The Hotlist: The Best Things to Do in AprilRead More *Part of a paid partnership Post author By The Mum Club Post date 26 March 2024 The Hotlist: The Best Things to Do in April Spring dates, chic stays and best things to watch and listen to this month… Swing Past Liberty for a Facial The Wildsmith House, Liberty London A unique immersive treatment space is coming to Liberty London for a limited time from March 27th to April 8th, 2024. Located in the iconic department store’s First Floor Atrium, THE WILDSMITH HOUSE offers a rare opportunity to experience the clinically proven Radical Botany Facial as it’s transported from the award-winning haven of Heckfield Estate, Hampshire. The 30-minute facial incorporates guided breathwork, a gentle cleanse, exfoliation, myofascial release, and a meticulously selected range of clinically proven skincare products to nourish your skin and soothe your soul. *Bookings open on the March 27th. Book from the March 27th here Find Your Next Holiday With Tiny Travelmap Tiny Travelmap Giving Google Maps a serious glow-up, Tiny Travelmap is a new service created by Tiny Travelship, which features every recommendation shared on their instagram @tinytravelship but allows members to explore the thousands of visited and verified hotels with ease. Making picking your next holiday a doddle! Find out more Make a Spring Date The Mum Club Events This Month Our hosts are planning the most incredible events for spring. Whether it’s walking clubs, fitness classes or brunches. There’s something for everyone this month. Find your nearest event Get Nude With Gucci Gucci’s Lip Collection This month we’re treating ourselves to Gucci Beauty’s lip collection, which contains a beautiful line of lip colours and finishes that compliment different skin tones. *And they come in the most beautiful packaging. Shop Now Book a Stylish Kid-Free Stay Outbuildings, Dorset This April, two new lodges are opening at Outbuilding’s ‘farm’otel’ in Dorset. Like a mini Soho-Farmhouse (without the membership), the converted farm makes for the perfect kid-free trip. Find out more Read This… Piglet by Lottie Hazel Voted by Stylist magazine as the best debut novel of 2024, this brilliantly written book will have you hooked. The story is about the greed and desire of the main character, Piglet, and it proves to be a dark yet enjoyable read that’s both funny and unforgettable. Shop now Listen to This… Serial, Season 4, March 28th One of the biggest podcasts of all time returns for a fourth season, six years after Season 3. Season 4 is a history of Guantánamo told by people who lived through key moments in Guantánamo’s evolution, who know things the rest of us don’t about what it’s like to be caught inside an improvised justice system. Episodes 1 and 2 arrive Thursday, March 28 Listen here Watch This… A Gentleman in Moscow, Paramount +, March 29th We love Ewan McGregor, especially when he plays quirky characters, and A Gentleman in Moscow gives us just that. The story is based on the best-selling book and is full of intrigue, and emotion, and set to be a truly enthralling watch. Watch the trailer Challengers, In Cinemas April 29th A cinema date to book for the end of the month. Starring Zendaya, who plays a former tennis player turned coach who faces issues off and on the pitch. It looks surprisingly juicy and well worth loading up that What’s App poll to secure a date with a pal. Watch the trailer Ripley, April 4th, Netflix Don’t you just love a Netflix exclusive that gives you a cinematic storyline and experience that you don’t need to leave your sofa for? Ripley is just that. Beautifully shot in black and white, it is a captivating one to add to your watch list for April. Watch the trailer Shop Baby Essentials at Smyths Smyths Baby Catalogue 2024 Shopping for your newborn, a new pram or cot? We better you didn’t know that toy superstore Smyths is also the ultimate destination for all things baby. Their free Baby Room at Smyths Catalogue is available in all their stores and is a must-have resource for parents of babies and young children. Plus, if you want somewhere that you can see things IRL, The Baby Room has you covered with a wide range of trusted brands in car seats, prams, strollers, cots, highchairs, and more. They also have expertly trained Baby Advisors on hand in-store to guide you in finding the perfect products tailored to your child and your budget. Find out more *Part of a paid partnership Book a Chic Sleepover Stylish Sleepover, Horwood House The gorgeous Horwood House Hotel has re-launched its Stylish Sleepover package which is perfect for friends, hens, mums and daughters and everyone in between. Giving you some much needed R’n’R and the chance to catch up on some zzz’s in Their Nibs pjs. The stay includes Their Nibs Pyjamas for each person, a grazing platter in Harry’s Bar & Restaurant on arrival, dinner allowance, breakfast, a bottle of Prosecco in the room and spa access with a 25 minute treatment per person. When are we going? Find out more
