Showing posts with label Postpartum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Postpartum. Show all posts

Monday, April 30, 2012

PostPartum Mommy Makeover: Dressing for the Fourth Trimester


the pearl you grew cell by cell over 40 long weeks has finally emerged 
Postpartum is puberty‘s cousin.  Both involve high doses of hormones, manic emotions, and awkward body fluctuations.

Amidst the sleep deprivation and oxytocin throes, remember this truth: you are a mother, and unequivocally a queen. Every scar on your body is an imprint of the life you have born. Wear each mark as a badge of honor.

Your pre-pregnancy trousers will not magically latch as you exit the hospital, but if you're lucky your baby will.  And that tiny body should be your focus.  Postpartum like pregnancy is a process, and one that can be relished, if given fair opportunity and appropriate costume.

THE FIRST 40 DAYS
Immediately after giving birth, I declare that all mothers have the the right to a 40 day spa like retreat with their newly born.  Yet even during your span of sanctuary, you have to get dressed in clean clothes, everyday. A floral chemise and lightweight robe, yoga leggings paired with a cozy hoodie, select your lounge-wear with care.  Well wishers are going to visit and you want to look presentable.

BEYOND 40 DAYS
Tops(how to nurse in normal clothes)
  • The beauty of a button-down lies in its adaptability.  Expose the serving saucers and enshroud the rest.  It need not buttondown to hip, a handful of buttons on a henley is plenty.  
  • A criss-cross wrap top not only leaves your core under the covers, it will also allow you to unveil a single teet at a time.  Or opt for a draped cowlneck, the extra fabric cloaks you and your sweet suckling's business.
  • A knit's neckline may scoop, dive, or lunge but make sure it stretches to accomodate milk appointments. And you may desire to pair it with a nursing tank. Open neck jersey knits are especially graceful when ruched or ruffled as they cloak retreating remains of pregnancy. 
  • Because a swing jacket is cut fuller and wider than your core, your center instantly looks smaller and flatter by comparison. A  fintgertip-length hoodie cut straight or banded below the bust (at the empire) rather than along the hipline avoids the puffy snowman homage in favor of a long, lean silhouette.

Skirts & Dresses:
  • Skirts are guileless creatures on the whole.  An A-Line cut will simultaneously pardon and offer sequestered sanctuary to a soft center, an inflated thigh, a swollen bottom.  Elastic waistbands are of particular use as they will unquestionably follow the expansion and contraction of your own figure.
  • Wrap dresses offer similar loyalties.  As you abandon inches they can be tightened across your frame; they also outfit you as a gracious and efficient milkmaid.
  • Babies are clumsy creatures and sleep deprived mothers are equally messy, wash and wear is thus a requirement to avoid dry cleaning dependencies.   Jersey dresses with veils of ruching, ruffles, and other embellishments will offer a vague yet vivacious outline.

Pants:
  • When given a soft, delicious center, the waistband of denim should corset in the widest width with a mid-rise.  If the waistband is too low, muffin tops results.  Too high and you'll resemble a kangaroo.
  • Drawstring trousers allow you to adjust sizes sans tailor.
Unders:
Accessories
  • A lightweight scarf can be tied to camouflage bust and belly simultaneously.
  • A wide stretchy belt worn at your widest borders can corset in the remains of birth.  Just don't cinch it in too tight.
  • Just because you've had a baby, doesn't mean you are one.  Select a diaper bag with plenty of organization and sophistication.

Don't be shy to add your experience in the comments.  What's your favorite postpartum indulgence?


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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

How to Dress for Pregnancy

Tenley Clark-Pregnant Paperdolls

this week a catalog of tips for dressing from before to after.  

for now, send requests via comments

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Nursing Bra Review: Top Nursing Bra Choices


 
BC (before-children), I wrote a well-informed, yet strictly theoretical post about nursing bras.  Fortunately for my fashion reputation, the theories still apply.  

But this here post is a really-real, experiential review of mine and baby boyfriend's top selections for a nursing layette.  

Now not so fast my milk maid.  First measure. Preferably after your milk has unpacked its suitcases.  I've experienced first hand, the really-real reality of a three cup size increase in the lady eggs. 

