When pregnant, your body changes rapidly. Finding something in the closet every morning (whether for the work environment or otherwise) may become challenging by the day, as your belly grows. With the new changes and challenges of the pregnancy, you do not need the added stress of struggle with your wardrobe.

Before you get frustrated by your existing collection, take a look in our closet and see what can be of use to you during your pregnancy. You may find that some tights and sweat pants may work well for a while. Use them as long as they do not put pressure on your belly. Dresses are another nice option – that is if your chest still fits into them. Some outfits can be dressed up or down with basic accessories, take advantage of what you have in your closet and make use of scarves, wraps, purses, pins, jewelry etc.

If you are ready to expend your wardrobe, you can use the same concept. Layering is a great way of mixing up your look and using pre-pregnancy and maternity clothes together in creating the perfect look.

When shopping for maternity clothes, consider getting a belly band or two in different patterns to use with tops from your pre-preggo collection. Tights in different colors can be mixed with a maternity tunic or dress for a sheek look. If you are a jeans person, there is no reason why you shouldn’t have maternity jeans. You can wear them with any maternity top, for different occasions.

There is no need to go overboard – you do not need a completely new wardrobe. Get a pair of jeans or two, several colors or tights, and have fun with tops, tunics and dresses. If you plan to breastfeed plan ahead and get nursing tops. They will grow with you and shrink back if they are of good quality.

It is important to remember – that looking good can help boost your mood and confidence, but you first need to be comfortable. If your pants are too tight leave them in the closet and find something else. You’ll fit back into them soon enough. In the mean time, your baby and your bladder need the room to coexist comfortably…

Who would have thought there could be two people battling over… your boobs? Yea, I said ‘boobs’. Strange, isn’t it? But it is possible that one day your husband (who may originally have been the number one advocate for breastfeeding in the household) would suggest that you should give up nursing. Confused, you may wonder where this is coming from. Well, your husband misses having you to himself! It can and does happen that your other half is jealous of the intimacy you have with your baby, and may fear that he can no longer share that part of you.

While you may not feel the same, Daddy may be all about introducing a bottle to your baby just after a few months. You don’t have to cave immediately, nor do you have to attack him for these feelings. Remember, parenting is new to the both of you, and having someone new in the family, who takes up so much of the attention, can be hard on both of you. Talk about the reason for his suggestion and see what steps you can take that will suit all of you.

Before you make accusations, make sure Daddy isn’t just jealous that you are the only one feeding the baby. If this is the case, you can extract (pump) milk and let him experience feeding your newborn as well.

Also, don’t assume that your husband has ‘boob jealousy’. Your husband may suggest you consider switching over to formula for other reasons as well. One of which can be his acknowledgment that breastfeeding is tiring (which it is!) and you are stretching yourself too thin. If this is the case, you may want to listen to the logic behind this idea and consider your options. You can try and rest more, or depending on your baby’s age and nutritional needs you may consider increasing the amount of milk or even introduce solid foods. Certainly if you have doubts about what is best for your baby you can always consult your doctor in effort to find the best solution for you and your baby.

You’ve dreamed of the day you’ll be pregnant. You have fanaticized about your belly growing, even of holding your child in your hands. But nowhere in your fantasies did you ever envision yourself peeing on a stick, or the fact that the very first thing your doctor will have you do is get your blood drawn, and a lot of it, as a part of this joyful time in your life.

The day you realize your period is late you rush to the pharmacy to get a pregnancy kit (or ten) only to pee on a stick. Some two to five minutes later you find out you are pregnant (or confused which color means what, etc.). Then the excitement hits you and later reality (not to say it isn’t a wonderful time in your life, but less picturesque items find their way into this new reality). You now have to start taking care of yourself for the two of you. No more alcohol, tobacco, sushi, hot tubs & more. You may accept these new restrictions, or resist the new prohibitions, but remember, it is just for nine months (actually less by the time you found out you’re preggo) and it really is for the health & safety of both you and your baby.

