BellaBlu Maternity Blog - The latest in maternity fashion and advice!

Holiday Shopping

2011-12-12T13:21:00.000-06:00

Did you know that maternity dresses are purchased more during the holiday season than any other time of the year?

It’s a fact that as soon as the season turns cooler and the holiday season quickly approaches, the need for a maternity dress soon becomes evident. With Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years all in a 45 day span, you will find yourself not only eating more, but having more parties and more photos taken of you than at any other time of the year. Choosing the right or best maternity dress can often be stressful as you have your body changing along with trying to find a dress that fits your “look.” When you buy a maternity dress or maternity top, you need to make sure that it is exactly what you want and something that is comfortable as well. Sizing is the key and most items in BellaBlu Maternity’s lines fit true to size based on your pre-pregnancy size, therefore you should be able to wear it full term and beyond.

Are you in between sizes? The rule of thumb is to always order up if you are in between sizes or are carrying more than one baby. Lastly, the bust is almost always the area to focus on when buying a maternity dress or top. If your bust has gotten much bigger than expected, you may need to consider ordering up as well so the dress or top doesn’t feel too tight or binding. The V-necks are always a popular style of maternity dress, yet for those with bigger busts, you need to make sure you don’t get anything that may be too revealing or make you feel uncomfortable. Camis are often a viable solution if you are dead set on a certain maternity dress or top yet the bust is too wide of an area for your comfort zone.

Have fun and enjoy! You’ll cherish these moments and can see yourself glowing in all the beautiful holiday photos to come!

Summer Trends For Maternity Clothes

2011-06-24T12:13:00.006-05:00

When you’re pregnant it can often be the case that you feel completely out of style and that anything you wear will not be in-vogue. However, just as mainstream garments undergo changing trends every season, so too do maternity clothes. By staying abreast of the new styles you can ensure that, even through your nine months with a bump, you can keep your wardrobe looking as fresh and up to date as possible.

There are many places to shop for maternity wear and you don’t have to spend a fortune. At a time when you’re most likely saving for your new baby it can seem a little selfish to buy things for yourself, but by utilizing websites such as coupon cactus or BellaBlu Maternity, you’ll be able to get great treats without breaking the bank.

This summer wide legged trousers and flared pants are back in which is a huge plus if you’re pregnant and want to stay with the changing fashion. A good pair of maternity pants will be almost indistinguishable from other high street ones, and with an elasticized band over or under the tummy you can benefit from a snug and comfortable fit.

Meanwhile, maxi dresses are still in fashion for summer 2011, and you’ll be able to find a great range of garments suitable as maternity wear. These flowing outfits will enable you to cover your bump well and you can either use prints such as zebra or leopard to stay in fashion, or utilize floral dresses to accentuate or tone down the size of your baby bump. Alternatively, if you want to go one step further in finding beautiful maternity wear then you could opt for babydoll dresses. This style is very feminine, has a loose fit to hide your expanding bump and is covered in frills.

Summer 2011 will also see popularity for flowing tunic tops and tank tops for maternity wear. These feminine garments are all the rage whether you’re pregnant or not and can easily be incorporated into outfits to look chic and stylish and radiant at the same time.

In addition, you must not forget that as well as changing fashion there is a large range of accessories to team outfits with. All of these also go through seasonal trends and this year there are a number of top looks to go for. Big and bright is definitely the way forward and if you want to get the summer style, add large hoop or cascading earrings and colorful necklaces to your outfit. Natural and neutral is also in, with beads, feathers and earthen colors being popular, whilst vintage remains as popular as ever.

If you’re pregnant don’t feel like your style has to be stunted. If anything you’ll be able to explore an entirely new niche in fashion, using the changing trends in fashion to accessorize your bump. You’ll be able to find a great variety of in-vogue maternity wear perfect for your summer wardrobe and it’ll be just as fun shopping when you’re pregnant as when you’re not.

Spring has Sprung at BellaBlu Maternity!

2011-03-11T11:16:00.003-06:00

You know the feeling… it comes every year. That feeling of spring in the air where the fresh smell comes back, the color comes back, the sunlight stays longer, and yes, the clothes get even more beautiful! Spring is here and is an exciting time for new moms to start looking for a new spring maternity dress for those baby showers, Easter holiday, or just to wear casually around the town. The styles change every year as to the trends and we are very excited about this years crop of top quality maternity clothes. Short sleeve and sleeveless dresses come into play with a wide variety of styles including wraps, faux wraps, maxi’s, empire waists and many others. There are many things to look for when buying a maternity dress. Your height might be something to consider if you are looking at a maxi dress or even a dress where you want to fall above your knee or below. Skin tone can be important as well, as some colors and prints look more vibrant with women who may have a fair complexion or those who might have a darker complexion. Most women know what colors they tend to look best in. Obviously, black is the most popular color, yet more and more we are seeing vibrant colorful dresses hit the market. Prints are also more common yet are not for everyone so you have to make sure the print really brings out the best in the dress. The type of neck line is also a consideration that must be taken as some women prefer v-necks while others prefer a crew or scoop neck. Some of the new flattering styles are the square neck dresses which seem to be more flexible with more women since it does reveal the bust area, yet not too much to where you feel uncomfortable. You are glowing! So let your maternity dress express it!

New Fall Maternity Clothes!

2010-08-20T11:47:00.004-05:00

Fall tends to be a warm welcome for many mothers and expecting moms. With the hot weather coming to an end, and school starting, there are plenty of new things on the horizon to look forward to. One of the best things for the expecting mother is the wonderful new styles and designs of maternity clothing. One thing is for certain in the maternity clothing industry…..Fall spells style. There is no doubt that the Fall season brings out the absolute best in the newest fall maternity clothing styles. From vibrant prints to soothing solid fall colors, we have it all. It’s so much easier to dress warm than to dress cool. You can have a wide array of choices of maternity dresses that look so beautiful, they can literally be shocking to many as being for expecting mothers. Each Fall season the selection of maternity dresses and tops gets better and better. With the new trends, and the classic that never die, there is always something that will fit your taste. For many expecting mothers, the dresses are the most popular desired item. With the new season, not only does the temperature get cooler, but the holidays become a more profound time in our life. Holiday parties and get-togethers are such a wonderful time for new moms as they are glowing from the expectancy of their new precious angel to the celebration of family, life, and the religion or spirituality that makes up their life. What a great combination! Fall maternity dresses and tops are usually not form fitting so pay close attention to your bust size when ordering. Make sure the dress doesn’t go down too far in the front that could reveal more than what you feel comfortable with. Most dresses on BellaBlu Maternity breathe well so you don’t have to worry about getting too hot, so focus on style and color. Find a color that complements you or even gives you the slimming effect many expecting mothers crave.

Summer season in full blast!

2010-06-18T16:47:00.002-05:00

Summer is upon us in full force. Are you ready? Do you have one or two maternity swimsuits? