ML Interest Tag: maternity-clothes

Maternity Clothes: What you ACTUALLY need

By Rachel Spurrier

When I became pregnant with my first child, a friend told me that I really didn’t need to buy any maternity clothes. My reactions ranged from “oh good, I can save money” to “but how am I going to fit a growing belly under half of what I own?” As my pregnancy progressed and my body continued to change, I realized that there was a lot of truth to what she had said.  While every pregnancy is different, and how a woman’s body responds to it varies greatly, but generally, there are only a few essential items that one actually needs during the 9 (well, really 10) months.  Especially if you’re on a budget, you’re a minimalist, or you just don’t see the rationale for buying something you’ll only wear for a few months, here is what you need:

MUST BUYS:

2-3 Maternity Bras: Your boobs are going to get big.  For some women, they may just go up a cup size (or two).  Others may go up multiple cup sizes, plus their rib cage may expand as well.  Buying maternity bras are a great investment because they are (1) designed to fit an expanding bustline, which happens during most of pregnancy and (2) you can use them postpartum, especially if you choose to breastfeed.  I personally bought 3, right off Amazon: a white and black one, and a “night” nursing bra that offered support but also was comfortable enough to wear at night.  The best time to buy a bra is mid-pregnancy, when you’re about 5 or even 6 months along (or basically when you can’t fit into your regular bras anymore).  Cost: $40 per bra.

2 Belly Bands: These basically look like spandex tube tops, which you can wear over your hips/your waist put still hold up your pants.  In theory, you can still wear your regular pants/shorts/skirts, and when you can’t zip or button them anymore (or at all), the belly bands hold them in place and cover up the fact your zipper is, well, unzipped.  You can also wear them postpartum, and because they are spandex…it helps smooth a few things out…like Spanx!  I bought a black and a white version. Cost: $20 per band.

2-3 Cotton Tank Tops or Shirts: You may already have a couple neutral-colored tank tops or shirts in your wardrobe that you can use, but if not, having a couple ones that act as your “base layer” is key.  If it’s winter, you can wear a sweater over it for a layered look; if it’s spring or summer, just accessorize with a colorful scarf or jewelry.  You can buy these shirts at H&M, Target, Old Navy, Gap. Cost: $10 per shirt.

1 Maxi Skirt or Dress: If you already this in your wardrobe, use it.  If not, you can easily get one off Amazon, or at H&M.  The material should be stretchy enough, and getting a neutral solid color is best, as you can layer it with a blazer, a sweater, or accessorize with jewelry, a scarf, or a belt (put it right under your boobs).  This can also be worn in all seasons, and remember, you can always wear it post-partum as well.  Cost: $40.

OPTIONAL:

Maternity Tights:  If you tend to wear a lot of skirts or dresses, and your second half of your pregnancy will be in the fall/winter, buying 1-2 pairs of maternity tights is key. You can only go for so long trying to either pull up your tights above your growing bump, or wearing them around your hips.  It’s uncomfortable and awkward.  Maternity tights have a big panel at the waistline that is expandable, so you can easily fit them above your belly.  Get them off Amazon.  Cost: $20.

A Maternity Swimsuit: If you want to swim during your pregnancy (which I highly recommend, especially in the last few months!), having a swimsuit that you feel comfortable in is key.  Of course, there are some women that feel totally comfortable in bikinis, with their belly on display, but others prefer a more modest approach.  I purchased mine at a maternity store, but there are a lot of options at Motherhood Maternity, Amazon, or even Target.  I found that the “tankini” st‌yle was the best option for me, as the top portion had a larger panel that I could adjust to fit over my belly as I grew bigger, which also made it easier to get it on and off.  Cost: $50.

If cost isn’t a factor, then you can certainly add to this list.  There are tons of stylish maternity clothes out there (which you can get from maternity or non-maternity stores), but a lot of them you really don’t need, or perhaps you’ll only wear the for a month or two.  In most cases when buying any items, buy your pre-pregnancy size.  Regardless, before you start to go shopping, make sure to assess your wardrobe, and see what you could wear for a portion of the pregnancy and what is not possible (your pencil skirt? No. Blazers, sweaters, high-waisted dresses, stretchy shirts, yes.).  I recommend you remove all items that are in the “no” category immediately and put it to the back of the closet.  Your body changes rapidly and being reminded of something that you can’t possibly wear during those months will just make you overwhelmed. Remember to assess your wardrobe at multiple points during your pregnancy.  Your belly will probably get bigger than you think it will be if you just do this when you’re only 4 months along!

Finally, don’t forget to assess your wardrobe at the end of your pregnancy.  Your body won’t suddenly morph into the body it was when you arrive back home immediately after delivery, so you should have a few options for this “interim period.”  For some, it may only last a few weeks; others, it will last months.  The last thing you need when you are in the early days of postpartum is to agonize over “not having anything to wear” or to wear what you wore when you were 9 months pregnant.  You’ll probably still look a little pregnant, so having loose, comfortable clothes is key. Your body takes time to get back to the way it was, so another reason for recycling your “non-pregnant clothes” or having just a few basics in your wardrobe that may not technically be maternity wear.  It will definitely help your postpartum moral!

