Pregnancy and Children

BODY FREEDOM FOR THE PERFECT PREGNANCY MASSAGE

For my most recent birthday, I was lucky enough to receive a voucher to use at Body Freedom Urban Spa Retreat, South Melbourne.  I am not typically a massage person, but, my goodness, the massages and beauty treatments have certainly been a welcome treat during my pregnancy!  If you are ever uncertain about what to buy as a gift for a pregnant lady, don’t underestimate the gift of pampering. 

I have just returned from what is likely to be my final treatment at Body Freedom before I give birth.  The pregnancy massages are ahhh-maaazing.  Particularly when you are in the final stages of pregnancy.  

The best thing about the pregnancy massages is that they are carried out on a futon on the floor, rather than on a table.  Later in pregnancy it is not recommended that you lie on your back and it is not possible to lie on your front!  Therefore a massage on the futon is perfect!  I also thoroughly enjoyed the Pregnancy Foot and Leg Pamper, which is particularly good if you have swelling in your feet and/or ankles. 

 I can’t recommend Body Freedom highly enough for indulging in a treatment while pregnant (or perhaps you already have regular massages and want to continue these while pregnant).  Body Freedom provides a calm, relaxing environment and the staff and practitioners are all lovely, always taking the time to ask you how you are going before commencing the treatment. 

The only down side about these treatments is when they come to an end…

Oh, and don’t forget that you might be eligible for a rebate on your health insurance for some of the treatments.  Always worth looking into!

WHAT TO WEAR (TO WORK) WHEN YOU ARE EXPECTING!

One of challenges I had when I started to “show” and “grow” was dressing appropriately and comfortably for work.  I have a corporate job, although we are not required to wear suits everyday.  I found it very tricky to find clothes that I felt comfortable in and that I felt suited my personal style.  I am not one to wear tight or fitted clothing and I prefer to wear dresses to work.  Wrap dresses are not really my thing either…

So, I wanted to share some of the successes I had and where I found them!

ASOS was a great place to start!  They have a good range of affordable maternity wear.  Below are some of the things I have purchased and been very happy with.

ASOS Shift Dress In Animal Print (its not maternity so check the size chart)($64.69), click here.  I bought it in the longer version, which goes to the knee.

 

Mamalicious Colour Block Cap Sleeve Jersey Dress ($73.94), click here.

ASOS Maternity Smock Dress with Embroidery ($72.09), click here.

 

ASOS Maternity Exclusive Midi Dress With Dipped Back (I wear it with the top few buttons undone) ($51.76), click here.

For more dressy occasions (for example, the races) I bought these dresses.

  

ASOS Maternity Singlet Midi Dress in Lace (on sale at the moment for $45.29), click here.

Black ASOS Smock Spot Dress (not maternity, so check the size chart)(on sale at the moment for $48.98), click here.

When buying online make sure you check the size charts.  ASOS have a separate maternity chart, which I found to be pretty accurate.  I made a couple of errors with my first order and as a result I have a couple of particularly large t-shirts!

I also had some luck at Soon Maternity. I bought a gorgeous black dress from there, which I will be wearing to a black tie wedding this weekend.  Soon Maternity also has great basics such as long singlets and jeans.  

The other local Melbourne gem I would highly recommend is Premaman Maternity in South Yarra.  My mum went shopping there when she was pregnant with my younger brother (nearly 30 years ago)and this place was truly amazing even after all these years!  I bought my 'staples' from here: black pants and a black bandage skirt.  They also have some beautiful dresses and blouses so make sure you check it out!  

 

This is me (on the left) wearing navy peplum dress from Premaman Maternity (which I will also wear to work) and Annie Clifforth Millinery.