Reviewed by us: Tommee Tippee GroClock Connect Sleep TrainerRead More Reviewed by TMC Editor Lydia House Post author By The Mum Club Post date 25 March 2024 Reviewed by us: Tommee Tippee GroClock Connect Sleep Trainer Reviewed by TMC Editor Lydia House Pros Easy to set up Helps your toddler understand sleep and wake-up times You can enable a child lock Good for children aged 2+ You can schedule wake times Cons You can’t schedule sleep times Toddlers can turn it off (if the lock isn’t enabled), unplug it or ignore it Younger toddlers might not understand it What is it? A sleep training clock that helps your child learn when it’s time to go to sleep and wake up. The screen can be set to a particular colour at night and another for the day. It can be set manually with a button, or if you want to put on a child lock, you can do it via the app. It can also play soothing sounds and lullabies. Overall Thoughts… Our eldest son was waking up extremely early, so we bought this clock hoping to regain some normality. He was around 1-2 years old when we first tried it, but he was too young to grasp the idea, and the clock went back in its box. As he got older and was around 3 ½, we decided to try again and had much more success. It’s mainly helped us solidify that it’s not time to wake up yet. But by no means is it a miracle worker. However, it does help us explain when bed and wake-up times are. Would You Recommend It? Having it as a point of reference has certainly helped us with trying to regulate early wake-ups. Sometimes our son will get up and tell us that the bear is awake; other times, he’ll ignore it and just do whatever he wants. I would recommend it, but don’t bet your life on it as, from my experience, children will do whatever they want. I’d also say you need to wait until your child is a little older than two. We tried it on both our children at that age, and it didn’t make a difference. Any Downsides? On a few occasions, our son has unplugged the clock, and he’s also pressed the button to wake the bear up. So, we now have that option locked, and it’s a bit of a pain to remember to do it via the app, and we frequently forget. Strangely, you can schedule the wake-up times but can’t do the same with bed. Tommee Tippee Groclock Connect £29.99 View Now
TMC Recipe of the Week: Immune Boosting Ginger ShotsRead More View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lucy (@lemonsandlucy) All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, we may make a commission on… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 25 March 2024 TMC Recipe of the Week: Immune Boosting Ginger Shots Ginger shots are great to boost your immune system, gives a great energy kick, it has anti-inflammatory benefits, relieves nausea and is a digetsive aid. Ingredients 100g of Ginger Juice of 4 Lemons 1.5 tbsp of Local Honey 250ml Filtered Water Method 1. Wash & leave the skin un if you’re using organic, but remove skin if not(this is easily done with a teaspoon). 2. Blend everything together. 3. Squeeze through a muslin cloth or nut milk bag. 4. Use a funnel and pour into little bottles or a big bottle works well too(you can pour yourself a shot each morning). 5. Store in the fridge for up to a week! Watch How to Make it View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lucy (@lemonsandlucy) Products We Found Useful Small Clear Glass Bottles AOZITA £18.25 Organic Cheese Cloth Country Trading co. £12.99 British Honey Duo The London Honey Company £18 All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, we may make a commission on some products.
TMC’s Guide to CardiffRead More Thinking about visiting Cardiff? But no idea where to stay, eat or drink? Who better to show you around than one of our local The Mum Club hosts? Find out… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 21 March 2024 TMC’s Guide to Cardiff Thinking about visiting Cardiff? But no idea where to stay, eat or drink? Who better to show you around than one of our local The Mum Club hosts? Find out the best things to do in Cardiff right now. The Best Things to Do in Cardiff by Host Kirsty. Where to Stay Best Hotel: Voco St David’s. “Now living in Cardiff, we’ve never had to stay in a hotel in the area before. However I have heard amazing reviews about Voco St David’s. It has beautiful views of Cardiff Bay, the barrage and super close to a collection of restaurants, independent shops and other attractions. ” Book Now Where to Eat Best Baby Brunch Spot: Outpost “It was so hard to choose just one! But Outpost in the Pontcanna region of Cardiff should not be missed. Opened only in January it is already incredibly popular with local mums. “ Find Out More Best Date Night : Flight Club “If you’re looking for a fun-filled activity date night then I highly recommend booking into Flight Club on St Mary’s St. You’ll have a blast competitively playing the dart games whilst sipping on tasty cocktails, and they serve food too. “ Find Out More Best Coffee Shop: Coffi Co. “Choosing my fave coffee shop was surprisingly difficult – there’s so many! I love Coffi Co. They are a Cardiff based coffee company/café who actually have a few different sites – my top 2 being “Bayscape” located on Cardiff Marina with beautiful views of the boats and “Mermaid Quay” which boasts glass walls and stunning views of the Bay.” Find Out More Best Pub: The Plymouth Arms “The Plymouth Arms in St Fagans is a beautiful country pub with a large beer garden. It’s the perfect place for a lunch or dinner stop after a visit to St Fagans National Museum of History. ” Find