Unexpected double trouble...

A good friend of mine and her husband have a gorgeous little three year-old girl, and having always dreamed of two children, decided they were ready to try for another.

Her husband, who luckily still has a good job in a well known bank, got to work converting the home office into a second baby bedroom, and she continued her part-time job as a French teacher.

When her doctor finally confirmed her pregnancy, she was thrilled ! Great news…or was it?

Within minutes her smile fell from her face as the doctor told her she was expecting twins! She was filled with misery as her picture-perfect life of two children in her meticulously prepared home dissolved, and panic if how to cope set in.

She asked her doctor how this could have happened, as there was no family history of twins on either side. She was taken aback when he said that having a baby after 30 considerably increases the chances.....she shrieked back, ' but I'm only 32!! '

So, after a few months of getting used to preparing for a life with three kids and an un-planned family of five instead of four, she was delighted to discover she is having two little girls.

She is now enjoying her pregnancy, and excitedly imagining future life with her trio of girls happily combing each others’ hair!

For anyone else who may be in a similar predicament, click here for 20 reasons why it's great to have twins!

Posted by Vanessa, mama-la-mode team

compression depression...

For first time mothers, knowing what is right or wrong for the baby is a constant debate. However, when it comes to your bump and maternity wardrobe the general rule is, if it feels comfortable, then it is safe.

Question: Is it ok to wear tights during pregnancy? ....the answer is yes, as long as they are not restrictive or too tight. Daphne Metland, the medical writer and author of pregnancy bible 'Expecting' says, 'It is safe to wear maternity tights all the way through your pregnancy. However, as tights are made of synthetic fabric they can make you sweat more and feel uncomfortable, so it is important to choose tights with plenty of cotton content. '

Our maternity tights by Trasparenze are made from fine Italian yarn, and feature a gently supportive cotton body which sits snugly over your bump. Available in Black in 20, 60, or 70 denier, and Nude in 20 denier, these are maternity wardrobe staples which due to popular demand will be available in more colours and weights for Autumn '09!

Similarly Maternity Spanx are also perfectly safe to wear, as long as they are maternity specific. As your pregnancy enlarges there is strain placed on the back, bladder abdominal muscles and pelvic floor. Abdominal support garments can decrease pressure on the spine and pelvic floor and many women report a decrease on low back pain, abdominal pain and bladder problems.
So as well as smoothing contours for vanity's sake, support underwear can actually help relieve muscle strain and discomfort!

Conclusion: Any two-in-one that helps an evening in heels whilst pregnant gets our vote!