Self-esteem

Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem is the set of negative beliefs you have and low confidence within yourself. Low self-esteem involves the yearning of being approved by people other than yourself.

Causes of Low Self-Esteem

Causes of low self esteem can vary from person to person. Having researched many journals on self esteem, it is said it could have stemmed from child hood events and life experiences. It could be the outcome of broken down relationships and being abused.

As for fellow mummy bloggers, physical and lifestyle changes can impact the way you feel and think about yourself. A lack of motivation can be felt when seeing the physical changes in your body. Many women feel it from pregnancy as control of your own body is limited, stretch marks may form and the state of the body after giving birth may be unexpected.

Your pre-pregnancy clothes may still not be able to fit you and your maternity wear may be too lose as a cause of not having your bump anymore. This will soon pass! By the first six weeks had passed I had lost a lot of belly fat. By three months it was back to my normal size. Exercise was needed from here. Staying at home and having lack of sleep can affect your motivation and drive as you are completely thrown into the deep end of it! As months pass, it will be easier. Others suggest to attend playgroups to meet other mothers who may feel isolated. Or talk to someone close around you, letting things off your chest may be enough to make you feel better!

Low self esteem is not classed as a mental health issue but can be a factor impacting the state you are in. It can impact the relationships you have with close people around you as trust issues and negativity can cloud your daily thoughts as an outcome of low self esteem. As a cause of this, you could also develop depression.

Activities to gain back Self-Esteem

Activities to gain back self esteem include putting your drive and motivation back in gear.

Noting down what may make you feel down and how you can resolve this is a good way of getting into the nitty gritty of why you may have low self esteem. Writing it down can make it clearer for you as well.

Writing down a list of things you like about yourself could boost your esteem and realise you like more things about yourself than you think. This list doesn't have to just include your physical features but could include your talents as well.

Talking and writing down your thoughts.

Exercise, diet and sleeping well can also help.

Remember...

Self-esteem is down to you and your thoughts. Remember that selfesteem can only be found within yourself. Therefore, do not seek approval or happiness from others as you must find your drive and motivation to love yourself again. It will happen, but it will take time, and in your time is the best time :)

 

Written by Chic Toddlers. Posted with Blogsy.

Zara BabyGirl Leggings for SALE!

Zara BabyGirl Leggings perfect for the spring/summer season.

Used, excellent condition.

Size: 9-12 months

For more products and great bargains visit our eBay page ChicToddlers.

"Buy Now" button has been removed as item is
SOLD OUT!

Written by Chic Toddlers. Posted with Blogsy.

Introduction to Fitness and Self-Esteem Season

To all my fellow bloggers and followers,

Over the next few weeks I will be posting information and advice mainly on post partum fitness and general self esteem issues.

I will be starting with SELF ESTEEM! -targetted for all females, making pointers of course, for mummies and mummies to be. I will be targeting the issues and reasons which may cause low self esteem, how we can over come this and information on how the media and society, as well as our intimate contacts can have a massive impact on this!

FITNESS will focus on areas including diet, exercise and motivation. I will be giving advice based on my personal experience in post partum fitness.

Join us this season and let's all get fit and motivated. We're doing this for US!

Chic Toddlers x

 

Written by Chic Toddlers. Posted with Blogsy.

Coming Soon...

 

Fitness and Self-Esteem Season

 

Written by Chic Toddlers. Posted with Blogsy.

Review: Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream

This is review will be the first of this blog. It's been a while since I have written one so here it goes...

Whilst breastfeeding, it is common to experience the pain of having cracked nipples. My case was not as bad as those that I've heard develop into mastitis but they did hurt at times. After having done research for the most natural nipple creams, Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream was the one I kept stumbling upon so took to myself to purchase the product and try it out for myself. They say they make the most natural cream and it is safe for both mama and baby's skin. It is so natural that it does not need to be removed before baby feeds.

I instantly noticed the packaging; from they colours and material, I thought they were very appealing to the eye. The lilac making it very feminine and the shiney box giving the impression it would be of good quality. I liked the material the tube was made in as it seemed solid.

Before applying the cream I always washed/wiped, cleaned and dried the nipple area. When first supplying the cream I was surprised to notice that it was a thick gel/petroleum jelly like texture. It is also clear. In needed to massage the tube a little before being able to get some out. I realised I often applied a bit too much at times when I squeezing out the cream. Try about a pea sized amount first then apply more there after.

