Antenatal Classes Spalding, Pregnancy Photoshoot, pregnancy tips
As a new parent-to-be, joining an antenatal class in Spalding can be an excellent way to prepare for the arrival of your baby. If you are expecting your first baby, an antenatal class is the ideal way to learn vital information you may need for pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for your baby once they are born.
Antenatal classes vary from class to class, however, they are usually taught by a trained childbirth professional or an experienced midwife. Expectant mothers can learn about what to expect during their pregnancy and how to recognise the signs of labour and how to create a positive birth experience.
Hypnobirthing is a popular antenatal class to take to help expectant mothers learn relaxation techniques that are useful during pregnancy and can prepare mothers-to-be during childbirth. Other pregnancy classes include pregnancy yoga and mums-to-be can also enlist the help of experienced doulas to help them through pregnancy and childbirth.
Antenatal classes are also a great way to meet other parents in your area who are expecting a baby at the same time as you. Making connections with other parents can greatly help when your baby arrives to support you into parenthood.
To help you find the ideal antenatal class we have compiled a list of the five best antenatal and pregnancy classes available in the Spalding, and Lincolnshire area.
inHale is run by Hayley Cockayne, who is a fully qualified Perinatal educator, and offers antenatal support classes to expectant mothers in the East Midlands. inHale offers a selection of classes and courses aimed at expectant parents including pregnancy relaxation classes and full antenatal courses.
The inHale Birth to Baby Antenatal course is comprehensive and includes 15 hours of teaching, spread over six sessions. The classes aim to inform expectant parents of their options when it comes to giving birth and provide full information about pain relief, breathing techniques, relaxation and birth hypnosis, and postnatal recovery and self-care.
The Birth to Baby Antenatal class takes place in Hayley’s home based in Upper Saxondale, Nottinghamshire, and also goes into great detail about how to care for your baby during the first few weeks postnatal.
Unique Births offers new parents a range of exciting antenatal and parenting classes in the Market Deeping area. Classes on offer include a free pregnancy club, group antenatal classes, private one-to-one antenatal courses, pregnancy relaxation classes, and online hypnobirthing courses.
Unique Births Antenatal courses are taught by fully trained and experienced teachers and have a modern approach. The course covers valuable birth prep information and helps to create your birth plan and a plan for feeding your baby postnatally. The course includes a focus on feeding your baby and there is also time built in to socialise with other expectant parents in the group.
Unique Births also offers a Paediatric First Aid course, which covers children from newborn to 18 years old, and a Pregnancy Relaxation class. The Pregnancy Relaxation class, taught over four weeks, teaches expectant mothers how to relax and sleep better and helps prepare mothers for birth.
Tilly Birth and Baby is run by Tilly McGill, a mother of two and an experienced birthing coach, offering classes in Lincoln, Hykeham, and the surrounding areas.
Parent classes with Tilly incorporate traditional antenatal course information, active birth, and hypnobirthing to create a comprehensive antenatal class to aid women. The course included 15 hours of learning and birth prep to help expectant parents prepare for childbirth and caring for their babies.
The course covers birth plans, massage in labour, what to pack in your hospital bag, and tips on feeding your baby. Tilly also offers private antenatal classes if group settings do not appeal and a weekly baby massage class for tiny babies between 6 weeks and 5 months.
Active Nurther is run by Carly, a mother and a qualified pre and postnatal exercise specialist and yoga teacher. Carly offers yoga and exercise classes for mums-to-be online. Classes are offered in a group setting or on a one-to-one basis and can be completed from the comfort of your own home.
Pregnancy yoga classes with Carly include Yoga for mums and mums-to-be, Yoga with a Birth Ball which helps expectant mothers to reduce pain and promote active labour, and Nurturing Bumps, a class aimed at supporting women during their pregnancy through exercise over 7 weeks.
All of Carly’s classes are very affordable and cost under £10 per session. Carly aims to help women feel confident and comfortable in their pregnancy and is available to talk through course options with anyone thinking about taking a pregnancy yoga class.
Laura Jane is a mother experienced parent and birthing coach. Laura Jane offers doula services, hypnobirthing classes, and NCT antenatal classes in the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire area.
Birth Doula services include one-to-one support for mothers and couples through pregnancy, labour, and the weeks of caring for their baby. Laura Jane can help couples to navigate the NHS birth services and help communicate the needs of mothers during labour and birth. Laura Jane’s doula services include three antenatal support meetings to discuss birth preferences and techniques, and continuous support through labour and postnatal care.
