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Swim Your Way To A Healthy Pregnancy

Published on November 3, 2010 in Advice, Articles, Maternity Exercise and Maternity Swimwear. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

Whether you were an exercise buff, weekend warrior or more of a couch potato before you were pregnant, swimming is one exercise that almost anyone can do without injury when expecting.

Swimming provides you with a buoyancy and weightlessness that is welcome to most pregnant women. Especially when past the halfway mark of 20 weeks, you begin to feel the lethargy of those extra pounds and awkwardness of a growing belly. It is also a great way to relax and stretch out those ligaments and tendons that have been working overtime during pregnancy.

Best Exercise for Warm Weather

One of the best benefits of swimming during the hot summer months is that it really does cool you down. Overheating is a big risk for pregnant women especially when exercising outside as the temperature begins to sour in the summertime. Women who are pregnant already have a naturally higher internal basal temperature which is one of the early indicators of pregnancy. The cool water of a swimming pool helps to prevent overheating while exercising. However, it is important to remain hydrated even when you are in the pool as your body is working out and expending. It is also important to listen to your body and ease into exercise and take frequent breaks. Your pregnant body will tire quicker and your heart rate should not exceed 140 beats per minute.

Low-impact and Easy to Do:

Water exercises are very easy to do. You don’t have to sign up for a fancy class or need years of yoga training to be ready to do some simple water aerobics. Best of all water exercise is low-impact, so it is very hard to injure yourself as the water breaks the impact of a slip or fall. Even just walking back and forth across the length of the pool is a good water resistance exercise. If you are more ambitious, grab a kick board and kick a few laps or do a frog kick breaststroke. If you are up for a little more, swim a few laps. Just a half hour of swimming or water exercise a day will help tone up your muscles for supporting your baby, can reduced pregnancy-related swelling, lower blood pressure and give more lubrication to your joints and ligaments.

Family Friendly Exercise:

Best of all swimming is a fun exercise the whole family can enjoy. If you have other small children, swimming is a great way to engage with them when you are pregnant and more limited in your physical activity or exercise endeavors. Everybody loves the water and swimming is great way for you to cuddle, hold and actively play with young children who may normally be too heavy for you to lift and carry and while pregnant. It’s also a great time to improve swimming skills and water safety for early swimmers with you in the pool with them rather than watching from the bench. Just helping a little one to swim is water aerobics exercise in itself!

Low Start-up Costs:

In terms of equipment for water exercise, all you really only need is access to a pool and a comfortable maternity swimsuit. Prego Maternity has some excellent simple one piece maternity swimsuits such as the Empire Tank for $69 which gives excellent bust support and a great suit for real swimmers. For a lower cost check out Prego Maternity’s Texture Heart Swimsuit for $48 which is a great all around one piece suit for swimming or water aerobics.

Be sure to get your doctor’s permission before embarking on a prenatal exercise program. There are some high-risk conditions that do rule our exercise during pregnancy. But, for most expecting women it is one of the best exercises you can do for your body and mind.

Written by Amy

Great Fall Nursing Tops

Published on November 1, 2010 in Articles, maternity clothes, Maternity Fashion Trends, Nursing, Nursing Clothes and Pregnant. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , .

With Fall here, now is the perfect time to make a few choice additions to your maternity and nursing wardrobe before you go into “desperation shopping” mode. The fun way to shop is to take your time to thumb through some racks of fashion and try on a few things with a fruit smoothie in hand. You can also shop by your keyboard from an online maternity store with a good return policy (in case you need to exchange for size or fit) and find a few select items to take you through the coming months in style.

Pregnancy is no different than non-pregnancy in terms of finding a great pair of jeans to take you through the cooler months, only this time it’s maternity jeans. Denim in a few different washes as well as your standard back leggings and/or stretch pants (or jersey pants if you prefer) will take you a long ways on the bottom half. In terms of the upper body, make sure you invest in a few stylish essentials such as cap sleeves that can be layered, ¾ sleeves which can take you through Spring and a few choice cardigans and long sleeve tops.

