What It Really Feels Like To Discover Strawberry NaevusRead More Did anyone else hold their breath through every check-up on their newborn? So, his hearings fine? And she can see? Oh, OK. So, they’re OK? TELL ME THEY’RE OK!!!! But… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 31 March 2021 What It Really Feels Like To Discover Strawberry Naevus Did anyone else hold their breath through every check-up on their newborn? So, his hearings fine? And she can see? Oh, OK. So, they’re OK? TELL ME THEY’RE OK!!!! But what happens when the doctor finds something out of the ‘norm’? Jennifer Everett describes what it felt like to discover her son had a strawberry birthmark and why she needs other people’s opinions to change. On the 17th of July 2015, our beautiful baby boy, Carter-James, was born. A few days later, we discovered what looked like a small reddish scratch on his face. Our midwife’s first thought was that it was a scratch with a minor infection, but a week or so later, it was still there, and we were referred to our GP. After this, we went to the doctors, and they confirmed that it was a birthmark and that we needed to see a specialist. A few weeks later, not knowing what to expect, I found myself sat anxiously waiting while a specialist examined my little boy’s face. After what felt like a lifetime, but was probably more like five minutes, the doctor confirmed that it was a strawberry naevus. ‘Sorry, a what?’ I thought. He confirmed it was a birthmark that would only get bigger and become significantly raised and red. He requested that we come back in two weeks to review it again and look at possible treatments as the rate of growth would be quick. I left the children’s centre, feeling shocked. Once it registered in my head, I cried and cried. Some people may judge me for this, but as a mother, you expect your child to be born ‘perfect’. Even though Carter-James was and still is the most perfect boy ever! The initial shock of our baby having a big red raised birthmark on his face was quite daunting. I had so many questions running through my head. How big is it going to get? What even is a strawberry birthmark? Why has it appeared? How long will he have it? Can we do anything to reduce its size? The next day I gathered myself up and headed straight to Google. I found quite a lot of information. I even saw a site that claimed that if a mother craved strawberries in pregnancy, and didn’t eat enough, then a birthmark could appear. I can tell you now that this is NOT true. The night before our second appointment, I looked adoringly at my beautiful baby boy as he lay sleeping. For the first time, I properly looked at the birthmark, and it had got a lot bigger and raised. I looked further to see and discovered that it was in the shape of a heart. And ever since then, we have called it his special little love heart. The next day we went to see the specialist. He asked about my labour, and I explained that there was an issue where the doctors couldn’t locate Carter’s heartbeat, and we had an emergency delivery. Without going into all the gory details, the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck, and he had to be worked on for a while before he took his first cry. The doctor said that this trauma was the probable cause of his strawberry naevus. The doctor explained the treatment process was for our tiny baby to be put on beta-blockers, which slow down the heart rate and starve the haemangioma of blood. This then stops the growth, causing the birthmark to die. As soon as beta-blockers was mentioned, the first thing that came into my head was ‘NO!’. He then continued to explain that Carter would have to have regular monitoring on his heart. Again, I was thinking, NO! NO! NO! The doctor asked what we thought of this. My first words were ‘No way!’ our little boy is not going through that. At the moment, this is not affecting him. Why should he have to go through that? The doctor was shocked by our response, he seemed to admire our decision, and he said that most parents immediately take the treatment. As a family, this wasn’t right for us, and instead, we decided to opt for monthly check-ups to see how things progressed. The doctor was happy with our decision and he explained it was possible to let things run their course, and it would eventually go. His only concern was that it could possibly affect his breathing, but the advice was to keep an eye on it and if it had any bleeding to come straight back. Luckily, this never happened. Every appointment going forward, I continued to say no to the treatment. After several monthly check-ups and massive growth in the strawberry, we were told that the birthmark had stopped growing and that it was now in its fading process, which was brilliant news! The doctor then informed us that it could take up to seven years to disappear but could be gone by the age of two. But now, something has changed. Carter-James is a happy, confident, outgoing, always smiling, beautiful boy, and up until a few months ago, his birthmark has never really been an ‘issue’. However, as he’s got older, he has started socialising and interacting with children more and going to child-friendly places. I now see children and adults staring, pointing and refusing to play with him because of that ‘thing’ on his face. Parents even slyly remove their children away from him like it’s some infectious disease. I see the way Carter looks at me as if to say, ‘why is everybody leaving mummy?’ He is unaware of his special mark, as this is all he has ever known. This breaks my heart to the point that we have sat down as a family to reconsider our options. I feel frustrated that it’s other people’s reactions that are causing this discomfort. And I get it because I too was naive at first. But I hope that sharing my story will raise awareness over birthmarks and help us to be kinder, so that children like Carter aren’t affected. It’s rare, but whenever I see another child with strawberry naevus, the relief and excitement on the other mother’s face is palpable, it’s like being in a tiny club that no one understands. I hope this insight will help people realise that birthmarks are a ‘normal thing’ and the people with them are not monsters.
