Nyp Balm, food for your boobs (and baby’s bottom)
The third time around, breastfeeding was easy. I knew exactly what to do, and the baby also got it immediately — she was breastfeeding within minutes after she was born, as if we both had been doing nothing else for years. Life is beautiful.
I also knew exactly what to expect a few days after the birth. Painful boobs the size of melons, hard, hot and with red blotches. Sleeping sitting up. Sore, cracked nipples, feeding bra size 100Z (too small). Have you ever had to pull a cracked nipple sticking to your bra? Ouch. Life is a bitch.
Enter Inlight Nyp Balm. A natural, 100% organic, wonderful smelling soothing balm that does the trick. Before birth, it’s used to help stretch the skin and prevent stretch-marks. After the birth it soothes and heals sore nipples. And, what I possibly like best about it is that now that I don’t need the Nyp Balm myself anymore (yay), I can use the rest for my baby’s bum. No spills! Because it also calms red and irritated baby bottoms wonderfully well.
All ingredients in Nyp Balm (like moisturising olive and coconut oil, protective beeswax, anti-inflammatory lavender and restorative rosehip oil) do not alter the flavour of the maternal milk and are easily tolerated by babies.
xxx Esther
Eco Nursing Pads from Itzy Ritzy
Although breastfeeding is in my opinion the easiest and cheapest way of feeding a baby, it does require some necessary investments to keep up appearances. Like a sexy maternity bra — Elle MacPherson does it for me. And, trust me, good nursing pads are an absolute must too. These glamourous Glitzy Gals nursing pads from Itzy Ritzy are my all time favourites. They are thin, soft and made from eco sustainable baby bamboo which is naturally anti-bacterial, deodorising and super absorbent. They are really comfortable to wear, easy to wash and can be used over, and over, and over again. And they look really cute too, with those patterned fabrics!
Available through our favourite eco store Shakshuka, where you can also find a matching nursing cover.
xxx Esther
Fresh Press, cool cards with bold backs
I recently got thank-you-cards printed at Fresh Press. They are of the Later Gator range, and they are very cool! Love the green alligator, and love the funky red/green back, which is very refreshing. All Fresh Press cards have the signature patterned back, which gives the cards that special distinction… I also had address labels printed, and some note-cards and calling cards. All from the same range, all very cool.
Together with my order, Fresh Press sent me a sample pack and these delightful birth announcements were part of it. I think they are just adorable. They’re printed on beautiful linen paper and have that classic yet contemporary look that I love. If you’re expecting a baby and are looking for the cutest birth announcement — you should surely consider these! Personalising your cards is extremely simple at the Fresh Press website, but if you still have questions the people behind Fresh Press are really super kind and attentive!
xxx Esther
Gittabags
I was never really into the diaper bag thing. I think that the litany of awful maternity bags out there screaming ‘I am an unsightly post-partum bag’ with very little in the style-stakes really ruined it for me. Instead I opted to use one of my larger handbags, although I never found them particularly practical — mainly for want of a milkproof lining. Yes…sigh…regrettably I ruined a couple of my beloved bags (consider this a warning for those entertaining the very idea — milk spillage, inside bag, ruins bag). But, maternity bags have come a long way and if I had my time again I think the Gittabag would be a strong contender. In terms of practicality, it ticks all the boxes and then some and there is a design and color combo to suit almost everyone.
These diaper bags run the gamut from small backpack to medium and large messenger bags and even a handy tool-belt style kit for your waist. The colors are bright but neither too baby nor too feminine. The bags are of very high quality materials, meticulously sewn and machine washable with so many nooks and crannies that it is impossible to mention them all. But the standout feature is the ‘Activefold‘, a patent pending foldout, collapsible activity bar. (more…)
A good maternity swimsuit from Blossom
The other day, I was talking about swimsuits with some friends, and they told me one of us should write a post about the best swimsuits for mums. ‘Mums’ meaning: boobs a tad less firm, a belly a little less flat, a bum just slightly wobblier, possible stretch marks, maybe some scars, etc. And ’swimsuit’ meaning: a piece of cloth strategically covering, lifting and enhancing the right pieces of the mum’s body. I thought it was an excellent idea, but of course at the moment, being 8½ months pregnant, the only thing I can personally talk about is maternity swimsuits!
