Tiffany Rose Review

Tiffany Rose Alicia Nursing dress

Trying to find comfortable and pretty clothes to breastfeed in is a challenge! Something that's beautiful, well cut and flattering, I thought almost impossible! After searching the high street and finding a few maxi dresses or jersey wrap dresses, I found that these were mainly general day wear and I couldn't find anything suitable for an occasion. I had 2 weddings to attend and a family photoshoot planned. I was becoming a little anxious. After speaking to a fellow blogger (Monkeyfootedmummy) I was introduced to Tiffany Rose.

A UK based company, everything on their website is either suitable for maternity, nursing or both.

I sent a quick email to enquire about their range of nursing dresses and received the best customer service. Prompt, responsive, helpful emails regarding the cut and fit of their dresses, colours, fit and length. Being petite, I often find it to be a challenge shopping online for dresses, but their size guide made it really simple and recommendations were made by Tiffany Rose staff. After browsing their range, I opted for a simple, beautifully cut Eclipse blue Alicia Nursing Dress. Their customer service is the best I've ever received from an online company (and I shop a lot online!)

The Alicia dress is well cut and compliments the frame and figure of a new mum. It includes a panel for nursing. The dress is comfortable to wear and has a beautiful 'swish' effect when you walk. The fabric hangs well and I received lots of compliments on the dress.

http://www.tiffanyrose.com/maternity/clothing/ALINDE/Alicia-Nursing-Dress-Eclipse-Blue.html

Priced at £99, the dress is on the higher end of the budget for new mums, but it's a perfect dress for many occasions and can be accessorised differently each time to create new looks; it's a fab investment piece! It also comes in a beautiful red colour.

There are plans for further nursing dresses in the range and I'll be keen to try those out too! I'd love to see some pretty florals for spring and perhaps some Jersey type dresses for day wear in pretty styles. It's been such a challenge finding a suitable dress, but I'm so glad that I was introduced to Tiffany Rose! 

Bling, a band and an overjoyed auntie!

After months of secret planning, alongside my mam and Gary. Auntie Cathy's party was taking shape; that morning we dressed the room in purple so that it was fit for a queen! Pretty table centres in tall vases, rose petals, banners, sweetie jars with favours, a bit of bling here and there! No less for my favourite auntie! It follows my motto of, "If you're going to do something, overdo it!"

Keeping it a secret had been a challenge, she's like Miss Marple and wants to know the ins and outs of everything! However we pulled it off and I've no idea how. Gary must be glad that he's no longer got to be so secretive! 

Seeing her walk into the room and the look of shock and overwhelming joy was incredible. I mean, she's only been celebrating for the last month with weekends away, meals and nights out, but she didn't anticipate this at all. She'd even commented that she was glad all of the celebrations were over...

The entertainment for the evening was provided by The Waiters. A fab band, gaining stature and a reputation for good music. Young and energetic, with a good repertoire of songs, they were guaranteed to have the crowd up dancing. With songs spanning over the decades, they were a hit with everyone in the room and with being fresh from the Metro Radio Live gig; there was a lovely buzz around the room about them. Although they're due to hit the big time, they seem very grounded and down to earth. A fab night had by all!

Should I breastfeed my baby in public?

This week, our media in the UK has been dominated by a story of a breastfeeding mum who was asked to use a napkin in order to feed in a discrete manner in Claridge's. From the images I've seen, this mum was more discrete whilst not using a cover. 

I feed my child in public, anywhere and everywhere; public transport, restaurants, baby groups, the homes of friends and family, the list is endless. My baby is a frequent feeder and at 5 months, this is his only sustenance. He is thriving on my milk and I'll continue to feed him when he needs it. I never cover my child, I tried in the early days, but he'd fuss, pull it off and refuse to feed. I will not be dictated to about the manner or the places that I should feed.

When I first had Isaac, I was incredibly self conscious and used to seek out very quiet places to feed. However, with a toddler in tow, this was somewhat problematic. I tried out a few feeding rooms, but these were often situated alongside changing units and were smelly and unhygienic! Now, I tend to find a comfy seat or a cafe to feed. 

Today, I've viewed an article in The Sun Newspaper. The article discussed the mum feeding in Claridge's and made references to this incident, suggesting that breastfeeding is like urinating, that you should do it in private. NO! Mums are more than capable of feeding in a discrete manner, therefore they can feed whenever, wherever! Breastfeeding is NOT like urinating. Breastfeeding is simply the act of sustaining your child with breastmilk, whereas urinating is removing a toxic substance from the body.

I now suggest that whoever penned this absolute nonsense at The Sun should take their lunch, set up in the loo and enjoy! In the meantime, I'll continue to feed my baby discretely regardless of where I am!

Prima Baby Awards 2015

At one month after Isaac's operation, he was healing well (despite a few episodes of bleeding from his cleft side nostril due to Row, Row, Row your boat related incidents with his big brother!) 

We were invited down to London for the day to visit the Prima Baby office and judge at the prestigious Prima Baby Awards. I was excited and did lots of research on the categories we'd been allocated for our day of judging! 

