Luanne McLean
As you may or may not know I gave birth to a beautiful little girl 9 weeks ago. Here's my guide to the essentials that saw me through my pregnancy ...
NEXT JERSEY DRESS, £35 www.next.co.uk
I had two Next dresses that I practically lived in this one and long navy T Shirt dress - both comfortable, stretchy and looked excellent even after several washes perfected dressed up or down!
CLARK & GREY PREGNANCY COAT, www.clarkandgray.com
Designed with a combination of zips and removable panels, this is a coat that will grow with you through out of pregnancy. As the baby-weight appears, panels of the coat are added , then as the weight drops off after the birth panels can be removed to reveal a slightly adjusted design, perfect for your shrinking shape.One coat fits the whole 9 months!
PEAKS OF LONDON BREAST FEEDING TOP, THE SHORT GRECIAN, £145 www.peaksoflondon.com
Bright, stylish and comfortable with easy access for breast feeding mothers making life easy during and after pregnancy.
BAG
KOOCHU LA SALLE, £105 www.koochu.com
I love this bag! I started using it at 5 months gone and now its still going strong only now its filled with nappies as well as make-up! The easy remove to wash lining and several compartments makes this a hygienic , practical bag and the changing matt it comes with is essential.All this encased in a gorgeous bag that looks nothing like the traditional nappy bags!
SHOES
COCO ROSE DEMI BALLET PUMP IN BERRY RED, £35 ( special price normally £45) www.cocoroselondon.com
From 4 months in my usual heels were starting to hurt my feet, these fab shoes come folded in a handy leather pouch- easy to slip in your bag for a quick change anytime anywhere!Available in several colours these pumps are comfy, compact and stylish!
HAIR
PAUL MITCHELL LAVENDER MINT SHAMPOO, £11 www.paulmitchell.com
A new Paul Mitchell classic! This shampoo is hydrating and calming and soothes mind and spirit as well as cleansing greasy locks- I had no need for conditioner in pregnancy as hair seemed to have more natural oil so this one bottle did the trick!
TEETH
AQUAFRESH ULTIMATE WHITENING, £1.79 available at all good chemists and supermarkets
I had such issues with my teeth during pregnancy I lost one in the first few months and suffered staining from the continuing nausea! This paste cleans teeth whilst protecting below the gum line l as well as making your smile brighter.Perfect for use by all the family - so my hubby uses it too!
FACE
ELEMIS YOUNG SKIN SKIN GLOW EXFOLIATING FACE WASH, £12
Formulated for young skin and gentle enough for use during pregnancy this facial wash contains exfoliating jojoba beads cherry powder to exfoliate and mandarin and aniseed to soften and condition leaves skin clean soft and smelling great.
ELEMIS YOUNG SKIN SOFTLY SOFTLY DAILY MOISTURISER, £20 www.elemis.com/freshskin/ourproducts
This hydrating moisturiser with a gentle everyday use formula again designed for young skin so gentle enough for pregnancy, was a god send for my skin especially towards the ends of my pregnancy applied morning and night after face wash and sometimes topped up throughout the day too.
DECLEOR EXPRESSION L'AGE SMOOTHING ROLL'ON, £39 www.decleor.co.uk
The three roller balls apply soothing anti wrinkle formula easily and I used tit morning and night under my eyes to combat signs of sleepless nights as pregnancy left my sleep uncomfortable, but can also be used on foreheads and lip contours.
BUMP
NEALS YARD MOTHERS MASSAGE OIL , £16.87 www.activebeauty.co.uk
Rubbed directly on skin after bathing to strengthen skin and improve suppleness, this oil contains a blend of moisturising almond and wheatgerm oil with neroli and mandarin .I found this product non greasy and quick drying before putting on clothes.
THE GREEN GROCERY, PREGNANCY BODY AND BATH OIL , £9.29 www.green-grocery.co.uk
This bath and body oil is 100% organic pregnancy oil certified by The Organic Farmers and Growers designed for women during pregnancy, labour and for post natal wellbeing. I dropped a capful in my bath daily for a relaxing bathing experience that also nurtured my skin. The mandarin essential oil it contains is considered extremely beneficial to pregnant women and is one of the safest oils to use.
LEGS
BIC MISS SOLEIL, £2.99 www.boots.com
I love this unique elegant flower designed razor and its triple blade ensured I had smooth legs and underarms throughout my pregnancy and labour.
DECLEOR AROMESSENCE CIRCULAROME, £43 www.decleor.co.uk
My ultimate hero product! This stimulating body serum was gently massaged on my body during labour by my husband and also sprayed on cramping legs during pregnancy to revitalise them. I found the scent was also calming and comforting- can't recommend this enough!
Hope these products help you through this special time as they did me!
