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Fall in Love with Hendeer's viral Boho Picnic Rugs & throws with a 25% off special offer! With the weather starting to (finally) warm up and summer just around the corner, we are delighted to share with you Hendeer, the very adored Australian boho home and living brand who make stunning products that can be used to create special memories with you and your little ones. Hendeer's beautifully designed woven rugs are incredibly versatile and can be used as a picnic rug, a beach mat, a couch throw or on the road! They are brilliant for picnics with your little ones, to put down in your garden for your little one to sit on and play during the summer months, as a rug in your house and to take on holiday where the rugs can be used as a beach mat and a beach cover up! Hendeer uses eclectic and unique designs drawn in-house by hand, taking inspiration from art and different cultures around the world, to create its collections. The rugs are made using a blend of cotton and recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles and waste diverted from landfill and our oceans which we love! Hendeer are currently offering a special bundle set which includes 1 large rug, 2 matching scatter cushions, and a tote bag, all from our bestselling designs. And the best part? Hendeer are offering 25% off on all bundle sets & Free Express Shipping for orders above £120! 'Bring home the perfect blend of globally inspired weaves and eclectic patterns. Hendeer is all about creating spaces that add boho beauty and vintage warmth to your interiors. We aspire to build homes that not only reflect our personalities but also tailor to our lifestyles. Every piece at Hendeer is inspired by our world and its many histories. While being carefully crafted and designed, it makes for a perfect match of timeless style and functionality!'

"Hi, which reusable swim nappies would you recommend? There's a number of different types and we aren't sure which to go with!" There are many different brands of swim nappies on the market and it can be daunting trying to find the ones to go with. Having tried many reusable swim nappy brands with our little ones including Jojo Maman Bebe, Bambino Mio, Liewood and Splash About, our favourite brand for swim nappies is EcoNaps! The EcoNaps reusable swim nappies are great value for money (they currently have an offer of 2 swim nappies for £20!), have very cute prints and have fit our little ones for much longer than other brands - for example we found that our little ones grew out of the Splash About reusable swim nappies so fast and they became very tight and uncomfortable around our babies' thighs very soon after purchasing! The EcoNaps reusable swim nappies also seemed much comfier for our little ones than other brands we tried. The EcoNaps reusable swim nappies are our number 1 reusable swim nappy by far! 'Our reusable swim nappies are an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to disposables. Created with lightweight fabrics that won't weigh baby down, EcoNaps swim nappies feature an inner layer to catch number twos while letting liquids flow through. Your little one will enjoy many water-filled adventures in these stylish and comfy swimmers.'

"I've started to experience postpartum hairloss since having my daughter, did any of you experience it and do you have any tips? It's quite stressful." We all experienced this. It is a natural process following having a baby and although it is stressful, it does get better and starts to grow back. Postpartum hair loss is a common condition that affects many women after giving birth. It is caused by the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth, which can lead to hair thinning and shedding. While postpartum hair loss is a natural process, there are some things you can do to help promote healthy hair growth and reduce the severity of the condition. Here are a few tips: Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced and nutritious diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals can help support healthy hair growth. Include foods that are high in protein, iron, and vitamin C, which are essential for healthy hair. Take supplements: Consider taking supplements that contain biotin, iron, and other nutrients that support healthy hair growth. Consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements. Avoid tight hairstyles: Avoid tight hairstyles that can pull on your hair and cause it to break or fall out. Instead, opt for loose hairstyles that are gentle on your hair. Use gentle hair care products: Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are formulated for thinning hair or hair loss. Avoid using heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and hair dryers, as these can further damage your hair. Be patient: Remember that postpartum hair loss is a natural process that will eventually resolve on its own. Be patient and give your body time to adjust to the changes. With time, your hair will start to grow back and return to its pre-pregnancy state

Congratulations on your journey to becoming a new mum! Parenthood is an adventure like no other, and with Carol, you have a wealth of resources and support at your fingertips. In this article we have compiled some pregnancy tips and parenting advice that may help you navigate this wonderful chapter. First and foremost, when you're pregnant, consider attending antenatal classes to prepare for childbirth and learn essential parenting skills. These classes offer expert advice, and you can connect with other expectant mums who are on the same journey. As a new mum, take advantage of local support groups and online forums. Joining these communities allows you to share experiences, seek advice, and offer support to fellow mums and mums-to-be. In addition to local resources, there are numerous online platforms that cater specifically to new mums. From informative websites to parenting apps such as Carol, you'll find a wealth of information at your fingertips. Remember, each day is a learning experience, and you'll find your own rhythm and style as a new mum. You know your baby best, trust your instincts. Embrace the journey, seek support, and try to take a few minutes each day to enjoy your precious little one, they really do grow so fast.

