10 to try: my maternity and mummy essentials
October 9, 2016
I first met the lovely Loretta from Blush & Bloom when Phoebe was a few weeks old. I was (really) struggling with breastfeeding and went to Healthbay PolyClinic for a workshop where there were vendors selling everything from lactation cookies to baby carriers, and she was so kind and encouraging. She also had nursing bras that didn’t depress me, and I took home some gorgeous pieces by a brand called Hot Milk. Love the name.
Since then, her collection has grown, and now I’m pregnant again I’m looking at maternity wear along with all the offerings for baby and child.
There’s currently a sale on, with some items discounted by up to 75%(!), and bras starting from Dhs100.
AND you get a special 20% discount – simply type in ‘mothership’ at the checkout for reduced prices.
Here are some of my favourites, from pregnancy to motherhood…
With over and under the bump styles, a choice of colours and cuts, and regular sales, you’ll find your pregnancy staple here. Labels include Isabella Oliver & Seraphine. Speaking from experience, maternity jeans are also great for post-birth bloated days and brunching…!
Yes, you can exercise and breastfeed at the same time. Offering great support and a sporty style, this cotton-lined bra is breathable and is super-comfy too. No more contorting to get out of your sports bra to feed (a calorie burner in itself…)
Getting in the water when you’re towards the end of your pregnancy can be a huge relief, taking the pressure off and allowing you to feel weightless for a few moments. It’s also brilliant exercise in every trimester. However, finding swimwear to accommodate your growing your bump was near impossible a few years ago (I bought a truly useless one-piece from ASOS). Blush & Bloom’s collection includes bikinis, swimsuits and tankinis, plus stylish cover-ups. Some even have added features such as UV 50+ protection and sizes over D cup.
I started wearing these during my first pregnancy, and didn’t stop. With hidden support, clips for feeding, and a longer line, I sleep in them as well as wear them out and about under wrap dresses or a cardi. They’re an essential basic!
I’m a sucker for a lovely set of jimjams and these ones are a treat. Made from super-soft cotton and finished with a satin trim they add a touch of luxe to those late-night feeds. Kim Kardashian is a fan, and I can safely say this is the only place our sartorial tastes overlap.
Blush & Bloom’s selection of nursing bras is second-to-none in Dubai, and you’ll need a couple of styles. The T-shirt bra is a classic, with moulded cups, seam-free stitching and one-handed clasps, they’re totally invisible under your clothes (and they’re great for concealing breast pads, FYI).
If you’re concerned about getting the right fit then visit Loretta in Arabian Ranches so she can make sure you leave with the perfect bra – she’s the expert in this, and
Dresses have been a lifesaver during my pregnancies – one item and you’re done. And many are made from stretchy cotton, meaning they grow with you. You’ll find countless cuts on Blush & Bloom, from formal eveningwear, to maxis, to body-con, to shirt dresses, for all budgets, and many offering features that allow breastfeeding. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll be wearing them for years after pregnancy…! There are evening bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses.
I’m totally smitten with these Marloe London swaddle scarves, which can be used as blankets for your baby, as a scarf for you, burp cloth or breastfeeding cover-up. They’re made from organic cotton and bamboo, and the colours are beautiful.
A diaper bag must-have if you choose to breastfeed, a specially designed nursing cover makes a huge difference for ease of feeding. The Bebe Au Lait styles are made from breathable muslin (perfect for Dubai), and loop around your neck, featuring an adjustable, rigid neckline so you can check the latch and watch your baby. They also come with two Terrycloth pockets for storing breastpads, wipes or pacifiers, and are large enough to ensure you’re totally covered (and can be used for draping over your baby’s stroller to protect them from the sun).
Keep your hands free and your baby close with Belle Baby Carriers, which aren’t bulky like so many other styles, folding up to fit in your handbag. Your little one can face in or out, and they’re simple to use (eg not an IQ test) as well as being eco-friendly, with 100% undyed cotton with a soft fleece liner.
Don’t forget – enter code ‘mothership’ to receive 20% off regular priced items. Happy shopping!
