30 December 2012

It's Sale time at Born! We've been busy getting all our winter clothing marked down for our sale.  Grab yourself a bargain over on our website. Only on until the end of January.

Like a lot of people I've met recently I've had the winter lurgies, thankfully not the vommitting bug that has been goind around, but an awful cold. At these times I always reach for my vitamin C supplements from Biocare*, they also do Vitamin D drops, which at this time of year, with reduced sunlight may be a useful supplement to take too.



On Friday we had a visit from author Viviene Sable. Her book 'The Blossom Method' is a must have for every new parent.  Viviene told me that her mother is deaf so she had to learn non-verbal communication in order to understand what her mother was 'saying'. When her daughter Blossom was born Viviene was able to recognise these similar non-verbal cues when she was 'listening' to Blossom.  As a new mother she was not aware that this was different to how anyone else was mothering so when she mentioned this to her peers was surprised that they weren't doing the same with their babies.  Viviene then put together an easy to follow guide that can be used by all carers of little babies to help them undertand their baby's needs before baby has to cry or even make a noise. Sounds amazing and something I wish I'd had available when I was a new mother. On our site you can watch Viviene describe how it works in a short video. Click on the book to go to the page.

A Happy New Year to all our lovely customers.  I hope 2013 brings you everything you want and more!

Love Eva & the Born team

*Biocare have great quality supplements and they are British made too. We do not sell them in our stores but you can buy direct from them and get 10% off when you use the code 5870. Call 0121 433 3727 to place and order.  A carriage free order is £25.

23 December 2012

It's been a busy week in the shops and online with everyone preparing for Christmas, and for me personally preparing for Maya's 15th birthday on Christmas Eve.  This week also included the winter solstice, the day with the shortest number of daylight hours; I look forward to the days getting longer from then on in.

There has been a lot of rain this week and I sometimes find it easier to don wellies rather than get shoes or boots wet. On the school run it's always cute to watch the little kids being told 'don't jump in the puddles' and then watch them do exactly that. Read my blog on 'The Power of Don't' for how to guide children to where you want them to be.

We had some super cute baby comforters arrive this week. Label Label friends (pictured above) are lovely and soft and are covered with labels, especially for when a baby goes through the phase of just being attracted to labels and not the toy!

The Stokke offer that just started this week is already proving popular, and so it should as 20% off the Stokke cot package is a real bargain. Once Christmas is over, those with babies due early in the year focus on their baby purchases so it can be a busy time for us.

We are just putting the finishing touches to our new home, category and brand pages which will be going live any day now.

Hope you are enjoying this family time of year and wish you a fantastic 2013.

With Love

Eva

The power of ‘Don’t’

Don’t run!

Don’t jump in the puddle!

Don’t bite!

How many times have you heard these statements being yelled at children?  Or indeed said them yourself?  The word ‘don’t’ used to be one that I’d frequently speak to my kids until I got to understand a little more about the workings of the subconscious mind, and then I realised that kids don’t hear the word ‘don’t’  but they do hear what comes after it and will do just that!  They are not doing it to intentionally aggravate you, it’s just that the subconscious mind does not understand the word 'don’t',  it is impossible to tell anyone not to do something and expect them to follow your instructions or at least not think about it. I’ll give you an example: If I said I’d give you  £100 but only if you don’t think of elephants dressed in tutu’s walking around a circus ring, I know that I’m keeping my money, because right now your subconscious mind has gone off and conjured up that exact image.

So whenever you say to a child Don’t do ‘x’ they’ll just hear the ‘x’.  What needs changing is the language we use with children so that we are taking responsibility rather than expecting them to. So instead of ‘Don’t run’ say ‘stop’ or ‘walk’, or ‘stand still’ (not ‘stop running’ or ‘don’t run’), if you don’t want your child to jump in the puddle, take their hand and say ‘let’s walk over here’ and lead them to where you want to go –take their attention away from the puddle by diverting their attention.  To begin with it really takes conscious effort to change the way you speak to your children and at first I would start a sentence saying ‘don’t’ then catch myself then re say what I wanted rather than what I didn't want. Luckily because children don’t hear don't they didn't realise that mum was doing this. In time – about a month (because that’s how long it take your brain to rewire) you’ll be doing it without thinking and noticing all the other mums saying don’t and you’ll want to tell them ‘don’t say don’t’ too!

