Alice’s journey with Mel from The Colonic Clinic Capalaba – Part Two

So you may have seen from my insta that I am continuing to see Mel from The Colonic Clinic Capalaba. In fact I feel I am her “stage 5 clinger” and I always have so many questions and topics I chat with her about. I laughed with David (hubby) and said I think I am chatting more with Mel than you hahaha. I have been going to the poo fairy AKA Mel, for a little over a month now and I am really enjoying this new health journey I am on. I will be forever grateful to my darling friend who referred me to the Poo Palace.

Continue reading “Alice’s journey with Mel from The Colonic Clinic Capalaba – Part Two”

dōTERRA Essential Oils with Wellness Advocate Alice Bingham AKA @aliceinessentialoilland

Welcome Beauties.

I have been loving learning how to use my essential oils in my everyday life. Providing a healthier + brighter future for my family. I know you will love learning about them to. Everyday I am finding new ways to utilise these beautiful oils, wether it be to clean my house, creating blends for emotional support, killing off the bugs, flavouring my smoothies or in my beauty routine.

I have created a Instagram account for you all to see exactly how I am using them. Click here to see + follow my oil journey.

Continue reading “dōTERRA Essential Oils with Wellness Advocate Alice Bingham AKA @aliceinessentialoilland”

Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump – An honest review for @milkmaidmumma

Milkmaidmumma is a beautiful online retailer + wholesaler who create pretty handmade bamboo reusable nursing pads and they also stock Eco accessories from around the world to help make mumma and their Babes lives a little easier and safer.

I was recently asked by Milkmaidmumma to write a honest review on one of their newest products the Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump.

 

Continue reading “Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump – An honest review for @milkmaidmumma”

Feeding your baby for the first time. By Gina Rose AKA @nutritionbyginarose

Boston & Winnie are just about to venture into the wonder world of food, where did the last 5 months go! Lucky for them they have Mother’s that are serious foodies.

Infant nutrition is crucial for supporting optimal growth and development. Think about this for one minute.. choosing foods for your infant can either prevent a disease or feed one. Now, that sounds serious, but we actually have the power to influence our children with fuel to set them up for a healthy life.

Continue reading “Feeding your baby for the first time. By Gina Rose AKA @nutritionbyginarose”

My baby “latches” to the bottle.

Sponsored by Munchkin Australia.

I made a little promise to myself  when I was pregnant with my second child. I would do my best to try give my second baby a bottle from 6 weeks if I could breastfeed. The reason behind this is because Cruz (my first child), still to this day has never taken a bottle. I tried so many brands but he was just never interested. All he wanted was the boobies! That wasn’t to much of an issue to me back then as I had him home with me for the 10months of his life. However when he went to day care he would refuse my EDM or formula. I could never really pop out for to longer periods either as he would want to be fed. Cruz was not great on solids either. So he needed my breastmilk to nourish him.

Continue reading “My baby “latches” to the bottle.”

My top 5 must haves for new mummas Feat. Organic Mums & Bubs.

I have been lucky enough to write a blog for one of my favourite Australian organic maternity and baby shops – Organic Mums and Bubs. The store is filled with absolutely divine 100% certified organic, eco friendly and ethical products which are suitable for pregnant and nursing mummas and their new bundle of joys.

Expecting a new baby can be lots of fun. Preparing and buying things for yourself and your little ones arrival is all part of the excitement of this new journey. There are so many great products to choose from on the market but at times can be quite overwhelming when deciding what you and bub require. Organic Mums and Bubs is one of my favourite online stores that caters for a wide range of all your mumma and bubba requirements, which is why I am putting together a blog post sharing with you the 5 products I love most from this amazing company.

I know we get super excited about spoiling Bub, but my first few must haves are just for mumma.

Comfortable Nursing Lounge Wear

The first few days depending on how you birth you could be in hospital. Followed by spending a lot of time at home getting to know your newborn. During this time just wanted to live in comfortable clothing. Little Winter Rose is now five weeks old and I still like to be comfortable to lounge around at home. If you choose to breastfeed to you will want comfortable clothes that you can nurse your newborn in. I really think that wearing comfy, soft clothing helped me to feel relaxed and comfortable in my own home and when heading to the shops.