Instantly I noticed it was very soothing and worked much faster than I had thought. The only pain I would experience was when baby would first latch on. This was due to the nipple still healing from being cracked. After the first few feeds the baby would take after latching on, the pain was gone. I would wipe the area clean after and also baby's mouth before reapplying the nipple cream. It did not affect baby at all after feeding with the cream on.

I only went through about I think two of these tubes of cream, with not even finishing my last one. It worked as I said within days and thought it was so amazing. It definitely helped me and thought it was of such great quality. It is an amazing product and I would recommend this to anyone who has experienced cracked nipples. Stay strong and keep persevering! Remember it's all for our babies. The pain is only temporary and soothes after they start feeding. If you think your situation/pain and breasts are of a worse condition seek your doctor and ask them advice on products.

This was not a PR collaborated review. All opinions are honest and of my own.

Written by Chic Toddlers. Posted with Blogsy.

Breast feeding and the Oh So Dreaded Engorgement!

Breast feeding is not as easy as it looks! This is what I soon found out after giving birth...

Skin to skin contact with baby was encouraged as soon as she was born. If you do decide to breastfeed it is encouraged you do straight away as colostrum is produced. I didn't see much of it as it comes in small amounts. It is however one of the most important nutrients given to your newborn.

Milk does not for some mums come straight away. I had to wait a couple of days until it started to flow. Very little was produced during the first few days to where I had to give my baby some formula! I tried to express but still did not have enough, (no one told me it would at first be painful!) I was so worried that if I gave her formula she would not latch on to me anymore. However, she did and formula was used temporarily as a top up in the first few weeks.

Almost a week and a half later after giving birth, I experienced engorgement! Oh it was terrible for me. I was so frightened as I thought I was having a fit as a cause of my pre-eclampsia (as mentioned in my previous post). I was shaking uncontrollably and my body had a sudden rush of cold throughout. I felt too weak to move but when I managed to, I put extra layers on and my partner poured me a drink of cola as he quickly researched what could relieve it. It soothed me down and I soon stopped shaking. I felt like the sugar rush gave me energy to cope with the weak feeling that rushed all over me. I was exhausted so wrapped myself warm and all of a sudden sweated it out. Yes, my body felt like it was over heating but it felt so much better. The best relief after this was when I started breast feeding my baby. Every time my breasts engorged as painful and excruciating as it was, it was the only thing that could relieve the pain.

Some women may not be aware, as I was not at the time, that your breasts may engorge at seperate times. Do not fear, the other will engorge too! They will be the same size or similar to each other!! (Lol) some say when they experienced engorgement they developed a temperature too. I experienced engorgement several times and it often surprised me as I was breastfeeding regularly. Each time, I would go through the same symptoms and the only relief was when baby fed.

Now, when I was breastfeeding my breasts would refill after feeding baby. If I was not around and several hours passed, they would suddenly go very hard and I'd experience an aching feeling. I also had to wear breast pads as I sometimes leaked. It is a good tip to time and divide how much you feed the baby and each breast for them to stay level in amount and appearance. This goes per feed.

After talking to several mums who breastfeed, they expressed their distress of the appearance of their breasts after baby had fed. They would appear to sag but this is because they had been emptied as baby drank milk but would fill up again after a while as they conform to baby's needs and the amount they drink.

I researched many sites about the appearance of breasts after feeding baby and seeked advice from family. Many told me that they would go back to how they were. It was hard to believe at first! Online, they said that they may sag a little but not to the extreme as many women may imagine. This is because six months after breastfeeding they say breasts go back the same due to fat tissues building back up as they were. I must say before those six months were up they returned back to the shape they were before.

I encourage any mum to breastfeed. It may be hard in the beginning but once you get into the flow of things and see the results, it will all be worth it. It was the greatest feeling knowing that she was growing and striving so healthily because of me! It makes you appreciate how amazing the body can be.

If you are unhappy with how they look, chest exercises are a good way to naturally lift them. Many I found on YouTube, as I wanted to work on my body as a whole. Due to the amount they grow and shrink it is natural for them to be less perky but not saggy! Extreme sagginess is caused at times by damage in the tissue.

Remember there is no excuse for us! Aim high, aim for your body to be even better to what is was before giving birth. Giving birth is a wonderful thing. You have given life, you have brought life into the world. Giving birth makes your body so much more "womanly", so much more feminine.

Embrace it, work on it then show it off!

I will soon be blogging in April about Post-partum fitness and Self-esteem! So watch this space...

 

Written by Chic Toddlers. Posted with Blogsy.

