Gifts for Mother-to-Be

The other day I found some old diaries I had written pre kids, I’d kept track of both my pregnancies and whilst I want to sugar coat them I can’t. My diary is proof that I yelled at M&S staff for not stocking pink grapefruit and cried when I dropped my Nobbly Bobbly ice-lolly.  Alongside a need to constantly spit, all day sickness, sciatica and postnatal depression, it’s safe to say I never bloomed.   

So this week, after finding myself oddly broody (a short-lived feeling and more to do with just wanting to relax on my rocking chair), I decided to research the latest products and gifts safe to use in pregnancy.  Here’s my pick of the best, but remember if in doubt always check with your GP.

Image I Ormedic Peel, £65 The Skin Clinic, Brentwood Tel: 01277 214827

One of the most common ailments in pregnancy is to develop pigmentation.  It’s caused by a change in hormones, which results in overproduction of melanin, that in turn causes dark patches to appear on the skin.

Image I Skincare has developed the Ormedic Lift. This facial is similar to a chemical peel, but uses natural fruit exfoliators to remove dead skin cells.  The ingredients, papaya and pineapple may sound like a tropical smoothie but they help brighten a dull skin tone.  The peel also contains Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate, Stem Cell to repair, Vitamin C to brighten and Kojic Acid to lighten.  It’s suitable for all skin types especially sensitive and is safe to use in pregnancy. However, you must tell the Skin Clinic if you’re pregnant, as they will eliminate the ingredient Retinol, which can’t be used in pregnancy.  I had it done and loved the immediate results of a brighter, clearer skin.

Secret Saviours Kit £69.95 www.secretsaviours.com

This kit has been proven to prevent stretch marks in pregnancy with over 90% of respondents giving it their thumbs up. It contains a pioneering support band, that is made up of soft bubble pads to grip the skin, this spreads the strain of the baby bump and disrupts the stress where stretch marks would form, thus preventing the skin from tearing.  Used in conjunction with the Day Gel (that help give the pads extra grip) and a night cream to moisturise, it’s your best bet in preventing those pesky red lines from appearing. 

Belly Bandit £69.95 Mothercare

This belly wrap is to be used after pregnancy as it supports the body with posture during breastfeeding.  It also aids in strengthening and supporting ligaments that have become softened during childbirth, as a result of the natural hormone Relaxin.  Used regularly it will strengthen and aid in alignment of the pelvic region.

Chocolate Hamper & Cheese Hamper prices from £30 www.appleyardflowers.com

Attention always goes to the newborn, yet it’s the mum who deserves to be spoilt.  For a beautiful ‘mummy-to-be’ treat, the hampers from Apple Yard Flowers, London are ideal.   A huge variety of choices, my personal favourite is the Chocolate Hamper, filled to the brim with chocolate fudge, drinking chocolate nibs and chocolate butter bites.  If the recipient as a savoury tooth then the Cheese Hamper contains some luxury cheese, biscuits and most importantly wine.  The hampers can be delivered straight to her door and best of all, the beautiful wicker baskets can be used after to store baby essentials.

Naturally Gorgeous Natural Remedy Kit £19.50 www.aaskincare.co.uk

This beautiful gift contains healing lotions to help after pregnancy. Products include Lavender Calming Gel ideal for when baby’s crying gets too much, Arnica Gel to help heal bruising and natural antiseptic Tea Tree Gel to help with healing and avoid infections.

Re-Gen Oil / Re-Gen Cream £7.99 ASDA

This product line is specifically for stretch marks, scars, dry skin and contains the active ingredient PCL Liquid (recreation of the preen gland oil of ducks!) Alongside Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Calendula Oil and Lavender Oil, which improves the condition of scar tissue and pigmentation but specifically stretch marks caused by weight loss/pregnancy.

Aveda Light the Way Limited Edition Candle £16 salons nationwide

Ginger is a known antidote for easing sickness and this limited edition contains organic ginger oil from India. Not only does it smell amazing but also 100% of the profits will go to aid Global Greengrants in providing drinking water for 6 months for a family of 6.

Oskia Renaissance BrightLight Serum £85 Renaissance 360 Anti-Ageing & Brightening Supreme Cream £65 www.oskiaskincare.com

Oskia Renaissance range is targeted specifically for hyperpigmentation. Both products address dark patches, fine lines and tired, dull looking skin and contain a huge host of active ingredients specifically for these issues. Most importantly the products are safe to use during pregnancy and suitable for all skin types. It’s also worth mentioning that SPFs are not added to these products, something I wholeheartedly agree on, as it encourages the wearer to reapply SPF regularly and not rely on as an added ingredient.

Baby Blooms Gift Set prices from www.babyblooms.co.uk

Beautifully packaged and delivered to your front door, are these pampering inspired products for mum to be and baby.  Immerse yourself in a bath full of warm, calming bubbles, whilst focusing tired eyes on the flickering relaxation candle.  Relieve tired, heavy legs with the cooling leg and foot gel and nourish itchy, dry skin with the deep conditioning body balm. 

For beauty/lifestyle queries email Molly at www.askmollybeauty.com