Hero Product - Eve Taylor's 100% Hyaluronic Acid

I'd like to introduce you to Eve Taylor's Hyaluronic Acid part of Eve's Advanced Therapy Cosmeceuticals* range, this serum is my bestest friend!

Contains 100% pure Hyaluronic Acid and nothing else!

Image source

*For anyone who isn't clear, 'Cosmeceuticals' are a combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals resulting in Advanced skin therapy.

So What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Skin care's favourite ingredient - Hyaluronic Acid naturally occurs in the human body, it's a humectant (retains moisture) and attracts from 600-1000 times its own weight in water - WOW! Its job is to hydrate, lubricate and cushion the connective tissues - bit like your mummy!

Hyaluronic Acid molecule - image source

This gorgeous textured serum is super nourishing, hydrating and moisturising. And bonus it carries other ingredients into the skin!

Because of it's amazing ability to retain moisture it gives your skin a generous dose of pure hydration while helping protect against bacterial infections and environmental threats; ninja kicking those free radicals into touch.

Who Is It Suited To?

• A God send for dehydrated and extremely dehydrated  skin
• Perfect for sun damaged skin
• Great for outdoor types exposed to the harsh elements - hot and cold
• Anti ageing buddy - due to its plumping and smoothing action it slows down the ageing process, making your skin look more youthful - now tell me, who doesn't want that?!
• Ideal to use on car journeys, rail travel, buses and flights to stop the much needed but incredibly dehydrating heating and air conditioning from irritating and sucking moisture from your skin.
• Great for anyone working indoors to protect against the heating or air conditioning
• I have many clients who work in hospitals and schools who find this product a must - as the environment in these places are unbelievably dehydrating.

Who wants dehydrated skin? - Image source

I use this serum all year round and have been using it religiously twice daily under my moisturiser since the autumn and throughout the winter as my skin reacts badly to central heating and extreme change in temperatures between the indoors and outdoors. It not only hydrates my skin perfectly but also calms down the prickly irritation I experience.

I also pop it under my weekly face mask to give my skin an action packed hydrating treatment.

I highly recommend giving it a try, as with all of Eve Taylor's products a little goes a long way - literally one pump covers your entire face, neck and décolleté.

How I Build a Serum into My Skin Care Routine

• Cleanse - dry face if rinsed with water
• Apply Facial Oil**
• Spritz Toner over (to lock in the facial oil - remember oil and water don't mix)
• Apply Serum - let it dry (takes seconds!)
• Apply Moisturiser - easy as that!

**For more details on Facial Oils and why they are my MUST have product click here...

Available from Rituals Beauty for £29.99 for a 30ml pump. Remember a little goes a long way!

To order any product from Rituals Beauty, call 0789 4120073 or email hello@ritualsbeauty.co.uk. If you aren't local, I offer a postal service for a little extra cost. Now taking PayPal.

My Must Have Product - Eve Taylor's Facial Oils

Do you use a facial oil?

Image via http://thadailybailey.com

Now before some of you shy away, I promise you THEY ARE NOT OILY- facial oils are a specific treatment containing a specific blend of essential oils* and a tiny bit of cold pressed carrier oil to allow you to slide it over your face as you can't put an essential oils directly onto your skin.

Image via http://www.eve-taylor.com

*Essential oils are not actually an oil; they are a concentrated liquid/essence which comes from plants, flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds and barks. 

Eve Taylor Pre Blended Facial Oils are truly amazing! They are my MUST HAVE product - I would never go without my facial oil and here is the reason why:

These magnificent facial oils give the skin an intensive boost whilst increasing the productivity of your moisturiser by up to 30%! Caught your attention? Then read on...

All of the Eve Taylor facial oils include Vitamin A (maintains and repairs the skin), Vitamin D (cell growth and repair) and Vitamin E (antioxidant) rich Soya**. It also contains nourishing and protective Hazelnut oil**, softening Avocado and Vitamin E rich Wheatgerm which is also a natural preservative - very clever! And a big plus for me and my clients, the Eve Taylor range does not contain Lanolin, Mineral Oil, Artificial fragrance, or SD alcohol.

Image via Stefan Rusek

Soya is my best friend as it increases the thickness and elasticity of the skin. Imagine if you will a piece of dried pasta, then imagine what it looks like when it's cooked - nice and plump - well Soya has the same effect on your skin - WOW!

