@rennie1108 I didn't buy new underwear during pregnancy, but like a few other people said, I did invest in some big, cheap throw-away panties to wear PP. Since you can only wear a pad, it feels especially necessary - a normal size pad doesn't really fit in my usual underwear.
Regarding underwear, I did not size up while pregnant but to echo others, you’ll need some granny panties you don’t mind ruining for afterwards. I also bought some Thinx period underwear later on when the bleeding had slowed down - I bled for a long time and honestly by the end I basically had diaper rash from wearing pads for 2 months. I only wish I had bought them sooner, probably could have saved my little lady quite a bit of discomfort!
@rennie1108 I bought some granny panties for the second tri with my first, followed by maternity underwear for the third tri. I’ve already busted out my maternity underwear for this one, because why wait for comfort? Lol. Here are the ones I bought three packs of (note the sizing is way off. Check out the sizing chart because I think their sizes are Asian sizes): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KFTZDTI?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
you GUYS! 😩😩 i’ve already spent way too much money on maternity clothes, but i am finding some really cute new things on motherhood’s website! 😭 oh, the temptation!
@batmama31 I know, I have spent an insane amount already because I gave away everything from my first 3 pregnancies and haven't gotten any hand-me-downs. But I am forcing myself to hold off buying anything else and cramming into any tops that still fit while reminding myself how much I will absolutely hate maternity clothes by the end.
I did a maternity stitch fix and they sent really cute items that fit and made me feel good about my changing body. I got a loose dress long cardigan necklace, maternity jeans and a super comfortable3/4 T-shirt kind of top all for $150. I thought it was worth it and nice to not have to go out shopping. I tried 3rd love too- bras weren’t comfortable didn’t fit right and it was kind of annoying they don’t include a return label so you have to process return and they don’t refund for like 30-45 days which is annoying because I think I’ll forget about it. Stitch fix was easy and great- third love was not as user friendly for anyone interested in the online options.
Just packed away like 2/3 of my wardrobe in big plastic tubs! Torn between feeling sad 'cause I love my clothes and happy because we're actually getting somewhere!
PSA: GAP is having their friends and family sale, so everything is 50% off until November 6. I just stocked up on what should hopefully become my base maternity wardrobe!
Red alert! Blanqi is also having a 50% off sale!!!
ETA: Any recommendations for good maternity hose/tights? Looking for something sturdy but midweight (looking for both opaque and not opaque) I can wear basically every day that won't break the bank. Or should I just stick with thigh-highs?
Red alert! Blanqi is also having a 50% off sale!!!
ETA: Any recommendations for good maternity hose/tights? Looking for something sturdy but midweight (looking for both opaque and not opaque) I can wear basically every day that won't break the bank. Or should I just stick with thigh-highs?
I haven't worn them in years but my first pregnancy I had a pair of reversible tights from H&M. Inside was grey, outside was black. They stayed up perfectly and were opaque enough without being legit leggings. Ugh. I LOVED them. And they weren't that expensive? Actually looks like H&M is having a tights sale right now! https://www2.hm.com/en_us/women/deals/deal-charlie.html
Thanks to that hospital bag thread I just started looking at nursing friendly clothing and now I'm sad. Plus size nursing clothing is almost non existent. And it's expensive and not very cute. I don't actually know if i'll be able to BF this time and need clothing but ugh.
this is my backup acct. prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014 BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
Honestly @thatbaintforbetty I used very little dedicated “nursing” clothes. I mainly did the two shirt method out in public so I just wore a cami under all my shirts.
@thatbaintforbetty I don’t know if it’s any consolation. But nursing tops are the WORST. I had a couple and the second I pulled the top aside to nurse, it would stretch and sag, then my bra would show for the rest of the day. I found it way better to just wear loose tunicy tops or T-shirt’s and just put my baby’s head under them to nurse. For work to pump I just wore button downs. Nursing tops are just useless unless you don’t mind showing the world your bra constantly. I’d rather flash my boob for a second while latching on, then get to be fully covered the rest of the day.