Talk to your doctor about your lifestyle to determine if you need to make any changes due to your pregnancy. If you have before, you can keep exercising, but don’t overdo it or start something new. If you are a smoker, this is a great time to quit this unhealthy (& expensive) habit. You will find that you feel better once you get over the addiction! Give up alcohol all together and pick up a new habit of taking a battle of water with you everywhere. You should stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.

In the first trimester you may find that you are exhausted most of the time. You’ll most likely get a second wind in your second trimester, till then don’t fight it, rest when you can. Start taking your prenatal vitamins, they should help. Even if you are not showing yet, wear comfortable clothes and shoes (This does not mean you cannot be stylish!).  Your back will thank you later (…)

And most importantly, enjoy this magical time in your life! It may not seem like it now, but it is only nine months and the time flies by so fast you’ll be looking back and wandering how it slipped away.

Happy pregnancy!

If you chose to breastfeed, there are a few things you should know. First, you should know that you do NOT have “milk” right away – you have Colostrum.  Colostrum is sticky substance that is yellowish or clear in color and may come in BEFORE you give birth (it is possible for a woman to start producing colostrum any time after about 14 to 16 weeks of the pregnancy). Colostrum, or ‘first milk’ is just right for your baby’s brand new digestive system. It contains maternal antibodies that give your newborn protection from disease you have developed immunity against.

Your milk will usually come in within 4-5 days after delivery. If you chose to breastfeed, you will want to start breastfeeding right away (after delivery) to stimulate breast milk production. Your milk will not come in on its own, your baby’s roll is to stimulate your body to produce it. If the situation allows, you should introduce your baby to the nipple right away. If you plan to deliver in a hospital, check if they have lactation consultants and seek them out for help.  Lactation consultants can help to ensure your baby latching on correctly, learning to recognize if he/she is eating, and what to do if things aren’t going smoothly or as you planned.

As a new mother, breastfeeding for the first time can seem somewhat foreign – leaving many mothers unsure of what or how to breastfeed.  A good position to start with is baby belly to your belly, with your arm supporting your baby’s head & body. Your baby’s mouth should cover a big part of the areola, and your nipple should be far back in your baby’s mouth. Do not panic if your baby doesn’t seem to be eating right away and keep in mind that it is hard work for your newborn.  Both you and your baby need to adjust to the experience and learn how to breastfeed. If you find that you are having difficulty and/or have concerns, ask to see a lactation consultant for help.

Breastfeeding is a new experience for both mother and child.   Making sure your baby latches on properly is important in helping you avoid cracked nipples.  If you are a new mother you should use the creams recommended by your doctor if you experience any bleeding or soreness.  Generally, if you are having a hard time (which you may not!) it gets easier after the first month or so.  So don’t give up too quickly it’s to your babies benefit for you to give it a chance.

You may also like:

* Breastfeeding First Steps

* Breast feeding dry spell – Tips!!

* Things to do while breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, you must have been asked at least once or twice (or a gazillion times…) if you are planning on breastfeeding or use formula. Well, it certainly is a good question (not to say that it gives people the right to nag you in the matter).  Obviously, you have to find an answer once your baby is here.  Why not prepare now?

As a first time Mom, I faced the same question during my pregnancy. An interesting thing is that you may find that you and the father to be may not see eye to eye about this, or have different expectations. My personal hubby wanted me to BF (Breastfeed) for a year. I said “I want to BF for 6 months if all goes well.” But in actuality I didn’t really know what I wanted. I wasn’t sure what to expect. There are so many horror stories on one hand, & on the other are fairytales (and you can never know which are true). The two polls are too extreme to make any knowledgeable decision, especially when it is really a very personal thing. Mothers who have more than one child find that their breastfeeding experience differs child to child.

Deciding whether you want to breastfeed or use formula should be a personal decision you want to make with your life partner. Do not let others pressure you one way or another. Researching the topic & hearing from other moms is key in making an educated decision.  Take a class (ask your doctor about classes offered by your health group), go online, talk to people. And most importantly, listen to your inner self. If you are still not sure, I’d try BFing first. You can always choose to switch over to formula, but not always the other way around.

