Most pregnant women and new mothers will have heard the phrase ‘breast is best’, and in the UK over ninety percent of expectant mums say they want to breastfeed their babies. There are many benefits to breastfeeding for you and your baby, but like anything new it can be daunting to get to grips with all the facts. So what’s so special about breastmilk? Breast milk provides the nutrition young infants need, in the correct […]

Provided you are generally healthy there is usually no reason not to continue working throughout your pregnancy. You may want to put in place some changes to your normal routine. If you have a long commute, working from home can be an option on occasions. Or you may wish to avoid peak travel times, so you’re not travelling when it’s really busy. In the UK you are entitled to ask your employer to make reasonable […]

Having a baby is a time of immense change in your life. Being pregnant, preparing to be a parent and actually becoming a parent are new and unknown. It’s a time that can be very stressful and difficult to navigate. When you become a new parent it can be hard to talk openly about having negative feelings because you can feel pressured that everything should be marvellously under control and you should be constantly happy […]

If you’ve decided to breastfeed, you don’t need to start a special diet. What’s important is to make sure you’re eating a balanced and varied diet to maintain your energy levels. You will need some extra energy to sustain you when breastfeeding (and of course for looking after your baby, particularly in the middle of the night!). But you don’t need to ‘eat for two’ and can usually get the nutrients you need from eating […]

What is pre-eclampsia? Pre-eclampsia (also written as preeclampsia) is a condition affecting some pregnant women, usually during the second half of pregnancy (after 20 weeks). In the UK up to 6% of pregnancies are affected with mild pre-eclampsia, with 1-2% of cases severe. Figures indicate that 5-8% of pregnancies in the US are affected by pre-eclampsia. What are the symptoms of pre-eclampsia? The signs of mild pre-eclampsia are high blood pressure (hypertension) and protein in […]

Breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding moment between mother and child, but let’s be honest, it’s not always comfortable. Feedings throughout the day can really take a toll on your body and not just your breasts. Thankfully, there are some tried and true ways to help you make breastfeeding as comfortable as it can be, so you can enjoy it for the experience it is.   Change up your position. Try holding your baby in different […]

While you’re carrying your child, it may seem too early to be thinking about how they’ll perform in school. As if there isn’t enough to worry about. But being mindful of their cognitive development while your baby is in utero can make a difference in how they learn, retain information and behave after they’re born. But how? It’s not like you can show them flash cards. Believe it or not, there are some things you […]

One of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy is morning sickness. Morning sickness, while unpleasant, is a sign of a normal, healthy pregnancy. To help you cope with any morning sickness during your pregnancy, it’s good to know what to expect and which natural remedies are worth keeping on hand to help you feel better faster. What Is Morning Sickness? Typically occurring during the first few months of pregnancy (starting around the sixth week), […]

The role of hormones in relation to pregnancy cannot be understated. They help you conceive your child and ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Once you become pregnant, your hormone levels will shift in a way you haven’t experienced before, and this can mean some noticeable changes to how you look and feel. Here are four of the most common things you may experience due to changes in hormone levels: Energy Levels Progesterone is one […]

It may seem like everything about your body changes while you’re pregnant. Because of the shifts in your hormones and the many ways your body prepares for the baby, it’s safe to say that’s true. One of the changes that can be frustrating for women who are pregnant is how their skin is impacted, but it’s important not to put extra stress on yourself over them. That’s why we rounded up four of the most […]