I want to be a Portland Mummy.....

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege and pleasure to be invited up to The Portland Hospital, London to have a look at the perks of giving birth in a private hospital.

To be quite honest, I didn't really know what to expect. I knew it wasn't going to be anything like an NHS hospital, that's for sure, but i did wonder if it would be a little pretentious and snooty, and that if i walked in through the front door in my sunnies i could be papped.....unfortunately there were no paparazzi (damn it!) and it was neither pretentious or snooty!
Greeted with a steaming hot cup of coffee and a muffin - which my dear followers, I kindly declined...DUKAN DIET STILL GOING STRONG I HAVE YOU KNOW! - we sat down to listen to Dr Elia Maalouf, Consultant in General Paediatrics and Neonatal Medicine. He went into a little detail about the other services the Portland provide other than maternal and postnatal care:

• Neonatal Intensive Care
• General Paediatrics
• Paediatric Gastroenterology
• ENT
• Paediatric Psychiatry & Psychology 
• Out of Office ' Doc Around The Clock' - Consultant Paediatrician available 9am-9pm Mon-Fri and 10am-2pm Sat.

They also provide physiotherapy for both woman and child, Radiology and MRI with radiologists from Great Ormand St, Play Therapy which is used to help a child learn about a forthcoming operation so a teddy is used with bandages and pretend cannula's and many more!!!

The reassuring aspect to antenatal care is that you know your baby will be in safe hands, if anything were to happen. They have a resident 24hr doctor who will also attend delivery especially if an emergency c-sec is needed and they also have 1 nurse per baby. All doctors at The Portland also work at NHS hospitals so they don't get de-skilled, as we all know how crazy NHS hospitals can be and see all sorts of special cases.

What I found most shocking is that the NHS or should I really say government, refuse to give the chicken pox vaccine as it is felt it is not really required, but c'mon....i think money probably has something to do with it. Catching chicken pox whilst pregnant or even an elderly person can be life threatening, so I am not quite sure how this is deemed not 'required'. Anyway....The Portland do the vaccine (naturally!)

We then had a presentation by Midwife Stella and Midwife Sian. Both absolutely delightful ladies, and within seconds its easy to see why ladies feel at complete ease whilst attending The Portland for their antenatal care. I will bullet point the most important aspects of why midwifery-led care is highly ranked at The Portland:

• A team of 6 dedicated midwives who provide continuity of care, compassion, support and clinical expertise throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period.
• Antenatal care and classes for all women and labour & delivery care for established mothers.
• 24 hr access to advice and support
• Active birth workshops and Hypnobirthing training

What i love the most about the midwifery care at The Portland? They want to 'empower' women! I love that word. EMPOWER. Women can finally take control of their own pregnancy and birth. They individualise the woman's care and proactively support their choices. Girl Power eat your heart out.
But it wasn't until I read this, that things started to hit home:


"Women who have had an unsatisfactory or traumatic birth experience in the past, often book with us for subsequent pregnancies. Our aim is to provide a positive and holistic birth experience and to empower our women with choice and support".

I could honestly feel my eyes welling up. Just thinking back to my birth, well more my after care, I just wish I had the opportunity to receive such care. Yes the NHS is free of charge. Yes the NHS are incredibly busy AND do a grand job, BUT my aftercare was shocking. The one time in my life I feel I needed someone, actually really needed someone, and of course James and my wonderful friends and family were incredible, but went the clock struck 9pm.......we were dependent on the midwifery team. On my first night, hours after giving birth, saying good bye to James, i was very scared and emotional. And I was completely ignored!

I would of given my arm to have transferred to The Portland if someone (very wealthy) had offered!

We were then given a tour of the hospital.....and all I could say was WOW, WOW, WOW!