Rachel Spurrier, Founder of Go & Glow, is an RRCA Certified Running Coach and Pre and Post Natal Corrective Exercise Specialist.  A seven-time marathoner and Boston Marathon qualifier, she is also a mom to a two year old and currently pregnant with her second child. 

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NYC’s Best Resources for Expecting and New Moms

by alina adams

An NYC mom’s life can be easily divided into two parts: Before and After (Baby). Some of the things you need for one will still serve you well in the other. (For instance, don’t expect to walk out of the hospital and junk all your maternity clothes.) Others only truly make sense once you become a dazed and confused new parent (see: NoseFrida, nursing pads, etc.) Consider the resources below a starter kit in the world of NYC parenting, and keep in mind than in many cases, your favorite store can hook you up with a great class, where you can find an amazing doula, who will refer you to a fantastic support group, etc. — and that many of these places do several things, very well.

photo: Jordan Fisher via Flickr

BEFORE

Maternity Clothing
Looking for some basics? Check out national chains like Destination Maternity. Want something Brooklyn funky and a carrier to go with it? Wild Was Mama is a good bet. Upper East Side upscale? Veronique Maternity. And if you don’t want to spend a ton of money on clothes you’ll only be wearing for nine months (okay, a year – maybe two, tops), hit Jane’s Exchange, Manhattan largest mom and baby consignment store. You can even pretend you’re doing it to preserve the environment for your future generation!

photo: Amy Q. via Yelp

Prenatal Exercise
Most doctors will tell expectant mothers to continue doing whatever exercise they feel comfortable with (though check with yours to make sure, first). Popular options for the active mama-to-be include the Prenatal Yoga Center, Brooklyn’s Karma Kids Yoga or Bend & Bloom, Aquamom, Complete Core by Solange and even prenatal kickboxing! Not an extrovert? (Though, frankly, meeting other pregnant ladies is the best part of taking classes): Homebodies offers private training sessions for your body in the comfort of, well, your home.

Infant CPR
Everyone will rest easier when you have this under your belt, and you can take Infant CPR all over the city, at most local YMCA chapters, the 92nd Street Y, JCC Manhattan, Tribeca Pediatrics locations, Raising Astoria and Little Hearts CPR, among many others.

photo: via Sage Spa Facebook page

Prenatal Massage
Want a massage with reflexology? Acupuncture? A facial? We’ve got all that and more in our roundup of NYC’s best prenatal massages. 

Car Seat Info/Services
They don’t call her the Car Seat Lady for nothing. Need a service to get you home from the hospital? Kid Car NY can help you out.

Doulas
Your personal network is probably the best way to start, whether that’s your friends or OB/GYN, but The NYC Doula collective is a great resource, and helps make the cost of of doula accessible thanks to different pricing tiers. Birth Day Presence in Park Slope has a similar system.

photo: Peter Dutton via Flickr

AFTER

Nursing & Feeding Supplies
Even before your baby needs clothes, furniture or brain-boosting activities (remember, Kindergarten admissions is a scant five years away!), they need to eat. If you choose to formula feed, you’ll need bottles, nipples, a scrub-brush that can go deep, and possibly even a bottle warmer. For those you can go chain, like Babies-R-Us or even your local CVS or Duane Reade. But if you’re nursing, you’ll probably want more personalized attention to help you pick a bra, breast-pump, lotion and pillows. For that, check out The Upper Breast Side,  Yummy Mummy or Wild Was Mama’s Greenpoint or Park Slope locations.

Breastfeeding Support
If you do choose to breastfeed, you may learn (many do) that you and baby do not join as one and float off on some endorphin-fueled cloud; it can take some practice to get the hang of it. For the record, the NYC Mother’s Guide to Breastfeeding is chock full of info. Check out your local La Leche League meeting to get help, or ask your pediatrician for a local recommendation. Breastfeeding support groups also meet regularly at community centers and spots like the JCC, your local Y, Raising Astoria in Queens and GUMBO in 
Brooklyn. Doctor Mona Gabbay specializes in issues with breastfeeding for families in the New York area (she makes house calls) and Board Certified Lactation Consultant Freda Rosenfeld is known in many circles as a boob whisperer.

Baby Clothes
The baby doesn’t care what it wears. In fact, as soon as it can, it is going to start trying to take it all off. But if you care, NYC is a bonanza of adorable baby boutiques selling one of a kind items. So grab your infant and get ready to browse through the likes of Wyatt Lily uptown, Torly Kid downtown, Smoochie Baby, Baby Mama and Sweet William in Brooklyn.

