Shaving While Pregnant!

During the later stages of pregnancy it is increasingly difficult to do the simplest of tasks!

I tend to show early on in each of my pregnancies and by the final few weeks, I find even looking at my feet a strenuous mission. As a result of a ridiculous amount of swelling and excess fluid, this is particularly true at the moment with the increasing size of my feet and ankles.

Pregnancy Struggles

I know most pregnant women struggle with simple things like picking up dropped items off the floor, getting up from sitting, laying, squatting and basically any other position other than standing. Don’t even get me started on the difficulty of shaving!

As a result of my baby belly being so rotund, I have been shaving by feel for good few months now and it is becoming progressively more difficult to balance my leg and weight on the corner part of the shower wall.

ShavEzy Review

As luck would have it; I received an opportunity to try a great new product designed specifically for pregnant women and those who find it hard or awkward to shave their legs. The ShavEzy is a foldable step stool that can used in the shower to assist shaving.

ShavEzy Benefits

• It is high enough that it makes a difference to the user but low enough that using the step isn’t a task on its own.

• The base has non-slip grips on the stool legs to prevent slippage on smooth surfaces.

• It folds near flat which allows for easy storage.

• Conveniently holds razor underneath.

• Eliminates balancing on the slippery shower, making it safe and convenient.

• Affordable at only $34.95! You can find out more and purchase from the ShavEzy website.

I am having this baby via C-section and I think that because of the way this shower stool is designed; it will be a great tool for not only during pregnancy but after my baby is born as well.

Pregnant women want to feel feminine, sexy and somewhat like their former self. Being able to shave and have smooth legs without the inconvenience of not being able to reach is exactly what we dream of!

Prize Includes: 1x ShavEzy. RRP $34.95

**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions: 
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final.
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
6. Email addresses may be added to the ShavEzy mailing list.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.

If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.

This is an S1 POST.

The post Shaving While Pregnant + ShavEzy Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.

Pregnancy comes with a lot of do’s and don’ts.

Do: eat a wide variety of healthy food and drink more water, keep those fluids up. Don’t: smoke or drink alcohol. Do: regular light exercise. Don’t: eat processed meats or soft cheese.

In addition to them, one of the most important must do tasks is taking a pregnancy multivitamin. During the first trimester antenatal vitamins are vital for mums-to-be, as they ensure all the required nutrients are being received by both mum and baby.

With so many options of preconception, pregnancy and breastfeeding vitamins, it is difficult to know which ones to trust and which ones offer the most for you and your developing baby. I am currently pregnant with baby number four (saying that still takes me by surprise!) and for each pregnancy I have used a different brand. However this time, I couldn’t find any of the ones I had previously used in stores or chemists and had to try yet another one. It was horrible! It didn’t matter if I ate while taking the vitamin or not, it would make me feel sick and repeat a foul taste all day. This lasted a few weeks before I couldn’t do it anymore and sought after something more pleasant.

FABFOL Pregnancy Review

I discovered FABFOL pregnancy vitamins shortly after as I was still in my first trimester and required folic acid at minimum.  I will admit after my previous vitamin disaster, I was sceptical. Thankfully there were no horrible side effects; this included no bad after taste or constipation and I only had to take one vitamin a day!

Click here for more information on why it is so important to take vitamins while pregnant.

I love that FABFOL is gentle on the stomach and is specially formulated to provide me (and other mothers-to-be and breastfeeding mums) the essential nutrients to maintain energy and vitality along with ensuring the best start to life for my baby. Packed with vitamins and minerals – with a focus on folic acid, iodine and vitamin B, you are maintaining your general wellbeing while giving additional benefits to your baby.

PRIZE INCLUDES: 2x month supply of FABFOL Pregnancy multivitamins.

**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions: 
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final.
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.

If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.

Disclosure: I received the above pregnancy multivitamin for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.

*I am not a medical professional. Please consult your doctor should you have any questions regarding this product.

The post FABFOL Pregnancy Review + Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.

Pregnancy and baby products are something you will need at one point or another (if you are having kids of course which I presume you are because you are reading this). Trying to find the ‘right’ products for you and your child can be a long and exhausting one because there are so many available that claim to be the best. The best for one family however may not be the best for yours. I have put together a review on some of pregnancy and baby products that Gaia Skin Naturals have to offer. Oh and there is a giveaway for one lucky fan as well so they can try the products for themselves. Yay!!

Gaia Pregnancy Products

Gaia Skin + Body Belly Butter

I don’t know about you but when I am pregnant my belly, breasts and thighs itch from the skin stretching and it is not a pleasant feeling. Finding a cream or butter that helps minimise this is usually on the top of my purchase list. The Gaia Belly Butter is enriched with pure cocoa butter, certified organic Shea butter and rosehip oil which helps maintain the suppleness and elasticity of your changing skin. You simply massage the butter into your belly, breasts and thighs twice daily (or as needed) during pregnancy and as long as required after birth. Available in a 150ml tube for $17.95.