From the beautiful suites - ones with single beds, plasma TVs, ensuite bathroom complete with Molton Brown gift set, mini fridge complete with champagne and family suite which has their own bathroom and sofa bed. OR you can opt for the double bed suite. So yes that means Daddy can stay! OR the deluxe suite, which is basically like a holiday apartment....incredible huh?!
We then made our way up the Delivery Ward. Waiting for the escalator doors to open, I anticipated the hustle and bustle of a labour ward, but you could actually see the tumbleweed bouncing about.
'Oh, are there not many ladies in then?' i asked Stella.
'Yes, every lady has there own team with them in the room'.

After viewing the rest of the hospital, including the midwifery rooms which are spacious and beautifully decorated, we then headed for our 3 course lunch complete with champers (sorry, Dukan Diet!) and off we went with our fabulous goodie bag.

On the train back, i was brainstorming. How to get rich? How to get really really rich so that when baby number 2 comes along ( I am slowly twisting James arm, slowly) I too can be treated how every woman should be at the most important time of her life.

And as a little taster.....

THE MENU


Starter:
Hummus with marinated tomatoes
Poached fruit

Main Course:
Roast Sirloin of Beef Salad
Poached Salmon Salad
Meatballs with Pappardelle

Dessert:
Banofee Pie
Cheese and Biscuits

CHILDREN'S MENU

Cheese and Tomato Pizza
Mini Fish Cakes with Tomato Ketchup
Grilled Plaice
Penne Pasta with Pesto Sauce

This is merely a snippet!!


Now for the not so tasty part (well for me anyway!) The Portland Prices:

Midwife Led Care

From 12th Week of Pregnancy: £9,250.00
From 20th Week of Pregnancy: £8,250.00
From 30th Week of Pregnancy: £7,250.00

So, to sum it up: In order to receive the best possible antenatal, postnatal, child health care and woman health care, you need money, but in my opinion...health should always come first!

Thank you The Portland Hospital for a wonderful day!

Manhattan Toys - REVIEW

7 years ago my beautiful niece Erin, had a little toy called a Whoozit. She loved it, and the Whoozit is a fond memory of when Holly first became Auntie Holly.

Now Auntie Holly has become mummy, I desperately searched for a Whoozit...which I found in shopping paradise AKA John Lewis. But being in contact with a lovely chap from Manhattan Toys, has opened my eyes to all the other wonderful toys they produce.

They sent me a lovely (big) parcel with some Manhattan Toy goodies for Miss Molly to try. After tearing her away from her best friend Mr Whoozit, she certainly took a liking to these new little goodies in her life.

Molly's new playmates:

Whoozit Wrist Activity Spiral











My Snuggly Patches - Blankie

Wimmer Ferguson Sight & Sounds Travel Toy

Classic Baby Beads











See? LOTS of goodies!!

Molly adores the Whoozit Wrist Activity Spiral and I have to laugh when i put it on her as her face is a picture. 'Mummy what is this strange thing on my wrist? I don't know what it is, but I kinda like it'. This is incredibly handy as Molly is of the age where she is becoming incredibly active but not yet able to sit up, so laying down this keeps her entertained without the annoyance of her dropping it and unable to pick back up!

The Panda Snuggly Patches came in extra handy when it was nap time in the morning after breakfast! Molly loves soft toys against her face when she sleeps and as soon as dummy and Snuggly Patches were in place, she was out for the count!

The Wimmer Ferguson Sight & Sound Travel toy also keeps her incredibly entertained. It's great as it has lots of different textures, and her favourite noise....something that squeaks! I usually pop this on her car seat and it has a Velcro tie on so can hang, although once we have arrived at the destination, the toy has been pulled off and is playing with it or trying to eat every part of it!!

Molly has also played with the Classic Baby Beads, although for now I am holding onto them as she can't quite get the grip of them and just hits herself over the head with them. So I am holding them hostage and as soon as I feel she no longer beats herself up with them, i will let you know how we get on with them!