Baby Gear
The baby also doesn’t care where it sleeps or what it goes out riding in, either. However decorating a nursery is part of the fun – for mom and dad! Though carrying the gear home is the slightly less fun part of the experience. Fortunately, Albee’s let’s you try out in store – then delivers. Determined only organic materials will touch your baby’s skin? See Giggle’s three NYC locations. Hit Brooklyn Fare (which also has a Manhattan location, go figure) for organic baby food, and click this link for even more options. Feeling less than confident about your ability to properly install a car-seat, fix a stroller or thoroughly clean a floor mat or high-chair? Tot Squad has a Midtown East drop-off location, or they’ll come to your home to get the job done!

Support Groups
If you avoided making friends in your prenatal classes, you might want to give this new motherhood thing a go on your own. But for those who believe it takes a village (to raise a mom), consider a Moms Group. They come in all flavors (and neighborhoods and ethnic groups) from first-time pregnant moms to moms over 35 to moms of multiples. See a more comprehensive list, here.

photo: Amy Q. via Yelp

Mommy & Me
The yoga, swimming and kickboxing that you did while pregnant? You can do it with baby in tow! (Well, okay, maybe not the kickboxing). Harlem Yoga Studio is dedicated to being affordable and accessible to all moms and their babies, while The Yoga Room in Astoria and Long Island City brings a similar service to Queens, Bread & Yoga serves Inwood, and Brooklyn has Shanti Baby Yoga. Feel like swimming instead of omm-ing? Imagine Swimming and Take Me to the Water have locations around the city, while 92nd St. Y and 14th St. Y fulfill the needs of those looking for more than just swimming lessons, with other family programming. And don’t forget the gyms that offer childcare (that’s the Just Me part).

Dining with Baby
Having an infant doesn’t mean dulling your taste-buds. Some upscale restaurants where the management actively welcomes children (including but not limited to having stroller check and high-chairs available) are Maialino Fine Dining, Cull & Pistol Oyster Bar and Gramercy Tavern. Also check out our favorite brunch spots and other kid-friendly restaurants around town, including places you can dine al fresco when the weather warms up! 

Please share your favorite resources with us in the comments!

—Alina Adams

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Just (Re) Opened!: LuLu’s Then & Now is Bigger & Better

by Mimi O'Connor

Since 2010, resale and consignment shop LuLu’s Then & Now has served as a go-to spot for Brownstone Brooklyn parents in search of cute and chic (but affordable) duds for their kids. (Its sister store, Cuts & Toys, helps keep unruly tresses somewhat in check.) A staple on the borough’s 5th Avenue, the store recently closed. But fear not; in fact, celebrate! LuLu’s Then & Now merely relocated to a bigger and better space on nearby 4th Avenue. The new LuLu’s features even more gently-used clothes, tons of new toys, a dressing room and a souped-up drop-in play space. Change is good! Read on to get the scoop on the new and improved store.

 

More space, more merch

It’s not a new story: a rent hike at the old 5th Avenue shop made LuLu’s owner Brigitte Prat decide to close the location, and she wasn’t even sure if the clothes and toys arm of her LuLu mini empire (which, in addition to Cuts & Toys includes LuLu’s for Baby) would continue. However, when a realtor connection showed her a sprawling space on 4th Avenue (more than double the size of the old store) Prat felt it was the perfect place for LuLu’s 2.0.

The 1,800-square-foot store still sells (and buys) gently-used clothes for kids ages newborn to 12 —  just lots more of it — as well as maternity clothes on consignment. (The store is currently buying for summer; you can read sellers’ rules and guidelines here if you’re interested in getting some cash for your primo castoffs.)  In addition, Lulu’s is now selling new clothes and shoes from brands such as All Good Loving Kids, Native and Salt Water and select overstock from boutique labels (read: Bergdorf goods at discount prices).

Toy Story

The new expanded space also allows for a huge inventory of new toys from eco-friendly and educational companies like Tegu, Plan, Green Toys and Begin Again and urban parent favorites such as micro mini scooters and all things NYC MTA. You’ll also find decor items that will look right at home in any stylish tot’s nursery or bedroom, i.e. plush animal heads from the U.K. ready for wall-mounting.

Stop, Drop and Play!

Perhaps the most exciting feature of the new store is a 350-square-foot play space tricked out with a play house, tent, chalkboard and magnetic walls, Duplo blocks, puzzles, costumes for dress up and much more.

The play space will operate on a drop-in basis daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the rate of $12 per session for one child and $6 for additional children; 10 packs are also available for $105. (Caregivers must remain with children in the play space at all times.) Read the complete list of guidelines for the play space here.