Out More The Best Bakery: Let Them See Cake “This has GOT to be Let Them See Cake. And to be honest, this is more than just a bakery. Think all different flavours of macaroons, a huge array of cakes, cookies and sweet treats AND they even do Brunch too.” Find Out More The Best Lunch: Cardiff Central Market “Head to Cardiff Central Market and try something spectacular from one of the many street food stalls.” Find Out More Best Farm Shop/ Local Produce/ Small Business “Just outside of Cardiff in the Vale is my favourite farm shop, Forage Farm. Its not just a farm shop either. There’s a wonderful restaurant on site, a children’s play park and they also hold seasonal events. In the Summer they have PYO Dahlia fields, in Autumn PYO Pumpkin fields and in December they have amazing Christmas events to name but a few.” Find out More What to Do Best Walk: Cardiff Bay “If you’re looking for a walk close to the city then I definitely recommend a walk from Cardiff Bay along the Cardiff Bay Barrage to Penarth and Cardiff Marina. Its perfectly suitable for buggies, and half way along there’s a children’s park and a 10m long “Enormous Crocodile” art installation celebrating Roald Dahl who was from Cardiff. There are regular ferry boat crossings between Penarth and Mermaid Quay that sail across Cardiff Bay so you don’t need to do the walk back if you don’t want to – and it’s a fun experience for the kids!” Find Out More Best Place to Explore: Fforest Fawr “If you’re looking to escape the city and explore more of what South Wales has to offer I definitely recommend a trip to Fforest Fawr which is situated on the county border of Cardiff and Caerphilly. Pop your baby in a carrier to get the most out of this woodland walk hunting for the incredible wooden animal sculptures through the forest. The walk will take you down to Castell Coch. The Red Castle looks like it was built straight out of a fairy-tale. You can pay to explore the inside if you wish to. “ Find Out More Best spa “Based in another incredible Cardiff Hotel, try the Parkgate Hotel Spa is stunning and worth a tranquil visit.” Find Out More Best Florist: Flower lodge “Flower lodge in the Whitchurch/Rhiwbina area.” Find Out More The Best Free Attraction: St Fagan’s Museum of National History “St Fagan’s Museum of National History is a must see free attraction. You can spend all day there as there’s so much to do. Its £6 for all day parking, but otherwise its free entry. There’s a small farm, a beautiful walk around the grounds St Fagan’s Castle- a well preserved 16th Century Manor House, many historic buildings from different historical periods, children’s park and picnic areas and so much more! If you’d like something free to do in the city, I recommend heading to Bute Park. The mature Parkland is situated right next to Cardiff Castle and is lovely to explore and wander through.” Find Out More TMC Cardiff Brunch Club “If you want to meet local, likeminded mums friends on your trip why not attend a TMC Brunch club.” Book Here The Musts: • Must do – Explore the green spaces and lakes! Bute Park, Roath Park and Llanishen and Lisvane Reservoirs are definitely worth visiting – Cardiff Castle – one of many Castles in Wales this is a must do whilst exploring the City itself – Mermaid Quay, Roald Dahl Plas and the Senedd Cymru – Techniquest: definitely worth a visit to entertain children aged pre-school and above. Look out for the specific toddler sessions – Cardiff Museum: a firm favourite with my 3 year old. Its FREE! Just outside of Cardiff we love: – Cosmeston Lakes Country Park – Jump on a train to the seaside town of Penarth. On the border of Cardiff and the Vale it’s the perfect place to stroll along both the promenade and Pier with a delicious batch of fish and chips. Walk up the hill towards the cliff tops with the sea on your left to reach the best ice cream shop around – Fablas! Up on the cliff tops you’ll also find an independent café called Willmores perfectly placed right next to a large children’s park and boasting views of the sea over the cliff tops – Mountain View Ranch on the border of Caerphilly and Cardiff this is the perfect day out with children in mind – Gruffalo trail, archery, jumping pillows, adventure play areas, fairy forest and so much more! – Merthyr Mawr and Ogmore Beach – One of the most stunning beaches in the area. Park in the Merthyr Mawr carpark and hike to the beach through the epic sand dunes. Travel Notes: Travelling around the city of Cardiff itself is easy by public transport – walk, get the bus or train. The main train station in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Alternatively, Cardiff is easy to travel around in your own car. There are plenty of carparks in the city, and most use an app for payment. Sophia Gardens is the best carpark for Bute Park and the Castle or the shopping centre multistorey carpark St Davids, is easily located right in the city centre. Cardiff airport is a short drive from the City. Located near the airport is Rhoose Point – Wales most Southerly point. Learn a few Welsh phrases: – Bore da: Good morning – Shw mae? : How are you? – Diolch: Thank-you
