of difference in the most stressful fi rst few weeks of a newborn’s life.

We are showered with gifts, constantly adding photos to a shared online photo album for our friends and family to admire the little thing we created. It’s amazing to have so many items of clothes which in a matter of months will be confi ned to

Motorola Smart Nursery Dream Machine An amazing bit of kit that projects light shows, acts as a night light, plays lullabies and more all from the Smart Nursery app. motorolahome.com

the charity shop. There are certain longer lasting things we’re loving, like her gorgeous Clever Sleeping Bag from Baby Mori which’ll last her till she’s two and is soft enough with its bamboo cotton that it’s made me jealous that I don’t have one.

Here’s something I wish I’d known before I became a dad. If you’ve got to get a newborn a gift, is get something that they can grow into, or grow with. Otherwise it’ll be two wears, one photo and never seen again.

Alternatively, Deliveroo vouchers are total winners for the parents. Or cash.

You know all those cliches people trot out about births, new baby and pride, well they’re all correct. When I hear the line ‘pride is not the word I’m searching for, there is so much more inside me now' in Dear Theodosia from Hamilton or any of When I Grow Up from Matilda I instantly turn into a blubbering mess. So as the tears of worry have become tears of joy we now fi nd ourselves settling into a new normal, full worries about every little sound she makes, 3am googles, debating how hot is too hot, how cold is too cold, whether she likes something based on her facial express or just has wind. Or perhaps she likes having wind?

As we settle down to another night knowing that we won’t get much sleep, but delighted about the fact our daughter is home, healthy and being well cared for, I get an email from Apple with the subject. ‘Enjoy the most precious thing you’ve ever touched.’ I couldn’t believe it, the smart home stuff I purchased must have let them know that we had a new daughter. How touching, I thought as I opened the mail up. She IS the most precious thing I’ll ever touch, that’s so true. Then I realise itt was just an ad for the new iPhone. Which however cool has absolutely nothing on a new baby. Although a do not disturb mode on the baby could come in handy.

Baby Mori Sleeping Bag Organic and allergy friendly, this is a cosy piece that lasts from newborn to age two. babymori.com

CH R I S COX was named by The Guardian as ‘One of the most exciting entertainers in Britain. magiccox.com

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Scandinavian inspired children’s design

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