LuLu’s Then & Now
187 4th Ave.
Park Slope
718-398-5858
Online:  lulusthenandnow.nyc

Have you check out the new LuLu’s Then & Now? Let us know in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor

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10 Genius Style Tips for Creating a Fourth Trimester Wardrobe

by Michelle McIvor Cohen

Baby’s first few months bring such joy. Cuddles. Kisses. Co-sleeping. If only getting dressed were as pleasant. While you probably dream of fitting into your pre-pregnancy jeans the minute you get home from the hospital, you might need to adjust your reality. Leaky boobs, swollen ankles and a little jiggle around the middle are just some of the culprits that make finding the right fit, post pregnancy, so challenging. Here are ten style solutions that will help you look and feel your best in the fourth trimester after baby arrives.

1. Splurge on something fun. Chances are you’ll want to burn your maternity clothes after you give birth. Unfortunately, it might be a while before you can finally pack away those oversized tees and stretch pants. Shopping for just a few new stylish pieces can help you get through that wardrobe limbo. Look for special outfits that you can wear on your first night out or on your next family outing. Au Lait makes nursing dresses that are forgiving and functional. Their Going Home Dress ($138) and The Tee Dress ($168) are especially chic and versatile.

2. Show some skin. Shapely shoulders. Sleek arms. Muscular legs. Showing off your favorite body parts can be a great way to draw attention to your best assets. The trick? Don’t overdo it. Wearing off-the-shoulder cuts and wide necklines is a great way to reveal just a little skin and take attention away from the belly.

3. Comfy shoes are a mommy must. Walks with the pipsqueak are a special part of those first few months. Make sure that you have supportive sneakers or sandals so that you don’t develop any additional swelling or back pain. Just because a shoe feels comfortable doesn’t mean it’s giving you the support you need. Toms makes cute, affordable sandals that offer arch support and a cushioned footbed.

4. Wear the right shapewear. Bodysuits are downright awful. We wouldn’t advise any new mama to squeeze into one. That being said, if you’re planning a night out and you feel the need to hide that postpartum pooch without cutting off all circulation, Spanx makes a great pair of shaping briefs. Their Slim Congnito’ Mid-Thigh Bodysuit Shaper ($78) is much more wearable and comfortable than a full on bodysuit. It provides control for your tummy and hips, and even gives a slight lift to the rear.

5. Flowy tops are your friend. Long flowy tops are flirty, feminine and a wardrobe staple in the fourth trimester. Pairing a loose blouse with fitted, straight line jeans will compliment your figure and hide any extra weight in your midsection. They can also double as a makeshift nursing cover, which comes in handy when you’re out and about with your little one. Zara sells several cute loose-cut blouses. Their Crochet Front Top ($59.90) and cape-sleeve Printed Top ($69.90) are great options for summer.

6. Don’t skimp on maternity lingerie. If you’re planning on nursing, it’s crucial that you find a few well-made bras that provide lots of support and easy one-hand access. There are some good rules of thumb when shopping for the right fit. For starters, make sure the bra doesn’t pinch you under the arm or ride up in the back. Your breast size will change fairly regularly so invest in a bra with stretchy cups. It’s also a good idea to try an underwire for more support, especially if you’re on the bustier side.

7. Black is a good fallback. It’s slimming and goes with everything. Even a baggy black sweatshirt can flatter the waistline. Pair a casual black top with interesting patterns or pops of color to create a sleek, stylish look. One slimming option – Loyal Hana’s nursing sweatshirt, which has a fabric back panel and front detail.

8. Don’t waste money on designer jeans. It’s tempting to splurge a new pair of jeans once the pregnancy weight starts to peel off. Before you do, keep in mind that your shape will probably continue to fluctuate for a while, which makes it hard to find the right fit. Denims that looks great on you today may be loose and unflattering in a few weeks. If you must buy a new pair, look for ones that won’t break the bank. H&M’s Skinny Low Jeans are a great choice: They’re flattering and under $10.

9. Leopard print yoga pants, anyone? Okay, maybe animal print isn’t your thing. But if you’re planning on living in yoga pants, they might as well have a little pizzaz. Some small detail or trimming can change your average yoga pant into something fun and different. Athleta has some great options, such as their Woodlands Chaturanga Capri and Gel Chaturanga Capri ($64).

10. Enjoy your new body. There’s no question that finding clothes to wear in the fourth trimester is frustrating. But it can also be an opportune time to reinvent your look. Follow a celebrity mom style icon on Instagram for inspiration. Create looks with your own personal stamp. And most importantly, have fun with it.

What’s your go-to fashion piece for the fourth trimester? 

–Michelle McIvor Cohen

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Bargain Babes: 5 Consignment Shops Worth Visiting

by Phebe Wahl

Until you had kids you didn’t really know that they actually grow like weeds. Your little seedlings can sprout up overnight making it hard to keep up with everything from soccer shoes to tutus. Buying and selling secondhand is a smart way to save money while they grow. Here’s the deal on five consignment shops ITP, and what they buy and sell.