Fashionable maternity tops that double as nursing tops are a great way to get a lot more mileage from your investment. Japanese Weekend has an excellent selection of “During and After” tops than can take you from the office to the town in the evening. Check out Japanese Weekend’s D&A Sash Tie Nursing top in Teal, a new color for this season. This easy to fit and easy to wear jersey top works great for all venues with a clean stylish look that can be dressed up or down.

If you are looking for a little flair, then take a look at Olian’s ¾ sleeve V-neck print top with front tie strings. This fun blue, grey and black colored pattern is a signature Olian print. This stylish print maternity top is also made for easy nursing access. You can dress it up with a skirt or office pants, or opt for a more casual hip look with denim.

If you are in the market for a super comfortable long sleeve maternity and nursing top, take a look at Maternal America’s long sleeve cotton maternity/nursing top. This pretty top is make with cross over nursing access and built in faux cami layer for discretion. The empire waist provides a flattering fit while the long sleeves and gentle ruching at the wrist add unique detail.

Japanese Weekend’s cap sleeve cross over maternity/nursing top is a great year-round selection that you can layer under a jacket or wear alone. This versatile top is super flattering and stretchy for pregnancy and beyond. It is designed to hug your curves and stretch across your belly for a fitted look when you are pregnant. Hidden nursing access allows full discretion. This cap sleeve in an array of solid colors is great with denim or dressed up with a skirt.

If you are looking for a more casual look in your maternity or nursing top and prefer a top with built in bust support, then Bravado’s Nursing Bra Tank is an excellent choice. This tank top fits and supports like a bra with an extra layer for a stylish look and excellent fit. This tank’s front ruching is flattering across the bust and it also has adjustable straps for a perfect fit. Fitted by bra size and made extra long to cover both a pregnant and postpartum belly. This top is excellent for warm weather with shorts or a skirt and layered in cooler weather. This nursing bra tank offers superior non-constricting support that you can even wear for exercise. Breathable cotton fabric makes it an excellent year round choice for before and after the baby.

So take the stress out of shopping by starting early and investing in a few good essential maternity and nursing tops that can take you through your pregnancy and cooler weather this Fall.

Written by Amy

Bella Band Understands The Pregnant Mother

Published on October 27, 2010 in Articles, maternity clothes, Maternity Fashion Trends, Maternity Style and Pregnant. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

The Bella Band, a revolutionary and life-changing maternity invention, is an essential piece to every expectant mother’s wardrobe. Practical, stylish, and incredibly comfortable, it is made by maternity fashion designer Ingrid & Isabel and has become a staple in the maternity fashion world. Along with the Bella Band, Ingrid & Isabel also design fashionable and functional maternity clothing staples, from cute tank tops to figure flattering sweat pants. Incorporating these essentials into your wardrobe will allow you to be comfortable and stylish throughout your pregnancy.

The Bella Band was the first product offered by Ingrid & Isabel, and it is truly a necessary staple to one’s maternity wardrobe. The seamless knit band is designed to be worn over the waist of one’s pants both during and after pregnancy. During the early stages of pregnancy, when one’s pre-pregnancy pants are starting to get too tight, slip this super comfy band over your unbuttoned pants or skirt. It will hold your pants up and allow you to continue wearing your favorite jeans! In mid-pregnancy, when your pre-pregnancy pants are simply not an option anymore but maternity clothing is still too loose, it can be used to give that little extra bit of hold needed to keep them nice and snug! Late in pregnancy, when even maternity pants seem a bit too tight, it will provide that extra hold needed to keep them from falling down. Finally, the Bella Band is a great transition piece post pregnancy as it will give you leeway to transition back to your pre-pregnancy clothing. With all these uses, the Bella Band truly gives you your money’s worth, particularly since the same size band can be worn throughout your entire pregnancy. Available in a plethora of colors, including some gorgeous lace options, the Bella Band is an absolute essential to the expectant mother’s wardrobe.

