Posts

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD MATERNITY LINGERIE

 

Cache coeur Lisa bra €49.95 briefs €22

Cache coeur Lisa bra €49.95 briefs €22

 

I have to admit, one of my favourite parts of being pregnant was a dramatically increased bra size. They grew big quickly and I found myself in an alien place buying a bra that wasn’t padded or indeed push up. The experience of pregnancy is different for everyone and whether you experience a large or small increase in breast size one thing is for sure, regular fashion bras are not designed to provide the support and comfort that you will need as your breasts grow heavier and become more sensitive.

A lot of women find wearing underwired bras uncomfortable. A lot of health professionals advise against wearing underwired bras as they feel they interfere with the natural changes in the size and shape of your breasts and may obstruct the increased blood flow to your breasts during pregnancy.

Your breasts may also become lumpy early on, as the milk duct system begins to develop and if not fitted correctly underwired bras can press against your developing milk duct system causing discomfort.

Though there’s no hard evidence that wearing them will cause any harm I always err on the side of caution and if you do prefer a bra with wires just make sure it is a specifically designed maternity bra with a wire support for use during pregnancy.

Cache coeur illusion maternity nursing bra-beige €34.99

Cache coeur illusion maternity nursing bra-beige €34.99

Once you’ve outgrown your usual bras you’ll want a comfortable, non-wired maternity bra with soft but supportive cups. You can wear maternity bras in bed if your breasts need extra support while you sleep. Some stores sell bras that have been specially designed to wear at night.

Maternity and nursing bras are designed to accommodate your enlarging breasts and expanding rib cage and are seamless and made from soft flexible material making them really comfy to wear. They will also give you that extra support you need and when worn regularly can also help eliminate stretch marks and I’m a huge fan of anything that might even have a chance of preventing stretch marks!

You should buy your first maternity / nursing bras about 4 – 5 months into your pregnancy and you will need a minimum of 3 bras, one to wash, one to wear and one to have ready in case you have leaks during your time nursing. It’s also important that they have one-handed access with lots of support and extendible clips like cherishme.ie’s Boob fast food nursing bras. I love that title “fast food” as we all know when a baby’s hungry fast food is essential.

When measuring for your bra during your last trimester you will want to keep the band size and just go up one or two cup sizes to allow for enlarging breasts and room for nursing pads.
At Cherish Me’s boutique in South Dublin they offer a free bra fitting service and stock

Cache coeur lisa Bra maternity and nursing bra €49.95

Cache coeur lisa Bra maternity and nursing bra €49.95

Cache Coeur, Cake Lingerie,  Belabumbum & Boob design. On their website (http://www.cherishme.ie/maternitybrafitting.html) in the bra fitting section there is a clear and easy to understand maternity bra measuring guide.Maternity Bra Measurement Illustration.

To measure your Bust & Band size using a measuring tape you must measure the bust measurement which is the measurement taken around the body at the widest part of the bust and the band measurement is the measurement is taken around the body just below the bust line.

Measuring can be done without a bra or when wearing a very light bra (with no padding). When taking the measurements breath out and try keep the measuring tape level & horizontal with the floor.

Most Maternity bras have an adjustable back strap that allows you to adjust the bra size as your breast size changes throughout your pregnancy.

Do not be afraid to go up a cup size if needed. If you are measuring for your bra in your early pregnancy it is good to keep in mind that your breasts will change throughout your pregnancy in both shape and size, you may also need to leave space for breast pads if nursing.

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VIP MAGAZINE PARENTING APRIL 23RD

Well if you had told me 3 years ago I would be unable to sleep because I was so excited about going to a baby fair I would have had you committed…. No, really I would and so would anyone who knows me! However that is simply what happened last week. I just returned from the Nursery Fair in Harrogate near Leeds and it was so exciting. There are so many new products on the market and struggling to fold your buggy will soon be a thing of the past, as you will soon do it with the touch of a button.