Pre-Eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia affects both mum and baby. The cause for pre-eclampsia is currently unknown. When someone has the condition, the only cure for it is to deliver the baby. This is due to the fact that the placenta is not functioning as it should be; blood flow lessens between mum and baby. Therefore making it a risk for the baby and mother's health. Midwives told me that this was due to the fact that my baby was quite smaller.

Pre-eclampsia is hard to tell by symptoms. Physical symptoms include the swelling of hands, feet and face - oedema. I had noticed this in my pregnancy but was never diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. It was at one of my routine antenatal checks that they discovered that I had very high blood pressure and protein in my urine.

This led to me being immediately taken to the emergency maternity ward where they carried out more checks. They monitored the baby's heartbeat, my blood pressure, tests on my knees, took some bloods and checked my urine again. My legs were slightly raised to try and ease the swelling. I was seen by the doctor shortly after being referred to the HDU where he said pre-eclampsia gave me a high risk of having fits due to the high blood pressure and that they would be inducing me after monitoring my blood pressure and giving me medication to try and lessen and maintain it. They also took note of now much urine I passed and how much water was being consumed.

So please make sure you go to your antenatal checks!!!

After giving birth, baby and I were healthy. My blood pressure was monitored over night again where I was given medication to try and bring it down. When I was taken into the maternity ward my blood pressure was checked every couple of hours instead of being strapped to the monitor all day. I was given the same medication at this ward and was discharged by the doctor and prescribed the medication as soon as my bp was back to normal.

Luckily, with my experience baby and I were healthy and I did not experience any fits. The swelling had gone down incredibly shortly after giving birth. My legs were kept slightly raised and "special" knee high length socks were given to me to wear. (I can't for the sake of me remember what they were called lol). Before the swelling had gone down they got really worse...

Wise words of the doctor who had discharged me were: "Things will get worse before they get better"

She advised me that during my next pregnancy I would have to be monitored closely in case I get pre-eclampsia again and that my bp should be checked every now and again.

For further information, please visit the NHS website as I found this extremely useful on the facts about pre-eclampsia that explains it so much better medically!

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pre-eclampsia/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Written by Chic Toddlers. Posted with Blogsy.

My Birthing Experience

Following on from "My Pregnancy Experience" post comes My Birthing Experience...

So my regular check up with the midwife which had been transferred with my GP ended up as a surprise as I was immediately sent to the emergency maternity ward. This was due to the fact that I had Pre-Eclampsia. I had my suspicions for the past few weeks as my legs, feet and hands grew increasingly swollen. My blood pressure on the day was very high and protein was found in my urine. This confirmed the pre-eclampsia.

Luckily during this appointment I was with my mum! I didn't realise how serious pre-eclampsia was at the time and thought I was just going to the ward for more checks. The midwives re-did the tests and monitored baby's heartbeat. They informed me that baby was okay but had to be delivered, therefore, I would not be getting discharged. I was extremely scared at this point. Funnily, all I could think about was Food! I remember craving for a really big burger just so that I would feel like I would have the energy to push baby. (Was that the hormones or what?)

A couple of hours later I was sent to the High Dependency Unit. The doctor had spoken to me about the dangers of pre-eclampsia. (Details will be given in my next post). They said that I would have to have my blood pressure monitored until the early hours of the morning before being induced, and again after giving birth. At about 6-7am I was induced and 3 and a half hours later experienced contractions. At this point in time, I was completely unaware of what they were - being a first time mum and all.

These contractions were me going into labour as they did not slow down and got increasingly painful. Taking deep breaths helped me so much as I refused the gas and air; it made me feel nauseous. Right after my waters broke, I was taken into one of the labour rooms. It is a feeling unlike any other. Just before giving birth my body felt like all energy had gone and was taken over by the contractions. The body works in mysterious ways; as soon as it was time to push, all the adrenaline and strength came back, (it was also the support of baby's papa :) )

My labour lasted for about 30 minutes. I can't imagine how some women could endure labours lasting 48 hours! Pushing the baby happened so much faster than I had expected. As soon as baby girl arrived, she was put on my chest for skin to skin contact. I felt elated to finally have her in my arms. She was so tiny, precious and just beautiful.

That was definitely the best day of my life!

 

Written by Chic Toddlers. Posted with Blogsy.

My Hospital Bag

A few essentials for mama and baby...

Essentials for MAMA

Plenty of maternity pads - although the hospital provide these bring some just in case! And make sure you have some ready at home.

Packs of normal knickers (from Primark or somewhere cheap); you'll probably only use these up until the bleeding stops and dispose of them after.

Bras - I had no idea I'd be in hospital for a couple of days so pack 2 or 3.

Bag for dirty clothes

Nighties/pyjamas - wear something that is easy to breastfeed in, possibly something with buttons.

