This post is for ladies only! It's time to get down to the details of how to dress during the baby-making stage of life.
So, let's face it- with the vast variety of sweet, tiny, soft things out there on the baby market, the last thing we pregnant women want is to spend money on ourselves. Getting ready for a baby is lots of fun, and I know because I've been in the thick of it for the last several weeks! But it's important to set aside some of that pre-baby money to keep ourselves clothed, too. Our bodies go through a LOT of change in the nine months leading up to a baby and again in the nine-to-twelve months following.
Here's my list of must-haves. The pictures are links to websites selling these or similar items.
NOTE: All of these items together add up to about $500 at retail value. Of course, very few of us have the money to go out and buy all of it at once! I recommend putting aside a certain amount a month for the first six months or so- you won't need some of these items until the end anyway. And of course, be a diligent shopper and watch those sales and coupons!
1. Two great pairs of jeans - Old Navy - $60
Jeans are so tricky! Everyone has a different opinion about what works for them. Just keep in mind that what might feel right in the first trimester will likely be too tight in the third. In my experience, a loose elastic waist band (not over-the-belly) stays on fine for the first trimester and grows to accommodate the third trimester as well. Old Navy is the place to go as they have a huge selection and are very affordable! I like to have one straight-legged, darker pair for dress-up days and one pair of faded skinny jeans for more casual occasions.
2. Heavy Duty Bra - Target - $20
Make sure to get something that leaves a little room for growth, but nothing too loose- as I said, support is essential. I even recommend a sports bra for most of the pregnancy.
3. Belly Band - Target - $17
Some people absolutely swear by these things because of the extra belly support. For me, it was just an awesome replacement to the cami! Wearing camisoles during pregnancy doesn't always work, but these fit awesome around the waist (to cover the shirt/jean gap) or around the bust (for modesty under low-cut shirts and dresses).
4. At least 2 casual skirts - Amazon - $40
Skirts are awesome for pregnancy, if they are long enough to go without leggings and thick enough to go without a slip. They are more comfortable than shorts for the summer, and very forgiving of ever-changing bodies.
I couldn't find a good web link for it, but I prefer to buy my skirts at Fred Meyer where there is always a huge variety and often good sales and coupons. You don't need maternity skirts, just regular ones with elastic waists. You may already have some in your closet! Solid colors are good for versatility and matching potential.
5. A comfy pair of cropped pants or dress pants - Motherhood Maternity - $35
These can be dressed up or down, and are often a lot more comfortable than jeans. Pick something season-appropriate and be prepared to wear them a LOT!
6. Supportive Shoes, a size too big - Costco - $15
You will want something versatile that will be both comfortable and forgiving on swelling feet. You may even want a second pair or a pair of slippers for around the house, if you're on your feet a lot.
7. At least 3 ruched, casual t-shirts - Liz Lange (Target) - $60
These will go with shorts, capris, and skirts, and work awesome for all stages of pregnancy and post-pregnancy too!
8. At least 2 flowy, stylish shirts - Liz Lange (Target) - $50
Empire waists are the best for these! They will go with jeans and maybe capris. Good for showing off baby bump without emphasizing the less-exciting new curves that may be appearing!
9. At least one cute maternity dress - Motherhood Maternity - $20
There are a zillion possibilities here, and really a lot of non-maternity dresses work for pregnancy too. But it never hurts to have a go-to outfit for those days when you want to look just right and show off that belly at the same time. :-)
10. Cute and Comfy PJ's - Motherhood Maternity - $24
This may seem SO unnecessary, but as that bump gets bigger it can be REALLY annoying to have your belly sticking out of your pj's all the time. Also, the tendency is to resort to ugly, oversized t-shirts, which doesn't help you feel beautiful as your waist size expands. Also, these PJ's are called "A Bump In The Night" which I find hilarious!
11. Maternity swim suit top - Liz Lange (Target) - $25
Again, this is for those of you with summer due dates... I wear mine with a sports bra for modesty and gym shorts. Otherwise it's pretty much impossible to find something to wear to the pool, and that can be ultra-depressing when you're dying to escape the heat!
12. Fake Wedding Ring - Claire's - $10
If you're like me and hate walking around pregnant without a wedding ring, you might want to buy a cheap plastic ring in a size or two bigger than your actual ring. That way, when your fingers swell up and you have to say goodbye to your real ring for a while, you can still let people know that you're taken.
13. Super comfy lounge-around-the-house pants - Target - $15
Any yoga/sports/beach pants will do. Having clothes that are comfy and yet not all-out pj's are essential for those days when you feel like crap but don't want to look it.
14. Nursing Bras - Target, Walmart, and Amazon - $60
Get a couple for sleeping, a couple for casual wear, and at least one sturdy under-wire one for going out. The picture links to a great article about finding the best nursing bras for you. I have found that Target and Walmart are great resources for the basic sleeping and t-shirt bras, and of course Amazon has the rest.
15. At least two Nursing Camis - Undercover Mama (Amazon) - $40
These are the leading brand in nursing camisoles, and boy are they a fabulous idea! They clip onto your nursing bra, so you don't have to wrangle with multiple layers of clothes to nurse. This also makes it possible to nurse in just about any top, as long as it can be pulled up.
So there you have it- 15 items you can't live without. There are obviously a ton of other things you could buy, but if you start with these you won't find yourself wishing you'd saved your money for something more important!