"My back is so achey after having my little one. I'm 7 weeks PP and have been signed off to start exercising again, do you have any tips for helping with postpartum backache that you found useful?" Postpartum backache is a common condition experienced by many women after giving birth. It's often caused by the physical stress of pregnancy and labour, as well as the postural changes that occur during pregnancy. Here are some tips that helped us with PP backache and that you may find helpful, (remember to always consult with your health professional before starting to exercise again after having your baby). Practice good posture: Make sure you are standing, sitting, and lifting properly to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your back muscles. Percko : We recently discovered the brand Percko and cannot recommend them enough to help with postpartum backache. Their everyday vest to help with back pain (Lyne UP) is brilliant, we started gradually using it from 6 weeks PP and it really helped with backache and back muscle soreness. Read our full write up on the Lyne UP here. Exercise: Start with gentle exercises, such as walking or pelvic floor exercises, to strengthen your core and back muscles. Rest and relax: Take frequent breaks to rest and relax your back muscles. We loved a warm bath and a massage to help with backache when time allowed! Remember to always consult with your doctor if you have persistent or severe back pain.

"Can you share some postpartum essentials that you found beneficial after having your baby?" Of course! Here are some of our top essentials that helped to make the postpartum period more comfortable and manageable for us: Postpartum Pads: You'll need heavy-duty pads for the first few weeks after delivery, especially if you had a vaginal birth. A favourite brand of ours is Cottons for their organic 100% cotton pads, especially for when you are feeling sensitive after delivery. Perineal spray: A cooling spray can provide relief from soreness and swelling in the perineal area. You can find sprays made specifically for postpartum use and a brand we would recommend is Frida Mom and their Peri Bottle. Nipple cream: Breastfeeding can be tough on your nipples. Nipple cream can help soothe and heal any soreness or cracking. We would recommend the Lansinoh Nipple Cream. Breast pads: Leaking breasts are common during the early days after having your baby, whether you are breastfeeding or not! Back Support: Many women report back ache after pregnancy and we swore by the Percko Lyne Up Vest postpartum to help with posture and improve our back discomfort! Comfortable clothing: Soft, loose clothing is a must-have for postpartum recovery. Water bottle: Staying hydrated is important for postpartum recovery and especially if you are breastfeeding. Keep a large water bottle handy, we found one with a straw was the best and made it easier to drink from when feeding - breastfeeding or bottle feeding! Healthy Snacks: Having healthy snacks on hand was a game changer for us and meant we always had food available to grab especially in the early days when we were sleep deprived and didn't have much time as we adjusted to our new routines! Breastfeeding can make you very hungry too! Having fruit, nut butter and mixed nuts, Nakd Bars (we loved!) to hand was helpful. Baby carrier or wrap: A carrier or wrap can make it easier to carry your baby around while still having your hands free. The Baby Bjorn Mini is our recommended! Night light - We used a himalayan salt lamp for those night time feeds which made it more relaxing than putting on the main light and starling yourself, baby and partner when feeding!

"Do you have any tips for recovering from a C-Section? I'm due to have a planned C-Section with my first baby in a couple of weeks so if you have been through it and can share anything that helped you it would be appreciated!" Alongside following the advice of your health professionals, some tips that can help with recovering from your C-Section include: Rest: Allow yourself plenty of time to rest and recover. This may mean asking for help with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and taking care of your newborn. Don't be afraid to accept help from family and friends. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out any medications and toxins from your body and promote healing. Move around gradually - remember that you have just been through surgery so try to take things easy but keeping moving is important to reduce the risk of blood clots, just try to be mindful to not overexert yourself. Eat well: A balanced diet with plenty of protein, fibre and healthy fats can help promote healing and give you the energy you need to care for your newborn. Your midwife should advise you on looking after your wound, recovery from your C-Section and offer advice for any questions you may have. Remember that every mums' recovery is different, and it's important to listen to your body and give yourself the time you need to heal. If you have any concerns or questions, reach out to your midwife and health professionals, they are there to support you through your recovery.

