Summer Mamas: Maternity Fashion to Beat the Heat on a Budget

Pregnancy certainly seems to be in vogue this year! A number of A-list celebrities have either given birth already in 2012 or are due in the summer or fall this year, including Beyonce, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Garner, Hilary Duff, Kourtney Kardashian, Alessandra Ambrosio, Uma Thurman, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Neve Campbell and Tori Spelling, to name a few. We see them in magazines and on TV looking quite chic with their baby bumps on the go, on the beach, at special events. Of course models, actresses and entertainers have the luxury of strutting their pregnant stuff in beautiful designer outfits. For those of us on a tight budget (myself included!) we need to improvise a little but we can still look hot and keep cool through the summer. It just takes a little planning and creativity.

I'm due July 23rd (76 days and counting!) so I'm going to be at my biggest in June and July. Not having air conditioning, I'm hoping it won't be too humid. My top priority will be staying cool and comfortable, but I'd also like to look good in the process. I thought it would be fun to do a blog post about maternity fashion and even do my own little fashion show.

When money is tight, you don't want to spend a great deal on clothes that you'll only be wearing a couple of months out of your life (unless you plan to have several kids. In my case this is the first, last and only!) You have to be resourceful. Once you put the word out about being pregnant often people will come out of the woodwork to offer old maternity and baby clothes that they no longer need. And if they don't offer, it can't hurt to ask. You never know. I'm grateful to have gotten bags of maternity clothes from family, friends and co-workers. They did me through the winter and have helped me transition through spring. I've even grown into the things that seemed too big months ago. The first time I put on a pair of maternity jeans I was IN HEAVEN! I love the big stretchy waist thing. What a brilliant invention! It is a godsend. In addition to these staples, I also luckily had several items in my regular wardrobe that still fit and I've picked up some great bargains here and there.

In my city, it is hard to find maternity wear anywhere. The clothing stores and department stores here don't have maternity sections. There is only one maternity store in town -- Thyme Maternity. While they do have some nice things, they tend to be a bit pricey. I was looking for real bargains (I was raised by a shopoholic bargain hunting Queen so I have a hard time buying things if they're not on sale! The cheaper the better!)

 

$3 denim skirt!

You can find some great treasures that won't break the bank by looking in thrift stores and second hand shops. My best buys were at a thrift store during a 50% off sale. They only had one rack of maternity wear but I managed to find some capri pants, a top and a cute denim skirt for $3 each! Can't beat that! Some of my favourite stores, where you can put together cute outfits inexpensively are Giant Tiger (only in small towns but a real gem with a huge selection of great clothes at low prices), Walmart and Old Navy (I also hear that we're getting a Target here soon! I'm so psyched! I loved that store in the U.S. but we've never had them here in Canada). While they may not have maternity departments (at least not in my city) they offer a wide variety of inexpensive options. You can get a top for $7 or pants for $15. It doesn't have to be maternity, it just needs to fit.

Sometimes it's just a matter of going up one size. (In my case from a medium to a large.) A lot of the styles now are loose and blousy anyway, which is just perfect. Rather than investing money into something you'll only wear while pregnant, you can choose items that will work for a bigger or smaller you. You may have some pieces in your closet from before you were pregnant that still work. It's all about design and fabric. I had some flowing skirts with elastic waists that accomodate my growing belly and a bunch of tops that leave room for the baby bump.

   

You don't want anything that's going to be too tight and restrictive. It makes you look bulgy and feel uncomfortable. Anything loose or that blouses out at the belly is ideal. Flowing blouses seem to be in fashion now anyway which is helpful. You can still wear some things that are form-fitting (might as well show off that belly while you've got it!) but that are soft and stretchy enough that they're still comfortable to wear. Sleeveless will be best for balmy summer days. With the extra weight I'm carrying I'm sure I'll be feeling the heat more than ever.

