As a first time mum to be or even if you’re going around again we all know the excitement when those two little lines appear on the pregnancy stick! It’s not too long after we’ve run around screaming with joy that we stop and wonder ‘what the heck am I going to wear’. Never fear ladies, you can still look fab even when you’re body is about to become something you never quite knew it could.

The first thing that every woman must do once they discover they are pregnant is get a maternity bra. I suggest once you reach between 12 and 16 weeks visiting your local lingerie shop, department stores lingerie section is also excellent, in choosing where you go first make sure that you’ll be able to be fitted for the bra.

You’re maternity bra is going to grow with you and provide much needed support to not only your breasts but also your back. Some women have been known to triple in size during pregnancy going from quite a petite size to what they might consider enormous. Also, there are some gorgeous maternity bra’s available these days, so you no longer have to look like you’re wearing your grannies underwear. I can recommend Elle McPherson’s Bendon range which got me through my entire pregnancy. Make sure you get a couple to get your through and expect to pay around $45.00 for something that will last.

Most of us live in our jeans, especially if we are busy mums. Usually it’s the first thing we notice once we fall pregnant, that our jeans seem to be a little bit tighter than usual, we’re almost relieved to discover it’s because we are pregnant. If you’re lucky and your bump sits reasonably high, you may find that your super stretch variety will take you all the way through your pregnancy. If you’re not quite so lucky and find yourself undoing your top button I can recommend a belly band to cover the undone button and zip. A bellyband will sit over the top of the jean much in the same way as a belt and will also expand with your belly as you grow. Belly Bands retail at around $30 and come in a variety of colors.

Another option is to buy a pair of maternity jeans, remember you’re going to be buying one size up than you usually are. The maternity jean is the same as your regular jean but has been changed to include a rather large stretchy piece of fabric at the top where the button and zip used to live. This fabric pulls up and over your belly and keeps your jeans up. These days you can get maternity jeans from Seven For All Mankind, Pumpkin Patch and MammaBlack. Expect to pay over $100, otherwise you can usually nab a great secondhand pair on eBay if you don’t feel like shelling out a small fortune.

As your bump expands you might find that you can get away with simply wearing lots of stretchy fabrics, larger sizes camisoles and slips as well as shirts and t-shirts. It’s been a great time fashion wise for the pregnany lady with smocks, kaftans and maxi dresses all the rage. If you’re able to – you will probably be able to simply buy one size up to accommodate your growing frame.

Life still goes on when you’re pregnant and that includes socializing. Even though you’re feeling like the size of a small country it comes in handy to have at least one nice dress to wear out. I suggest having a few maxi dresses in the cupboard, they look gorgeous and with an Empire line, suit just about every shape and size whilst hugging your bump and making it the main feature of your outfit.

Avoid heels, they’re only going to make your poor feet ache more. If you absolutely have to wear your heels then I suggest wearing them in short bursts, otherwise go for flip flops and ballet flats which come in a gorgeous range these days.

Whilst it feels like an age that you are pregnant, it really doesn’t last that long, so make sure to make the most of your gorgeous bump and remember, there is nothing more beautiful than a pregnant woman.

One of the most important elements of a work from home business is networking. Because we do work from home we don’t have interaction that others do so it is crucial that we allow time to network and build relationships. We’ve all heard the saying “It’s not what you know it’s who you know” So today I’m going to be stepping into the networking arena & joining me is Kellie Anderson, & Larna Pittiglio We are going to discuss the importance of networking, the traditional methods & the new age networking opportunities. Then we will share some results we’ve received just from networking. Let’s get stuck into it guys!

Do you ever find yourself pulled in a hundred different directions at once, have no time to scratch yourself, let alone take some “time out” as the experts suggest? Ever find yourself screaming “Just five minutes!” Amanda Cox shows us just how you can realistically achieve that rejuvenating time out that all mums NEED!

Transcript

You’re tired, sleep deprived, being in pulled in several directions and once and can’t even have a pee in peace. The kids are fighting, crying or hungry again, you have a to do list as long as your arm and visitors arriving and the floor needs mopping.

What you’d really like to do is curl up under the doona for a week and hide from it all, but that’s not an option at the moment.

Before you know it, you find yourself screaming “Just give me FIVE MINUTES!”

It’s a well known fact, and oft talked about issue between mothers, that mums really need to take some time out for themselves.

It is essential not only for their health and well being, but has a profound impact on the rest of the family. We all know that a happy mum equals a happy family.