This requires an entirely new collection of nests, and if you plan to order online and enjoy the diversity of sizes and styles available to the informed shopper, not to mention the convenience of ordering at home in your postpartum stretchy pants, you must measure.  

If you are shy of self applied measuring tape, go to a well-equipped department store or bra boutique and get a professional to calculate the nest size for you. However, I must warn you, my favorite department store only carried one style of nursing lingerie, and I had to button a pair of trousers and pack a double stroller to capacity to get there.

Elle Macpherson Intimates Maternelle Maternity Bra
Comfort: 10, Flexibility: 10, Support: 6, Prettiness: 7
Fits True to Size

In the first few weeks following your wee milk-a-tarian's arrival, when your lactation officials are sucked sore, not to mention incessantly shifting, this is the balm I recommend.  It offers an exceptionally soft cup and lace that ascends to a luxurious level of modesty, a strong contrast to the amount of exposure you currently endure.

Bravado Bliss! Women's Nursing Bra
Comfort: 9, Flexibility: 8, Support: 8, Prettiness:8
Fits True to Size

If I could recommend only one basket in which to place all nursing flowers, this would be it.  Bravado offers a soft cup with the strength of seaming and underwire.  It both calms and camouflages tender teats.


Le Mystere Sexy Mama Underwire
Comfort: 7, Flexibility: 6, Support: 10,
Prettiness:10
Once your milk supply has stabilized and pretty become a primary consideration, test drive this Cadillac of the nursing kingdom. Whether you're concerned with shape under a blouse or seduction sans buttons, both views are lovely.  And right now it is on sale for 50% off at Zulily.

Comfort: 6, Flexibility: 6, Support: 9, Prettiness:8
If you want an affordable effect similar to Le Mystere with only a slightly diminished amount of support and prettiness, I recommend this price sensitive compromise.

Simple Wishes Hands Free Breast Pump Bustier
Functionality: 10, Prettiness:0
While not even tangential to attractive, I adore the function of this nursing aid.  My hands prefer several activities to the banality of nursing pump support.


Pray tell, what succors your sucklings?  Share your wisdom in the comments.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own postpartum styling rules of conduct and much more.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Fall Makeovers: After I

Part I: Results
2 days of styling + 5 lovely ladies  

Emily-Before
29 weeks of radiance

Miss Emily: Pregnancy Polish
"I am pregnant and I am feeling all out of sorts. I am also 21 and going through a weird transition where I still dress like a teenager but I really would like to dress... more polished and sexy but I am not sure how."

Emily-After
Adding sophisticated, scarf bred length to her gestational frame

Styling for two within the comfortable confines of jersey knit

 Accentuating Mister bump with a handkerchief hem


Kendra-Before
Complete with Baby #4

Miss Kendra: Post Partum Reboot
"Learn how to dress my post-baby curves.  After baby #4 I'm curvier than I've ever been, and those curves aren't going away any too fast.  Since this isn't the body-type I grew up with, I feel like I don't know how to dress it in a style that flatters what I've got to work with now."

Kendra-After 
Casual chic with a great looking seat
(not furniture reference)

Kendra mixing her own ensembles (her sytlist was right proud)

Showing off lovable, baby-endowed curves

More pretties in tomorrow's part II



Want a personalized refresher for Fall? Reserve a 60 minute virtual shopping session to compile a portfolio of uniquely customized ensembles.


Friday, May 28, 2010

Fitting Room Friday: Swimwear Confidence



A built-in shelf bra supports the nursing flowers, all in an adorable print which camouflages post-partum softness.  Moderate weight nylon-spandex holds everything in, while a polyester/lycra lining makes sure nothing is revealed that should not be.

A moderate cut leg opening keeps the gams long, while a flip up waistband provides additional support in the midsection.

More Middle Figure Swim Options to be released Monday.


1 hundred 98 cents = your own Super Suit fashion look book cheat sheet.
Want a personalized refresher for Summer? Get your own Fashion Package, complete with a look book & virtual shopping session to compile a portfolio of uniquely customized ensembles.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Nursing Flowers, A Bra Guide for Maternity & Postpartum


After creating and delivering an infant, you are pretty much She-rah: teaming with superhuman pro-creative powers, one being your mother's milk. But this strength must be controlled to ensure that its mysterious strength is not squandered indiscriminately. Lily Padz are a progressive pad that prevents rather than just absorbing. The lillies act as a seal on your mammo-milkers. This keeps them cool, dry, and comfortable. These three qualities can predict happy breasts, free of clogs and infections.