A maternity swimsuit is a good thing to invest in if you’re going to be pregnant throughout the summer, or even in winter, as swimming is one of the most pleasurable maternity exercises (think weightlessness). The ‘tankini’ varieties are perfect — very flattering and covering strategic parts of the body. This beauty from Blossom is a good choice as it gives hidden support and has plenty of room for a growing belly. I tried normal bikinis but I can tell you — this tankini looks a whole lot better on!
If you make your way over to Blossom you should also check out the gorgeous maxi dresses in their new collection… Almost a pity that I won’t be pregnant anymore in summer… (Just kidding!!!)
xxx Esther
Wrapped up well with Isabella Oliver
Michela wrote about this dress a long time ago, but I’m currently enjoying the wonders of it so much that I had to rave about it again. I must say that I sort of live in a few outfits at the moment, the only ones I can stand on my very pregnant belly! The Tie Knot Dress from Isabella Oliver is definitely one of them as it is totally comfortable, flattering (as far as one can be flattering in the third stage of a pregnancy) and is a really interesting, vibrant purple colour. I wear it with leggings or pregnancy tights (it’s till cold here in Amsterdam!), and my ever present pair of Shabbies. Voila pregnancy uniform number one!
Do you have any pregnancy favourites?
xxx Esther
A non-frumpy nine months
Seems like everyone I know is having a baby all of a sudden. Funny how it always happens in waves.
With “three being the new two” and “twins being the new singleton” in NYC, the maternity business is booming! When I was pregnant I was determined to remain somewhat stylish (well with the roots growing in and the adult onset acne, the least I could do was wear a semi-decent outfit.) One of my very favorite brands to discover along the way was Nom de Naissance, which is based out of LA and is carried at my very favorite maternity store in NYC, Belly Dance Maternity. This adorable West Village shop carries a well edited selection of labels like Splendid, Diane Von Furstenburg and Ripe with the premise being that you can still dress like you did before you got prego. Two other amazing stores that I discovered along the way were Cappucine in Tribeca which does not have an on-line website but is definitely worth the visit. The owner carries both maternity wear and adorable regular clothes in larger sizes (and the owner is French so you know it’s cool). The other place that I found was Bump in Brooklyn which opened after I had the girls but it looks ultra, ultra swank. For the gals that are not into “Pea in a Pod” and “Liz Lange” – these stores are for you.
-Dina
AngelSounds: listen to your unborn baby in a heartbeat
Good news! I had my 20-week scan, and the little girl (!) in my belly seems to be happy and healthy, at least as far as the echoscopist could tell at this stage. Hurray!! It was of course a major relief, especially given the doubtful scan I had had at 12 weeks… And I’m super excited!
I’m also feeling the baby really well now — of course I had been feeling little things before twenty weeks, but nothing compared to the clear kicks even my husband can now feel on the outside! Even though we just saw our baby alive and well on the hospital screen, it is always nice to feel the baby’s movements just to prove she’s doing alright in there. I admit that in my first two pregnancies I sometimes poked my belly to make the quiet baby inside of me move, just to put my overly worried mind at ease. Poor baby!
Thankfully, I now have an AngelSounds fetal heart detector at home so I don’t have to disturb my little girl in her fetal sleeps. I can hear her heartbeat at every moment I please, no hospital or midwife needed! (more…)
Ma Mère for a Sexy Mama… even when pregnant!
The moment I found out I was pregnant, my boobs grew a full size. Crazy! (But very attractive, according to my husband…).
So my usual selection of bras was not only too tight, but since they’re all under-wired they’re not recommended for pregnancy. Under-wired bras are not advised during pregnancy because they put too much pressure on your breasts, which can result in blocked milk ducts or mastitis. They also aren’t flexible enough — apparently our boobs live their own life during pregnancy and can change shape during the day.
Good maternity bras accommodate all of these needs, but are sadly not always the most attractive ones around…
Now take a look at the selection of Ma Mère! Hello, mama! These bras are seriously super stylish and sexy!!