Stay posted for some more future Manhattan Toy goodies!

http://www.manhattantoy.com/?site=EU
Facebook Page
Twitter

Baby Luxe - Bonnie Baby

A few months ago flicking through my fave 'Molly' mag called Baby Hampshire, an advert for a designer baby clothing company caught my eye. Bonnie Baby. As soon as I caught sight of the advert, it was only a matter of minutes before I was on their website picking out everything and adding to the basket.....I wish!

Bonnie Baby offer a unique and stylish wardrobe for your special little bundle. Not only are the clothes made with care and gorgeous fabrics, they are also timeless little classics. Traditional yet on trend!
Its no wonder they won the Designer Baby Fashion award at the Junior Design Awards 2011.

So I was thrilled when the gorgeous ladies at Bonnie Baby sent me a little package (when I say 'me' I really mean 'Molly' but lets face it I really mean 'me'!)
Not only that but it was packaged so so beautifully - In a special Bonnie Baby box with a handwritten card and a Bonnie Baby hanger, along with their catalogue, which again I have picked out everything from there too!
I couldn't wait to try the clothes on my Moo Moo's and she looked adorable! Take a look:

                                                          I love their trademark apple!

                                                         

                                                          Rib cardigan with silk buttons

It's easy to see why Bonnie Baby is also the celeb choice of clothing for their children. Jools Oliver, Crown Prince Christian of Denmark and Gwyneth Paltrow are all fans. Who knows...maybe Harper Seven Beckham may be their next little fan!

The clothing is so scrummy that I am going to look at their new bits and bobs and also their FAB sale!

                                   Thank you Bonnie Baby for making my baby look bonnie!



www.bonniebaby.co.uk
www.facebook.com/pages/Bonnie-Baby-Ltd/107518432320

*** Bio Oil and Buggython Comp ***

Bio-Oil are launching the first ever Buggython in the UK at Battersea Park in South-West London on 13th July. Buggython hope to raise valuable funds for the British Skin Foundation and help support vital research into children's skin health.

What a fun day for you and your children -  not only are you getting in the exercise, kids are getting fresh air and fun and every participate will receive a free Bio-Oil goodie bag worth £15 but above all, it's for a FANTASTIC cause.

Bio‑Oil is a specialist skincare oil that helps improve the appearance of

• scars 
• stretch marks  
• uneven skin tone

It is also effective for aging and dehydrated skin. Bio‑Oil has won 69 skincare awards and has become the No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product in 11 countries since its global rollout began in 2002.

Visit the British Skin Foundation here.

Find out more about Bio-Oil here


NOT ONLY THAT........

I have a FAB competition for all you ladies OR men who love looking after their skin.

The winner will recieve a free 60ml bottle of Bio-Oil worth £8.95 - which trust me, goes a long way! I used Bio-Oil every day whilst pregnant and the bottle last me right up until birth.

All you have to do is 'Like' the Buggython Facebook page and follow my blog - Google, Networked Blogs or Bloglovin'.

For an extra entry you can follow me on Twitter and 'Like' my Facebook page.

Competition finishes on 12th July 2011.

Good Luck!

BOON!

Scouring the Internet, it's always the funky, innovative looking products which catch my eye, and BOON is up there with the best!
AND.....not only that, its completely affordable. From feeding products, bath toys, toy tidy's to highchairs, Boon is a market leading brand with parents at the forefront of their designs.

So receiving my parcel courtesy of Boon couldn't of come at a better time - I had just started weaning Molly, so I used the first product which was suitable for Molly's age.

Introducing.......THE SQUIRT!

One word to describe Squirt: Genius.

It's an easy to fill bulb which you can pop up to 85gm of baby food in and attach the spoon onto the end. The simply squeeze the bulb and the food smoothly comes through the hole. You can then pop the protective cover on over the spoon for in-between feeds.

I cannot stress enough about how easy this product makes feeding. Everything seemed cleaner, especially as Molly is not in a highchair yet and it meant i had a free hand. Stress-free feeding is always welcome in my household.

