MamaBabyBliss

08/11/2024

HAPPY CAPPUCCINO DAY ☕️

We have to confess that at MBB HQ we are big fans of a frothy cappuccino and as a sleep-deprived mama there’s nothing more tempting than a coffee to kickstart the day.

But if we’re breastfeeding or pregnant we might also be worrying about whether we should indulge in a cup of java and if so what is the impact on our babies?

So we’ve put together the guidance and also summarised the caffeine content of the most popular drinks:

BREASTFEEDING MAMAS
The NHS advises that if you’re breastfeeding you should limit your caffeine intake to about 300 mg per day. That’s equivalent to about 3 cups of instant coffee. The good news is that only a small amount of caffeine transfers to breast milk, and it's unlikely to affect most babies at that level. Of course, all babies are different so if you baby is restless or struggling to sleep then perhaps cut back on your caffeine intake to see if that makes a difference.

MAMAS-TO-BE
If you’re pregnant the NHS advice is that you should restrict your intake to 200mg as too much caffeine intake has been associated with low birth weight and miscarriage.

BUT HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
Here’s an approximate guide to the caffeine content in various drinks:
⭐️ Instant coffee (1 mug): 100 mg
⭐️ Filter coffee (1 mug): 140 mg
⭐️ Tea (1 mug): 75 mg
⭐️ Green tea (1 mug): 45mg
⭐️ Fizzy cola (1 can, 354 ml): 40 mg
⭐️ Energy drink (1 can, 250 ml): 80 mg

It’s worth noting that other products also contain caffeine. For example, 50g of chocolate has 50g of caffeine.

From the above, it’s reassuring to know that we can still safely enjoy our morning cappuccino but remember that we are all individuals and some people and may be more sensitive to others, so be guided by your responses.

Happy !

07/11/2024

TIPS TO HELP SOOTHE MASTITIS

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue and typically occurs when milk ducts become blocked or when bacteria enter the breast through a cracked ni**le.

The condition can be incredibly uncomfortable and symptoms can include breast pain, swelling, warmth, redness and may be accompanied by fever and flu-like symptoms.

Here are some ways that you can help soothe the symptoms:

🙌 Keep milk flowing by feeding or pumping as often as you can. Even if it’s uncomfortable, frequent emptying can help clear any blockages. Start on the affected breast to encourage complete emptying and to reduce engorgement.

🙌 Apply a warm compress to the breast before feeding or pumping to help open the milk ducts.
You can also gently massage from the outer breast toward the ni**le to encourage milk flow. It’s important to be gentle, as too vigorous a massage can worsen inflammation.

🙌 It can be exhausting trying to continue to breastfeed when you are in pain so it’s important to give yourself some extra TLC. Make sure to rest when possible, drink plenty of water and try to reduce stress. This will help your body to heal and fight off the infection.

If symptoms persist the make sure you contact your GP as you may need antibiotics to fight the infection.

04/11/2024

MAKE TIME FOR YOU TOO 💖 We are coming up to that busy time for year. In all the busyness of day to day life it can be hard to prioritise our own needs but it’s essential to make time for ourselves too.

As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup so this week start carving a little bit of time for yourself on a daily basis.

Whether it’s going out for a daily walk, increasing your water intake or enjoying and actually FINISHING that hot cup of tea, even the small things can make a big difference! ☕️🍂

So this week have a think about what habits you can create, that will enable you to be as kind and giving to yourself as you are to others 💖

01/11/2024

HELLO NOVEMBER! 🎆

Studies have shown that babies born in November have a unique tendency toward left-handedness. This feature is especially among boys.

Researchers think this phenomenon might relate to the seasonal influence on infant development. Some scientists speculate that prenatal exposure to seasonal light patterns and temperatures might impact brain hemisphere development, leading to a higher likelihood of left-handedness in those born in the late autumn or winter months.

Left-handed people often have distinct brain structures and wiring, which are sometimes linked to enhanced spatial abilities, creativity, and even artistic talent. Just some of the qualities that will make your November babies so unique!