 

Some styles are ideal as improvised maternity wear. Sundresses work. Empire waists, babydoll tops. Oversized baggy pants. Elastic and drawstring waists. Soft, stretchy materials that expand. Through trial and error you can put together a wardrobe that works. There were a few of my old summer items I had assumed would work well because they used to be huge on me. Now that we've had a few warm days and I went to dig them out however I learned that no, some are now way too small! A lot of it depends on the fabric and style -- some are more forgiving and flattering than others. Comfort is key but if you can look stylish as well, that's the icing on the cake. Mmmm cake...

In the 70s and 80s we used to call them "boob tubes" those stretchy elastic sleeveless tops. They are great to wear when you're pregnant because they stretch for comfort, they're cute and they keep you cool. From casual to dressy, I have several different styles and colours to get me through June and July.   

I'm happy that my favourite dress still fits! In the early Fall of 2010 I was in Grand Bend and found this butterfly dress at a boutique on the strip by the beach. At the time it was symbolic to me. I was blossoming, taking risks, living life to the fullest and I felt like a butterfly. I couldn't have imagined the metamorphosis I would undergo a year and a half later! Because of the design, with it flaring out under the bust, it leaves room for my baby bump. Prophetically the butterfly is placed right over my belly! I have a few dresses in this same style (one in turquoise and another in basic black) and I love them. They are form-fitting without being too tight and ideal for keeping cool in the heat.

My favourite top happily still fits as well. It's one that I first wore while I was in Samana, Dominican Republic a couple of years ago, dancing the night away at the disco on the beach. (I miss going dancing! It's been too long!) There's even a video of that night on Youtube if you want to check it out:

I have several tops and dresses in these soft, stretchy fabrics -- Polyester, spandex, rayon, elastane. The great thing about them is that not only do they feel great but they're so easy to care for. Wash and wear. You never have to iron them (I seem to have something against ironing. I haven't done it in years! Clothes that wrinkled and needed ironing ended up in the back of my closet and eventually found their way out through charity clothing drives.)

   

Tan & bikini last year

One thing I was concerned about this summer is not only being heavier than I've ever been but also being more pale than ever. Being a natural redhead, I'm as white as it gets! I don't tan easily (I have to be cautious and use sunscreen or I can get a bad burn.) I tend to burn and freckle. I get a little pink and will get somewhat of a tan but in the past I've relied on self-tanners to help me out. Especially my legs. Being pregnant, I simply can't risk using any tanning products on my skin. I asked my doctor to be sure and she confirmed that yes it's best to avoid them while pregnant. There hasn't been enough research to know whether the chemicals in self-tanning products could harm the baby. If it's on your skin then traces could be going through your system. So this year not only are my legs bigger than they've ever been but now they are stark white!

Needless to say I'm not anxious to wear short shorts but I do want to be able to beat the heat. With capris, skirts and dresses I can keep cool and covered. Maxi dresses are awesome as maternity wear. Lightweight and flowing down to the ankles they cover up my big old white legs and are a lot more comfortable than wearing long pants. Maxi dresses are very fashionable and have been a popular choice among pregnant celebs.



in Samana 2010



Sarongs are so right as maternity wear! Obsessed with the beach, I had a number of them in my wardrobe already in assorted colours and styles. Most of them I picked up in little shops by the beach, both here at home and while on vacation. It was my dream to live on an island one day and spend every day in a bikini and sarong. Large fabrics that you can tie around you as a skirt, top, or dress, these versatile pieces are perfect to cover up while staying cool and comfortable on hot summer days. And you feel tropical in them! 

I still want to make trips to the beach this summer. I don't know if I'll be daring enough to bare the baby bump in public. Exposing the white legs will be scary enough. The good thing about bikinis is that you can let the drawstrings out so that they're not too tight. A lot of celebrities choose to go the bikini route and show off their bulging bellies. I will likely be a little more conservative and wear tankinis instead. This a silver crocheted one that I've had for years and it's perfect as a maternity swimsuit. It ties at the back so I can make it as loose as I like. It flares a little at the bottom to make room for my belly. And a sarong will help me hide the white swollen legs until I'm ready to get in the water.