Many books, magazines and experts have suggested ways for you to get a break, from sleeping when the baby is sleeping, to asking neighbours for help and many other suggestions.

Sadly, for most of us and for many reasons, these ideas are just no that easy to implement. Reality, other jobs that need doing and elderly, non-child friendly neighbours can make it really difficult.

So, how is it we get this seemingly elusive, yet much needed break?

You’ve tried sleeping when the baby is sleeping, but your mind is running amok! There’s floors to sweep, bills to pay, phone calls to make, washing to hang out, food to prepare for this evenings meal … (all of which is also suggested you do “while baby is asleep”)

It’s also a well known fact that kids have a sixth sense that tells them, even when they are asleep, that you’re about to have some quiet time, and before you know it, they’re awake and screaming for your undivided attention.

You could always ask neighbours, family of friends for help. This can be fraught with complications, given that everyone is so busy these days, and family living further away than you’d sometimes like.

That insidious mother guilt and sense of pride can also get in the way. It requires you asking for help, or worse, the thought that you’re not good enough and have to call for reinforcements.

There’s also that dreaded fear of being asked to reciprocate and having to have someone elses children in your care.

Argh!

Sometimes, all you need is literally five minutes to rejuvenate, and it doesn’t necessarily need to be as complicated as employing Angelina’s nanny and running a bath with 15 kinds of essential oil and organic bath gel imported from the deepest Amazon.

Acknowledge that, yes, there are piles of washing to be ironed and put away, but, right now your mind needs attention. Sadly, that washing will still be there when you’re done with your mind, but you may just feel a little less resentful when you’re done.

Use it to your advantage … there it is, dumped on the couch. Why not join it, resting your head on the comfy bits and indulge in a bit of light reading or your favourite murder mystery.

Feet tired and swollen? Whilst in the lying position, reset your feet up on the pile of ironing in waiting and allow the blood flow back to your brain. You never know, your brain may just appreciate the injection of oxygen and ability to think again. At the very least, it will be energised and able to function sufficiently.

They do say change is as good as a holiday, and a break from the routine can be enough to provide the relaxation you need.

That break could be letting go of all the stuff you “should” be doing and doing something totally different and not very “mum like”.

It may be as simple as preparing something completely out of the schedule for your evening meal. Serve up a dips platter, complete with crackers, cheese and vegie sticks, put on a DVD, sit on the floor and do all those things that mums aren’t supposed to do.

Even turning on the TV, putting on a DVD or listening to a CD when you normally wouldn’t can be a huge help. Lie on the couch with the kids (use that washing again if necessary!) and let them watch something while you indulge in a good book or have a much needed nap.

Of course, you could always make it much more fun, and something the kids will just not expect from you.

Have a bit of a go at jumping on the bed with them. It gets the heart rate up and you may even have a good laugh!

Put on some music you love, preferably with a good, fast beat and that you love singing along to, then dance around the kitchen, singing as loudly as possible.

In just five minutes, following the principles of doing something different, doing something fun and having a huge laugh, you can relax, rejuvenate and feel completely revived.

Better still, it’s something you can do every day!

“The Outtro”

In as little as an hour or two, or even in just five minutes, following the principles of doing something different, doing something fun and having a huge laugh, you can relax, rejuvenate and feel completely energized.

Better still, it’s something you can do every day!

You never know, you may even just feel relaxed enough to forget the to do list and sleep when the baby is sleeping, or call in those reinforcements to give you the longer, bigger break you also need.

Reading stimulates children’s imaginations it can help them relate to people and places that were otherwise be unreachable. When you open a book for your child in shared reading you are giving shape and dimension to ordinary events and helping them learn to be better communicators. Reading can assist your kids to develop important skills for life improving their minds and introduced into a lifelong love of learning.

Do you ever find yourself pulled in a hundred different directions at once, have no time to scratch yourself, let alone take some “time out” as the experts suggest? Ever find yourself screaming “Just five minutes!” Amanda Cox shows us just how you can realistically achieve that rejuvenating time out that all mums NEED!

Download podcast here 

http://blip.tv/file/get/Roomtogrowtv-Just5Minutes416.mp4

Transcript

You’re tired, sleep deprived, being in pulled in several directions and once and can’t even have a pee in peace. The kids are fighting, crying or hungry again, you have a to do list as long as your arm and visitors arriving and the floor needs mopping.

What you’d really like to do is curl up under the doona for a week and hide from it all, but that’s not an option at the moment.

Before you know it, you find yourself screaming “Just give me FIVE MINUTES!”