Next you'll need a supportive guise. Exposing your super powers recklessly is uncomfortable, possibly embarrassing, and potentially dangerous. Choose carefully between these options, allow your unique strengths to guide you.

Front closure, full exposure: fastens between the cups at the front. This type is easy to open but doesn't leave a lot of mystery to secret identities.

Zippy: Zippers sit poised for action under each cup. Discreet, easy to open and close, but zip lines can show through a closely fitting spandex top.


Cross & Slip: Lightweight and very comfortable. This style has a crossover front design so you can slip your maid out on a lightening fast impulse.


The Stretcher: No clasps, no buttons, no fastenings. This one's strength is completely internal. Even when disabled with exhaustion, you can pull the cup up and over to serve power to your offspring.

Hooks or Buttons: Your holster is snapped, fastened or buttoned to the shoulder strap, which can easily be released to allow the cup down. Ensure you buy one that exposes the whole of the breast's power and not just the nipple. The bra fabric left pressing on the breast may cause blocked milk ducts.

Regardless of which style you choose, below are important guidelines to keep in mind:

  1. Avoid underwire: Underwires are like nursing kryptonite.  At least during the first few weeks following birth when the breats and milk flow are most volatile.  Underwire  can confine the growth changes in breast size and shape during pregnancy, and restrict milk flow during breast feeding.
  2. Quick Draw: Try it on and make sure you can unfasten, unzip, unclip, or slip as necessary with one hand.
  3. Soft Cottons: Even if the cup has some lace or alternative fabric on the exterior, the interior should be lined with seamless soft cotton. Anything else can chafe your sensipples and may not keep them cool, dry and free of infections.
  4. Perfect fit: Your getup shouldn't bind the breast in any way that will interfere with milk flow. This means wearing a regular bra or one that doesn't fit isn't an option. Not only because of the sad visual state it leaves your breasts in, but also because it can inhibit your milking powers all together, replacing it with crippling pain.
Eventually the power of wielding your mother's milk may begin to weigh on you. And it may be time to surrender the mantle for a season. At this point your lactical powers will retract leaving the skin somewhat looser and lower than before. Fear not, you are not defenseless, just a reborn heroine in need of a new costume. Something with a strongly supportive band and perhaps underwire.


Some super-moms find that one of their breasts was more powerful than the others. If you feel ill proportioned with power post weaning, fit the bra to your most vigorous side. Then if you choose you can add a "cookie" or removable pad to the cup of the less full breast.

In the mean time, explore appropriate uniforms for both Claketta Kents and Super Women.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Fitting Room Friday: Post Pregnancy Fashion in The 4th Trimester



Emily Childers, talented dancer, intellectual writer, dedicated mother, stunning model, tender hearted friend that laughs at my jokes. Her ensemble repertoire follows.



Mooreland Eve Blouse, Gathered Tote

Wolf Moon Wide Legs



Tiered Scoopneck, Magic Birdseed Hoodie



Joe's Muse Perry




Uncharted Oceans Top, Barbershop Harmony Vest

Fraktur Wide Legs



Detour Dress, Las Cruces Belt, Stargaze Tights


Remember, you are a queen my mothers.

1 hundred 98 cents = your own Postpartum fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own postpartum styling rules of conduct and much more.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Post Pregnancy Fashion, Weeks 45+: Magic in the Middle



Pregnancy can amplify your body type. Obviously, you've acquired some middle to your figure, but your upper figure has most likely been elaborated on too. And if you tend to grow inches in your lower region, well they've probably found their way there as well.

Over all, you probably have a higher percentage of curves than normal. Well then my pretties, what can we do with this newly acquired silhouette for the short time we have to enjoy it?

I propose an origin for efforts: genuninely e
njoy the round contours of your nymph-like figure. You, Ms. De-Milo, now possess rotund curves that unadorned, inspired masters of aesthetics. Your undulating outline can dramatize clothing in a way that svelte lines can not attempt.