There are certain staples which expectant mothers find incredibly helpful to incorporate into their wardrobes, and stretchy, long tank tops are one of these essentials. Great for layering or wearing on a warm day with jeans or shorts, tank tops are stylish and comfortable. Ingird & Isabel designs two fashionable and functional options, both of which are versatile and incredibly comfy. The Everyday Cami is a seamless-knit camisole which is extra-soft and stretches beautifully over your baby bump. The fabric has a crepe finish and will resist the dreaded pilling and fading that occurs with many other fabrics. Extra-long, the Everyday Cami covers your baby bump throughout all stages of your pregnancy and is a great post-partum transition piece. Ingrid & Isabel’s other stylish tank top is the Essentials Ruched Tank. With the same seamless design and soft, stretchy fabric as the cami, the tank adds figure flattering ruching for your baby bump. Available in black, white, and navy blue, these essential tops make a great gift for any expectant mother, as she will be sure to get much use from them!

Along with tank tops, stretch pants which are figure flattering are an essential that every expectant mother will want in her wardrobe. Ingrid & Isabel designs the Everywear Pant, a black stretchy pant which is flattering, stylish, comfortable, and versatile. This maternity pant is amazing, as it can be worn in a multitude of ways. Its wide waistband can be worn up and over the belly for full tummy coverage, folded to the waist for extra under the belly support, or folded all the way down over one’s bum for a cute skirt-over-pants look! With its gentle boot cut, it is very flattering. The soft, stretchy fabric is super comfy, and the fabric’s finish makes it easily dressed up or down. Perfect for everyday wear, the Everywear Pant is both stylish and comfy, ensuring you will look and feel great throughout your pregnancy.

Ingrid & Isabel truly understands the expectant mother’s needs and changing body, creating clothing which is both practical and flattering. From the amazing Bella Band to tanks and stretch pants, they have designed wonderful options for both during and after pregnancy. Your comfort is of utmost importance, and Ingrid & Isabel’s designs accomplish this goal in a stylish and flattering way!

Written by Amy

2 Studies Present New Data On Effects Of Alcohol During Pregnancy

Published on October 15, 2010 in Articles, Baby, Breast milk, Breastfeeding, Diet, Health, Nursing and Pregnant. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , .

 

These new studies have recently been reported.

Scientific data continue to indicate that higher intake of alcohol during pregnancy adversely affects the fetus, and could lead to very severe developmental or other problems in the child. However, most recent publications show little or no effects of occasional or light drinking by the mother during pregnancy. The studies also demonstrate how socio-economic, education, and other lifestyle factors of the mother may have large effects on the health of the fetus and child; these must be considered when evaluating the potential effects of alcohol during pregnancy.

A very large population-based observational study from the UK found that at the age of 5 years, the children of women who reported light (no more than 1-2 units of alcohol per week or per occasion) drinking did not show any evidence of impairment on testing for behavioral and emotional problems or cognitive ability. There was a tendency for the male children of women reporting “heavy/binge” drinking during pregnancy (7 or more units per week or 6 or more units per occasion) to have poorer behavioural scores, but the effects were less clear among female offspring.

A second study, published in Pediatrics, based on a population in Western Australia examined the associations between dose, pattern, and timing of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and birth defects and found similar results, that there was no association between low or moderate prenatal alcohol exposure and birth defects.

Data from a randomly selected, population-based cohort of non- indigenous women who gave birth to a live infant in Western Australia (WA) between 1995 and 1997 (4714 participants) were linked to WA Midwives Notification System and WA Birth Defects Registry data. Information about maternal alcohol consumption was collected 3 months after birth for the 3 month period before pregnancy and for each trimester separately.

Low alcohol consumption was defined as less then 7 standard drinks (10g) a week, and no more than 2 drinks on any one day. Women who consumed more than 70g per week were classified as heavy drinkers and women consuming more than 140g were classified as very heavy drinkers.

Overall, current scientific data indicate that while drinking during pregnancy should not be encouraged, there is little evidence to suggest that an occasional drink or light drinking by the mother is associated with harm. Heavy drinking, however, is associated with serious developmental defects in the fetus.

