During my first pregnancy, I went to antenatal yoga classes once a week and really enjoyed them. To date at 28 weeks pregnant, I have yet to go to any, mainly for financial reasons. As much as I saw the benefit to attending the classes, particularly in terms of the breathing practice which I found invaluable during labour; the cost this time around has proved too significant to justify. With a toddler at home, and a partner who travels with his job, it’s also been challenging to commit to a particular day a week that I can attend consistently.
When I was given the opportunity to review an antenatal yoga DVD this felt like a great solution. Something I could do in the comfort of my own home, wearing whatever I liked without fear of being embarrassed. No travelling times to and from a venue – simply turning on the TV and getting involved once my daughter has gone to bed.
About the DVD
Yoga & Mindfullness for Pregnancy and Birth is a two part antenatal yoga DVD collection aimed at every stage of your pregnancy from 14 weeks up until the birth of your baby. Suitable for beginners and all levels, there is not a requirement to have participated in yoga previously. Nadia Raafat is a yoga and mindfulness teacher, a practicing birth doula and birth educator. She is the cofounder of Batthersea Yoga in London where she has been teaching for 10 years. As if that wasn’t enough relevant experience, Nadia is also a mother of four, having home birthed 3 of her 4 babies! This DVD was filed whilst Nadia was 8 months pregnant with her fourth child.
The DVD is split into 5 manageable antenatal yoga chunks or practices, all between 40 and 50 minutes long.
Yoga: Flowing with the Breath (47 minutes)
Breath awareness and moving the body in harmony with the breath’s natural rhythm.
Yoga: Gentle Strength, Soft Power (46 minutes)
Strengthening poses to help with present moment mindfulness.
Yoga: Open your Body, Open your Mind (53 minutes)
Encouraging flexibility in the shoulders, hips and pelvis in preparation for birth.
Yoga: Support and Yield (40 minutes)
Using the chair to explore positions and movements which can be used in labour to facilitate progress and encourage descent.
Yoga: The Birth Dance (41 minutes)
Encouraging you to move freely and trust your body, this class culminates in a liberating and energising birth dance.
Our Experience
I have been using the DVD for almost three weeks now and am really enjoying it.
I was a bit unsure what to expect when I first put it on, and wasn’t sure if I would have the motivation to “do it alone” but I have genuinely enjoyed the classes within the DVD.
I love the variety, as depending on the mood I am in or how my day has gone, I chose the class accordingly. For example, if I have had a particularly busy day at work or am feeling stressed or tense, I would chose the first or third sessions, as I found these the most relaxing. On days where I am feeling a bit more energetic, I really enjoyed the 4th and 5th sessions, and felt that at the stage of my pregnancy, these were valuable skills to build, particularly the one that helps encourage active labour. The 2nd session is probably my least favourite out of the 5, for no other reason that I found it more like “traditional” yoga and therefore I found it less applicable to the third trimester of my pregnancy.
Nadia is clear and easy to follow, and the pace of the classes is just right. You don’t feel like you need to rush to catch up. Her instructions are straight forward, and watching her mirror the movements in front of you really helps. The different moves and exercises flow very smoothly from one to the next, so it doesn’t feel stunted or contrived in any way. At times I have been known to not take yoga very seriously, and found myself sniggering at the bits that are supposed to be calming, however I didn’t get a fit of the giggles during this DVD – the majority of the exercises and techniques appear fairly natural.
At the end of each antenatal yoga session there is a Mindfullness session, helping you relax and tune in to your mind and feelings.
The biggest challenge I found with this DVD is finding the physical space in my lounge to do all the moves. Whilst it doesn’t require a massive space, we have a relatively narrow living room as well as a three year old, and as such our space is somewhat limited. Our living room therefore isn’t quite the ‘zen’ experience I might have had in a traditional class setting, however it was a lot easier to be able to pop it on when I felt ready, rather than being committed to a class every week at a particular time.
I have found the breathing exercises particularly useful, and am practising these regularly in the hope that they will help me to feel more relaxed and calm during labour. With my first labour, I almost hyperventilated at one point from breathing so fast, so need to tune in to this technique to reduce tension and keep my muscles calm and loose! Wish me luck!
