Though you can use any bag to carry around diapers rather than having to pay a high price for a diaper bag, it is nice to have a bag that is practical for your needs as a new mom.

Whether you choose to get an actual diaper bag or use another bag for that purpose, you want to be comfortable. First, consider which style of bag you find more comfortable, a shoulder one or back pack. Remember you will be carrying it for some time and it may get heavy between the extra wipes and bottle you will be taking with you, when also carrying your growing baby.

An important feature you will find handy is many compartments of different sizes. You will likely be carrying diapers, wipes, plastic bags for the dirty diapers, burp cloths, a change of clothes, a bottle for your baby if you are formula feeding or a bottle of water for you if you are breastfeeding, pacifier, your wallet, sunglasses, cell phone, etc.

Having multiple compartments for all your personal and baby items, will save you time when looking for an item at the time of need. Being organized can make things easier, which is always nice.

Many diaper bags come with a changing pad and some even have a pouch for diapers. If your bag does not have those items, you can purchase them separately. You can also get a pacifier pouch to hang on your bag so it is always handy, as well as a plastic bag holder (with scented plastic bags) for your used diapers.

Regardless of your choice of bag, make sure it is comfortable for your needs!

Your breasts will change throughout your pregnancy and again after childbirth, when your milk comes in. If you are planning to breastfeed and want to purchase a nursing bra, wait until about a week after you deliver. Until this time your bra size will be continuously changing.

If during pregnancy you outgrow your pre pregnancy bra, get a good, supportive bra to get you through your pregnancy, but not a nursing bra. Save your money until after birth for that. In the meantime, make sure you have good support, without underwire.

When you are ready to purchase your nursing bra, take the trip to the store. You want to try it on and get the expert help of the sales people. Before deciding on the size you will need, consider whether you will be using nursing pads. Nursing pads will affect your bra size.

Nursing bras are designed with cups that open for easy nursing, while the rest of the bra stays in place. Here’s what to look for when you shop:

• The flaps should easily open with one hand and preferably refasten with one hand. After all, you’ll be holding your hungry baby (or a sleeping baby after a feeding) in one hand. For discreet nursing in public (yea, that may happen unless you want to run to the nearest restroom every time you plan to nurse), choose a bra with fasteners that you can open without looking at them.
• The bra should support the breast from beneath even when the cup is open. That will make feeding more comfortable and reclosing the bra, less of a struggle.
• Avoid bras that open completely at the front for feeding. This design makes it harder to refasten your bra easily and discretely after a feeding.
• A nursing bra should fit comfortably. A bra that is too tight can lead to plugged ducts and breast infections.
• Avoid bras with underwire, especially in the early postpartum weeks. The breast’s milk-producing tissue extends all the way back to your rib cage and up into your armpit. An underwire may obstruct the milk ducts in this area.
• Get at least two day time bras and two night time bras. The night time ones are made completely of fabric and are less supportive, and will not leave you with a feeling that you slept with your bra on, when you wake up. At the same time, night time bra fabric is elastic and will allow easy access for nursing, when needed. There are also night time bra types that have a special pocket for the nursing pads, to keep them in place through the night.

One of the perks of pregnancy, other than the miracle growing inside you, is your larger breasts. For some it can be exciting, while for others it may be a little uncomfortable to say the least. Usually, you will start noticing changes during the second trimester, and those will lead you to needing to replace your fashionable bra with a larger size that provides good support.

When you are ‘spilling’ out of your regular bras, it is time to invest in a good maternity bra. Good support is the name of the game. Just getting a larger size can be less expensive, but not necessarily the best fit. With a larger regular bra, you may find yourself constantly adjusting the straps, and not getting the support you need.

Buying a maternity bra for the first time can be confusing. All you know about buying regular bras does not necessarily apply to buying a maternity and / or nursing bra. For starters, plan to make two trips to buy maternity bras during your pregnancy. The first time get a maternity bra, not a nursing bra. Your breasts will change in size dramatically after childbirth when your milk will come in, at which time you will know the right size for you nursing bra.

Resist the temptation of buying a bra with room to grow. The bra will not support you properly to begin with and it will take a while till it will.

Purchase two or three bras, so you can wash them and still have one to wear.

When getting a nursing bra, consider buying two with support and two sleep bras, both to put your pads in so you don’t leak and easy night feedings. A nursing bra with good support to use during the day is important. You are already dealing with engorgement and other pain, and the support you will get from a good bra will help relive some of the pressure.

Before you get to shop for your newborn, YOU will have to take care of dressing for your changing body. When dressing for two, you have to consider more than just your growing belly. Your widening hips will narrow your selection of pants in your pre-pregnancy wardrobe, forcing you into either maternity clothes or sweat pants. The latter should NOT be your only solution, neither should your husband’s side of the closet.

