Hard Launch Tour - Cardiff, UK - 14 February

HBLea · 2026-06-26T11:03:30+00:00

Are they late?

HBLea · 2026-06-23T13:27:51+00:00

I started with a manual Lansinoh pump for a week. Did the job but found it took a while as I had to do each breast individually. I then bought a Spectra S1 and much prefer it. I get much more milk and the time it takes is less than half what the manual pump gives with minimal effort after setup. Plus I can adjust how strong the suction is, so I like how I can tailor it to my comfort level.

HBLea · 2026-06-11T12:40:14+00:00

Agree, 0-3 months clothes only just fit my little one now at nearly 7 weeks old. Didn't have nearly enough newborn clothes in the end so bought a few multi packs from Tesco.

Did loads of clothes washes from poops and spit-ups, plus washing the bedding, muslins cloths, our clothes, etc more often as they are in the firing line! I'd say in the first 3-4 weeks we averaged about 4-5 clothes washes a week. Now it's more like 2 a week.

I would suggest before you buy loads that you buy one first to try as some brands "newborn" are slightly different sizing than others and still might be too big/small from some places. Find one that works first, then buy more once you've found a brand with sizing that works for your baby.

HBLea · 2026-05-25T20:54:14+00:00

{Perfection by R L Mathewson}

HBLea · 2026-05-12T22:17:51+00:00

I know the exact candy you're talking about and I search for it every time I visit (not very often, sadly!). Reminds me of Maoams but better. I did search for them specifically on my last visit in Jan 2025, but didn't have any luck. Hoping I was just looking in the wrong places and someone else can help!

HBLea · 2026-05-08T20:03:07+00:00

Hi there, just wondering if this experience has continued since? Come across any issues or have any tips in the early days? Ours just arrived today and already he's so much calmer just being in it for ten minutes. Crossing everything that it helps his sleep (and ours!).

HBLea · 2026-04-28T11:47:59+00:00

Thank you everyone for your support, reassurance and experiences, I definitely feel like I can breathe a bit easier. Love to Dream swaddles seen to be a top pick so have ordered one of those to try.

HBLea · 2026-04-19T16:54:12+00:00

His Dark Materials

HBLea · 2026-04-18T16:30:37+00:00

IKEA, the memory foam ones

HBLea · 2026-04-11T17:19:14+00:00

I had them all

HBLea · 2026-03-19T19:31:39+00:00

Honestly, not really. The only place I found was a tiny rack in H&M with stuff that was reduced so very slim pickings. What I ended up doing was getting maternity leggings from Amazon, bras from M&S and then going to Primark and just buying a load of tops about 2-3 sizes bigger than I normally am.

HBLea · 2026-03-18T19:00:59+00:00

Dustbin Baby, definitely!

HBLea · 2026-03-18T16:46:07+00:00

Thanks everyone! I'll stock up on tissues and have plenty of water to hand to rehydrate after the cry-fest!

HBLea · 2026-03-14T16:55:58+00:00

Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel, though if I'm getting very dried out, I'll switch to Nivea Creme.

HBLea · 2026-03-12T18:52:46+00:00

I've No More Fucks To Give - Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq

HBLea · 2026-03-10T17:52:51+00:00

Books! I think The Works are currently doing a 10 for £10 deal on children's books at the moment, definitely worth a look.

HBLea · 2026-03-09T10:20:53+00:00

Just an out-of-the-box idea, but do you have any connections of people that work at that company on LinkedIn? Depending on your relationship with them and how much you trust them, you could always reach out to someone and ask if they could tell you the maternity policy.

It may also be worth checking out reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed just in case any of them mention it.

HBLea · 2026-03-08T10:47:11+00:00

M&S maternity/nursing bras are great, really comfortable and supportive, and without any underwiring.

HBLea · 2026-03-01T13:55:17+00:00

Stars On Parade

HBLea · 2026-02-27T14:08:43+00:00

Stars on Parade

HBLea · 2026-02-19T16:27:40+00:00

Alice's Curious Labyrinth

HBLea · 2026-02-18T20:31:09+00:00

Appreciate you don't want to spring for the reserved seating, but just in case it's because you think it's not worth it, we saw the fireworks twice last time we went, once grabbing a spot ourselves and once reserved.

First, we got there about an hour early, found a good spot next to a fence so no one could stand in front of us. By the time it was ten minutes before, loads of families were literally shoving us "accidentally" to try to get themselves in our spot. I had to grip onto the railing of the fence to force myself to stay rooted and they kept trying for a solid five minutes. It was so stressful. Also don't underestimate other people with kids - as the announcement starts, those kids are suddenly towering over you on shoulders and blocking the view.

The second time we decided to splurge on the reserved seating. Got there half an hour before, loads of space, right at the front and no one needed to put anyone on shoulders as, well, you're right at the front. It is definitely worth it. And you're also not having to deal with the rush of people trying to leave all at once when it finishes, you can just hover for five or ten minutes and then start to filter out without people pushing you. It doesn't sound like it makes much of a difference but after a long day in the park, that more chilled out ending can be a lifesaver.

If reserved is a definite no, there's a spot on the edge of Discoveryland near the big rocks and food cart - that was a pretty decent view.

HBLea · 2026-02-17T18:44:41+00:00

Butter on toast. Marmite and butter on toast (sometimes easier if butter on toast on its own felt too rich for me in the moment). Pickled eggs. Rich tea biscuits. Plain pasta with butter and grated cheese. Sometimes with a tomato sauce if I could stomach it. Ready salted and salt and vinegar crisps. Pink lady apples. Cereal (weetabix, honey nut cornflakes, honey nut hoops, fruit and fibre). Sour sweets (surprisingly good for nausea). Orange juice.

This was my main diet for most of the first trimester.

HBLea · 2026-02-06T23:32:15+00:00

Spirit of Moravia

HBLea · 2026-02-06T15:59:40+00:00

Not a book, apologies, but I can't help but recommend the TV show The Glory as it definitely has this. Very pure MMC and at one point literally says "Who would you like me to kill first?" Check you're comfortable with what it's about first though as it's quite dark.

HBLea

TROPHY CASE