TMC Family Recipe of the Week: The Best Roast Leg of LambRead More *Tips Try putting a few parsnips or carrots in with the roast potatoes. Recipe from https://www.jamieoliver.com/ Post author By The Mum Club Post date 19 March 2024 TMC Family Recipe of the Week: The Best Roast Leg of Lamb Ingredients 2 kg leg of lamb or hogget 1 bulb of garlic ½ a bunch of fresh rosemary 1.5 kg potatoes 1 lemon olive oil MINT SAUCE 1 bunch of fresh mint 1 teaspoon sugar 3 tablespoons wine vinegar Method 1. Remove the lamb from the fridge 1 hour before you want to cook it, to let it come up to room temperature. 2. Preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/gas 6 and place a roasting dish for the potatoes on the bottom. 3. Break the garlic bulb up into cloves, then peel 3, leaving the rest whole. Pick and roughly chop half the rosemary leaves. Peel and halve the potatoes. 4. Crush the peeled garlic into a bowl, add the chopped rosemary, finely grate in the lemon zest and drizzle in a good lug of oil, then mix together. 5. Season the lamb with sea salt and black pepper, then drizzle with the marinade and rub all over the meat. Place on the hot bars of the oven above the tray. 6. Parboil the potatoes in a pan of boiling salted water for 10 minutes, then drain and allow to steam dry. Gently toss the potatoes in the colander to scuff up the edges, then tip back into the pan. 7. Add the remaining rosemary sprigs and whole garlic cloves to the potatoes, season with salt and pepper, then drizzle over a good lug of oil. Tip the potatoes into the hot tray and place back under the lamb to catch all the lovely juices. 8. Cook the lamb for 1 hour 15 minutes if you want it pink, or 1 hour 30 minutes if you like it more well done. 9. Meanwhile, make the mint sauce. Pick and finely chop the mint leaves, then place in a small bowl. Mix in the sugar, a good pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon of hot water and the vinegar. 10. When the lamb is cooked to your liking, remove from the oven and leave to rest for 15 minutes or so. Carve and serve with the roast potatoes, mint sauce and some seasonal greens. *Tips Try putting a few parsnips or carrots in with the roast potatoes. Recipe from https://www.jamieoliver.com/ 3 of Our Favourite Pre-Mades for Easter Easter Collection Dispatch from £80 Easy Cook Lamb Rump Waitrose £8.50 Lamb Easter Dinner Box Cook £64.15
The Best Things to Do & Buy This EasterRead More All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, we may make a commission on some products. Post author By The Mum Club Post date 18 March 2024 The Best Things to Do & Buy This Easter Easter is EARLY! this year. So in a bid to reiginite our love of all things chick and bunny, here’s the best things to shop and do in 2024. Chocolate Playsuit Organic Zoo £37 Amuseable Happy Boiled Egg Jellycat £13.99 Easter Tree DIY Kit Biscuiteers £39.95 Bunny Bag Mini Eggs John Lewis £11 Zeitgeist Sky Linen Artipoppe £340 My First Push Along Rabbit Toy John Lewis £12 Egg Cups Primark £1.50 Salted Caramel Puffin Eggs The Chocolate Detective £17.50 Pet Bunny In A Box Aimee & Fred £30 Knit Kimono Zara £25.99 Truly Bunny Mask Making Talking Tables £7 Reactive-Glaze Vase H&M £24.99 Floral Sleepsuit Sleepy Doe £24 If I were a bunny book Jellycat £10 Petal Shallow Cassrole Dish Le Creuset £295 Easter Basket Mimi & Lula £22 Pink & Ivory Knitted Flower Bonnet Meri Meri £28 The Alchemist’s Garden Gucci £191 White Money Box Dunelm £12 Nesting Chicks Jellycat £25 The Ostrich Easter Egg Hotel Chocolat £85 The Best Things to Do This Easter Kids Eat Free at The Ivy this Easter Who says eating out in nice places stops when you have kids? Between March 27th – April 12th, kids eat free at The Ivy. Exclusively for Premier Rewards app members, for every paying adult, a child aged 12 or under can enjoy a complimentary main course from their Little Dreamers menu, featuring a host of kids’ delights. Find out more Dinosaur Egg Hunts at Hever Make some special memories this spring with an egg-cellent Dinosaur egg themed trail at Hever Castle. Meet the dinosaur explorers (selected dates only) as they wander around the grounds and round off your day with an animal themed face paint. Find out more The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace Let your kid’s (your) dreams come true this Easter and book in for Hampton Court Palace’s legendary Lindt gold bunny hunt. Spot the Lindt bunnies as you explore, and if you find them all, you collect a Lindt gold bunny at the finish line. Find out more Bluey Comes to Kew The hugely popular animated television series Bluey is coming to Kew Gardens and Wakehurst this Easter. With real meet and greets from your child’s favourite characters. Inspired by the onscreen adventures of a lovable six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy Bluey and her family, which have captured the hearts and imaginations of children and adults alike across the globe, Bluey at Kew and Wakehurst is a must-do for families during the holidays. Find out more National Trust Easter Egg Trails The National Trust has over 100 Easter egg hunts taking place across the UK. Trails are only £3, and you’ll receive a trail sheet, pencil, and easter bunny ears to wear along the way. And you can also choose from a chocolate egg or a vegan and Free From chocolate egg. Find out more All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, we may make a commission on some products.