Surviving bed rest and pregnancy in general
I knew being pregnant with twins was not going to be a walk in the park but when I went into pre-term labor at 27 weeks I was shocked and terrified. After a short stint in the hospital I spent the next ten weeks on an IV drip at home, in bed, on my side, exactly 23 hours and 55 minutes a day.
You would be surprised how much of a routine you can make for yourself from bed and I must say, as the days wore on I did fall into a rhythm that made the time pass. While I did purchase a few books offering ideas on what to do while on bed rest, most suggested things that were not up my alley, like scrap-booking or knitting. I turned to Plan B which was to just suck it up and deal the best I could. I watched A LOT of television. I read all of the books that I have been meaning to read for years. I made special appointments with family and friends to come visit and bring me food. And most importantly I leaned on my husband a lot and would call him at work to just cry for a few minutes every day.
One of the best finds that come out of the whole experience was the gigantic U-shapped pillow which I would recommend to anyone who is pregnant. We found it on-line and it was life changing. I lived in that U. We still laugh about “the U”. We would joke about me being in U-niversity during the day and would sing all sorts of songs about it. Corny, yes….but your mind goes to mush when you are pregnant as you know.
-Dina
Cute cuddles from Kayatine
As Emilie pointed out, in French a ‘doudou’ is a little soft toy that small children take everywhere with them. I think all mums love the thought of a ‘doudou’, or at least I do — a little toddling toddler, thumb in mouth and doudou in arms, what can be cuter? (BTW, my kids never sucked their thumbs, but I did as a kid and was punished with braces when I was 12… A pretty sight, especially paired with the glasses!)
Kayatine is a French mother and daughter design team, and their main line of products are cute doudous in a diverse collection of fabrics. I like the way Evelyne and Julie-Anne stick to one design — it’s simple and cute, so why look for more?
Kayatine’s doudous make perfect gifts for baby showers or for newborn babies. Or even for a pregnant mum (this one for sure)!
xxx Esther
Blossom maternity jeans
Now that I’m ‘officially pregnant’ I can officially start talking about all things maternity. (A prelude to discussing all things baby — even better!) Like maternity jeans…
The one thing I learned from my previous pregnancies is that a good maternity jeans is a necessary investment. Previously I made my own pregnancy jeans (replacing the waistband from a ‘normal’ pair with an elastic band), and they worked quite well for the first few months. But they soon started to hurt at my tummy and I was longing for a well cut, comfy pair of maternity jeans. I guess you just forget how uncomfortable things can get!
These great jeans by Blossom Mother and Child are nice and long (too long for me even), make me look even taller, are a great colour, are just about the right mix between skinny and straight, make my bum look sexy and provide plenty of room for a growing tummy. Just perfect.
The only thing I’m sorry about? That I didn’t get them for my previous pregnancies!
xxx Esther
NOTE: Blossom is now kindly offering a 25% discount on all Blossom jeans (which never go on sale) exclusively to Babyccino readers: just enter promo code EC0068 at check out!
Is three the new two?
I’m pregnant with number three. Wow!! Call me crazy, but we’ve always wanted three children; this is 100% planned and not at all unexpected. To have a tiny new baby in my arms again — such joy! (Although sometimes I wonder what the heck I am thinking — another pregnancy, another birth, more nappies!) Our children are about as excited as we are; you should have seen our 4-year-old’s face when I broke the news. Loads of our friends have had a new (third) baby recently, so she has seen her little friends with their baby siblings, and the anticipation of having her own baby brother or sister made her beam with joy!
Lately I keep hearing the phrase ‘Three is the new two’. Must be the proof I’m a trend-follower instead of a trend-setter! The stats are proving it: since the late nineties more and more parents decide to go for a number three, or even a number four. (more…)
Firmaman
I have been trying to travel a bit further a field, leaving my usual habitat of North-Eastern Paris, to try and discover new places for Babyccino. On one of my trips I met up with Estelle from the lovely e-shop Nordinary and she took me on a whistle-stop tour of the 17th arrondissement.
One particular shop deserves its very own Babyccino post: the fabulous maternity shop Firmaman, Paris’ first concept store for pregnant ladies.