Slippers

Dressing gown

Toothbrush/toothpaste

Hairbrush and hair bands

Outfits to go home in - remember your stomach won't shrink back straight after giving birth so pack something lose.

Moisturiser, Bio Oil, Shampoo, Body wash, Flannel

Towel - again some hospitals provide this!

Make up bag

Phone and charger

Pen and small notepad

Snacks!

Essentials for BABY

Pack of nappies

Wipes/cotton wool - cotton wool and water is a great way to top and tail your baby as well as cleaning their bottoms. You know that it is pure on their skin.

5 Baby grows and sleep suits - you may have to stay over a little longer than expected. Also Baby may get a bit messy when needing their nappy changed.

3 hats, 3 bibs

Gloves - newborn babies tend to have their hands at their faces-scratching them

Blankets

Going home outfit

Formula carton and bottle - these will come in handy especially as breast milk may take a few days to produce and baby will be hungry!

Olive oil - keep your baby moisturised with olive oil. Olive oil is one of the purest for your little one's skin.

Things PAPA might want to pack are his phone charger, bottle of drink, snacks, extra top.

Let us know what else you recommend to pack :)

 

Written by Chic Toddlers. Posted with Blogsy.

Pregnancy Tips

During my pregnancy I researched a lot of tips online and asked for advice from family. Here are a few I found to work the best:

Mints for Nausea
Chewing on a mint on my way to work would ease the feeling of my nausea. However don't over indulge, we do need to think of keeping healthy for the little one! 

Drink plenty of Water! 
I was advised that drinking lots of water helps with the elasticity of your skin. Now although this may not prevent stretch marks, it may reduce them and will keep your healthy glow as hormones during pregnancy can affect the skin. For example, during my pregnancy I went from skin type 2 to 1, then back again to 2 after giving birth. 

Drinking plenty of water will also help prevent you from being dehydrated. Being dehydrated whilst pregnant could lead to you feeling dizzy and nauseous. 

The Dreaded Stretch Marks...

Everyone dreads stretch marks!! Nothing will prevent them but in order to reduce them, I cannot stress enough - you must keep your skin hydrated so elasticity is well maintained. 

*Water Water Water* 

For skin care Bio Oil and Coco Butter worked the best. Now although they may not prevent stretch marks they could reduce the amount which appear on the skin.

My stretch marks weren't so deep, therefore, many of them faded pretty quickly. The red marks on fair skin will take a little longer to fade. 

Also, as your skin stretches rapidly, some women experience itchiness around their stomach. Don't scratch! Scratching it can cause scars which worsens the appearance of stretch marks. I didn't experience itchiness on my stomach but did with my breasts. Read the next tip to find out how I relieved this...

Get a Good Bra 
Breasts during pregnancy can also grow rapidly. Getting a good bra is so important - wireless was definitely more comfortable for this. I experienced extreme itchiness for about three nights and the only relief I managed to find was from putting plenty of talcum powder on them and fanning my chest with a piece of card. 

Talcum powder was advised by my mum and it worked!

Clothing for Winter Pregnancy 
My second and third trimester was all during the autumn/winter. Layers upon layers were not needed! My cousins advised me to wear a light jacket and they were right. As soon as I would walk towards the end of my road I'd be pretty
much very warm. I loved wearing soft materials and cotton. Leggings were a staple during the winter as I could not find the right jeans for my size. I also lived in my boots as my legs became very swollen. 

Few Finds I Loved
Topshop's maternity jeans were the best I could find (Leigh super soft jeans) 
ASOS was great for maternity dresses and basic tops 
H&M's knits and basics 
Knitted tights are a great alternative to leggings to wear with dresses
Adding a thin belt to a lose top accentuates the bump and makes a plain design appear dressier

Beauty During Pregnancy
Keep it natural. 
Pregnancy often makes some women's skin appear to glow. Some experience their skin to change type, so keeping it natural can help with these changes. Again keep skin hydrated with a moisturiser and focus on the eyes or lips instead. 

Hair During Pregnancy
My hair during pregnancy grew very thick. I felt that having it away from your face made you look neater in appearance. Also, it prevented skin from feeling irritated. (That must have been my hormones again!) 

Diet During Pregnancy
It is so important to keep healthy during pregnancy. Remember to listen to your body. Everyone used to tell me that if you are hungry, you must eat, as it means your baby wants food! And if you don't eat, baby doesn't eat. 

However don't over indulge, your meals don't have to be made so big that literally two people could have a course each from it. 

