If there’s one thing an expecting mama wants, it’s to feel and look good all the way up to and after giving birth. Luckily, the shapeless dresses of our parent’s generation are a thing of the past. Our favorite shop for maternity clothes, Motherhood Maternity, has everything from designer duds (found in the luxe Pea in a Pod line) to sensible, affordable clothes in all sizes and colors. We selected our top maternity clothes and gear that will take you all the way through the fourth trimester in style. Keep reading to see them all.

Basic Secret Fit Belly Maternity Leggings

Part of Motherhood Maternity’s starter kit, these leggings have a secret fit belly feature that you can use to pull over or fold under your bump.

Jessica Simpson Secret Fit Belly Skinny Leg Maternity Jegging

Because everyone needs a great pair of skinny jeans, even expecting mamas! We love this pair from the Jessica Simpson and Motherhood Maternity collab.

Giraffe Maternity T Shirt 

Not only is this jersey knit shirt super comfy, but the giraffe print is a lot of fun, too.

Maternity Tummy Sleeve

A staple for any maternity and new mom wardrobe, this tummy sleeve comes in three colors—black, white and nude. It’ll allow you to wear your regular pants for longer, and it’s great for extra coverage while nursing, too.

The Ultimate Maternity Belt

This belt helps to take the weight of your growing bump off your belly and lower back. The velcro straps are adjustable, so you can use this all the way up until your 40th week! 

Full Coverage Seamless Nursing & Maternity Bra

A cult-favorite item for expectant and nursing moms everywhere, this bra can be used before and after your sweet bundle arrives. Offered in 10 colors, the stretchy material grows with you and is so soft, you might want to sleep in it!

Jessica Simpson Striped Button Back Ruched Maternity Top

Another item from the Jessica Simpson line, this striped shirt comes in three colors and has cute button details on the back.

Mamma Graphic Maternity Tee

A power mom shirt is always a good idea! This one made from a blend of cotton and polyester and is machine washable.

Clip Down Nursing Cami 

This nursing cami comes in over 10 different colors and prints. Made in cotton and spandex, it has a built-in bra shelf and a clipdown nursing function, making it perfect for when you're out and about with baby. You can even wear it before you deliver! 

Maia MAMA Prima Post Pregnancy Pants

If you are sick of your maternity pants, these post-pregnancy pants are the perfect solution. Designed with a shaping panel that smooths your post-pregnancy body, you’ll feel stylish and confident.

Lace Trim Nursing Nightgown and Robe

You’ll be hanging around the house a lot after coming home from the hospital, so di it in style with this lace-trimmed nightgown and robe set.

Lift Up Open Front Nursing Tee

This tee has a split front layer that makes breastfeeding a cinch. The shirt is styled to emphasize your waist and is machine washable.

Tulip Pull Over Nursing Hoodie

How cozy is this nursing hoodie? The pullover feature makes it easy to breastfeed while still being a stylish addition to your wardrobe.

—Gabby Cullen

 

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The first three months of life are often referred to as the fourth trimester when your little one is still adjusting to life outside of the womb. During this adjustment, baby is depending on you to lead in building healthy habits – including healthy sleep habits.

 At first you may be overwhelmed with your little one’s irregular sleep patterns. While it will be a gradual shift to sleeping more consistently at night, it will happen. So, how can you help support your little one through this transition during the first few months of life? 

Educate yourself on newborn and infant sleep patterns. You can expect your baby to sleep between 16-18 hours per day for the first month and 11-15 hours per day the following two months. Your little one’s longest stretch of sleep will probably be between 2-4 hours at first, increasing as time goes on. Remember, even though having a familiar routine is important, try to be flexible instead of adhering to a strict schedule these first few months. 

Learn about feeding patterns. Did you know that feeding on demand – whether by breast or bottle – promotes healthy sleep? You can expect your little one to feed 8-12 times per day. As we mentioned above, be flexible with your little one’s feeding needs. Babies tend to cluster feed – again, whether by breast or bottle – around the 2nd day, 2nd week and 2nd month of life. 

