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

In the last few decades, 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, “vegging” 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 items

Maternity clothes and body types: for those of use with slender legs airy dresses are recommended.  For those of us who are not as blessed, 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 “chic” look.

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

When you are pregnant, you are already self conscious about your looks. May it be your size, the fact that your wardrobe has shrunk, the way people are looking at you or just the wrong side of the bed you woke up on this morning.  Whatever it is, you are just not sure about your appearance anymore.

Well, there is something you can do about it! And yes, it would have been fabulous if you had the time and money to treat yourself to a complete new maternity wardrobe to boost up your self confidence, but there really is no need to go to that extreme.

It could be that just a few new fashionable items, mixed with your existing wardrobe (!!) and a nice piece of jewelry or the right accessory will do the trick and make you smile at your reflection at the mirror.

Start with your existing wardrobe. Almost any top you own, you can still ware, using a belly band for the extra length your pre-pregnancy top is lacking. Choose from a variety of colors and get two –three different colors/patterns that will work with the tops in your closet. For your pants you can use the pants expander to get a few more months out of your already owned pants. Later in the pregnancy you will have to get some maternity pants.

Now take a look at other items you already own, such as scarves, bags, gloves, hats, hair accessories, jewelry, and any other accessory you own and like. Mixing these items into your look can be fun and contribute to a fashionable look.

Bold items and/or splashes of color can give your pregnant look just what it needs to make the statement you are looking for, or spice up your appearance. There is no reason why you wouldn’t look fabulous while pregnant!

Announcing you are pregnant can be a joyful moment, but at the workplace it may need to be planned out or at the very least thought of rather than being blurted out on a whim. Save the excitement and celebratory feelings to when you tell your family and friends, and take a moment to think about your work place and employer and figure out when would be best to share this type of news.

How far along into the pregnancy should you be when you tell your employer is entirely up to you, unless the type of work you do involves potential hazards materials or a medical condition is involved.  Otherwise, your pregnancy is legally irrelevant to your work. If you can do your work, keep doing it.

Learn about your rights in regards to your employment and how your pregnancy may affect it. Contact the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and your state civil rights commission for information specific to your state.

Check your pay stab to see if your work place deducts state disability insurance (not all states have this), which means you are eligible for a paid maternity leave (check with state disability insurance for more information). Also review your company’s employee manual for their take on maternity leave, or if they do not have this type of policy, read about short term disability, as well as pregnancy Disability Leave.

When you have researched the topics above make sure to document your questions, so when you are ready for that announcement at the workplace, you will be ready to ask human resources the questions you have. Remember – knowledge is power.

There are different symptoms that can suggest a pregnancy. First, and usually the most obvious, is a missed period. Although, it is possible to be spotting while pregnant, a late or missed period is usually the first indication you should check if you are pregnant or not.

Most common early pregnancy symptoms include:

Fatigue. Increased, unusual or unexplained fatigue is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. There is not much you can do to prevent it but rest. Usually fatigue is associated with the first trimester and disappears around the 12^th-14^th week.

Nausea is probably the most know symptom of early pregnancy. Also called morning sickness, but can occur at any time of the day. This pregnancy symptom usually lasts between the 6^th and 12^th weeks of the pregnancy. Make sure you are hydrated.

Sore, swollen breasts are caused by increased blood flow. Other changes to your breasts will come throughout the pregnancy. Read more about breast changes.

The only way to confirm a pregnancy is to take a pregnancy blood test. Yes, you can start with the home pregnancy tests, which these days are becoming more and more accurate, but a blood test is still the most accurate way to get an absolute answer. It’s better than guessing or relaying on symptoms, which if you are not pregnant may need to be checked.

Happy pregnancy!

It really isn’t that bad, to be truthful. Maternity clothes have come a long way since we were where in the womb, and there are so many choices, styles, and directions you can take your maternity wardrobe these days.

First of, you should know that you will not need maternity clothes right away. After all, it will take time for your belly to grow, and for the rest of your body to change in preparation for both the pregnancy and the birth. In other words, there is no need to go shopping for maternity clothes the moment you find out about the pregnancy. Give yourself and your partner time to digest the news before you redo your closet.

