Absolutely Mama June 2019 Preview

Mama JUNE 2019 • ISSUE 29

JUST RELAX

The Magazine for Stylish Mums

THE BEST SPAS FOR FAMILIES

Sea LIFE Fearne Cotton’s new kidswear collection

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CURVE APPEAL

How to love your postpartum body

Daddy

COOL Stylish gifts for Father’s Day

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bugaboo classic collection a true classic never goes out of style

The Bugaboo Bee5 Classic is available from June 2018 from Bugaboo.com The Bugaboo Bee5 Classic in Dark Navy is available from June 2018 exclusively at John Lewis & Bugaboo.com The Bugaboo Fox and Bugaboo Donkey2 Classics will be available from September 2018 from Bugaboo.com Š copyright Bugaboo International BV

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mama WELCOME

contents JUNE 2019

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AGENDA What’s On

30 Under the Sea

62 Postpartum Body

New Books

FASHION 38 Light Layers

HOME & INTERIORS 69 Sweet Dreams

ESSENTIALS Tot Gear

44 Kids Fashion Notes

70 Nursery Notes

46 Shape of Summer

RESOURCES 87 Language Learning

Arts and entertainment for the month ahead

14

June’s best new releases

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Key kit to make parenting easier

MAMAHOOD 24 Insta-Papa

Journalist and dad blogger Jamie Day on fatherhood

ON THE COVER: Babaà babaa.es

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27 Woman in Work

Grace Timothy on her hilarious motherhood book

DJ and presenter Fearne Cotton on her new childrenswear collection

Be changeable weather-ready in summer knits from Babaà

Th e best looks and launches for little ones

Classic polka dots, simple stripes and oversized checks

WELLNESS 58 The 5 O’clock Apron

Family-friendly recipes from Claire Thomson’s new cookbook

Nicky Clinch on how to love your body after birth

Giovanna Fletcher’s new bedding range

Beautiful decor and furniture for your little one’s space

Custom created storybooks to help kids master new languages

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Fresh Start

How the Montessori method can change your parenting approach

June 2019

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Start Your Adventure Part of the

family

Go Anywhere...

Anywhere...

Go micralite.com micralite.com

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mama WELCOME KIDS FASHION P. 46

Editor’s

LETTER

BOARD BOOK P. 15

STRING STORAGE P. 71

I

n this month’s issue, we’re giving a little bit of love to the dads. In anticipation of Father’s Day, we’re celebrating the papas who do their fair share of nappy changes, get up in the night to make tea during the long night feeds and take the kids off for the day when we need a bit of ‘me time’. You are the best.

One dad doing a great job of this is blogger and journalist Jamie Day. I’ve worked with Jamie before and I really admire how he has bravely shared his struggles with mental health in his podcast, Man Talk. I am so pleased that he agreed to be our ‘Insta Papa’ this month.

There is, of course, lots of amazing mamas in this issue too. Champion skier Chemmy Alcott shares the birth story of her second son, Cooper. It’s not one to be missed.

The lovely Grace Timothy tells us about her hilarious book, Lost in Motherhood. I loved talking to her about the all-too-often overlooked subject of how your identity shifts when you become a mother.

And finally, as always, it was a pleasure to speak to presenter and DJ Fearne Cotton about her new summer collection for Boots Mini Club. I hope you enjoy my first issue as much as I loved making it.

C a rly Gl e n di n n i n g E DITOR

@carlyjglendinning carly@zest-media.com

NURSERY NOTES P. 71

Part of the

Senior Designer: PAWEL KUBA Mid-weight Designer: REBECCA NOONAN

T h e M a g a z i n e Fo r S t y l i s h M u m s @ A B S O L U T E LY M A M A

absolutely-mama .co.uk Editor UK: CARLY GLENDINNING Features Editor: HELEN BARON Assistant Editor: FLORA THOMAS Social Media Editor: JESSICA SHALTOUT Marketing Manager: LUCIE PEARCE Art Director: PHIL COUZENS

Finance Director: JERRIE KOLECI Director: LEAH DAY

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Managing Director: SHERIF SHALTOUT For editorial enquiries please email: carly@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please email: leah@zest-media.com For media partnership enquiries please email: lucie@zest-media.com