I wear my Grace Bamboo Maternity Top and Essential Bamboo Maternity Pants together all the time around the house. The clothes are so comfy I even sleep in them and I can do my post natal yoga practice in this outfit too. Because it doesn’t look to pj like I can also wear out to the shops too and still feel good. The material of both the top and the pants feels great on my skin too, made from a mixture of organic cotton, bamboo viscose and a little spandex for stretch. I highly recommend this duo and packing it in your hospital bag if you are planning to have a overnight stay in hospital.

 

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So comfy around the waistline and I love that the pants have a string to pull in as your postpartum stomach goes down.

Reusable Bamboo Nursing Pads and Wipes

Not only are the Milk Maid Mumma Nursing Pads kinder to the environment, I found they are so much more kinder to my breasts too than the disposable ones. They are made from bamboo and feel luxe against the nipples especially when my little Winter Rose is cluster feeding and my nipples feel grazed. The sit well in the bra and don’t scrunch up like the disposable ones do as the day goes on. I love seeing all the pretty prints on my washing line too. All nursing pad bundles come with a wet bag too, to keep the breast pads safe in the washing machine. Great for storing them in your nappy bag too.

The Milk Maid Mumma Reusable Wipes are also a great alternative to your everyday baby wipes we carry in our nappy bags. I have also found these wipe cloths great as a burping cloth alternative too. The wipes also come with a cute wet bag to store the wipes in.

Both of these Milk Maid Mumma products are kind to your wallet and are really reasonably priced, making them a perfect baby shower gift for any expecting mumma.

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100% Organic Cotton/Bamboo clothing for your Newborn

Of course baby clothing is part of my list for new mummas as it’s so fun buying outfits for your new bundle of joy. I personally find it more fun than buying for myself these days. When your newborn arrives into the world their skin can be very sensitive. It’s great to purchase some clothing that is gentle and kind to their babies skin.

Organic Mums and Bubs provides a wide range of adorable organic baby clothes that are suitable for your newborn no matter what the occasion. Weather you just want to dress your bundle of joy up for visitors, a special occasion or just for them to relax at home in this boutique has you covered. Some of my personal favourites from the site is the Bubbazimbi range and My Lilly Ann hand painted clothing.

 

A comfort toy or blanket for your baby

It is up to you as a parent if you choose to use this method. I believe that giving my babies a comfort toy or blanket has really helped them to settle them to sleep no matter where they are put down to rest. A little tip though is to have a few comforters on the go. I always have one in the cot, one in the pram and one in the car. That way if one is misplaced there is always back up available.

I love Natures Purest – Striped Knitted Bunny Soft Toy and Natures Purest – Striped Knitted Baby Blanket.

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Organic Skincare for Mother and Baby

As a mum I really want the best for my babies. I am amazed that so many baby skin care products are filled with nasty harmful chemicals and an ingredients list that goes on forever with words I cannot even say. I am a registered nurse and when studying anatomy and physiology I learnt that the skin is the largest organ in the body. It absorbs want we put on it so quickly into our bodies. Our new babies skin is so precious so especially in the little ones early days I think its important to be aware of what I use on their skin. So I keep my babies and my own skin products to a minimal or organic.

I love Aromababy Barrier Nappy Rash Cream Balm I have used this since Cruz was a newborn its such a great product. It also doubles as a great lip balm haha.

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Thank you for reading the blog. Thank you to Organic Mums and Bubs for the collaboration.

Want more from Organic Mums and Bubs?

Website – www.organicmumsandbubs.com.au

Instagram – www.instagram.com/organicmumsandbubs/

Alice x

Top 10 Unisex Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Both my pregnancies, my husband and I have decided to not find out the sex of the baby. The first thing that comes to most people’s mind when we tell them is “how can you be organised for the baby” or “what can I buy you? There is hardly anything out there that’s unisex” well I disagree with them I think there is so much you can still get organised or buy someone. So I decided to blog about it haha.