I will continue to use the DVD over the next few weeks, particularly once I have finished work and commenced maternity leave.
I would recommend this DVD to any mum to be who prefers the comfort of exercising in her own home.
You can learn more about the DVD and Nadia Raafat here.
*I was sent a copy of this DVD free of charge in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
I am currently 27 weeks pregnant, fast approaching the 3rd trimester, and I cannot believe our baby will be here before we know it! I have found this pregnancy a lot harder than my first, and have very little time to relax or have time to myself whilst running around after a threenager! I had heard about Project B at the Baby Show back in 2015, and decided that this pregnancy I should treat myself to a bit of something for me – a real rarity these days!
About Project B
Project B is a pregnancy subscription box service aimed at Mums to be from 12 weeks. Each month you’ll receive a range of products from relaxation, to healthy eating, to household, to pampering, as well as expert advice to match your month of pregnancy. Project B work with some of the UK’s leading brands and industry experts to support Mums to be with helpful tips, information and products.
Each box nestles approximately five products, as well as expert advice on your pregnancy month, a recipe to make, an exercise to try out and details on what to think about buying.
Box 1 starts from 12 weeks of pregnancy. There are then a further six boxes which take you through to a 7th box once your baby has arrived. The months and weeks are broken down as:
Box 1 – Month 4 or 12-15 weeks of pregnancy
Box 2 – Month 5 or 16-19 weeks of pregnancy
Box 3 – Month 6 or 20-24 weeks of pregnancy
Box 4 – Month 7 or 25-29 weeks of pregnancy
Box 5 – Month 8 or 30-34 weeks of pregnancy
Box 6 – Month 9 or 35-39 weeks of pregnancy
Box 7 – Baby’s arrival (Project Complete)
The Project B subscription boxes cost £14.99 a month with an average contents value of £30.
Our Experience
I love surprises, so although there is the opportunity to look on the website at what products your box may contain, I decided not to do this, and found it much more exciting to have a big reveal when the box arrived. I couldn’t wait to find out what was inside. At 27 weeks pregnant, I received Box 4 with a RELAX theme.
The box itself is slightly smaller than your average shoe box, and therefore is sent by courier. When you wrip open the outer box you are then met with a layer of blue tissue paper with a sticker, so you have to peel back to reveal. The suspense was killing me! 🙂
Firstly in the box I found a “What’s in Your Box Leaflet – providing more information on the products contained within. Mine did have something on it that wasn’t present in the box, however it appears that one of the listed items was substituted for something different as opposed to being missed. This can happen from time to time.
The contents of my box included:
Information booklet on Massage for Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond
4 Information cards – including recipe for healthy chicken nuggets (YUM), information about the development of my baby at this point in your pregnancy, some suggestions for what to buy for the nursery and information about yoga and relaxation. I particularly enjoyed reading about the stage of my pregnancy, and the changes to both my own body and the development of our baby.
Munchkin Latch 40z / 120 ml Bottle with anti colic valve. This bottle is for Stage 1 feeding and refers to a natural latch, making it easier to combine bottle and breast feeding. This is something I am keen to do with my second – having got a little trapped breast feeding first time around, so I will look forward to testing this out. The RRP of this bottle according to my research is around £7.
Dr Lipp’s Original Nipple Balm for Lips – an interesting product! Containing lanolin, which is traditionally used by nursing mothers to soothe painful nips – this thick lip balm is perfect for hydrating dry and chapped lips. I’ve used this a lot since receiving the box, and its great, despite being quite thick and gloopy to apply! I have found this perfect for an air conditioned office and my colleagues have been nicking it too! The RRP for this product, depending on tube size appears to be around £10-12.
Sass Intimate Purifying cleanser – This was a “swap” from what was advertised in the leaflet, A Gynaecologist approved cleanser for daily use when washing to help maintain freshness. Without sounding gross, the changes you experience in pregnancy can make you sometimes feel “not your freshest”, so this was another welcome product. The RRP appears to be around £7.
Nakd Toffee Treat Fruit and Nut Nibblesbag – this little treat was great for snacking on the go – awheat, dairy and gluten free snack – these were perfect for popping in my handbag to take to work. I always seem to get really peckish mid morning, and this was a much better alternative than heading straight for the vending machine! Needless to say, this part of the box didn’t last very long!