Absolutely Mama supports

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10 things we Absolutely

LOV E The products and brands getting our attention this month

Summer Goddess Hatch

Facing a long summer ahead with a bump? Perfect for by the pool or even a pool party, we love this beautifully draped and incredibly comfortable dress from US maternity brand Hatch. net-a-porter.com

SKIN SAV E R

Meraki Mini Designed to protect sensitive baby skin, this gentle ointment from Meraki Mini is made from organic ingredients. Goodies such as aloe vera, shea butter, cocoa butter and almond oil create a waterrepellent layer that protects and heals irritation. housedoctor.com

or’s Editick P

Under the sea Me r i Me ri

Little mermaids will love these shell-shaped napkins from Meri Meri. They are part of a range that’s perfect for an underwaterinspired party, or even an oceanside picnic at the beach. merimeri.co.uk

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GOING COCO B a re B o n es

Bare Bones is a small batch chocolate company that uses beans from cooperative farms in Madagascar and Honduras. Their delicious bars might not be guilt free, but their pretty packaging is – we love that it’s made from recycled paper cups and the wrappers are plant based. cissywears.com

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ma m a LOVES

POST IT El l y Vva l l er

If you’re a stationery geek like us, it’s hard not to fall for the paper collection from Stockholm-based studio Elly Vvaller. The illustrator’s cards are made sustainably and feature the sweetest designs. ellyvvaller.com

AllBuNatural g Cl oth in g

Every piece from Bug Clothing is designed and made as consciously as possible in Hackney. Perfect for summer, the collection uses natural fibres including deadstock linen. bugclothing.co.uk

DREAM ON FA B EL A B

Danish brand Fabelab’s new collection is so beautiful, we could deck a whole nursery out in it. Their range of bedding, toys and wall hangings is designed to inspire little imaginations (think unicorns, fairy wings and rainbows) and is all made from organic cotton. fabelab.myshopify.com

Print Magic Hôtel Magiqu e

A collection of super-cool prints rather than a holiday destination (we wish!), it’s no surprise that the illustrator behind Hôtel Magique designed for fashion brands before striking out on her own. We’re all about her modern abstract meets Wes Anderson style. hotelmagique.com

H A P PY FEET

Vintage Summer Tocotó Vint a g e

This super-sweet gingham romper from Tocotó Vintage is the perfect easy-towear summer style. Making us long for days by the sea, it’s part of a nostalgic collection designed using vintage sewing patterns. tocotovintage.com

LIEWOOD Collecting shells on the beach or having a spontaneous water flight in the garden, Liewood’s jelly sandals are sure to be a useful style for little ones this summer. They come in a range of beautifully muted colours, with several great unisex options. beyondthestork.co.uk

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agenda J U N E ’ S AC T I V I T I E S & E V E N T S p . 1 2 • O U R M O N T H LY R E A D I N G R O U N D - U P p . 14

Fairytale • REGENT’S PARK •

What better environment to enjoy the Grimm Brothers’ classic tale of Hansel and Gretel in than the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park.

Experience the unique operatic performance - sung in English from 14 until 22 June. openairtheatre.com

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W H AT ’S O N Top-notch teas, pirates on the high seas and the return of Underbelly this June

Baby steps 24 - 30 June Dudley Zoo

The Barnado’s Big Toddle is back. The short sponsored walk for toddlers is in aid of the country’s most vulnerable under-fives. Each year, thousands of toddlers take part, and every single penny helps. Dudley Zoo’s event is animal themed - so don your favourite prints and get involved. barnados.org.uk

we love

Cinderella

ON POINTE 2 - 16 June • Royal Albert Hall

An enchanting kingdom of forest creatures awaits as Cinderella-in-the-round comes to the Royal Albert Hall. The inventive production combines magnificent sets and costumes with all the the melodious tunes of Prokofiev’s score performed by the English National Ballet Philharmonic. royalalberthall.com

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We’re not scared 27 - 31 May Southampton

Join an intrepid family and their musical dog in this mischievous production. Based on the much-loved picture book by Michael Rosen and Helex Oxenbury, this, it’s a lovely treat for families with children three and up. nstheatres.co.uk

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agen d a

Horsing Around 9 June Fulham

Chesterton’s Polo in the Park is back, with more on for children than ever. It promises to be a fantastic family day out, featuring Sharky & George who are set to host west London’s biggest kids’ party on the polo field throughout the morning. Children under 10 gain free entry. polointheparklondon.com

EVENTS

GET CR EATI V E Summer’s nearly here, so get in touch with your artistic side...