Written by Amy

Maternity Baby Shower Dresses

Published on July 22, 2010 in Articles, maternity clothes, maternity dresses, Maternity Fashion Trends and Maternity Style. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

For one’s baby shower, finding that perfect dress is incredibly important. Just as it is for any special occasion, one wants to look and feel beautiful while maintaining a high level of comfort. With warmer months approaching, there are many fantastic dress options available for one’s baby shower which emulate some of the latest season’s trends while maintaining a classic style. From bold colors to gorgeous patterns to flowing maxi dresses, there is the perfect dress for everyone. Once you find your favorite style, you will feel comfortable and look gorgeous at your baby shower!

Maxi dresses are incredibly popular this season, as they have been worn by recent expectant celebrities from Kourtney Kardashian to Amy Adams. While Kourtney wore her maxi dress to a red carpet event, Amy chose a more laid back approach and wore hers on a day around town. This versatility is one of the maxi dress’s greatest qualities, as it can be worn for a casual baby shower or dressed up for a more formal one. Incredibly flattering, maxi dresses emphasize the smallest part of your body with an empire waist. This accentuation directly under the bust gently cascades to ankle or floor length, creating a tall and elongated look. Aside from their flattering style, maxi dresses also are incredibly comfortable. You will not have to worry about being squeezed or uncomfortable, as the flowing dress allows room for your baby bump without creating a baggy look! The Halter Spring Green Maternity Dress from Olian Maternity is a great option for a baby shower, as its fresh spring look is vibrant and fun, especially when paired with a gorgeous bracelet or pair of earrings. Its casual elegance is emphasized by braided halter straps and its soft fabric is flattering and comfortable. Whether you choose to dress it up or down, a maxi dress is the perfect combination of elegance and carefree style-perfect for an expectant mother!

Bright colors are always on trend for baby showers, as they are a celebratory sign of the excitement in the air. From bright pinks to deep greens, deep colors have always been a staple for expectant mothers. This season is no different, and one color that truly stands out is turquoise. Its rich hue is flattering on everyone and it resonates of spring and summer. Maternal America’s new spring collection includes the beautiful turquoise Front Tie Smock Dress, perfect for baby showers. Smocking on the bust and a front tie is incredibly flattering, and the flow of the soft fabric provides an effortlessly chic look. Paired with flats or sandals, and either gold or silver jewelry, this dress is sure to make a statement at your shower. The Front Tie Dress, also from Maternal America, demonstrates the turquoise trend by creating a beautiful abstract pattern of different hues of blues. Tying underneath the bust, a flattering empire waist silhouette is created while wide shoulder straps create a balanced look. It is easily dressed up or down, and can be reworn many times after your baby shower!

Each spring season, floral prints make their way back onto the runway, and this season is no exception. From dainty floral designs to bold abstract flowers, this trend is refreshing, beautiful, and fun. When wearing a floral print, remember to choose one that is in proportion with your body size. For petite women, choose prints that are smaller, as a large print can overwhelm a small frame. For taller women, a larger print can be fun and festive. The Floral Maxi Dress from Japanese Weekend combines bright colors with a bold floral pattern. A scoop neck and empire waist are incredibly flattering. Paired with strappy sandals, a look fit for any baby shower is instantly created. The Cocktail Dress, also from Japanese Weekend, is an absolutely gorgeous dress. The black, red, and white pattern is a classic combination which is modernized by the beautiful floral print. Knee length, this dress looks great paired with heels or flats.

Finding the perfect dress for your baby shower is very important, and there are many great options available. As long as you are comfortable and find a style that works for you, you will look and feel great!

Written by Kyra

Nursing Pajamas Are Great Gift Idea For The Mom To Be

Published on July 9, 2010 in Articles, maternity pajamas, Maternity Style, Nursing Clothes, Nursing Pajams and Pregnant. 3 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

If you have a friend of family member that is expecting, there is no better gift than a pair of maternity and nursing pajamas. This is a gift that your expectant mom is sure to wear both before and after she has her baby. Often moms get overlooked in baby showers and find the baby has 20 adorable sleepers and outfits while the moms are stuck with their husbands tee shirts and baggy sweatpants for lounge and sleepwear. You can be sure that once she has her baby she will have next to no time or inspiration to go shopping for something cute to sleep in and wear about the house. Do her a favor and find something comfortable and flattering she can wear to welcome her newcomer into the family and enjoy for some time to come.