89% of Mums Have Felt Lonely Since Giving Birth Read More Our survey says… No, it’s not a game of family fortunes. We spoke to over 600 of you and found that 89% of mums have felt lonely at least once… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 30 March 2021 89% of Mums Have Felt Lonely Since Giving Birth Our survey says… No, it’s not a game of family fortunes. We spoke to over 600 of you and found that 89% of mums have felt lonely at least once since giving birth. With 40% saying they feel lonely, either most or all of the time and a startling 51% of women who felt loneliness said they couldn’t speak to anyone about it. This is heart-breaking reading. Why it’s vital, we support mums The Mum Club was set up to try and eradicate feelings of loneliness and isolation. Our founders, Jessica and Lauren started the club back in 2016 because they discovered the level of care for new mums was lacking. “We’d go to these baby classes, and while they were entertaining for the children, we’d leave having spoken to no-one and feeling emptier in a way. This experience drove us to create TMC – because we didn’t want anyone to ever feel like that”. “We feel it’s essential to reach out to other mums and make sure they feel spoken to. Our end goal is that wherever you are in the country, a TMC group will exist – online or in person. We want you to be able to access the same love, support and laughter, with a TMC village in every possible corner”. Working with PANDAS We’re thrilled to announce that this month sees the launch of our partnership with postnatal support specialists PANDAS. In the last year, PANDAS has noted a rise of 150% in requests for help. Plus, calls to their helpline have increased by a whopping 240%. In response to this, we have pledged to make PANDAS our 2021 charity of choice, and they will be supporting them with donations and helping to raise awareness for the foundation. PANDAS provide free support services for parents struggling with their perinatal mental health. Their free helpline (0808 1961 776) offers support Mon-Fri. They offer peer to peer support for every parent, with lived, work and academic experience best placed to support families in their times of need. For more information, head to www.pandasfoundation.org.uk Annie Belasco, Head of Charity at PANDAS says, “We are delighted to be joining hands with these superb women who have set up TMC. Driven by their experiences in parenting, to create a strong network of mums who can help each other. Through their information and motivation this is a great new beginning for parents who feel lonely and want to connect with others in their parenting journey”. Our survey also revealed… 85% of mums experienced low feelings, extreme sadness, anxiety or depression after giving birth. With 1 being the lowest, 32% of these women marked their feeling as 7 or above in terms of extremity. Shockingly, only 8% of women feel there is enough support for mums. 89% of mums felt anxious in the last year. 60% said it was a frequent experience, and 29% said it was the first time they’d ever felt anxious. 53% of mums rated their self-esteem lower than 5 in the first 6 months of motherhood. (*based on a scale of 1-10). 47% of these mums didn’t feel they could talk to anyone about it. Surprisingly, only 8% of women said they felt there wasn’t a stigma attached to feeling depressed or low. Overwhelmed and forgotten were two of the most popular words used to describe how mums have been treated in the pandemic. 89% of mums said they felt hesitant to moan about their pandemic experience because others were suffering more. The Mums biggest worry for their children is that they’re lonely. To help us raise awareness of our findings, we’ve also been working with leading psychotherapist and empowerment coach Emmy Brunner, who describes: “Throughout the pandemic experience, I have seen many usually high functioning women and mothers, hit a point of feeling completely mentally exhausted and yes, alone, despite being amongst our four walls with our families. Surrounding yourself with other women at the same life stage and going through a shared experience, but in the structure of a proactive and supportive environment like The Mum Club is a positive way to receive validation for how you’re feeling, making you feel less alone”. Lauren and Jessica say, “we were saddened to see these results, but also unsurprised. It’s important that now, more than ever, we look after each other and if we can do anything to provide a moment of light relief, or to let other mums know that it’s not just them, then we’ve achieved what we set out to do with The Mum Club.”
18 Great Pieces To Feel Stylish Whilst BreastfeedingRead More All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. Breastfeeders, you’re in luck! Buttoned-down midi dresses, oversized blouson shirts… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 27 March 2021 18 Great Pieces To Feel Stylish Whilst Breastfeeding All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. Breastfeeders, you’re in luck! Buttoned-down midi dresses, oversized blouson shirts and wrap blouses have become key players in the modern wardrobe, and they couldn’t have been more perfectly designed with easy access in mind. Breastfeeding can be difficult enough to manage without public malfunctions, especially early on. Having some practical pieces that don’t make you feel you’ve lost your style identity helps no end. Think comfortable shapes with pretty details, and beautiful colours and fabrics that will boost your mood just hanging in the wardrobe. Nothing makes for more discrete feeding than a button-through or wrap-front dress; throw on a thin, stretchy vest underneath and you’re in layering heaven. Add a pair of Converse or New Balance trainers for comfort, or sandals and a basket bag for a day out in the sun. Ribbed Dress H&M £17.99 Splice Animal Cordelia Wrap Dress Never Fully Dressed £89 Shirt Dress H&M £24.99 Wrap Midi Dress Pretty Lavish £55 Ribbed Nursing Dress Seraphine £59 Ruffled Midi Wrap Dress & Other Stories £95 Shirts and blouses are as good as it gets, the more buttons the better. Cotton & linen blends are key for the summer; keeping cool and breezy is a must when there’s a hungry baby attached at all times. Oversize denim shirt Mango £35.99 Bianca Blouse Free People £198 Ana Pink Oversized Shirt Noughts & Kisses £35 Elodie Cotton Top Rhode £138 Oversized Tailored Shirt Cos £59 Nursing Blouse H&M £17.99 Jumpsuits are not just comfortable but super-flattering on a range of different body sizes, especially when you’re post-partum and feeling less confident in your new shape. Here are a few TMC favourites. Denim Boiler Suit H&M £39.99 Blue Zebra Jumpsuit – Curve Never Fully Dressed £89 Belt Denim Jumpsuit Mango £59.99 Cara Linen Boiler Suit Pretty Lavish £58 Relaxed Belted Puff Sleeve Jumpsuit & Other Stories £95 Long Sleeved Jumpsuit Rixo £295 Tags 2minuteread, Parktimestrollandscroll
When Should My Baby Be Crawling, Clapping And Talking?Read More Leading questions like, ‘Is he crawling yet?’ ‘Can she clap?’ or ‘Any words?’, are one of the most annoying things about Motherhood. Why other people are SO obsessed with how… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 22 March 2021 When Should My Baby Be Crawling, Clapping And Talking? Leading questions like, ‘Is he crawling yet?’ ‘Can she clap?’ or ‘Any words?’, are one of the most annoying things about Motherhood. Why other people are SO obsessed with how your baby is developing, we don’t know. Who cares if Emma’s darling daughter was on the move at eight months? Remember, it is unlikely that you’ll see an 18-year-old rolling around on the floor unable to walk – unless it’s 2am. They. Will. Get. There! In the meantime, “enjoy your baby and let them do things in their own sweet time”, says paediatrician Dr Kiran Rahim aka @themunchingmedic. Don’t enter the comparison game It’s easy to feel like a bad parent if you’ve not sat there for hours teaching them to clap or crawl. But that’s ridiculous. Most just do it on their own. “I didn’t teach my kids anything, I was barely surviving, and that is totally fine”, says Dr Kiran. She adds, “I actually stopped going to my classes because I hated the comparisons that mums make. When environments become toxic, you start to question and compare your baby, and you really shouldn’t. We all have different personalities, quirks and nuisances, and babies are the same”. Dr Kiran’s developmental roadmap: Keep her checklist nearby, refer to it when you need reassurance, and then tell those nosey parkers to mind their own. *Remember – this is for reference, and if your baby isn’t beginning to babble at six months, it’s not a red flag. You don’t need to worry. “One child might not be walking by twelve months, and another could be walking at eight months. It doesn’t mean one is better than the other, says Dr Kiran. “Be kind with your words and think twice before saying, “oh, mine was born talking and walking” it might make an already struggling parent feel worse about their child”. 6 weeks Red flag. Speak to a doctor if: • There’s no social smile. • No head control. 6months Around this time, babies can: • Roll from their tummy onto their back. • Begin to sit with support. • Grab things with their hands. • Transfer toys from one hand to the other. • Turn their head to their name or to a noise. • Begin to babble. • Put toys, feet or your nose to their mouth. Red flag. Speak to a doctor if: • They are squinting and not reaching for things. 9 months Around this time, babies can: • Sit independently without support. • Roll from front to back and back to front. • Begin to stand with support. • Pick things up with their thumb and index finger in a pincer grip. • Recognise and respond to their name. • Hold and bite their food. • Develop stranger danger and object permanence. *This means they cry when you leave the room or if they don’t recognise a face. Red flag. Speak to a doctor if: • They are not sitting or are very floppy. 1 year Around this time, babies can: • Begin to walk independently. • Throw objects. • Say Mama, Dada or a few words. • Wave and understand Peekaboo. • Drink from a beaker cup. • Clap with their hands. 18 months Red flag. Speak to a doctor if: • They are not walking. • They have no words or don’t babble. 2 years Around this time, most babies can: • Run on tiptoes. • Walk up the stairs with two feet at a time. • Throw a ball (psst…kick a ball is 2.5 years). • Begin to draw a vertical line. • Turn pages in a book. • Have two-word sentences, e.g., ‘Mama eat, I hungry’. • Begin to eat with a spoon. Red flag. Speak to a doctor if: • They are not talking or understanding simple instructions. 3 years Around this time, most children can: • Walk up and downstairs. • Draw a circle. • Begin to use scissors. • Bead things through a string. • Have 3-word sentences, e.g., ‘Mama, let’s go!’. • Understand things are bigger or smaller and colours. • To start sharing toys. • Play independently. • Eat with a fork and spoon. • Be dry by day. 5 years Around this time, most children can: • Run and walk up and down stairs like an adult. • Draw shapes like a cross, triangle or body parts. • Cut pieces of paper. • Understand complex instructions, e.g., pick your shoes up, put them in the cupboard and then wash your hands. • Be dry by night (some children can go on until 7 years). • Can dress and undress some items of clothing. • Begin to do up buttons and zips. Remember these are just a guideline about what may do and when, most babies will and some will make you wait. Think about adults, some of us always on time, and some of us never are, despite how hard we try! The most important take home message is, if you are worried, please speak to a Doctor. Tags 5minuteread, Yournaptimeknowhow
10 Pregnancy Myths That Are Total BSRead More The ‘joy of pregnancy’ comes with a whole host of side effects and an extra serving of unsolicited advice. Growing a human is tricky enough without having to navigate your… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 22 March 2021 10 Pregnancy Myths That Are Total BS The ‘joy of pregnancy’ comes with a whole host of side effects and an extra serving of unsolicited advice. Growing a human is tricky enough without having to navigate your way through a sea of misinformation. Here’s our TMC guide to those pregnancy myths that are total BS.. Morning Sickness Just Happens In The Morning Let’s start with the obvious. Pre-pregnancy we naively presumed we’d just wake up and vom before cracking on with the rest of our day. OH HOW WRONG WE WERE. The reality is pregnancy sickness doesn’t seem to give a shit about punctuality; it can actually happen any time of the day or night. You Have To Stop Exercising Gym bunnies of the world rejoice! There’s no need to stop exercising the moment you discover you are avec bebe; in fact, it’s actually recommended by the NHS. As your pregnancy progresses, you may have to tailor your workout to accommodate your ever growing bump (READ: No Rock Climbing) but for the most part, you can carry on as normal for as long as you feel comfortable. You Have To Wear Maternity Clothes Let’s be honest; whilst there are a handful of amazing maternity brands out there most pregnancy-wear is pretty grim. If you don’t fancy splashing out a wedge of cash on a ‘Baby on Board’ t shirt that won’t fit you a few weeks from now; try sizing up, elasticated waists and a few key investment pieces that will last (we’re still wearing maternity jeans and our kids go to school now). You Can Eat For Two You might be as devo’d as us to learn that most women only need an extra 200 calories per day in the final trimester of pregnancy. Personally, we demand a recount. We were told there’d be more cake. You Can Guess The Sex From The Shape Of Your Bump There’s actually no evidence to support that the shape of your ever-expanding tummy gives a clue to the gender of your baby. Unfortunately, this won’t stop your Mother-in-Law declaring ‘it’s definitely a boy’ because you’re ‘carrying it all in the back’ (whatever that means). You Can’t Have Sex Unless you’re advised otherwise, sex is completely safe and there’s absolutey zero chance of poking the baby in the head (a common worry amongst totally modest men). Let’s file this under things you don’t necessarily HAVE to do just because you CAN…. It’s The Most Magical Time Some women enjoy every second of pregnancy. Those women are magical pregnancy unicorns. For the rest of us, there are moments where the weight gain, nausea, swelling and internal battering from tiny baby feet get all too much; and that’s pretty normal. You’ll Get That Pregnancy ‘Glow’ Firstly; not always true. Many women actually complain of increased breakouts, dry or acne-prone skin during pregnancy; as fluctuating hormone levels send your skin into overdrive. Secondly; we’re not ‘glowing’ so much as ‘sweating’. You Can’t Eat That! Dippy eggs, sushi, cheese; if it’s delicious and you want it, the chances are there’s some article somewhere about why you shouldn’t be eating it. The truth is the guidance changes all the time, so make sure you do your research and take guidance directly from your doctor or midwife. Pregnancy is 9 Months Long 40 weeks = 10 months. BASIC MATHS PEOPLE! Tags 3minuteread, coffeebreakcatchup, newDesign