Replace sweet food for healthier alternatives such as
Fruits; mangoes, avocados, pineapple, melon, watermelon, plantain,  - all fruits tropical I love!
Veg; yam, okra, pumpkin, beans, spinach 
I often replaced chocolate with flapjacks 
Soup soup soup 

Heartburn
I experienced a lot of heartburn towards the end of my third trimester. Making a few changes to my diet helped reduce this:

Drink less juice and caffeine 
Cut down on fatty foods
Soup helped calm the sensation down for me 

Walk

Walking is one of the best ways to try and keep fit while pregnant as hardcore exercise isn't recommended. It's also a great way to keep active during the last trimester. 

SLEEP!

Last but definitely not least, get as much sleep as you can. You won't be getting much of it when your newborn arrives. I wish I was more prepared and warned that your newborn would wake up every two to three hours for a feed. Due to the sudden demand and childbirth you would have just gone through, you'll appreciate any sleep that you get!

So sleep, relax, eat well and pamper yourself. 

Hope this helps! Get back to me for more tips you found useful! :)  

My Pregnancy Experience

Pregnancy for most has its highs and it's lows. From feeling your stomach rumble in the middle of the night craving for sweet nothings to the exciting moment you first feel your little one move inside your stomach; it is an unexplainably amazing experience unlike any other...

I remember the first sign of pregnancy I experienced was dizziness! At this point in time, I was completely unaware I was expecting. Finding the cause of this baffled me for weeks. Soon after, the sudden feeling of hunger came. If I ever missed breakfast, my stomach would churn and it would feel like something was eating away at it. 

The nausea came shortly afterwards... That felt horrible. I only vomited about three times throughout my whole pregnancy but was constantly very nauseous. And how could I forget... The overwhelming sensation of being able to smell anything and everything in such powerful abundance. 

However, what I enjoyed the most, was feeling the love I had for my baby grow right from the beginning as I embarked on my journey through pregnancy. It was an instant bond I felt with her click right from the start. The sudden urge to protect and pray for something so precious came to me like second nature. 

Pregnancy came with a list of appointments with midwives but I must say, the ones that I looked forward to the most were the ultra sounds. The first time I saw my little one on screen really touched me. It is as if, as I mentioned before, my love for her constantly growing. To finally see her on screen made me speechless and only the smile on my face could paint the picture of exactly how I felt. She was so tiny and although it may have only been a couple of black and white print outs I was given, you notice every single detail on them. She was beautiful. Everything was worth it. 

I will never forget the first time I felt her move in my stomach as it brought me so much joy and excitement. It was bliss. It started off as gentle pitter patter of kicks I would wait for as I lay to sleep, to her rumbling around every time I would eat. My baby loved food! The cravings I had varied throughout my pregnancy. During the first trimester I craved for all things healthy; yam, pumpkin, okra, avocado, grilled chicken and fish. I, on the other hand could not stand the smell of anything being cooked! Then my second trimester came where my sweet cravings for apple crumble (with cinnamon of course) and custard came. 

I felt the second trimester as most mothers would say, was the easiest to endure. My bump was just about showing and the nausea and dizziness slowed down. As my bump grew, I found the winter fashion excruciatingly boring. I disliked anything loud and flamboyant and preferred my cosy knits and leggings and a light jacket was a must; pregnancy really does raise your body temperature. My hair slowed down in growing length but got thicker and thicker through the nine months as hardly any fell out. And emotions were felt to the max from here to my third trimester. It's funny how hormones can trigger off so many changes where I almost felt like I wasn't myself at times; your body as it grows just does not feel like it belongs to you anymore. 

I think it is at this point in time we just want our baby in our arms. The "penguin wobble" came as well as having to take a wee every couple of minutes! I'm telling you I literally had to; for example, I would always make sure I would go before I left my house to walk to the station. By the time I had reached the end of two roads I would have to go again. I'd be out of breath and my five minute walk turned into twenty. Weirdly enough, aside all of this, my love for drinking water flourished. Drinking plenty of water during pregnancy is important. It is also good for the skin as it helps keep it hydrated whilst the bump thrives rapidly; it cannot prevent stretch marks but was advised it could reduce them. Tiredness also returned this trimester. All I wanted to do was meet my baby girl and that is what happened next as a surprise result during my 38 week check ended up with me being sent to the maternity ward... 

A lesson learnt from my pregnancy experience is that you should ENJOY it! Aside all the horrible symptoms just relax and take it easy. Enjoy the time you have left for yourself and your partner as you will be dedicating yourself to your baby as soon as they arrive. So be healthy and be lucky!