Being single, 35 and James past the baby stage no man was safe near me as the broody feelings ran through my body. I asked Zarah did she find every man as attractive as I did? From her look I guessed not. However I then thought it through and realized that making such a rash decision was probably wrong after all I had just had my palm read at the mind, body and spirit festival and was told I had twins in my future. When this memory returned I took a vow of celibacy and that’s where we are today. I have left a small window open for prince charming I just hope I’m not to busy to notice if he ever decides to pass by.

On a more serious note the fair was a wake up call to really do your research continually. The parenting industry moves at an incredibly fast rate but I’ll do my best to keep you informed. At the moment it’s moving as fast as James mouth, which never stops and some of the sentences are shocking. There are fingers being pointed and I have been informed that I make him angry. This is usually when I interrupt him (if you don’t mind) or say no. I will not let my 2 year old win. If you think this makes me sound immature you would be 100% right but I’m not going down without a fight. I’ll keep you posted or if I lose James will be writing this column next week!!

Found this gem in Harrogate. Simple and genius: a dribble bib and teether in one. Soft, absorbent, reversible and comforting for your teething tot. We have enough bits and pieces to take with us so I simply love products like this, which make our lives easier.  Check out www.cheekychompers.com for more information and watch the video! €11.85

These wonderful storage boxes come all the way from Australia and are
exclusive to Cherish Me in Ireland . They are made from durable canvas
material and they come in a range of different styles and sizes so a
great way store all those toys and keep their rooms organised.

They also stock matching wall stickers to complete the look and it’s a
great way to capture their imagination and bring their room to life.
From €42.00 to €52.00 www.cherishme.ie

ASK ALISON:

Hi Alison,

I read recently that you were doing a detox – perhaps in the last month . Do you mind me asking what type it was and did you find it good? Thanks, Colette

Hi Colette,

I’m not a big fan of just juicing and being hungry so when I detox I cut out all sugar, white products and alcohol and increase fruit, veg and brown/wholemeal products. I also introduce healthier products as part of a healthier lifestyle. I’ve recently discovered Chia. Chia is a complete food, which contains the highest plant source of omega-3 with soluble and insoluble fibre, protein and antioxidants to help get your heart, mind and body in shape. The main health benefits associated with Chia Bia include; reduced blood pressure, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and improved concentration and energy levels. Chia Bia can also help promote weight loss as the seeds can absorb 12 times their weight in water; this results in a gel forming in the stomach that slows the absorption of carbohydrates and leaves you feeling fuller for longer helping you avoid the 3pm slump! You can use it in baking as the seeds are tasteless or I simply add it to my cereal.

FOR MUM:

Chia Bia is available in Dunnes Stores, Supervalu and in all good health stores nationwide. Visit www.chiabia.com for more on information on Chia Bia.

 

FOR BABY:
Yes To Baby Carrots Shampoo+Body Wash Yes To a Soft Clean that’s as delicious as your little munchkin (is that possible?!). Yes to softening organic melon, moisturising vitamin E and nourishing carrot oil. Yes to 100% natural ingredients because Mama Nature knows best. Yes to being tear-free too (of course). Price €9.16

THIS FORTNIGHT WE ARE:

 ATTENDING PARENTING CLASSES in the mid-west.  As a mum yourself The first year after your baby was born you have endless questions which is why GP: Dr Maire Finn is offering new parenting classes for first time mum’s and dad’s. The classes will cover a wide variety of topics from breast/bottle feeding problems to dealing with bumps and bruises and everything else in between, as well as talks on mum’s post natal health. Contact Ennis family medical center (065) 6840388 for more information

TAKING a mum break. In order to give, you must make sure that you are replenished you need to step back, recharge, and take breaks. Try this daily care product, Human+Kind All-in-one Body Oil. It is the ultimate multi-purpose beauty oil created to treat arms, thighs, buttocks, tummies and décolletage.  It has an instantly uplifting and energising fragrance that stimulates the senses. €14.95

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VIP MAGAZINE PARENTING March 12th

Toddler-Tales-101-780x1024

Trips to the doctor, antibiotics and a lot less money in my pocket now. As a parent in Ireland sometimes you literally can’t breathe without spending money. To top it off my friend in London who’s a working Mum of two proudly declared that her childcare is free and oh yeah so is the doctor. My mind wandered off to sandy beaches and cocktails when I dreamt of what I could do with all the extra money I would have each month if I lived anywhere else at all.