31/10/2024

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 🎃

We’ve loved seeing all your little ones dressed in their Halloween outfits in this week’s classes!
If this is your first one with your baby, have a special and wonderful first Halloween! 👻
🎃

29/10/2024

MOTHER BLESSING 💞

We find this ritual just so beautiful. Often as we become mothers, we can be forgotten as the focus shifts almost completely to the baby.

But you absolutely deserve and should be CELEBRATED and honoured as you shift into your new role of becoming a Mother.

We just love how much there is to learn from other cultures and if you had a Mother Blessing for yourself or something similar, we’d love to hear from you 💞🙌

21/10/2024

WHAT IS MATRESCENCE?

Most of us would agree that when we become mothers it is transformational.

But just as there is a shift for when we move into adolescence, MATRESCENCE refers to the transformative phase and process of becoming a mother.

This shift can affect us physically, mentally and emotionally and these are
some the key aspects of how we may experience that shift:

💕 Physical and hormonal changes: Matrescence involves significant hormonal shifts, similar to adolescence, as the body adjusts to pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. These changes can impact our mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.

💕 Change in our identity:
Becoming a mother can mean us having to redefine our sense of self, as we learn to navigate our new roles, responsibilities and expectations as mothers. This shift can bring both joy and challenges as we reconcile our personal identity with the identity of being a mother

💕 Emotional and psychological changes: Matrescence is also a period of emotional growth, where we can experience new and at times conflicting emotions like joy, anxiety, insecurity, guilt and reward.

It's common to experience all of the above as we adapt to the unexpected demands of motherhood. So it’s important to give ourselves the time and to compassionate with ourselves as we move into this new chapter of life. 💕

18/10/2024

Nothing has the intensity and mixture of emotions that motherhood can bring.

Yes, it can be relentless and exhausting but is also deeply rewarding and nothing comes close to the intense love that we feel for our child. It’s visceral. It cuts to the core and makes all the difficult stuff worthwhile. 💜

15/10/2024

Always in our hearts and never forgotten 🤍🕯️

11/10/2024

TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️ BABY LOSS

IN MEMORY OF BABY PEYTON 🤍
This week is Baby Loss Awareness Week. Whilst we applaud this vital initiative, there are stories with real people and real experiences, which sadly happen all the time.

So today, to honour all of those babies who had to leave this earth too soon, we are sharing baby girl Peyton and her family’s story.

Peyton is the cherished daughter of Kelsey and Tom. Peyton was born on the 16th October, 2023 and sadly died 2 days later on the 18th October. Her death was unexpected and has left an indelible footprint in the hearts of those who held and loved in her all too short life.

Kelsey came to MamaBabyBliss founder, Justina’s pregnancy classes from 14 weeks pregnant. During that time, a close bond was forged between Kelsey, ‘baby bump’ Peyton, the other mamas in the class and of course, Justina. When Kelsey shared the news that Peyton had not survived a life-saving operation, everyone’s hearts bled with her and for Peyton and her whole family.

But nothing comes close to the suffering that Kelsey experienced and the hardest thing was knowing how to support her. The journey of loss and grief is a lonely one that can rarely be understood by those who have not experienced the intense loss of their child.

It isn’t just the loss of your baby but the tragic aftermath of arranging a baby’s funeral, re-living the experience of losing your child through visions and dreams. To suffer from PTSD is also not uncommon.

We asked Kelsey for advice on how to help support a bereaved parent:

* Don’t be afraid to check in with a mother to see how she is. Even if you can’t find the right words it helps to know that people care. Don’t expect a reply though and make it clear that one isn’t expected.

* Talk about the baby and call them by their name. Even though Peyton may no longer be with us, it is comforting to be able to talk about her and to keep her memory alive.

* Don’t expect to visit or see that person in public for a while. The world is full of painful triggers including other babies. Often the mother doesn’t even know what those triggers might be.

* Don’t say things like: “You can have another baby.” It isn’t about another baby. It’s about grieving the loss and love of THAT baby.

The grieving process takes time and is a wholly personal experience. We would like to thank Kelsey for sharing her story and we will cherish the memory of baby Peyton forever. 🤍

09/10/2024

There are no words adequate enough to provide the comfort needed if you’ve lost a baby.

Every person’s experience is deeply personal.
The grieving process is deeply personal.
The healing journey is deeply personal.