LI F E O F PAPE R 16 June - 8 September Dulwich

Japanese artist, Nahoko Kojima, is to erect an enormous eight-metre-long crocodile at Dulwich Picture Gallery this month, carved from just one sheet of paper and suspended from the ceiling. A spectacle you won’t want to miss. dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

TA STE O F I N D IA 2 and 3 June West Kensing ton

Fancy a family art day? How about a meditation-based mandala painting lesson? What about creating pictures with knives? Head to the Birla Art Gallery to explore your creative side through a series of workshops running in conjunction with Supriya’s Art World.

BRAVE HEART

bhavan.net

29 June The Cockpit Theatre

ild Wilma is a weird and wonderful family show written by children’s author, Rachel Lyon. A young girl is sold to a circus and struggles to meet the strict expectations of the mistress. On a quest to find her identity, she finds the courage to be wild and free through her friendships with others.

w

thecockpit.org.uk

ARR WE THERE YET? 22 - 23 June Underbelly Festival, Southbank

swashbuckling adventure in which three acrobatic pirates hit the high seas in search of treasure, only to find haunted waters and scary storms. Every aspect of pirate life is turned upside-down, from walking the plank to cooking for the crew.

a

TE A TI M E

Ongoing Rosewood London

Rosewood London are serving a Van Gough themed tea especially for little ones. Treat them to a playful array of finger food - featuring a painter’s palette, paint tubes filled with jam and lemon curd. It’ll leave you, and them, starry-eyed… rosewoodhotels.com

underbellyfestival.com

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We love

BOOKS

June’s releases are all about the weird and wonderful, with a sprinkling of feminism... it’s never too early!

Wo r d s F L O R A T H O M A S

MIN FOR THE WIN! MIGHTY MIN

By Melissa Castrillon

A feminist Thumbelina for a new generation, this is an exquisite book.

Castrillon’s enchanting illustrations see Min take fl ight with an owl and tickle a feline friend in this adventure story.

There’s a bold, empowering message and the pages are reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are. £6.99  scholastic.co.uk

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GOING BANANAS RUMPLE BUTTERCUP

By Matthew Grey Gubler

Rumple Buttercup is weird. With five crooked teeth and three strands of hair, he’s never ventured far from the drain he resides in, and when he does, he disguises himself with a banana peel. Until one day, he hears a little voice... Join him as he learns the joy of individuality and the magic of belonging. £9.99 penguin.co.uk

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BOOKS

LITTLE PEOPLE BIG DREAMS MY FIRST HARRIET TUBMAN

By Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Introduce your baby to the inspiring leader of the Underground Railroad, with this lovely board book boasting stylish, quirky illustrations. Written in simple sentences, it’s perfect for reading out loud. It’s never too early to learn about the important life stories of wonderful women of the world. £5.99; quartokids.com

B OA R D B O O K

ROLE REVERSAL L O O K I N G A F T E R D A D DY

By Eve Coy

This uplifting and heartwarming tale of a stayat-home father and his daughter is guaranteed to melt your heart. You’re invited to jump inside the imagination of the little girl who likes to pretend she’s babysitting her daddy, when in reality he is looking after her. It makes for perfect Father’s Day reading. £6.99  penguin.co.uk

W H E R E ’ S M R A S T R O N AU T ?

By Ingela P Arrhgenius

A delightful and funny introduction to the world of space exploration for the youngest of bookworms. This is a particularly charming addition to the bestselling series, and like the others it boasts fuzzy felt flaps, perfect for little hands to grab. £6.99  nosycrow.com

GREEN-EYED MONSTER I WA N T M Y D A D

By Tony Ross

The twenty-third book of the Little Princess series sees her explore feelings of jealousy. All of her friends’ dads can do amazing things - the Cook bakes delicious cakes, the Gardener takes his daughter on adventures in the forest…

She soon realises that the King’s pride in his daughter is worth much more than those exciting adventures. £9.99  penguin.co.uk

C R E E PY C R AW LY TOWN I E S PI D E R

By Kimberly Rowell

When Townie Spider curls up to sleep he doesn’t realise he’s on a car.