It’s a well known fact, and oft talked about issue between mothers, that mums really need to take some time out for themselves.

It is essential not only for their health and well being, but has a profound impact on the rest of the family. We all know that a happy mum equals a happy family.

Many books, magazines and experts have suggested ways for you to get a break, from sleeping when the baby is sleeping, to asking neighbours for help and many other suggestions.

Sadly, for most of us and for many reasons, these ideas are just no that easy to implement. Reality, other jobs that need doing and elderly, non-child friendly neighbours can make it really difficult.

So, how is it we get this seemingly elusive, yet much needed break?

You’ve tried sleeping when the baby is sleeping, but your mind is running amok! There’s floors to sweep, bills to pay, phone calls to make, washing to hang out, food to prepare for this evenings meal … (all of which is also suggested you do “while baby is asleep”)

It’s also a well known fact that kids have a sixth sense that tells them, even when they are asleep, that you’re about to have some quiet time, and before you know it, they’re awake and screaming for your undivided attention.

You could always ask neighbours, family of friends for help. This can be fraught with complications, given that everyone is so busy these days, and family living further away than you’d sometimes like.

That insidious mother guilt and sense of pride can also get in the way. It requires you asking for help, or worse, the thought that you’re not good enough and have to call for reinforcements.

There’s also that dreaded fear of being asked to reciprocate and having to have someone elses children in your care.

Argh!

Sometimes, all you need is literally five minutes to rejuvenate, and it doesn’t necessarily need to be as complicated as employing Angelina’s nanny and running a bath with 15 kinds of essential oil and organic bath gel imported from the deepest Amazon.

Acknowledge that, yes, there are piles of washing to be ironed and put away, but, right now your mind needs attention. Sadly, that washing will still be there when you’re done with your mind, but you may just feel a little less resentful when you’re done.

Use it to your advantage … there it is, dumped on the couch. Why not join it, resting your head on the comfy bits and indulge in a bit of light reading or your favourite murder mystery.

Feet tired and swollen? Whilst in the lying position, reset your feet up on the pile of ironing in waiting and allow the blood flow back to your brain. You never know, your brain may just appreciate the injection of oxygen and ability to think again. At the very least, it will be energised and able to function sufficiently.

They do say change is as good as a holiday, and a break from the routine can be enough to provide the relaxation you need.

That break could be letting go of all the stuff you “should” be doing and doing something totally different and not very “mum like”.

It may be as simple as preparing something completely out of the schedule for your evening meal. Serve up a dips platter, complete with crackers, cheese and vegie sticks, put on a DVD, sit on the floor and do all those things that mums aren’t supposed to do.

Even turning on the TV, putting on a DVD or listening to a CD when you normally wouldn’t can be a huge help. Lie on the couch with the kids (use that washing again if necessary!) and let them watch something while you indulge in a good book or have a much needed nap.

Of course, you could always make it much more fun, and something the kids will just not expect from you.

Have a bit of a go at jumping on the bed with them. It gets the heart rate up and you may even have a good laugh!

Put on some music you love, preferably with a good, fast beat and that you love singing along to, then dance around the kitchen, singing as loudly as possible.

In just five minutes, following the principles of doing something different, doing something fun and having a huge laugh, you can relax, rejuvenate and feel completely revived.

Better still, it’s something you can do every day!

“The Outtro”

In as little as an hour or two, or even in just five minutes, following the principles of doing something different, doing something fun and having a huge laugh, you can relax, rejuvenate and feel completely energized.

Better still, it’s something you can do every day!

You never know, you may even just feel relaxed enough to forget the to do list and sleep when the baby is sleeping, or call in those reinforcements to give you the longer, bigger break you also need.

Today we’re talking toilet training!! I’m a firm believer that most of the “expert” parenting books on the market should be tossed out the window! Your instincts as a mum, and sharing stories with other mums, is a much better way to go to build your confidence. I’ve toilet trained both my kids ? thank goodness! ? so I wanted to get together with some other cool mums to swap stories for what we all found did and didn’t work when it comes to toilet training.

Download podcast here

Transcript:

Even if you’ve gone through it once before, pregnancy and birth can be a journey of the unknown. It can be exciting and scary at the same time. With me here are two mums that have been here before and they’re headed for the birth experience again.

So, welcome Sam & Thomas and also Emma & Clancy…..

So, are there any unexpected feelings or fears that you are having in this pregnancy?