Tater Tots
The bargains: Tucked away off 17th Street near Atlantic Station, Tater Tots boasts 4,800 square feet of kids’ loot. Flanking the entrance are dozens of strollers, bikes and outdoor toys. Once inside, you’ll find circular racks of brand-name clothes sized 0-10 (with a few 12 and 14s) and a nice selection of shoes. Delving further into the storehouse, you’ll find three more rooms dedicated to baby gear (swings, car seats, high chairs, etc.); toys, books and videos; and upscale cribs, bedding and heirloom clothing. This place pretty much has it all, sans maternity clothes. But be forewarned: with the overwhelming amount of toys they boast, if you bring your kids along to shop, you may have a hard time getting them to leave!

What you’ll score: Toys by the truckload and traditional togs

How to consign: Drop-ins are welcome, however it is recommended you call first to ask if they are taking new items, and what season for clothing. The consignor receives 50 percent of the tag price, less tax.

433 Bishop Street NW
Phone: 404-817-9393
Hours: Tue – Fri 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sat 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Rhubarb & Custard
The bargains: Conveniently located in Buckhead near East Andrews Drive, Rhubarb & Custard offers kids clothing sized 0-14, accessories and shoes; maternity clothing; as well as a sprinkling of gear, toys/books and decor. In an effort to please all price points, their clothing ranges from “new-with-tags Target brand to Janie and Jack to Burberry and smocked,” says owner Louise Boyce-Nyberg. The store also offers a selection of new, locally-designed gift items such as bows, art and puzzles.

What you’ll score: Loads of Lilly (Pulitzer) and smocked stuff

How to consign: Please call for an appointment. Their motto is “cute and clean” when it comes to clothing, and items should be less than three years old. Consignors receive 40 percent of the selling price. Gear and furniture are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

3265 Roswell Road NE
Phone: 404-474-9860
Hours: Mon – Fri 10am to 6pm, Sat 10am – 5pm

Sweet Repeats
The bargains: This 30-year-old Buckhead establishment specializes in children’s and maternity clothing and shoes. A few strollers can be found scattered throughout the store, amongst the sprawling racks of clothing, sized 0-16 for girls and 0-20 for boys. Monogramming is also offered onsite; choose from bibs and bloomers or bring in your own items.

What you’ll score: Sweet southern smocked stuff and a boatload of bows

How to consign: Please call for an appointment. Spring/summer items are accepted from January through June while fall/winter items are from July through December. Items must be freshly laundered, in bags or boxes (no hangers), and under two years old. Forty percent of the selling price will be paid to the consignor.

800 Miami Circle
Phone: 404-261-7519
Hours: Mon – Sat 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Baby Love
The bargains: Brace yourself, this place is much more than a consignment shop. Grant Park mom and owner Lauren Hise opened the consignment and gift boutique in order to give local parents a one-stop resource for all things child-related. In addition to consigned clothing, toys and gear and maternity clothing, the space houses a 700-square-foot studio with classes, camps and special event rental. A large variety of retail items are offered (they have a great selection of carriers and slings) and even a registry.

What you’ll score: Toys and gear galore plus good-condition gear like cloth diapers

How to consign: Summer clothing is accepted January through June and winter clothing July through December. Appointments are necessary for clothing and shoes, however gear and toys can be dropped off. The consignor receives 40 percent of the sale price, and in some cases toys will be bought outright at 30 percent cash. Note: Baby Love accepts clothing sized 0-5 while their sister store, Boomerang (located in the same shopping complex), takes clothing sized 6 up to women’s.

465 Boulevard Ave. SE, Ste. #101
Phone: 404-590-1380
Hours: Tues – Sat 11am – 6pm, Sun 2pm – 6pm

Jack and Jill
The bargains: In 2000, Lisa Doesburg, a former chef seeking to have her second child, bought this Avondale Estates business. Baby gear, furniture, toys and maternity clothes can be found throughout the shop in addition to a more casual stock of kids clothes sized 0-16.

What you’ll score: Books, DVDs and furniture as well as clothes

How to consign: Monday through Friday from 11:00am to 4:30pm, drop-ins are welcome. Appointments must be made on Saturdays. Items must be in a box, bin or basket. Outright cash or store-credit offers are made at the end of the appointment. They accept spring/summer clothing from February through June, and fall/winter clothing from August through December.

88 North Avondale Road
Phone: 404-508-0611
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am – 5:30pm, Thursdays until 7:00pm

Where do you swap out your stuff? Tell us below!

–Anna Cate Little and Phebe Wahl

Photo courtesy of Tater Tots via Facebook, Rhubarb and Custard via Facebook, Sweet Repeats via Facebook, Baby Love and Jack and Jill Cosignment via Facebook

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Now Open: Comfy, Chic Maternity at Mom’s the Word

by Christina Montoya Fiedler

Searching for maternity clothes can rank right up there with jeans & swimsuit shopping. Must it be tent-like to be comfortable?  Finding something that fits for all nine months and looks stylish is like winning the pre-& post-partum jackpot. Mom’s the Word, a new Mid-City high-end maternity shop, saves the day with fashionable finds that you’ll want to wear through out your pregnancy − and beyond.