He wakes up miles from home and doesn’t know what to do until he makes some new friends… A debut children’s book and lovely rhyming tale from Kimberly Rowell. £4.99  olympiapublishers.com June 2019

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Nice Wheels • MICRALITE•

Micralite describe their popular FastFold as ‘the SUV of strollers’. Thanks to high spec wheels and premium weatherproof fabrics, it works just as well on the tube as it does on a woodland walk. micralite.com

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Father’s

Day

The best gifts for dads this June 16th

W o r d s C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

Carry All JEM + BEA

Jem + Bea’s new changing bag, the Elliott backpack, is a great unisex, sports-tech style that dads won’t mind carrying. It’s so specious that you can fit a 15” laptop for days when you’re doing the nursery drop before work. £160; jemandbea.com

Editor’s Pick

Groom Time HAECKLES

From Margate-based brand Haeckles, this nourishing beard oil should stop him reaching into the bathroom cabinet for your moisturisers.

It’s made from 100% natural ingredients and is designed to soften coarse hair and treat the sensitive skin beneath. £34; haeckles.co.uk 18

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LOCK IN KONOC

A sweet token to show you appreciate all of the nappy changes (!), we love this keyring from Konoc. Leather-stamped with the word ‘papa’, it has been handmade in Britain, where the brand is based. £18.95; scandiborn.co.uk

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essen t i a ls PAPAS

Make The Cut

LIGHT MY FIRE

SUNSPEL

Minimal dads will love the no-fuss basics from British-brand Sunspel.

Treat him to a smart knit, or the perfectly cut tee. sunspel.com

LOLA JAMES HARPER

Could there be a more perfect name for a Father’s Day gift?

With a scent that’s reminiscent of daddy’s library (think pencils, paper, notebooks, rubber, wood and tools), we love this candle from Lola James Harper. £36; smallable.com

Date Night TRULLO

The bestselling cookbook from one of our favourite Italian London restaurants. If you can’t get a babysitter, hopefully he’ll whip you up some of their mouthwatering fettuccine at home. £25; trullorestaurant.com

NO SWEAT THE FMLY STORE

A great gift for new dads or dadsto-be, The Fmly Store donate £5 from the sale of every one of these sweatshirts to 10 deserving causes they believe in. It’s made from 100% organic cotton and is Fair Wear certified too. £55; thefmlystore.com

Eco Kicks

VEJA

The perfect present for earth dads, VEJA’s trainers are made from organic, agroecological and fair trade cotton, wild rubber from the Amazonian forest and recycled plastic bottles. 40% of their styles (including this one) are also vegan. £115; veja-store.com June 2019

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pactâ„¢ flex signature Welcome to a luxurious world of warmly woven quilted fabrics; aged cognac leatherette touches; and an elite, high brilliance carriage chassis; all exquisitely crafted to make memories of each moment with baby last forever.

A SIMPLY TIMELESS PINT-SIZED PUSHCHAIR WITH AN EXCLUSIVELY FLAT AND FAST FOLDING SYSTEM.

joiebaby.com/signature in-seat suspension for a 50% smoother stroll

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Available from Argos, Boots, Halfords, Mothercare, Very and all good independent nursery retailers.

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essentials

TOT GE AR

ent d r a p rove app

FREE WHEELING BABYZEN

BABYZEN is introducing two new gender-neutral shades to their range of lightweight buggies. Perfect for summer babies, the popular YOYO is now available in a fresh aqua blue and a chic toffee shade. johnlewis.com

HIP HIP HOORAY TWISH

Twish is designed to take the stress out of planning your little one’s party. The clever app provides family and friends with a safe platform to collectively gift a special birthday present or experience, making sure they get what they really want. twish.app

TOT GEAR

Inspired kit to make parenting easier

SITTING C O M F O R TA B LY M A M A S & PA PA S

Ideal for the weaning stage, the Baby Snug helps little ones to learn how to sit on their own. The innovative design can be adjusted as your child grows and it also has a removable activity tray. mamasandpapas.com

A LWAYS LOV E YOU Reviewed by Rae Duke of the Mamas & Papas Parent Approved Panel

O

ne of the (many!) things I want to ensure I do well on this amazing journey we call parenting is capture those milestone moments as our daughter grows. As ever, Mamas & Papas is tuned into the wants and wishes of parents and have created an impossibly cute collection named ‘Always Love You’.