However I did decide to live here so my aim is to do everything to keep myself healthy and happy of course. James now sleeps in my bed all the time and if I were being honest I wouldn’t have it any other way. He wakes in the middle of the night and asks for a tug (hug) or a tuddle (cuddle) and my heart melts. I know this age won’t last forever so I’m trying to enjoy every minute. However life is not all plain sailing as James’ acting has improved dramatically. I asked my sister Laura who’s an actress had she been giving him secret lessons but she said no! He stands there pre fake tantrum trying with all his might to squeeze a tear out and then just as the tear breaks through he drops to the ground for the grand finale. I have learnt/chosen to ignore this at home but in the doctors I was shocked when this was coupled with “dut up!!” Excuse me I said trying to hold in the laughter from pure shock. When I asked him where he heard it he said Spongebob. I explained it was bold and made me feel sad. Now every few minutes James asks me am I sad and declares that he’s happy and wants me to be happy. I have reassured him I’m probably the happiest Mum in the world and have decided heck if I don’t feel it I’ll fake it. Anything for my little man and hey as the saying goes fake it till you feel it!!!

 

As mothers day approaches I love this Bia Beauty Mother & Baby gift set contains eye gel for a sleep-deprived new mum, a luxurious body butter that will diminish stretch marks and is perfect for a relaxing massage, and baby cream which can be used all over the body to soothe and comfort the little one and encourage sleep. €45 from www.biabeauty.com and pharmacies nationwide.

 

Finally a vest that’s actually discreet for breastfeeding! Marianne Valiente, creator of Feed Me Mummy said “after the confidence issues I had with breastfeeding in public, when I came up with this vest I just had to share it with other Mums” I wish it had been 2 years ago!! www.feedmemummy.co.uk

 

ASK ALISON:

Hi Alison,

I was wondering if you ever used a sling with James. There’s so many to choose from and are they really worth it?

Thanks,

Angela, Cork

 

Hi Angela,

I tried so many slings and actually found them great. You need to find one that suits you. Its fantastic to keep them close and you also have your hands free.. Imagine! Check out www.babywearingireland.ie They will lend you slings from all over the world till you figure out which one you like. Cherish me have also just introduced the Award-winning ERGObaby carrier. It’s really comfortable to wear and most importantly holds the baby in the correct position to support baby’s hip, pelvis, and spine growth. ERGOBABY keeps baby safe, close, and comfortable and allows you to enjoy your bonding experience with your baby and you can even be breast feed while babies in the carrier. Unlike many carriers on the market this one can be worn 3 ways on your front, hip or on your back and holds a child up to 20kg!

 

FOR MUM:

ERGOBABY CARRIER €134.90 www.cherishme.ie 

 

FOR MUM:

Get your body set for Summer with Total Body Lift, €46 by Clarins

 

THIS FORTNIGHT WE ARE:

SUPPORTING ARC Cancer Support Centre for their inaugural “Green Nose Day” on the 9th of March 2013. Green noses will be sold both inside and outside the Aviva Stadium for 2 EURO before the Ireland v France rugby match. ARC Cancer Support Centre provides support to people affected by cancer and their loved ones and they helped my family enormously when my own Dad was sick. WEARING Alex and Ani eco-friendly, positive energy stacking bracelets made with positive intentions. A perfect gift for new Mums. Choose Mom for generosity, heroism and love.