Essential oils are loaded with oxygen and detoxinate, hydrate and oxygenate the skin. Oxygen kills bacteria regulating sebum (oil) production and in turn switching off the immune system response and healing the skin. Pretty clever stuff and all from nature!

So which one do I use?

No 1 Facial Oil for Sensitive Skin - Sooth and Hydrate
This gorgeous smelling oil is specifically designed for a sensitive or itchy or touch sensitive skin. Includes balancing Lavender, cleansing Geranium, cooling, antiseptic and antibacterial Eucalyptus, oxygenating Cypress and hydrating Sandalwood. Divine!

Image via My Skin Care Critic

This oil is fantastic for allergy sufferers, smokers, long haul travellers, asthmatics and those who work in poor air quality (i.e. hospitals big offices) as it not only soothes but hydrates the skin. Also it's what we call a safety blend so it's safe for pregnant women, those who are trying to get pregnant or those on medication.

Even though I have combination skin, I changed over to this oil after being diagnosed with Asthma last year as it helps ease my asthmatic symptoms as it is vaso-dilating; so it helps to keep my airways open - again another WOW! It still balances my oily and dry areas and helps prevent breakouts.

Meet the Rest of the Eve Taylor Facial Oil Family:

No 2 for Delicate, Thin Skin - Calm and Firm
This very clever treatment blend is specifically designed for couperose conditions (redness) and is super effective on delicate thin skin. Includes balancing Lavender, antiseptic Eucalyptus, stimulating Basil, Niaouli to increase the circulation and hydrating Sandalwood.

Image via Dr Hilton

It's perfectly suited to skins with broken capillaries, visible red veins, Acne Rosacea, skins that are very red and with poor circulation as it strengthens the capillary walls. It also acts as a buffer against environmental stresses including free radicals, pollution, humidity, central heating and air conditioning. Great for thread veins on puffy knees too! One more thing it's great to reduce redness after hair removal - I use it in my facial waxing treatments.


No 3 Problem Skin - Clear and Tone
This blend is designed specifically for skins that produce excess sebum (oil) and suffer from breakouts and eruptions with a non-stimulating effect on skin. Includes anti-seborrehoeic Ylang-Ylang (in other words prevents excess oil), antiseptic Cedarwood, cleansing Lemongrass, balancing Lavender and softening Sandalwood.

Perfect for inflammation due to unusually high oil levels, open pores, excess oil or blackheads and spots and acne sufferers. It's great on the back too! It hydrates preventing the skin from being stripped which means even oily but sensitive skins can use this blend.


No 4 Normal Skin - Maintain and Balance 
This blend is designed specifically for normal skins to keep them stable and free from blemishes or breakouts. It has an antioxidant action to increase the skin’s resistance to environmental change and/or free radicals. Includes Basil to increase the skins resistance, cell stimulating Rosewood, balancing Lavender and antiseptic Geranium.

Normal skin - the ideal skin type. Image via AGQ Grapho

No 4 oil is also great for temporary instability of the skin i.e. minor irritations, texture change and loss of elasticity or age spots.


No 5 Mature Skin - Revive and Firm 
This amazing oil is perfect for dry, dehydrated or mature skins unable to absorb nourishing creams or heavier products. It's a great anti ageing oil for prematurely ageing and naturally ageing skin.

Skin ageing is caused by environmental damage including the sun, poor lifestyle and diet, natural ageing or where the underlying muscle has been subject to stress or tension. The skin becomes thinner, starts to sag and the skin is less supple and firm.

Wearing it well, the lovely Helen Mirren. Image via Collider

No 5 oil is also great for any scarring including acne and stretch marks - the oil
should be used around the scar on healthy tissue ONLY, not actually on the scar. It helps to minimise scarring, help it to heal and keep the area subtle.

Please remember ONLY No 1 oil can be used on those who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or on medication. 


It's So Easy To Use These Gorgeous Oils

• Your simply use one small pump twice a day over your face, neck and décolleté. Warm gently in your hand first.
• You apply this after cleansing and under your toner (spritz toner over to lock in the facial oil - remember oil and water don't mix)
• Then apply your moisturiser - easy peasy!