Choc O Lait– this was a really cute chocolate milk drink, which basically looked like a big cube of chocolate on a lollipop – add to warm milk and BAM a yummy hot chocolate drink. This is perfect as a little treat before bed or after a busy day at work, and was nice to have something that was just for me 🙂
Overall I was really pleased with the products I received, including some that I wouldn’t have necessarily chosen to purchase myself but that were very welcome as a bit of a treat! 🙂 I would have loved to receive the hypnobirthing book that was mentioned as one of the original contents, as this is something that would have been of a real interest to me, however I was happy with the Sass cleanser that I received in it’s place.
The value of the products contained within the box was more than the cost of the box itself, so good value for money if you like the contents you receive.
I particularly like the fact that the boxes are themed, so that each month of your pregnancy has a different focus. The information cards are a lovely touch, and great to share with your partner, particularly if they are a little unsure as to what is happening at each stage of your pregnancy. I personally love the surprise element, but you can always check the advised contents of the boxes online if you prefer to make sure you’re keen on the contents before signing up.
Project B is a lovely gift for an expectant mum, and would make a great alternative for a Baby Shower present as is less likely to have already been received! 🙂
Over the last month I have been testing the Science of Skin Stretch Mark Defence spray.
When I was pregnant with my first child, I thought I had got away with no stretch marks. I felt slightly smug when at the beginning of my 3rd trimester the midwife said how lucky I was to have “a nice smooth bump” and thought I’d escaped the “tiger stripes” that all mums dread. Then another couple of weeks passed and BAM – they appeared out of no where. That’s what you get for celebrating too soon!
Nearly 3 years later and I am expecting my second child. The tiger stripe stretch marks from first time around have faded to a subtle silver trail, but this time I am determined I do not want to have them again! Is it really possible to avoid tiger stripe stretch marks during pregnancy? Can a stretch mark cream really prevent them? When I was given the opportunity to test a new stretch mark solution product from Science of Skin it appeared to be right up my street, and I was keen to see if the product can hold up to its claims!
According to their research, Science of Skin found that around 90% of women end up with at least some stretch marks during pregnancy, but that many women spend a fortune on over the counter stretch mark treatment products that have no scientific basis and simply moisturise the skin. As such they have little or no impact on preventing or reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
So how is Science of Skin Stretch Mark Defence different?
Stretch Mark Defence (TM) is an ultra-fine mist spray to be used on the pregnant bump. Science of Skin state that whilst other stretch mark prevention roducts can offer simply temporary moisturisation of the upper skin layer, the formula in Stretch Mark Defence has been designed to offer rapid and effective hydration, whilst delivering actives and oils to support the skins structure, helping tackle the early signs of stretching and derail the progress of stretch marks.
The aim of the product, which also works hand in hand with the new Solution for Stretch Marks (designed to work on already formed markings), is to not only replenish the skin with lacking nutrients, but improve the skin’s performance.
Ingredients in Stretch Mark Defence cream include:
Salicorne extract – A hardy coastal plant that offers advanced moisturisation, resulting in suppler and smooth skin.
Vitamin E – One of nature’s best known and most powerful antioxidants. Oxidative damage contributes to skin ageing and stretch mark formation. Boosting and maintaining antioxidant protection helps the skin to combat damage and helps repair and rejuvenation processes.
Olive Squalane – Squalane is a multifunctional oil offering rapid skin absorption and prevents moisture loss, restoring the skin suppleness and elasticity.
Oat Oil – Oat Oil is rich in skin nutrients, natural antioxidants and Vitamins. In addition to the rich, luxurious skin feel, Oat Oil supports the skin’s natural defense to improve moisture retention and condition.
Olive Oil – Olive Oil is incredibly rich and emollient, helping to nourish and hydrate the skin. It contains a high content of Omega-6 and Omega-9 plus naturally-occurring antioxidants.
Sweet Almond Oil – Sweet Almond Oil is well known for its benefits to skin, largely through its natural richness in Vitamin E. The light, emollient oil helps to moisturise and condition the skin leaving a softer, smoother look and a hydrated and supple feel.