How to Fall Asleep Faster and Sleep BetterRead More Ahh sleep, the thing we used to get so much of! Whether you’re trying to get your babies to bed or your kids are a bit older and you struggle… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 16 March 2021 How to Fall Asleep Faster and Sleep Better Ahh sleep, the thing we used to get so much of! Whether you’re trying to get your babies to bed or your kids are a bit older and you struggle with drifting off, a good night’s sleep is no longer a given. But there are a few tools you can use to help, and who better to advise us than The Mum Club founders Jess and Lauren, who have 6 kids between them! Read on to find out their all time sleep essentials for mum and baby. The Best Things to Help You Sleep Tempur Comfort Cloud Pillow It seems like a massive splurge to spend this much on a pillow but trust us – it’s worth it! Your head softly sinks into it but it’s still firm, which reduces the amount you toss and turn before drifting off. Neom Wellbeing pod We’re obsessed with this diffuser and we like to use it with lots of different scents but it’s an essential for sleep and the Perfect Night’s Sleep Essential Oil Blend (£20) is the dreamiest fragrance to fill your room before bed. Comfort Cloud Pillow Tempur £59.99 Wellbeing pod Neom £145 (Sale) Pillow Spray Votary £35 Sleep Aid Supplements Neubria £19.99 Jersey Pyjama Set Marks & Spencer £26 Votary Pillow Spray There’s something about the ritual of spraying a pillow mist over our beds before we get in that just makes us feel like we’re in a spa. The fragrance contains sleep inducing lavender that helps us relax and calm our whirring minds. Neubria Sleep Supplements We’ve both encountered issues with drifting off and since taking these supplements we’ve noticed a vast improvement. They are formulated to aid relaxation so you get to sleep quicker but they also help with sleep quality and duration. And while they can’t do anything about a baby that wakes up they will enhance the time that you get with head to pillow. M&S Jersey Pyjamas These are made from the softest fabric and are breathable, which means you don’t get too hot and wake up in the night. They’re also extremely comfy without looking dowdy. How to Help Your Baby Sleep Better Hush White Noise If you don’t already know about the magical powers of white noise, then it’s time you did. It helps promote relaxation prior to sleep by providing a constant soothing sound for the brain to settle on. It’s also works to drown out noises that might disturb sleep throughout the noise. The only issue is you staying awake wherever it’s on. Chicco Next to Me This allows you to sleep next to your baby without being in the same bed. Your baby can safely sleep in the crib next to you, allowing you to respond quickly, whether for feeding, changing or night time snuggles. White Noise Machine Hush £34.95 Clever Sleeping Bag Baby Mori £64.50 Bunny Jelly Cat £23 Black out blind Gro Anywhere £31.49 Next to Me Bedside Crib Chicco £249 Baby Mori Clever Sleeping Bag These bags are made from beautifully soft organic cotton and bamboo fabric, which is breathable and thermoregulating to help keep your baby or toddler at the perfect temperature all night. It also features a double-direction zipper to make nighttime changes a little bit easier – great in the early days. Gro Anywhere Blackout Blinds We’d never have believed the difference a beam of sunshine could make to a little one’s sleep, but every sleep expert we’ve ever encountered, mentions them as a must-have. And we 100% agree. These are great as you can take them down and with your whenever you travel. Jelly Cat Bashful Bunny Not all of our children took to comforters or cuddly toys but the ones that did were obsessed with Jelly Cat cuddly toys and comforters and they massively helped with getting them to sleep when we travelled to other places and they weren’t in their crib or cot. All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
How You Really Feel After Giving BirthRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 15 March 2021 How You Really Feel After Giving Birth Side note: You don’t have to do it all As women, we put a lot of unnecessary pressure on ourselves to be what the modern world views as a ‘perfect’ mother, friend and partner. But we’re here to tell you that you don’t need to bother with all that ‘perfect person’ crap. The weeks after birth are not about springing back, how clean your house is, or how good you look on Instagram. It’s a time to recover, recoup, and look after YOU. The 10 Questions you might have after having a baby How will I feel after birth? A lot is going on in that very tired brain of yours. Your to-do this should read; ‘Look after me. Look after baby’. But for some reason, we feel that everything from our home to our hair, needs to be immaculate. It’s probably our Mother-In Law’s fault or the image of K-Mid and her post-birth bouncy blow-dry. Either way, it’s got to stop says @midwife_pip, who is a practising midwife and founder of The Pregnancy Wellness Podcast, she says, “All Mums are superheroes, irrespective of how clean your home is. There is too much unrealistic pressure on women after birth, and we need to realise it’s ok to swerve the washing for a week and put our hair in a bun.” How long is the postpartum period, and how do you look after yourself? It’s about 40 days but take as long as you want and need. “It’s not the time to start dieting and start restricting food”, says Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Emma Brockwell. “Bust that bounce back myth. Try not to do too much. Accept help and listen to your body. By looking after you, you’re looking after baby”. What is Cuarentena? Not to be confused with quarantine, Cuarentena is a Hispanic tradition that for a period of approximately forty days, a new Mum thinks of nothing else but herself and her newborn. During this time, she abstains from sex, and other family members take charge of household chores like cooking and cleaning. Sound goods. Can we add champagne to that? What should you not do after giving birth? Stop trying to do too much. Because we can’t see you. But we know you are! Fiit Mum trainer Charlie Launders says, “Refrain from lifting anything too heavy while your core and pelvic floor are healing. If you can, try not to lift anything heavier than your baby. Do not start exercising for at least six weeks after giving birth. Jumping straight back into workouts will slow down the healing process, and you could end up prolonging your recovery. Walking is good, and you can do this as soon as you feel ready, but you will be surprised at how tough it may initially feel, so take it easy and gently increase the amount you walk over a couple of weeks”. When can I do housework? God we’re fun these days, aren’t we? But we get it, tidy house, tidy mind. “It depends what type of housework you’re thinking about doing”, says Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Emma Brockwell ”. “If you’re thinking about lugging the hoover around your three-story house” (nice btw!) “then you need to wait a while”. Why you need to rest after giving birth? Adrenaline can be a dangerous thing. “It can trick you into thinking you’re in better shape than you are”, says, Fiit Mum trainer Charlie Launders, “Often new mums are filled with adrenalin and other happy hormones, and it can lead them into thinking they’re more capable than they are. Rest is important in every stage of motherhood, but in those early days, it’s crucial. Your organs are moving back to their original places, and you might be healing from a traumatic labour”. So, make sure you are allowing your body enough energy to recover. What happens if you don’t rest? “Stop trying to run before you can walk”, says, Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Emma Brockwell, “If you don’t rest, you can endure physical pain in your neck, back, shoulders or pelvis. You may encounter issues with your pelvic floor and cause disfunction, encourage leaking, bulging or heaviness in your vaginal area. It could also affect your mental health if you do too much too soon and it can make you feel low. Listen to your body and try not to jump too far forward, otherwise you might send yourself backwards”. Is it ok that I don’t feel like having sex after birth? Absolutely! Whatever birth you had; your bits will be recovering from pregnancy. And if you’re breastfeeding your tits have taken on a new non-sexual role of feeding a human. Your husband will be over-excited at how big your knockers have got, but he’ll just have to wait. Read more in our ultimate guide to sex after baby – https://themumclub.com/motherhood/the-ultimate-guide-to-sex-after-baby/ Is it normal to bleed more than 40days after birth? We’re all different, but generally, it lasts around 24-36 days. Don’t worry if it goes on for longer or stops and starts, that’s normal too. If you feel unsure or notice something different, like a clot, mention it to your health visitor or GP. How can my tummy become flat after delivery? Hold your horses, says Fiit Mum trainer Charlie Launders. “Immediately after the birth, you may look exactly as you did during pregnancy, but your stomach will feel softer. It may stay like this as the uterus contracts back to its original size and place. All of the organs that relocated to make way for your baby will be moving back too. Your core muscles will be recovering without you even realising, as well as your pelvic floor. Your body is doing a lot! So, try not to put too much pressure on yourself”. Read more about how long it will take for your stomach to go down here How long will it take for my tummy to shrink? Tags newDesign