Bringing Antenatal Teacher Training Home

2 of my most recommended practitioners are joining together to provide a wonderful training. If you have ever thought of training as an ante-natal teacher or Doula, this is the training for you!

Welcome World and Relaxed Birth and Parenting are collaborating in offering what we believe will be one of the most comprehensive and unique trainings available for those women who are feeling the call to work in the arena of birth. Between the three trainers we have over sixty years of experience of running antenatal classes and attending births. We have also come to realise that we offer something a little different to other antenatal trainings out there. It is my belief that women and families making the transition to birth need support that is so much more than just information and exercise.

Top Gifts for Babies Over 1 Year

Once your baby is older, they will appreciate gifts of toys, and will be inundated with them!  We select toys from around the world based on their longevity and beauty, so you can shop with us knowing that our toys will entertain, educate and last longer.  We have also included some non-toy options which are perennial present favourites with our customers.

1. Spherovelo by Early Rider

A brilliant new ride on toy from Early Rider, the makers of the fantastic balance bikes. 2 Uni-balls give this ride on maximum maneuverability and hours of fun.





2. Green Toy’s Recycled Plastic Dump Truck
Always popular with younger visitors to our shops, the Green Toy vehicles aren’t just fun to play with, they are also totally eco-cool, being made from recycled plastic bottles.  No metal bits, so can be used in the paddling pool too.







3. Ladybug Bath Toy Storage and Scoop
A great solution for the mess of bath toys, this functional storage unit is also great to play with and encourages children to keep their ‘stuff’ tidy as well.













4. A Lovely Bedtime Story

The ritual of reading a bedtime story is w wonderful gift for your child, and Barefoot Books’ have a lovely range of wonderfully illustrated stories.  Our children have all loved this sweet story.









5. Me-Too Clip On Portable Highchair

A more practical present, but a fantastic solution for visiting grandchildren or other little family members.   Folds up flat, taking up barely any room to store.  Children love being up close with the adults, especially at special occasions such as Christmas.







6. Boiled Wool Gloves on a String

Keep little hands warm and cosy – with no more lost gloves!  Available in a range of cheerful colours, toddlers get a kick out of the magic of their special gloves always being with them.  Generously sized with plenty of wiggle room for little fingers.









7. Bright Tambourine

Apologies in advance for the noise!  Kids love these brightly decorated tambourines, and they have been a firm favourite stocking filler since we started selling them.  Hurry as they are flying out of the shops!





8. A New Best Friend

New to Born, the Blaba range is so cute that we couldn’t resist them.  From funky frogs to the mysterious Mr X, there’s a knitted doll here for every taste.  Hand-made by artisan knitters in Peru.







9. First Wheels

Always a best-seller at Christmas time, the Early Rider Balance Bikes teach your children the motor skills they will need to graduate up to a ‘proper’ bicycle.  Beautifully made from solid wood, with leather saddle and durable wheels.  A classic.











10. Toddler Daysack

A great design, these backpacks double up as safety reigns, without the child feeling restricted and also avoiding looking like a leash.  Plus your child gets their own bag for carrying snacks, which also includes a hood to keep off the worst of the rain.









11. Magic Lantern Nursery Light

A gorgeous decoration for your baby’s bedroom.  Send your child off to dreamland with the gentle glowing light and magical moving images.  A practical gift your child will treasure for many years.







12. Puzzles by George Luck

Simple vintage-feel wooden puzzles, in a variety of shapes and designs.  Will appeal to adults as well as children.  Always a huge bestseller in our shops.

Tips for coping with morning sickness

[caption id="attachment_2123" align="alignleft" width="300"] Overcoming Morning Sickness Hypnosis CD[/caption]

We've all heard the news about the Duchess of Cambridge being admitted into hospital with severe morning sickness.  If you are unfortunate enough to be suffering from morning sickness what can you do to help alleviate the symptoms that is safe and risk free for both you and your baby? I asked the ante-natal teachers and Doulas of Relaxed Birth and Parenting for their top natural tips for coping with morning sickness:

• A piece of root ginger about 5cms long, hit with a rolling pin, put in pan with boiling water and simmer for 20mins with lid on- allow to cool, and sip


• Dry arrowroot biscuit


• Try roll on 'Morning Sickness Ease' by Natalia, a blend of Peppermint, Ginger and Bergamont essential oils.


