Maternity Favorites

I’ve had this post drafting in a note in my phone for quite some time now. I know I’m almost 10 months postpartum but it’s never too late to share some favorite things right?

While I had an...*interesting* birth, I actually had a really easy, wonderful pregnancy. Because of my medical condition we assumed I would be pretty sick while pregnant and it actually was a lot better than I expected. I still had the normal nausea, extreme tiredness, and lots of aches and pains by the end (granted I only made it to 32 weeks…and I usually have all those problems so maybe I’m just used to it?) but in general I actually felt pretty good and really loved being pregnant. I’m so thankful to have had such a positive experience.

I loooove reading any type of favorite posts, especially when preparing for a new season so let’s jump in.

You don’t need much (save your money)

My biggest tip would be to keep things minimal. Be smart and intentional with where you put your money and you won’t regret it. You will have a lot of upcoming expenses with the baby and postpartum and I would save your money for that!

The secret of maternity clothes…

…don’t buy them. That’s the secret. ;). All women’s bodies are created different, we know this. So ya know how you love Levi’s but I have yet to find a pair that fit me, BUT I swear by Madewell jeans which don’t fit you? Well now add a growing baby to that. And then reduce the brands that have options down to 25% of what you previously could choose from. It’s just unlikely to work, and let’s be honest, most maternity brands are a little outdated. In my experience I got more frustrated than anything and just waisted time in dressing rooms or doing online returns. Stick with the brand you know and love, then purchase items that will fit a growing belly in 1-2 sizes up. I purchased sun dresses for summer and cozy sweaters for winter that were longer and loose around the belly. This meant they fit well around my shoulders which I found to be more flattering.

I would stick to dresses, or things that can be worn with leggings. Pants unfortunately, are just going to be hard. If you work in an office I would purchase 2-3 dresses (maybe 2 loose/flowy options and one fitted?) and focus on sweaters, jackets, shoes and accessories that you can layer to wear them in different ways.

I also kept a list in my Notes App with different outfit combination ideas so that if I was struggling any particular morning I could throw on something that was already decided upon.

1 // BRINGING UP BEBE There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to any baby/pregnancy/parenting/motherhood type book, but I personally loved this book. It was charming, funny and helpful! I found myself both laughing out loud and highlighting helpful tips!

2 // BODY PILLOW Do yourself a favor and snag one of these sooner rather than later. It made sleeping SO much easier!

3 // OSEA BODY OIL A friend gifted me this and it was such a treat towards the end of my pregnancy! It feels SO good on your belly at the end of the day – the perfect gift if you as me!

4 // THE BIG MAMA CUP If you follow me on Instagram you already knew this one was coming. This cup never. left. my. side. (and still hasn’t!). Holds 40oz of water, keeps it cold all day and night, has a straw, fits in a cup holder and has a handle. You can, in fact, have it all ladies.

5. // TARGET SWEATER PANTS They don’t carry this exact pair anymore but I linked a very similar option. These were a great find because they stretched all the way around the belly and I dressed them up or down. I have a full post about them here. While they don’t need to be these specifically, some type of sweater/jogger pant was really helpful to have as the weather got colder. It lessened my likelihood of leaving the house in flannel pajama pants.

6. // MENS LINEN BUTTON UP Again, I can’t find the exact link but I grabbed an xl mens linen button up on the sale rack and J. Crew Factory and it was a staple. I loved the oversize fit with leggings and it felt polished but still comfy.

7. // FITTED BLACK MATERNITY DRESS (sweater version) If you can only one “maternity specific” piece, make it this! So versatile! I wore it differently several times a week, here is a whole post about it.

8. // BELLY BAND If you work long days on your feet don’t sleep on this one. It helped immensely with back pain throughout wedding days. This particular one comes with a couple options for both during and after pregnancy.

9. // COMPRESSION SOCKS Hideously ugly, yet my trustworthy companion.

10. // THE CHIROPRACTOR I always see a chiropractor but was especially religious about it while pregnant. Keeping up with that and reformer pilates made a massive difference for me!

11. // SONIC BLUE RASPBERRY SLUSHIES I couldn’t stop.