support4women.net

My regular readers will know that my sons are 8 and 6. Those perceptive readers will also know that my other ‘baby’ is my business. bras4mums is also 6 years old.

It’s easy to watch the development of a baby grow into a toddler, even if we may crave the long cuddles with a newborn. I found it easy to watch the

Letting children grow up & move on

boys start school as they were so desparate to go and I could see that they were ready for the next stage in their personal and social development.

But it is NOT easy to step back and watch your business develop. It may all be part of an overall business plan, but this creature that you’ve personally created is now not going to be soley yours. You’re letting someone else in to share building the vision and actioning the plan. continue reading…

I’ve been shortlisted for Business Parent of the Year in the Mum and Working Awards this week. I’m SO EXCITED!

I've been shortlisted for this award!

It’s the first ever award that I’ve been recognised in, (no idea how many I’ve entered in though). I first heard about it from a tweet congratulating me on making the shortlist. I was supposed to be cleaning at the time, and was checking online for something else. Needless to say I got sidetracked! I grinned from ear to ear, (still am, truth be known!), checked up what it was all about and checked out my ‘competition’. I was even more chuffed knowing that some of the other names on the list are holders of numerous awards.

To me, this award nomination is a public recognition of the work I’ve done in setting up bras4mums whilst being a Mum of 2 small boys. It recognises the challenges that life throws at us as people and Business Parents. It’s a pat on the back that I’m ‘doing a good job’ within the business as well as growing and developing it in the same way I support my children’s development. It makes all the hard work, sleepless nights and worry worthwhile to know that someone out there, and now a few more people ‘out there’ know about bras4mums, and what I’m trying to achieve with my vision. continue reading…

I’m not the only one shouting this at the moment.  Some schools are already closed for the summer. Ours break up on Friday.

Are you exhausted?

My 2 boys are exhausted from their learning and full out of school timetable of activities. No. 2 even went to school crying on Monday because he was so tired, (not helped by 2 late nights admittedly, but it is the end of term, and us parents were selfish in wanting to relax with friends). You can see it on the football pitch that all these 6yo are just plain tired. They can’t run around any more. Their bodies need a break.

I’m exhausted with running the family logistics. Even having one of those family calendars where we all have a different column doesn’t help the actual “who needs to be where with what equipment, and who’s able to take and collect?” questions. Having to think a few days in advance about washing clothes that are needed for such and such, or doing the shopping because “I can’t do it then”, uses brain power.

I’m tired, but have to say exhilerated, continue reading…

Some of you will know that I’m about half way through a 10 month business course, funded by NWDA specifically to help support and develop small businesses. I’ve previously posted about the steps we’re following, and have commented on how useful it’s been for me to FOCUS on my business.

At the start we were all fairly worried about how much time we’d be taking out of our businesses. But that, is EXACTLY the point! We’ve all heard about “take time out of the business to work on the business”, but how many of us PLAN that time into our weekly schedules? Even now, my day a week planned out of the business is being taken up with family crises, or doing bra fittings for women who have to see me that particular day, (which I’m happy to do, don’t get me wrong!). But, if I was more FOCUSED then would I ACHIEVE more? continue reading…

Thanks to all those who have contributed articles and comments to the Breastfeeding Carnival for Breastfeeding Awareness Week. I know it has helped and supported many women understand that it is not always easy to breastfeed. You may not get the support you want or need, but if you want to do it, go ahead, give it a go, and do what’s right for you and your family. Remember that all your babies will be different, so will your breastfeeding experience.

Also, don’t beat yourself up if things don’t work out. If you’ve done what you can, you sometimes just have to move on. Sometimes, like after a breast reduction, you have your baby with no idea if you can breastfeed or not.

So, get as much information as you can – both medical and from other previous breastfeeders. Remember that your breasts are made for breastfeeding. It is cheaper and less equipment is required than bottle feeding. You only need good nursing bras, fitted correctly, and the will to succeed. Plus lots of support from family, friends and midwives.

The Breastfeeding Carnival Index:

Breastfeeding – Every Baby is Different

Breastfeeding – It’s not Always Easy

Breastfeeding – The Medical Reasons to Do It

Breastfeeding – Can you be too honest?

Breastfeeding – Naivety kept me going

Breastfeeding – It is possible after a breast reduction

Breastfeeding – Breast is Best? It’s what they’re made for

Breastfeeding – It just didn’t work out

Breastfeeding – I was one of the few who gave it a go

I’ve heard some awful stories this week about total lack of support for women who wanted to breastfeed, but felt that the midwives were more interested in getting them out of hospital rather than supporting them to breastfeed……maybe we should have a carnival about the support we need for breastfeeding?