Easy Bakes to do with your kidsRead More Need some baking inspiration to keep the kids busy? The following recipes are so easy to follow, that even the most novice of bakers won’t mess them up. Plus, there’s… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 13 March 2021 Easy Bakes to do with your kids No knives or mixers required Need some baking inspiration to keep the kids busy?The following recipes are so easy to follow, that even the most novice of bakers won’t mess them up.Plus, there’s no knives or sharp objects required, so they’re completely safe for little ones to make along with you. Stress Free Biscuits Your kids will love designing these biscuits, and the best bit is you can make them in whatever way you like. No cutter? Get creative and roll out your own shapes. No ingredients? Use a pack of pre-made plain biscuits and get decorating. Ingredients • 200g unsalted butter or margarine • 200g golden caster sugar • 1 medium-large egg • ½ tsp vanilla essence or paste • 400g plain flour Method 1. If making your biscuits, preheat your oven to 200c/180c fan/gas 6. 2. Put the butter or margarine in a bowl and beat until creamy. Then add the sugar, egg and vanilla and finally the flour. 3.Separate the dough into 5/6 pieces and roll it out on to a floured surface, so it becomes about 1/2 cm thick. 4. Cut or create your shapes, peel away the left-over dough, re-roll and repeat. 5. Pop your shapes on to a pre-lined baking tray and bake for approx. 8-10 minutes or until golden. 6. Leave to cool for about 30 minutes and then ice the biscuits using whatever decorations you choose. Easy peasy peanut butter cookies Using only five ingredients, these delicious peanut butter cookies can be made in 30mins. Ingredients • 225g peanut butter • 100g golden caster sugar • 1 free-range egg • 1 tsp vanilla essence or paste • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda Method 1. Line a tray with baking paper and preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4. 2. Beat the sugar and peanut butter together. 3. Mix in the rest of the ingredients. 4. Roll out the dough into approx. 12 tiny balls, popping them on the tray with space between them. 5. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden. 6. Leave to cool, and then munch away. Oh-so simple cereal cakes The great thing about this recipe is you don’t really need scales, and it works with so many cereals, including Rice Crispies, Cornflakes and even Shredded Wheat. Ingredients • 100g Milk or White Chocolate (or both!) • 40g of cereal Method 1. Place your preferred cereal in a big bowl. If using Shredded Wheat, then break it up with your hands to create lots of stringy bits. 2. Snap the chocolate into pieces and pop it in a large heatproof bowl, then microwave in short bursts (10-15 seconds). Take it out each time, stir and then microwave again until fully melted. *You can melt it in a bowl over a pan, but we find the microwave method much safer to do with kids. 3. Transfer the cereal into the chocolate bowl (or vice versa) and gently mix until your cereal is completely coated in chocolate. *Add more cereal or chocolate to reach your desired consistency. 4. Finally divide the mixture into roughly 12 cases and leave to cool for approx. 1hr. Or fasten up the process and pop them in the fridge for 15 minutes. Straightforward banana bites Dangerously easy to make – you can whip these bars up in a matter of minutes. Ingredients • ½ banana • 4 tbsp of fine milled oats or baby oats • 1-2 tbsp of desiccated coconut or raisins • 1 tsp of warmed coconut oil Method 1. Preheat your oven to 180c/ 160 fan /Gas Mark 4 2. Mash the banana in a bowl and then mix it with the oats, coconut or raisins. 3. Shape the mixture into bars, squares or circles. 4. Place on a pre-lined baking tray and cook for 10-15 minutes. 5. Allow to cool and then eat away.
Your Prettiest Makeup Look In Under 5 MinutesRead More Wish you looked like Holly Willoughby? Or had someone to do your make up like hers? Yep. Same! Well, we’ve got you the next best thing. As we caught up… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 13 March 2021 Your Prettiest Makeup Look In Under 5 Minutes Holly Willoughby’s makeup artist shares her secrets Wish you looked like Holly Willoughby? Or had someone to do your make up like hers? Yep. Same! Well, we’ve got you the next best thing. As we caught up with Holly’s makeup artist Patsy O’Neill to get her best tips on looking fabulous in no time at all Prep before you go to bed “Feed your skin and grab yourself a lovely face oil”, says Patsy. “Massage it on at bedtime, and it will make your complexion look more radiant in the morning – even if you don’t get much sleep!”. “I like Sukin Rose Hip Oil, £19.95. Sukin is a great brand that you can pick up at Boots, and I also love Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Oil 15ml, £34”. Lashes are a key tool for opening up tired eyes. Lacking in fullness? Patsy suggests applying a hair growth serum before you snooze, “at the moment I’m using Uklash Eyelash Serum, £37.99”. Rose Hip Oil Sukin £13.30 CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil Sunday Riley £34+ Eyelash Serum Uklash £37.99 Speedy routine for dry skin “You need to get your skin in check before you apply any makeup”, says Patsy. “Always make sure you do a light cleanse in the morning, and if your face is dry, I would use a tinted moisturiser as well as a lightweight day cream or serum. Tinted lotions are an excellent way to add a quick wash of colour to your face. I like Trinny’s BFF Cream SPF 30, £35. It comes in a great range of shades that cater to the palest pale and the darkest dark. Just squeeze it in your hand and then apply all over like a moisturiser”. Dry lips? Patsy says, “Get a balm on as soon as you can. I’d even do it straight after you brush your teeth. I got Biossance Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm, £16 for Holly recently, and it’s great for chapped lips”. The best under eye concealers “It depends on your complexion, but some people can skip straight to concealer after applying a day cream”, says Patsy. “I really rate Becca Under Eye Brightener Corrector, £18.90, it’s a game-changer for illuminating the eye area and making skin look less tired. It comes in two shades, which work for pale skins and olive to mixed race. If you’re darker, then I’d suggest using the new concealers from The Ordinary, £4.90, they’re amazing, and you don’t need much as the pigment is so strong. I also like IT cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye, £25”. Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm Biossance £16 BFF Cream SPF 30 Trinny London £35 Under eye brighting corrector Becca £21 Concealer The Ordinary £4.90 Bye bye undereye It cosmetics £25 Best product for glowing skin “Grab a big fat brush and apply Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder, £38, all over your face. The name is deceiving, as it’s not powdery at all, instead it gives a light luminous finish to the skin”. Quick and easy arches No time for brows? “Yes, you do!”, says Patsy. “Just grab a brow mascara. They are amazing for defining your arches when you’re in a hurry, as they take seconds to apply. But you do need to be a bit careful, as you can easily overdo it. I would suggest slightly cleaning the brush with a tissue, so you have about half the amount of product left on. That way you won’t dollop on a big splodge of colour and end up with a severe-looking line. I like BBB London Brow Build Gel, £21”. Ambient strobe lighting powder Hourglass £38 Brow build gel BBB London £21 Rapid eyes “A straightforward way to add colour to your lids is a smudgy eyeshadow pencil that you can quickly apply to your lash line. Delilah Stay The Night Smooth Shadow Stick Collection, £38 are so lovely, and this is a gorgeous set of colours. I also like Eyeko Double Act Shadow Sticks, £20, but there’s so many of this type of product now, Chantecaille have some, as do Laura Mercier, and they’re both excellent”. Want a perfect flick like Holly’s? Patsy says, “Try the Eyeko Black Magic: Cocoa Edit Liquid Eyeliner in Brown, £16, this pen has a lovely nib that is extremely easy to use. Many people dismiss brown, but I love it, as it’s much softer on the skin and it doesn’t make you look too done up”. The best eye-opening mascara – that doesn’t budge “Holly loves to use eyelash curlers to give her that wide-awake look, and they work for her, but they’re not for everyone, so do what suits you”. “If your mascara tends to go everywhere or you have small eyes, then you’ll love Smashbox Superfan Mascara, £19. I also really rate the Hourglass Caution Extreme Mascara, £29 but it’s quite expensive, so if you want to go high street then Maybelline Lash Sensational, £8.99 is brilliant for Mums, as it doesn’t budge”. Smooth Shadow Stick Delilah £38 Double Act Shadow Stick Eyeko £20 Liquid Eyeliner Eyeko £16 Mascara Smashbox £19 Extreme lash mascara Hourglass £25 Lash sensational mascara Maybelline £9.99 Lip and cheek tricks “Absolutely use the same product on your lips and your cheeks, it’s the quickest way to apply colour. I use Beauty Pie Supercheek Cream Blush, £25 (members pay £7.97) and I love the shades of Trinny Lip2Cheek, £25”. Patsy’s top tip for applying your blush “It’s easy to make mistakes when you’re rushing. So, when you have time, get to know how much product you need. Is it two dabs or just one? It will make life easier when you’re dashing out the door, and you won’t end up with comical rosy cheeks”. Lips that last Want a colour that doesn’t budge? Patsy advises to apply your lipstick, then blot two or three times, and finish with a clear balm for moisture. “You need to get that colour into your lips and then take off the product that transfers”. Or she says to skip the process and use Glossier Generation G Lipstick, £14, “these are perfect for lipstick addicts that don’t want too much colour to come off when they kiss their kids. They have such a unique formulation. They’re almost a hybrid between a stain and a matte lipstick. I’m obsessed with them, and my favourite shades are Zip, Jam and Crush”. Cream blush Beauty Pie £8.77 Lip2cheek Trinny London £25 Sheer matte lipstick Glossier £14 Tags 5minuteread, newDesign, Yournaptimeknowhow
The Perfect Age Gap Between KidsRead More As it turns out there’s no ideal time to have a baby, a fact which (since you’re reading this) you probably already know. As for number two (or three…or even… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 12 March 2021 The Perfect Age Gap Between Kids As it turns out there’s no ideal time to have a baby, a fact which (since you’re reading this) you probably already know. As for number two (or three…or even four), while we’d hesitate to use the word ‘ideal’, some windows are better than others. Here’s the TMC guide to planning your perfect family. Because as we all know, parenting always goes exactly to plan… 9 Months Behold the super-unicorn of mums. Rare is the women that’s not only prepared for back-to-back pregnancies – think about it, that’s 18 months straight – but has the balls (pun not fully intended) to consider sex less than four weeks after giving birth. The Pros You’ll get over it quickly..ish Maternity jeans…nappy bags… the tide of rainbow plastic cluttering up the living room. It’ll feel like a lifetime but when you finally emerge from the baby fog you’ll never have to return again (though you’ll have aged a decade in the meantime). They’ll have a playmate for life Which means less time hosting pretend tea parties and more time scrolling through Insta and drinking your coffee while it’s hot (we’d call that a win). It’s time efficient Plan carefully and they could even be in the same school year: that’s one easy drop off for the rest of their academic life. Positives also include one sleep-inducing school nativity/nursery graduation ceremony/sports day every year. Boom. The Cons Your Mum- Bod Back-to-back pregnancies put a serious toll on the body, especially if you throw in breastfeeding or a c-section or two. As for your mind, you’ll be in a constant state of delirium for the first two years and feel close to collapse from exhaustion at any moment. It’s (bloody) expensive On top of double the time away from work and double the nursery fees, you can’t even use the same cot/Polarn O. Pyret snowsuit/ruinously expensive buggy because the last kid hasn’t vacated it yet. The logistics You have one pair of hands to manage two very small children, neither of which can walk. Expect simple tasks (like leaving the house) to now take 46 times longer. 1-2 Years The kid has started walking and follows (some) instructions. You’re missing the warm fuzz of the baby bubble and are staring longingly at newborns in coffee shops. You’ve (almost) forgotten the pain of labour and are romanticising your pregnancy just enough to be tempted by another go. Let’s do this. The Pros They’ll have similar interests Put it this way, you’ll never have to bribe a sulky teenager to go to Peppa Pig world or attempt to forcibly restrain a toddler at the side of football pitch for 90 minutes. They’ll be into the same stuff at the same time, which (though it might not be a world of fun for you) will certainly be easier. Your body will have recovered Leave at least 18 months between them and your body will be completely healed* *apart from your pelvic floor, which is broken forever. They both still nap Master the wizardry of getting them to sleep at the same time and you’re literally winning at life. The Cons They might be jealous Suddenly the tiny person that’s been doted on 24/7 has to share the spotlight. Expect anything from tantrums to outright attempted murder. It’s all over too soon You long for the baby days to be over while you’re in the thick of it, then look back and wonder how they flew by so fast. OK it’s a stretch, but it could happen… 3-4 Years Hello Pre-School! With your toddler flying the nest (it might just be three mornings a week, but we’ll take it) you’ve got more time on your hands to do important things such as shave your legs, have sex and… think about having another baby. The Pros They’re more independent Three-year olds can take a surprising amount of direction; including handing you stuff and alerting you when the baby is about roll off the sofa (that your husband left them on). You can reason with them It’s much easier to explain to a four-year old than a wailing non-verbal toddler that mummy needs two minutes to feed the baby. And if all else fails, they are just as easily bribed with biscuits. School Happens Imagine the bliss of six sibling-free hours each day, to spend soaking up your new addition. Plus, after the age of three (some) childcare is free so there’s no doubling up on nursery fees. The Cons They’re still jealous By this stage, the eldest clearly remembers what it’s like to have your undivided attention, and will remind you of that fact by saying things like ‘you don’t love me any more’ and ‘can we send him back?’ The Deja Vu Just when you thought you’d never change another nappy again… 5 Years Worn down by half a decade of ‘ready for number two yet?’ from your MIL, you realise it’s now or never. Suck it up sis, it’s time for Pregnancy and Birth: The Sequel. The Pros It’s just like a real life dolly They’ll relish the role of big sister/brother, with their very own baby to play with. Or at least, that’s what you will tell them. You can get them involved You want to name the baby? Sure. Sparkles Unicorn Bum Head Smith it is. The Cons Mind the gap It’s the Peppa Pig/Five-A-Side conundrum. At some point you’ll have a small child and a grumpy teenager that wants nothing to do with either of you Remember, remember? It’s surprising how quickly you forget how to pick up a tiny baby, never mind keep them alive. You might have done it all before but you’ll still feel like a first time mum.
