desperate for some tLC, or fanCy a one-off beauty spurge? Kerry foster traCKs down gLam treats and gentLe fixes for mums-to-be

A-LIST BABY SHOWERSAdding a touch of retro chic in their Fifties-inspired uniforms, The PowderPuff Girls are a team of mobile beauticians who’ve visited stars such as Kirsty Gallacher at home. A cheaper option is to visit them at The Powder Rooms. Just summon a bunch of girlfriends for an afternoon of pre-baby pampering from £65 per head. thepowderpuffgirls.com

Expert planner, Before BaBy, has seven packages for mums-to-be, which include food, drink and entertainment. MichelleHeaton enjoyed the ‘pretty in pink’ option before the birth of her daughter, Faith. Prices from £14.99. beforebaby.co.uk

A soirée at The BerKeley, is top of every celeb mum-to-be’s wish list. With a private suite for up to 15 for afternoon tea, complete with baby-themed biscuits, they’ll be in fine company – its visitor list includes Madonna. Price, ahem, on request. the-berkeley.co.uk

PREGNANCY GURUSAfter advising friends on a range of issues from quelling morning sickness to soothing a colicky baby (one even nicknamed her their ‘mummy mentor’), actress Sarah Pearman retrained for a career as a doula, and London’s

BirTh BriGhT was born. Sarah’s website is a mine of support and information through to labour and beyond.

birthbright.com.

Based in Merseyside, MaGical BirTh’s Selina Wallis is an experienced doula who offers birth planning to suit parents’ individual needs. Check her out at magicalbirth.co.uk

Internationally renowned maternity nurse – or ‘the Mary Poppins of our era’, as one

famous parent called her, MarGariTa aTieh counts Strictly Come Dancing’s Claudia Winkleman among her A-list clientele. margaritaatieh.com

haPPy BaBies may be the answer to saving your sanity. Run by Catrina Broadway – her troubleshooting team guides new parents in all aspects of baby care. Available in the South East. happybabiesmaternity.co.uk

Pregnancy can take its toll on the body, with headaches, sciatica, and pelvic floor problems being common complaints post-childbirth. Mum Olivia Hamilton is a specialist physiotherapist at

London’s Beyond healTh clinic, and uses techniques such as

massage, joint mobilisation and acupuncture to help new mums get back to their best. beyond-health.co.uk

little black book of pregnancy treats

Michelle heaton enjoyed a pink-themed baby shower

ding dong! The Powderpuff Girls will come to your door. Top toe job (below): essie nail polish, £9.95, asos.com

Posh nosh: The Berkeley’s baby-themed biscuits were a hit with Madonna

pregnancy

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Mum-of-three, Emily Evans, knows good style – and Gwen Stefani and Kate Moss clearly agree. Her maternity boutique, 9 london, is a treasure trove of lust-worthy labels, including her own glam collection. 9london.com

Pregnant fashionistas on the prowl, should take a peek at the asos MaTerniTy range which takes favourites from its main collection and adapts them to suit expectant ladies, making it a one-stop shop for on-trend pieces at an affordable price. asos.com

As worn by A-listers including Jennifer Garner and Angelina Jolie, isaBella oliver includes ruched dresses to accommodate a growing bump with ease. Looking for a special outfit? Check isabellaoliver.com

Proving maternity and nursing bras can still be pretty, online lingerie store fiGleaves boasts covetable brands such as HOTmilk and Bravado – both hot favourites with girls about town. figleaves.com

With stores in London’s Kensington and Hampstead, it’s no surprise seraPhine has proved an A-list mummy-to-be magnet; Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, Claudia Schiffer…the list is endless. But if you’re not based in the city, the online shop means you can still snap up a pair of the best-selling jeans – and just about anything else that’s bound to take your fancy. seraphine.com

Of course, like the rest of us, celebs hit the high street to stock up on little things too as Lily Allen proved on a recent trip: ‘They’re playing my song in MoThercare,’ she tweeted. You’ve gotta smile at that. mothercare.com

WELLBEING WONDERSCurrently running in Hertfordshire and available nationwide from September, the MaMaBaByBliss six-week pregnancy yoga course is designed to prepare parents-to-be for childbirth. Pamper parties, courses for expectant mums and dads, and even baby massage and yoga classes are available, too. Gift vouchers available from £40. mamababybliss.com

Natural and organic mother care products by neal’s yard help both mums-to-be

and new mums feel their best. For a daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals, try the Pre & Post Pregnancy Complex, £13.95. nealsyardremedies.com

reTurn To Glory’s team of London-based massage therapists

can perform a number of bespoke pre and post-pregnancy treatments all within the comfort of your own home. Prices from £65. returntoglory.co.uk

Glasgow reflexologist and hypnotherapist, ruTh MaGuire, offers a maternity package, which helps prevent many common niggles – from morning sickness to swollen feet and ankles – enabling expectant mothers to feel confident and relaxed going into labour. ruthmaguire-reflexology.co.uk

For south London parents, consider calM BirTh calM BaBy’s hypnobirthing course designed to guide and support mum and partner through pregnancy and labour. Using relaxation techniques, it encourages couples to have the most positive experience possible. Midwife-run breastfeeding workshops are also available. Prices from £50. calmbirthcalmbaby.com

looking hot: Kate Moss was a regular at 9 london

Maternity top, £35, asos

Take time out for mum and baby-to-be

A favourite with Dannii Minogue, BlooM & BlossoM’s philosophy is minimum ingredients for maximum results, which means a big fat no to chemical nasties. Choose

from nine gorgeous products including the Anti Stretch Mark Oil (£24) – a deluxe oil for mums-to- be who deserve a splurge. Go on treat her. bloomandblossom.com

