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| How do you size yourself for maternity jeans—especially when you’re buying online? Is it your pre-pregnancy size? —Auriel, Columbus, OH | |||
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Maternity jeans are sized based on the same scale as regular ones (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, etc.). So, for the most part, yes, your pre-pregnancy size should fit—should being the operative word, because a lot of mamas-to-be do wind up needing a size (or two) bigger. Now, we all know that not all jean sizes are created equally, so don’t get caught up in numbers. Just order what you think you are, knowing that you might have to exchange your purchase for a bigger or smaller size. Most sites don’t charge extra shipping for exchanges, so you don’t have to worry about accruing additional fees for choosing the wrong size. There are so many super-fabulous lines like Seven, J Brand, Paper, Serfontaine and Citizens of Humanity that put out a maternity line, so you really do not have to sacrifice your personal style. | ||
| I am looking for comfy, but not frumpy, post-delivery clothes that aren’t regular pajamas. —Anna, Randolph, NJ | ||
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Good thinking, my friend. It’s so important to feel good about yourself—especially after you give birth—when you’re not sleeping (or showering, for that matter) and the postpartum hormones are surging. Way to be proactive! Check out the comfortable and flattering styles from Majamas (www.majamas.com)—but don’t let the name fool you. Their line runs the gamut from loungewear that can be donned outside of the home, too, to fun, breast-feeding-friendly tops and dresses. I rocked their Reverse Cami Nursing Top and Softest Yoga Pant ($59 and $45, respectively, www.unbuttonedmaternity.com)—and felt quite good about it. |
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| Is there a book that I can read after I give birth to prepare me for that postpartum time? —Cheryl, Albion, IL | |
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Becoming a mother is a huge paradigm shift for most women. In my case, I was more like a girl before my daughter arrived—all footloose and fancy-free—and the adjustment was shocking, utterly shocking, to my system. It took me over a year to deal with the change. During that time, I grew up a lot and now I am so much stronger and more sorted out than I was before I entered into the ’hood (motherhood, that is). I wish that someone would have prepared me, or at least told me, how crazy things are going to get after the baby comes. New mommyhood is so much more than dealing with the sleepless nights, endless laundry and newfound lack of free time—mostly you’d better be prepared to deal with yourself. Motherhood, especially new motherhood, holds a mirror up to you and forces you to take a good look at yourself. So, not only are you now responsible for this new human being, but you’re almost forced to step it up and take full responsibility for yourself, too. Oh, the angst—but I will say that it is so worth it. You should definitely pick up a copy of The Second Nine Months by Vicki Glembocki. This funny and relatable memoir tells of her angst-ridden transition into motherhood. It’s an intimate and real look at a very exhilarating and exhausting time. Her brave tale makes you feel less alone in and more prepared for your latest and greatest battle. Hey, forewarned is forearmed, right? |