It has made David and I save a bit of  money not buying the trend of pink or blue clothing or decor. But if you wish to be organised or gift someone something special before their birth of their child, then there is truly so many gorgeous unisex gift ideas that you can still shower a mumma (in some cases daddy too) with at their baby shower, or purchase for yourself  for your newborns arrival. 

 

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I have teamed up with Baby Luno to bring you my…

Top Ten Gift Ideas For A Unisex Baby Shower. 

A neutral onesie, because what new baby doesn’t look adorable in the neutrals of white, cream or grey? No matter what the sex. I think they look so cute too.

 

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Baby Growsuit Zip – Hello World

 

 A neutral cuddly companion teddy or animal for their newborn to snuggle up to. Doubles as a comforter at nap and bedtime.

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Musy Mate – Cow Jungle Jam Giraffe


 

A white bath towel, because who doesn’t love seeing a baby all wrapped up in a fresh white towel no matter what the gender, ekkk… oh my ovaries. 

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Baby Bath Wrap – Jungle Jam Giraffe

 

Some of your guests may like to put money together and buy something bigger for the mumma. A baby carrier can be used by either mummy or daddy to carry their newborn (up until the age of around 3 depending on the weight of the child) around when bubs just want to be close to their parents. Its also a great way for parents have their hands free when their little one just won’t settle or they need to get the shopping done. 

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BabyBjorn Baby Carrier ONE AIR

 

A cute baby muslin swaddle, which is perfect to keep their little bub warm and comfortable when they first arrive. The great thing about a muslin swaddle is that it can be used as a blanket or a light pram cover (just ass some pram pegs).

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Baby Swaddle Blanket – 10th Anniversary

 

A set of unisex bassinet or cot sheets, you never can have to many sets as the little bubba may have a few accidents haha, you will find yourself changing them very regularly.

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Baby Bassinet Sheet Set – Wonderful Life

 

sleeping bag that doubles as a swaddle, great to keep the little new born warm and securely snug while they are sleeping. You can use the sleeping bag instead of  a blanket and bub is less likely to wriggle out like they can in a blanket or wrap.

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Baby Sleeping Bag & Swaddle – ErgoCocoon TOG 1 Blush Leaf

 

Again a few of you might want to put in some money and get something special for mumma or the baby. A nappy bag s a great idea it will be something that mum uses all the time. Be mindful though that mum might have a particular style in mind. This was the style I feel in love with. Its perfect as it doubles as a handbag not just a nappy bag.

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Nappy Bag Storksak Noa Leather

 

A set of Milestone Blocks is the perfect addition to the little ones nursery. Mummas can also take photo updates of their little one next to the block as a keep sake, perfect to watch them grow and look back on. 

WMBW_1024x1024Last of all, if you really are unsure then you can always get the parents a gift card. That way they purchase something sweet for their newborn when they arrive.
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Baby Bingham No.2 Wish List

 

Thank you so much for reading, I hope you got some great ideas to gift a family that are choosing to have a unisex baby shower.

Alice xoxo

Want more from Baby Luno?

Visit their website HERE

Visit their Instagram HERE

 

Alice In Pregnancyland #32weeks-38weeks

Pregnancy Emotions. Pregnancy Eating. Pregnancy Exercise. Pregnancy Style.

I actually cannot believe I am typing the last blog of the Alice In Pregnancyland series. (for now haha) I remember chatting To Tahlia about collaborating with me for the #bumpstyle shoots and now here we are at 37 nearly 38 weeks finishing off the bump series. I have really loved building a friendship with Tahlia from @wyldefolkstudio_ while we did the photoshoots she is such a kind hearted person. I now have a friendship for life with her. Not to mention how blessed I was to collaborate with so many gorgeous labels and maternity brands. throughout the 9 months. A huge thank you to everyone that followed the series and continued to send through such beautiful feedback. Big Love to you all.