I had been looking for a place just like this during my pregnancy in Paris and never found one. It is a lovely boutique, full of great clothes — some of which are maternity clothes, some of which are not, but all of which will look great on a pregnant woman. You can find great coats, jeans and dresses. There is also a great newborn baby section, a gift section and a lingerie section with some beautiful nursing bras. (more…)
Win!
I’ve already mentioned being a huge fan of the uber stylish maternity boutique, Mama-La-Mode, which sells everything from maternity basics to designer dresses for the style-conscious mums-to-be. Whether it’s a pair of trendy pregnancy jeans, a winter coat, or a maternity swimsuit, Mama-La-Mode has it all.
In fact, just recently they launched their very own label of maternity staples — a collection of core essentials made from soft jersey and intended for all 9 months of pregnancy. Think skinny strap camisoles with built-in bra support, basic fold-down black trousers, and must-have black leggings.
In honor of their launch, Mama-La-Mode is offering a pair of maternity leggings to one lucky reader. Just leave a comment below by next Wednesday, September 9th, and we’ll pick one winner at random.
Good luck!
P.S. Mama-La-Mode is also offering 10% off to all first-time customers. Just use the promo code babyccino at check-out.
P.P.S. The winner of our last give-away, the Bear Feet shoes, is Claudia from Italy!
Choice of buggies
At the moment I am really enjoying cutting corners, recycling and making do with what we have, embracing a simple lifestyle. However, there are a few things that are not worth skimping on and children’s security is one of them, but being security conscious does not mean breaking the bank.
I found this article in the Guardian about how to choose a buggy sensibly and they had some really good tips.
I actually wish I had read it before getting mine. I am the proud owner of three buggies, and that is exactly two buggies too many!
- Emilie
Carry it good
Akua-Ba is a well fitting pregnancy top made out of thick and stretchy, fair trade cotton. Which is nice to start with.
To make it special, it is complemented with an original, small wooden Akua-Ba doll that you can attach to the strings at the back of the shirt. An old African legend says that ‘the doll brings luck and helps the mother to give birth to a beautiful child, not only in appearance but also in character’.
To make it extra special (and I love this part), for each top sold Akua-Ba gives a mosquito net to a pregnant woman in Burkina Faso (West-Africa).
A pregnant woman is 4 times more likely to get malaria. In Africa 3,000 children die of this disease every day… A mosquito net protects the mother and her child against malaria, both during her pregnancy and after.
Check the Akua-Ba website for retailers (Shak-shuka ships internationally).
xxx Esther
Win an Eva and Oli Maternity Bag
To celebrate the arrival of Courtney’s new little bundle of joy we are giving away a fabulous maternity bag by the great French Company Eva and Oli!
I have written about Eva & Oli before — they make great clothes for kids and the maternity bag is great — big enough to stick everything you could ever need into it, easy access side pockets, and it turns into a laptop bag once you’re finished with nappies (trust me, the day will come). But what I really like about it is that it looks fab, it is funky and does not look out of place in a chic Parisian café, which is more than you can say for a lot of maternity bags!
Here’s your chance to win the bag! Just leave a comment below by Sunday, May 31st with your top tips for dealing with a newborn and the best tip will win!
- Emilie
A new baby?
No, I still haven’t had the baby! We’re still anxiously awaiting the arrival — all snuggled up in our house, lying low, waiting, waiting, waiting…
Last week, in anticipation of the baby, Esther sent us a copy of Dick Bruna’s Miffy and the New Baby
Short, simple and sweet, it is the perfect book to ‘prep’ your kids for a new sibling on the way.
Fingers crossed it’s not much longer now…
-Courtney
Popje cards
These cute cards are designed by Dutch illustrator Marenthe Otten. Marenthe feels that ’special moments deserve to be celebrated’ and that ‘this begins with the card’. I couldn’t agree with her more!
On the Popje website you can find different sorts of greeting cards, envelopes and cute address stickers. Perfect for those special moments that need to be celebrated.
But if you’re looking for a special birth, adoption or wedding announcement, Popje has some really cool choices too!
xxx Esther
