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.

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!

How To Get The Best Out of Spray Tans and Self Tans

As promised here is the addition to my article Spray Tans and Self Tans - The Safer Option. Thanks for bearing with me while I re-wrote this section of the article I mysteriously lost! Hope you enjoy...

Image via Snazzy Biz

This isn't just a Do and Don't list - I think it helps to explain the how’s and whys to emphasise why these tips are so important. This is may end up reading like 'War and Peace' - but believe me - it's so worth it!

A Professional Treatment
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!

Image via http://www.hair-by-louise.co.uk

Preparing Your Skin For Spray or Self Tanning

Any Hair Removal MUST be Done at Least 24 hours in Advance of Your Tanning Treatment
This gives the pores time to close and the skin to calm down after any irritation. Nobody wants a spotty tan! If you use hair removal cream - ensure the waxy residue is completely washed away - as this can prevent your tan from developing.

Exfoliate the Night Before Your Tan 
This will remove as many dead skin cells as possible leaving newer fresher ones allowing your tan to fade evenly.

OOO lovely! Why not treat yourself to a pre tan exfoliating treatment.

Image via Gayshott Spa Life

AVOID Dove or Imperial Leather Shower Gels and Moisturisers 
These products are well known in the industry to strip and tan and even stop it taking if used before hand. So avoid using them on the day or your tan and whilst your is tan on.

Images via Dove and Imperial Leather

No Body Lotion, Oil or Deodorant on the Day of Your Tan
Body lotion may act as a barrier and prevent the tan from taking. Deodorant tends to react with tan and can turn your under arms green – no one wants to look like the Hulk! Using a salt deodorant helps. 

Great salt deodorant from Holland And Barrett

Take Loose Dark Clothing and Open Toed Shoes
Tight clothing and close fitting shoes can rub on your new tan and stop it developing as well.

Leave Your Posh Undies At Home
We would hate to be responsible for ruining your gorgeous La Perla thong and matching bra! The tan can stain light elastic – best take your basic comfort knickers - black preferably. I give every client a disposable thong, some regulars even have their own tanning pants!

Take A Brolly
It’s sods law it will rain! Streaks and polka dot tan – not a good look!

Oh dear! Image via Brollies Galore

For Self Tan Use a Tanning Mitt
If you are using a self tan you get the best results using a tan applicator mitt – don’t rub, use upward sweeping motions.

These inexpensive beauties mean don’t get any product on your palms, make your tan super quick and easy to apply, streak free and you can even do your own back! I love them. Just wash them out the next day with a little shower gel and leave to dry.

Great applicator mitt. Image via Boots

Looking After Your Tan

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."

Avoid Getting Wet on the Day of Your Tan
I recommend my clients use baby wipes on their palms when they have been to the loo. If you get wet, you risk removing the tan before it’s fully developed or streaks if it runs down your arm! The same goes for avoiding anything that may make you perspire. So no to exercise and no cleaning – lovely jubbly!

Leave Your Tan on Overnight
Even though my tanning company Nouvatan says leave for 6-8 hours, I find a tan always develops better when I sleep with it; I don’t know why - maybe the tan fairy visits you!

Wear PJs in Bed That Evening
The Nouvatan tanning products I use hardly leaves a mark on your sheets and what does, washes out so you don’t need to bother. However other companies may not be the same. I’ve heard tan doesn’t come out of satin and silk bedding.

Use a Mild Shower Gel Daily
Anything harsh may strip your tan prematurely. Again AVOID Dove and Imperial Leather shower gels. Something like E45, Aveeno or Simple works well.

Daily Body Lotion – A MUST
Please do not under estimate the effectiveness of this! Body lotion will keep your skin hydrated helping your tan last longer and fade evenly. Body butters are the best as they are very nourishing but whatever you use must be oil free as oily products will strip your tan. If like myself, your skin is dry use it twice a day. Again AVOID Dove and Imperial Leather body lotions.