Pregnancy Emotions

The last few weeks I have been on a emotional roller coaster. I have been so excited to meet the little one, I have had mum guilt with my one on one time with Cruzie, I have cried happy tears and I have cried god knows what tears. To me having a good cry really does help me just let it all out, breathe and then let it go. All these new emotions feel like it’s my heart is expanding and I am ready to meet our new little one now.

I finished up work at 36 weeks. Best decision as I was going to work to 37 weeks, the heaviness of nursing and being on my feet got to me a little. So I am so glad to be on maternity leave. It feels so different not having to go to work again. 

I have been making the most of my time with Cruzie too. I have been taking him to singing and reading at the library, reading and extra snuggles at night time, park hangs and babycino dates. I am loving being off work with him again. 

Everyone has been asking how Cruzie has been? Does he know? I think he knows a change is coming. He won’t let anyone rub my belly but David, he pushes their hand away or pulls my top down. We brought him a little dolly and he has been kissing it, changing its nappy, pushing it around in a pram. It’s so cute to watch. I think he will be a great big brother. 

I keep telling myself that I need to slow down as my body is tired, but its true “nesting” is a real thing. I keep thinking of new things to do and clean. I forget to rest and I am on the go all day. Then I have the worse braxton hicks and back ache in the evening. So I should listen to all the advice and just put my feet up. Haha easier said than done though. Plus entertaining my little man. He sleeps well in the afternoon so I should just lay down then and watch some Offspring on tv. Maybe tomorrow? haha.

I went and seen my midwife for a 36 week scan and check up. The cheeky bubbas legs are sitting frog legged but the head is right down there. I keep thinking in my head that the baby will be here early because Cruz came early but I shouldn’t get my hopes up. I discussed my birth plan and what I wanted. My birth plan is to have a natural birth, hopefully not be on the monitor like last time, have a bath or hot shower, use essential oils and just have David in there. David is my rock and he really did help me through the breathing techniques last time. I do still feel anxious about the birth experience and labour but I am just trying not to think about it, what will be will be.

Pregnancy Eating.

With eating I have been a bit all over the place.

I wake up so hungry and have to eat before I go for a walk. For breakfast I normally have smoothies or protein pancakes. Thats its the I just swap it up between the two.

Then for snacks I have almonds, nuts, apple or a bliss ball. Sipping on so much raspberry leaf tea to ha.

Lunch is lots of greens and a source of protein or a chia sourdough with cheese, figs and cucumber sandwich or the same combo on rice cakes.

I am obsessed with Bolognese at the moment with zoodles (zucchini pasta), I am addicted love it. I also love white fish or salmon with greens for dinner, I have gone off all brown rice and sweet potato probably because my belly already fills so fall at night.

Cravings – organic milk chocolate from Flannerys Health Shop … YUM!!!!

Pregnancy Exercise

Walking 30-45minutes around the block (filled with hills) but very slowly as I get pelvic pressure. I put my podcast on and enjoy the metime I love it. Makes me feel better. I love doing about 20-40 push ups daily on the kitchen bench and 20 squats on the shower too. About 3 times a week I use my little 2kg weights and do a little arm workout too. If I have having an exhausting day I just don’t exercise at all. Maybe just do a stretch. The last week I have really slowed down, but thats okay, my body needs the rest.

Pregnancy Style

So besides loose boho styles and a few tight comfortable maternity dresses I have been living in maternity leggings and a jumper. Argh so comfy. I do love dressing up the bump, but I feel my wardrobe has become very limited and don’t really want to add to it till the baby is here. 

For this #bumpstye shoot I wore a dress I purchased for a hens day a few months back. Its called the FAWN WRAP DRESS and I brought it from the @theselfstyler online. Guess what they just restocked it too. You can buy it HERE. Its perfect to take you through your pregnancy journey and will be great for breastfeeding too. Its not actually a maternity dress but it should be its so comfortable.

Tahlia and I decided for the last bump photoshoot we would find a beautiful spot with long grass (secret location) and invite David and Cruz to come along for some family photos. We had a lovely afternoon watching the sunset and Tahlia came with her family too, so nice. I hope you all enjoy the photos.



Thank you again for reading. 