Rory and I were recently treated to a bundle of gifts from the new range and there were delights in there for us both. For Rory; a cuddly friend who will, hopefully, remain a companion for life and for me; the baby foot print kit frame. We also loved the stationery, which includes cards, gift bags and those Instagram-necessities – baby record cards. I didn’t quite jump on this bandwagon soon enough but I would really encourage parents-to-be to get some. Mamas & Papas have also thought of the practical realities of life as a parent and there are some great travel accessories. We have a ‘bar’ of toys that attaches onto our Acro buggy with an array of fun, developmental features and a handy travel toy. There is also a gorgeous bedtime story book appropriately named, ‘Always Love You’.

Always Love You range, from £3; mamasandpapas.com @raetheduke

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Passionate about Play We believe childhood should be enjoyed to the full.

That’s why we’ve been making imaginative wooden toys, designed in Great Britain with a touch of French je ne sais quoi, since 1995. letoyvan.com

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Splish Splash • FEARNE COTTON FOR BOOTS MINI CLUB •

Fearne Cotton has designed a new kids clothing collection for Boots Mini Club, launching just in time for summer. Inspired by her son’s love of sea creatures, it’s full of beachy bright hues and underwater-themed motifs. boots.com

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“The dated cliché father image (never around, handsoff ) that still lingered was no longer relevant”

INSTA PAPA Dad-blogger, journalist and Man Talk podcast presenter Jamie Day

adayinthelifedad.com @adayinthelifedad

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Q When did you launch your blog and what made you want to write about fatherhood?

A I think it was when my daughter, Edie, was around three and leading up to the birth of my son, Arlo, so it’s been going since mid-2015. I started writing about parenthood because I was an avid follower of lots of mums online and their motherhood musings, but I noticed dads weren’t really getting involved in the parenting conversation. I wanted to demonstrate that dads are part of the family too, and that the dated cliché father image (never around, hands-off ) that still lingered was no longer relevant. Because I was in a job in education at the time, it meant I had lots of school holidays to be with the kids and document our adventures, so I always had plenty to write about, whether it was tips and tricks, dads’ style or days out. At the time it was only really me, Simon Hooper, Matt Farquharson, Greg Stanton and a couple of others posting about our lives as modern-day dads online. After a story in The Sunday Telegraph came out about dads on social media that featured us all,

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mama h ood Q & A

things kind of took off a bit with blogging and Instagram. And now, obviously, with the explosion of the parenting community on Instagram over the last two years, brilliantly, so many more dads are now getting in on it.

Q How do you do you maintain audience loyalty in the competitive space of Instaparents?

A For me, I don’t see Instagram as a competitive space. There’s room for everyone.

No one’s nailed this parenting malarkey and everyone has an individual experience, so if I can put out or gain one tip, or spot one product, or amazing day out that my kids will love, then the Insta-parent community is working. If people are chasing likes, buying followers or dragging their kids around with multiple outfit changes to bank some content (this happens!), I think they’ll lose their appeal. I’m all for organic, authentic and useful content, whether it’s a paid partnership or a just a photo that makes me laugh, and I hope my followers are too.

Q We love your podcast, Man Talk. Why do you think it’s so important for men to talk about their mental health?

A Suicide is the biggest killer of young men in the UK. Not cancer, not road accidents, nope, it’s suicide. Men are choosing to end

their lives rather than open up about their issues and seek help. Stigmas still remain and sadly men find it so difficult to speak up. I’ve struggled with my mental health for years, but I’m in a place now in my life I feel comfortable talking about it. I’m hoping that I can show that if I’m doing it, and all my podcast guests are doing it, then there is hope. Help is out there, whether that’s through counselling, medication or alternative treatments, the most important thing is to talk to someone first. That might be a friend, a family member, a doctor or a charity, but once that first step is out of the way, things can be put in place to start addressing the issues.

Q Who has been your favourite guest so far and why?

A That’s a really difficult question to answer as all my guests have been amazing and actually I admire them all for coming on the show and

“Every day is chaotically different.

It’s full of poo, farts and tantrums”

opening up about their issues with depression, anxiety, suicide, grief, PND and PTSD. I think they all have relatable stories and importantly provide comfort and guidance for others who might be suffering in similar ways.

Q What are the best bits and worst bits about being a dad?

A Best: every day is remarkably different.

It’s full of love, fun and happiness. Worst: every day is chaotically different. It’s full of poo, farts and tantrums.