All Eve Taylor Facial Oils can be used anywhere on the body to treat conditions. They are £11.49 for 30ml bringing fantastic results without breaking the bank.

To order any product from Rituals Beauty, call 0789 4120073 or email hello@ritualsbeauty.co.uk. If you aren't local, I offer a postal service for a little extra cost. Now taking PayPal.

** Please note allergy sufferers these products contains Hazelnut oil and Soya.

Worried About The Recent Press On Safety of Spray Tans?

You may have read in the press recently about the links between Spray Tans and fertility or cancer. Confused? Well read on...

Image via Show Me Money

I'm not a scientist and don't know all the brands ingredients lists on the market, but I did cover this briefly in my article Spray Tans and Self Tans - The Safer Option back in June:

Spray Tans and Self Tans - The Safer Option 
We are all aware of the dangers of sun beds and over exposure to harmful UV rays. Research shows the main cause of premature ageing is UV (ultraviolet) radiation from either sun beds or the sun itself. AND let's NEVER forget the potential risk of skin cancer. When it comes to Vanity vs. Health - health wins hands down every time for me.
So the best way to look like a bronzed goddess, retain a youthful and healthy skin is to go for a Spray Tan or use one of the fantastic Self Tan products out there. There are many products available, but I prefer to go for the Organic ones that are free from nasty and potentially harmful chemicals - I don't see the point in having a UVA free tan if the ingredients aren't safe. Read more...

I know the press are renowned for scaremongering and blowing things out of proportion; but on this occasion I agree there are certain tanning brands out there that do use these harmful chemicals. As always with links with cancer etc. there often isn't any concrete evidence and it takes a long time to prove these things. However I for one don't want to take the risk, especially as there are products available that don't contain these chemicals and give amazing tans.

Image via Spa Week Blog

Those who are conscious of the dangers of sunbeds must be mortified that the Spray Tans and Self Tans they have been using could turn out to be unsafe too. The companies who use these chemicals need to seriously look at safer formulas, there is no excuse, as I said before there are fantastic products out there which don't contain them and have amazing results. 

Please don't think just because your tan is a well known brand or expensive or you go to a nice salon that it won't contain these ingredients - it's always best to check and you can always contact the tanning company direct as they are obliged to tell you. 

I'm very proud to say my salon, Rituals Beauty has always used Nouvatan which was not only chosen for it's amazing natural colour but most importantly it doesn't contain these nasty chemicals. My client's safety and health concerns are paramount to me.

Here is a quote straight Nouvatan themselves, following the recent reports:

OFFICIAL NOTICE! Anyone who has seen the scare mongering in The Sun this morning regarding spray tanning. You will be pleased to know Nouvatan does not contain any of the chemicals mentioned as being a potential danger. And never has done. 

To recap Nouvatan Spray Tan and Self Tans have 100% active organic ingredients, are dermatologically tested, free from harmful parabens, alcohol and oils and aren't tested on animals.

So next time you are thinking of having a Spray Tan or purchasing a Self Tan why not search for a local Nouvatan therapist or email their friendly team to find your nearest stockist or therapist. You can rest assured with Nouvatan you can have a safe NO UVA Tan!

Spray Tans and Self Tans - The Safer Option

We are all aware of the dangers of sun beds and over exposure to harmful UV rays. Research shows the main cause of premature ageing is UV (ultraviolet) radiation from either sun beds or the sun itself. AND let's NEVER forget the potential risk of skin cancer. When it comes to Vanity vs. Health - health wins hands down every time for me.

 WOW - it's really not worth it! Image via Pop Give

So the best way to look like a bronzed goddess, retain a youthful and healthy skin is to go for a Spray Tan or use one of the fantastic Self Tan products out there. There are many products available, but I prefer to go for the Organic ones that are free from nasty and potentially harmful chemicals - I don't see the point in having a UVA free tan if the ingredients aren't safe.

Image via Nouvatan

So What Do I Use In The Salon?
I use the fabulous Nouvatan Organic Spray Tan. Nouvatan is fast becoming one of the nation's most loved tans, with a great selection of spray tans and self tans. Nouvatan is fantastic British family run business, who developed this amazing tan from a wish list for the perfect tan.

