Two very special baby boys were born in a London hospital on Dec 2009. Joined from chest to pelvis, Ireland’s conjoined twins, Hassan and Hussein Benhaffaf’s heart-warming and remarkable fight for life against all odds earned them the title the ‘Little Fighters’. Written from the heart by their mother, Angie, this inspirational book takes the reader on a miraculous journey: from the life changing moment she discovered her babies were joined, to the agony of their separation surgery.

A raw and honest story of devastation and courage under fire, this is ultimately a towering story of hope. Featuring personal family photos, the book gives true insight into the parents’ remarkable strength, and the precious boys who brought a nation together — little boys who reminded us all that courage, hope and unconditional love are the true meaning of family.

The Authors

Angie Benhaffaf is the mother of four children, two girls and two boys. The boys were conjoined when they were born but have been successfully separated in a million-to-one successful operation.

Edel O’Connell is a journalist with the Irish Independent.

For publicity enquiries contact:
Teresa Daly, Publicist
tdaly@gillmacmillan.ie
01 5009521 • 086 8383559

Publication Date: April 2011
Format: Paperback

Price: €16.99/£14.99

There is no need to feel pressurised into buying a whole new maternity wardrobe either, as they are worn for such a relatively short amount of time. Most family and friends and delighted to clear unwanted and unneeded maternity wear out of their wardrobes! Try pooling your maternity clothes among friends and family, allowing you to save money and a bit greener by recycling your maternity wear. Some dress rental shops also supply maternity outfits, so there is no need to splash out for just one event, very recession friendly on your pocket!

As you well know, people like offer advice to pregnant women, whether wanted or not… so we would like to dispel a few pregnancy fashion myths:

Myth 1: “You don’t need to buy maternity clothes, just buy normal clothes in a larger size!”

Every mum and bump is different. Some mums show very early on, and others bumps will be hardly noticeable for many months. Being pregnant is not the same as just putting on weight, and your shape and size will not necessarily grow according to standard sizing measurements. Ill fitting clothes will only serve to make you uncomfortable, especially if they are not designed to house a bump! Good fit on maternity clothes will make you look and feel better.

Myth 2: “Just buy maternity wear in your normal size to last your entire pregnancy”

All shops use different measurements to decide on their sizes so it is imperative that you try on clothes before you buy them, or ensure that online clothes shops have a returns policy. Also you may go up a size (or two!) even in maternity sizes throughout your pregnancy, so don’t rush out and buy an entire wardrobe early on, as you may find you have grown out of them nearing the end of your pregnancy, just when you need comfortable clothes the most! Also remember that your pregnancy will most likely span three seasons, so if you are buying in advance, remember that temperatures and weather conditions will vary throughout your pregnancy. Buying items in dribs and drabs is more sensible, as you can add bigger/comfier/warmer/cooler etc clothes as you need them.

Pregnancy Fashion Links

Labour bag

Birth plan (if you are using one)
Two old nightdresses for labour
Warm socks, as your feet tend to get quite cold during labour
Dressing gown and slippers for walking the corridors
Lib balm/Vaseline for dry lips
Hairband and hairbrush
Hairdryer/straightener if required
Tens machine if required
Dark coloured towels
Mobile phone and charger
Camera and charger
IPod/MP3 player
Ear plugs and eye mask – in case of snorers on the ward
Nipple cream if breastfeeding
Toiletries (Shampoo, face wipes, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush etc.)
Make up/Face products
Comfy going home clothes for mammy
Disposable underwear
Maternity pads
Bottle of water with sports lid – useful if you have stitches
Front opening nightie for breastfeeding
Nursing brasNewborn nappies
Baby clothes – 4 x babygros, 4 x vests, hat, scratch mitt, cardigan, socks
Change of clothes, snacks, deodorant and plenty of change for parking for daddy
Plastic bag for sending home any washing

Lastly, it is a good idea also to have your baby seat fitted to your car prior to going to the hospital as they are notoriously tricky to install. This will save you sitting in the car for 45 mins while your partner attempts to install it!