So what Body Lotion do my Customers and I use?...
Nouvatan's After Tan “Oil Free”Toning Moisturiser
Not only will it help to prolong your spray or self tan but it will also help banish those dimples and restore a more toned appearance with our new wonderful, multi-tasking product - OH MY know how much I love a multi tasking product! With Aloe Vera to soothe, Co-enzyme Q10 and Juniper Berry to tighten and tone, Horse Chestnut to improve sluggish circulation, Grapefruit extract and Butchers Broom to help guard against fluid retention and swelling.
What a tub full of fabulousness Available from Rituals Beauty for £11.95 (200ml tub) - it just flies off the shelves!

Image via Nouvatan 

AVOID Exfoliating 
You WILL rub your tan off. Unless you need to remove a bit that has clung  – if so use a tiny bit of exfoliating cream on the area or even better use some Dove – hee hee!

Not a good look!

Image via Cakes And Shakes

NO Hair Removal 
As your tan lies on the outer layers of the skin, you will remove the tan and leave it looking patchy. This goes for all types of hair removal – waxing, shaving, epilating, creams etc. Waxing is your best option before hand as you get the longest results.

ALWAYS Shower Off After Swimming
The chemicals in the pool and salt water can eat into the tan. Believe me – I always stress this to people; but I got... shall we say a little ‘merry’ towards the end of my hols recently and went for a very late night swim – my still perfect tan was no more – it looked like snake skin!!

Top Up With A Gradual Tan
I like to top my spray tan up with a gradual tan as the bottom of my legs hardly tan at all. I suffer from very dry skin on my lower legs. INTERESTING FACT - our natural oils attract UV rays; this is why I like many people find it hard to tan my dry legs! Another great reason to keep your skin well moisturised.

I love Nouvatan’s Nouvaglow Gradual Tan or Vanity Tan’s Bronzing Custard

Image via Nouvatan

And there you go! I really hope this helps you to achieve a happier, prettier, longer lasting tan. Sorry it's so long but it really is worth it!

To see how spray and self tans work and what I use in the salon, read my article Spray Tans and SelfTans - The Safer Option.

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.

Home Made Beauty Rituals - Natural PMT and Menstrual Pain Remedy

If like myself you suffer from that monster called "PMT" taking over your body every month or have a daughter going through puberty or approaching it; then this easy peasy recipe could help. 

Image via Toon Pool

1 drop of good quality Roman Chamomile Essential Oil in your body lotion every day throughout out the month regulates the hormones and can help reduce or alleviate symptoms of PMT and menstrual pains. For pre-teen and teenagers add 1 drop to 20ml of body lotion.

Interesting Fact:
Girls start hormonal changes approximately 3 years before their period's start - WOW am I glad I have a son?!!

Take a look at my other articles on Essential oils including some great companies to buy from:
Amazing Essential Oils - Not Just a Pretty Smell
Tips on Using Essential Oils & Diffuser Blends

PLEASE ALWAYS take note of the contraindications (condition or factor in which the use of a particular product or treatment is not advised) of the various oils. Always do the patch test before applying the oils to detect the reaction of your skin. For use on pregnant women (or trying), babies & children, or if you have any medical condition, please refer to a qualified Aromatherapist first. 

Tips on Using Essential Oils & Diffuser Blends

In my Amazing Essential Oils - Not Just a Pretty Smell article I gave you interesting history and facts about essential oils, so you will know why I absolutely adore these precious beauties. So I thought it was about time I told you about the many easy ways you can use these gorgeous oils.

Image via Energy Healing Info

This is information I have gathered and sent to various friends, family and clients since studying Aromatherapy.

 Many Uses of Essential Oils

Collage Images via:
Aromatherapy, Health Benefits, Health Medical Articles, Squidoo, Find Home, Remedy, Salvoweb, Deolivia on Pinterest, Debeloh on Pinterest, Decor Pad.

Diffuser/Nebulizer
Put 1-6 drops in oil diffuser/burner or nebulizer (liquid vaporiser).
For children 1-3 drops.  Babies 1 drop.