I’d love to hear your comments on the Breastfeeding Carnival. Even if you haven’t commented on the posts, it would help me plan future events like this one if I know if it’s been helpful. What else could we have done to improve it for you, or what can we do in the future to add further information to this.

Those of you who’ve been paying attention will know that I not only had a stand at the NEC Baby Show this weekend, but I was also being shadowed as part of my LEAD business course. It was certainly a challenging weekend, yet very rewarding.

I reckon over the weekend I did 150 bra fittings. A lot of women didn’t buy from me as they just wanted ‘to get measured’. What I still can’t seem to communicate to these ladies is that a measure, or fitting one bra on them is only a guide. All bras fit differently, so you’re likely to need different sizes in different bras. But, I’m happy to offer this service as my mission is to ensure every woman knows what a comfy bra feels like during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Cake Nursing Cami, pants & Robe

I was delighted with the feedback on how the stand looked – helped in part with the fabulous new Cake Lingerie & Nightwear that we launched at the show. It was lovely to meet some old friends, including @Cheshire_Claire @Mamascarf @CheekyWipes; meet people I’ve met online including (and don’t shout if I’ve missed you out – I met so many people!) @MumsClub @petweetpoppet @GlowStars and @SnoozeShade, and almost met @BumblingTweets. continue reading…

Not about the election, although it is the first time ever I haven’t known how to vote. Had thought about doing a post on “Do you vote for a good trustworthy MP, or do you vote for the party politics you agree with most?”. Which I may do, although I think my Friday guest blogger is going to blow us away with her thoughts on party politics.

No, I’m excited that the first bra fitting agent for bras4mums is now trained and ready to go.

Tracy with T-J during her bra fitting training

This seemed a dream just a few weeks ago, but now I’ve done it! I’ve trained someone else. Passed on my knowledge so that she can share her new knowledge with women in her area and get them wearing comfy, suitable bras during pregnancy and when breastfeeding, whatever their shape or size.

When I first started bras4mums my ambition was to have bra fitters across the UK to be able to offer a home fitting service to pregnant women and new mums. Why? Well, the business started when I had a toddler and a new born baby, and I really couldn’t figure out how to go to a shop to get a bra fitting with a toddler and a pram. I was also horrified with the bra fitting advice and information that I was given during my pregnancies – virtually nothing, and some of it totally wrong. continue reading…

Today is officially my business year end. I always have to plan it around school holidays, and as we go away tomorrow for a week, it seemed as good a day as any to count stock.

Yes, exactly. We have to count ALL our stock. Everything. Maternity bras, nursing bras,

One of the many styles we've counted today

mastectomy bras, plus size bras, sports bras, soft cup bras, briefs to match bras, breastfeeding tops, breastpads, nursing nightwear…..exactly – EVERYTHING! We even have to go into those boxes that have come back from shows with all the bits and pieces in, like bra extenders, sort them, and count them – a job that always gets left!

It took the full day, which was expected. But I’ve found, for the first time since I started bras4mums, stocktake day has been a very inspiring. continue reading…

I’ve failed. I’m a day late with my blog post. I promised when I started that it’d be at least once a week, and I haven’t managed it.

Oh well. Apart from you lot missing my ramblings, I’m not too sure what else this means? Should I be bothered?

Well, the last week has been very full and exciting, but I’ve also been full of cold, haven’t slept at all well, and had a family full of coughs and splutters. Work has been fab; I met loads of people at a Baby Fair yesterday in Milton Keynes where I did lots of bra fittings for bras4mums; and I’ve been planning loads of stuff, including my posts. But, I just didn’t get around to putting a post live did I?

Oh well. May mean there’s going to be a few more so I don’t ‘fail’ again in my task. Will add to my list of things to do and SCHEDULE it in

Just when I thought I knew what I was doing, something has knocked me off my simple straight road and sent me off on a new track. Am I ready for it? No idea, but I’m going to give it my best shot and see what happens

Can you see all the paths on your journey yet?

“If you have a clear picture in your mind of what it will be like when you’ve won the fight, you won’t feel the pain”, Mohammed Ali

After all the customer feedback and juggling I’ve been doing, I thought I was moving down one track with the bras4mums business. Slow and steady. continue reading…