100% active organic ingredients, dermatologically tested, free from harmful parabens, alcohol and oils and isn't tested on animals - fabulous! There are no bad smells, no orange or mud splattered look. You can even go shopping in it - you just look like you've been on your hols! Perfect and incredibly natural. Their tans leave the faintest of marks on your bedding and this washes off.

My clients can decide how dark they want to be, as I customise every tan using special booster drops.

I really can't rave enough about this company, their support and their products. My clients absolutely love it; I have many tan phobics converted. I have many clients with Eczema and Psoriasis who get great results time and time again. I have sensitive skin and have no problems.

In fact a well known film company In Hollywood California is now purchasing Nouvatan Spray Tanning 20% (dark solution) for use by their make up Dept... they cant say who because of customer confidentiality. But Nouvatan's reputation as being the best spray tan solution available has now crossed the pond !! I can't tell you how proud to be part of their team!

You can't buy Nouvatan on the high street, ensuring us therapists get a fair share of the pie! However you can buy them from my salon Rituals Beauty or email their friendly team to find your nearest stockist or therapist. The really are the highest quality products at reasonable prices.

Nouvaglow Gradual Tan 200ml £12.95
Self Tan Mousse Large 200ml £16.50
Self Tan Mousse Small 50ml £6.95
Applicator Mitt £3.50


A Brief Biology Lesson on Self Tanning!
The main ingredient in both Spray Tan and Self Tan is a sugar derivative called DHA (DiHydroxyAcetone). This lies on the top layers of your skin called the stratum corneum which is made up of dead skin cells. The tan reacts with the amino acids in these dead layers of your skin. Every day you shed millions of dead skin cells, which is why your sunless tan fades gradually.

 Image via Discovery Fit and Health

When you have Spray Tan you will leave with a "guide colour" on your skin, not your actual tan. The guide colour is so the therapist can see she/he has covered your entire body with the tanning solution. Over a number of hours your tan will develop.

Most spray tanning companies nowadays offer a variety of intensities (% of DHA in the tanning solution), so you can have a number of choices on how dark you want to be. Some even have colour selections.

 Image via Nouvatan Liverpool

I always say to my clients "Don't panic if you think you are going too dark; remember your tan is underneath the 'guide colour', you will see your true tan when you wash it off the next day."

You should ALWAYS be asked to complete a 'Consultation Form' the first time you have a Spray Tan  in a salon and be given thorough 'After Care Advice'. Sadly not all therapists do - a major bug bear with me; hence why I write articles like this. Read my article Beauty Consultations - a Must!


For lots of great tips and advice on Spray Tans and Self Tans read my article on: How To Get The Best Out of Spray Tans and Self Tans 


To order any product from Rituals Beauty, call             0789 4120073      or email hello@ritualsbeauty.co.uk. If you aren't local, I offer a postal service for a little extra cost. Now taking Paypal.

COMING SOON to Rituals Beauty - Outback Organics

I am super excited to announce  Outback Organics Tea Tree products will be available from Rituals Beauty soon.

These unbelievably effective products are for use after waxing or any hair removal to keep those pesky ingrown hairs away.

I suffer badly from ingrown hairs and have rigorously tested these products myself... and I can tell you they are truly amazing - and I am very very fussy!!!

Outback Organics is a British company. I feel it's incredibly important to support British companies and especially ethical ones.  I am very proud that I will soon be part of the team and must say their customer care is second to none.

The products are free from parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate, SLES, mineral oils, synthetic fragrance and propylene glycol. They are not tested on animals and are free from harsh synthetics or man-made chemicals. The kind of products I LOVE!

Australian Tea Tree. Image via Flickr

The products contain natural, organic plants which are ethically sourced from a company in Australia who financially support the indigenous people who plant and harvest them. 

Tea Tree oil is the perfect solution to many skin care needs, in fact it has been found to be ten times more powerful than carbolic acid but is non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin (use as a mild dilution to start with).Tea tree oil has been proven to be a powerful yet natural antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal medicine (essential oil). 

Source: Outback Organics

My Tried and Tested Products

Hand & Body Lotion 100ml tube £5.99 or 250ml pump bottle £9.99 
This nourishing hand and body lotion is rich in Macadamia Oil that quenches and soothes dry, itchy skin, leaving it silky soft and deeply hydrated. It contains pure Tea Tree and Anisata (antiseptic) essential oils. It is safe and gentle enough to use straight after hair removal and can help prevent and treat of ingrown hairs- as I have experienced to my delight! I have very dry and sensitive skin and I had absolutely no problems.

