Sonia’s Story: Mothercare through my new pregnant eyes!

Yesterday was a very special day for me. I’ve been working with Mothercare for over a decade and have worked across multiple events, shoots and presentations but yesterday was the first time that I really felt that this event was for me.

We launched the Autumn Winter collections that included all the newest fashion for newborn, kids and maternity. As well as all the latest innovations in toys, travel, home and nursery. It’s always great fun and a chance to see lots of mums and pregnant women who also happen to work in the media. So, I always enjoy it, it’s great fun and an exciting time to see all the planned new arrivals that will be dropping into stores over the coming months.

As per usual, I picked out all the outfits that my BH’s little girls would love, especially from the Little Bird by Jools Oliver collection. They love all the retro colours, rainbows and toadstools and I love how cute the clothes are, especially the unisex joggers, Tee’s and zip-ups.

But yesterday, well, I looked at the My First range through very different eyes. As I’m due Christmas day, I realised that these are the baby grows and play suits that our little miniest-Pope would be wearing.

Not for the first time, I felt the softness and admired all the safety features for newborns, nickle-free buttons and toe-safe stitching, but it felt different. This is what our baby would be wearing.

Likewise, I would like to think I know the world of travel systems intimately but it’s a whole other story when you’re looking for yourself, your home, your car and your baby. The colour palettes paled to insignificance as I attempted one-handed folding and complicated tasks, such as removing the brake.

I still very much felt the magic of Mothercare as I browsed the Christmas room, the teeny Santa suits and novelty-wear and felt a rush of festive excitement for the next few months.

To me, it’s amazing to have been so engrossed in Mothercare for so many years but to only now feel this connection. After all, it was the very first place I went when I realised I couldn’t keep my jeans closed for more than an hour at a time. Most of my local Mothercare team knew our brilliant news before we’d officially told friends and family, due to the ever-increasing growth spurts and my need for elasticated waistbands.

It was also great to catch up with all my friends and colleagues from the last decade and to hear all their advice, tips and good wishes. I can’t even imagine what we’ll be like for the SS18 show, but I’m excited to find out!

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Sonia Harris is MD of Harris PR and has been working with Mothercare for over 10 years. She lives in Dublin with her better half, his two little girls and their dog. Sonia is pregnant with her first child and is due Christmas Day. Sure what else would you be doing then?!