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VIP MAGAZINE PARENTING COLUMN

Well getting back into a routine after Christmas has been far more difficult that I imagined. In fairness James napped when he felt like it and stayed up late as I was staying in Mums and he quickly learnt that if I said no, there was always a willing aunty or nana to say yes. Jellies are his favourite word, food, pastime and all round current obsession. If we see a shop or god forbid go into one, a tantrum starting off mild ending quite dramatic is guaranteed. You might say he’s like his mother, on the drama front I mean although I do like jellies myself.

I have come to realize I actually do like a routine and had a very nice one. I have also learnt the art of saying no (admittedly to a toddler) and it feels good. Jellies for 2013 are for Sundays, porridge is for breakfast and from here on in James will sleep in his cot and not on my head.  It has been amazing to watch just how fast kids adapt and take advantage of a bit of leniency. It really proves how important our job as parents are. I struggle with the parent/friend situation, as I really don’t want my two year old to hate me. As I write that sentence I realize how stupid it sounds but I’m just being honest. Dropping James at crèche today was bliss after I set boundaries. He even said thank you for driving me (yes that was weird and made me suspicious). A very wise woman once said to me: your job is to create boundaries and their job is to push them. It’s nice to know that the natural order of things is alive and kicking in our house.

I love January in the same way I love Monday. A time for new beginnings and fresh starts. Your world is how you see it so change your view and how you look at things. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes. Have a great day, week, month and of course year!

It’s Great Being Little by Nita Fitzgerald

‘I don’t want to be little,’ Susie tells her granny. ‘I want to be BIG.’

‘What?’ says Granny. ‘But It’s GREAT being little. Why, you can do all sorts of things …’

A charming, beautifully illustrated story for little people who just can’t wait to be big!

€7.99

 

The Boob nursing and maternity wear range is made from organic cotton making them incredibly soft. They also have a clever design with a double layer of fabric over the bust which can be easily lifted with one hand allowing for discreet and comfortable nursing making Boob one of the best selling breastfeeding clothes brand in Europe! www.cherishme.ie nursing hoodie €69

 

ASK ALISON:

Hi Alison,

It’s the new year and I would like to get fit and healthy. I have just had a baby so what would you recommend? I have also had issues with depression and I’m nervous with the January blues that are inevitable can I do anything to help prevent those sad days.

Thanks Aine, Dublin

Hi Aine,

I’m delighted you started that question off with the word healthy. Healthy should always be your goal for body and mind.  A great way to do this is to do Mom and baby Yoga to bond with your baby and prepare your body and mind for motherhood. Mom & Baby Yoga will focus on gentle exercises to restore your shape and physical well-being after child birth, teaching you fun ways to turn exercises into infant engagement and infant stimulation. Mom & Baby Yoga will also strengthen your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles and teach you breathing techniques to help you stay calm and present in new situations. Danielle Donnelly  is currently doing these classes in Dalkey. She teaches pranayama (breath work) and meditation, incorporating her passion of chakras and energy work. Danielle’s classes are uplifting and balancing, getting a good mix of relaxation and rejuvenation. Now I think that’s just what the doctor ordered for the January blues.  danielle@yogaenergy.ie

 

FOR MUM:

This Akin eye day gel to help with post Christmas dark circles! €25.40

 

FOR BABY:

Love this Mothercare much loved playmat €64.99

 

THIS FORTNIGHT WE ARE:

Going to see Tuesdays with Morrie in the gaiety and if you haven’t read the book it’s a must read also KEEPING a journal of five things we’re grateful for every day. Try it for 21 days and watch what happens?? TAKING the kids to see Rise of the Guardians for anyone who believes in the easter bunny, the sandman, the tooth fairy, jack frost and of course Santa in their fight against the boogie man cleverly named Pitch Black! BOOKING a stand at a www.babybaymarket.ie to sell our old baby goods to declutter and make some extra cash after Christmas.