I had no ingrown hairs on my legs or bikini line for the whole year I was using the Hand & Body lotion and now they are back after a long break - well not for long! Never again will I be without this little baby.

Ingrown Hair Serum 8ml roller ball £7.50 
This is 'the ultimate defence in the fight against ingrown hairs' - yeah baby! A powerful, dual-action product containing super duper effective fruit enzymes from Pineapple and Papaya, which nibble away at your dead skin cells like a possy of lil Pacmans! These enzymes are blended with betaine salicylate (polysaccharide from Sugar Beet) to exfoliate the area where your hair is trapped. Those stubborn ingrowns are freed from captivity revealing smooth, blemish-free skin. Great for both men and women. It's super handy to pop in your bag.

Face & Body Scrub  100ml tube £8.99 
This gentle exfoliating scrub is suitable for the face and body to lift hairs and prepare the skin for waxing. So great for men too!

This rich, moisturising scrub contains gentle but effective Jojoba micro-beads to buff away dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling silky soft and no scratching your delicate precious skin.

It is infused with some of my favourite essential oils:
Bergamot orange (antiseptic), Sandalwood (skin softener, antiseptic, anti inflammatory and super nourishing), Patchouli (healing and anti inflammatory) and Rose (nourishing, soothing and antiseptic).

These products have well and truly earned a place on my Hero Product List!

Always do the patch test before applying any products to detect the reaction of your skin.

Other products in the range are available upon request - don't be shy!

To order any product from Rituals Beauty, call 0789 4120073 or email hello@ritualsbeauty.co.uk. If you aren't local, I offer a postal service for a little extra cost.

Images via Outback Organics

Breastfeeding Tips from Another Mummy!

This post is dedicated to breastfeeding, if you aren't breastfeeding please don't worry there are lots of other great tips on New Mummy Tips From Another Mummy!

Image via Dr Momma

I thought I'd share with you this info I gathered when our son was a baby. I have passed it on to friends, family and clients over the past 6 years and have had lots of positive feedback. It seems to becoming a family heirloom of sorts!

Image via Breast Feeding Art

I am a great believer in breastfeeding - IF and I mean IF it's right for you and your baby. When my son was born there was so much pressure to breast feed amongst a hundred and one other 'right things to do'. Looking back, I wish I'd been easier on myself, just relaxed a bit and enjoyed those precious days more. Believe me they are gone so fast - it may not seem it sleepless nights after night, but they will be at school and talking Moshi Monsters before you know it! Oh and 'Bugger the housework' I say - it can wait, rest when your baby rests!

Image via  Eysigns

This is advice is intended to be simply passed on from one mum to another, to make the journey even more enjoyable and a bit more relaxed! It's great to just dip into when you need help.

Your Magic Milk 
Anything wrong with baby or yourself skin wise - use your breast milk! It has antibacterial  and other amazing healing powers. It contains antibodies which kill infection without the side effects of antibiotics. Extremely effective for conditions such as conjunctivitis, any rashes including nappy rash and eczema, ear infections, insect bites, cuts and scratches and sore nipples you or your baby! I and many clients and friends have had great success with this.

Image via Herbal Granny

Breastfeeding Timings Guide - remember this is a guide, every baby is different! 
This guide was given to me by my sister who is a Doula, it really did help as I panicked when his times decreased from over an hour right down to 5 minutes - oh my goodness he isn't eating enough!!

By 6 weeks approx 20 minutes.
Eventually they do it in around 5-10 minutes once they become efficient.

Try not to have more than 5 hours between baby's day time feeds - breast or bottle, remember their tummies are tiny and they need to grow!

Expressing Milk 
I highly recommend the Ameda Lactaline Personal Dual Electric Breastpump from the National Childbirth Trust (NCT). It is so easy to use, light and quick. If you want to go for comedy value like I did, why not try Easy Expression Halterneck - used with your breast pump, to enable you to pump hands free! Attractive and effective!