Next, go to your closet and put away anything that contains the word "maternity" on the tag. No exceptions, I have been amply generous. You had 40 days, and now you must button and zipper your pants.

Next you can proceed to inventory your closet identifying early pregnancy items, ready for fashion reunion. As you evaluate keep a list of wardrobe items to acquire. You should have enough coverings for 10 days at minimum.

Delaying confidence until your measurements retreat is simply ridiculous. Build a minimum wardrobe that fits now. If it's only constructed to last a season, so be it, were not planning to extend it's usefulness beyond that point anyways.

W
hen you seek blouses, hunt before an imminent meal when your milk storage will be most abundant. And ensure that the new top will comfortably accommodate nursing.

Finally, wear the entire useful life out of a minimalist wardrobe. These items can be archived or donated when you're ready to reclaim your original wardrobe.



The Side by Side Tunic indulges nursing, while the length of the tunic and Sidelong Cardigan slide over an upper figure. Finally the Double Vision Belt, cinches any excess cotton in over your newly revealed waist.


If you didn’t accrue bountiful curves in your legs during pregnancy, these chic trousers in robin egg blue are quite comely. They’re a mid rise to corset in, but not too high. An overzealous attempt to cloak creates an uninterupted sillouhette of whatever you are attempting to hide.

If your body does not fall within the dimensions of an upper figure, follow the body type prescription for your particular shape.


Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own post postpartum styling rules of conduct and much more.


Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Post Pregnancy Fashion, Weeks 40-43, or maybe 45: The Spa Weeks



After approximately 36-39 weeks of creating a life cell by cell and carrying this developing pearl within your very womb, you have bequeathed a miniature human independent life through your own toil and labor.

You are a mother, and unequivocally a queen. Every scar on your body is an imprint of the life you have born.

This life you have created and will continue to shape for the next several decades has dramatically shaped your body for the time being. There's a 90% chance that you're not going to slip right back into those pre-pregnancy jeans as you exit the hospital. And that's really okay. Postpartum like pregnancy is a process, and one that can be relished, if given fair opportunity.

Immediately after giving birth, I declare that all mothers have the the right to a spa like retreat with their newly born. Islam tradition recommends a full 40 days post birth for private repose. This span of sanctuary not only keeps you and your petite safe from infection and excess labor, but it provides you two time to bond: breastfeeding, nap time, full viewings of A&E's Pride & Prejudice. Hopefully someone is there to substitute you for a few weeks: a mother, a spouse, or a sister. Don't try to remove their opportunity to serve, drink it in while offering ample gratitude.

But here's the deal, even during the spa weeks, you have to get dressed everyday. Take a shower, put on a minimal amount of makeup (mascara & lip gloss). Sanitize yourself, to remember that you do maintain independent life, and are indeed more than a milk machine. And also for your baby's benefit, for goodness sake you keep cleaning the pacifier every time it falls on the ground.

So start with a clean pair of clothes every day. They can be lounge clothes, but people are going to come to visit mother and infant, and you want to look presentable. Presentable, does include a nursing bra, highly recommended that nursing bra.

Below are a few other recommended items:



This Surfside Coverup is perfect for cloaking much more than a swimsuit. And the Well Though Out Tank, is indeed that. It's conducive to nursing and supportive of your mother's inheritance. Both pieces have an empire waist, and a peplum long enough to skim over your retreating signs of pregnancy.

These elegantly cozy Obi Loungers will be gentle friends as you transition from pregnancy to motherhood.

One of the easiest items to fit into post-pregnancy is a cotton dress. There's a reason that the dress is the universal symbol for femininity. At your most feminine, post-pregnancy, this Panoramic View Chemise will serve you well. The accompanying Dove Robe will follow on, keeping your mother's figure modest.

Now my queen, enjoy your kingdom, for in 40 days or less, the sun will rise on new responsibilities.

PS: Congratulations to Becky who introduced Charlie to the world, the 27th day of January, Two Thousand and Nine.






1 hundred 98 cents = your own postpartum fashion look book cheat sheet.



Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own post postpartum styling rules of conduct and much more.

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