Thanks @MRDCle@professormama That actually does help! I was looking mostly for nursing tanks/camis that i could wear at home so i wouldn't stretch out all the ones i have but even those are like $30+, for a cami with hooks? Yikes. Also i never met a button up shirt that fits correctly, i'm super weirdly shaped and not proportional at all. I might just buy some cheapy old navy or walmart/target camis and if they end up stretched out who cares. Or stretch out all mine and buy new ones at the end of BF. lol.
this is my backup acct. prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014 BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
@thatbaintforbetty I have a couple specific nursing tanks that I did use for sleeping in for awhile until my boobs calmed down. But they weren’t very comfortable and they were way too ugly to wear out in public. This time around I’m going to look for some night time nursing bras instead. I basically hated all nursing specific gear. And after months of pregnancy I just wanted to be back in my regular clothes anyway!
@thatbaintforbetty oh, and wrap dresses are perfect for nursing. Also, I didn’t even bother with two shirts. I just got where i would nurse anywhere and everywhere. Here we are in Central Park just taking a snack break I tried to crop out my face and you can’t really see his. Hopefully pretty anonymous *edit: photo removed because this is public*
@professormama I’m hoping I can curb the last of my super self conciseness about my body if/when we get to that. 2 shirts sounds like a pain in the summer. I love the idea of dresses but most everything is too long cause I’m short (or they require heels and I’m too clumsy) or require me to shave my legs. Which does not happen very often, mostly because we have the tiniest water heater ever or DD in the shower with me. I’m really hoping our next place has a decent water heater, I miss baths.
this is my backup acct. prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014 BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
Yeah dresses are great in the summer - I’m too self-conscious about my midsection to just lift up my top but tops with forgiving necklines work too! This was a scoop neck pretty stretchy maxi and it was so good in the summer. It’s honestly that and the confidence/not giving an eff that’s the biggest nursing accessory ha.
@thatbaintforbetty yeah 2 shirts is way too hot where we live. But I gotta say, when you’re nursing the only time you’re really exposed is for a second while latching on. After that, baby’s head and body pretty much cover any area of you that might be exposed. It look me awhile to get over feeling weird, and to get where we could latch quickly. But there are other options too. I used to nurse my son in the ergo a lot - you really couldn’t tell at all. And i know some ppl could nurse in a sling, though I never totally mastered that one. Like @MRDCle said, a stretchy maxi dress might also work perfectly for you.
On nursing clothes....any designated “nursing shirts” I hated. I love wearing a tank underneath everything, I feel naked without lol. I like drapy tops that I can just pull down easily
I got maternity shorts from target pretty early on, and I’ve been so excited to wear them. But they’re soooo uncomfortable. The elastic edge keeps rubbing into my skin and it’s awful! Never again.
Motherhood maternity is having a 40% off one full priced item sale through tomorrow. I just used it to buy another color of a nursing tank I LOVED when I was bfing DD. I didn’t like most nursing tanks either but this one actually contained my huge boobs, was shaped and also lined enough to be a bra (combined with nursing pads) I could wear while I was out. With shipping (because I don’t have a store close by), it was still $25 but worth it IMO. It’s the Jessica Simpson lace trim clip down tank.
@thatbaintforbetty seems like I’m on an island here but I like nursing clothing, it gets so hot where I live and there is no way I’m doing 2 shirts or showing off my stomach. That said, Henley style T-shirts and tanks, v-neck and scoop neck as well as button down shirts are definitely in my nursing/maternity rotation. As are 2 nursing dresses from motherhood and 2 from latched mama, a few Jessica symptoms nursing tops, I like the T-shirts that split up the sides with high waisted leggings, and some nursing tanks/ camisoles that I pair with sheer/ light weight patterned kimono style cover up. And a nursing sweatshirt. I think it’s easier if the climate is colder and lends toward layers but that isn’t the case where I live!!!
Also so if you are a first time mom and/or learning to latch your baby or experiencing any breastfeeding issues it can be hard to do it under your shirt w/o seeing them and you might be nervous your first few times in public, also some babies don’t like their heads covered. Practice at home before you go out to help you be more confident and know that you’re fellow moms are behind you and that the law is in your side (at least in the US). You have the right to feed your baby! For me having breastfeeding clothes helped me be confident. Think about what’s going to work for you.
Just tossing into the mix the option of wearing your old clothes + a cover. That was what I wound up doing most of the time!
I also agree with @sarahleigh2 that what you will want might change as you meet your baby, get comfortable nursing, and discover your new daily routine. There's zero need to buy anything in advance, especially something you don't really love.
...That being said, I'm excited that wrap styles are in and there will be lots of cute stuff this spring that won't be "ju$t for mom$."