You will know when you need to widen your wardrobe (usually closer to the end of the first trimester if not later). When you (and your changing body) are ready to shop for maternity clothes, you want to take a minute before running to the store and look at yourself in the mirror.

Consider the fact that your body will go through a series of changes – it will both expand and contract again and so you will want a wardrobe that can keep with all these changes.  Therefore, keep in mind that you will be wearing your maternity clothes while you are pregnant AND for a while after you give birth.

Considering all these changes you want to look for maternity clothes of a good quality, which will retain their elasticity and still look good as you return to your pre-pregnancy shape. If you are planning to breastfeed, it will also be smart to plan ahead and buy maternity tops and dresses that are also designed for discreet nursing.

In all likelihood, you will be in your maternity clothes for about nine months to a year, and you may need two different sizes (one for earlier in the pregnancy and later after the birth, the other for your last trimester and right after the birth). So plan accordingly when you start expanding your wardrobe.

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.

Going back to work is tough – especially if you were lucky enough to get a full 12 weeks of maternity leave to spend with your new little angle.  Unfortunately, time flies by quickly – especially when you are sleep deprived and trying desperately to adjust to a new schedule with new parenting responsibilities.  You might be left feeling a little overwhelmed by yet another obligation of ‘work’. So now what?

Although you may have thought about going back to work while you were pregnant – you may find it difficult to do when you are suddenly faced with the realities of leaving your child with a sitter.  In fact, you may find it harder to do than you had originally anticipated.  Or you may be one of those mothers who is anxiously awaiting a much needed break from all the chaos of becoming a new parent and getting back into your old routine may sound refreshing.  Whichever side of the coin you fall – these feelings do not reflect on your connection and / or love to your baby what-so-ever. These feelings associate with change and need to be dealt with and addressed.

Before return to work you need to decide what to do with your baby during our absence. Your choices are between leaving your child with a family member, if that is a possibility, hire a babysitter or consider a daycare . All options have pros and cons, but only you can determine what you feel most comfortable with.

If you choose to hire a babysitter, you can check your local YMCA for infant & child CPR certified listings, get referrals from friends and family, and learn what to ask a potential sitter and how to choose one.

When looking for a daycare you first want to see what is available in your area. Ask family members and friends with young babies / children if they can recommend a daycare. A recommendation may put you at ease in selecting a facility for your loved one.  When looking, you want to check what ages they accept and what their cost is. After you have narrowed down the options you can choose the one you feel most confident will provide the best environment for your little bundle of joy.

There are different options out there, and you want to be comfortable with the one you choose. Take the time to do the research ahead of time if possible, so you can find the best fit for you and your baby.

It used to be common for Mothers to stay home with their kids, take care of the house and everyone’s needs, while Dad went to work to earn money and support the family. Things were very cut and dry and everyone knew their role. But, times have changed. The women’s liberation movement of the 60’s was the start of women taking a stand – burning their bras in their fight for equality, and more importantly choice.

Well, we sure know how to shoot ourselves in the foot and feel like we won, don’t we?… We now doubled our responsibilities and are torn between a carrier and a family, or at least some of us may be. There certainly are solutions for each, but you have to plan ahead before actually becoming a Mom. Or at least think of your options if you are a carrier woman and are planning on returning to work once your maternity leave is over.

Returning to work after having your first child can bring up different feelings, and your reaction is very personal to your lifestyle, goals and whether you control the decision to return to work (which many woman don’t), as well as your still out-of-whack after birth hormones.

Even if you chose to return to work, it may be harder than you expected in the beginning.  You may find that as the return to work date approaches you wish you could extend your stay at home longer. Also, the first week may be hard and you may find yourself on the phone with the babysitter most the time or thinking of your baby and what he/she may be doing at that moment. These feelings are normal, and believe it or not, it WILL get better.

Some women are ready to return to work, and may even welcome the return to a routine that is familiar and involves adults… As special as your baby is, you still need a break from feeding, cleaning, changing diapers and all that comes with caring for a baby, even if that break happens to be work.

As a new Mom, be ready for anything. If you were a carrier driven woman before, you will find that you get excited about work again eventually if not right away. Just give yourself time to adjust to the new situation. After all, this is all new, and it only makes sense that you want to be with your child.

Give yourself time, and it’ll all fall into place eventually.

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…

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.