The Squirt is priced at £8.99 and available at BOON and make sure you visit their FACEBOOK and TWITTER page and like for updates, comps and loads more!

Stay posted as I have some fabulous Boon products waiting to be reviewed but need to hang on until the 'Moo Moo's' is a wee bit older!

The Dukan Diet Diaries

Remember my little weight issue I seem to have bored you to tears with? Well I'm back but this time I have a plan of action.
I have decided once and for all, enough is enough. No more moaning about how big my bum looks, how none of my clothes fit and time to start acting. So 3 words: THE.DUKAN.DIET

A celeb trending diet endorsed by J-LO and The Middleton's (I want Pippa's backside please!) and a diet i a league of its own.
So is it a diet of starvation or just shakes? NO. YIPPEE! Basically there are 3 phases to the diet. Phase 1: Attack. Phase 2: Cruise. Phase 3: Consolidation.
Attack is a pure protein diet lasting between 1-10 days and you can eat as much as you like in the form of fish, some meats, some poultry, eggs, oat bran, natural yoghurt's, prawns and crab sticks, plenty of water and if your craving sugar, a diet coke!
Cruise will alternate between only vegetables or only protein.
Consolidation is same as above but adding cheese, bread and fruit.
After that, you are advised to follow the diet one day a week for the rest of your life......whoa!!!

Whats great is that it is incredibly personalised - if you opt for online help then you will have a programme emailed to you every day with recipe ideas and progress reports and exercises to follow. You also need to fill in your stats every day and this is analysed by one the Dukan bods.

So Day 1 over (yesterday) and how did I get on? Well I struggled as I have an incredibly sweet tooth and plus the added factor I am no Nigella, it is hard going but the way I see it...not only do I get to achieve my target weight but also learn how to cook.

I have 4 days of attack, which means I will lose up to about 7 pounds in that time but slowing it down by adding veg.
So i am going to be really brave now and admit my 'before' weight, just so you can all track my progress (I now feel under incredible amounts of pressure!)

Start weight: 10 st 8 lbs

After day 1 of attack: 10 st 5 1/2


This is not going to be easy but it seems like the best diet out there where you actually receive support and a period of real phasing in to a normal diet again without piling the pounds on again.

Pippa Middleton's backside.....watch this space!

The Dukan Diet

Hola Mi Amigos.....HELP DORA HELP!

Dora The Explorer on Nick Jr, aids learning through exploration and investigation and will also speak key words in Spanish. So while your child is engrossed in, what seems from the outskirts, a fun cartoon, they are learning and absorbing a lot of information.

But now Dora needs your help!

Dora would like to bring her explorations to life and in your children's Pre-school or nursery.

The Help Dora Help team have created an activity pack which will guide and support your pre-schoolers development and provide fun, stimulating and motivational learning opportunities.

By submitting your nursery/pre-school for the initiative, they will receive a free pack containing:

• Six curriculum linked session plans, giving children the chance to use their imaginations, solve problems and practice their sense of physical adventure.
• A comprehensive Practitioner's Guide  including a Help Dora Help Award Fund application activity and full details of the submission criteria (see details below)
• Exclusive reward stickers and much more!

HELP DORA HELP AWARD FUND

The pre-school/nursery can also apply for the chance to receive one main award of up to £20,000 and runners up prizes of learning equipment to help the children learn and explore - just like Dora!

The pre-school/nursery can use the award to:

• kit out their school with new games and toys
• provide and install new outdoor equipment
• build a play area

Entries for the award fund need to be received by the 22nd July 2011. The entries will then be shortlisted to five finalists (who will be approached to take part in filming a Help Dora Help clip to be aired on the Nick Jr channel and website) by their judging panel including a representative of one of The Princes Foundation for Children and the Arts - to which this initiative is supported by and Helena Dowling, presenter of Nick Jr.'s Wake Up World.
The winner will be picked by you, viewers of Nick Jr.