TV presenter and charity campaigner Katie Piper talks pregnancy, pampering and parenting must-haves
How has life been lately as mother to two-year-old Belle?
It’s been great. She’s full of personality and energy, and really fun to be around. She’s into absolutely everything at the moment; baking cakes, Peppa Pig, colouring-in, you name it!
How did having your daughter change things for you?
It gave me a whole different outlook on life and a new level of gratitude; I realise how lucky I am to be able to have a child, health-wise. It’s also meant I’ve had to become a superwoman; my schedule is watertight now because of Belle – in a good way!
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Did you have an enjoyable pregnancy?
Yes, I did – it was such a refreshing change to go to hospital for appointments that were bringing joy to my life and not misery! Towards the end, all I wanted to do was eat bread and cake though, it was the only thing that stopped me feeling nauseous.
Tell us a bit more about your new stroller, travel system and highchair range with My Babiie.
I’m so pleased it’s finally launched, it has been a long time planning! It’s been a dream for me to put my own visions into products I’m passionate about as a mum, so I’m looking forward to hearing feedback from other parents.
Ultimately the aim was to create a very design-led collection that was also affordable. The look is inspired by nature so the colourways include olive, khaki and desert sage, and the prints feature butterflies and swallows.
I named the collection ‘Believe’ to remind new parents to have faith in the knowledge that they are doing a great job. That’s why I wanted to include the milestone cards, too, which are all about positivity and memories. I was involved in the design process from the beginning and the team at My Babiie really listened to my ideas, which was great.
Did you find shopping for Belle a minefield at first?
Absolutely, and looking back, I definitely overspent. Being a first-time mum, I was quite anxious and ended up buying lots of things I didn’t really need.
What essentials have proved invaluable to you so far?
Having a lightweight stroller was important – one that I could fold up and carry while holding a baby when my husband wasn’t around. Also, at home we have a small light-up frog that plays music, Belle calls him ‘Froggy Baby’. We have used him to get her to sleep in her bedroom since she was born, and still use it now. He has travelled the world with us – Dubai, America, Mauritius!
What would we find in your changing bag?
Sudocrem, Remescar Scar Stick and a phone charger.
You’re also an author, speaker, charity campaigner and businesswoman; how do you manage to juggle all those things so successfully?
It is hard, of course, but being a working mum is important to me. I want Belle to grow up and see me working hard so she develops a good work ethic too. Finding the balance is tricky, however, I am very strict about my family time and that is my priority.
I make sure that time with Belle and my husband is always in my schedule, whether that’s a day at home watching Peppa Pig, taking Belle to ballet classes, a day at the park, farm or swimming, or celebrating special occasions. It’s not easy, it just takes super organisation skills.
You’ve been an inspiration to so many, who inspires you?
Thank you, that’s so kind! The people who inspire me most are those I work alongside at The Katie Piper Foundation. The staff, mentors, volunteers, fundraisers and other burns survivors – we’ve all had different journeys, but we are all determined to change things in terms of both medical and physical care, mental outlook, and educating the public on burns and disfigurements in general.
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You live in north London, where do you like to spend time with your family?
We love to go to the park and go swimming. My husband and I try to ensure we have ‘couple time’, too, and have the odd spa break when we can!
What about when you manage to carve out some time for yourself?
I actually find it really difficult to relax – if I get some time to myself I find exercise is the best way to clear my head. That said, I do love being pampered; getting my hair and nails done, and I enjoy spending time with my parents, brother and sister.
What does next year have in store for you?
I’m looking forward to the release of my fifth book, Confidence, The Secret at the end of December. I’m continuing to work with Channel 4, too, which you will hear more about very soon.
Also, not forgetting The Katie Piper Foundation, which very much remains my ‘day job’. After being a mother, my focus is always on this, and working to improve the lives of burns survivors all over the UK.
Believe by Katie Piper is available now. Prices from £69.99, mybabiie.com
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