Japanese Weekend makes some of the most comfortable lounge maternity pajamas on the market today. Their cross over style pajama comes in both 3/4 and cap sleeves with matching under the belly elastic pajama pants that are sure to fit comfortably throughout pregnancy and postpartum. If maternity nighties are more her style, then check out their nursing nightgown that is also cross over style for easy nursing access and the same soft cotton spandex blend which will stretch comfortably throughout pregnancy without stretching out of shape. All of these styles come in soft pink, sky, black, periwinkle and sometimes hot pink and cute patterns.

Another great maternity sleepwear gift idea is to pair a robe with a maternity nightgown or pajama set. Majamas’ Lace Sleep Set has a beautiful ensemble with an empire waist accented with stretchy lace and a sleeveless cross over design on the maternity nightie coupled with a coordinating front tie robe with lace trim. It is super flattering, feminine and tasteful. Any new mom would feel like a million bucks in this stylish duo which can be worn during pregnancy and postpartum for nursing. The cross over top also gives a good amount of comfortable bust support which is great for nursing moms lounging about the house.

Bellabumbum Maternity is known for their sexy and feminine maternity loungewear and sleepwear sets. They have an adorable nursing chemise with adjustable straps that comes in baby pink and blue dots with a matching robe set. They also have this same chemise style in a soft organic baby ribbed bamboo in both pool and blush colors. Check out their yummy kimono robe with lace accents that comes in cream/lilac, black/pearl and soft pink/pearl colors. This maternity wrap robe is a great adjustable style for pregnancy and provides easy nursing access.

If you are looking for a gift set for both the new mom and baby, then check out one of Olian’s sure fire maternity sleepwear sets. All of the Olian Maternity 3, 4 and 5 piece sleepwear sets come with a matching baby sleeper. They have a variety of maternity nightie and maternity pajama sets to choose from. This season they have a new beautiful print 4 piece nursing pajama set in soft lemon with a matching baby sleeper as well as a 5 piece set in striped silver with pink accents. The baby matching baby sleeper and hat is soft stripes as well. Both of these sets include a corresponding print robe and the baby sleeper in a unisex color and design. The matching robe sleepwear sets are an excellent selection for the expectant mom to take to the hospital. All Olian Maternity Sleepwear sets are made for both pregnancy and postpartum wear after the baby with nursing access in the tops.

So surprise the mom-to-be with a gift that she can wear and enjoy while caring for her baby. She will remember you for it and gets lots of use out of a maternity and nursing sleepwear set that is easy to fit and wonderful to wear!

Written by Amy

Maternal America Summer Maternity Clothes

Published on July 8, 2010 in Articles, maternity clothes, Maternity Fashion Trends, Maternity Style and Pregnant. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

With the official start of summer just behind us, the weather is heating up and it is time to get our summer wardrobe out of storage. From shorts to dresses and tanks to tunics, the warm weather brings with it many amazing clothing possibilities. For women who are currently pregnant, however, their wardrobe will be a little different than last year’s. Lucky for you, summer maternity clothes are both plentiful and stylish. Gorgeous beach dresses, cute tanks, and great shorts are available, designed with your changing baby body in mind. One brand which has truly mastered the fashionable design and functional execution of summer maternity clothing is Maternal America, a leading maternity brand. Combining the latest trends with classic designs, Maternal America’s summer collection is stunning. Choose a few key pieces which can be mixed and matched to create gorgeous outfits and you will look and feel great.