More on this topic next time.

Hooray! Summer is here and you are ready for the beach. At this point it is nearly impossible to ignore the urge to cool off in the cold water, and really, there is no reason to resist. This year you’re sensitive to the heat more than ever, since you have the body temperature produced by two.

This season, the gods of fashion have heard your prayers and decided – bikinis rule! More so, they have allowed you to purchase the two pieces separate from each other according to your body’s need for different sizes. Furthermore, you can gather great information about the colors, prints, and of course taking into account the new changing proportions of your body. It is time to show off your curves and leave your shyness at home!

It is true, hardly any companies design maternity bathing suites; and those that do rarely have an eye for style and chic attire. You can find yourself walking around for hours, looking for a piece of 5” fabric that is not designed to hide it all and costs and arm and a leg.

Alas, that does not mean you have to hide indoors. On the contrary – you should show off your curves and join the many other pregnant women at the beach wearing well made and well priced bikinis.  Start looking and feeling fabulous!

The best fit

Regardless of whether or not you are pregnant you should select a bathing suit shape according to your body type in order to accentuate your body with a slimmer look.

The first step on the way to finding the prefect fit is to take a look at your whole body in the mirror. I suggest doing this at home rather than in the florescent lighting at the department stores.

What I have found is the cut of the bathing suit top will have a major impact on the shaping of your hips. The top piece should emphasize a wider shoulder area in order to “shrink” the look of your hips.

A halter top or a strapless design enlarges the appearance of the hips. A string bikini top or a tank top shape puts emphasis on the shoulders and makes the hip area look smaller in relation to the rest of the body.

If you are a woman of beautiful contour and your hips seem to bother you, try a top that brings the eye to the top half of you. Trust me it Works!

Long legs: you can shorten the length of your leg and emphasize the calf by wearing shorts with low pockets.

Fuller hips: do not be fooled to believe that covering your hips with a sarong will make the hips look slimmer. The contrary is true. Instead, wear a loose skirt or an A shaped design.

Colors: when you’re pregnant, you may have pigment spots on your skin, and those are usually yellow and brownish in tone. Avoid a bikini in these colors. Blue, green & pink will complement you more. If your skin is prone to burning, avoid purchasing red colored swimwear.

Black is a great classic color. It wears and washes well. However, in a full piece design black is no longer slimming, better to opt for a two piece. Patterns: Mix it up! Use inspirations from the 50’s & 70’s with a symmetric prints, polka dots, flowers and stripes. Black & white prints, geometric shapes, and throwing caution to the wind, is the way to be, happy and free.

Make your bikini last longer:

First, try to find bikini bottoms that are adjustable with strings, so you can adjust its size as you grow. There is a good chance you will use it through your entire pregnancy. Same goes for the top part – with string around your back and neck. There are plenty tops with thick strings – those give better support for your changing chest.

Buy a one piece? Yes or no?

One of the disadvantages of the one piece bathing suites is that they are limited in their ability to expand. For this reason, the one piece suit will not flatter you at any point in your pregnancy. Therefore, avoid spending the money on a one piece.

Final tips

• You can wash your swim suit in the machine, using the delicate cycle. Do not dry
• Sun tan oil will stain and destroy the swim suit. Use sun tan lotion instead.
• Vinegar can help rid of stains, but could change the to the suites’ color.

And lastly, remember – it is only a bathing suit. All of our imperfections are just that.  A bathing suit will not eliminate them entirely so, embrace it all. Love your body and enjoy your new look.

Our daughter Afik is celebrating six months today. What a joy! And what a journey! It is hard to believe so much time has passed since she was born.

When they are in the uterus, we are consumed with the different stages of pregnancy, doctors visits & lab tests, what we need to do or avoid in order for the embryo/fetus growing inside to get the best environment we can provide them with and all kinds of other medical concerns.

At the same time, the realization that we are about to become parents starts growing, and we find ourselves trying to guess what we are having, and then later we try imaging what they will look like. Oh, how far that stage seems now in retrospect. And again, Afik just turned six month today! Time flies, and between the lack of sleep and everything in between, the pregnancy part may start to fade (yes, it is possible! Just give yourself time).