How to Improve Your Mood When You’re Feeling Low After BirthRead More Anyone else feel like there are two camps for your post-natal feelings to sit in? Either you’re a-OK and acing life as a new mum. Or you’re not coping and… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 18 March 2024 How to Improve Your Mood When You’re Feeling Low After Birth Anyone else feel like there are two camps for your post-natal feelings to sit in? Either you’re a-OK and acing life as a new mum. Or you’re not coping and suffering from post-natal depression. But what if you feel a bit low, anxious, or you’re traumatised from a pretty savage labour? Where do you go? We spoke to Ross J Barr, a leading acupuncturist (and the man who treated Meghan Markle when she lived in London), to find out why we feel low after birth. Is it normal to feel low after birth? “Yes!”, says Ross, “When I see people that feel post-natally down, it is often linked to blood deficiency and exhaustion, which most mums have. Interestingly if you look up the symptoms for anaemia, they are pretty much the same as depression. One of the biggest causes of post-natal depression is that women are generally anaemic”. He adds, “Quite often in the period after birth, you don’t feel like you’re residing in yourself, you just go on autopilot, and a part of this comes from a primal instinct, and for the rest of it, you’re just bumbling along and making it up as you go along”. Can tiredness make me feel more emotional? “Absolutely”, says Ross, “Tiredness causes the body to run on adrenaline. You’re overtly risk accessing, and you’re running on reserve power. Of course, it will affect your emotions. It can also cause you to catastrophise and create ‘what ifs?’, that’s what adrenaline does for us”. Can my baby feel my emotions? “If your internal state is not at peace, sooner or later, your children’s internal state can be affected by it. They can pick up on your emotions, and even if you think you’re creating a great veil over it, your kids can pick up on it”, says Ross. Do all women feel low after birth? Ross says, “I would say there’s definitely a trend with the women I see, and it’s a combination of depletion, blood loss and shock. When you get depleted, you feel like a weaker version of yourself, and you’re more vulnerable. It’s important to nourish the mum and to fortify her. I see mums that have been bleeding for 6 weeks, and they wonder why they’re exhausted. But of course, you would be”. 9 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Mood… Support Yourself Pre and Postnatally. Make sure you’re well supplemented during pregnancy, so your body is stronger and more able to cope with both labour and the feelings you will experience post-natally. Dr Ross J Barr Female Pregnancy Formula, £32 https://victoriahealth.com/female-pregnancy-formula/ Book in for a Mind and Body MOT There are many things that you can do after birth to support your recovery. And you might have heard of a Postnatal MOT that is done by a women’s health proffessional. But you can also have psycological MOTs too. Your mind is just as (if not more) important than your body, so it’s important to look after that too. Even just one appointment will help support your body’s recovery process. You’re the most important person in your child’s life right now. This is not a luxury. It is essential maintenance. Nourish Yourself. Follow the basics of healthy living, and don’t skip a meal. Take as many calories as you need. Build a Wall of Care Let other people do things for you, allow yourself to let go of responsibility and don’t feel bad about taking time for you. View Doing Nothing Differently When you’re adrenalised, it makes it difficult for you to sit down and relax. Doing nothing is not a defeat. Do this for as long as you feel you have a greater capacity to fit other stuff in. Accept the Change. People try to maintain the same life that they had pre-kids, and I think once you accept life is different, you will find peace more easily. Take 15-20 mins in the Day Shutting down for a 15-20 min nap or being still during the day will help put all of the cortisol and adrenaline back in its box. It doesn’t mean you won’t be able to sleep later. It just recharges you. Nap at the beginning of your baby’s sleep. A) You’re less likely to be woken up, but b) you’ll also find it easier to drift off. Ever run around the house cleaning and then tried to sleep? It’s almost impossible, as, by the time you’ve calmed down your system, your baby is awake. Sleep breeds sleep. Do it at the start, and then you’re in a better place to take things on. Choose Tea over Coffee. Drinking coffee is like putting all of your issues into nuclear waste. You get into a cycle thinking you need a cup to have energy, and it becomes an addiction. There’s an ingredient in the coffee bean that causes the cells in our kidneys to expand quite aggressively. It triggers an adrenaline release, which means we run on our reserves, and it is not good for the body especially when we’re overtired. Can’t give it up? Ross adds, “You prematurely age when you run on adrenaline. Usually, If I tell my clients that, it stops them in their tracks. There’s nothing wrong with a good old cup of tea, so I’d opt for a few of those instead”. What is a post-natal psychological MOT? “A post-natal psychological MOT can help the body to rebalance and reset itself, as well as relieving stress and anxiety post-birth. Using acupuncture, we treat the shock, and often blood loss, of labour, by pinpointing areas that would benefit from stimulation or need calming”, says Ross. He adds, “There are particular points in acupuncture that are aimed to treat shock and trauma. It is not a luxury that’s reserved for celebrities. This is an essential treatment that anyone can access”. What can you expect from a post-natal psychological MOT? Approx. 