Q What do you want for Father’s Day and what do you think you’ll get?

A My wife will tell you, I am the worst person to buy gifts for. I’m very particular (and probably very annoying) when it comes to clothes, fragrances and the like. But no tat. Definitely no tat. Save your money and give it to charity, kids. I don’t think any dad really wants a pair of naff socks. Now I’ve said that, I’m definitely getting a pair of naff socks aren’t I? June 2019

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Baby care the natural way

JOIN US AT

Padsicle Blend showcasing at This Morning Live

Claim a discounted ticket using code BabyopathyLTD2019 How to claim • Visit theticketfactory.com/thismorninglive/online • Select your day & choose Silver Ticket • Enter the code above on the next page

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mama h ood Q & A

woman in

WORK Grace Timothy journalist and author of Lost in Motherhood

I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

Q You’re a freelance journalist, what made you want to write a book about your experiences of motherhood?

A As a writer I’m used to using my own experiences for a story, and to begin with I felt fiercely private about motherhood. But about 18 months into being a mum I started a social group for new mothers in my area and when I was talking to them about my own experiences I realised there was worth in sharing the truth. It helps – them and you.

“As I lifted her legs to pop the clean nappy under her she machinegunned poo all over me”

Q It has a dark comedy that so many mothers will resonate with. Do you think the writing process somehow helped you with the identity shift that you describe in the book?

A Definitely. I was talking to my agent about a book on motherhood for a while but she was the one who pointed out it would be a book about identity. She could see all the changes I’d been through, and the changes all her friends had been through when they became parents. As we talked on, I realised every moment I’d found challenging was a moment that had left me feeling insecure, because I wasn’t as resilient or sure of myself as I’d been before. She gave me that eureka moment of, ‘Wow, every single thing that defined me has dramatically changed!’. My relationships, my body, my priorities, my career, even the way

my day was ordered – it all changed so it felt like I was undone a bit, right at the moment where I most needed to feel together and on it. It was a beautiful thing – not nearly as negative as it sounds – but with all the joy of my baby there was also a loss of confidence.

It wasn’t until I started to write the story that I realised how it had all played out.

There was defintiely a sense of resolution when I finished it, which is nuts, because let’s face it – life will continue to turn on a dime and surprise the hell out of you. The story hasn’t ended! But still, it did feel like a form of therapy.

Q From mum-rage to mum-jeans, we love how well observed it is. What’s your funniest story from your own experience of being a mum?

A Thank you! I think the funniest experience was when I got up in the middle of the night to change my daughter’s nappy and as I lifted her legs to pop the clean nappy under her she machine-gunned poo all over me.

It shot out of her, covered me from head to toe and then hit the wall behind me when I ducked. It did not feel funny at the time, but even then she had such great timing, I can see now that was her first joke. It would have been funnier if she’d done it to my husband, though.

Q What was the thing that surprised you most about motherhood when you became a mum for the first time?

A I should say, the love – I had equated it with how I loved my family and friends, but it went about a thousand layers deeper than I’d thought possible. Also, how fun I found even the gross bits. But in all honesty, the biggest surprise? My vagina. Where did it go?! I swear a chunk of it is missing post-episiotomy. I’m not sure what look the registrar who stitched me was going for, but...yeh.

Q With the rise of Instagram and parent bloggers, do you think that perceptions of motherhood and mums are changing?

A Definitely. There are two sides though – that post-truth movement of highly filtered motherhood, and then the honest one that doesn’t deal in the securities of others. The one that’s truthful and most often, hilarious. That’s the corner I personally enjoy, and it’s great for reminding women they’re not alone. amazon.co.uk @gracetimothywriter

June 2019

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“I am a creature of habit and I wanted to bring Cooper into the world in the same way Locki came”

I A B I R T H S T O R Y

British ski champion, BBC Winter Olympic sports commentator and motherhood podcast presenter Chemmy Alcott shares the true-life story of the birth of her second son, Cooper

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t takes a lot of confidence to admit that you were induced because your due date lies smack bang in the middle of your biggest yearly working period.

I felt super nervous going to my 39 week consultation appointment with the hope that the doctor would induce me on my 40 week due date. I felt like he might think my priorities were all wrong. That instead of letting my baby come when he was ready, I was forcing him out into the world.