Pay attention to sleep cues. Some cues may seem obvious – yawning, rubbing their eyes, heavy eyelids or interacting less than usual – but when you yourself are sleep deprived, it can feel impossible to tell what your baby wants. Your baby may exhibit one or more of these sleep cues, or may have other indicators of their own. Just pay attention and as time goes on you will learn what they are. 

Consider how surroundings affect sleep. At night, lay your little one down in a dark, quiet room to sleep. During the day, leave lights on and make noises as usual. This will help your little one gravitate toward sleeping at night when the atmosphere is more calm and serene. Also take into consideration how warm or cool the room is since your baby cannot yet regulate their own temperature. Colors, smells and other sensations can also affect their sleep. 

Help your little one self-soothe. Your newborn will not be able to self-soothe at first, but swaddling and patting them can help them feel calm and safe as they grow. As you near the third month, begin limiting talking and interacting during sleep times. You may want to begin introducing a pacifier or lovey that will provide comfort as well. 

Introduce a routine. Even though your newborn will have their days and nights mixed up at first, just give them time and it will slowly get better. The sooner that you can introduce a routine, the easier it will be for your little one to catch on. Maybe you read a book to your little one before bath time and lotion. Maybe you have a familiar song you sing or a toy that plays music to cue that it’s bedtime. There is no right or wrong, just create a routine that works for you. 

Hindi Zeidman is a former infant mental health clinician and the founder of Ollie Swaddle—The Smarter Swaddle that’s made better, feels better, and helps your baby sleep longer and better. The award-winning Ollie also help baby self-calm, reduces colic/fussiness, and prevents overheating through its special patented moisture wicking fabric.

As a new mom, you may feel like you don’t have time to read a book, but self-care is important and a good book is a great way to get some me-time and feel like yourself again. These three books change the parenting game for new moms, with answers to all your new-mom questions, genius self-care strategies, plus support and laughs along the way.

Self-Care for Moms by Sara Robinson, MA

Simon & Schuster

Yes, you can (and should!) be making time to take care of yourself as a new mom. This book shows you exactly how with ways to find fulfillment even when you're super short on time. If you can carve out just 3-5 minutes in your day, there are nearly 30 suggestions for how to make them meaningful to you! There are also ideas for how to fill larger chunks of time, from 15 minutes to a few hours to even a day (or more) to yourself, as well as techniques to help you find this time for yourself in your busy routine. Written by a mental skills coach trained in helping people change the way they think to create positive behavioral changes, this book truly can change your life, one self-care step at a time.

Available at amazon.com, $10.69.

The Little Book of Support for New Moms by Beccy Hands & Alexis Stickland

Countryman Press

Specifically written for new moms, this is a survival guide to help you adjust to the "fourth trimester" (the 12 weeks after your child is born) and your new life, both physically and emotionally. Written by a doula and a midwife, it shares tools and advice on healing your body post-childbirth, adjusting to your exciting but challenging new role as a mom, maintaining your relationship with your partner, and retaining your identity amid all your new duties. From questions you were too embarrassed to ask to advice you didn't know you needed, it contains short and sweet tips on everything you're dealing with, in an easy-to-find format. Perhaps most importantly, these valuable tips can build your confidence and give you the tools and perspective to more fully enjoy all aspects of your life post-baby.

Available at wwnorton.com, $17.95.

Mom Babble: The Messy Truth About Motherhood by Mary Katherine Backstrom

Abingdon Press

If you aren't familiar with Mom Babble or Christian mom blogger Mary Katherine (MK) Backstrom, check out her Facebook page, which includes the super funny viral video that got her on The Ellen Degeneres Show. Her new book features 40 hopeful and hilarious essays about motherhood and family. As MK herself says, “My hope for this book is that it can serve as a collection of winks and nods, from one mother to another. That my honest, messy stories of motherhood might encourage your spirit, the same way so many of you have inspired and encouraged mine over the years. I hope that when you hear my voice in these stories, you hear the voice of a friend who is waving at you from within the pages."

Available at amazon.com, $17.49.

featured photo: Oleg Sergeichik via Unsplash

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

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With the wave of protests that have swept the country, we as a nation are looking at a new Civil Rights era. If you can’t make it to a gathering, there are plenty of other ways to show your support. One of the most important ways is by supporting locally-owned businesses in your community, so we rounded up a few of our favorite black-owned Austin businesses for you to check out. From doula services to bookstores and even party supplies, keep reading to see them all.