Hee hee brings back memories - not the working while pumping bit! Via Mommy News

Early evening is a good time to give expressed milk. As your milk levels are naturally low at this time - it's much easier to satisfy a hungry, angry baby and gives you a break! Our son was much happier on his 7pm (ish) feed when my husband started giving him expressed milk. The first few times he did it, I stayed out of the room so he couldn't smell me!

Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags are amazing to store your expressed milk. They are pre-sterilised, easy to pour, super easy to store and carry around and hardly take up any space. The milk lasts much longer (10 days I think - it's been a while!) Just pour in your milk, zip it up, write the date on and pop them in coldest part of fridge (bottom). You can buy them from NCT, Mothercare, Hello Baby Direct and Kiddiecare.

Images via Hello Baby Direct and Buzzillions

Freezing Expressed Milk
I was advised by my NCT breastfeeding councillor not to freeze the milk, unless your going use within a week or so. The reason being; if you store it for example a month, it wouldn't necessarily be at the same stage as your baby i.e. you're milk develops with your child. Hence why I used the bags, they have longer life than the pots.

Express when on your own if they don't like the sound of the expresser - like my son - the difficult little tinker!

Warming up your breasts with hot bath/shower or heat pad/hot water bottle before expressing really helps the milk flow come along quicker. Boots do a great plug in heat pad (like a mini electric blanket) Dreamland Thermo Therapy heat pad. I still use now when my back is sore or when I have period pains.

Image via http://azweddingguest.com/

Foods and Breastfeeding
Cabbage, onion, garlic, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and turnip can cause wind and restlessness in some babies.

Need to Increase or Stop or Reduce Breastfeeding?
Fennel tea can help increase you flow (also great for babies with sore tummies). Mint or sage tea can help decrease your milk flow, great if going back to work or stopping feeding.

Image via Health.com

Winding
Our son was in lots of pain with wind poor lamb, so we ended up winding after every feed and giving Woodwards Gripe Water which is made from Dill weed. Weak fennel tea is very effective too. Some say a breastfed baby doesn't get much wind - not for our precious one! Sometimes it could take 30 mins - 1 hour! Life got much easier when he could burp himself (probably about 4 months).

Mum Having an Illness 
Don't panic, you will actually pass your immunity onto your baby, so it is actually a good thing (not for you though!) The milk is protected and it carries the antibodies you are producing to fight the illness. Our son was rarely ill when breastfeeding and if he was I am convinced it was less severe!


Links to Some of My Other Parenting Posts
Looking After Our Precious Teeth
Chicken Pox - Natural Remedies

I really hope this helps you as much it has me, my friends, family and clients. I am not a professional in these matters, I just received lots of advice and as I had famous gaga baby brain, I used to write it all down. I just think it's nice to pass on to others.

I would love to hear any other tips you may have.

New Mummy Tips From Another Mummy!

I thought I'd share with you this info I gathered when our son was a baby. I have passed it on to friends, family and clients over the past 6 years and have had lots of positive feedback. It seems to becoming a family heirloom of sorts!

Image via pinterest.com/pin/75927943687184759/

When I became a mum for the first time in my mid 30's, I was very nervous - well actually petrified about getting it wrong! I hungrily gobbled every bit of advice I was given and then used the bits I chose to! It came from various sources including my NCT breastfeeding counsellor, other mums, my sister - a Doula, our family Chiropractor, Midwife and few of my own tips picked up on the way!

Image via West Hill Youth

Looking back, I wish I'd been easier on myself, just relaxed a bit and enjoyed those precious days more. Believe me they are gone so fast - it may not seem it sleepless night after night, but they will be at school and talking Moshi Monsters before you know it! Oh and bugger the housework I say!

This is advice is intended to be simply passed on from one mum to another, to make the journey even more enjoyable and a bit more relaxed! It's great to just dip into when you need help.

Dummies 
We were told by our Chiropractor who specialises in pregnant women and babies, that good quality orthodontic dummies help develop the brain and helps with their breathing - great for colds etc. We found the key is to not give them all the time - sleeps and walking around the supermarket LOL! And we never let our son have access to them; we always kept them in a cupboard out of reach - it made life much easier when he got a mind of his own ha ha! We go the Vitality Clinic in Kenton, Newcastle - my therapist actually attended my entire birth - she is an amazing lady!