Yet, we know that many people and families go through the journey of losing a baby so simply put, we want you to know that you are not alone.

We care about you deeply and we hold you and your babies who had to leave this earth far too soon in our hearts and in our thoughts. Not just this week but always. 💜

07/10/2024

I love you like no other. Infinite and forever 🤍

❤️

04/10/2024

BENEFITS OF BABY YOGA ✨ As your baby grows we love helping foster their development.

Our baby yoga classes offer so many wonderful benefits to help build on their physical, mental and social milestones!

Some key benefits include:

✨ Promotes communication and bonding: The gentle movements, touch, singing and eye contact help to build early communication and connection with your baby.

✨ Supports your baby’s physical development: The gentle stretches and poses in baby yoga help enhance a baby’s motor skills, flexibility, and muscle strength, aiding in their overall physical development.

✨ Supports your baby’s brain development: In baby yoga we include fun movement that engages both sides of your baby’s body. These actions also engage both sides of your babies brain which helps with their neural (brain) development.

To find your nearest MamaBabyBliss class please visit the MamaBabyBliss Teacher’s Directory on the MamaBabyBliss website www.mamababybliss.com or via the link in the bio. ✨

02/10/2024

OCTOBER FUN FACT 🎃

We love this time of year as we move into the coziness of bedding down indoors and moving into the festive and fun time of year!
That includes Halloween 🎃 and we were intrigued to find out this fun fact!

Apparently birth rates can fluctuate based on symbolic or culturally significant dates.

🎃 For instance, a study published in Social Science & Medicine in 2011 analysed birth patterns around Halloween and Valentine's Day. It found that spontaneous birth rates decreased slightly on Halloween, while rates increased on Valentine's Day.

🎃 The researchers suggested that psychological associations (Halloween’s link to darkness and fear) may subconsciously affect labor onset or scheduling of deliveries, such as elective C-sections.

🎃 Is your due date or birthday on October 31st and would be be concerned about your baby arriving on that date? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

🍁

30/09/2024

AUTUMN HAS ARRIVED 🍁 🍂 We can definitely feel that the is season changing and shifting into Autumn.

🍁 With all of its rich colours, there is so much beauty around us and it is a powerful reminder of the gifts that Mother Nature bestows upon us.

✨ It is also just so with our ever changing mama-to-be body. So beautifully created by Mother Nature to house, nurture and grow this precious new life and tiny person within 🧡

27/09/2024

BABIES AND WHITE NOISE 🤍

Many parents use white noise machines or apps to help calm their babies or encourage them to sleep. But why and how does white noise work? Here are some key facts and benefits about white noise:

🤍 White noise mimics the womb environment: The womb is a surprisingly noisy place, with the sounds of the mother's heartbeat, blood flow, digestion, and other bodily functions. White noise can replicate this constant, familiar background noise, providing comfort and a sense of security for the baby.

🤍 White noise blocks out sudden external noises: Babies can be easily startled by sudden, loud noises. White noise acts as a buffer, drowning out these disruptions and helping to maintain a calm environment.

🤍 White noise engages the baby's attention: When a baby is crying due to overstimulation or frustration, white noise provides a consistent sound that can help redirect their focus and soothe them, similar to how adults find background noise calming.

🤍 White noise promotes sleep: White noise creates a steady, rhythmic sound that can help a baby fall asleep and stay asleep by reducing the chances of being woken up by household noises.

From washing machines to vacuuming, what sounds did you find helped your baby?

25/09/2024

PREGNANCY FUN FACT 💡

Pregnancy heightens your sense of smell due to increased oestrogen levels. It’s thought that this goes back to days when we had to hunt and gather for our food.

Our heightened sense of smell during pregnancy helped protect mothers from consuming harmful and toxic foods during early pregnancy.

Were there any smells you couldn’t stand during pregnancy? We’d love to hear them in the comments below!

23/09/2024

YOU ARE DOING BRILLIANTLY 👏 Never forget that there is no more important job than what you’re doing. Motherhood is unpredictable and each day is different. There are days when you may think that you are failing as a mother. But you’re not. This is the hardest job in the world and you are doing brilliantly 🤍

02/10/2018

Christmas Mini Photography Sessions
Two beautiful Christmas themed sets - ‘Winter Wonderland’ and ‘Waiting for Father Christmas’

Only £49
Including two high resolution digital images, one of each scene

Ideal for Christmas Cards or Grandparents' presents etc.

Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th October
(Half term week)

Fun filled 20 minute sessions

LIMITED AVAILABILITY - BOOK NOW

Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th October at Eckington Village Hall, Worcestershire WR10 3AU

Tuesday 30th October at Studley Sports Centre, Redditch B80 7BE

Click link for more information https://teenytotsphotography.co.uk/christmas-mini-sessions/

17/09/2018

❤️💛💚💙💜❤️💛💚💙💜❤️💛💚💙💜
A baby born after a miscarriage, or loss of a baby, is referred to as a Rainbow baby.
❤️💛💚💙💜❤️💛💚💙💜❤️💛💚💙💜
Today we remember all babies born sleeping, the ones we've carried but never met, those we've held but couldn't take home, the ones that came home but didn't stay.
❤️💛💚💙💜❤️💛💚💙💜❤️💛💚💙💜
Make this your status if you or someone you know has suffered the loss of a baby. The majority won't do it, because miscarriage, still birth and SIDs is still a taboo subject.
❤️💛💚💙💜❤️💛💚💙💜❤️💛💚💙💜
B R E A K T H E S I L E N C E.
❤️💛💚💙💜❤️💛💚💙💜❤️💛💚💙💜
In loving memory of all the angels too perfect for earth.
❤️💛💚💙💜❤️💛💚💙💜❤️💛💚💙💜
Hold finger down and copy and paste!
xx. ❤️❤️

15/09/2018

You are invited to the launch of this new Charity Incorporated Organisation called Positive Birthing and Beyond. As a charity our aim is: To promote and protect the good health and wellbeing of pregnant women, mothers and their families by offering support, information and guidance. From May 2018 Th...

13/09/2018

💙 Family day out 💙

03/09/2018

🌝 Holiday Time 🌝

Thank you for all your message and bookings, I'm running through them all and will be in touch pronto.

I'm currently otherwise engaged feeding chickens with Jude xx

02/09/2018

With the summer holidays coming to a close and the new month of September upon us, I'm gearing up for the new term of wonderful mamas and babies I'm are about to meet.

Here is my timetable of ever popular classes waiting just for you, see website for full details

💜 PregnancyBliss Stretch and Relax 💜
Tuesdays 8.00pm- 9.15pm
Solihull Sixth Form College

💜 BabyBiss Massage 💜
Fridays 1.00pm-2.15pm
St Teresa Church, Dorridge

💜 BabyBliss Yoga 💜
Wednesdays 11.00am- 12.15pm
APG Fitness Studio, Dickens Heath

💜 BabyBliss Yoga Advanced (for babies from 6 months) 💜
Fridays 10.00am- 11.15am
Shelly Farm Community Centre, Shirley

Please message us on here for further details or book online at
https://www.mamababybliss.com/classes/book-a-class/solihull/

Hi I’m Becky and I'm the MamaBabyBliss teacher for Solihull. I teach Pregnancy Yoga, Baby Yoga and Baby Massage classes. Book your place today.

01/09/2018

💗 I adore teaching Baby Massage 💗

This is gorgeous Mollie enjoying her back massage, and a great way to introduce tummy time x

Gotta love a bit of tummy time! It was our last session at baby massage this week. We had such a good time, I’m so glad we did the course. Would definitely recommend MamaBabyBliss 💗

28/08/2018

💗 Mamas, Bumps & Babies 💗

September courses are now live to book- reserve your place now!!

Join me for the beautiful PregnancyBliss, Baby Massage, Baby Yoga and Baby Yoga Advanced.

To reserve your place www.mamababybliss.com/Solihull

28/08/2018

💗 New class for September-Advanced Baby Yoga 💗

I'm so excited for the Advanced Yoga course starting in September aimed at babies over six months.

It is so much fun with lots of movement and singing to aid babies development, with gentle stretches for mama and close with some beautiful relaxation. It's a really sociable class, with time for a refreshment and catch up to share experiences.

Really hope you can join me on Friday mornings at Shelly Farm Community Centre.