Laura Jane also offers hypnobirthing
sessions in group settings or private one-to-one meetings. The hypnobirthing sessions include 15 hours of teaching and cover relaxation techniques. Laura Jane also offers caesarean support and a tailored hypnobirthing workshop specifically for this type of birth.
NCT antenatal course runny Laura Jane offers group sessions to teach expectant parents about labour, birth, and early parenting. These sessions follow the NCT course content and include birth prep, breathing exercises different labour options, and perinatal mental health support.
Counting Down The Days?
Don’t forget to check out Pregnancy Photoshoot and Newborn Photoshoot at our Specialist Photography Studio in Spalding. We look forward to welcoming you!
Mummy and Me, Newborn Photography, Pregnancy Photoshoot, pregnancy tips
Looking for some tips to keep your baby safe in Summer? You’re in the right place!
When it comes to the summer sun the last thing you want is a hot and bothered baby, however keeping them cool can be tricky. Persuading a baby or toddler to keep their hat on is a never-ending battle and you can get lost trying to figure out which of the many sun creams you should use.
In this guide, we will give you some excellent tips for keeping your baby cool when the temperatures soar. From avoiding sunburn to picking the best suncream we will cover the basics so you are ready for that high summer heat.
Avoiding sunburn and heatstroke
Regardless of your baby’s age, if the temperatures are high it’s best to avoid being outside, especially during the hottest parts of the day between 11 am to 3 pm. Remember babies under the age of 6 months have very sensitive skin and should be kept out of direct intense sunlight.
Seek the shade
If you can not avoid the midday sun, then seek the shade whenever possible. Walk on the shadier side of the street and take shelter during the midday sun. If you are out and about take a break at a nearby cafe or restaurant, especially if it has air conditioning. Shopping centres, local libraries, and art galleries are also great places to hide from the sun with babies.
Drink plenty of water
To help avoid heat stroke make sure your baby stays hydrated.
- If your baby is under 6 months and you are breastfeeding you may need to offer them feeds more often. Your breastmilk should contain all the water they need and will adapt to quench their thirst.
- For bottle-fed babies, you can offer your child a small drink of cooled boiled water after they have been fed.
- For babies that are weaning, you can offer them a drink of water with their food.
- Babies over the age of 12 months should be offered cool water as a regular drink more often during the hot summer months.
Keep your baby safe in Summer: Cover up in the sun
Even when it’s hot you can still protect your baby’s delicate skin by dressing them in loose breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen. Choose outfits that have long loose sleeves to cover their arms or layer with a lightweight cardigan so their skin is not in direct sunlight.
Don’t forget their sunhats, which you can buy with under-the-chin straps to help prevent the battle to keep the sunhat on. You can also help to protect your baby’s eyes with baby-sized sunglasses that meet the British Standard for UV protection and have the CE mark on their label.
If you are spending the day at the beach, invest in an all-in-one swimsuit that covers your baby’s arms and legs. This will help keep them protected from the sun even on the beach. Many baby swimsuits include high SPF protection too, although you should always double up with suncream to be safe.
Try to avoid the temptation to cover your pram with a muslin or blanket. Even if it shades them from the sun, it can dramatically raise the temperature inside the pram and increase the risk of heatstroke. Instead, use a flexible sun parasol that fits onto your pram or buy a specific sun shade that has been designed to be well-ventilated.
Always wear your suncream
There are many different suncreams available and the one you choose will depend on your baby’s age and skin sensitivity. Although suncream alone will not protect your baby from sun damage it can prevent them from burning. Remember to apply suncream to your baby half an hour before they are going to be in the sun and choose your suncream wisely.
Pick a high SPF such as SPF 50 and make sure that the suncream includes a high UVA and UVB protection score. Many well-known brands have suncream designed specifically for children with fewer chemicals that irritate their skin. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo is a great choice for sensitive baby and toddler skin. You can also buy mineral-based sunscreens such as Aveeno Baby Zinc Oxide suncream that is kinder to your baby’s skin.
Suncream will need to be reapplied throughout the day, especially if they are playing in the water or going swimming. Make sure to reapply suncream as soon as they are out of the water or choose a waterproof suncream with a high SPF.
Additional summer sun ideas
Summer Sun Advice: Tips to Keep Baby Safe in Summer
Accessories such as pram fans and a cool bath, before they go to bed, can help them cope with high summer temperatures. Keep your baby’s room cool by keeping the blinds closed during the day and purchase a room thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature.
Final thoughts on keeping baby safe in summer
By following all these tips you will be able to have a fun and enjoyable summer while also staying sun safe. It is worth remembering that young babies are unable to regulate their own temperature until they are around three months, so you should limit the time they are exposed to the sun or out and about in high temperatures.