Grapeseed Oil – Grape Seed Oil is renowned for its antioxidant qualities and soothing properties. The antioxidants in Grape Seed Oil help protect collagen and elastin, the building blocks of skin. Grape Seed Oil is naturally rich in Omega-6 and Omega-9 essential fatty acids, offering excellent skin hydration benefits.
Green Tea oily extract – Green Tea is a well-known antioxidant and free-radical scavenger. It offers many benefits to the skin, from protection against daily damage to boosting repair mechanisms.
Others – Wheat Germ Oil (high in Vitamin E), Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter (both nourishing) to support the hydrating power.
Stretch Mark Defence™ retails at £24.99 for an 150ml bottle and is available to purchase at www.scienceofskin.com.
Our Experience of Science of Skin Stretch Mark Defence
I have now been using Science of Skin Stretch Mark Defence for just under one month having received the product mid May, and therefore my feedback is based on the results so far. I will continue to use the product throughout the remainder of my pregnancy and update this post with any further points to note at a later date.
Firstly, in terms of the product itself, having used a number of different stretch mark prevention creams in the past, this one is a little different. Unlike the majority of products, it is a spray not a cream. I was a little intimidated by this at first, as didn’t know how strong the spray would be on my bump, but didn’t need to worry, as the spray is more of a fine mist than a jet wash lol 🙂 – You simply hold the can around 6 inches away from your bump and the spray is fresh and light on your skin. It is then recommended you then massage into your bump for around 2 minutes, presumably to encourage blood flow and ensure the product is absorbed into the whole of your bump and not just the initial areas of impact.
What does Stretch Mark Defence smell like?
The product is fragrance free, so you don’t need to worry about smelling like you’ve just come out of a cosmetics factory! I tend to apply mine first thing in the morning and just before I go to bed. This is very quick and easy and therefore isn’t a chore – lets face it, sometimes its hard enough to find the energy to take your make up off let alone add another step into your bedtime routine! Unlike some other products, the Stretch Mark Defence is not greasy, and therefore I am able to get dressed or get into bed relatively soon after application without feeling like I am sticky or that I could get unwanted residue on my clothes. It rubs in quickly and easily and in my case at least, does not require the entire two minutes recommended to soak into my skin.
Does Stretch Mark Defence actually work?
As it stands, my skin is so far stretch mark free, and trust me I have checked regularly!!! I appreciate its early days and therefore its impossible to say whether this is down to the product or just luck so far, but I guess time will tell! As someone who goes swimming twice a week, what I can definitely say is that my skin is smooth and well moisturised, and does not appear at all dry or dull despite being exposed to chlorine which can often have a drying affect.
I particularly like the non sticky feeling and the ease of application, and the lack of scent is a real positive for me, as I find some scents particularly overbearing with my “bloodhound” pregnancy senses!
At £24.99 the product is obviously more expensive that some other products on the market, however the list of ingredients is strong in terms of their scientific value in preventing stretch marks.
I will be continuing to use the product for the remainder of my pregnancy, and am praying it does the job! 🙂
Update 8 months pregnant
I am now 8 months pregnant and have continued to use the product. Have I managed to avoid stretch marks all together? sadly not completely, although that said, my bump is BIG and I have only a few what i would describe as mild silvery stretch marks – and not the red bright tiger stripes I experienced first time around. Is this down to the Stretch Mark Defence cream or just luck? Who knows, but would I use it again? Yes I would. That said there’s definitely no more babies planned here, this pregnancy has been challenging enough!
You can learn more about the range of Stretch Mark products at www.scienceofskin.com
*We were sent a sample of Science of Skin Stretch Mark Defence for the purpose of this review but all opinions are my own.*
Update – Did I get away with no stretch marks at all? Unfortunately not, however the marks are not dark and are only small – whilst I cannot say the product completely prevented their presence I do believed it made them less severe than they otherwise may have been.
Hi, I’m Lucy, a thirty something mum of two from Birmingham. A memory maker, tradition keeper, stationery addict and Mr Men fanatic. HR Advisor by day and sleep deprived Mama by night!
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