Got a business you’d like to see included? Email us at blm@tinybeans.go-vip.net

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7n9Xi1lmK7/

Cater to Mom

This subscription box is designed with postpartum moms in mind. Every month you’ll receive products to help you through the Fourth Trimester. Each box contains 6 - 8 items with a value of $100+, and prices start at $43.99. Not a new mom? Check out the box just for dad! 

Online: catertomom.com

Treasure City Thrift

Treasure City Thrift is a zero-waste, collectively-run thrift store that collaborates with Grassroot social justice programs in Austin. The shop is filled with goodies, a perfect place to take your older kids for a day of browsing for treasures. 

Online: treasurecitythrift.org

Black Pearl Bookstore

This independent bookstore strives to serve a multi-cultural, multi-generational and multi-socio-economic community. 

Online: blackpearlbookstore.com

 

Wigglez n Gigglez

An online boutique with unique onesies for babies and adorable clothes for toddlers and little kids. 

Online: wigglezngigglez.com

Hill Country Outdoors

The next time you want to plan a trip to Austin, or if you’re local and want to become a member of their active outdoor community, be sure to check out Hill Country Outdoors. They can arrange for everything from a day on the lake to hiking and even overnight camping trips. Many events have been postponed due to COVID-19, but this is a good one to bookmark for the future. 

Online: hillcountryoutdoors.com

Kiddie Express Train

Tara T via Yelp

As soon as it’s okay to start hosting birthday parties or organizing festivals again, can we suggest giving Kiddie Express Train a call? Veteran-owned, you can pick from a few different types of trackless trains (tractor train, dino train, regular train) to keep your locomotive-obsessed kids entertained. 

Online: kiddieexpresstrain.com

 

Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant & Grill

Serving delicious Ethiopian food, Habesha Restaurant & Grill is open for dining and takeout. Owned and managed by Yidnekachew Fantu and wife, head chef Selam Abebe, you’ll find traditional menu items like inerja and kitfo, but also unique items like sambusa appetizers and an avocado-tomato mix that’s given a cultural twist. 

Online: habeshaaustin.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAiLjfADlI8/

Whitney’s Cakery and Co

If you need a specialty cake, cupcake or cookies, check out this North Austin company that opened in March 2019. Baker-owner Whitney Jones-Vega can whip up just about any cupcake flavor you can imagine and you can choose from cake flavors that range from key lime pie to bananas foster and everything in between.

Online: whitneyscakeryandco.com/home

Hoover's Cooking

Alfred R. via Yelp

Serving up what owner-chef Hoover Alexander’s calls honest-to-goodness Texas cooking. The menu has comfort food like chicken fried steak and biscuits and gravy, alongside classic BBQ like pork ribs and sausage. Hoover’s has been serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to Austinites for over 20 years. 

Online: hooverscooking.com

Kiwisparty 

Brook R. via Yelp

Another great resource to bookmark for when in-person birthday parties resume, Kiwisparty can do face painting, make balloon characters or bring a braid or bling bar to make it a memorable day. 

Online: kiwisparty.com

Interwoven Doula Care

courtesy Interwoven Doula Care

Dominique A Wyse is a birth and postpartum doula who hopes to help families transition into the space of having a new baby. She’ll provide, in a no-judgment zone, the resources and information each family needs to make decisions on their birth plans. 

Online: facebook.com/interwoven.doula.care

Anythings Austin

Bet you didn’t know there were so many ways to dress up a baked potato! Anythings Austin can prove it’s possible. Chose to make your own with all your favorite toppings, or pick a specialty potato like the salmon and asparagus or a portobello vegan. 

Online: anythingsaustin.com

Sam’s BBQ

The world-famous Austin BBQ joint was started by Sam Campbell in 1957. Purchased by the Mays family in 1976, this classic East Austin spot has quite possibly some of the country’s best BBQ. 