Image via Bibi

Our son started to scream when feeding, going on and off the breast and eventually got angry! Then I spoke to the NCT counsellor and she explained he was full, but wanted to comfort suck and his tummy was getting sore with too much milk. So we popped in the dummy and hey presto - a happy bunny! The same applies if they are getting over a tummy bug - hungry but tummy is sore.

What On Earth Is In That Nappy?!
Nice subject I know but like most mum's, you will probably find yourself becoming obsessed!!!
Runny yellow - good healthy poop! (for breastfed babies)
Mucus or bits - your baby may have a cold, they swallow their phlegm etc as they can't blow their nose. I had major panic and thought his insides were coming out, until my cousin’s wife told me it was his phlegm - she is a midwife! Phew!
Green and hard - don't panic but something may be up, best get it checked by doctor.

Image via The Cloth Diaper Whisperer

Clingy Baby Tip

This is one of the best pieces of advice we ever had. Our son used to scream when we put him back into his crib at night. My sister suggested wearing a t-shirt or popping a muslin on my tummy when I was asleep, then when he needed to go back in his cot to put this on the mattress for him to lie on. This works fantastically as it carries your scent and heat, and your little darling thinks you are still there! He still has one of my t-shirts in his bed when he's not well and when he goes for a sleepover - ah bless!

Image via Wallcoo

Some Great Mummy Products
Green Baby do a fantastic Nipple Balm and an amazing award winning Perineal Gel and after birth bath stuff amongst other after birth items!


Olive Oil on Your Babies Lil Bot... yep!
Olive oil is calming, soothing and relieves itching and it makes a great nappy barrier instead of shop bought creams. If you think about it - oil and water don't mix so the urine can't penetrate your precious ones skin! It's much cheaper than nappy cream too, a little goes a long way. You can buy bottles from any good health food shop or chemist - not the food aisle!

Image via Olive Oil Times

Times Between Feeds
Try not to have more than 5 hours between baby's day time feeds - breast or bottle, remember their tummies are tiny and they need to grow!

Image via Christen B Photography

Growth spurts - these are guides, ever baby is different!
7-10 days
6 weeks - this is the most difficult one.
12 weeks - your baby can be distracted with play at this stage.
6 months - you will just notice your little dumpling eating more!

Image from Urban Dorothy

Winding
Our son was in lots of pain with wind poor lamb, so we ended up winding after every feed and giving Woodwards Gripe Water which is made from Dill weed. Some say a breastfed baby doesn't get much wind - not for our precious one! Sometimes it could take 30 mins - 1 hour! Life got much easier when he could burp himself (probably about 4 months).

Image via The Cupcake Blog

As you can see millions of other parents; we didn't have the easiest of rides (the toddler years were a doddle compared to the baby bit!) This was mainly because our son was in a lot of pain as he was lactose intolerant. Also he seemed to get extremely upset when there were loud noises, voices or when we were in busy places - we didn't realise this until he was 3 that he has compacted ear wax, which hits his ear drum when there are loud sounds!!! Saying that he is the best thing to have ever happened to me (and meeting my hubby of course!) I adore being a mum, it's not always easy, it's a constant learning curve and unfortunately you don't get taught this stuff at school! But the rewards far outweigh the tough bits; I wouldn't change it for the world - he is my everything.

Image via Etsy.com

I really hope this helps you as much it has me, my friends, family and clients. I am not a professional in these matters, I just received lots of advice and as I had famous gaga baby brain, I used to write it all down. I just think it's nice to pass on to others.

Oh and you will be given all sorts of advice, I would say smile politely and use what you want - it's your baby and you know what is best! We had very different ways to others, but stuck to our guns hard as it sometimes was, but we have a gorgeous, healthy (touch wood!) loving, funny, caring and very very happy son to show for it!

Image via Advice To Sink In Slowly

Links to Some of My Other Parenting Posts
Looking After Our Precious Teeth
Chicken Pox - Natural Remedies
Watch out for my "Breastfeeding Tips from Another Mummy!" post coming soon.

I would love to hear any other tips you may have.

Chicken Pox - Natural Remedies

Chickenpox is doing the rounds again, one of my clients little girls has it and popped a comment on Facebook asking for advice, which lit the fire for this post!

Image via http://babesabouttown.com

Chickenpox is a common childhood disease. It is highly contagious and is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, part of the herpes family. It can be very uncomfortable and can vary in its severity. A child or adult can catch chickenpox, which develops into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that erupt and form a crust.