Boo Boo uses 100 per cent natural ingredients such as chamomile and arnica – no wonder The Saturdays’ Una Healy is a fan. Try Bosom Buddy (£18.99), designed to help tone breasts and prevent stretch marks. boobooshop.com

With the advice to avoid some essential oils when you’re expecting, a pregnancy-safe aromatherapy range is a must. Blended TheraPies uses only approved ingredients

to create each of the handmade products in

its maternity range. To help alleviate aches and aid relaxation, the Mum to Be body lotion (£12.50) is a winner. blendedtherapies.com

cowshed mixes organic ingredients with high-end packaging featuring cheeky names (Grumpy Cow, Lazy Cow… you

get the idea). For the perfect made-for-mummy soak, we like the Udderly Gorgeous bath salts (£24). And don’t miss the Baby Cow Organics range for your little one. cowshedonline.com

The only cosmetic company to use fair trade olive oil in all its products, Kadria sKincare is a mother and baby range with a conscience. The Balancing Face Oil (£24) is ideal for problem pregnancy skin. kadriaskincare.com

CHERRY-PICKED BEAUTY BUYS

CELEB FASHION HAUNTS

seraphine shopper: Kate hudson with fiancé Matt Bellamy

aLex Curran’s LittLe bLaCK booK

Super glamorous Alex Curran, 29, wife of England and Liverpool footballer Steven Gerrard is mum to three

girls, Lilly-Ella, 8, Lexie, 5 and baby Lourdes, born last November and reckons it’s her busy lifestyle that helped

her keep in shape, during and after her pregnancy. But she also admits having help from a personal

trainer and treatments at her favourite spa. She shares her best places to pamper and shop

and let’s us in on some top beauty tips, too.

BesT sPecialisT ‘My personal

trainer! We do a mix of

cardio and weights three

times a week. I also do five minutes a day with my Shake Weight, it looks a bit like a dumbbell, but is specially weighted which is good for getting you lean!’ £29.95, highstreettv.com

Place To chill ‘I love The Vincent Hotel in Southport. It has a great atmosphere and their V-Spa uses ESPA products which

smell divine and really helped me relax during pregnancy.’ thevincenthotel.com

Go-To hair ‘Jane Fullerton Hair & Beauty cuts and colours my locks.’ janefullerton.com

MusT-have BaBy shoP ‘Mothercare and John Lewis seem to stock everything I need for my children and they’re great quality, too.’

no-fail MaKe-uP TiP ‘I love the glow I get from Liz Earle’s Sheer Skin Tint, (£21). I like MAC’s Powder Blusher, (£17.50) and Strobe Cream, [£12), that works like a highlighter.’

sKin care savvy‘I’m a real fan of Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil (£36). I used it through my pregnancies and it kept my skin nice and supple.’ Interview by Abby Knight

looking good: mum-of-three, alex curran

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FIVE-STAR SPASMalMaison’s le PeTiT sPas are an oasis of calm within a bustling city location. The ‘yummy mummy’ package (£120) includes exfoliation, a back massage and an oriental scalp treatment, plus your choice of a manicure or pedicure. After all that, you’re bound to be peckish, so it’s a good job lunch is included, too. Available at Aberdeen, Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle. malmaison.com

The MerchanT hoTel in Belfast fuses Victorian grandeur and art deco style with sleek modern touches – trust us, it’s impressive. After kicking back in the spa with the ‘pregnancy new life massage’, browse the labels in the hotel’s exclusive fashion boutique or head straight to the gorgeous bar for a mouth-watering (virgin) cocktail. £60 for 55 minutes. themerchanthotel.com

Liv Tyler and Sienna Miller have both been spotted at London’s Bliss sPa. Cool surroundings and top-notch therapists make it a pampering institution for the Chelsea set. For a well-deserved treat once baby’s arrived, we like the ‘rookie mom rubdown’ – a full body massage followed by a tummy-toning treatment. £135 for 75 minutes. blissworld.co.uk

Sequoia, at Hertfordshire’s The Grove hotel, is the last word in luxury. Nestled in a stunning country estate, you’ll find ESPA products, an indoor pool, and a virtuous juice bar. The ‘new beginnings massage’ is spot on for soothing an expectant mum’s aches and pains. But be warned – you may never want to leave. £125 for 80 minutes.thegrove.co.uk

FEEL-GOOD FITNESSExperts in pre and postnatal fitness, Beez Kneez offers both group and personal sessions in London. Classes include modified Pilates and body sculpting, aimed to keep you in shape and strengthen the core. beez-kneez.co.uk

BuGGy fiT has been hailed as ‘the ultimate fitness class for mums’. Along with their little ones in pushchairs, groups of mothers meet at outdoor locations across the UK for a workout. buggyfit.co.uk

For expectant mums in Nottingham, BuMP To BaBe has fitness classes expertly adapted for pregnancy. Using an easy-to-follow, but highly effective aerobic routine, Claire Mockridge, helps maintain fitness levels, tone muscles and relieve tension. bumptobabe.co.uk

Personal trainer and mother of two, Alison Merry, founded BlooMinG fiT. Harnessing the knowledge she gained in her previous career as a midwife, she offers a range of comprehensive classes across the country, and her website is full of tips. bloomingfit.com

A few private classes with top London pre and postnatal Pilates instructor, Gillian Greenwood, is the stuff of dreams. With an impressive client list, she promises to noticeably improve your posture, plus teach mums a routine they can practise at home

within just a few sessions. gilliangreenwood.com

serious strolling with Buggy fit

nice: the pool at The Grove’s

sequoia spa

chelsea chick: Pregnant sienna Miller favours the cool Bliss spa (right)

pregnancy

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