Online: facebook.com/ATXBBQ

iTrain Sports Performance

courtesy iTrain Sports Performance

It’s no secret that Texans love their football, so if you’re considering extra training for the player in your life, consider iTrain. They offer camps and training sessions for kids and adults, ranging from beginners to college hopefuls. 

Online: itrainct.com

—Gabby Cullen

 

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Moms need support through every stage of pregnancy. The popular maternity brand, HATCH, is releasing a new category of postpartum wear. Fourth Trimester: The After Baby Collection recently launched, providing moms with clothing especially designed with the period after birth in mind.

Fourth Trimester: The After Baby Collection

This collection of imtimates, loungewear and casual wear was created just for a mom’s fourth trimester. This inclusive brand aims to provide pieces for women of all shapes and sizes and strives to help make life with a new little one proceed seamlessly.

Fourth Trimester: The After Baby Collection

The new Fourth Trimester: After Baby Collection will include loungewear ($98-228), underpinnings/intimates ($24-78) and chic ready to wear ($88 – $248). Made from soft and comfortable fabrics, the practical mom-friendly designs include The Secret Nursing Dress, The Nursing-to-Errands Jumpsuit and The Bundle Baby Robe that are certain to become essentials when the baby arrives!

Fourth Trimester: The After Baby Collection

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of HATCH

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Omg—you’re pregnant. Congratulations, mama, you’re in for the ride of a lifetime. Like most rides, there are sure to be bumps to navigate along the way. The first, and most obvious, is the one you’ll need to dress for the next nine months! But, don’t despair, we’ve got you (and your growing baby bump) covered. Use these 10 fashion tips and you’ll sail through your pregnancy feeling stylish and comfortable.

photo: HATCH

1. Save money by opting for less expensive leggings and tank tops.
Instead of breaking the bank on expensive maternity pieces that you’ll outgrow and never wear again after pregnancy, opt for cheap maternity leggings and tank tops that can be worn on the regular for the next nine months. To dress up these staples, splurge on items you can continue wearing once baby arrives, like a nice cardigan or button-down top.

2. Buy nothing for as long as possible.
Resist the urge to shop online for maternity clothes as soon as you hear the news you’re expecting. Instead, take a solid inventory of what is in your closet already that you can continue wearing. Although you’ll start to feel changes happening in your body right away, the reality is that your current wardrobe will fit for some time, so hold off as long as you can and save your pennies for a few core pieces you’ll need down the road.

3. Don’t buy pieces much larger than your current size.
It’s easy to want to anticipate what will be happening to your body down the road, but the truth is you don’t know what’s in store and your bump will grow at its own pace. So, it’s better to buy pieces that will grow with you. The Eloise Dress from HATCH (shown above) is a splurge-worthy option you can wear throughout your pregnancy that will make you feel stylish and comfortable at every stage.

4. Wear your favorite jeans longer.
The Everyday Maternity BellaBand (shown above) by Ingrid & Isabel is a fan favorite and for good reason. The expandable band gives you the ability to wear your favorite jeans throughout your pregnancy. It’ll help make you feel more “you” at a time when you’re navigating a lot of changes.

5. Get creative with what you have!
Motherhood is a crash course in resourcefulness, so you may as well start tapping into that side of yourself before your baby arrives. Try wearing skirts higher up on your waist, or belt a dress to give yourself a waist again. See pieces you’ve owned forever in a new light, and you may not need as many “maternity” pieces as you think.

6. Rent special-occasion outfits.
It’s more than likely you’ll have a few special-occasion events to attend at some point in your pregnancy. For those occasions, try renting an outfit. It gives you the option of finding a piece you truly love without forking over a substantial amount of money for something you will probably only wear once. Rent the Runway has a slew of amazing options for moms-to-be who want to the perfect show-stopping outfit.

photo: KathrinPie via Pixabay

7. Try a maternity subscription service.
It seems there’s a subscription box for just about everything, and maternity wear is no exception. And, if anyone deserves an easier way to shop, it’s an expectant mom. Here are a few of our favorite subscription box services to check out today.

8. Splurge on pieces you’ll still want to wear after baby arrives.
Embrace the next nine months as much as possible and let yourself splurge on a few pieces you know you’ll want to wear after your baby arrives. Perhaps it’s the most cozy pajamas that will help you relax after a long day or a trench coat you love and makes you feel stylish as soon as you throw it on. Treating yourself to a few special pieces may just get you through the more stressful days.