It can be a severe illness, but in Chinese medicine is it seen as eventually bringing benefits to the child, in relation to the process of growing up and expelling poisons from the body - Extract from Natural Medicine for Children by Julian Scott MA PHD 

Baths 
Baths are very soothing and should be with luke warm water. For best results, soak for about 15 minutes. Be careful to gently pat the skin dry to avoid lifting the scabs - ouch!

Hee hee this cool bumble bee bath would cheer any poorly kid up!
Image via http://theluxhome.com

Oatmeal Bath
Give them a Cleopatra style milky bath - take a few handfuls of porridge oats* (rolled oats not the likes of Oats So Simple!) into a sock or muslin cloth and tie. Pop it in when you start running the bath. Oats are soothing, anti inflammatory and anti bacterial. Squeeze it over the body when the bath is ready, you will get a lovely thick milky liquid. You can also add a few tablespoons of healing bicarbonate of soda to the running bath.
* Not to be used for anyone with sensitivity to gluten

Image via http://naturelivings.blogspot.co.uk

Tea Bag Baths!
Pop 2 to 3 tea bags into a running bath:
Chamomile - soothes the skin
Nettle tea - helps relieve itchy skin
Peppermint - calms and cools the skin
Or make a cup of the tea, keep covered and use throughout the day to bathe the affected areas with a cotton pad or muslin.

Image via http://www.soapdelinews.com

The above remedies are also great for soothing eczema, psoriasis, prickly heat and sunburn.

Aromatherapy
Add 5 drops of both healing Lavender and anti inflammatory Chamomile German to 100ml of Calamine lotion or cream. Shake/stir well before use.
(Always do a patch test first, on the inner elbow to check there are no sensitivities)

Image via http://www.nightingalehealth.co.uk

Alternative Therapies
My family and I have found Bach Flower Remedies, Homoeopathy and Acupuncture extremely helpful for all sorts of illnesses and it's reassuring to know there are other options than the conventional drug route.


Bach Flower Remedies
Chicory, Hornbeam or Cherry Plum may help relieve irritation. For more information on remedies visit Bach Original Flower Remedies.

Image via http://www.joanneburrell.com/blog/

Homoeopathic Remedies
This Homoeopathic Remedies for Chicken Pox article from Dana Ullman, M.P.H. (Masters in Public Health, U.C. Berkeley) has some great remedy suggestions. Dana is widely recognized as the foremost spokesperson for homoeopathic medicine in the U.S, author of 10 books and has a regular column at the The Huffington Post internet newspaper.

You can buy Homoeopathic and Bach Flower remedies from Holland and Barrett, Boots and other good health shops or online at Helios. Helios has a fantastic telephone service where you can speak to a qualified Homeopath for free advice. I am never without our Helios Nursery Kit or Basics Kit and I used their amazing Child Birth kit during and after having our son.

You can book in for a thorough consultation with a registered Homoeopath to achieve the best results. To find one near you, click here.

Here are some tips from Natural Medicine for Children by Julian Scott MA PHD. Julian is an experienced practitioner of natural medicines, specialising in herbal remedies and acupuncture. We were given this book as a gift from our family Acupuncturist Ferris Jerjis when our son was born and it has become invaluable to us:

1. During the feverish stage, keep your child quiet, preferably in bed.
2. Cotton gloves tied on the hands will help prevent a baby or young child from scratching the skin.
3. Cotton garments worn next to the skin are the most comfortable. (I still remember insisting on trying my new denim skirt with elasticated waist band and have the scar to prove it!)
4. When temperature starts to fall, start off with simple foods including cereal and porridge* as the digestive system will be weak.

Ahhhh soon your child will be back to this peaceful state of bliss... well I can't guarantee the peaceful bit lol!
Image http://www.sheknows.com/

As with all illness it is very important to drink lots of fluids particularly water, to flush the toxins away from the body. Regular drinks of calming Chamomile tea will soothe from the inside and help soothe the digestive system too (if necessary you can sweeten with a little honey it if your child is over 1 year).

Image via http://karenjeffery-acupuncture.com

I do hope this post helps anyone you know get relief from their pesky Chicken Pox. xx