45 minutes of necessary YOU time, where you lie down on a comfy bed, and the acupuncturist treats your mental and physical state. • “First, we check your pulse points, which lasts for around 5-10 minutes. This is a key factor for achieving a good diagnosis, as it enables you to see what’s going on internally”, says Ross. • Next, the acupuncturist selects points based on any symptoms that the client reports combined with the analysis of your pulses. • The painless needles are placed in for roughly 10-20mins. Some will be in for longer than others. Ross says, “Often a mum will come in, and if we do it right, then her tired, ashy complexion will change from start to finish. Usually, you will leave feeling brighter but looking it too!” When should I have it? “I usually encourage mums to come in two weeks after they’ve given birth”, says Ross. “By then the newborn bubble has gone, hormones have levelled, and adrenaline falls away, and we can generally start to see how deficient someone is and the areas that need focussing on”. Why would I need one? The aftercare UK mums receive post-birth is next to nothing. “There’s a lovely saying in Chinese medicine that the best way to stop a crying baby is to treat the mother, and that is the basis for a lot of what we try and do. We initiate the mother to focus on herself more, this is for the benefit of her baby. It’s not a selfish act, it’s a necessary one”, says Ross. How many treatments do I need? “The first treatment can be the most life-changing”, says Ross. “But you could allow for 2-5 treatments. The more experienced the practitioner is, the more likely they will be able to get their diagnosis right the first time, but that being said, most acupuncturists are so well trained they should be able to diagnose what needs to be treated in your first or second appointment”.
Reviewed by us: Ross J Barr Post-Natal Acupuncture TherapyRead More Reviewed by Abigail Beiboer, TMC Hackney Host Post author By The Mum Club Post date 18 March 2024 Reviewed by us: Ross J Barr Post-Natal Acupuncture Therapy Reviewed by Abigail Beiboer, TMC Hackney Host Pros Promotes postpartum self-care for mothers Tailored treatment to aid the subtle imbalances you can’t quite define after birth Luxurious spa environment with incredible amenities Cons Expensive May require a course of treatment What is it? A post-natal psychological MOT can help the body to rebalance and reset itself, as well as relieving stress and anxiety post-birth. Using acupuncture to treat the shock, and often blood loss, of labour, by pinpointing areas that would benefit from stimulation or need calming. There are particular acupuncture points that treat shock and trauma. Approx. 45 minutes of necessary YOU time, where you lie on a comfy bed, and the acupuncturist treats your mental and physical state. • “First, we check your pulse points, which lasts for around 5-10 minutes. This is a key factor for achieving a good diagnosis, as it enables you to see what’s going on internally”, says Ross. • Next, the acupuncturist selects points based on any symptoms that the client reports combined with the analysis of your pulses. • The painless needles are placed in for roughly 10-20mins. Some will be in for longer than others. Ross says, “Often a mum will come in, and if we do it right, her tired, ashy complexion will change from start to finish. Usually, you will leave feeling brighter but looking it too!” Overall Thoughts… It’s easy to feel sceptical about alternative therapies such as acupuncture, but any worries were quickly dissolved as i was given a comforting cup of chamomile tea in Claridge’s stunning spa. Ross’s approach was incredibly attentive, making me feel cared for and listened to. He took time to understand my postpartum symptoms, tailoring a treatment aimed not only to alleviate them but also to restore my sense of self. He also offered advice on reducing cortisol levels, which is essential for mums constantly in fight-or-flight mode. The treatment was so relaxing and the needles were painless, and I was left to enjoy a moment alone while they did their magic. Although results aren’t immediate for all, I did leave feeling calm and rejuvenated thanks to baby-free pamper time and Ross’s comforting expertise. It’s clear acupuncture goes beyond physical healing and is also about improving your mental health and finding internal balance that benefits your wellbeing, and i really felt the effects of this. Would You Recommend it? Yes, I would recommend this treatment to fellow new mums. Ross is brilliant at creating a relaxed and supportive environment, leaving you feeling completely at ease and heard. Especially if you’ve tried traditional medicine and still feel out of sync, this treatment offers a great alternative, delving into underlying issues you may not have even realised were there. Leaving the tranquil spa rooms after a session with Ross, you’ll feel lighter, with a renewed commitment to prioritising your wellbeing guilt-free. And if an in-person session isn’t feasible, his range of wellness products, from supplements (that I’ve already started) to heavenly-scented patches, offer his holistic approach