Bought my first maternity outfit today. I was hoping I could get by with my lularoe leggings and some long tops/dresses, but the leggings are starting to cut into my belly, so it’s not gonna happen. Target had a very small selection, but I found a casual at home outfit. I’m going to have to hunt elsewhere for work clothes.
OMG I just had the worst Stitch Fix maternity experience. I am right on the edge between needing plus size vs standard sizing. When in doubt I usually size up just to be safe. I was super excited that Stitch Fix offered both plus sizes and maternity. I went through, put in all my info, filled out the style survey. I put a lot of time into setting up my profile. Any way a week later I get an email. So sorry we don't offer plus-sized maternity clothes, but don't worry we will send you "bump-friendly" clothes in your size. Umm, no. I immediately respond that the only reason I was signing up was for maternity clothes. DO NOT SEND non maternity. Please change my sizing to XL maternity. I get a confirmation that they will change my request and only send XL maternity.
Apparently not. Got my box yesterday and apparently "bump-friendly" is code for sized up circus tents. Everything was bulky and way too big and hung down to my knees. You know what pregnant plus-sized women really want? Super bulky cardigans that make you look like the stay puft marshmallow man who has fallen into a waffle maker!! Oh and horizontal stripes on semi-transparent t-shirts. Or over-sized, bulky sweatshirts with thumb-holes (sweet! how cozy!) on the wrong side of the sleeve (boo! wait are pinky holes a thing?!) Oh AND non-maternity skinny jeans. WTAF?! They were specifically called out for having a high rise (standard, non-maternity) waist band that would be great for pregnancy. Umm what?! I specifically asked for full panel maternity pants. Sigh, didn't even bother trying them on. So back they all go. Plus-sized pregnant ladies beware. Apparently Stitch Fix is not for us.
Anyone have any suggestions for shoes as winter sets in? Like, ones that I don't have to lace up? I work in a lab so I need my toes covered (not that I'll be wearing sandals this winter anyway), but I can wear any shoes really. I guess it'll probably depend on if my feet swell, huh?
@rennie1108 LLBean mocs are my winter go-to slip-on shoes. Perfect for slush, snow, puddles, salt, or wind. Flip flops are my spring/summer/fall shoes.
@thatbaintforbetty you’re busty too, right? 5’6”, busty, overweight here. When I nurse in public (not so frequent anymore), it’s usually in a scoop neck/v-neck stretchy tee and a nursing bra. I pop a nipple out, and DD eats. I tried for a while to have a scarf or something that would cover the top/side of the boob because it is a huge expanse of skin even with DD’s head in the way. DD did not ever handle anything on top of her head, so under-the-shirt/cover nursing was out. She also doesn’t love flowy shirts where there’s a little gap between boob and arm for the nipple to show (though I like them...I’ll find a link later). She will nurse that way if it’s her only option though. I’ve never used nursing tanks with a drop down side.
DD is probably also strange in how frequently she bounces between breasts - the idea that you only see nipplage while baby is latching is laughable with her - it’s like every ten seconds. But this is generally a know your baby then figure out clothing that works reminder.
@lyse01 Yep, DDD before this pregnancy. It's most of the reason i have issues with clothes, my upper body isn't on par with the size of my boobs. I actually realized that i have these super comfy tanks that have like really low cut/big arm openings that will be perfect for me to wear at home and still allow easy BF access. It'll just be whenever i leave the house that i have to figure something out. And hopefully i will at least partially get the hang of it and or have a better idea of what will work for me by the time i need to think about going back to work. I was stressing a little bit about it but it seems like it can all be worked out. Now if only i knew whether or not i will actually be able to BF this kid that would be super helpful.
this is my backup acct. prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014 BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
Shopping for plus size maternity clothing is seriously a pain. It's so hard to find something that looks cute but won't break the bank. I've been getting by with stretchy pants/leggings and loose/flowy tops so far, but that's not going to cut it for much longer.
Also, the target by my house stopped carrying maternity clothes about a month ago. Of course they would do that right before I needed to start buying. On the bright side, when I went on target.com to check their selection, I found a few decent items on clearance that should at least work for my basic items, minus pants for work. They're supposed to be delivered today, so we'll see how that all works out.
My Blanqi tank and leggings got here! They look/feel more like activewear than I wanted, but the compression feels awesome. I don't usually post reviews without seeing how stuff holds up, but the 50% off is so good that I thought I'd report back before it expires!