9. Invest in what’s underneath!
They’re the easiest thing to overlook, but we promise you that investing in a good maternity bra and set of undies is worth it. Check out maternity fold-over panties, like these from Motherhood Maternity, and HATCH’s the bra — they’re must-haves for staying comfortable during pregnancy.

10. Consider a capsule wardrobe.
We’ve sung the praises of a capsule wardrobe before, and we believe it’s definitely worth considering for maternity wear. Especially if you think you’ll be pregnant again. Opt for pieces you can wear both while pregnant and nursing, in neutrals you can mix and match. Think, the perfect t-shirt dress and a pair of killer sneakers.

Psst, did you know Tinybeans is a free modern family album app that gives parents a happy space to enjoy their children’s life stories with family. Effortlessly organize pics, videos & milestones, print cute keepsakes, and share with family in one safe space off social media.

 

—Aimee Della Bitta

 

featured image: iStockphoto

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One thing that helps with the stress of a new pregnancy is knowing you have the products you need to help you through the next nine months and beyond. Find out what to expect and what to buy with this pregnancy buying guide that includes the very important fourth trimester! Here’s our list of essential items you can rely on through each stage of your pregnancy so you can rest easier as you prepare for your little one’s arrival.

1st Trimester

Studio 7042 from Pexels

From alleviating morning sickness to a tip on how to keep your favorite jeans on rotation, here are a few things to help get you through your first few months of pregnancy. 

Preggie Pop Drops
Morning sickness affects more than half of pregnant women. The nausea-causing illness, which is usually the worst between weeks 6 and 12, can be caused by a variety of factors, such as hormonal changes, low blood sugar, vitamin deficiencies, stress, fatigue and general anxiety. Preggie Pop Drops are a natural supplement that ease the symptoms of morning sickness. They come in tasty flavors like green apple, sour raspberry, and sour tangerine. If the pops don't do the trick, some pregnant women swear by Sea-Band accupressure wrist bands to get them through the roughest days. 

The Bellaband
Even though most people probably won't know you're pregnant, there will come a time in the first weeks or months of pregnancy that you feel like you're popping out of your pants. It's this exact moment that inspired an invention many pregnant mommas list as one of their die-hard maternity essentials. The Bellaband by Ingrid and Isabel lets you stay in your favorite pre-pregnancy jeans for longer without sacrificing comfort. The greatest part is it works for every trimester, including the post-pregnancy fourth one: You can use it to hold up maternity pants that are now big on you or keep up pre-pregnancy jeans that are still too tight.

Mayo Clinic Pregnancy Guide
One of the coolest things about the first trimester is that so much is happening under that burgeoning bump. The easiest way to learn about your baby's week-to-week growth is with the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy. This illustrated book offers advice, meal-planning tips, healthy exercise options and much more. It's a great reference tool for each stage of your pregnancy.

2nd Trimester

estebantroncosofoto0 via Pixabay

Congratulations! You made it through the first three months and are on to what some call the "honeymoon trimester." If you experienced morning sickness, it has more than likely subsided, and you should be feeling more energetic during the second semester, so this is a good time to focus more on other areas of self-care. 

Soma Glass Water Bottle
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. That's the name of the game in the second trimester. Sometimes drinking from a pretty bottle makes it easier to do and remember. Our favorite is the Soma Glass Water Bottle, which comes in a variety of colors. Made from high-quality, shatter-resistant glass with an easy-grip protective sleeve, it’s perfectly designed to fit into your bag, your cup holder, and your lifemaking it easy to drink up!

Mio Skin Care
Trimester two lasts from the week 14 to the end of week 28, and your baby grows a LOT during this time. By the end of the 2nd trimester, baby will be the size of a butternut squash (check out how big your baby is each week). That means your body is changing and your skin can take the brunt of all this growth. Your stomach needs to expand and you may also be dealing with pesky breakouts from hormonal shifts. Mio Skin Care's second trimester bundle includes everything you need to keep your belly, breasts and face moisturized and glowing. 

