StyleNest chats to Leonora Bamford, founder of TheBabaBlog.com.

Together with her friend Ellie Mules, Leonora Bamford recently launched The Baba Blog. Like many women Leonora felt overwhelmed by the advice, tips and tales she found on Google once she became pregnant, so she took it upon herself to create a mummy blog that filtered out the good from the bad, the helpful from the plain scary. 

TheBabaBlog.com was born, and Leonora now shares her own honest tales, amazing finds and advice. Covering everything from what to wear on the school run to how to deal with your baby’s teething; The Baby Blog is one of the most candid and helpful mummy blogs out there.

StyleNest caught up with Leonora to get an insight into life as a blogger and a mum of two. 

We love how The Baba Blog covers everything from what mum can wear on a night out, to the coolest toys for your little one, all in easy to manage snippets. How do you choose your content?

At the moment it’s just us and a few guest bloggers. Whenever we see something we think looks cool, fun, interesting or useful, we do a little post.  But we always state if it’s something we like the look of but haven’t yet tried.

Many pregnant women and new mums lose confidence whether it be with how they look or going back to work. Did you experience this at all and if so can you give other women any advice?

I felt fat and bloated when I was pregnant and couldn’t understand this ‘pregnant glow’ people talked about. But it’s true- every pregnant woman I’ve known has a special aura- even if you don’t feel it, you look beautiful to others. When it comes to work I’m lucky to work from home so I can fit around the childrens’ schedules. Lots of my friends are working mothers and they say that although it’s hard to begin with, in many ways they’re better mothers for it. I would say don’t let others judge you or the choices you make. Confidence is key when it comes to little ones and it seems to rub off on them.

You deal with issues such as post-natal depression, ectopic pregnancies and sex whilst pregnant, which are often taboo subjects. We think it’s great that you’re speaking up and acting as a voice for so many women out there. Was it a conscious decision to have these issues on the blog?

It really was. Many of the topics are close to home and we wanted to take the embarrassment out of questions many women and men want to ask but sometimes don’t feel that they can. We are still in the very early stages but I hope that one day you’ll be able to go to The Baba Blog and search for a huge range of subjects from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis, Episiotomies and Aspergers. I want to call on the best doctors in each field and get the right advice and information.

You have two little ones yourself, other than them, what do you enjoy most about motherhood?

I’ve wanted to be a mother ever since I can remember. I love waking up each morning and the look that you get from your children is something I can’t explain. They teach you as much as you teach them. Each day is a learning curve and I love that.

Do you think your style has changed since having children?

I certainly don’t wear as much white.

What are your top tips on dressing whilst pregnant?

Wear what makes you feel good. I have a big ribcage so empire lines made me look short and dumpy. Other than pregnancy jeans from Blossom and Topshop, I bought little in the way of pregnancy clothes. I went for floaty pieces in bigger sizes which got bigger as the months went on. If you look through your wardrobe you’ll be amazed to see how much will fit throughout pregnancy, but don’t get depressed when things don’t. I remember bursting into tears when I tried on a pair of my normal skinny jeans in my first trimester to find that they wouldn’t fit. Make sure that you wear things that do fit and are comfortable. Put everything else away and forget about it.

Did you beauty regime change whilst pregnant or afterwards?

Yes. My skin was dreadful when I fell pregnant and so I treated myself to the odd facial and used very simple products. I used the Aromatherapy Associates Rose Range, that was gentle and soothing.

What is your ultimate must-have beauty product?

I have two at the moment: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser covers everything and gives a subtle glow, and I’m crazy about Clinique Chubby Sticks.

Describe your perfect day with the family?

That’s easy. A family breakfast with everything you can imagine, my husband makes the best pancakes and the kids love getting involved. Then it’s back to bed for cartoons and when we’re finally dressed, a walk in the park with our dog and new puppy. If it’s sunny we’ll go for ice cream and if it’s cold, hot chocolate. When we’re in London, we try and do something we’ve never done before.

Can you recommend any quick and easy dinners the whole family enjoy?

I find that bangers and mash always go down well with a bit of onion gravy. I pile the mash on a plate and stick the sausages in so that it looks like a hedgehog. Making your own pizzas also go down well- I buy the bases and let everyone decorate their own. I find that when the children get involved with cooking, they tend to eat more. For pudding, my kids love jelly, which can be quick and easy to make in the morning. Frozen berries are also great with melted white chocolate poured on top.

Are there any cute childrenswear brands you love?

My husband goes mad buying our children’s clothes. We love Finger In The Nose and he always stocks up on Baby Milo when he’s in Japan. I’m obsessed with Hatley’s skinny PJ‘s and when it comes to cute dresses, I like Zara Baby. I’ve just come across bubbs.co.uk, who do proper old-fashioned smock dresses and if your in the states, Splendid do adorable pieces.