Making sure your baby is kept safe by buying appropriate clothing, suncream, and accessories for summer will help protect them during the summer months and will also ensure that their skin is protected in the long term.
Know the signs of heatstroke and what to do
Although it is ideal to avoid the intense sun during summer, it is also good to know the signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion in a baby.
During the high heat of the summer months be on the lookout for the following symptoms of heat stroke in a baby:
- A high temperature of over 39 degrees
- Rapid pulse
- Vomiting
- Lethargy or floppiness
- Shallow breathing.
If you are worried that your baby has heat stroke
make sure to get them out of the sun as soon as possible. Call 999 or take your baby to A&E immediately if they show the above signs of heatstroke.
Family Photography, Milestones Photography, Newborn Photography, Pregnancy Photoshoot, Studio Photography
Low Cost Summer Holiday Activities
As summer approaches and the weather gets warmer finding low cost summer holiday activities for you and your little ones is not easy, especially since schools out and it’s quite likely your going to have a couple of extra little people around the house.
Finding summer holiday activities to keep your little ones busy and (all importantly) entertained can be a challenge and that‘s why I’ve compiled a list of cost effective, fun and family friendly activities for you to try out this summer.
As the name suggests Tattershall Farm Park is a family friendly, farm located in Tattershall. With its beautiful animals, its soft play barn and stunning trails this farm is the perfect summer holiday day out for the whole family.
I would suggest booking your trip to the farm in advance and with a family ticket costing just £25 this is a visit I wouldn’t recommend skipping. Don’t forget to have a go on the bouncy castle whist you’re there, you won’t want to miss it!
The park is open everyday 10am – 5pm between March and October and you can enter up to an hour before closing. Between November and February the park closes at 4pm, but the same rules apply.
As an added bonus under 2’s go free so even the littlest little people can experience the fun for no added cost.
My daughters absolutely adored ‘The Gruffalo’ growing up, it’s a real classic and will always be a family favourite in our home. I’m sure the book is just as iconic now and a perfect summer holiday activity: Fineshade woods offers a wonderful ‘Gruffalo Orienteering Course’ for just £1.50 per leaflet.
Each set includes a certificate and a map for little ones to follow (maybe with a little help from their parents). The trail is a lot of fun – just ask my girls – and with twelve markers hidden in the woods it is sure to take a good few fun-fuelled hours.
If the Gruffalo isn’t a family favourite there is far more to explore within the woods – ‘Forest School’ type days are one of the most popular activities on offer as they are both educational and fantastically fun! Since partnering with ‘Tinder Sticks’ Fineshade woods has opened visitors up to a far grander range of family-friendly activities and even a camping session you can book directly from their website.
There’s nothing better than getting out in nature and I truly believe Fineshade woods is the perfect place for many summer holiday activiites this year.
The Fun Farm and High Ropes
If you wish to stick a little closer to home, then the fun farm is always a perfect option for your little ones to enjoy a rainy day blowing off steam indoors.
We’ve been attending the fun farm ever since my daughters were little and I must admit I was a little saddened when they both grew too tall to pay a visit to the soft play centre.
If you have children a little older the highropes or the laser tag is a great way to keep busy especially since the highropes will take up a large portion of your afternoon.
Speaking firsthand, the highropes experience is thrilling, and a great way to tackle certain fears. It is also monitored by staff at all times the harnesses used feel very secure – I would absolutely recommend paying them a visit.
Kixx Sporting Activities
This activity is one I just know my daughters would love. Kixx offer a wide range of summer holiday activities for children varying in ages starting at 18 months and ending at 16 years. There is something for every child to enjoy.
Kixx is a football academy for kids and aims to inspire fun and joy through sport, something I think we can all agree is a great way to keep little ones active throughout the holidays.
With Stay and Play sessions, Summer camp days and youth sport sessions on offer I think you can agree that you cannot go wrong with a Kixx activity booked in your diary.
I’ll link the team’s fab facebook page below and be sure to get your little people booked into their activity days whilst there are still spaces available.
https://www.facebook.com/KixxSouthKesteven/
A Day At The Beach
Anyone who knows me knows I cannot resist a trip to the beach – especially if it’s with my girls and our dogs. Nothing beats spending quality time by the sea with the people you love most and I think you can agree.
I know beach trips can sometimes add up and so I’ve created some advice on how to keep your visit cost effective.
Take a picnic – Rather than paying out for a seaside chippy I would suggest bringing a picnic along with you: back some sandwiches and some crisps or whatever you fancy into a cooler bag (like this one here) and bring it along to your day out.