The Low Down
The first thing you notice when you walk in the shop is that the pants, skirts, dresses and tops that  line the walls are all things that you’d want to wear even if you weren’t pregnant. The store works from the premise that each piece will be a great addition to your wardrobe, no matter what stage of life you are in. In fact the stretchy, deep blue Page Denim maternity pants were so cute, we spied the sale clerk (not pregnant) wearing them the day of the opening.

While the prices are more in line with J. Crew and Banana Republic than Target, it’s well worth it to feel fantastic for those months when you can’t see your own feet.  And if paying full price for clothes you’ll only wear for a few months is still a sticky point, browse in the store, and then shop online.  We found that the online sales section offers even more variety than the in-store one.

Bump and Beyond
Slightly bigger sizes of your favorite clothes are great for that first stage of pregnancy when people might not be sure if you are pregnant or just had a large lunch. But then you move beyond to serious bump stage, and comfort becomes key.  So much so that it’s tempting to sacrifice fashion, but then you end up feel seriously frumpy.  Happily, all the pieces here are completely fashionable and time tested, so you’ll feel great at every stage of pregnancy, and will hold on to your favorite pieces even after the bump becomes baby.

So what were our favorite finds? Awesome nursing tees that were anything but plain and baggy, ruched light weight sweaters in a rainbow of colors, and jeans for every body type. Oh yeah, and dresses that won’t make you look like you threw on a tent. Bonus points for a few pairs of hard to find Chewbead bracelets and necklaces.

Got your other kidlets in tow? Bring them along for the ride, and they can sit a spell on the furry white rug and play with a few toys and flip through board books. Or you can always try bribery (hey, it works) and take them for a treat at Swedish candy shop, Sockerbit, next door or for Carmela Ice Cream, further up the block.

Mom’s the Word
7952 W. 3rd Street, Mid-City 
Los Angeles
Phone: 323-879-9838
Online: momstheword.com

-Christina Fiedler

Moms, where is your favorite place to shop for cute comfy maternity clothes in Los Angeles? Tell us in the comments below!

Photo credit: Christina Fiedler

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Two’s Company: The Low-down on Lactation Classes in Atlanta

by Phebe Wahl

Whether you’re pregnant for the first time and want to get pumped with information, or an experienced mom who wants a refresher—taking a lactation class will get you on your breast behavior. However, much like your own set of “twins,” no two breastfeeding classes are created exactly alike. Here’s the low-down on breastfeeding resources that are worth latching on to.

Atlanta Breastfeeding Consultants 
Leah Aldridge and Clare Eden have over twenty years of combined experience helping moms feed babies. Both are board certified lactation consultants, which is the international standard for breastfeeding knowledge. They offer individual and group classes, so you can save money by inviting a few friends and organizing a “Breastfeeding House Party” at your home or one of their locations. They also offer consultations through pediatric offices, so talk to your baby’s doctor to see if you can get shots, weight, and breastfeeding all taken care of in one visit. Plus, they offer private troubleshooting visits postpartum, so if things don’t go as smoothly as you hope, you’ll have a number for breastfeeding help already on speed dial.

Lactation Consultants of Atlanta
LCA’s intro to breastfeeding is a comprehensive class offered by certified lactation educators. Although it’s not taught by IBCLCs, the group has board certified specialists on staff, so you can connect with one of them if you need extra help. LCA also sells products like maternity clothes and baby carriers and offers resources like rental breast pumps as well as several different classes, making it a one-stop resource for breastfeeding information.

Lumina Birth
Lumina Birth is a doula group that offers just about everything you’ll need from the day you get pregnant till your baby is three months old. From childbirth classes to postpartum counseling, from pregnancy photography to placenta encapsulation, the range of services includes classes from childbirth to postpartum fitness. And oh yes, breastfeeding. You can choose a private or a group breastfeeding class, both of which are taught by certified lactation educators with the support of board certified lactation consultants.

Village Lactation Services
Village Lactation Services is owned by Meghan Garcia-Salas, a certified lactation counselor and certified breastfeeding specialist. She offers a “Breastfeeding Bootcamp” class for couples as well as private consultations and a 24-hour hotline. So if your baby’s up screaming and refusing to eat at 2 am, you’ve got someone you can call.

Oasis Lactation Services
Oasis Lactation Services is run by Danielle Downs in Suwannee, a certified lactation counselor. Group classes include an intro to breastfeeding, a class on pumping, and a free breastfeeding support group.

La Leche League
La Leche League is an international nonprofit that offers free breastfeeding support groups led by La Leche League trained leaders. Although the leaders aren’t as knowledgeable as a certified consultant, they do know a lot about boobs, and they can connect you with other resources if you need them. Plus, the meetings are a great excuse to hang out with other moms and not worry about whether you’re leaking.

