New research from one of the UK’s leading independent baby-product review websites has found that mothers find the Christmas holidays the ‘most stressful’ time of year; with over two thirds, 68%, admitting that they feel ‘very stressed’ at this time of year.

Whilst Christmas is an enjoyable holiday for many, it seems that mothers across the UK are bearing the brunt of the stress that comes with it. A new study from Babychild.org.uk, one of the UK’s leading independent baby product review websites, has found that over two thirds, 68%, of mothers admit to feeling ‘very stressed’ over the Christmas period; with the majority agreeing that they find it the ‘most stressful time of year.’

The research was conducted by www.Babychild.org.uk, in order to gauge how mothers across the UK cope with the Christmas period, with 1, 672 mothers aged 18 and over taking part.

Respondents to the study were initially asked to describe their usual mental state over the Christmas holiday. Over two thirds, 68%, of mothers replied that they usually felt ‘very stressed’ at Christmas-time; as opposed to just one in ten, 9%, who stated that they usually felt ‘calm.’

The mothers who admitted to feeling ‘very stressed’ were then asked to state why they felt this way. Whilst the majority, 53%, explained that they felt they had ‘too much to do’ over the Christmas period; over a third, 34%, blamed their stress on the fact that they received ‘no help from family members’ in Christmas preparations.

Furthermore, over half, 51%, of all mothers who took part in the study admitted that they felt that Christmas preparations ‘depended on them.’ Over a third, 33%, explained that they prepared Christmas dinner alone, whilst one in five, 21%, explained that it falls solely on them to buy all Christmas presents for friends and family.

Of the total respondents to the study, over half, 55%, admitted that they found the Christmas season the ‘most stressful’ time of year.

Jill Tovey, co-founder of Babychild.org.uk, commented on the findings:

“We wanted to look into how mothers feel when Christmas comes around, and it wasn’t surprising to find that the majority admitted to feeling ‘very stressed’ during the holiday season. Most explained their stress on the fact that they felt they had too much to do, and did not receive enough help around the home; something that can be extremely stressful at a time of year when there is so much to organise.”

She continued:

“Although I think it can be argued that Christmas organisation has relied on mothers across the UK for many years; perhaps fathers and partners should take note, and try to share the burden of Christmas preparation a little more equally. Helping around the kitchen, or doing a little of the Christmas shopping, can make all the difference when it comes to alleviating the pressure of preparation on mothers across the UK. After all, Christmas is a time to help those in need!”

ENDS

LINK: http://www.Babychild.org.uk

For more information please contact Emma Kent of 10 Yetis Public Relations on 01452348211 or [email protected].

Editors Notes

Babychild.org.uk looks for real reviews from real parents

The shop features over 1,000 products, which have been rated and reviewed by real parents. This number is constantly growing everyday.

A study by the UK’s fastest growing baby product review site of more than 1,000 young women has revealed that a third, 32%, of the respondents would not breast feed for fear of ruining the look of their breasts.

New research from www.BabyChild.org.uk, the UK’s fastest growing baby product review website, has revealed a reluctance amongst young women to breast feed after birth out of vanity.  Just under half, 49%, of young women aged 18-25 claimed that they did not plan on breastfeeding; the overriding majority, 32%, labelling the desire not to ‘ruin the look of their breasts’ as the main reason why.

The research was commissioned by http://www.BabyChild.org.uk, following the recent news that model Gisele had publicly voiced her pro-breastfeeding stance. 1,228 childless women aged 18-25 were subsequently polled; asked questions surrounding their hypothetical intentions of breastfeeding.

When asked the question, “Do you plan on breastfeeding your child?” 49% of the young women who took part in the study answered, “no.” Only 35% responded with a definite “yes” answer; whilst 16% said that they were “unsure.”

These respondents were then asked to stipulate the reasons behind their claims. Of those who stated that they did not plan on breastfeeding their child, 32% admitted that it was because they didn’t want to ‘ruin the look of their breasts.’ A further one in five, 19%, claimed that they felt, ‘uncomfortable’ about the thought of breastfeeding; whilst 9% stated that they didn’t plan on it as their mother had bad experiences.

The 19% of young women who claimed to feel, “uncomfortable” about the thought of breastfeeding were asked in the study to stipulate why they felt this way. A quarter of these women felt that their breasts were ‘sexual,’ and therefore deemed breastfeeding ‘inappropriate;’ whilst a third, 32%, explained that they found the act of breastfeeding ‘odd.’