For those hot summer days when one is running errands around town or relaxing on the weekend, there is nothing more perfect than those perfect shorts and a cute tank. This look is classic and timeless while still being refreshing. I love pairing a solid tank, in either the classic white or a more vibrant deep hue, with a cute pair of denim shorts. When one is pregnant, finding a tank that is cut a bit longer in front is key, as it will be comfortable and is designed with your growing belly in mind. Maternal America’s Ribbed Cotton Tank does this perfectly. With a scoop neck and fine ribbing, it is super cute. The soft fabric will not irritate your skin and it will keep you cool in the warm weather. Pair this cute tank with a great pair of denim shorts, such as Maternal America’s Megan Denim Shorts. Aside from the super comfortable stretch waist band (perfect for your changing body), these shorts are virtually undetectable as being maternity clothing! The slightly faded jean enhances the feeling of these shorts, cut in the trendy bermuda style. Pair this outfit with cute gladiator sandals or a great pair of espadrilles, and you have your go to weekend outfit!

A sundress is must have option for the summer months, and Maternal America designs cute and breezy dresses perfectly. One gorgeous option is their Ombre Cotton Dress. The multi layered tiered design brings this season’s hot stripe trend in a cute and flattering way. Lightweight cotton is cool and comfortable, ensuring that you will feel great even on the hottest summer days. Whether you choose to wear this dress to your baby shower or a brunch with friends, you will feel comfortable and look stunning. Another cute option for a great sundress is the Garment Dyed Maternity Dress. Simply adorable, this dress is lightweight and super comfortable. A gentle scoop neck frames your face and stylish pockets and a tiered hem add great detailing. Summer dresses are great as they are easy, one piece options which are instantly stylish. Maternal America’s selection is both vast and stylish!

A final summer essential is the lightweight, short sleeve, summer gop. A breezy top is fashionable and versatile, as it can work with a skirt, capris, or shorts. It also can be dressed up or down with the addition of jewelry. One super cute option is Maternal America’s Crochet Top. A fun colorful pattern is combined with a gorgeous crochet neckline. It looks great with jeans or black or white capris, and is perfect for anything from a day at the park to a dinner out. I love it paired with some gold bangles and capri jeans! The Diamond Tank Top is another great option, as it is work appropriate while also being great for an evening out. The deep v-neck, coming together at a diamond shaped centerpiece, is incredibly flattering. The fabric flows gently over your skin and stretches throughout your pregnancy. Maternal America’s summer tops fashionable, flattering, and comfortable! They are so cute you will want to wear them long after your baby is born.

Overall, Maternal America’s summer collection brings color, patterns, and great designs into play. You will feel and look great in whatever you choose to wear. Getting a few versatile pieces for your wardrobe is a great idea, many of which can be worn after pregnancy!

Written by Kyra

Nursing Tops You Deserve

Published on June 29, 2010 in Articles, Breastfeeding, maternity clothes, Maternity Style, Nursing, Nursing Clothes and Pregnant. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

If you just had your baby you are no doubt unable to fit back into your pre-pregnancy clothes and not too excited about wearing your maternity clothes too much longer. Sure it’s fun to look pregnant when you are pregnant, but who wants to be asked “when are you due” at 3 weeks postpartum? What’s more, if you plan to nurse, the last thing you want to do is flash your postpartum belly to the world while trying to unhook a new nursing bra for your hungry baby. You deserve better than this for all the work you have been through in birthing and nurturing a newborn plus 9 months of pregnancy, so treat yourself to some fashionable but very useful nursing tops that make you feel pretty and make nursing on-the-go a much easier task.

There’s no need to wear a frumpy 2 fabric layer old-school nursing top in the middle of summer or ever. Now a-days there are a ton of cute and hip nursing top styles on the market that don’t look a thing like a nursing top. Look for a neck style that flatters your face shape. This is a time to play up your neckline as well as your bust line while it is in full bloom. So pick a style that flatters your face and figure.

Olian Maternity has some great new styles to choose from this summer such as their Round Neck Maternity/Nursing top. This pretty lipstick shape empire waist top can be worn for either maternity or postpartum for nursing. The back sash tie makes it easily adjustable to your shape and the front pleats do wonders to disguise a postpartum belly while not tenting out. Attention is drawn to the pretty neckline, cap sleeves and fitted ruching empire waist style while the belly area is completely camouflaged. Nursing access is under the empire waist which makes nursing a breeze without showing any skin.