Your will find that your breasts are changing throughout the pregnancy, getting bigger with time with the climax a few days after delivery when your body starts to produce  milk for your newborn. These changes will affect your choices of tops and dresses in your closet. Along with your growing belly and changes to your hips, you may find yourself with a shrinking number of clothes in your collection.

The best approach you can take to a constantly changing body is to divide your maternity shopping into two parts, and don’t shop for maternity clothes before you need them. You don’t know how your body will change. Even if this is not your first pregnancy, you can expect to be surprised with the changes to your body.

The first part to your maternity wear shopping should take place when you first notice you are running out of clothes that fit you. Don’t get carried away, especially with bras. Your breasts will keep growing. Get a good bra that supports you well, but wait with nursing bras until after the delivery, once you have reached your maximum size.

During your first trimester you may not need maternity pants or skirts, but can use a belly band to hold up and hide your unbuttoned pants, or a pants expander that will allow you to keep wearing your pre-pregnancy pants for a while longer.

The second trimester maternity wear shopping will probably take place when you outgrow your bottom options even with the support of the belly band or pants expander. When you are ready for maternity pants & skirts, buy a pair of maternity jeans , basic pants that will expand with your pregnancy and one nice pair of pants or skirt for special events or work meetings.

During the third trimester, if you plan on breastfeeding, you can start looking at nursing tops and nursing dresses. Maternity and nursing clothes of high quality will grow with your pregnancy and then shrink with your sliming body after the delivery, saving you money and time, you can spend with your spouse before the delivery, or your newly expanded family, after you give birth.

Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you need to wear your husband’s clothes. Build a simple maternity wardrobe with clothes that flatter you and your growing body with these helpful shopping guides.

A woman’s goes body through numerous changes during pregnancy, the most obvious being the growing baby bump. Changes in figure mean changes in wardrobe, but your fashion sense does not have to suffer. Maternity clothes can still reflect your personal style. With the help of maternity clothes made in accordance with today’s trends, you can maintain your personal style during your pregnancy and beyond.

There is no need to run to the store right when you find out you are pregnant. It will be a few months before you will need maternity clothes, and you will know when the time has come when you no longer fit into or feel comfortable in your pre-pregnancy clothes.

When shopping for maternity clothes, divide your purchase into two parts, allowing yourself to see how your body will change during the pregnancy.

The first time out shopping, look for a few belly bands in different color and /or pattern to hold up and hide your unbuttoned pre-pregnancy pants. A pants expander will give you more millage out of your regular pants before you are ready to buy maternity pants. Waiting with shopping for maternity pants will prevent the need to buy a larger size later on in the pregnancy.

Your breasts may have changed in size and you may be ready for a few maternity tops and maternity dresses http://www.pettelmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/dresses/summer to spice up your maternity wardrobe. You can wait with nursing clothes for a little while longer, and shop for those during the second trip to the store, this way you will make the most of them.

When you are showing and ready for your second maternity clothes shopping experience, you will be looking at maternity pants and maternity skirts to last you through your pregnancy and beyond. The same goes for your tops and dresses. Shop for high quality maternity and nursing clothes that will grow with your pregnancy and shrink with you after childbirth. If you plan on nursing, plan ahead and buy maternity tops and dresses that also allow for discreet nursing.

Look at bras that give you a good support, but wait with nursing bras, for your breasts will keep growing and changing even after the delivery, when your milk will come in. When you are ready for a nursing bra, make sure to try it on with the pads if you are using them, because they will affect your cup size. Get at least one bra to use at night (with no metal wire under-support), otherwise you may wake up in a small pool of breast milk.

A first pregnancy can be overwhelming. Everything is new and exciting. Shopping for maternity clothes, although fun, may be confusing when planning ahead for the unknown belly size to come.

To stay stylish while pregnant, remember your personal style. Pregnancy does not mean you can not be fashionable; on the contrary, you can be stylish and look great, here are some tips how.

• Make sure you have at least one pair of maternity jeans in your new collection. Look for an adjustable waistbands, stretchy material and a flattering cut, such as bootleg. This would be a good item to splurge on because you will wear probably wear these for a bit after baby is born.
• Basic pants are a must for your wardrobe. Dress them up with a glamorous tunic or ware them for lounging with any top.
• If you like skirts, make sure you have at least one skirt in a basic color with a lightweight material and a stretchy waistband.
• A wrap dress is a must have item for the pregnant woman. The size is adjustable by definition and it is a perfect look for your new shape.
• Don’t forget to pick up a figure-hugging top with a cute neckline to accentuate your bump. A flirty and feminine empire-waist shirt is also a great look, and you can never go wrong with a fitted tee.