International Lactation Consultant Association
Need more than an intro class? If you’re looking for professional breastfeeding support, the International Lactation Consultant Association has a directory of board certified lactation consultants. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are the most highly educated professionals on human lactation and breastfeeding. Search the directory by zip code to find someone near you who can visit you for an in-home consultation.

What resources helped you when you were new to nursing? Share with us in the comments section below!

–Lisa Baker

Photos courtesy of Atlanta Breastfeeding Consultants, and Creative Commons via Flickr  

 
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Pregnant in Heels? Appear on Television with Rosie Pope

by Erin Lem

You’ve seen Rosie Pope empower new mamas and watched her hilariously show expectant dads how to change a diaper, all the while with a smile on her face and killer heels on her feet (seriously, how does she not trip in those?!). Now, everyone’s favorite mama in heels is looking for expectant moms in the Los Angeles area, or at least those willing to travel to her amazing maternity store in Santa Monica, for a live television performance.

For your very own live TV appearance with Rosie, you’ll get to of course, meet the star of “Pregnant in Heels”, receive a mini-consultation with her, and select an item from her Spring 2012 Rosie Pope Maternity Clothes Line. Sweet!

So go ahead expectant mamas — break out that flat iron and your own drool-worthy heels. Who knows — this casting call could be your golden ticket to meeting Rosie and scoring some awesome new clothes.

Details:
Saturday, July 14 from 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Rosie Pope Maternity Store
1528 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, Ca
424-238-5902 


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8 Nifty Thrift Stores to Score Sweet Kids Duds

by alina adams

With the holidays – ranging from Thanksgiving to Christmas – looming ominously in the not too far off distance, the race is on to make sure your kids look at least presentable for the inevitable celebrations to come.  Though looking absolutely fabulous would be nice, too. In this tight economic climate, however, it seems a shame to overspend on an outfit, no matter how adorable, that your child will inevitably outgrow (or spill juice on) prior to the next big occasion coming around.  Especially not when you can take advantage of others who’ve already made the same mistake.

This is where Thrift Shops come in.  New York City is an absolute gold mine for the thrifty parent eager to make the whole family look good without breaking the bank.  If you’re willing to put in the legwork and hunting time, NYC overflows with gorgeous, designer, expensive clothes for all ages (though, when it comes to adults, the sizes definitely run towards slender) that were often worn only once (if at all) before finding their way into a network of second-hand stores sequestered within the five boroughs.

Some of our favorites include:

Clementine
39 ½ Washington Sq. Street
Greenwich Villag
A consignment store that was specifically created to feel like a high-end boutique, Clementine’s offers maternity clothes and children’s outfits up through size 4T.  They offer a super simple Frequent Shopper Program: For every $200 you spend in the store, you get $10 off your next visit!  Favorite maternity brands to resell include Liz Lange Collection, Cadeau, Chiarakruza, Isabella Oliver, Olian, and Formes, while choices for kids encompass Catimini, Cakewalk, Marese, Oilily, Bonpoint, Jacadi, Clayeux, and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada (with a sprinkling of Gap, H & M, and Uniqlo thrown in and sold at an even deeper discount).

Jane’s Exchange
191 East 3rd Street
East Village
NYC’s biggest maternity and children’s consignment store, Jane’s Exchange will not only outfit your child from, technically, well before birth, they will also give them an indoor place to play while you browse for bargains.  Items on sale currently range from fluffy pink tutus to somber navy blazers, plus a custom tote bag to carry them out in.  Children’s furniture is also available, as well as breast pumps, strollers, and car seats.

St. Luke’s Thrift Shop
487 Hudson Street – Lower Level
Greenwich Village
Sponsored by the church and initially set up to provide the neighborhood’s homeless population with clothing, job interview attire, and other needed essentials, St. Luke’s also offers a great selection for bargain hunters when it comes to baby goods and extremely marked down designer clothes.  Their handbag sales in March and September are extremely popular with moms.

Angel Street Thrift Shop
118 West 17th Street
Chelsea
This “Bargain Hunter’s Dream,” according to New York Magazine, receives donations not only from the fashionable denizens of Chelsea and surrounding areas, but directly from designers and home furnishing companies, making their merchandise not only nearly new, but on the cutting edge of the latest styles, as well.  Keep your calendar open especially for their pre-Thanksgiving and Christmas sales.

Monk’s Trunk
23 Hawthorne Street (near Flatbush) in Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Brooklyn
Shop from the comfort of your own home at Monk’s, as he posts pictures of his best new items when they come in.  (However, if you want to buy, hurry on down to Brooklyn via the Q, B, or 2 train; the good stuff won’t last long.)  Children’s clothes range from sizes 0 to 6 and often go for an average 75% off retail price.  Monk’s also has a selection of toys and books, and, this month, is soliciting Halloween costumes.  So either bring in your old ones and pick up some extra cash upfront, or dig around and find a hidden treasure of your own!