Why You Should Prioritise Healing Not Fitness in The Fourth TrimesterRead More Have you heard of the fourth trimester? It’s the time when you’ve immediately had the baby and might be looking at ways to get yourself back to being that pre-baby… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 10 March 2021 Why You Should Prioritise Healing Not Fitness in The Fourth Trimester Have you heard of the fourth trimester? It’s the time when you’ve immediately had the baby and might be looking at ways to get yourself back to being that pre-baby person again. Postpartum self-care is often a misunderstood and neglected part of motherhood. That’s why we’ve enlisted the help of women’s health specialist Bonney O’Connell to explain how to relax and heal your body naturally with 5 easy tips. Bonney explains that getting back to our pre-baby selves is something we’ve all felt immense pressure to do. Although you may feel the urge to get up and go, the first few weeks postnatally is the time to really nurture your body and allow it to heal. Should you exercise? Embarking on any sort of exercise regimen will depend on what stage you are in postnatally and will certainly be unique to you. But one thing remains universal: we should prioritise healing, not fitness. Also, getting informed, professional advice at this stage is key. So many mums count down to their six weeks postnatal check-up, eager to jump back into their favourite pre-baby fitness activity. While this is certainly admirable, I truly urge you to slow your roll. Not only can this cause pelvic floor issues (think incontinence), but how your entire body looks, feels, and functions. How you treat your postnatal body in these first few weeks sets the stage for what comes after. Whether you are aiming to run a marathon in the future, or simply want to avoid weeing yourself when you sneeze, your body will thank you for taking the necessary time out to allow your body to heal. Here are five ways to help your body to heal during the fourth trimester. 1. Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) Having a well functioning pelvic floor is crucial in preventing issues such as prolapse, incontinence and back pain post birth. During pregnancy the pelvic floor has an increasing load on it (which is why, even if you have a c-section it needs rehab post birth) then, during birth, expands to allow baby to come through, you may have torn, had an episiotomy or instrumental delivery, all of which cause damage to this area that then needs help to recover. Kegels (contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor) whilst not a long term, functional pelvic floor plan, its useful postnatally. They allow you to start feeling connected to that area again, promote blood flow and facilitate the process of healing. Be aware that initially you might not feel much you might not feel much, but sensation will return eventually. How to Kegel: Seated and upright, relaxed, imagine the seat you are sitting on is hot and as you breathe out lift the opening of your vagina (or the whole area between your legs if easier) away from the heat, inhale and relax. Think of these as HEALING not EXERCISE. 2. Improve your posture Postnatally, you’ll most likely be holding, carrying and feeding your baby pretty much every day. Your body will bare the brunt of this, and common signs of the this will include backache and tense shoulders. To help with your posture, sit in a comfy, supportive chair when you are feeding and have all the cushions and anything else you need to allow you to sit in upright position. If you are struggling with upper back pain, try feeding lying down slightly. Invest in a sling – it’s a great way to support your posture. Relax your shoulders – trust me, do this often! Stick a post-it note to the buggy with this on to remind you. 3. Eat balanced meals and up your water levels Eating balanced meals and keeping your hydration levels up will undoubtedly help your body recover more efficiently after you’ve had your baby. Balance out the carb cravings by eating regularly to keep energy levels up. Ditch or at least limit the caffeine. It can deplete nutrients, affect hormones, and increase stress levels. Water is key, especially if you are breast feeding – ensure you drink it regularly during the day. Take the time out to take your supplements, vitamins C, D, B12, Omega 3, magnesium and zinc are a good combination to strengthen and support your body. Batch cook a load of food that you can stick in the freezer before baby arrives. This literally stopped us from starving when I had my fourth baby. Have decent snacks in stock – so when you have run out of time there is something healthy you can grab to keep you going. 4.Relax… I know, I know, easy to say, harder to do when you have a new-born, right? But it’s worth highlighting that when you are relaxed, it’s easier for your body to heal. My go-to method for relaxing when it seems like there is no time at all is to focus on my breathing (even if it means hiding in the loo for five minutes to do so) Try a five count inhale/ five count exhale for just 10 breaths – This will not only help you relax, but also start the process of recovery for the muscles of your pelvic floor and core that have been under a lot of stress during pregnancy and labour. These long slow breaths will help calm your nervous system, reduce stress and re-engage the tummy muscles. 5. Get moving! As humans, we are designed to move. But for the first few weeks it’s crucial that you let your body recover. Now I’m not suggesting you take up residence on the sofa and stay there (unless of you want to, after all, you just grew and birthed another human, you get to do whatever works for you). However, you can start to embark on low impact activities like walking. One of the things I was most grateful for when my kids were small was having a family dog. It meant that no matter what I got some fresh air each day, even if it was just taking the dog out for a quick walk around the block. Stick baby in the buggy or the sling and go for regular strolls. It’s safe, easy to do (even in the current lockdown situation) and if you’ve got a cranky baby, it will probably sort that out too! Start small – 10 minutes per day is enough and then build up gradually. The most important thing is that you listen to your body and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Everyone’s postnatal journey is unique. Tags 10minuteread, Bedtimebrowse, newDesign
