There seem to be a lot of summer babies on the horizon, so I’ve been looking at goodies for mamas-to-be that veer away from the obvious flowers and chocs. Luckily, there’s a lot of good stuff out there, so, if you’re in the market for a pregnancy pressie, or expecting and fancy treating yourself (why the hell not?), then read on…
The Mother Box Pregnancy and Birth Care Pack, £32, is another great idea from a midwife – and a doula – Alexis Strickland and Beccy Hands. The box (one of a selection) fits through a letterbox and contains lavender oil, a cotton flannel, two reusable straws, a pack of MaternTea and fillable tea sachets, a pack of the brilliant Yes Mum affirmation cards and a really informative booklet written by Alexis and Beccy, explaining how and when to use the contents of the box.
How to Grow a Baby and Push it Out by Clemmie Hooper (Vermilion, RRP £14.99). Experienced midwife Clemmie’s book (check out her blog Gas & Air for more birth stories) is jam packed full of tips for a stress-free pregnancy and labour and features lots of great anecdotes from mothers. As a bonus (and pretty unusual for a pregnancy book), it’s beautifully illustrated and designed, so makes a fabulous gift for first timers.
A bit of pampering is essential in pregnancy and looking after your skin can also sometimes help minimise the dreaded stretch marks. Love Boo’s 100 % natural Super Stretchy Miracle Oil, from £7.99, is ultra luxe and leaves your skin soft, supple and smooth. The combination of argan, almond, passionflower and mandarin oils smells completely delicious. It’s not just for pregnancy either – I use it daily after I shower and can confirm it is divine.
If there’s one thing you’re going to need as a parent, it’s a good sense of humour and a healthy amount of self deprecation. Cheryl Rawlings and Selfish Mother’s Honesty Cards for New Mamas, £15 from The FMLY Store, are the ideal gift, featuring slogans such as Winging It, Sleep Deprived and This Mama Gets Me just crying out to be Instagrammed.
I was really taken with the idea of the bola necklace when I was first pregnant. Originating from Mexico over one hundred years ago, they are a chiming necklace worn low over a burgeoning bump, so every time the mama-to-be moves, the baby hears a comforting ringing sound. Usually in the form of a shiny silver ball, they are also a rather lovely piece of jewellery, particularly if you go for Blooming Lovely’s bola necklace on a Liberty print ribbon, £23, which also comes in a cotton pouch, perfect for gifting.
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