"What is perineum massage? Should I be doing it to prepare for labour?" 'Around 85% of women who give birth vaginally sustain some degree of perineal trauma. Most heal without any problems or adverse effects, but for some women there may be longer term implications. It is thought that massaging the perineum during pregnancy may increase muscle and tissue elasticity and make it easier to avoid tearing during a vaginal birth.' - NHS Perineum massage is a technique that involves massaging the perineum, the area between the vagina and anus, to prepare for childbirth. The goal is to increase the flexibility and stretchiness of the perineal tissue, which may help reduce the likelihood of tearing or the need for an episiotomy (a surgical cut to widen the vaginal opening during childbirth). Research suggests that perineal massage can be effective in reducing the risk of perineal trauma during childbirth. The NHS Reports: 'In 2006, Beckmann and Garrett combined the results from four randomised, controlled trials that enrolled 2,497 pregnant women. Three out of the four studies included first time mothers only. All four of the studies were of good quality. The findings were that women who were randomly assigned to do perineal massage had a 10% decrease in the risk of tears that required stitches (‘perineal trauma’), and a 16% decrease in the risk of episiotomy (a surgical cut to the perineum as the baby is born). These findings were only true for first-time mothers. Perineal massage did not reduce the risk of trauma in the group of mothers who had given birth before. However, the mothers in the perineal massage group reported a 32% decrease in ongoing perineal pain at three months after having their baby.' Perineal massage is typically started at around 35 weeks of pregnancy and it is recommended to do it a couple of times per week. It's important to wash your hands thoroughly before starting the massage and to use a lubricant, to avoid causing any discomfort or injury. It's also important to speak with your midwife before starting perineal massage, as they can provide guidance on how to do it safely and effectively.

"I'm due with my first baby in a few weeks and wondered if you had any advice or tips on newborn routines which would be helpful?" Newborns don't have a fixed routine, as they tend to sleep and feed frequently throughout the day and night. However, here are some general guidelines on what you can expect from a newborn's routine: Feeding: Newborns need to be fed often, as their stomachs are small and can't hold a lot of milk at once. Breastfed newborns may need to feed every 2-3 hours, while formula-fed newborns may need to feed every 3-4 hours. For formula-fed babies, the NHS guidance is: 'Newborn babies need quite small amounts of formula to start with. By the end of their first week, most will need around 150 to 200ml per kilo of their weight a day until they're 6 months old. This amount will vary from baby to baby.' Sleep: Newborns tend to sleep for between 2-4 hours at a time, between feeds. Newborns need a lot of sleep to support their rapid growth and development. The NHS Guidance on newborn sleep is: 'Most newborn babies are asleep more than they are awake. Their total daily sleep varies, but can be from 8 hours up to 16 or 18 hours. Babies will wake during the night because they need to be fed. Being too hot or too cold can also disturb their sleep.' Nappy changes: Newborns may need to be changed as often as every 2-3 hours, or whenever their nappy is wet or soiled. Playtime: Newborns don't need a lot of stimulation, but they do enjoy looking at high-contrast patterns and hearing calming sounds like lullabies. You can also try gentle touch and movement to soothe your baby. It's important to remember that every newborn is different, and your baby's routine may vary. Pay attention to your baby's cues and adjust your routine as needed to meet their needs.