Erin Baker's Breakfast Cookies
In addition to the extra energy you'll be enjoying in the second trimester, you'll probably notice something else: You're starving, like all the time! Carrying Erin Baker's breakfast cookies with you to ensure you don't get hangry is a life-saver. They come in a variety of flavors (double chocolate, peanut butter, carrot cake, oatmeal raisin, and more) and are perfect for the morning or mid-day when you need a satisfying snack to keep you going. 

3rd Semester

Artem Bali from Pexels

You're in the homestretch! That's good to remember because the third trimester can get a little uncomfortable. You may experience pelvic pressure, back aches and have more trouble sleeping with your growing baby wriggling and working its way to full-term. Here are some essentials to get you to the finish line. 

 

4th Trimester

pixabay.com

You've done it! In the last nine months, you've created a new life. Considering that growing your baby didn't happen overnight, recovering from childbirth doesn't either. Often considered the fourth trimester, the 12-14 weeks post-delivery is a very special (and intense!) time. Here are some products to help make this final trimester more bearable. 

The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide
Equally as important as the guides about pregnancy are the books about when your baby arrives. The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions and Restoring Your Vitality supports women though postpartum healing on physical, emotional and spiritual levels and provides a roadmap to this important transition in a new mother's life. 

Blackout Curtains
You probably already know this, but the one thing you'll crave more than anything else during those first few months after your baby is born is sleep. That's why hanging blackout curtains in your room, where you and baby will probably be spending a lot of time, is key for better rest. 

Booby Tubes
The name sounds funny, but trust us: These are a lifesaver for breastfeeding discomfort in the first few months after childbirth. Booby Tubes are clever little, gel-free breast packs made with an organic cotton shell and filled with fresh, pliable flaxseed. They can be heated or cooled depending on what you find most soothing. Try heat to avoid clogged ducts and encourage milk flow, and use cold to reduce tenderness. 

— Aimee Della Bitta

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Moms-to-be often spend the none months leading up to the birth of their babies focusing on self-care, but once that baby finally arrives mom-care tends to go out the window. New research shows that moms need just as much care and attention to their health as babies do in those early days of new motherhood.

A new national survey by Orlando Health found “more than a quarter of moms did not have a plan to manage their health after giving birth,” and  more than 40 percent say they felt anxious, overwhelmed or depressed after their baby was born.

“The fourth trimester can be difficult and overwhelming for women as their bodies go through physical and emotional changes, and this time deserves the same support and attention as the first three trimesters,” said Megan Gray, MD, an OB/GYN at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. “Seeing your doctor within a few weeks of delivery and sharing any concerns is critical to getting the care and treatment you need.”

Gray is working to educate new moms in the importance of getting care and treatment for themselves during the fourth trimester. Speaking to your doctor or even your pediatrician at baby well visits about any concerns or overwhelming feelings is important. Developing a circle of friends can also help. If you’re friends are not moms themselves, try joining a playgroup or take a mommy-and-me class where you can meet women who are going through the same things.

“You may feel out of control, and you are. Not every woman is able to breastfeed; your baby may not sleep at exactly the same time every day or drink the exact same amount of milk at each feeding, and that’s okay,” said Gray. “There is no perfect mom out there, and taking some of that pressure off yourself will help you be the best mom you can be and help you better experience the many joys of motherhood.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Orlando Health

 

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Every new mom has been there. Once baby exits your body, your thoughts jump on a roller coaster of emotion, and suddenly you’re along for the ride. One minute, you’re gushing over your baby (“How did I ever live without this child!”), and the next minute you’re questioning your ability to care for this tiny human being and your sanity for taking on the task. As you ride through the ups and downs of the fourth trimester, here are some thoughts guaranteed to cross through your love-full and sleep-deprived mind.

photo: Suzanna Piowaty-Palmer

1. A tiny human being is solely dependent on me for life. Whoa.

2. Leggings are everything. And, coffee is life.

3. Should I check on my sleeping baby? Absolutely. (Repeat process again in five minutes.)

4. Thanks, person 46,308,723, for the unsolicited advice about how to raise my child…but, no thanks. Really, you can stop now.

photo: Christy Blevins Photography

5. During early attempts at swaddling: “I’m never going to nail this human straightjacket thing.” After a few tries: “I should put in an application to Chipotle because my swaddling skills are off the chain.” (Basically, babies equal burritos when swaddled.)