Another great look is the deep V-neck top with a faux pick-a-boo cami to make discreet nursing easy the fabric lightweight cool for hot summer months. Take a look at Maternal America’s Combo Maternity/Nursing top which is cut extra long for style and comfort and could even be worn with leggings in early pregnancy and postpartum. The faux cami is a sailor stripe while the rest of the tunic is navy. The adjustable sash tie makes this style an easy fit for all stages of your body’s metamorphosis through pregnancy and nursing. The mock cami provides nursing access from the deep V-neck without you missing a beat to your busy day or prolonging a baby’s hungry cry.

If your maternity leave is over and you are ready to head back to the office but don’t have a suitable top to wear, much less one that looks good on and fits your changing shape, then check out Japanese Weekend’s nursing tops which make for excellent transition wear to the office or out on the town in the evening. Their D&A (during and after) line of maternity/tops provide a lot of sophisticated styles in cool prints and solids. In particular, their D&A ¾ sleeves Sash Tie in pretty Teal is a great all-season look for any workplace. This top is a front cross-over empire waist design with a V-neck that hits high enough not to reveal cleavage while still flattering your shape. Nursing access can be made under the empire waist sash or above from the cross over front design. You can dress this top up or down for day or night.

Another great choice for work by Japanese Weekend is the D&A cami which comes in a variety of colors. Similarly this cami works great during and after pregnancy and nursing access is from under the empire waist stretch band which provides an overlay of fabric across the bust. The cami also has a stylish bottom band which works great for both a blooming belly (by keeping the fabric from tenting out) and for postpartum wear as the pleats work to disguise a postpartum belly. You can layer this cami under a jacket or cardigan for a sharp professional look or wear alone with pants for a more casual look in the evening. Many women find this cami so useful and flattering that they stock up on it in a variety of colors.

So whether you are a stay-at-home mom in need of better style or fit in your top selection or a professional on the go who’s just had a baby, treat yourself to a few good transition wear tops to take you through the next several months in style and comfort.

Written by Amy

Hospital Nursing Gowns

Published on June 26, 2010 in Articles, Breastfeeding, maternity clothes, Maternity Fashion Trends, maternity pajamas, Nursing, Nursing Pajams and Pregnant. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

When your contractions quicken and you grab your pre-packed bag and dash off to the hospital, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not the one size fits all hospital gown will be flattering, or at the very least, comfortable. When giving birth, you want to feel as comfortable as possible and not worry about any of the little things, such as whether or not your gown is covering you properly. One way to alleviate this stress is to bring your own hospital gown with you. This way, you are guaranteed comfort, style, and peace of mind on this incredible day. Two well-known maternity fashion designers, 1 in the Oven and Dear Johnnies, have created comfortable yet fashionable hospital gowns which are sure to make the birth of your child just a little bit easier.

1 in the Oven designs hospital gowns which encompass the most important factors for a comfortable birth, ease and practicality, while maintaining a fashionable and flattering look. One important feature of their gowns is the fabric, something which one should always consider when looking for a gown. Made of 100% cotton, they are incredibly soft. The light-weight fabric makes them easy to move in and ensures that you will not feel bogged down and uncomfortable. With no tags and such soft fabric, your comfort is guaranteed. Having a nursing gown with accessible nursing access is very important, and 1 in the Oven’s designs meet that requirement. Hidden slits in the front provide easy and discreet nursing access, ensuring that nursing your baby will be comfortable and hassle free. Covered by gentle pleats which also serve to create a figure flattering shape, the discreet nursing access is both practical and comfortable. Aside from the high level of comfort which these nursing gowns provide, they also are fashionable and flattering. With a scoop neck and hitting just above the knees, they create a breezy and easy cute look. Whether you choose the long or short sleeve option, you are sure to feel at ease when giving birth.

