It was decided that I would take Baby into central London to meet hubby from work.
It was the first time I had attempted the train and London alone with baby so I took the maxi cosi car seat attached to the bugaboo wheels as it was too hot for the sling and the pram top is quite large for commuter trains!
It was also somone's leaving drinks so hubby had mentioned popping in for one quick drink in soho, "somewhere on Greek Street" so there I am still in Maternity jeans - which, by the way, are too baggy but I'm still too big for my normal jeans and a maternity top so I can breastfeed and hide my mummy tummy...
Baby looks adorable in a cute little outfit and baby trainers.
The train journey was ok, baby jumped every time the doors opened and there wasn't anywhere to fit the pram but the train was fairly empty so was manageable. The train pulled into central London at 4pm and there were quite a few commuters waiting to get on the train - I had to say "excuse me please" four times before there was enough room to get off the train and through the commuters waiting to board - it was a bit of a struggle to get the pram off the train and nobody helped! I said "all these people and no one helps!" and it was like I was invisible!
Walking through Soho was easier than I thought but even with a baby, black cabs and cyclists are still keen to run you over, fail to signal and block crossings!
Met hubby, showed off baby to his head office and then it was time for a feed - for all of us! I haven't got the hang of breastfeeding in public yet so we went to Mamas and Papas regent street - there is a back entrance on Argyll street which is where the lift is up to the Cafe, it was virtually empty so we got a table in a corner which was perfect and as it's in Mamas and Papas, I didn't feel uncomfortable breast feeding! Food was great, good menu for lite bites and snacks - and there is a childrens menu too!
Next too the Cafe are baby change and feeding rooms - and I'm pleased to say they have the lovely feeding chairs in them that Mamas and Papas sell so get comfy if you don't fancy breastfeeding in the Cafe! (and take note Mothercare and your horrible hard feeding bench - stick a proper feeding chair in your rooms!)
This is when hubby decided to tell me we were going to Soho House for a drink! - to be fair to him, he didn't know what sort of place it was! I've been before but for a conference!
First thought - Oh my god - soo many stairs and no lift, carrying the bugaboo could be hard!
Second thought - Can we take baby in!
Third thought - I look more like a slummy mummy than a yummy mummy in baggy maternity jeans and top!
Firstly, Hubby carried the pram up the first flight of stairs and the staff were lovely and looked after it for us!
Secondly, Of course babies are allowed - it's used by celebs as a party venue for their babies!
Thirdly, Because of baby, nobody actually noticed what I was wearing - babies seem to be the best distraction technique for when you have an "ugly day"!
I have to say, I had the best virgin cocktail/mocktail I've ever had! Virgin vanilla and apple mojito - simply delish!
I'm pleased to say, baby seems to enjoy the high life! had a great time in one of London's best private members bars and showed everyone that life still goes on when you have a baby! I went in feeling like a slummy mummy but having had a great time socialising, showing off my baby and drinking lovely mocktails, I left feeling like a yummy mummy!
Emma in Bromley
You were so brave attempting all that, not sure I would have dared :) But sounds like you had a great time x
ReplyDeleteWe did have a great time! I did feel very brave doing it ha ha but it was better than I thought so really glad I didn't chicken out at last minute!
ReplyDeleteEmma, wondering if I can ask you a question about M&P feeding rooms. Do you think they would be OK if I used the feeding room to express milk? I'm on maternity break and still nursing my son, but I have to go into London for a job interview. Trying to figure out where I can express with my medela between interviews, lest I leak or explode!? Would love to know what you think. Cheers, Jen
ReplyDeleteHiya Jen
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading my blog and taking the time to comment.
I would be surprised if anyone had a problem with you using the feeding rooms to express! It's such a lovely atmosphere there, with great staff I'm sure you would be welcome to use the facilities - after all, that's what they are there for!
In the same are, there as also good feeding facilities in Selfridges, on the 3rd floor as you entre the ladies room, they have nursing chairs in a discreet area to the left.
I also believe John Lewis on Oxford street also has good facilities, however I haven't seen them myself yet.
Best of luck with your job interview! fingers crossed for you!