'Ready to Pop' - Baby Shower

Baby showers have been a tradition in the US for a long time now, and are growing in popularity here, too. What better excuse is there for getting a group of friends together than to celebrate a new life?

Traditionally the shower will be organised by a friend or family member but being a slight control freak and a love of organising I have been secretly researching ideas for my shower since I saw the positive result on the test!!


There are a few companies out there that specialise in organising the event for you (so wish I had that business plan first!!) one of the best I have come across and a favourite of the celebrities is
'Before Baby'. Before Baby specialise in exclusive and exceptional themed baby shower party packages at home or work. They packages cover everything from a day of pampering to a classic afternoon tea. Stacey Solomon choose the 'Girls Playground' http://www.beforebaby.co.uk/girls_playground.php and Michelle Heaton choose 'Pretty in Pink' http://www.beforebaby.co.uk/pretty_in_pink.php


Sadly with most of my money going to my baby fund I will not have the luxury of employing a baby shower planner however my quandary is the theme to go for I have found some fantastic ideas on both British and US websites. And despite not knowing the gender there is plenty of inspiration.
Games to play

In this game you give all your guests a bib or baby grow for them to decorate and show their creative side for your baby to be.

Gorgeous cakes and treats-

And treats for your guests -

Watch this space for your invite.....

My Baby is now the size of a Pineapple

My baby is now the size of a Pineapple well so it says on www.thebump.com every week they describe your baby as a fruit or veg. However as the weeks go on I am beginning to realise this analogy will run out, surely 40 weeks will be Pumpkin!! as it only seemed like yesterday it was a peach!!

Therefore as the last few weeks of my pregnancy seem to be going quicker and quicker I am frantically trying to be as prepared for the birth as I can possibly be (especially if I have to prepare to push out a pumkin!!), so on Saturday Pete and I attend a 'Birth Preparation Workshop'. It is a class run by my fabulous yoga teacher Emma Thomas. If you are wondering how I got my boyfriend there I  seduced him to the event with the promise of tea and cake, it worked!!

By attending Emma's classes I have already felt the benefits of doing yoga through pregnancy so was determined to attend even if I only came away with one piece of advice to take with me into labour.
The session is described as "A chance for you and your partner to prepare for the birth of your baby", it sounded perfect as it is our first child and during the session we will be given the opportunity to:-
*Learn about the three stages of labour and active birth postures to help you in each stage
*Breathing techniques to ease the discomfort of labour
*Learn simple techniques to support and empower you both thought out the labour
*Understand the importance of mentally supporting your partner
*Gain further knowledge and understanding about Postnatal care and support

I have to admit we did all laugh as we did one of the first active birth moves on all fours in front of our partners and moved our hips in a figure of eight but to be honest I think it broke the ice for everyone!!

The session did not disappoint both Pete and I came away enlighted about labour even if we were alarmed at times and more prepared that we can support each other through the process. Emma encouraged us to write down the moves and tips that we felt would help us the most, so that we could add them to our birth plan.

For me however the things that I think I will focus on more than anything is the breathing as I have already tried this in work when dealing with a demanding boss!! and remembering to tell myself it is discomfort not pain and 'this moment will pass' and I have to go through it before we meet our gorgeous baby, 100% worth the journey!!


For more information on this and other pregnancy yoga classes please go to www.pure-yoga.co.uk