Here are the last recommended posting dates to ensure your parcel arrives before Christmas HOWEVER, I absolutely recommend ordering sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.  Royal Mail are always under so much pressure at this busy time of year so parcels can take longer to arrive.  Also as a small business, I can only have so much stock at a time and if I sell out of a particular size or style I can't always guarantee that it will be restocked again this side of Christmas.  I will of course still be posting out your orders as notmal even after the last posting dates and also between Christmas and New Year, around Bank Holidays.

Please note these are guidelines, once I've passed on your order to Royal Mail I can't control the speed of delivery speed or upgrade postage once your parcel has left me.   I always appreciate all of your support, regardless of the time of year so if you are thinking of buying something as a gift then please order earlier to make sure your parcel is with you in good time.  

It's November, so it's ok to mention the C-word, right?

I get lots of lovely customers buying as gifts for other people all year round, but especially at Christmas time. It's lovely as our clothes are for mums, who sometimes don't get prioritised in the madness of baby's first Christmas.  BUT it's so tricky to know your own size post partum, even more so someone else's size. 

That's where gift vouchers are just so good.  Buying a voucher means gifting your loved one the freedom to choose what they want or need most, which can be invaluable. Plus they get to choose to shop want whenever they're ready (night feed shopping anyone?!)  As always any purchase made with our gift vouchers is still covered by our full return and refund policy. 

I've re-designed our gift vouchers for the festive season and they're now available to purchase in either £20, £30 or £50 here x

As a small business we don't have the luxury of large warehouses or storage facilities, this means that it can be tricky to keep hold of off-season or end of line stock. Take our winter jumpers for example, they are lovely and snuggly but their bulky size means they take up lots of room.  This can mean I hold off ordering summer items as I simply don't have the space for them!  Equally offering customers pre-loved options of our styles is something that's I've been looking into for a while.  So we've collaborated with Holleo to bring you a hotMaMa outlet featuring end of line items along with pre-loved hotMaMa breastfeed clothes.

What are the benefits of a hotMaMa breastfeeding clothing outlet?

Amazing bargains

Shopping for pre-loved or end of line items is a great way to grab a bargain item at a fraction of it's original price.

Unique pieces

You'll find some discontinued items there that I no longer stock or manufacture.  Lots of our printed fabric styles for example are now really expensive for me to to manufacture, but they're something I know customers love and can be found in the outlet.

Sustainability

Not only is it great for you as the customer it's also beneficial for the environment.  By purchasing pre-loved items, you're giving a second life to clothing that may otherwise end up in a landfill which seems crazy as I've always aimed to produce high quality clothes designed to last for years, so they still have so much life left in them!

Mums supporting mums

Both hotMaMa and Holleo are both small mum run brands.  By purchasing products or services from mum entrepreneurs, you are directly supporting them and their families, supporting mums to contribute to the economy and pursue their passions without compromising time with their little ones. Additionally, many mum-run businesses offer unique and innovative products that may not be readily available in mainstream markets, giving you the customer access to a more diverse range of goods.

Shop the hotMaMa breastfeeding clothing outlet here

The first week of breastfeeding your baby is a crucial time for both you and your little one as you establish a strong breastfeeding relationship. Understanding the different stages of breastfeeding post-birth can help you navigate this emotional, challenging and rewarding journey.

1. The Early Days
In the beginning, you and your baby are just getting to know each other. Your newborn may feed frequently, often every 1-3 hours, as they work on establishing your milk supply and their own feeding rhythm. It's normal for your baby to feed for varying lengths of time during each session.  Colostrum is the first milk produced by the breasts after giving birth. It is rich in nutrients, antibodies, and white blood cells, providing essential nourishment and immune protection to newborns. Colostrum is thick and yellowish in color and is low in fat but high in protein and carbohydrates. It acts as a natural laxative to help the baby pass meconium and clear out their digestive system. 

2. Engorgement and Adjustments
Around day 3-5 post-birth, (although it will vary) your milk supply may increase, leading to engorged breasts.  This is when your "milk comes in", it can be uncomfortable but is usually temporary. Ensuring proper latch and feeding frequently can help relieve engorgement.  At this time, colostrum transitions into mature breastmilk, which has a higher fat content and continues to provide important nutrients for the baby's growth and development. The composition of breastmilk changes throughout your breastfeeding journet to meet the evolving needs of your baby, making it a unique and powerful source of nutrition.

3. Cluster Feeding
Cluster feeding, where your baby feeds more frequently for a period of time, is common during the first week and again when your baby has a growth spurt. This can be exhausting but is your baby's way of increasing your milk supply and meeting their growing needs.

4. Seeking Support
Breastfeeding is bloody hard work and let's not forget that as a new mum you've also just given birth, are quite likely sleep deprived and adjusting to life as a new parent.  It is intense which is why it's important to ask for help .  You can reach out for support from a lactation consultant, breastfeeding support group, or your healthcare provider. They can offer guidance, reassurance, and practical tips to help you through any challenges you may face.
Remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique, and it's okay to ask for help when needed. Stay patient, trust your instincts, and cherish these precious moments bonding with your baby during their first week of breastfeeding.