Park a little further away and avoid parking fees – This tip may result in complaints from certain little people, but overall will leave you with a far cheaper parking fee at the end of the day and as a bonus it gets your steps in.
Avoid the arcades – I know what you’re thinking, why would I do that? But let’s just say the cost of an arcade adds up. We all know the feeling of losing out on one of those grabby machines and yet for some reason we always attempt them and if we don’t then we know the kids will want to. So my advice is to just avoid the arcades by attending an amusement free beach or keeping the arcades out of sight.
Ferry Meadows – Nene Park
Another firm summer holiday activity favourite with my 2 as they grew up and actually I have fond memories of many happy days from my own childhood, is a trip to Ferry Meadows. Based on the outskirts of Peterborough it is a fantastic place to visit with so much to do. There are lakes and woodland walks, boat trips, a choice fo 3 play areas, a minature train ride and a host of organised acitivies throughout the summer, ranging from Pond dipping, bug hunting and their new climbing wall! Picnic tables and bbq stations are dotted around for your use and a large open field is great for a game of football or kite flying on a windy day.
Check out their website for a map and a full list of facilities.
Update your family photos
The summer holidays is the one time that both parents probably book some time off together to spend with the children, so now is the perfect time to book in and update your family photos. Pictures are an important record of your family and capturing your family unit as your children grow is something you should consider doing regularly. And dare I say it, they make perfect chrismtas gifts for grandparents too.
You can find details of my family Photography sessions here.
Those are all of my suggestions for you, from woodlands to beaches. I’m hopeful I’ve managed to find a cheap summer holiday activity to fit everyone‘s taste.
If you do have a go at any of the above be sure to tag me in your posts on social media and most of all have the best time.
Have you got any other tips and tricks that readers might find useful? Pop them in the comments below.
Enjoy your summer,
Marie
Want to get in touch? Then pop me a message below and i’ll be in contact soon.
Family Photography, Milestones Photography, Newborn Photography, Pregnancy Photoshoot, Studio Photography
Is Newborn Photography Safe?
I have been a professional newborn photographer for coming up to 9 years and one question that is asked regularly is about how safe Newborn Photography is?
Safety in Newborn Photography
Safety is a huge part of what is taught during training for Newborn photography, Ensuring your Newborn photographer has undertaken quality training is key as there are so many safety factors that play a part during newborn sessions.
Here are some of the safely aspects I consider when working with your precious newborns.
Safe Newborn Posing
My studio has to be very warm to keep your baby sleepy and settled so it’s paramount I keep an eye on your baby. I am constantly monitoring your baby’s temperature and skin colour for signs that they may be uncomfortable or too warm.
Sometimes I may ask you to act as a spotter. Depending on the pose this may mean keeping a hand on your baby or staying very close. Sometimes the final newborn photos I produce are the result of two images being merged together in photoshop. Whilst this generates extra editing work it means your baby is completely safe at all times and that is far more important than getting a single image in camera.
Prop Safety for Newborn Photography
Sometimes images are not what they seem. For example my popular swing prop! This does not leave the floor whilst baby is posed! Photoshop magic in post production creates the illusion of the swing and water.
Towards the end of your Newborn Photoshoot I will wrap your baby in a swaddle. Starting with 1 wrap and working up to 2 or 3 layers. Once I start this process you will see me turning off the heat that I have had directed at your baby and on warm days I may pop a fan on too.
Once your baby is wrapped I will be keeping a close eye on your baby to ensure they don’t get too warm. Changes in the colour of their fingers and toes are a great indicator of their comfort.
I have a range of beautiful buckets, bowls and other lovely props in the studio which I will pose your baby in. When purchasing these I look to avoid sharp edges and things that may pose a risk to your little one. Because of this many of the props I use are made by businesses that specialise in newborn photography props. You will also see me hide padding under blanket around babies head to stop them moving towards edges of things like bowls. Lots of the props I use may once again require me to call upon you to act as a spotter, particularly if your baby startles easily or is jumpy. You may also notice me pop a weight bag in the bottom of props like buckets, this is to ensure weight is evenly distributed and the prop is firmly routed to the floor.
Safety in My Photography Studio
As well as constantly monitoring your newborn, I have to consider all aspects of safety within my studio. For this reason I don’t allow hot drinks in the area where I work, there is bottle water provided for you and all hot drinks must remaining in the seating area.
Overhead shots are taken with the correct lens to allow me to get the perfect image safely without the need for ladders.