Flying Squirrel
96 N 6th Street
Brooklyn
Though primarily a store that sells new clothing, shoes and toys for infants and toddlers, Flying Squirrel does a brisk trade in secondhand baby carriers, diaper bags, furniture, equipment, and walkers.  Since all those above can be quite pricey, it makes sense to check out gently used versions, especially as a way to decide whether you actually like it before buying a new one.

Unique Thrift Stores
218 West 234th Street
Bronx
&
408 Fulton Street
Brooklyn
&
161-20 Jamaica Avenue
Queens
Operating 30 stores across the United States (including three in NYC), Unique’s mission is to serve the community by providing quality secondhand merchandise in a pleasant shopping environment.  They offer a VIP Program with discounts and exclusive offers.  But be warned before you set off: The sheer quantity of items on sale has been known to turn a quick trip into an all-day bargain hunting extravaganza.

Housing Works
Assorted NYC locations
With so many options to choose from, if the Housing Works Thrift Shop on the Upper West Side doesn’t have what you’re looking for, try Gramercy.  Or Hell’s Kitchen.  Or Park Slope.  Or Yorkville.  All funds raised go to help fight homelessness and AIDS.

Do you have a favorite place to get great deals?  Let us know!  (We won’t tell a soul…)

–Alina Adams

Photos courtesy of Alina Adams and Allison Ellis.

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Talking Kids with King 5 Anchor Mimi Jung

by writerredtri
Local mom Mimi Jung not only anchors the top-rated KING 5 News at Noon, she’s also an accomplished children’s photographer and mom to 2-year old Sophia. She and her husband Greg are expecting another baby girl in August. The Western Washington native grew up in Puyallup and now lives with her family in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood. Jung, a Red Tricycle reader, recently took the time to share with us a little bit about her life as a mom in Seattle.
What are a few of your favorite parks & places to visit with Sophia both in Magnolia and around town?
Ella Bailey Park in Magnolia is our favorite park in Magnolia.  You can’t beat the view of the skyline and Elliott Bay!  We also spend a lot of time at Greenlake Park people-watching, strolling and checking out the ducks.
In Magnolia & Seattle, where do you like to catch a bite with the little one in tow?
Tutta Bella in Wallingford is one of our fave kid-friendly spots.  Yummy pizza, salad and gelato and the servers always cater to the kids with a smile.
When you have some “me time”, where do you catch up with a girlfriend?
Tea Time on Queen Anne.  They have a vast selection of tea and a cozy fireplace to sit next to and catch up with friends.
Favorite date night location?
Honestly, we’re happy dining anywhere that doesn’t involve high chairs or sippy cups!  When we do get a night to ourselves, we usually try a new restaurant.  Some of the fun spots we enjoy are Purple Café & Wine Bar, Matador, and Crush.

With summer coming up, are you looking forward to any particular day trips or local weekend getaways that you like to take as a family?
Sophia loves to swim, so we think she’ll have a good time at Great Wolf Lodge this summer.  We’re also looking into taking a trip to Seabrook to enjoy a little cottage on the Washington Coast as a family.

What local Seattle businesses are a “must” for you as a busy parent?
Urban Kids Play on Queen Anne and Izilla Toys on Capitol Hill are two stores I depend on when I’m short on time, but need a unique and fun child’s birthday gift.


You’re expecting your second child right now…where do you find your stylish maternity clothes?
One of my favorite local stores is “Bump” in Bellevue Square.  They have a great selection of designer jeans, casual, yet tailored and stylish shirts and fun pieces you won’t find anywhere else.  I also shop at Pea in the Pod and love some pieces by Liz Lange at Target!


How about when you’re not pregnant?
I’m a J. Crew and Banana Republic kinda gal.  But I also love to find unique pieces at boutiques in Fremont.


Any strange cravings?
No cravings of pickles and ice cream, but I’ve had ridiculously strong cravings for hashbrowns this pregnancy.  I know it’s not a healthy thing to do, but you’ll often find me pulling through the McDonald’s drive-through for breakfast just to get my fix!

Do you have a name picked out?
We do, but we’re keeping it a secret!

How do you stay healthy and fit (both pregnant and not pregnant)?
I chase around a toddler to stay in shape!  In addition, when I’m not pregnant, I run three days a week and get my butt kicked by Jillian Michael’s 30-day shred workout video.  These days, as I’m approaching my third trimester, if I can sustain 30 minutes on the Elliptical, I consider that a good day.

You’ve been photographing children and families recently…any tips for parents to make a photo shoot go smoothly?
The best tip I give parents is for them to relax and have fun!  Preparing for a photo session can be nerve-wracking for parents as they stress about what to wear and whether their kids will cooperate and smile.  But kids are very intuitive and they pick up on the tension parents are feeling and can often carry that to the photo session.

—Angie Ballas

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