made by niki

I must say that my second pregnancy is much nicer in many ways, as I’m not as freaked out by the sense of the unknown. I’ve also been pretty lucky that I’ve never had morning sickness or any pregnancy ‘symptoms’ at all. I do get tired and out of breath, and sometimes have to give in and have a moment on the sofa. My main coping strategy is to avoid stairs, and get other people to lift heavy objects for me! I’ve also found that with this breathlessness comes a flushed complexion, but you don’t want hot sticky makeup so my savior (and I’d recommend it) is a BB cream, which is like a very light foundation, to help smooth the complexion.

I’ve been trying to make the most of my full, luscious hair whilst I can. I’m definitely pro having a crazy hairstyle whilst on maternity leave. I’m so tempted to try a pink hair tint whilst I’m allowed to be bonkers…

My favourite brands are Halston, Stella McCartney and Matthew Williamson, and I could not do without Ash Shoes. I avoid going out to the shops because I love to shop online (in bed, usually in the middle of the night). I use social shopping portals such as Shopstyle and Wanelo to research and save all the things I like and then get ready to pounce when I’m ready, or when there’s a sale… Shopping this way has opened me up to lots of fab new shopping websites, which has been very helpful as we’ve also been building a new Made by Niki lingerie shopping website, due to launch in June / July 2014, watch this space!

For basics, I obviously love Amoralia’s Second Skin collection, which is also very handy for breastfeeding . I also cannot live without the Made by Niki Feel Bandeau Bra, it’s luxurious and comfortable for everyday wear.

I’ve been living in my ASOS leopard print maternity dress, black jersey jumpsuit and printed jersey trousers. I found that the maternity jeans I bought from Mamalicious are too tight and restrictive. I prefer soft dresses, which means soft, stretchy maternity tights are essential. For sleeping, my Joules ‘Puck’ onesie’s have been heavenly. Made from soft organic stretchy cotton they are ideal as they have no waistband.

My favourite baby brands have to include the online kids shop Alexandalexa do fantastic babieswear and kidswear. I bought Nellie some really cute Mini Melissa Jelly sandals from there last year. Jojo Maman Bebe are the best for kiddie sleepwear and H&M and Next are great for kids daywear and shoes. The Joules kids range has got a lot more funky lately, too – Nellie loves her chicken bag!

My current guilty pleasure has to be the Trip with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. It’s perfectly mellow viewing for a hormonal pregnant person, with a lilting tempo and no sudden scary surprises!

I don’t think we will be planning a babymoon this time around! In the same month that Artie is due, we will be delivering our AW’14 Made by Niki collection to clients and launching a new website. Artie will be going everywhere with me in a portable crib from ‘Phil and Teds’ which looks a bit like a sports bag, or a Baby Bjorn baby carrier which will allow him to snooze while I get stuff done. It would be nice to take him on holiday at some point though, maybe at Christmas?

Nelly didn’t need telling about baby number 2 – every day she points at my giant bump and says ‘bruvver’ then gives him a massive cuddle and a kiss (she’s 2 years old).

My number 1 top tip for new mums – if you’re planning to bottle feed, introduce it ASAP. Nobody told me this when I had my first baby, I left it 8 weeks before introducing the bottle (which was too late) and I ended up breastfeeding for 15 months. While this is romantic and great for baby it’s not practical if you have to work or travel.

Also, if you have a strong mind and keep breathing like a yogi, then giving birth doesn’t hurt and you won’t need pain relief 🙂

Niki McMorrough is the CEO & Creative Director of the Lingerie Shopping website “Made by Niki” and has one daughter, Nellie, and a son, Artie, on the way!