8 Easy Dinner IdeasRead More Anyone else fed up with cooking the same old thing? *Waves Sometimes all we need is a fresh set of ideas that don’t require a Cordon Bleu degree. Whether you… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 10 March 2021 8 Easy Dinner Ideas Run out of inspo? Don’t worry. We’ve got you! Anyone else fed up with cooking the same old thing? *Waves Sometimes all we need is a fresh set of ideas that don’t require a Cordon Bleu degree. Whether you like to prep in advance or you’re a last-minute Larry, the following recipes are sure to save you. Prepare at lunch, win at dinner Put the effort in a few hours earlier and leave mealtimes completely stress-free. Chicken and sausage casserole Use the same method but chuck it all in a casserole dish and slow cook for a few hours instead. Recipe Slow-cooked shredded beef ragu A seriously mouth-watering dish that will get better and better the longer you leave it. Recipe Roasted chicken and veg prep Ditch the pots and pans and whack everything in the oven to ensure a yummy meal for later. Recipe Roasted butternut squash soup One of the most delicious soup’s we’ve ever eaten. Tone down (or take out) the chilli to suit your tastebuds. Recipe Last-minute throw togethers No time for prep? Chuck these tasty dishes together in under 15 minutes flat. Grilled avocado Caprese open sandwich Basically, pizza toast – pile on your favourite toppings and serve with a big salad. Recipe Easy peasy frittata Perfect for baby-led weaning, this recipe works for the whole family. Recipe Stuffed Moroccan pittas Serve with couscous for a wow-factor meal that is made in minutes. Recipe Breakfast for dinner There’s nothing quicker than scrambled eggs and who says it should be served before 11 am? Brunch, lunch, dinner, we’ll take it at any time thank you. Recipe Tags newDesign
10 Times We Realised We Were an Adult NowRead More Post author By The Mum Club Post date 5 March 2021 10 Times We Realised We Were an Adult Now Spoiler: If you’re looking for the adult in charge, it’s probably you. Telling Your Parents You Are Pregnant ‘Hey Dad! I have sex now!’ We had to fight the urge to apologise. The Day You Leave The Hospital They just let you waltz out of there with a brand new human being and absolutely no clue how to care for them. The First Time You Say ‘My Son/Daughter’ ‘My baby’ is fine, but there comes a point where your ‘baby’ graduates to ‘child’ status and you realise you’re somebody’s MOTHER. When It’s Your Job To Make Someone Else a Doctors Appointment Those receptionists are terrifying. Who knew you had to pay for prescriptions?! When You Get Excited About Household Appliances It’s not JUST a hoover. It’s a motherf*cking DYSON. When You’re Filling In A Form Online… …and it takes you a good 30 seconds to scroll back to your birth year. 20 year old’s born in 2001? HOW?! When Someone Calls You Mrs/Madam/Lady ‘Why is someone shouting my MIL’s name?’ Oh no, wait… THAT ME. When You Don’t Get ID’d Anymore ‘I don’t need to see your driver’s license, I can just count the number of bags under your eyes.’ Staying Out Past 10pm Is No Longer An Option We used to sneak out of the house to go to parties, now we sneak out of parties to go to our house. When You Start Buying Wine To Cook With Not Just To Drink The good shit too. Tags 1minuteread, learnontheloo, newDesign
Your Easy-Peasy Healthy Eating PlanRead More Comfort eating has become a trend nearly all of us have gotten into. And boy-oh-boy do we deserve it. We’ve enlisted the help of healthy living gurus MUTU, an NHS-approved… Post author By The Mum Club Post date 4 March 2021 Your Easy-Peasy Healthy Eating Plan And guess what? You can still have chocolate (and wine!) Comfort eating has become a trend nearly all of us have gotten into. And boy-oh-boy do we deserve it. We’ve enlisted the help of healthy living gurus MUTU, an NHS-approved online exercise programme for Mums, as they share their easy-to-follow healthy eating rules with us. “We need to stop calorie counting and focus on being happy, and mentally clear – because for many women, stress, anxiety and lack of sleep can all lead to comfort eating and sugar addictions. Losing weight is as much to do with the mind as it is the actions we take,” MUTU Founder Wendy Powell. Your easy-to-follow healthy eating plan The general ethos of MUTU is to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, more good fats and protein, fewer grains and NO processed foods. But here’s a little more detail… Avoid processed and refined foods. Keep your food as close to its natural source as possible. If you can’t identify a natural source, don’t eat it. This means NO ready meals, commercially baked pastries, biscuits, cookies or cakes, take-out food, sweets, white bread, bagels, cereal bars, packaged cereals with added sugar and fizzy drinks. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables. At least three times a day, eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Try to eat raw veg and as many green vegetables as possible. Drink lots and lots of water. Drink lashings of purified water as well as herbal teas, very diluted fruit juice and green tea. Eat protein with every meal. Limit dairy-based protein and add more fish, pulses or beans to your diet. When eating meat chose organic free-range eggs. Upgrade your chocolate. Yes, you can have chocolate. But make it higher quality with a greater percentage of cocoa and lower amounts of sugar. Organic dark chocolate with a minimum of 70% cocoa solids is the best and no more than a couple of squares. Limit caffeine and alcohol. Ok, this might be hard, as we often live for our morning coffees and wine-time (especially when home-schooling). But don’t worry, you can still drink one cup of coffee a day and enjoy one glass of wine no more than three times a week. Eat these things at least twice a week Oily fish (like sardines, salmon, or mackerel) good oils, a handful of nuts and seeds (like hemp, pumpkin and sunflower) Are Fats good for you? “When looking towards our postpartum diets, fats aren’t the problem, but sugar, stress, processed food, not enough good fats and not moving might be”, says Wendy Powell founder of MUTU. She adds, “For years we were fed the ‘low fat’ mantra of losing weight – there was something so simple about it: fat makes you fat. This was entirely misleading because we need fats! Natural, healthy fats like those in nuts and seeds, oily fish like mackerel or salmon, avocados, eggs, and good olive oil, are important for us”. Approved by NHS digital, MUTU is a medically recommended online exercise programme for Mums. For more expert guidance, and information on the MUTU plan, head to www.mutusystem.co.uk Tags 3minuteread, coffeebreakcatchup, newDesign