• Ginger beer


• Ginger biscuits


• Preggie Pops


• Flat Lemonade


• Bath Olivers


• Acupuncture


• Reflexology


• Homeopathy  See a Homeopath or take Nux Vomica 6c


• Cold showers


• Sucking on ice cubes


• Sniffing lemons


• Dry toast


• Digestive biscuits


• A shot of ginger tincture.  It should be taken with a bit of water, as ginger tinctures are usually in about 90% alcohol (don't worry about the alcohol...you're only taking about 2ml of tincture in one go, probably even less as ginger is so strong)


• Eating frequently, and lots of rest and sleep


• Also eating something before getting out of bed could help

Best to try one that sounds attractive, see how you go and then move on to another if no relief.

Love, Eva

Drinking Herbal Teas During Pregnancy by Amanda Rayment

The  grandmother of herbalists today, Juliette de Bairacli Levy, is often quoted as saying  “Motherhood. What maturity there is in that word; all those “Os”.  I couldn’t agree with her more! For most women stepping into such maturity, be that with our first child or our 4^th   we welcome some assistance along the way. All the nurturing and nourishment we offer the child in our womb can be the opportunity to welcome and receive nurturing and nourishment for us as well. A lot of us find it easier to give to others rather than receive, in truth they are the same. Mothering is a wondrous opportunity to teach our selves that in the giving we receive. How great is that thought!

Herbs have a long tradition of supporting women in pregnancy whether attending to minor discomforts, affirming wellbeing or healing diagnosed symptoms. A cup of herbal tea can offer a pregnant woman such gifts in terms of nourishment, sustaining well being and lifting the spirits. At Welcome World Herbal Teas we draw on this traditional knowledge and my herbal training. But most of all it is the experience of working with so many pregnant women in my private herbal practice. The herbs used in our formulas are all friendly, familiar herbs which have grown in many back yards in Europe and North America for generations. I like to call them friendly, family kitchen cupboard herbs. The herbs I am going to share with you are all in the Pregnancy Joy tea this is one of our most popular formulas. All four of these herbs could be called mild, gentle, tonic herbs, nurturing and nourishing plants and yet what I have learnt in using and prescribing these herbs is that there is also a rock like strength and sustained nourishment.

As a herbalist I have the good fortune to assist pregnant women through my herbal practice, so which herbs go into Welcome Worlds Pregnancy Joy Tea and why? Let’s start with Nettle leaf. A herb that nourishes in so many different ways, such a beautiful no nonsense plant. Strength is offered in every cup of nettle tea. I would describe nettle as getting the job done. So whenever there is job to be done, extra strength needed or a change of direction in our life, nettle certainly assists us to be less fragile and has a very building and sustaining quality. It is also a great every day herb to brew up as a cuppa assisting us to be full of energy throughout the day. Nettle is often described as a uterine tonic herb. So as you can hear nettle would always be in any pregnancy tea I choose to formulate. Each cup packed with vitamins and minerals.

The next herb I am going to speak of is Oat Straw, this is one of my favourite and most used herbs as a single use herb. Oatstraw is also a very friendly herb and will fit beautifully in to any tea formula. To me oat straw oozes life force energy of saying 'yes' to life. But what it whispers to me more than anything is reminding me to be kind to be tender with myself and of course others. This herb feeds and nourishes the nervous system of which is so needed in pregnancy where most of us are meeting change in our life with the discovery of pregnancy. It has a normalizing effect on the whole physiology of the body when under any level of stress. Oatstraw is known to support conception and nourishes and soothes pregnancy. If these effects are not blessings enough there is more this great plant gives to us freely. Praises are sung regularly for oats ability to support the heart and increase energy levels; can you hear what I mean when I say "... it oozes life force energy?" I believe as we support the nervous system and encourage the body to rest back our immune systems are enhanced. All of which supports the joy of pregnancy. Again a herb rich in vitamins and minerals.

Lemon Balm, this is a herb I enjoy and can be added to most pregnancy cuppas. Lemon Balm supports the nervous system and the digestive system at the same time. As pregnancy moves through the trimesters there is a feeling of less space understandably for the mother and baby. This can be perceived in many different ways. Sometimes digestive systems issues arise as a result of less space and this is where lemon balm offers assistance. This herb is great to combine with nettle if you do not want to use an allopathic remedy while you are pregnant. Lemon balm is known for lifting our spirits and adds a delightful taste to any tea formula. Again relax into the joy of pregnancy.