 

The key to fashion at any time, but especially during pregnancy, is accentuating the positives. A good outfit should enhance your figure not overpower or hide it. You don't want to wear something that looks like a big shapeless sack. You also don't want to squeeze into something that makes you feel like a big sausage. In the first trimester, before I had announced to everyone that I was pregnant, I was trying to hide it. I camouflaged and covered up the boobs and the belly with oversized sweaters. It felt uncomfortable and unnatural. It was a relief when the news was out and I didn't have to hide. Now I'm not afraid to flaunt it. I embrace my new curves! I feel more feminine than I've ever felt. When I was a scrawny kid in junior high I never could have imagined how I would blossom one day. Definitely a very late bloomer! It still amazes me how the body transforms for a baby. It truly is a miracle. The ability to create life, to give birth is the greatest power that we have. I believe that pregnant women are radiant. Many people have referred to "a pregnant glow." It comes from within, from the precious life growing inside of you.

Several celebrities have proven just how beautiful pregnancy can be, even wearing nothing at all. I love this photo of Alessandra Ambrosio for Vivara Jewellery. A gifted photographer friend of mine was trying to convince me to attempt a black and white shot like this, of me. I don't think I'm quite that daring! Maybe if I looked like Alessandra! I am planning to get some artistic photos done toward the end of my pregnancy when my belly is at its largest, just to have as a souvenir. But I think I'll wear a little bit more than jewellery! I've seen a number of cute ideas for pregnancy photos. Being a photoholic, I always have to have photos to record everything. The moment is so fleeting but photos are forever. I'm grateful to have so many of my memories immortalized in images. Pregnancy is by far the biggest adventure of my life so naturally I want to commemorate it. That's part of the reason I started this blog as well.

Pregnancy is a magical time and it really goes by pretty quickly in the scheme of things. Back in November, nine months sounded like an eternity to me but it's actually flying by. Just a few months left now until I'm due. I can't believe it. Being an expectant mother is not always easy but it can be joyous. Despite some discomforts (swelling, heartburn etc mentioned in previous blog posts) I've been enjoying this experience. I've had some of the happiest moments of my life so far (hearing the baby's heartbeat and feeling her move.) It is a gift and a miracle. It still blows my mind.

I think it's important that we celebrate this special time while we're in it. Feel good. Look good. Even on a modest budget you can step out in style and show off that baby bump! 



Quickening

It was a relief to let the cat out of the bag!

Everyone has been so kind and supportive. I was nervous about making the announcement at work but they were wonderful. One girl even said "I've got goosebumps!" when I told them the shocking news. No one ever expected to hear this from me. I can imagine the story travelling through the grapevine "Guess who's pregnant?" No one would ever have guessed me. More than a few jaws dropped to the floor I'm sure. It was pretty much common knowledge that I was a single girl who didn't plan to have kids. It's amazing how much your priorities can change! Now this baby means the world to me.

It feels good to share the news with the world. Acquaintances, strangers, anyone who will listen! During the first trimester, I was trying to keep the baby a secret. I'd known so many people who had suffered the heartbreak of losing a child within the first few months of pregnancy. I wanted to wait until I was safely into the second trimester to be sure. It was getting increasingly difficult to hold back though. Especially when anyone would discuss babies or pregnancy. I just had to smile and keep quiet.

As I put on weight it was becoming more challenging to camouflage. I was running out of oversized sweaters to hide the belly and it was awkward walking around with my pants undone. I'd gone up a couple of bra sizes (do I get to keep the new boobs after I have the baby?!) and bras were so uncomfortable I just couldn't wear them anymore. I even went out and got a new one (went from a 34B to a 36C. Now I'm not even sure what size I am because I just stopped wearing a bra. I felt strangled in them) but still wasn't comfortable. One day on the way to work I ended up removing my bra through my sleeve in line at the Tim Hortons Drive-Thru (that's no easy feat under a sweater and winter coat let me tell you!) My sister gave me a bag of her old maternity clothes. What a treat those jeans and pants are with the stretchy waistband! Heaven! I picked up a few things here and there myself. I was surprised that department stores didn't have a maternity section. Don't women have babies anymore?! Other than specialty stores like Thyme Maternity, I couldn't find anything. Luckily a lot of the current styles are loose and blousy, flaring out at the waist. Perfect as maternity wear. I got a few cute tops and things at Giant Tiger. I absolutely LOVE that store! Really nice clothes and inexpensive. A single mom on a tight budget, I need all the help I can get!