Excitedly, with a skinny latte in hand and Isaac in my Connecta sling, I travelled from Newcastle down to Kings Cross on the 7.04 direct Flying Scotsman service. Isaac slept and fed most of the journey. It was trouble free and I was able to continue to glance over my product notes and relax. It's an odd feeling not having a toddler in tow, I continually looked around frantically looking for Little Mr Energetic; anticipating a chat about diggers and trucks! I've got to admit, the silence was bliss! (Sorry to my husband being left with aforementioned toddler...)

When we arrived at Kings Cross, we were greeted by one of the writers, Alison and travelled over to the office by car. Arriving at the office was quite overwhelming. I'd spoken to Alex, the deputy editor on phone a few times and it felt like I was meeting a friend. The other judges had arrived and began to look through and discuss the products.

We met the other judges, several known names in the baby world and a few readers of the magazine who'd applied and been selected. Such a lovely bunch! The day passed by with a vast array of baby paraphernalia to be put to the test (unfortunately I'll not be revealing any spoilers, but I assure you, there were so many wonderful products put through their paces!) I'm hoping to do some review writing on my blog about some of these lovely products after Christmas. 

After a long day of reviewing. I was invited to choose some products to take home! Wow, so many beautiful things to choose from! With a couple of additional bags to carry, I was set for my return journey home and informed that some additional products for judging would be sent out to me in order to give further feedback on! I love a freebie! 

A delayed train and a tired baby weren't a good combination for the journey home! Isaac eventually relaxed and cluster fed for the majority of the journey home, with a few breaks to nap. 

We had an amazing day and it was an honour to be there! I now have a wish list of products that I NEED! A big thanks to Prima Baby and Pregnancy Magazine for inviting me along!

Connecta Baby Carrier

I'd been seeking out a new sling and researching thoroughly. After using a stretchy Close Caboo from birth, I wanted a more structured carrier which had buckles to support my growing boy. After searching online, I came across Connecta, they appeared to have a good standing in the world of Baby-wearing and with their vast waiting lists, they're very popular!

I'd fallen in love with the print of Zoology after seeing some local mums carrying their babies. I'm fairly new to babywearing, but I know a pretty print when I see one! We love African animals in our house, you could say that we're obsessed (we honeymooned in Kenya and are keen visitors to zoos in the UK!)

The print is beautiful and bright. As soon as it arrived, I couldn't resist testing it out. After reading the simple instructions, I chose a basic front carry. Isaac was snug and settled and I'm sure it had magic sleepy dust packaged with it, as he fell asleep almost instantly! Even my toddler, Noah had to have a turn. Although it's baby sized (toddler ones are available too) he's still petite and fit perfectly. I've not attempted a back carry yet, but will be trying this out in the future. It would be a good investment and a fantastic gift for new parents.

Whilst wearing the Connecta, I'm able to do jobs around the house, tend to both boys and multitask. It makes life so much easier.

The carrier is well made, with fantastic and accurate stitching and is quick and easy to put on. I think I'll be investing in some different designs too. I've also been researching the Solarweave; a fantastic carrier for sunshine holidays, as it has UV protection and is lightweight.

Connecta integras are priced from £62 and available from www.connectababycarrier.com/product-category/connecta-integra/in-stock/

Preparing for Isaac's operation; 2 months to go!

Last week, we had a meeting with a member of the surgery team to brief us about Isaac's operation. They've confirmed that it will be taking place on 5th November at RVI Newcastle.

They explained a lot about the operation and that we'll have a short hospital stay. We also met the dentist and orthodontist, as Isaac's teeth may not follow a normal growth pattern due to the gap in his gum.

I'll be staying with Isaac throughout and Alex will be back and forth and seeing to Noah. I have faith in the surgeons, their reputation goes before them. However, I'm a little worried about him going under anaesthetic with him being so small.

He's doing very well and meeting the  usual milestones; smiling, holding up his own head and tracking you with his eyes across the room. He's a happy and contented soul and we've all fallen in love with him. It'll be strange after his operation, as we'll have to get used to his 'new' smile. We love his beautiful, big cleft smile and I think we'll miss it when it's gone! I never thought I'd say that when we received our diagnosis at our 20 week scan!

"Oh my God, she's got her boob out in the park!"

Feeding your child is a personal choice; I choose to breast feed. With my first child, we had many issues with feeding; latch issues, jaundice and illness, I ended up expressing my milk and bottle feeding for 14 months. Crazy to some; but this shows my dedication and reflects the way in which I value breast milk.

This time round, we weren't sure if baby would be able to latch due to his cleft lip. However, he surprised us all and he has been nursing like a champ! I'm so proud of him and will happily feed him; whenever, wherever!

Today, we've visited a local park and farm and I've encountered my first negative comment regarding feeding. Two women clearly shocked that, "some people still do THAT!" and stating, "Oh my God, she's got her boob out in the park!" These comments were not appreciated. I try not to judge people for bottle feeding formula, that's their choice as a parent. However, I don't appreciate being judged for breast feeding. There's often comments about breast feeders judging formula feeders, but I've actually encountered the reverse. It's not always an easy journey as a breast feeder, and in my opinion, they should be praised, not condescended or patronised!

Those people who know me personally will be very surprised to hear that I kept my cool and just shook my head at their ignorance (I've been told I'm a bit of a Hitler in my lack of patience with stupid people!) Yes, really I did! A witty retort didn't come to me quickly, instead I just continued to feed my son (perhaps a little more brazenly!)