Dear Johnnies is another brand which exclusively designs hospital gowns. This focus on one item has paid off, as their gowns are practical yet incredibly fashionable. Designed by a mother of three, Dear Johnnies hospital gowns meet all of a new mother’s needs. They ensure that you will be comfortable and at ease while looking and feeling great. Made of 100% lightweight cotton, they are easy to move around in. These gowns are perfect for labor and after, and can be worn around the home as a nightgown in the weeks following your birth. Shoulders snap down for easy nursing access and provide easy medical access, something doctors will appreciate. Snaps down the back, decorated with beautiful ribbon, ensure that you will be completely covered and you will not have to worry about accidentally baring your backside, as is often the case with the standard hospital gowns. Aside from the comfort which these gowns offer, Dear Johnnies are incredibly fashionable. One of their most popular features is the cute patterns which the gowns come in. From pale yellow polka dots to a bright lime green mosaic design, there is a pattern for every woman. These designs, aside from being cute and trendy, brighten up the hospital room. In photos, you will feel confident and beautiful! Whatever design you choose, Dear Johnnies are comfortable, practical, and incredibly stylish.

Whichever hospital gown you end up choosing, make sure you purchase the correct size. If you are ordering online and are unsure about the sizing, contact the store to find out how the sizing is done. One thing to keep in mind is that you want to be comfortable and not be constrained. With this in mind, if you are choosing between two sizes, buy the larger size. A bit of extra fabric will simply add to your comfort and ensure that you do not feel constricted. Overall, bringing your own hospital gown and erase some of the anxiety on this exciting day and will ensure that you are comfortable and feel great while at the hospital.

Written by Kyra

Summer Maternity Swimwear Styles

Published on June 23, 2010 in Articles, Maternity Fashion Trends, Maternity Style and Maternity Swimwear. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

Summer has officially begun, so it’s time to hit the pool or the beach to soak up the sun or cool off in the water. Pregnancy is no time to hide in the house or shy away from the pool just because you don’t have a swimsuit that fits or you feel too big for the beach. Now is the best time ever to be pregnant with tons of cute maternity swimsuit styles to choose from to complement your unique shape and your personal style. Even better, since summer is already underway, many maternity stores are discounting their maternity swimwear so you can find super chic maternity designer swimwear for super cheap prices! Here are a few recommendations of sexy and fun summer swimsuit styles to check out:

Maternal America’s Jenni Tankini is a surefire bet to flatter almost any body shape. This suit offers a flirty cut and a fun fiesta print. The halter style is always flattering and slimming to your upper body giving a sexy look to the shoulders and bust. The Jenni Tankini offers supportive padding and shape to the bust with an attractive O-ring halter style which also gives a pretty ruching effect. The cute side sash tie bottoms fit under the belly and allow the perfect fit to your changing shape to fit throughout your entire pregnancy (and beyond!).

If you are looking for a tropical escape, take a peek at Prego Maternity’s South Seas Strapless Mini. Prego Maternity makes high quality and superior supportive strapless suits for maternity swimwear. This summer’s South Seas print in chocolate brown and turquoise flowers with chocolate bottoms will put you in a laid back island mood in no time at all. The bottoms fit over the belly but are fully covered with the strapless mini dress style top. An optional halter string is included for an alternate look and for a little added insurance and support when lap swimming.

Whether you are pregnant or nursing postpartum, the BelaBumBum Nursing Tankini is a sexy and flattering suit for both during and after pregnancy. This summer’s black and white floral pattern is classic, tropical and timeless. You will love the stretch and feel of this maternity and nursing swimsuit with adjustable tank straps and discreet nursing access under the black empire waist sash tie. This top even looks great out of the pool and worn casually with jeans or capris.

Finally don’t forget your beach cover-up. Maternal America has a super cute sash tie cover-up in both white and black with a deep V-neck and pretty pleats across the belly that is especially designed for maternity. This cover-up is so versatile you can pair it with pants or capris for casual wear too. If you are looking for a more festive pattern, then check out Maternal America’s Mesh Carnival Print cover-up in strapless. This cover-up has pretty front smocking and an optional halter string tie. The light mesh fabric is perfect for hot days and an airy breezy feel and look.

So grab a towel and beach bag and head to the sand or water. You have no excuse not to hit the beach or pool this summer once you are suited up in style!

Written by Amy