Emma: I don’t know if they are unexpected but there are fears with either pregnancy, you vaguely know what you have ahead of you and I think that’s a little bit daunting and I try to pretend it’s not happening.

Amanda: It can always be different no matter how many pregnancies you have had…

Sam: I don’t have any fears as such, as my first experience was good as they go.

Everything went well and I was fit and healthy, within a very short time frame. I suppose my concern is anything happening twice…..probably not.

Amanda: Do you like being pregnant?

Emma: It’s ok this time, I’m more in a hurry…this time. You enjoy being pregnant and people saying ‘oh, you’re pregnant!’ But this time, it is hurry up and give me the baby…

Sam: I quite enjoy it.I’m over the feeling sick, the mark which is good and something to celebrate and be joyful for….I quite enjoy being pregnant. I have notice too having a toddler now that sometimes I forget that I’m pregnant. Your life is so, so busy, whereas your fist one, all you seem concentrate on I’m pregnant and what’s happened today and
I’d wait, you know, weekly to read the books and read the emails to find out this week the baby is this big. You’re very, very focused first time around and I find it hard this time to think about.

Amanda: Is there anything you would do differently this time around?

Emma: Uh… I suppose the first time you expected the professionals are the ones leading you…this  time around I’m going to take the lead a bit more. I was waiting for midwives to come around and do something or say something and at one stage I waited a long time and I got really anxious about that. Clearly I’m now a lot more confident about that, now and say to my doctor ‘no come here!’ It took them awhile to get my doctor. This time I would say ‘no!’ I have got more confidence of every aspect of it. Right down to seeing a doctor or having a scan and hoping the same will happen with the birth as well.

Amanda: Sam for you?

Sam: As I said it went well for a first baby, he was a particularly quick birth, so I’m expecting that again and the advice says that will be happening again…I will be calling for the epidural on route to the hospital.

Amanda: Does this pregnancy feel any different from the other pregnancy?

Sam: Mine did at the start, movements early not that we’re the baby??, your body changes differently…perhaps the second time you’re a little bit more prepared for things. I also notice that my tummy popped out a lot quicker….and it was a bit frightening.

Amanda: Are you planning to find out or do you know the sex of your baby is?

Emma: We know, we found out on Wednesday, we found out with Clancy and we decided we would find out again…so yes we are having another boy. As much as we are thrilled we don’t care for either way. Ummm it allows you to prepare for a house full of testosterone.

Amanda: And same for yourself?

Sam: We found out for Thomas but we are not going to find out this time we want it to be a surprise. Yeah ,I think the first time ideally I felt the need to be prepared, but this time, you know what, if it’s a girl, you know, I’m sure pink clothes aren’t tricky to come by.

Amanda: Second time around have you noticed your partner has treated you differently?

Emma: There is not enough time. Whereas like Sam was saying before, this time around you’re so pre-occupied or ready that there is just no time for anything, let alone each other. So, I think that’s the hardest bit is you don’t have enough time. He doesn’t focus on the baby either. It’s hard enough for me to find time, let alone him. That’s the main difference.

Sam: I think the same

Amanda: How are you both preparing birth?

Sam: The one thing that I learned from last time, that I am doing this time is um… work out as best I can at the gym or keep as fit as possible. I found that really helped birth and post birth.

Emma: Yes I’m doing the same thing, lots of exercise trying to keep all that up. Nothing particularly different same hospital, same doctor …

Amanda: Sometimes people have a really bad experience.

Emma: My long labor wasn’t reflective of the doctors or midwives, it was just long.

Amanda: Well I hope the second time is easier. Well, guys, thanks very much for sharing your experiences and concerns. Best of luck with both the births and thank you for sharing with us today.

Thank you for joining us today on Room To Grow. If you would like any more information that you have seen on the show…please go to our website  www.roomtogrow.tv We would love to hear your feedback, stories and suggestions about what you would like to see on this show. See you next time.

Traveling with your children for the first time can seem daunting, once you’ve done it a few times you will have gained a lot of confidence. With us today are two mums to talk about their experiences and what to do and what not to do when traveling with children.

We are looking for people who understand what it is like to be a mother/parent in Australia today and who are interested in gaining some video production skills to assist us in filming  Season 4 of Room To Grow TV

You will be required to work on Saturdays and possibly Sundays in and around Melbourne.

No previous experience is necessary, as we will show and teach you basic production roles in camera, lighting and sound. At this stage it is a volunteer position.

We’d love to have you involved in Room To Grow and to help us produce a TV show made for parents, by parents.

Please contact Elisa