"I've heard about postpartum contractions being common after giving birth, what are they?" This is something we wish was spoken about when we had our little ones and actually caught us quite off guard! Postpartum contractions are a normal and natural process that occurs after giving birth. These contractions are the body's way of shrinking the uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size and helping to expel any remaining placental tissue. During pregnancy, the uterus grows to accommodate the developing baby and after birth, it needs to return to its pre-pregnancy size. The hormone oxytocin is responsible for stimulating these contractions, and they can be felt for several days after giving birth. For many women, postpartum contractions are mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, for some women, especially those who have had multiple pregnancies or who have given birth to large babies, the contractions can be more severe and uncomfortable. It's important to note that postpartum contractions are different from labor contractions, which are typically more intense and occur closer together. If you are concerned about the intensity of your postpartum contractions or have any concerns whatsoever definitely speak to your midwife and GP asap. Overall, postpartum contractions are a normal and necessary part of the postpartum recovery process, and they help the body to return to its pre-pregnancy state.

Morning sickness is a common symptom experienced by many pregnant women. It can range from mild nausea to severe vomiting, making the first trimester challenging for expectant mothers. In this article, we will explore various remedies that can help ease the discomfort of morning sickness and provide relief for expectant mothers. 1. Adjusting Diet: - Eat small, frequent meals: Consuming smaller meals throughout the day can help prevent an empty stomach, which can trigger nausea. - Avoid trigger foods: Identify foods that worsen your morning sickness and avoid them. Common trigger foods include spicy, greasy, and strongly flavored foods. - Opt for bland foods: Opt for plain and easily digestible foods, such as crackers, toast, or rice, which are less likely to trigger nausea. - Stay hydrated: Sip on water or ginger ale throughout the day to stay hydrated and prevent dehydration, which can worsen nausea. 2. Ginger: - Ginger tea or ginger sweets: Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for nausea. Sipping on ginger tea or sucking on ginger sweets can help alleviate morning sickness symptoms. - Ginger capsules or supplements: If the taste of ginger is not appealing, ginger capsules or supplements can be taken to provide the same benefits. 3. Acupressure: - Wristbands: Acupressure wristbands, commonly used for motion sickness, can also be effective in relieving morning sickness. These wristbands apply pressure to specific points on the wrist believed to reduce nausea. 4. Aromatherapy: - Citrus or mint scents: Inhaling citrus or mint scents, such as lemon or peppermint essential oils, can help alleviate nausea. Carry a small bottle of essential oil or use a diffuser for a continuous release of the scent. 5. Rest and Relaxation: - Get plenty of rest: Fatigue can worsen morning sickness symptoms. Ensure you are getting enough rest and prioritize sleep. - Practice relaxation techniques: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or prenatal yoga can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which may alleviate morning sickness. 6. Medications and Supplements: - Consult your GP/Midwife : If your morning sickness is severe and affecting your daily life, consult your healthcare provider. They may prescribe certain medications or supplements that are safe for pregnancy and can provide relief. Morning sickness can be a challenging aspect of pregnancy, but there are remedies and strategies available to help ease the discomfort. By adjusting your diet, incorporating ginger, trying acupressure or aromatherapy, prioritizing rest and relaxation, and seeking medical advice when necessary, you can manage morning sickness and focus on enjoying this special time in your life. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, so it's important to find what works best for you. For free expert led resources covering all things Motherhood including pregnancy, postpartum, baby sleep, baby feeding, baby development, Toddler & The Early Years download Carol App for free on the App Store!

Baby Bjorn Carrier Mini - £95 We loved the Baby Bjorn Carrier Mini. It's comfortable, stylish, easy to wash and very easy to use. The Baby Bjorn Carrier Mini can be used from newborn unlike many other carriers on the market. The carrier has strong head support, very soft but supportive material and so easy to put on which is a huge plus! “The baby carrier gently hugs your newborn’s back, legs and hips, and provides good support so that they sit in a comfy, ergonomic position. Through the fabric, you can feel your newborn’s position and the natural C curve of their back with your hands.” The Mini has the ability to be adjusted to perfectly support the size of your baby. The strap at the bottom of the carrier enables you to adjust the carrier size which was another key selling point for us before purchasing. The Mini can be used for inward facing for newborns up until baby is around 5 months when you can either face your baby outwards or inwards. If you are looking for a fuss-free, simple carrier that can be used from birth, the Mini may be for you. It's important to note however that the Mini is to be used for the first year of a baby's life only, unlike other carriers which are available.