I've gained 25 lbs so far. Ironically just last year I had FINALLY reached my target weight through a combination of yoga, dancing, long walks and Jillian Michaels' (sadist that she is!) "30 Day Shred." I got down to 125 lbs which I hadn't been since my 20's. My mother says it was meant to be that I was in perfect health and ready to have a baby. That certainly wasn't my plan! Maybe healthwise I was more like a 20-30 year old than a 40 year old. (Maturity-wise for sure! I still feel like a kid!) Everyone says I look much younger than I am. Little did I know that I wouldn't stay at my goal weight very long. Everything was about to change. My dream was to move somewhere tropical and live in a bikini. My biological clock apparently had an agenda of its own...

  

BEFORE

AFTER


















   



THEN

NOW


















I don't mind the new curves though. I actually feel more beautiful and more womanly than I've ever felt.  I know I'll be even bigger in the next trimester. Due in July, I'll be at my largest through the summer. I love the beach. I may forego the bikinis this year and do tankinis. Though I've seen quite a few pregnant celebrities that are still rocking the bikini so who knows? Maybe I'll be daring! I don't want to burn the belly though.

The second trimester has been a treat compared to the first. The nauseau stopped -- thank Heaven! I guess in the beginning your body is going through so many changes setting up for the baby that it takes so much out of you physically and makes you sick. By the second trimester the baby is in its own little biosphere so it's not as much of a strain on your body. I've been lucky though because I have talked to women who suffered from terrible nausea throughout the pregnancy.

My absolute favourite thing about being pregnant so far is QUICKENING! First of all I love the word. It sounds magical somehow.

quickening

the first motion of a fetus in the uterus felt by the mother, usually somewhat before the middle of the period of gestation.

Quicken also means to make alive, to kindle, to cause to burn more intensely, to make a curve sharper, to come to life, to shine more brightly. All of which seem appropriate too. I do feel more alive than ever with this miraculous little life growing inside me.

The quickening started around 18 weeks for me. At first it was so subtle I hardly realized what it was. I might have dismissed it as gas or something. I had done some reading though (my sister had given me her copy of the obligatory "What to Expect When You're Expecting," a friend gave me "Your Pregnancy Week by Week" and my doctor had given me "Healthy Beginnings.") and knew that fetal movement could start any time after the 14th week or so. Of course the baby moves before then but she's too small for you to feel it. Once I knew what to look for it became more obvious.   

At my 19 week ultrasound the baby was moving so much the technician had a hard time getting pictures. "You've really got a mover in there!" the girl said. During my doctor's appointment at 21 weeks, when she put the stethoscope to my belly the doctor exclaimed "A good strong heartbeat and a kick!" Maybe she'll be a gymnast or a dancer.

The baby is going to be a night owl like her Mama it seems! I rarely feel any movement in the morning. The most movement seems to be in the late afternoon and in the wee hours of the morning. During the day when I'm moving around I don't notice it as much. Sometimes I notice it when I'm eating or drinking. I wonder how quickly the food makes its way to her. Mostly I feel the baby moving when I'm laying still in bed, or especially in the bath. Baby, like Mama, seems to LOVE bubble baths. It's there that she moves the most. I love the feeling. It's a ticklish kind of bubbling up feeling. A fluttering like butterflies. I've also heard people  describe it as popcorn popping or little goldfish swimming around. Especially in the water it feels like she's swimming in there! Sometimes when my ears are submerged in the water I think I can hear both of our heartbeats. The steady rhythm of my own and a hint of her quicker one in the background.