All the props, blankets and wraps that have been used in a session are washed and sanitised before being used again in another session.
Newborn Photography is Perfectly Safe
I hope this blog post has helped reassure you that newborn photography is perfectly safe providing you choose a professional, trained and experienced newborn photographer. If you’d like to see footage of me working or what goes into setting up your session you can see more on my social media here.
Want to get in touch? Then pop me a message below and i’ll be in contact soon.
Family Photography, Milestones Photography, Newborn Photography, Pregnancy Photoshoot, Studio Photography
Tips for Travelling with Babies
With the return of international travel, following the pandemic, and the discounted fights more and more people are opting to go abroad this year. Of course, baby’s first flight is a memorable experience for any parent, even if the risk of baby getting upset is present.
I hope these tips will make travelling with baby a little easier, especially in the heat.
Check with your airline & be realistic
Let’s be honest travelling with baby is never easy, my first tip is to be completely realistic and don’t expect an overly easy flight. The fact is your baby will probably struggle on the plane, especially if the flight is long. You should also check with the airline regarding if prams are available at the airport, and whether you can bring a collapsable buggy on the flight with you.
It’s also super important to decide whether you will be flying with a baby on your lap (often for a discounted prince) or if you will buy a seat for your little one and have the baby in a car seat. Always be sure to check which car seats are best for the baby to fly in. I recommend this post on car seats to make sure you purchase the best one possible for flights. Be sure to double check that your airline allows car seats on the flight!
Be sure to have documents on hand
It’s so important to have all your documents with you when getting ready to fly. This includes everyone’s passport, travel visas if necessary and of course tickets for the flight. If you are travelling with medication on you, be sure to have prescriptions on hand in case security asks to see them.
Of course following the last few years PCR tests and proof of vaccinations may be needed depending on where you are flying to or from.
Luggage
When travelling with baby it is important, of course, be sure that you do not overpack as it’s vital that your bag is not overweight. All parents know that there is nothing worse than needing to tear into an overweight bag at check-in when you’re with your little one.
I would be certain to purchase some small luggage scales such as these ones to ensure that you do not go over the weight limit of the luggage. Some airlines allow little ones to have their own luggage and I would recommend checking with the airline before flying.
If you are bringing a buggy with you on the flight I would recommend investing in a protective bag for it. There is nothing worse than getting off of a plane and fi
Carry on luggage
On top of your normal carry-ons I recommend also combining a nappy-bag along. Having your bag organised is also a huge plus, that way you know where everything is.
I suggest using mini-packing cubes to separate everything such as nappies, clothes and bottles. If you’re not breastfeeding bring extra formula, but do check with the airline around if you can carry the water for bottles.
A small travel first aid kit would be a great idea as well.
Keeping baby happy on the plane
When travelling with baby on a flight where she/he is likely to sleep I would recommend bringing baby in their pyjamas, I would also suggest bringing baby’s favourite toy with you as this will make the area seem comforting and familiar. If your little one uses a dummy it would be wise to bring multiple along with you, as they are easy to lose. I would also suggest purchasing a few dummy clips that will help to stop baby losing their dummy on the ground.
Some baby’s like aeroplane rides, the rocking motion and the white noise can be incredibly soothing for some little ones. If your lucky baby will sleep the whole ride, however for some babies the plane ride will be tough. Adapting to the new environment will not be easy for some little ones so I recommend trying to keep the same routine.
Read the same books, sing the same songs and maybe even try to be sure to travel at night as the dimmed lights will help to calm baby.
If baby is awake the main aim will be to stop little one from crying. I would suggest bringing toys and books to keep baby occupied. The best thing to do is buy some new toys that baby has never seen before as these will keep them entertained for longer.
I’ve included a few suggestions of toys that you could get for baby that will keep them recommended such as these finger puppets, fidget cubes and these sensory toys which will keep baby entertained for hours.
Final Tips & Tricks
I would recommend arriving at the airport a few hours early when travelling with baby, but not too early that you spend hours trying to entertain your little one on the floor of the airport. Check-in queues can often be long and dull – sometimes staff will allow you to check-in at business class if the queue isn’t too long.
Most airlines will permit checking in baby in a travel buggy or car-seat.
You may prefer to bring your pram to the door of the plane – if the airline allows this of course. They often attach a label to the buggy as they will place the buggy to the stowaway after you board.
That’s all for my advice on travelling with baby. I hope this tips and tricks help you when it comes to your next trip abroad!
Have you got any other tips and tricks that readers might find useful? Pop them in the comments below.
Want to get in touch? Then pop me a message below and i’ll be in contact soon.
Recent Comments