6 Tips For Wearing Maternity Clothes And Feeling Comfortable

When should you begin wearing pregnancy clothes? What type of clothing should you buy? How do you transition between sizes as your body grows during your first, second, and third trimesters? Initially, the thought of buying maternity wear seems simple – even enjoyable because it’s an opportunity to stock your closet with new tops, bottoms, and outfits. A closer look, however, reveals that shopping for pregnancy clothes is often confusing given the myriad options available.

In this article, we’ll provide six quick tips for getting the most out of your maternity wear. We’ll answer some of the most common questions moms-to-be ask, and provide several helpful suggestions for building a wardrobe that is fun, stylish, and comfortable.

#1 – Buy Pregnancy Clothes When Your Body Tells You

Every pregnant woman’s body is different. Some women begin to feel constricted in their pre-pregnancy clothes much sooner than other women. Some can wear their normal clothing comfortably for months after becoming pregnant. Because your body is unique, let it tell you when maternity wear is necessary. Avoid waiting until your clothing feels tight, though. Instead, note the gradual change in how your clothes feel on your body, and transition to new tops and bottoms accordingly.

#2 – Let Your Skin Breathe

During your pregnancy, your body temperature will rise more quickly than normal. In the cold months, this change may be welcome because you’re less likely to experience chills. In the summer, however, it’s important that you take steps to allow your skin to breathe easily. Buy cotton tops that will prevent overheating and keep you cool when the weather is warm.

#3 – Buy Maternity Clothing In Layers

This tip is an addendum to the one above. Because your body temperature tends to rise quickly during pregnancy, it’s helpful to dress in layers. Rather than being forced to change your outfit when you’re overly-warm, you can simply strip off a couple of layers. When the weather turns cold, wear a few extra layers that can be removed once you enter a warmer environment.

#4 – Start With A Few Basics

There’s no need to purchase an entire wardrobe at one time. Instead, start by purchasing a few essentials, and slowly add to your collection. Maternity underwear and bras should be considered a priority. Also, buy one or two pairs of high-quality maternity jeans. They offer a comfortable fit and an easygoing, stylish look.

You’ll also find drawstring pants to be indispensable as your body continues to expand. The drawstrings will provide valuable room as you transition between sizes. Lastly, don’t forget to round out your wardrobe with a few stretchy tops, button-down shirts, and cardigans.

#5 – Buy Comfortable Footwear

Throughout your pregnancy, your body will produce higher levels of a hormone called relaxin. The purpose of this hormone is to loosen your joints, including those in your feet. At the same time, your body will likely begin to retain water – also in your feet. For these reasons, you can expect your feet to expand up to a full size leading into your third trimester. This will make your shoes fit uncomfortably.

Plan to purchase a few pairs of flats and low-heeled shoes (avoid shoes with stilettos, of course). They’ll provide plenty of room for your feet, allowing you to maintain comfort without sacrificing style.

#6 – Treat Yourself!

Your pregnancy wardrobe should include at least one outfit that makes you feel especially confident and sexy. Most of the tops and bottoms in your closet will be designed for daytime wear. This one outfit, however, can be used to go out on dates with your partner and attend evening functions with friends. It’s a surefire way to give yourself a emotional boost of poise and self-assurance when you most need them.

Buying and wearing maternity clothes should be a fun experience. Use the six suggestions above to fill your closet with clothing you’ll look forward to wearing throughout your pregnancy.

Maternity Months

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New Parent’s Guide To The First Few Months Of Parenthood

If you’re a first-time parent, it’s natural to have doubts about your ability to care for your newborn. Nearly every new mom and dad experiences the same doubts. In reality, very few mishaps occur once a new baby arrives. New parents, while inexperienced, eventually figure things out and become willing to make mistakes and learn along the way.

That said, there’s value in learning from the mistakes made by others. In this article, we’ll provide several tips that will help ensure your journey through the first few months of parenthood are as smooth as possible.

Be Receptive To Others’ Suggestions

You’ve read all of the popular baby books. You’ve also researched everything having to do with babies online. As a result, you feel reasonably poised and prepared for the arrival of your infant. If you’re like most people, you’ll still feel completely unprepared when you bring your little one home for the first time.

The good news is that you’ll be on the receiving end of a continuous stream of parenting advice. The bad news is that some of this advice will be less than helpful. Be open to hearing the suggestions of others. You might be surprised by the creativity and usefulness of their tips. On the other hand, dismiss any advice (privately) that seems inconsistent with your good judgment. Most experts agree that a new parent’s instincts are nearly always accurate.

Nursery Nuts And Bolts: Start With The Necessities

When building your baby’s nursery, start with the necessities. It’s easy to think you’re depriving your little one of something important when you see the advertising on television or in baby magazines. A crib, diaper bin, nursing chair, and changing table are essential. All other items can wait until you’re certain your budget and available space can accommodate them.

Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Partner

If you spend every waking moment with your newborn, the thought of retelling the tale to your partner may seem less than appealing. But realize that any time you spend together is valuable. The topics you discuss, whether the joys of changing diapers or the delights of wiping up drool, are less important than the connection. By sharing the details, you’ll strengthen the relationship between you and your partner. You’ll reinforce the bond you share.

Accept Assistance From Friends And Family

Set aside your pride and fear, and accept the help of your friends and family. Ask for it, even. Your parents would likely love to babysit while you and your partner enjoy an evening out. Your friends might happily agree to watch your little one while you spend a coveted and treasured hour by yourself.

Too often, new parents are so determined to do everything on their own that they reject all offers of assistance. You may indeed be able to handle everything. But given the little time you have to yourself, why refuse others’ help? An hour of relative solitude may reenergize you and lift your mood.

Approach Parenthood With Eyes Wide Open

The arrival of a baby can strain a relationship in ways that would have seemed unthinkable months ago. One parent might forgo career and income to stay home and raise the baby. Mild resentment often takes root and is left unsaid. Meanwhile, the second parent feels a higher level of anxiety from being the family’s sole breadwinner.

Communication is critical. So too, is approaching new parenthood without the expectation that a baby’s presence is an elixir to every problem. Occasionally, the opposite is true.

Becoming a new parent is an experience that will change your life. You’ll make mistakes along the way. Learn from them. Adapt to them. Most important, trust your instincts. In a few years, you’ll realize that as unprepared as you were for the birth of your baby, you and your partner were able to raise a beautiful, healthy child.

Maternity Months

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