You may also like:

• Maternity Wardrobe Don’ts
• Did Someone Say Accessories?
• How Long Will I Be Stuck In Maternity Clothes For?

• This is not the time to reinvent yourself. If your pre-pregnancy style was casual, don’t get tailored maternity clothes. Some of your maternity clothes will go with you even after the pregnancy (if they are of high quality or if you get tops that are also designed for nursing), and you want to make sure you will feel comfortable in them for some time.

Stay true to yourself, enough things are changing in your life, and your style doesn’t need to be one of them. You can find maternity clothes in so many different styles; there is no need to compromise your personal style.

• Waiting too long to buy maternity clothes has no benefit. Get clothes that can grow with you, and be comfortable from the start. There is no reason to wear uncomfortable clothes for half your pregnancy. Shop smart, look for flexible items that can last throughout the pregnancy.
• Since you can’t foresee all the changes to your body throughout the pregnancy, buying all your maternity clothes early and all at one time is probably not a good idea. Buy the items you need and know you may need to expand your collection later on.

For example, your bra cup size may change dramatically throughout the pregnancy, and then again after you give birth. It is a good idea to wait until after you deliver to purchase your nursing bras.

• Avoid the tent look. Empire waist style may be a solution if you do not want to wear tight maternity tops. Embrace your new curves, don’t hide them.
• This is not the time to neglect your self. Pampering is important to feeling good about yourself, especially now that you may feel insecure about the changes to your body you may not have expected.

You may also like:

• Maternity Wardrobe Does
• Create your maternity wardrobe
• How Long Will I Be Stuck In Maternity Clothes For?

What does the fall / winter fashion has planned for us? This winter maternity fashion brings us styles for extreme body sizes – everything from newly pregnant and still skinny to celebrating the “real” feminine shape of the ‘nearly due’. Grays integrated with a touch of warm color in truly dramatic textures & patterns are what’s “in”. The chest that was magnified in the past decade is now covered under layers of thick sweaters accenting long lines of feminine legs. The combination between forms that emphasize a skinny waist & those that leave room for a preggo belly truly broaden the selection and allow even the most pregnant women a wide variety in putting together their pregnancy wardrobe.

The global winds

New designs have always been inspired to an extent from historical periods and different ethnic cultures, as well as from textile innovations, social movement, weather & politics. Yes, my dear readers, our garments are made of a little more than we would have thought. This season we can see the changes in the global weather very clearly on the runway as well. The new ethnic trend is assembled of a collection of cultures across the globe combined into a unique new line. Patterns and textures from wild cultures are introduced in tailored and conservative designs.

If so far one period was significantly present in one line, this season introduces the 20’s, 80’s & 50’s with a hint of futuristic sci-fi movies. The use of multiple layers that has been in style for some time now, supports the immediate and constant movements between extreme weather and air conditioned or heated spaces. These elements are evident in current fashion collections around the world. With time, a collection of layered items is being designed to fit to any weather with the use of accessories and layers that make the difference per outfit. The infinite mix & match with the layering of clothes allow the pregnant women to wear maternity clothes with items from her pre-pregnancy wardrobe.

Gray is the new global color

The famous “little black dress” is making room for the new “little gray dress” in different tones. Other new colors this season are purple, which is replacing the summery yellow; the bright red is stepping down for red gray; blue & brown are also touched with gray with season. These new colors and tones are combined with items in gray, of course. For example: gray dress with colorful tights. If you are pregnant & are planning for more than one pregnancy, you should design a classic wardrobe in fashionable gray, mix it up with this season’s purple scarf or top, and in a year or two for your next pregnancy you could use the same basic wardrobe and update the item(s) of color with the colors of the time.

A celebration of textures & fabrics

Do not worry, the world of fashion is not becoming boring, all this grayness that is introduced this season is accompanied by many patterns, thick knits, and – feathers! No, it’s not a typo.. many feathers, layers & folding of the fabric that look much like origami.

This new style celebrates long skinny legs. Hence the higher belt location at the waist, that make the legs look longer & ignores the chests area. If you are pregnant this is your time to celebrate! A massive & comfortable sweater dress & tights will emphasis your skinny legs in comparison to your growing belly. If you finally have a chest to show off, you can always emphasis it with a belt at the bust line.

And to wrap up, the jeans! You can see that even the jeans go gray and the blue gets deeper.

So how does it all fit on us?

Shape – careful, over layers will compliment the colloquial among us. A fashionable look can also be achieved with softer layers with clean-line tailored top & a flowing bottom. For those of us with feminine legs, this is the time to enjoy tights, a skirt or dress– anything that ends above the knee. For narrow legged, skinny tights are the way to go.

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!