But as it turns out, the chances that I would have to be induced with Cooper were super high. Locki (my two-year-old toddler) was two weeks late and didn’t want to come into the world. Cooper was in exactly the same position and the consultant said either we would be induced at 40 weeks or 42 weeks and the chances of a vaginal labour were almost the same (I needed a vaginal delivery to get back to work as driving and skiing were involved!).

In the end, the consultant agreed to induce me bang on my due date (he said my reason for it was more valid than the mother before me who had asked to be induced because she had a party to go to!).

Cooper was due on January 16th. I needed him to be in the world by the 20th January. I had to get to Sweden to film for Ski Sunday at the World Championships. The only airline to fly direct are EasyJet who only let you fly with a 14-day old. The maximum time between being induced and actual delivery is four days. I needed just 45 mins! No joke. From my waters breaking naturally to delivery.

I was advised to stay near the hospital after the pessary (first stage to induce labour) was inserted (especially since I had been induced with Locki – your body tends to respond far

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mamah o o d RE AL

quicker and stronger second time around).

But I am a creature of habit and I wanted to bring Cooper into the world in the same way that Locki came. With a three hour walk around Kingston, acupuncture and a curry! So we took the hospital advice with a pinch of salt and got the bus into town. We went to my favourite Portuguese coffee shop and as we left, the cramping started. I was literally walking doubled over. But being stubborn, I was still asking Dougie to google local acupuncture and book me in. In the end we had to cancel the appointment. We still managed a super quick curry (by this point I was so uncomfortable that I asked for a pillow in the restaurant to sit on. They didn’t have any, but seeing my pain, they brought me 10 ironed and pressed white tablecloths!

Completely impractical for someone in labour, losing control of ‘down there’, but a sweet gesture nevertheless!).

We tried to get an Uber back to the hospital, as by now I was super sore, but there weren’t any nearby so we walked to the bus stop and waited (I still drive past most days and see the metal bench I was doubled over on – which must have been quite a sight!).

“I was only 3cm dilated which confused me a lot as I was in so much pain” Back in hospital with the pessary having fallen out and my waters breaking (this didn’t happen naturally first time – what a strange feeling, I felt like a balloon had popped), I was moved to the birthing unit as we wanted a water birth. Unfortunately, I was monitored for 10 minutes and the contractions were so severe that Cooper’s heart rate was dropping each time. So they said I had to go to the hospital maternity ward.

The midwife told me I was only 3cm dilated which confused me a lot as I was in so much pain. That was the last update I got.

Probably the most difficult thing for both Dougie and I, as retired athletes who live by goal setting, was that we knew I had to be 10cm before the real action started. So naturally we both expected a long journey ahead before we held our baby (with Locki we had an 18 hour labour). We couldn’t have been more wrong.

LIFE

Whilst I was busy screaming (with a few profanities I will admit!) for an epidural, the midwife was trying to help but there was no time between the contractions. I only had time for two puffs of gas and air and then bizarrely the room started to fill with busy people (turning on the heat lamp in the corner etc). I remember registering this particular action, thinking why the hell are they doing that – when I just need drugs. It didn’t click that this obviously meant Cooper was arriving imminently.

In fact, when he came, Dougie and I were still in shock. Having prepared for a long journey ahead (not just logically with snacks and the practicalities of having someone take care of Locki, but mentally too) when Cooper entered the world I was still asking for painkillers! They replied “You don’t need them. You have done it. He’s here!”.

I never intended to give birth without drugs. I have a few friends who have high fived me because of it and I always feel really uncomfortable, because I feel like a fake!

I feel guilty that I didn’t cry when I first held Cooper. I was completely in love don’t get me wrong, but I was just in so much shock – wow you are here already! I guess your first baby is always different because it’s unknown, but with Locki we were both in floods of tears and I expected the same reaction with Cooper.

I think because the labour was so fast (and because I spent months doing prenatal Pilates) I bounced back physically so quickly after Cooper was born. In fact, skiing after just 14 days, I completely forgot I had just given birth.

The human body is amazing. Even now, three months later, looking at how big he has gotten blows my mind.

I feel so lucky to have my boys. To feel responsible for the happiness of two little things is the best role of my life and one which I cherish (and challenges me) daily.

I hope my podcasts help support and entertain other new mums and mums-to-be. out there!