So the last plant I am going to speak of in the Pregnancy Joy Tea but certainly not the least is Alfalfa. Wow! this herb pushes its roots so far down into the earth and draws up all the goodness the earth has to offer. Alfalfa is so rich in vitamins and minerals especially vitamin k. I would use it as a herb on its own for assisting with a programme to lower cholesterol and also have used it successfully when extra weight or growth is needed. In pregnancy I use alfalfa as part of a formula tea to enhance general wellbeing. This plant is full of vitality and of course can be eaten sprouted as well as in herbal tea.

In the last trimester of pregnancy I suggest bringing raspberry leaf into your kitchen cupboard. This herb I call a woman’s best friend. Raspberry leaf has supported and restored generations of women’s uteruses. A good tonic herb that supports women in preparing for birth, widely known as women’s birthing ally. Herbalist also call raspberry leaf an astringent herb as it assists in lessening the flow of discharge.  Raspberry leaf is often defined as a strengthening, tonic and supportive herb. Carry on having raspberry leaf in the kitchen cupboard after your baby is born; it’s a great family herb that can be combined with nettle very easily for most family ailments and well being. Raspberry leaf provides very easily assimilated calcium and iron for all the family. Only drink in the last trimester of pregnancy. Also make a large pot or flask to sip in early labour. Midwives and doulas enjoy a brew of Raspberry leaf as well not forgetting partners of course.

I hope this has encouraged you to believe that herbal teas are not only of benefit and an alternative to caffeine drinks during pregnancy but also are a delight and a blessing. So relax make a brew and enjoy.

Amanda Rayment is a Master herbalist and owner of Welcome World Herbal Teas.

Top Christmas Gifts for Babies Under 1 Year

Christmas is all about children, and yet the new addition to your family will be blissfully unaware of all the wonderful gifts they are bought.  We like to encourage the buying of practical and thoughtful presents, which will please parents as well as offspring; below are our favourites:





1. Padraig Slippers

These are always a popular choice for new babies, at this time of year they are also incredibly cosy for tiny toes. A gift that mum and dad will keep as a memory of their baby’s first Christmas.



















2. Earth Friendly Baby Body Wash
A great little stocking filler, organic ingredients too.  Perfect for bath time fun once baby is past 6 weeks old.



















3. Sophie the Giraffe Teething Toy
The eco-friendly teething toy that is a must for every baby, especially useful for when the back teeth are coming through. If baby already has a Sophie there are lots of other Sophie gifts too, including bath toys and teethers



















4. Serenity Star by Aden & Anais
Such a practical gift for a new mum: night light, white noise machine, room thermometer, clock and can record time of last feed and the side you breastfed, on if breastfeeding.













4. Hooded Baby Towel
Double sided (bamboo for absorbency and microfibre for softness) and very useful for anyone with a little baby.













6.     BabyCalm – A Guide for Calmer Babies

Give the gift of a calm baby, a priceless gift for any new parent.  Full of useful and reassuring advice and tips.









7.      A Starter Box of Washable Cloth Nappies

A fantastic gift for new parents looking for a more eco-friendly option.  Available in boxes of 5, 10 or 20 nappies.









8.     Co-Co Go 3-Way Bouncer Chair by Bloom

This beautiful and practical bouncer can be used fully reclined from birth, in a seated position for feeding once older, and in between for playing and watching the world.













9.     The Ever-Popular ErgoBaby Carrier

Our bestselling carrier makes a fantastic present for a new family, suitable from birth when bought in this money-saving package















10.  Soft and Snuggly Lambskin

All little babies love sleeping on a pure sheepskin rug. Our lambskins are especially nice as they are free from nasty chemicals













11.  A Knitted Cotton Blanket

Colourful, cosy and easy to wash – these knitted stripy blankets are perfect for keeping your baby comfortable in the cot, the pram, the car seat, or the lap during night feeds.













12.  Tripp Trapp High Chair and Accessories

A wonderfully indulgent gift, this set of highchair with all the bits you need to start on the ‘food adventure’.  Perfect for baby’s first Christmas, and for many Christmases to come