Big Love,

Alice (in healthyland) xoxo

Pregnancy and Fitness…who’s to judge?Written by Lauren Rose Kelly

Written by Lauren Rose Kelly

Let me set the scene. I am not one of the many ‘insta-fit-mums’ with the minimal body-fat, eight-pack and no cellulite. This is me. I am 30, pregnant with my second child and this is my pregnancy fitness journey. I will touch more on my pregnancy fitness with baby two (below).

Before I get into my journey I want to touch on something that is bothering me on this topic. I originally had intended this post to be about all the fitness options available for pregnant women, instead I began to feel (hormonally) overwhelmed by the key-board warriors ‘attacking’ mothers and mothers-to-be on social media because of their lack of education on the topic. I have the up-most respect for the ‘insta-fit-mums’. I admire their commitment to fitness, health and finding their new balance while pregnant and most of all I admire their strength when it comes to the ongoing (never ending) public criticism they receive about their pregnancy. Can anyone else see a common theme here…? THEIR. A pregnancy journey is exactly that. It is individual. Every woman and her body are different. Recently, I read with great disappointment an article in the Courier Mail on pregnancy ‘insta-fit-mum’ Chontel Duncan. I don’t know her at all, but I do understand her journey is hers and I don’t believe or see anything wrong with advocating for a healthy and fit Mum throughout her pregnancy. She did not say that a pregnant woman has to train like her but instead find a balance that is the right fit for THEIR pregnancy. Again that word their. Why is a woman’s pregnancy and her pregnancy fitness journey anybody else’s to comment on?

I recently saw another ‘insta-fit-mum’, Emily Skye announce her pregnancy on the social media platform to excitement from her followers to mixed criticism when she said she was off to do her ‘normal’ workout. The comments were ridiculous and uneducated. From one follower stating that pilates caused her to have a premature baby, to another stating to just walk because otherwise she will cause damage to her baby. I am baffled. Where has the education gone? Why are we still in a society where women are told to ‘sit and eat-for-two’. Why cant a woman train? with safe variations, like she was pre-pregnancy? I will leave you with that…

My Journey

Here is my journey. I have had several people ask me how much weight I have put on because I look ‘small’ for my gestation. Question, what is the size of a pregnant belly at 32 weeks? Exactly that there is no perfect size. For me I have never really carried weight around my stomach and found that an easier area to keep toned so both times now my stomach is low, compact and tight. As for weight this is something I have debated about sharing and I have decided not to. Whilst I check-in on my weight, my midwife and OB never have.

So what do I do to maintain my health and fitness throughout pregnancy. To some it may seem like ‘too-much’, but this is MY journey and I am sharing it to help educate women that keeping up your fitness and health throughout pregnancy can and will benefit you. Besides the intensity and modifying exercises throughout each trimester I have ben doing reformer and mat pilates two to three times a week and F45 two to four times a week depending on how I am feeling. I also chase after a 12kg, nearly two year old and puppy who love long walks and park play.

Pilates is something I have always been passionate and addicted to especially as my recovery with Jack was relatively easy made thanks to this fitness revolution. This time I have a reformer at home making it convenient to exercise before Jack wakes without having to go anywhere. F45, especially as I have entered into my third trimester, has been a lifesaver. The motivation, support (physical and mental) the program provides me is exactly what I have needed, especially on the cooler winter mornings. I love doing a 5am workout, coming home and preparing things for the day and knowing my workout is done.

Mentally, emotionally and hormonally this is my fitness regime, that is supported and monitored with my OB and allied health professionals, which works well for me and my pregnancy.


So without professional fitness qualifications here are my TIPS for your Pregnancy and Post-Partum Journey.

Check out  – You want real advice check out UB Mumma for professional health and fitness advice.

Don’t judge – don’t judge the ‘insta-fit-mums’ they are humans like you and me and not bulletproof.

Stop comparing – Don’t follow/stalk/screenshot/ postpartum fitness images and sites if it won’t benefit you. Guess what just like your pregnancy journey your post-partum journey is yours as well.

Originally posted on www.hunterandrose.net

 

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Lauren Rose Kelly