It's such a bonding experience when I feel the baby moving. When I'm home or in the car, everytime she stirs I talk to her "Hey baby! Mama loves you." I try not to do it when I'm out though (I don't want someone to have me committed!) at work or grocery shopping but I can't help but crack a little smile. It's like our little secret and sometimes I'll rub my tummy and whisper to her "Love you baby." It's an amazing feeling of connection -- to be at one with someone. I never imagined I could feel so much love. People tried to tell me how you change once you become a Mom, but until this happened it wasn't something I could understand.

She responds to my voice too which I love. I'll be driving with the radio on and start to sing along and as soon as I start to sing, baby starts to move. I'm looking forward to singing lullabies to the baby and I've already started doing it every night before bed. I've also gotten into a routine of reading "Goodnight Moon" to her every night.

I know that the baby hears everything now and though they can't understand language, they do pick up rhythms in speech and it prepares them for learning to talk. I also read that if you read a story to a baby in utero, the baby remembers the story on some level and when you read it to the child later they will find it comforting because it will remind them of the safe environment of the womb. The baby has started responding -- as soon as I read the story she starts to move. It seems like she recognizes it already.

My mother, while pregnant with me, said she didn't have any food cravings but she had a craving for reading. She never liked reading, but while I was inside her, she read the entire Bible aloud, cover to cover! (My Mom can't read in her head. Not even the newspaper. It's comical to watch her.) She thought that it was nourishing my young mind. I think it was a beautiful gesture for her to do that. I do think there is something to it. I was a straight A student all through school and university and I've always had a love of writing. English was my best subject. I've written thousands of poems (a few published), a few short stories and hundreds of songs.

I want to do all the best things for my baby too. I love her so much already and I haven't even met her yet! Knowing that what I do and say and feel now can affect her, I try not to put myself under stress. Work is becoming more difficult. Twelve hour shifts take a toll on me. I do feel much more tired than I used to and often have trouble sleeping but I try to catch up on sleep on my days off. Being hormonal of course there are times I am emotional. I was a sentimental fool before being pregnant. Now it's a millionfold. I tear up pretty easily. Also with everything that I've been through (February was a heartbreaking month, if you haven't checked out my previous blog posts to learn my story so far, have a look) occasionally I do feel overwhelmed and need to cry it out. It's a release, a relief. Afterward I reassure the baby that everything is OK. I sing "Don't Worry, Be Happy" and "Three Little Birds." I love this video, by the way, a very sweet take on the Bob Marley song:

Overall I feel happier than I ever have. There's a sense of peace and purpose that comes from living for someone else. I never had that before. This kind of love was foreign to me. There was family and friend love. Romantic love. Love of Nature. I always felt like I had so much love to give. But the love I have for this child is something else entirely. It is larger than me. It is deeper than anything. It puts everything else in perspective. Any sacrifices I have to make are worth it. Things I used to think were important really don't matter anymore. Being a Mom supercedes anything. I never thought I had a maternal side. I suppose I'm a very late bloomer. I have been in everything else. Better late than never. My maternal instincts are kicking in -- protectiveness, nurturing and unconditional love.

This was meant to be. I look back on my life's journey and I'm grateful for all the adventures and experiences. Even the ones that broke my heart. They all led me here. And here is a pretty good place to be. It won't always be easy but it is definitely worth it.

Life is such a miracle. There is a little person growing inside me! It still kind of blows my mind. And there is so much I want to teach her and so much I can learn from her. This is the adventure of a lifetime. I'm grateful for this unexpected gift.  

She just moved. She must be wondering what I'm doing up this early on a Saturday morning off. I was sound asleep before 10 pm last night. I used to go out dancing til 2 a.m. on a Friday night. Now it's a treat to crawl into bed early and read Goodnight Moon. I wouldn't trade this feeling for the world.

"Hey baby! Mama loves you!"