What To Wear?!
Maternity & Nursing Fashions & Accessories
Modern maternity clothes are nothing like what our mothers wore. With
so many choices available, pregnant women can be confident, beautiful,
and most of all, comfortable. Pregnancy is something to be proud of, so
go ahead — show off that belly!
Leading maternity designers offer a variety of stunning fabrics including
matte jerseys, jersey knits, corduroys, boucles, micro-suedes, lace, satins,
silks, and velvets. Tops accentuate your growing figure with stylish patterns
and bold colors.
Bottoms continue to be very fashion forward. Bootleg pants are in vogue
along with capri lengths, a newer rolled-up cuff look, as well as the
more traditional straight leg style in jeans and twills. Skirts offer
a wide variety of hemlines from mini to ankle-length and everything in-between.
Waistbands are being hidden while still allowing for function and adjustability.
And, it’s not just what’s on the outside that counts. Lingerie
is also offering more fabrics and styles for maternity and nursing. Maternity
and nursing bras are made from a blend of cotton and spandex that allows
the cup to mold to your breast and support its changing shape all day
long. Even underwear is available in the same styles you’ve been
accustomed to before your pregnancy, from briefs to bikini-cut to thongs.
With the variety of colors and patterns available, today’s lingerie
styles allow you to still feel attractive and self-assured as your body
grows and changes.
Even maternity and nursing sleepwear is keeping up with chic styles. PJ
boxer sets, nightshirts, and lounge pants are being shown in a variety
of prints, stripes, and colors.
If you are planning to breastfeed, you are in luck. The American Academy
of Pediatrics now recommends new mothers to breastfeed for at least 12
months. So, as the number of nursing mothers increases, so does the demand
for better nursing clothing. There is a greater variety of nursing fashions
today than ever before. In addition to nursing bras and nightgowns, there
are clothing styles for casual-wear at home or around town, as well as
at the office or for more formal affairs. They are designed with such
style and comfort and are so discreet that it is hard to tell they are
designed for breastfeeding at all.
There are a number of items that a new or expectant mom “must-have”.
• Clothing options really depend on your lifestyle, whether you work in your home, or out. Expectant moms can typically use a good pair of jeans as well as a basic black pant or skirt that can be dressed up or down.
• At least 2 good fitting maternity and/or nursing bras. Be careful because your breasts will change in size throughout your pregnancy and beyond while you’re nursing.
• If you’re experiencing lower back pain, a maternity support belt can provide great relief.
• Comfortable, well-fitting shoes are also very important, especially in your last trimester.
• Aside from breastfeeding, the best way to feel close to your baby is to wear your baby either in a sling or in a baby carrier.
• A functional diaper bag is also essential for your “baby repertoire”. Contemporary bags are designed to merge fashion with function by using new microfiber materials. No longer do diaper bags scream “Baby-on-board”.
• If you’re breastfeeding and returning to work, or will be away from your baby for an extended period of time during the day, a hospital-grade, double-electric breastpump is a definite “must-have”. For home use or for the more “occasional pumper”, there are a variety of great manual hand-pumps available.
• A support pillow is also essential to provide support and comfort while breastfeeding, or as a cozy and secure place to prop the baby.
• A good lanolin product is also great regardless of whether you will be breastfeeding. Not only does lanolin soothe sore nipples, but it’s also great on dry, chapped skin or lips as well as for minor cuts and scrapes.
No matter what you wear, your pregnant glow will surely make you a beautiful woman. Fortunately, today’s fashions allow you to have more than just your “radiant glow” to make you adored by everyone who sees you. So go ahead and indulge yourself. These next few months are one of the most special times in your life!