Of those who claimed that they didn’t want to ‘ruin the look of their breasts,’ just over half, 52%, were afraid of their partner finding them less attractive should this happen. A further 1 in 4, 24%, were fearful that they would lose their body confidence. Over three quarters, 77%, of the young women who did not want to breastfeed also stated that they did not think it would affect their baby’s health.

Of the women who did intend on breastfeeding, the main reason for 51% was the supposition that it would be ‘healthier for the child.’ Over a quarter, 28%, wanted to do so ‘in order to bond with the child.’ Furthermore, one in ten of those who wanted to breastfeed stated that it was ‘irresponsible’ of mothers not to plan on trying.

Jill Tovey, co-founder of http://www.BabyChild.org.uk, commented on the findings:

“Breastfeeding is a real hot topic at the moment; one of the main reasons why we decided to commission this research into the opinions of young women. It was surprising to see that so many young women were unwilling to entertain the thought of breastfeeding their child in the future, particularly due to reasons of vanity. The fear of ruining a youthful physique is evidently at the forefront of their minds, and the risk of breastfeeding changing the look and feel of your breasts forever is clearly enough to put some young women off altogether.

“However, the study also revealed a slightly more concerning topic; namely the fact that a percentage of the young women who took part in the study felt that breasts were sexual, therefore deeming breastfeeding an ‘inappropriate act’. This is a somewhat worrying school of thought, particularly given the fact that many women seem to be turned off breastfeeding because of this inaccuracy; and breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world. However, the competition of breast versus bottle will forever be debated, and probably never solved. Perhaps an improved education of the benefits and drawbacks of breastfeeding will help young women to come to a more informed decision when the time comes, rather than basing their choice on vanity or fear.”

ENDS

LINK: http://www.Babychild.org.uk

For more information please contact Emma Kent of 10 Yetis Public Relations Agency on [email protected] or 01452348211.

Editors Notes

This study was conducted on 09/08/2010- results were collected on 16/08/2010.

Babychild.org.uk looks for real reviews from real parents

The shop features over 1,000 products, which have been rated and reviewed by real parents. This number is constantly growing everyday.

Cincinnati, OH — November 2, 2009— Local ladies can get some great deals for a great cause with the first annual Seasonably Chic Showcase. Cincy Chic (www.CincyChic.com), the only online lifestyle publication for women in Greater Cincinnati, and Locals on Living (Cincinnati.com/LOL) an affiliate of the Cincinnati.Com network, are hosting the Seasonably Chic Showcase on Saturday, November 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at The Phoenix downtown.

More than 30 vendors and boutiques will be present at the event. Two Brunch ‘N’ Learns will provide attendees with useful and timely tips: Poeme’s Unique Gift Giving and Wrapping Tips at 12:00 p.m. followed by Sacksteder’s Interiors Holiday Décor Tips and Trends at 1 p.m. Paris J Boutique will be showing off the latest Winter fashion trends in two fashion shows at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

No RSVP is required. The admission “fee” into the event is one canned good, which will be donated to the Freestore Foodbank. In exchange for the canned good, attendees will receive a swag bag valued at $100 and exclusive discounts from the following vendors:

Paris J Boutique, World Class Sterling with JoAnn Roszmann, Stop Traffick Fashion, Juice Plus+ with Carroll Hall, Golf Chic Boutique, Heyman Talent Agency, Exciting Windows! by Kim Lyon, Cincy Designer Shoes, Blue Scarab Jewelry, World’s First Gender Relationship Dictionary, Miche Girl LLC, Bling!, Tuscany Spa Salon, LavishGiving.com, Mi Salon Spa, A Woman’s Touch Plastic Surgery Center, Serket Jewelry, Usborne Books and More, Pure Romance by Evon Smiley, Fierce Fans LLC, JMM Photography, Elizabeth’s Closet-Baubles, Bling & More!, Best For Babies, Stonely Unique Jewels, Krombholz Jewelers, Dutchgirl Enterprises, Astor and Black, FENNOfashion.

ABOUT CINCY CHIC

Cincy Chic is the only online lifestyle publication for women in Greater Cincinnati. Cincy Chic offers forums, blogs, webcasts, podcasts, social networking features, ladies nights, lunch ‘n’ learns, cooking series and weekly editorial covering five key topics: health, beauty, fashion, social and career. The publication launched in January 2007 and now boasts more than 15,000 subscribers. Cincy Chic operates in partnership with Locals on Living, an affiliate of the Cincinnati.com network. Check out what is “Chic this Week” on the Cincy Chic blog http://cincinnati.com/blogs/cincychic/ or for more information about Cincy Chic visit www.CincyChic.com.