Steam Inhalation 
Put 2-3 drops into a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel and breathe deeply.
Not suitable for babies and children due to the risk of burns, we recommend using in a warm bath or diffuser method.

Bathing/Footbath
Mix 2-4 drops to 10ml of oil or milk and to bath once run.
Children 1-2 drops/10ml. Babies 1 drop/10ml.
A mix of Lavender and Roman Chamomile is great for calming stressed out little monsters!

Massage 
Add 2-4 drops to 10ml of massage oil.
Children 1-2 drops/10ml. Babies 1 drop/10ml.
 
Radiators
Put 1-4 drops on a cotton-wool ball or tissue and lodge behind the pipe or somewhere in contact with the heat.
Children's rooms 1-2 drops. Babies room 1 drop.

Wardrobe and Linen Cupboards
Put 1-4 drops on a cotton wool and put in drawer or base of wardrobe or in your linen cupboard/airing cupboard to keep clothes, bedding and towels fresh.
I like to use Lavender as moths and flies hate it!

Bathroom Freshener 
Put 2-4 drops on the cardboard ring inside the toilet paper roll.
Lemon works really well.

Utility Room
Put 3-5 drops into the softener compartment of your washing machine.
I like to use Lavender and Roman Chamomile for our sensitive skins.

For use on pregnant women (or trying), babies & children, or any medical conditions, please refer to a qualified Aromatherapist first for safe oils.

Which Oils To Choose?
If you have had Aromatherapy treatments, have you ever wondered why one time you may love a smell and hate it another? Well if your body needs an oil you will like the smell, if it doesn't you won't - so  - makes sense! So get sniffing and listen to your body!

My idea of heaven.

Prometheus Springs Aromatherapy Apothecary

Some of My Favourite Oil Blends - the list could be endless so I've whittled it down to just 3!


Eve Taylor's Winter Blend 10ml £6.37
This goes with me everywhere, this amazingly effective blend of Tunisian Rosemary & minty Eucalyptus clears & cools the sinuses, chest & head. Ravansara clears the chest & is anti-viral. French alpine Lavender soothes & comforts. Madagascan Palmarosa clears the mind & stimulates the senses.

Safe for all the family. Anti-bacterial & anti-viral - for colds, coughs, seasonal allergies & sinus congestion. Use around the house, at work, on planes, public transport or stuffy atmospheres to help keep a clear head  & fight off bugs in the atmosphere.


Eve Taylor's Relax Blend 10ml £6.30
And Relax! Unwind your mind  & body. This oil blend is fantastic for de-stressing and great for using in a massage blend as well as a diffuser. I use this a lot around the house and in treatments as it is so effective and everyone loves it - who doesn't need to relax hey?!

I quote: It has warm earthy aromas of Egyptian Geranium, sweetened by the richness of Indonesian Patchouli, gently unwind the senses. The hint of ripened Italian Mandarin, permeates through the subtle smoothness of Bulgarian Lavender. Sounds like a fine wine!!


Aromatherapy Associates Revive 10ml £20
I love this blend of Bergamot, Pink Grapefruit and Frankincense - it's 'Wake Up and Shake Up' in a bottle! Detoxifying and uplifting - just what we need!

Great for any time of the day, fantastic to use at work or for studying to get the concentration levels and enthusiasm going hee hee! Ideal for using after work to revive the senses for an evening out. Makes you happy and generally perked up!


Diffusers
Eve Taylor do a fantastic range of environmentally friendly diffusers and nebulizers which are flame free - so super safe for the entire family.

Eve Taylor Mio Petite Personal Diffuser £14.60
I never travel without this pocket sized and battery operated diffuser. It comes with 5 re-usable cotton pads to put your favourite oil blends on.

Eve Taylor Diffusers, Oil Blendss and Essential Oils are available from Rituals Beauty!

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

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.

I will be doing more posts using Essential Oils in Home Made Beauty, Home Making, Cleaning and Health Rituals in future posts, so keep your eyes peeled!

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.