Many of our regular blog followers will know that I began to suffer with SPD during my pregnancy and by 30 weeks I was having physio once a week and regular Reiki treatments to try and manage the pain. I couldnt lie on my back and knew that I wouldnt be able to lie on a hospital bed and give birth in the same way I did with my first daughter. Having met Lee from Amazing Births at networking events I co-ordinate, I booked for my partner and I to go on the hypnobirthing course with her. Lee sent me the book beforehand and the whole premise of hypnobirthing just made total sense to me. We did the 4 week course and by the end of it, my lovely other half was even more enthused than I was!

 

This is my very personal birth story ....
 
At 38 weeks, when I woke at 2am with discomfort in my lower back, I suspected that this was the start of our daughters arrival, I began breathing in the way we had been taught in the classes. I sat on my birthing ball and breathed through the surges, confident that it would be some time before we needed to call the midwives, however baby had other ideas and by 3am the surges were coming faster and stronger. My other half  went to inflate the birthing pool and call my mom and the midwife but typically no one answered! Eventually mom called back and was on her way over, incase my daughter awoke whilst I was in labour. By 3.30am my waters had broken and the midwives had rang to say that they were on their way, however I told them that so was the baby and I could feel her moving down.
 
All the time this was happening, I was in a completely relaxed state, concentrating on my breathing, listening to my hypnobirthing affimations on the CD and watching my poor other half still trying to sort out the birthing pool!! My mum is still in awe of how relaxed we both were and instead of having any medical intervention and hospital staff telling me when I was dialated and needed to push, I could just feel baby moving downwards with each surge. I suddenly felt her head bearing down and two surges later, she was delivered into Andrew's arms. The midwives arrived 20 minutes after baby did!
 
The whole experience was completely natural, relaxed and totally amazing. Our little princess arrived within 2 hours of me waking up, without any drugs, midwife or medical intervention. There were times that I doubted my ability to completely relax but our amazing birth is a testament to the power of hypnobirthing. It is a gift to any woman to be able to give birth on her terms and at her pace and this was a truly unique and unforgetable experience.

As most people now know, we have a new addition on the Lilypad and this little bundle of joy also comes with a large bundle of additional accessories! We were therefore delighted to be asked to review the "Layla" Changing Bag by Minene.

 

 

The sales "blurb" says:

There are 3 external thermal pockets, a stylish matching padded changing mat and insulated thermal bottle holder. The innovative design of the bag enables it to be worn in 3 different styles to suit your needs; it can be carried as a backpack, a shoulder bag or attached to any pushchair using the straps provided

We were therefore keen to try it out and with our little lady arriving 10 days early, it appeared that so was she!

 

With my first daughter, I have to admit to buying the bag that matched the pushchair which was more a fashion statement than a practical solution but with the Minene Layla bag, I get the best of both worlds.

 

Its stylish, not oversized but with the different sections and compartments that you can add and take away as you need to, it is completely practical and well thought out too!

 

I am someone who loves accessories and especially bags, so the changing dilemma and outfit co-ordination is always a tough decision but with the Layla bag being available in a variety of different colours, there is one to suit every taste!

 

The bag even gets the approval of Mr Lilypad. In his words, "its not too girly" and he feels confident in taking it out with or without me. (although maybe not quite with or without baby .... I dont think we have reached the man bag stage just yet).

 

So that the other little one on the Lilypad wasnt left out, Minene kindly sent their Ladybird "Child Bag" for the 6 year old to "test". 

Minene say:

 

"The minene animal themed backpacks are bright, fun and practical. Made from a lightweight, durable, wipe able material on the outside and a soft cotton lining on the inside, this bag is completely child friendly. These animal backpacks are great fun and are perfect for school or nursery bags for young children"

 

You can tell that the Minene range of products have been designed by parents with parents in mind. This is the Little Lilypad Co ethos and we have no hesitation in recommending Minene to our fans, followers, subscribers .... in fact anyone who will care to listen.

 

Minene products are well made, stylish, affordable and above all, totally gorgeous! Go and see for yourself! http://www.minene.co.uk

 

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.... we sometimes tell you great news about new products, or reviews or just the life of a working mum but this morning we had the greatest gift of all and this one is definately not going on the Lilypad!

 

I am delighted to share that I gave birth to another beautiful daughter this morning, at home. With the help of the "training" from the fantastic Lee at Amazing Births, it was all done and dusted within 2 hours - even before the midwives arrived.

 

So this working mum will be working on enjoying being exclusively mum for a while, the Lilypad will still be open for business but we maybe a little quieter than usual.

 

What a way to start September? With the Gurgle Awards on Thursday of this week, I will unfortunately be unable to go to the event but would still love your vote - although I may actually fall off the Lilypad with a splash if we were lucky enough get two lots of exciting news this week!

 

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MS7M82K

 

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