Gaia Skin + Body Nipple Balm

This nipple balm is new to the Gaia product range but it is one that all breastfeeding mothers should consider. This organic nipple balm moisturises, soothes and protects sore and cracked nipples which assist in keeping them in good condition for your baby to latch onto during breastfeeding. I love that the scent isn’t overpowering and as it is made from pure, edible organic oils, including sunflower and avocado, there is no need to rinse before feeding. You don’t need to use a lot of this product at once as a little goes a long way. Available in a 40ml tube for $12.95.

Gaia Pure Pregnancy Belly Oil

This belly oil is very similar to the belly butter, obviously in an oil form. It assists the skin in stretching and eases the dry itch thanks to the certified organic rosehip, jojoba and wheat germ oils. The Gaia belly oil is in a convenience spray bottle so you can spray directly onto the area and massage it in. Available in a 95ml spray bottle for $17.95.

 Gaia Baby Products

Gaia Natural Baby Bamboo Baby Wipes

I must admit and say that I have used one particular brand of baby wipes since my eldest was a baby with the exception of a few here and there. I have stuck with the same brand because they have always been the best that I have tried, until now. I absolutely love these bamboo wipes. Why? Because they are strong and I am without a doubt positive my finger will never tear through one in the worst possible moment. That in itself is reason enough to try them. These 100% biodegradable bamboo baby wipes are lightly scented but thanks to their sensitive skin formula I am not concerned about rashes or skin flare ups. I am surprised that given how strong they are, these wipes are unbelievably soft.

The Gaia Bamboo Baby Wipes are available in 3 sizes: 20’s travel pack – $2.99, 80’s pack – $6.50 and the 240’s value pack – $14.95.

Gaia Natural Baby Skin Soothing Lotion

Keeping baby’s skin soft and moisturised is important for parents. This is one of the harder products to choose because we regularly use it on newborns, babies and toddlers. We fear their sensitive skin will not be able to tolerate some of these products so often act on the side of caution. Thankfully Gaia has a multipurpose soothing lotion designed for use on their faces, body and nappy area to sooth and protects skin while remaining pure, natural and organic. It has a light calming scent of lavender without being overpowering and the zinc, castor oil and beeswax ingredients provide a barrier, making this lotion last longer on skin. Available in 100ml tube for $9.99.

Gaia Natural Baby Conditioning Detangler

My daughter is just shy of two and her hair is rapidly growing which means upkeep and hair maintenance is now vital. Due to the length of her hair it is knotty every morning, brushing her hair was a task in itself however the struggle is now a distant memory. The Gaia hair detangler is amazing!! With just a few sprays of the leave in conditioner, the brush glides through her now silky smooth hair. Maintaining and tying up her hair is a breeze. Available in a 200ml spray for $9.99.

Prize Includes: 1x Gaia Skin + Body Belly Butter – 150ml (RRP $17.95), 1x Gaia Skin + Body Nipple Balm – 40ml (RRP $12.95), 1x Gaia Pure Pregnancy Belly Oil – 95ml (RRP $17.95), 1x Gaia Natural Baby Bamboo Baby Wipes – travel pack (RRP $2.99), 1x Gaia Natural Baby Bamboo Baby Wipes – value pack (RRP $14.95), 1x Gaia Natural Baby Skin Soothing Lotion – 100ml (RRP $9.99). Total Prize Pool $76.80.

**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions: 
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.

If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.

Disclosure: I received the above products for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.

The post Pregnancy & Baby – Gaia Products + Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.

Bonding with your baby through feeding

Bringing a new baby home is an amazing feeling. It is exciting. It is scary. It can be very overwhelming but it can also be the most important time of your life. Being able to bond with your baby is such a magical and unexplainable sentiment and for many women breastfeeding helps to establish this deep connection with our baby. Because of this we always hear about how important it is for women to breastfeed because of the advantages it gives both mum and baby but what about dads?

How are dads supposed to bond with their babies when they can’t breastfeed? With teamwork is how. The benefits of mum expressing milk help not only her but also dad and baby. First time dads especially feel like they are left out of the process when it comes to feeding so when a women expresses milk it not only gives dad a chance to bond with his baby through feeding; it also allows the baby’s mum a chance to enjoy a cup of tea/coffee, enjoy a sleep in or even be able to embrace her partner enjoying the closeness of their baby. As I said it’s magical. Even though dads don’t often express their needs where their baby is concerned, dads want to be able to feel this closeness and bond with their baby just as much as mums do. Bonding with your baby through feeding is a great place to start which is easy for mothers who breastfeed and often why they express breast milk.