 

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VIP MAGAZINE PARENTING COLUMN

Well getting back into a routine after Christmas has been far more difficult that I imagined. In fairness James napped when he felt like it and stayed up late as I was staying in Mums and he quickly learnt that if I said no, there was always a willing aunty or nana to say yes. Jellies are his favourite word, food, pastime and all round current obsession. If we see a shop or god forbid go into one, a tantrum starting off mild ending quite dramatic is guaranteed. You might say he’s like his mother, on the drama front I mean although I do like jellies myself.

I have come to realize I actually do like a routine and had a very nice one. I have also learnt the art of saying no (admittedly to a toddler) and it feels good. Jellies for 2013 are for Sundays, porridge is for breakfast and from here on in James will sleep in his cot and not on my head.  It has been amazing to watch just how fast kids adapt and take advantage of a bit of leniency. It really proves how important our job as parents are. I struggle with the parent/friend situation, as I really don’t want my two year old to hate me. As I write that sentence I realize how stupid it sounds but I’m just being honest. Dropping James at crèche today was bliss after I set boundaries. He even said thank you for driving me (yes that was weird and made me suspicious). A very wise woman once said to me: your job is to create boundaries and their job is to push them. It’s nice to know that the natural order of things is alive and kicking in our house.

I love January in the same way I love Monday. A time for new beginnings and fresh starts. Your world is how you see it so change your view and how you look at things. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes. Have a great day, week, month and of course year!

It’s Great Being Little by Nita Fitzgerald

‘I don’t want to be little,’ Susie tells her granny. ‘I want to be BIG.’

‘What?’ says Granny. ‘But It’s GREAT being little. Why, you can do all sorts of things …’

A charming, beautifully illustrated story for little people who just can’t wait to be big!

€7.99

 

The Boob nursing and maternity wear range is made from organic cotton making them incredibly soft. They also have a clever design with a double layer of fabric over the bust which can be easily lifted with one hand allowing for discreet and comfortable nursing making Boob one of the best selling breastfeeding clothes brand in Europe! www.cherishme.ie nursing hoodie €69

 

ASK ALISON:

Hi Alison,

It’s the new year and I would like to get fit and healthy. I have just had a baby so what would you recommend? I have also had issues with depression and I’m nervous with the January blues that are inevitable can I do anything to help prevent those sad days.

Thanks Aine, Dublin

Hi Aine,

I’m delighted you started that question off with the word healthy. Healthy should always be your goal for body and mind.  A great way to do this is to do Mom and baby Yoga to bond with your baby and prepare your body and mind for motherhood. Mom & Baby Yoga will focus on gentle exercises to restore your shape and physical well-being after child birth, teaching you fun ways to turn exercises into infant engagement and infant stimulation. Mom & Baby Yoga will also strengthen your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles and teach you breathing techniques to help you stay calm and present in new situations. Danielle Donnelly  is currently doing these classes in Dalkey. She teaches pranayama (breath work) and meditation, incorporating her passion of chakras and energy work. Danielle’s classes are uplifting and balancing, getting a good mix of relaxation and rejuvenation. Now I think that’s just what the doctor ordered for the January blues.  danielle@yogaenergy.ie

 

FOR MUM:

This Akin eye day gel to help with post Christmas dark circles! €25.40

 

FOR BABY:

Love this Mothercare much loved playmat €64.99

 

THIS FORTNIGHT WE ARE:

Going to see Tuesdays with Morrie in the gaiety and if you haven’t read the book it’s a must read also KEEPING a journal of five things we’re grateful for every day. Try it for 21 days and watch what happens?? TAKING the kids to see Rise of the Guardians for anyone who believes in the easter bunny, the sandman, the tooth fairy, jack frost and of course Santa in their fight against the boogie man cleverly named Pitch Black! BOOKING a stand at a www.babybaymarket.ie to sell our old baby goods to declutter and make some extra cash after Christmas.

 

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VIP COLUMN – THE CONTINUING ADVENTURES OF MUM ALISON AND TODDLER JAMES…As appears fortnightly in VIP Magazine.