6. If you don’t love my kid’s name, you should have your own kid and name it.

7. I should have invested in diaper stock because my kid could single-handedly fill a landfill. Cloth diapers, here we come!

photo: Haylee Sherwood via Flickr

8. Will this baby ever. stop. crying. Will I? (Related: Normal hormone levels = #goals.)

9. My emotions are completely stable…psyche!

10. My body will never look the same. And that is a-okay. I just birthed a freaking human.

photo: Suzanna Piowaty-Palmer

11. I should sleep while the baby sleeps. But I should also stay awake and stare at him to make sure he’s breathing…and because he is the most precious and perfect human ever.

12. Speaking of sleeping, not sleeping is my superpower.

13. When I say I want to “Netflix ‘n’ chill,” I actually want to watch television. Six weeks is the minimum waiting period, right?

photo: Georgia Ruiz via Flickr

14. Showering once a week is my new self-care routine.

15. Thank you, random stranger, for calling my baby “boy” cute while she was wearing a pink heart onesie. Also, why are all strangers colorblind? 

16. If stretch marks are my battle scars, then spit-up is my war paint.

photo: Haylee Sherwood via Flickr

17. How can one baby have so. many. clothes?

18. Pacifiers are my best friend. 

19. That first baby smile makes every minute of this crazy mamahood thing worth it.

20. My baby is the cutest/best/smartest of all babies ever.

—Suzanna Palmer

 

After the cute pregnancy announcement comes the slightly less-adorable reality of childbirth education. But it doesn’t have to happen in a sterile environment with a group of strangers. The Parent Craft Collective, tucked into a garden apartment in Brownstone Brooklyn is a space so cozy you’ll think you’re dropping in on a friend. This new one-stop-shop offers an intimate experience of personalized classes, prenatal care, and newborn expertise. We went along to check out their new digs.

photo: via Parent Craft Collective Facebook page

Personal Space
There’s a simple mid-century modern aesthetic to the Parent Craft Collective. The subtle wall art of the pelvic bone and the uterus is one of the few giveaways that it’s actually a prenatal education center.

Parent Craft founder and midwife, Casey Selzer is one of the key players in the collective and offers birth and labor sessions that are practical but not prescriptive. A mom of three, she was determined to offer personalized classes that were less about having a rigid birth plan and more focused on embracing the unknown with confidence. (As anyone whose given birth will tell you, that’s a healthy mindset!)

Meetups for All
Parent Craft offers classes for every stage of pregnancy. Group birthing classes are limited to no more than five couples and provide a toolkit of techniques to prepare for labor.  A class dedicated to the first weeks of newborn craziness (aka The Fourth Trimester) is offered to graduates of the birth sessions and covers the basics on the postpartum body and newborn care.

There’s also a preconception Seeds class for couples still in the planning-a-pregnancy stage who have questions or want help choosing a provider. Private sessions on any topic are also available, either at the Parent Craft space or in your own home.

Call The Midwife
The collective has a room overlooking the garden dedicated to prenatal visits by Community Midwifery Care. The staff of certified midwives provides the full range of pregnancy and postpartum support. At the heart of their practice is the understanding that each pregnancy is unique and they emphasize the importance of individualized care.

Community Centered
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, babies replace bumps when the Parent Craft Collective hosts weekly breastfeeding and infant support sessions through Baby Caravan as well as newborn movement sessions provided by Child’Space NYC.

Community is at the heart of the collective and in addition to helping parents feel informed and able to enjoy their childbirth journey, staff are keen to partner with other organizations going forward to make their services more accessible to everyone, as well as strengthen and celebrate the bonds that are being made under their roof.

371 8th St.
Park Slope
347-762-6244
Online: parentcraftcollective.com and parentcraft.org

where did you do prenatal care and education? Tell us about your experience in the comments!  

-Emily Myers

photos: unless otherwise noted, Emily Myers; main photo: Jerry Lai via Flickr