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Patty Brisben, CEO and Founder of Pure Romance, offers advice to Cincy Chic readers

CINCINNATI, OH — October 1, 2009 — As temperatures cool outside, Cincy Chic is heating things up with a new relationship column written by Patty Brisben, CEO and Founder of Pure Romance.

Cincy Chic, the only online publication for women in Greater Cincinnati, is teaming up with Patty Brisben, CEO and Founder of Pure Romance, to give readers insight into her 20 years of relationship enhancement experience. Brisben’s Q&A column, entitled “Ask Patty,” will run every other week, starting this week.

“I am thrilled to open up the dialog between Patty and our readers,” says Amy Storer Scalia, Publisher of Cincy Chic. “Patty has a lot of information to share and she’s not afraid to share it. I think our readers will genuinely benefit from this.”

Brisben’s passion for helping women’s lives inside and outside the bedroom has helped her build one of the biggest in-home party companies in the nation. Pure Romance, which generated more $80 million in retail sales in 2008 alone, has been featured on CNN, The View and VH-1 and recognized by Forbes and Inc. Magazine.

In 2007, Brisben also started the Patty Brisben Foundation, which introduced The “Naked Truth” College Tour and her unique breast cancer program, Sensuality, Sexuality, Survival. Her foundation also provides resources for women and their health care providers.

ABOUT CINCY CHIC

Cincy Chic is the only online lifestyle publication for women in Greater Cincinnati. Cincy Chic offers forums, blogs, webcasts, podcasts, social networking features, ladies nights, lunch ‘n’ learns, cooking series and weekly editorial covering five key topics: health, beauty, fashion, social and career. The publication launched in January 2007 and now boasts more than 15,000 subscribers. For more information visit www.cincychic.com.

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SACRAMENTO – Women On The Move features success education created for women by women. Designed to raise the bar of success, learn real-life applicable tools & strategies from 6 (six) experienced, successful women who share their secrets for life, business & self-mastery.

This unique Conference provides women with the opportunity to open their hearts and minds to a new level of living ~ learn tools and tactics for creating more joy, prosperity and self-reliance. In addition, participants give back to the community as a portion of the proceeds from the conference go to the Wellspring Women’s Center which is a drop-in center for low income women and their children established to foster innate goodness and self-esteem to all who enter their doors.

The Women On The Move Conference provides an open & trusting environment where learning and sharing essential information freely, empowers women to achieve greater success in every area of their lives. Six carefully selected, powerful, successful, experienced women presenters include:

•    Karen Russo, Bestselling Author of The Money Keys: Unlocking Peace, Freedom & Real Financial Power, and International Speaker, Ordained Minister & Columbia University MBA Keynotes this Conference. Learn how to exponentially increase your ease, satisfaction and success in financial matters, Rev. Karen helps you take your money life from mundane to masterful

•    Kathleen Ronald, The Queen of Business Connecting, teaches you how to reframe your limiting thoughts and patterns and gives you the tools for success, based on the fundamental fact that Beliefs Drive Behaviors

•    Elinor Stutz, CEO, Smooth Sale and Author of Nice Girls DO Get the Sale, shares techniques to build a dynamic business through targeted relationship building, referrals & testimonials

•    Cherese Warrick, The Profit Partner and Author of Know the Numbers, teaches the art of successful goal setting strategies for achieving unimaginable success

•    Jann Tabor, President of Rebel Public Relations and Author of Moving Providence: A Formula for Creating an Extraordinary Life, entertains and teaches how to harness the power of the media for inspired, accelerated success

•    Naomi Tickle, Author of You Can Read a Face Like a Book, teaches Personology, igniting passion and purpose through understanding “Who am I?” and “What is my life’s purpose?”

Journey to new levels of personal growth, share the camaraderie of like-minded people, make new friends and take your life to the next level while giving back to the community at Women On The Move, Saturday, September 27, 2008, @ Courtyard Marriott, 8:00am – 5:00pm. Seating is Limited, so call 530.888.1136 or visit http://www.WomenOnTheMoveNow.com to register today!

About Women On The Move Conferences: Founders Judy Marston & daughter Lisa Marston are committed to supporting women who desire to reach their full potential by offering practical & vital education, teaching self-reliance and success practices and principles. The Marston’s and conference speakers are available for interviews and to offer their gifts to you! Please call 530.888.1136 or visit http://www.WomenOnTheMove.com for further information, interviews and registration.