I’M EVERYTHING I AM BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME” Wouldn’t it be great if every child could say that. Unfortunately we don’t live in a perfect world and probably never will but that doesn’t mean we keep passing the buck. Every single one of us can make a difference no matter how small. I’m honored to be the new ambassador for the Barnardos buggy push in September. They do incredible work and whether we want to admit it or not their job is becoming harder and harder. Kids are innocent and helpless and they need us to have their back.

I just came back from the ‘garden party’ in Aras an Uachtarain and what a fantastic day we had. The president spoke with great positivity and humour and his wife was incredibly warm and friendly. His passion for our children, families and our future is the type of attitude we need to carry us out of our current situation. James however kept losing his pants when he ran so I used the elastic off the beautiful programmes we were given to keep them up. After all necessity is the mother of invention. Not content with losing his pants though he ran through the rose bushes and cut his legs. I’m sure people thought I was a crazed lunatic but here’s hoping I get invited back!!

I’m so excited that my 0ToToddler show is finally hitting the road on the 20th of July for 6 weeks around Ireland. I have fantastic experts on hand and we will be talking about everything from pregnancy right through to toddlers looking at early childhood learning and development, fitness, nutrition, mental health and much more. We are also searching for Irelands 0ToToddler cover star for OH Baby! Mag so come on the day to have your little angel pictured to be in with a chance of winning! Check out my brand new website alisoncanavan.com for more information or www.facebook.com/0totoddlershow

JAMES LOVES:

This exciting new range of wooden toys which use magnets to hold the pieces together, offering your child’s imagination a wilderness of exciting opportunities to take apart and build the existing designs or to make completely new ones!
Price: 19.95 www.kiddymania.co.uk

ALISON LOVES:

This great leave Akin leave in conditioner for busy Mums. Now you can have shiny hair all year round. €12.95

ASK ALISON:

HI Alison,
I’m looking for smart shoes for my son. I’ve trawled the shops and can’t seem to find anything different or interesting for boys. Have you come across any for James?
Amy, Lucan

Hi Amy,
Its tough with boys sometimes and there always seems to be so much more for girls. I did however find an adorable pair of shoes from cherish me They do a brand called Livie and Luca. They dress up any outfit and are perfect for our Irish Summers!! They have loads of different styles to suit your taste.Above all they’re really comfortable and James just loves telling everyone he’s wearing elephants! Their designs are inspired by nature, folklore and the rich imagination of children.
Livie and Luca use brightly colored velvety soft leathers and other textiles to bring the utmost comfort and resilience to their shoe range. Each Livie and Luca baby and toddler shoes are made by hand and worn by celeb kids such as Marcia cross &
Angelina Jolie daughters. Price starts from €31.50

MY LITTLE BLACK BOOK:

As the ambassador I would love to ask you to Get fit and challenge yourself to take part in Barnardos 5km Buggy Push Challenge this September. This sponsored challenge is for Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles to push their babies in buggies around the 5km race route. You can run or walk. It’s up to you!
When: Sunday 2nd September at 11am, Phoenix Park, Dublin. Registration is just €20. When you register you will receive a fundraising pack including a Barnardos running vest and Dettol wipes and coupons!
When you register you will also gain exclusive access to Barnardos’ 10 week training plan. Each week you will receive a newsletter with tips on training, nutrition advice, how to keep baby happy in the buggy and some exclusive offers from the event sponsor, Dettol. For new Mums, getting out in the fresh air with your baby and walking with other Mums is a great way to gently get back in shape and make friends. Buggy Fitness is fast becoming the most popular way for new Mums to get fit as it fits in with their new lifestyle and baby can come and have fun too! It’s not just Mums either; Dads are getting out there too. Visit www.barnardos.ie to register today

MOTHERS LITTLE HELPER:

Please sign up to my newsletter on my new website www.alisoncanavan.com and each week you’ll receive a new video from ACTV and updates on events, parenting videos, my causes, shoots and much more!!!
Updated info for my contact details www.facebook.com/alisoncanavanofficial

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