To reserve your place- www.mamababybliss.com/Solihull

Becky x

24/08/2018

Doing pelvic floor exercises is really important when you’re pregnant and after birth.

Watch Clare Bamping, women’s health physiotherapist, explaining the pelvic floor muscles and a nice way of doing the exercises.

24/08/2018

Very excited and proud to share that MamaBabyBliss have won an award from the Heathrow Airport world of opportunity SME grants programme.

MamaBabyBliss has been awarded a grant to support our ambition to showcase our services and products at the ‘Best of British’ Trade Show in Shanghai this year. This is a significant win for us, as it gives recognition for our efforts to establish MamaBabyBliss as a global brand and carry out our mission to change the face of perinatal mental health and wellbeing.

https://www.mamababybliss.com/heathrow-airport-world-of-opportunity-programme/

For the second year, Heathrow Airport has partnered with the Department for International Trade ‘Exporting is GREAT’ Campaign to fund 20 SMEs’ exporting ambitions. We are thrilled to announce that MamaBabyBliss is among the 20 winners in this year’s programme. Heathrow’s World of Opportuni...

23/08/2018

💙 Happy 2nd birthday to my Jude 💙

You are my total inspiration at MamaBabyBliss, and the reason I retrained to work in this amazing venture.

Keep being your cheeky self and bring on the 2s!! xx

22/08/2018

If you are interested in HypnoBirthing make sure you attend Every Birth Matters - HypnoBirthing and Doula information session next week

HypnoBirthing Information Session

Tuesday 28th August
7pm to 9pm
Netherbrook Birth Unit - Solihull Hospital

If you would like to attend get in touch.
Katy@everybirthmatters.co.uk

21/08/2018

👶💗 Baby Classes for September 💗👶

I have now opened the bookings for September, reserve your space now!

Baby Yoga (from 8 weeks)
Wednesdays at 11am in Dickens Heath
£40 six week term

Baby Yoga Advance (from 6 months)
Fridays at 10am in Solihull
£40.00 six week term

Baby Massage
Fridays at 1pm in Dorridge
£50 six week term

To reserve your place- www.mamababybliss.com/Solihull

Or please message me for further info,
Becky x

20/08/2018

💗MamaBabyBliss Picnic 💗

Lovely catching up with moms from PregnancyBliss and meeting their babies, to those attending Baby Massage and Baby Yoga watching their little ones grow up.

Such a gorgeous bunch of moms and babies 💗

If you would like to join a Mamababybliss class in September, you can reserve your place online www.mamababybliss.com/Solihull

20/08/2018

Really interesting article for parents returning to work and looking at options.
Those who need to make the case for remote working to management may find this helpful.

Research from Stanford and other sources reveals that working from home vastly increases productivity.

17/08/2018

I needed to hear this today 🙋‍♀️

I know not everything you view online is as it seems, but sometimes it has a way of making you feel a failure 😢

From today, I'm going to do my best to stop comparing and find happiness living in my moment- who's with me?

17/08/2018

Current research has shown that staying upright during labor and birth can make labor shorter and giving birth easier, as well as increase safety for the mother and her baby by reducing the risks of complications during birth.
When the mother is in an upright position it can help the baby to be in the best (easiest) position for birth, making more space within her pelvis than if she is semi-sitting or lying on her back on a bed.

16/08/2018

💗 Super Grateful for Facebook Reviews 💗

As a small business your feedback and reviews mean everything to me.

If you have attended PregnancyBliss, Baby Massage or Baby Yoga I would be so grateful if you could spare 5 mins to write a Facebook review.

Thank you,
Becky x

15/08/2018

👶 Are you part of an NCT, Antenatal or Baby Friendship Group? 👶

I can offer discounts for groups of 5 or over of 25% when booking a baby course together.
Or why not organise private group sessions with days, time and location to suit the entire group.

Please message me about bringing your group to baby massage or baby/ toddler yoga this September.

Rebecca.martin@mamababybliss.com
07840613300

Becky x

15/08/2018

🐵 I think this mama monkey has been to a MamaBabyBliss baby yoga class! Reminds me of our flying babies move we do in class 🐵

A video has emerged showing the magical moment between an adult and an infant chimp, in which the pair appear to be playing airplane

14/08/2018