You can listen to Chemmy’s new motherhood podcast on Soundcloud. @chemmyski June 2019

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Under the

SEA

Presenter and DJ Fearne Cotton on her new collection for Boots Mini Club

Interview FLORA THOMAS

Q We love the bright colours in your new collection, what was your inspiration?

A The starting point was the ocean – mainly inspired by my son’s infatuation with all things to do with the sea (he’s absolutely obsessed with sea creatures and particularly squids, weirdly!). And then we looked at how the younger generations are getting into conservation and taking care of the planet and the ocean. The colour palette inspiration came from underwater – those lovely beachy, almost Californian shades which have a very fun, sporty, retro and kid-like feel.

Q How did you work with Boots and what was the design process like?

A I’ve been doing the range for a couple of years now, so initially when we started out it was less theme-based and it was more about comfy, practical clothing for kids. That’s such a big one for me as a parent, having clothes that kids can move around in and that you can easily get them into (and out of!) and wash. So now we’re a bit further down the line, we can 30

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be more experimental. Every season everyone comes to my house first and we all sit down and we work out a theme that we love and we might even set the colour palette in that meeting too. We just have a giant brainstorm really and then after that, I’m in every single meeting and involved in the whole process – from conception, through to when it’s in store.

It’s a really lovely creative process.

Q The shapes are easy to wear and many of the pieces are unisex, was that important to you?

A I think it’s become more important. Mini Club is so good at listening to the customer and that’s something that I try to do across the board with all my projects. Are people enjoying my books, my podcast etc and that feedback is invaluable. We’re hearing quite a lot of the time that people are enjoying having pieces that they can change between siblings – girls, boys, whatever. I’ve got a son who is partial to wearing some particularly exotic outfits and who is also a real tomboy.

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I’m with the customer on that one, because I never dress my kids, I just let them go into their room and they come out in all sorts of weird and wonderful things – and I’m all for that! So I think it’s important to bear in mind for cost effective reasons or for choice and freedom, people want to be able to explore all collections without having to feel penned in by gender. We make jeans that can work for girls and boys and this collection we’ve really focused on that.

Q How do you dress Rex and Honey Krissy?

And what do you look for when you’re buying clothes for them?

A I take them with me, very rarely will I go out shopping and just pick stuff, because I’ll come home and they’ll go “I don’t like it!”. So I really want them to be part of that experience, and express themselves how best they feel. Luckily because Rex loves the ocean so much, he’s been absolutely obsessed with this latest Boots collection because it’s all octopuses and stingrays and he just can’t believe his luck – it’s his dream wardrobe! So he’s been really into mixing and matching all

“I’m in every single meeting and involved in the whole proccess ” of those little looks. If it was just me going out, it would be about practicality. Will it wash well, is it a shape that’s easy to move around in when we’re going out to the park and running around. I don’t want anything with annoying fasteners or buttons or anything that’s fiddly, it’s got to be easy and wearable.

I’m not about fancy kids clothes because they look amazing (I couldn’t give a hoot about that!) I’m all about making sure they are comfortable.

Q We’ve loved following your podcast, Happy Place, who has been your favourite guest and what have you enjoyed most about making it?

A favourite guest is hard because I feel so lucky to have had everyone on! Stephen Fry was particularly exceptional because he’s Stephen Fry! And he’s such a maverick in the mental health arena and was one of the first people to properly start talking about things openly and honestly and I will forever thank him for that. And Henry Fraser, what a story to hear! What an amazing guy and he did such a beautiful job and he is so wonderfully honest and also quite weirdly matter-of-fact about his life, which has been so inspiring to so many people. Every guest that I’ve had on I’m so grateful for their time and their energy and that they wanted to share their stories because it’s been a very impactful and positive thing for many people out there.

I’m just bringing out the honesty in people and then others can find moments where they are resonating or get solace from a conversation. For me, it’s just about that and if I can tap into that authenticity in any project that I’m doing, then I’m dead happy.

Q And finally, what’s your favourite piece from your new collection and why?

A It’s quite exciting that we’ve done swimwear for the first time, because that’s new to us and I love the little girls’ swimming costume with the red stripes and bow, I mean it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen! And Honey luckily likes wearing it because she can be a bit of fusspot!

So that definitely for me is one of my absolute faves.

FEARNE

by Fearne Cotton is exclusive to Boots Mini Club boots.com June 2019

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