My one complaint is that the tank is clearly the right size based on the cut, but it's so tight that I might need to size up later depending on how much I gain (some reviews on the Nordstrom website said this too). Worth it to feel this snug, though.
Ok negative on Trunk Club IMO. Would have happily paid more for better quality and fit but that’s not what I got. The only item that was actually maternity was spanks tights.... the rest were just over sized pillow cases not flattering!!! I’m keeping a pair of ballet flats and a nit cardigan, that’s it out of 12 items and still not sure what I’m wearing for thanksgiving... sigh. I won’t order another Trunk.
Re: maternity wardrobe
ETA: Any recommendations for good maternity hose/tights? Looking for something sturdy but midweight (looking for both opaque and not opaque) I can wear basically every day that won't break the bank. Or should I just stick with thigh-highs?
https://www2.hm.com/en_us/women/deals/deal-charlie.html
prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014
BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014
BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
Here we are in Central Park just taking a snack break
I tried to crop out my face and you can’t really see his. Hopefully pretty anonymous
*edit: photo removed because this is public*
prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014
BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
Like @MRDCle said, a stretchy maxi dress might also work perfectly for you.
On nursing clothes....any designated “nursing shirts” I hated. I love wearing a tank underneath everything, I feel naked without lol. I like drapy tops that I can just pull down easily
Also so if you are a first time mom and/or learning to latch your baby or experiencing any breastfeeding issues it can be hard to do it under your shirt w/o seeing them and you might be nervous your first few times in public, also some babies don’t like their heads covered. Practice at home before you go out to help you be more confident and know that you’re fellow moms are behind you and that the law is in your side (at least in the US). You have the right to feed your baby! For me having breastfeeding clothes helped me be confident. Think about what’s going to work for you.
I also agree with @sarahleigh2 that what you will want might change as you meet your baby, get comfortable nursing, and discover your new daily routine. There's zero need to buy anything in advance, especially something you don't really love.
...That being said, I'm excited that wrap styles are in and there will be lots of cute stuff this spring that won't be "ju$t for mom$."
Apparently not. Got my box yesterday and apparently "bump-friendly" is code for sized up circus tents. Everything was bulky and way too big and hung down to my knees. You know what pregnant plus-sized women really want? Super bulky cardigans that make you look like the stay puft marshmallow man who has fallen into a waffle maker!! Oh and horizontal stripes on semi-transparent t-shirts. Or over-sized, bulky sweatshirts with thumb-holes (sweet! how cozy!) on the wrong side of the sleeve (boo! wait are pinky holes a thing?!) Oh AND non-maternity skinny jeans. WTAF?! They were specifically called out for having a high rise (standard, non-maternity) waist band that would be great for pregnancy. Umm what?! I specifically asked for full panel maternity pants. Sigh, didn't even bother trying them on. So back they all go. Plus-sized pregnant ladies beware. Apparently Stitch Fix is not for us.
@thatbaintforbetty you’re busty too, right? 5’6”, busty, overweight here. When I nurse in public (not so frequent anymore), it’s usually in a scoop neck/v-neck stretchy tee and a nursing bra. I pop a nipple out, and DD eats. I tried for a while to have a scarf or something that would cover the top/side of the boob because it is a huge expanse of skin even with DD’s head in the way. DD did not ever handle anything on top of her head, so under-the-shirt/cover nursing was out. She also doesn’t love flowy shirts where there’s a little gap between boob and arm for the nipple to show (though I like them...I’ll find a link later). She will nurse that way if it’s her only option though. I’ve never used nursing tanks with a drop down side.
DD is probably also strange in how frequently she bounces between breasts - the idea that you only see nipplage while baby is latching is laughable with her - it’s like every ten seconds. But this is generally a know your baby then figure out clothing that works reminder.
prevously helloblueeyes
Me:32 DH:33 Married:04/2012 DD:07/2014
BFP 8/14/2018 #2 due 4/18/2019
Also, the target by my house stopped carrying maternity clothes about a month ago. Of course they would do that right before I needed to start buying. On the bright side, when I went on target.com to check their selection, I found a few decent items on clearance that should at least work for my basic items, minus pants for work. They're supposed to be delivered today, so we'll see how that all works out.
My one complaint is that the tank is clearly the right size based on the cut, but it's so tight that I might need to size up later depending on how much I gain (some reviews on the Nordstrom website said this too). Worth it to feel this snug, though.