to wellness right from the comfort of your own home. It’s worth a try if you want to find your balance again. When Should I Have it? “I usually encourage mums to come in two weeks after they’ve given birth”, says Ross. “By then, the newborn bubble has gone, hormones have levelled, and adrenaline falls away, and we can generally start to see how deficient someone is and the areas that need focussing on”. Why Would I Need One? The aftercare UK mums receive post-birth is next to nothing. “There’s a lovely saying in Chinese medicine that the best way to stop a crying baby is to treat the mother, which is the basis of what we try and do. We encourage the mother to focus on herself more, and this is for the benefit of her baby. It’s not a selfish act, it’s a necessary one”, says Ross. How Many Treatments Do I Need? “The first treatment can be the most life-changing”, says Ross. “But you could allow for 2-5 treatments. The more experienced the practitioner is, the more likely they will be able to get their diagnosis right the first time, but that being said, most acupuncturists are so well trained they should be able to diagnose what needs to be treated in your first or second appointment”. How to Book… Ross J Barr Booking App Book Now
What to Wear This WeekRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 18 March 2024 What to Wear This Week Done with winter and willing on spring? But not ok with ditching your comfies? We’ve solved it… Oversized Denim Jacket Arket £89 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Uniqlo £14.90 Chunky Hoop Earrings Missoma £115 Linen Blend Stripe Trousers H&M £15.99 Luxe Tote The Mum Club. £25 Chuck Taylor All Starts Converse £65
Reviewed by us: Emsella TreatmentRead More Reviewed by TMC Editor Lydia House Photo by @erin_borini View this post on Instagram A post shared by G E O R G I A | J O N E… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 11 March 2024 Reviewed by us: Emsella Treatment Reviewed by TMC Editor Lydia House Photo by @erin_borini Pros It’s painless It strengthens your pelvic floor It helps you do 20,000 pelvic floor reps in 30-minutes Leakages are reduced Sensation is improved Cons It’s expensive What is it? Emsella is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses electromagnetic energy to engage the pelvic floor muscles, causing them to contract rapidly. It is used to help treat incontinence caused by a weakened pelvic floor. The Emsella chair emits a high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) wave to create supramaximal contractions within the pelvic floor muscles over a 30-minute session twice weekly for three weeks. Overall Thoughts? I was booked to review this alongside the Emsculpt treatment as part of Dr Medi Spa’s Core to Floor program, and I admit I couldn’t understand how it would help reduce leakages. And tbh a little wierded out that a vibrating chair would shoot electronic pulses up my vag. But in the interest of journalism, I went with it. After the first few sessions, I didn’t notice a change, which my therapist said was very typical, but towards the end, I started to feel differently down below. And by that, I mean I could feel something again. After birth, I’d had issues reconnecting to that area, and it almost felt numb. While I wouldn’t say I experience a lot of leaking issues, I certainly had to cross my legs when laughing or sneezing if my bladder was a bit full. Now, I wouldn’t say this is fixed forever, but it’s made a difference in the sensation and strength. Is it worth it? It depends where you go, but at DrMediSpa, The Emsella treatment costs £2000 for six sessions. Which is pretty pricey! The Emsella machine does 20,000 pelvic floor reps in a single 30-minute treatment. So, if you have issues with your pelvic floor and you’re experiencing daily leakages, it could help you on your road to recovery. However, I’m not sure I would have paid for this treatment as my condition wasn’t that severe. I’m glad I had it, but I believe I could have gotten the same results in time. Watch Georgia Jones’ Review… View this post on Instagram A post shared by G E O R G I A | J O N E S (@thegeorgiaedit) Where to book… Dr MediSpa, London and Essex Find out more
11 Tracksuits That You’ll Live In ForeverRead More Need some new loungewear to live in for the next few months? Who are we kidding? Ok, year! Whether you’re off on a Easter break, recovering from birth, nipping to… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 11 March 2024 11 Tracksuits That You’ll Live In Forever Need some new loungewear to live in for the next few months? Who are we kidding? Ok, year! Whether you’re off on a Easter break, recovering from birth, nipping to the shops or just chilling at home. Here are the best tracksuits to buy this season. Cotton-Blend Sweatpants & Hooded Top H&M Top £18.99 Bottoms £12.99 Woven Doven Tracksuit American Vintage Joggers £90 Top £95 Lavender Joggers & Sweat Conscious Citizen Joggers £79 Top £79 Organic Cotton Tracksuit Raey Joggers £195 Top £195 Petrol Tracksuit WAT Joggers £55 Top £55 Acid Wash Tracksuit New Look Joggers £29.99 Top £29.99 Homestead Sweatshirt & Joggers Adanola Joggers £52.99 Top £54.99 Joggers & Sweatshirt H&M Top £15.99 Bottoms £15.99 Half Zip & Relaxed Pant Varley Jogger £96 Top £114 365 Signature Sweat and Track Pants Pangaia Top £150 Bottoms £105 French Terry Sweatshirt & Joggers Arket Top £55 Bottoms £55 All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, we may make a commission on some products.