But when you are there, it’s a whole other story. Especially when the third trimester arrives and it seems like time refuses to progress till the much expected due date, which may come and pass, with no delivery (not to worry, by 41 weeks you will be induced unless otherwise recommended by your doctor). But that’s a different story.

Now, six months after delivery, I don’t have many words of wisdom, just a recommendation to enjoy each phase while you are there. Yes, 9 months of pregnancy may seem like a real long (and uncomfortable) period of time, but it’s a once in a lifetime experience (considering that each pregnancy is unique). So embrace it and enjoy it as it comes. Your baby will be here faster than you can imagine!

August is Breastfeeding Awareness months! This is a good time to consider your options once you meet your little one.

Have you taken the time to research how long your maternity leave will be? If you are planning on breastfeeding you will want to know this information so you can plan ahead.  There are no national standards for maternity leave. Check your state’s guidelines and familiarize yourself with your rights and privileges. After you have this information, and you know better when or if you will return to the work place, you can get ready accordingly. If you ARE going back to work, you should start looking at pumps and decide if expressing milk is for you.

Regardless of your return to work, you want to learn the basics of breastfeeding and be ready BEFORE you deliver. Yes, your baby is born very intuitive, but it never hurts to help her by knowing a thing or two yourself. There are many breastfeeding classes you can choose from (check with your hospital if they offer any), or you can speak to a lactation consultant for information as well. Knowing how the recognize your baby latching on properly will save you from cracked nipples, helpful tips about relieving engorgement will eliminate unnecessary pain, etc. Another resource is learning from other mothers’ experience how to get started or use the internet. Choose your method and get yourself familiarized with what’s to come and how to deal with possible hard times. Having the number for your local La Leche League or a lactation consultant may be helpful when in need.

Remember, knowledge is power!

Your pregnancy is a wonderful opportunity for a celebration of fashion. When else will you let yourself loose with flowing fabrics & specialty pants with an elastic band for belly support?

In the last years, a real change in style has taken place in the world of maternity clothes. No more wearing tents, or your husband’s shirts, instead there are designs that flow with the curves of your changing body, emphasizing the belly and maintaining flattering proportions.

The current maternity collections favor the feminine body and the changes it goes through throughout the pregnancy.

Summer collection – leading trends

In the summer months, maternity collections feature light dresses, tops with generous openings and shorter pants. Comfort is the name of the game -walks in the park, veging in front of the TV or even work. This summer we see more bold patterns that give a short sleeve shirt a fun twist; as well as, patterns rich in flowers and elements from nature.

Summer collection – tips for how to select the right thing

Maternity clothes and body types: for those of use with slender legs airy dresses are recommended; pants that widen at the bottom (such as bell bottoms) will be more flattering for those with not so slender legs.

If you wish to create the illusion of narrower hips, choose a high cut pair of pants that covers the belly. This cut will also give the appearance of longer legs. An A shaped skirt will also do the trick.

For a more voluptuous look, choose shirts or dresses with a V shape neck what highlight the chest and shoulder areas. Wining fashionable combinations:

- Different color tights with a long tunic for a casual sheek look.

- Maternity jeans with elastic bands and a half sleeve top.

Welcome!

We are very excited about our new blog!

We now have the means to communicate our thoughts about, well, anything (…) on paper. Well, not exactly paper… but the screen will do.

This is a wonderful time to be pregnant! The fashion world has so much to offer & you get a wide selection to choose from in color, style, pattern, even budget.

It used to be easiest to go into hubby’s side of the closet & find something to hide your growing belly with. But let’s face it: 1. their side of the closet is small(er than yours!) & doesn’t have the variety you’d like to be able to choose from. 2. Who do you think you are fooling? Other women will know what trick you are trying to pull!

This summer is the time to take advantage of all worlds & enjoy a celebration of maternity fashion! It’s here, and you are not pregnant every day, enjoy it!

Happy pregnancy! Happy shopping!