How my Bump Grew: The bumpie timeline

I've always been intrigued to see how people's bumps grew at different stages. 

I love the week by week slideshow reels some ladies put together but I never have the patience for that! 

So instead here's a few bumpies of how my bump grew from 12 weeks on my 30th birthday till I popped...

And then....

 Hooray! We did it!

Love

LauraClaire

GIFT Essentiel Vie Review: Nipple Cream

Well I finally popped! After what felt less like 9 months and more like 9 years I am now a mum... 

and, on day 8 of baby's bright new world I have to say that hubby and I are totally smitten. 

I've heard that the first couple of weeks tend to run smoothly and lull you into a false sense of 'OK, I can do this' so we're enjoying it while it lasts. 

As such I wanted to take a few minutes to write up about a product that was gifted to be recently by the folks at Essentiel Vie. 

Essentiel Vie products are 100% natural, cruelty-free and totally plant based. They contain gorgeous botanicals and essential oils to help mum's thrive.

baby cuddles are just the best!

Essentiel Vie Nipple Cream Review 

The Essentiel Vie Nipple Cream is one of those items that you think you won't need. "Sure, I'll be fine", I naively thought as I clumsily started my breastfeeding journey in the hospital (starting with a midwife forcibly attaching baby to me eeek). 

Yet just days in and I was only just about getting the hang of breast feeding, so all I can say is that this cream was a godsend. 

Don't get me wrong, the midwives told that I can use my own milk to help make the nipple area less tender but when you've spent three weeks as a cow, there's just something more luxurious about using a product over your own supply! 

Made with Argan oil and Vitamin E, Essential Vie's nipple cream is soothing and calming on my sore spots and its safe for baby too. 

The tub comes with a generous amount of cream to last you throughout your breastfeeding journey - so no chance of running out!

Now available at Boots Online

A large pot of Essentiel Vie's Nipple Cream is available to purchase online at Boots. It retails at £12.99 and gets you 48 boots points (which I'm always trying to nab!). 

A big thumbs up from me. Thank you to Essentiel Vie for gifting me your nipple cream. It was there just at the right time when I needed it most. 

Love

LauraClaire

A Light-hearted look back at my pregnancy-related Google Search history!

After typing in 'Why do I keep getting ill all the time?' into Google I knew I'd gone a little insane with my pregnancy questions. 

So I thought why not take a look back at all the questions I've been mindlessly popping in Google Search between the 2nd Trimester and start of the 3rd Trimester... If you're a first time mum I'm sure you can feel me on this one! 

Here's my hilarious look back through my Google Search History for the past 3 months - all the first time pregnancy questions and my take on the answers!

What can I not eat during pregnancy?

All the good things like pate and cured meats... and gin and tonic! But Lion-Approved eggs are now fine apparently. 

Should I do NCT classes?

I mean come on, how is Google going to know this one! The short answer is that I decided to do NCT classes and I think they're well worth it, my bunch of ladies are great fun. 

What are the Grobag togs?

They're the thickness of the baby sleeping bag - so how warm they will need to be depending on the temperature of the room. 

Can I exercise during pregnancy?

Having had CIN3 and needing the LETZ procedure about 5 years ago I was very worried about how exercise could effect my chance of miscarriage. You totally can exercise, just know your own body and keep it light. 

How do I get rid of heart burn?

I've been lucky with heart burn so far. Only a few occurrences that have started to strike since week 30. I haven't taken anything for it - just plenty of water and smaller portions. 

Why do I keep getting ill?!!

What a fantastic question Laura! Hah! You kept getting ill because your immune system was working over drive as your body built a baby - simple. 

What pram should I get?

I scoured the market, pushed a million different makes and landed on the Egg stroller with the newborn insert. Not the cheapest option but I got mine second-hand and in great condition. The perks? It folds down small enough to fit in my car, is considerably sturdier than other premium models I tried and I love the design. 

What car seat should I get?

I'm yet to actually buy one yet but I think we've decided on a combination car seat that stays in the car. They last much longer and can adapt with your child as they grow. I've also heard that 360 spin designs are a godsend. 

What pregnancy books should I read?

There is so much choice here but I ended up reading The New Contented Little Baby Book by Gina Ford and liked her take on things. 

What pregnancy apps should I download?

I use the Babycentre, Bounty App and The Ovia App. 

Will I get an outie belly button?

I was paranoid about this for some reason. I still haven't got one. 

When will my bump start to show?

Anywhere from 12-14 weeks. Here's me at exactly 12 weeks on my 30th Birthday with a little bump.  

How much weight should I put on?

They say around 2 stone is about the average though some friends put on double that and went on to lose it all afterwards. 

What do I really need to buy and what can I leave out?

I found speaking to friends with babies and YouTube to be the best answer for this.

What baby bits should I buy?

There are plenty of guides online to help answer this one. 

Gifts for mum at baby showers?

I was asked to write a list of baby bits for my baby shower to give to the girlies coming. It made me think of gifts that would be good for mum-to-be too. Here's my top 5 gifts for mum-to-be

Whats the best baby travel system?

In my opinion I like the Egg travel system. 

What are the top baby names?
How do I prepare for birth?
What does labour feel like?

How to tell if your baby is moving less?

They recommended sitting or lying quietly and counting the number of times baby moves in an hour if you're ever worried. If you notice anything different you should always contact your midwife. My baby tends to be sleepy during the day and come alive between 9 and 10pm... a sign of things to come perhaps! Eek!

How do you dress baby for cold weather?
What are the baby clothes sizes?
Which nappies are the best and cheapest?

How can I avoid stretch marks when pregnant?

I think it can almost be down to genetics as to whether you're more likely to get stretch marks but you can certainly put things in place to help yourself. I applied stretch mark oil every night and if I was ever out of the bath. I also used MamaMio tummy rub butter which I've reviewed here. 

Where is the serial number on an egg stoller?

It's on the side of the leg.

Where does the rain cover fit on an egg stroller?

It's supposed to fit in the little compartment below the feet but its a tight squeeze. 

How do I use the newborn insert on an egg stoller?

Yep, can you tell I was trying to assemble the darn thing!

How to lengthen the straps on an egg stroller?

The Egg instruction manual helps

What baby magazines are good to read?

When did you leave your baby for the first time?

This really depends on the mum. Most forum group mums said that they stayed with baby for at least 2 months before leaving them overnight I found. 


So, soon-to-be-mamas out there... do you agree? What's your Google Search history looking like at the moment. 

Kinda nice to know you're not the only one frantically searching random pregnancy queries 20 times a day too? I hope so :) 

Love 

LauraClaire