5 Breakfast Bowl Recipes That Make Life EasyRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 11 March 2024 5 Breakfast Bowl Recipes That Make Life Easy “Simple, delicious and quick to make. Breakfast bowls are the perfect way to get all the good stuff together into one glorious creation.” 1. The Healthy one Healthy, tasty and ticks all kinds of nutrition boxes. Make It 2. The Easy One This filling and hearty Savoury Breakfast Bowl is made with potatoes, eggs, veggies, and avocado. It’s the perfect way to start the day or can be enjoyed for a healthy lunch or dinner. Make It 3. The Vegan One A terrific tofu based alternative that means no one is missing out. Make It 4. The Salady One A salad for breakfast? You heard right! When it comes to breakfast salads, having the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures is essential! Recipe 5. The Seriously Tasty One We’d eat this morning, noon and night if we could. Recipe 3 Of Our Favourite Breakfast Bowl Additions Activated Super Seed Mix Pimp My Salad £5.49 Smoky No’rizo Stocked £1.17 per block Squeeze Harissa Tahini Mighty Sesame £4.45
Can’t Mum Without: Jessica LawesRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 7 March 2024 Can’t Mum Without: Jessica Lawes TMC Co-Founder, Mum of 4 and all round superwoman, Jessica Lawes, shares her mum must-haves 1. My Time Saving Hack I am not someone who wears makeup every day, but I love this bronzer. It is super easy and lightweight, making you look like you have a glowy tan with minimal effort. Buy Now 2. My Fitness Tip for Tired Mums Walking to the coffee shop counts as fitness and can do wonders for your mental health, especially if you can do it with a mate. After I had my babies, I knew if I got up and out in the mornings, I would be set up for the rest of the day. Join a Walking Club 3. How I Manage the Juggle Knowing some things have to take a back seat. Not doing it all does not make you a bad mum, a bad wife, or bad in business. It’s about knowing what needs to be the priority right now. You can do anything but not everything, so do what you can do really well. Shop now 4. How I Make My Skin Look Less Tired I swear by ZO Skin Health products. Alex Haq ( @amaesthetics ) advised me to try it when I shared concerns about my hormonal outbreaks. It’s completely changed my skin. It’s brighter and clearer, making me look surprisingly fresher than I feel. Shop now 5. My Favourite Stylish Home Item for Kids She’s big, and she’s spenny, but she hides all the crap and looks great whilst doing it. Shop now 6. Advice for Mums That Move to a New Area We’ve moved around a fair bit as a family and finding new connections in a new place was one of the core reason’s we started The Mum Club. I could have really done with having a TMC on some of my moves (and our next one). But now we have 70 clubs (and growing) it’s a lot easier for mums. So all you need to do is find your nearest club and join one.Find your local TMC and make some friends. I can’t tell you how important it is to find friends with kids of a similar age. It has helped me to enjoy all the different stages of parenting. It’s not always easy, but mates certainly make it better. Find your nearest club
Reviewed by us: Hey Mama! Facial at pre –Read More View this post on Instagram A post shared by THE MUM CLUB™ Islington (@themumclubislington) Post author By The Mum Club Post date 4 March 2024 Reviewed by us: Hey Mama! Facial at pre – Reviewed by: TMC Islington Host Rose Riley Pros Supports the changes to skin during and after pregnancy Relaxing and nourishing facial Pregnancy-safe products Customised to treat hormone-related skin concerns such as blemishes, pigmentation and dehydration Cons It’s hard to get to if you don’t live in London What is it? A 45-minute facial that uses oxygen infusion therapy and is designed to support the changes to skin during and after pregnancy. Relaxing and nourishing, it uses pregnancy-safe products and can be customised to address hormone-related skin concerns such as blemishes, pigmentation, and dehydration. The perfect gift for an expectant or new mum to enjoy some much-deserved pampering time. Overall Thoughts The pre- salon is stunning, and even if you’re not based in Islington, it’s worth a trip. My face looked dry and tired from being a new mum and also because of winter, so this was a much needed treat. After a thorough skin analysis, therapist Rajvir used a customised regime using incredible and effective Medik8 products, an Alex Cosmetic mask and oxygen-infused therapy, which felt like a cool, refreshing breeze. Afterwards, my skin looked so glowing and radiant. And the whole experience was such a treat. Is it Worth the Money? Absolutely! The products and methods used were incredible, and my face felt so different afterwards. My skin was glowing and smooth. Plus, throughout the facial, my therapist, Rajvir, gave me lots of helpful advice to improve hydration, which is important if you are breastfeeding. Watch Rose’s Video View this post on Instagram A post shared by THE MUM CLUB™ Islington (@themumclubislington) How to Book… Hey Mama Facial! @ pre-, Islington Available at pre-, the new, multi-service premium beauty salon which is there for all your pre-life moments, whether pre-party or pre-baby. pre- provides customers with an unrivalled service offering, design-led salon aesthetic, consistently high treatment standards and an accessible price point. Find out more