There are so many breast pumps on the market that it makes it hard to know which one will be suited to you, which pumps works and which ones are a waste of money. My younger sister and brother-in-law have just experienced the beauty of bringing their first baby into the world which also meant she had been searching for the right breast pump in preparation of their baby being born. She was anticipating returning to work and expressing is a must for her as she wanted to breastfeed her son. She also wanted her partner to be able to experience the feeding process and do night feeds (because no one wants to get up every single time). This is when I received an email asking if I wanted to review the Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump. I called my sister and asked her if she was interested and she was beyond thrilled because she was looking at Medela for her pump mainly because she had heard nothing but great reviews. This particular pump retails for $449.00.

Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump Review

Set Up and Cleaning
The first thing I noticed about the pump after opening the box and taking all the parts out of their individually sealed bags was how simple it is to set up. Without even looking at the directions you can see exactly what fits where. Once I had it all together, I checked the instructions to ensure I set it up properly and to my surprise they are extremely simple and easy to understand. Don’t be scared by the size of the manual.

Before using the Medela breast pump; I sterilised all the equipment. Step by step directions on how to clean are included in the manual which makes it basically fool proof. This can be done by hand washing, putting through the dishwasher or boiling. It took minimal time from start to finish to take apart the breast pump and clean it which is made even more enticing by the fact that all the parts are easy to wipe dry or can be left on a cloth to air dry.

Using the Breast Pump
I think what makes the Medela swing stand out compared to other pumps is the ‘2 phase expression’; which is the 2 stimulation phases that mimics the breastfeeding rhythm. The first stage encourages a milk let down and after 2 minutes the pump will automatically change to the second phase; the ‘expression’ phase, which imitates a long sucking motion similar to the one of a baby. If your milk starts to flow prior to the second phase, you can press the button and it will start the expression phase. I personally found it never took more than 30 seconds to get a good flow to then switch to the expression but as everyone is different you may need the full two minutes in stage one. Both stages are exceptionally comfortable and gentle on the breasts and nipples and the vacuum can be adjusted to suit your need at the time. I used mine mainly as my milk was ‘coming in’ days after my baby was born and there were times my breasts were too sore to even touch yet I could still use the Medela breast pump comfortably.

It took me approximately 10 minutes to pump both breasts and I would get around 100mL from each. What made it even easier was after you finish pumping you can just pop the storage lids in the bottles and store right in the fridge until they are needed. I use the double pump most frequently but it can also be used as a single pump, either of options offer the same great performance.

My favourite part about this pump is the fact that I was able to express breastmilk for my partner to be able to feed bub. It not only allowed him to provide our baby his feeds throughout the night when I needed that extra sleep but he was also given the opportunity to experience that special bonding time that without the pump he wouldn’t be able to do.

Storage
If there wasn’t enough to love about this pump already, the lack of space it requires to store should be added to the list. I was able to keep it in a container on a cupboard shelf where it took up minimal room. The Medela Swing Breast Pump is very portable as you are able to clip the motor onto your clothes and move around the house or store in your handbag for use while out and about thanks to it having the option to operate on batteries (6 AAA).

Pros
The efficiency from start to finish makes a light work load of expressing breast milk thanks to the simultaneous expression in combination with the 2-Phase which ultimately saves you time. The range of vacuum levels and settings allows you to be in control of your comfort and still gain maximum efficiency from the breast pump.

The Medela breast pump is very easy to assemble, use, clean and store. Thanks to how light and compact the pump is, it makes expressing flexible by offering use on batteries or the main adapter.

It allows my baby the opportunity to bond with his dad through feeding.

Cons
It’s very hard to fault this pump! I found that while pumping you have to hold a constant pressure with the shield onto your breast which can become difficult while you’re double pumping. This can be resolved by purchasing an ‘easy expression bustier’ which allows hands-free expressing.

I also noticed the pump makes a bit of noise during use and the harder you set your vacuum the louder it becomes.

Medela Breastfeeding Starter Kit

This kit contains everything a mother needs in those first few weeks of breastfeeding and expressing. It offers an easy and safe way to collect and store breast milk in addition to feeding while containing products that help make mum more comfortable and sooth sensitive nipples for months to come.

This Medela breastfeeding starter kit contains:
• 1x Calma, breastmilk feeding device (specially designed teat that mimics the natural rhythm of breastfeeding)
• 2x 150ml Bottles with multi lids
• 12x Disposable nursing pads
• 1x Purelan 100 7g
• 1x Quick clean microwave bag
• 5x pump and save bags

The Calma lets your baby feed in a way that is similar to breastfeeding which allows for easy transition between the two. Thanks to its one size and shape fits all, your baby will be satisfied from birth until weaning off milk. Just like a nipple.

This kit is suitable for every woman that is breastfeeding or expressing and is the number one choice of hospitals and mothers. I highly recommend it for all your storing, feeding, breast care and breastmilk management in those first few weeks and months! RRP $49.90.

Prize Includes: 1x Medela Breastfeeding Starter Pack. RRP $49.90.

**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions: 
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.

If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.

Disclosure: I received the above product for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own and my sisters.

The post Bonding with baby through feeding + Medela GIVEAWAY appeared first on All Mum Said.

When I was pregnant with my children, the level of morning sickness and other pregnancy side effects varied dramatically. With my first (a boy), I was sick from approx. 8 weeks -16 weeks and off and on all day. I put a lot of this sickness down to being a chef and having to smell raw chicken/steak, seafood, etc. all day everyday. Now I think it may have just been because he was a boy. My second pregnancy, I was also carrying a boy and suffered morning sickness off and on from 8 weeks – 30 weeks all day. It was horrible and nothing I did helped. I hadn’t heard of Pregnancy Cookies back then (or while pregnant with any of my children to be honest) and they may not have even existed at that point in time but I have heard great things and wish that they were an option while pregnant with my boys. They could have been a game changer.

My third pregnancy was a whole lot different and I think it may have been due to the fact I was pregnant with my daughter. I was barely sick at all. I mean it was from 4 weeks – 12 weeks but it was once first thing in the morning and that was it. I couldn’t believe my luck with how little morning sickness I suffered and I was so thankful. Don’t get me wrong, I had my fair share of other pregnancy side effect; painful varicose veins, cramping muscles and the list goes on but the lack of morning sickness was wonderful.

I was recently contacted by Yummy Mummy Food in regards to reviewing Totally Devoted Pregnancy Cookies and while I was going to initially turn down the opportunity I thought back to my own pregnancies and felt I owed it to pregnant mums out there to share the product and its review. I had a friend who was suffering severe morning sickness that began the second she sat up in bed in the morning until well after lunch. I passed these onto her with all the hope that they would help. Would you believe these pregnancy cookies worked?! Sally says “I would enjoy a cookie with my cup of tea first thing in the morning and it significantly reduced my nausea. These have been a lifesaver for me this pregnancy!”

The Totally Devoted pregnancy cookies are loaded with benefits and flavour for mums experiencing morning sickness and nausea. Ginger is one of the ingredients they have added to the pregnancy cookies because of its proven role in reducing nausea, heartburn and migraines. Along with chia seeds as they are known for being high in Omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, iron, niacin and zinc.

I tried one of the cookies just so that I could comment on flavour and they remind me of a Christmas cookie, maybe because of the cinnamon but regardless they are quite tasty. They make a great accompaniment to a cup of tea and they are affordable at $14.55 for a box. Yummy Mummy Food also stocks Breastfeeding Cookies designed to increase your milk supply naturally.

3x WINNERS

Each prize includes: 1x Box of Pregnancy Cookies. (RRP $14.55). Total Prize Pool $43.65.

**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.

Terms & Conditions: 
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize.
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.

Disclosure: I received the above products for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own and friend reviewing product.

The post Can a Cookie Stop Morning Sickness? + Giveaway appeared first on All Mum Said.

We all know that when you are pregnant it becomes more and more difficult to find clothes that fit, are comfortable and still look good. I find that because I start to show very early on that my need to constantly update my wardrobe is not so much something that makes me enjoy the fashion but it is more out of necessity. Each pregnancy I have not gone overboard with the purchasing of clothes and seem to have ended up each time with a handful of singlets, stretch waist skirts and dresses that are on a constant repeat cycle. Yes I have gotten very sick of seeing the same the same clothes over and over again.

A big thanks goes to Fertile Mind for offering some amazing maternity items at reasonable prices!

Each and every pregnancy I have found my belly becomes too round and big for tops and singlets to cover and yet I never thought of getting one of those belly / maternity bands. What was I thinking? I have been using the Bando from Fertile Mind for the past 2 months and must say not getting one sooner is one of the stupidest things I have done. They not only give the allusion my tops are long enough but they are so comfy, feel amazing and are extremely supportive. They are designed so you don’t notice them being worn under your tops; there are no extra seam lines or bulges. I think the no bulges aspect will also come in handy after pregnancy if you know what I mean. They retail for $24.99.

   Maternity tights are another item I never thought about buying (maybe because my first 2 pregnancies were in summer) and figured how different could they be to the normal tights out there. Well I’m here to tell you they are so different! They are super soft, durable and fit perfectly; which ultimately makes them extremely comfortable. They provide extra support for your belly that is truly understated. The overbelly design delivers extra warmth which is great for winter and cooler months. I can also see myself wearing these after pregnancy as they are warm, comfortable and supportive. Retailing for $24.95 I think this is a great investment.

Fertile Mind offers a great range of products for pregnancy, breastfeeding, baby wearing and the list goes on. You can find their great items on the website here. 

The post Comfort, Support and Look Great with Fertile Mind appeared first on All Mum Said.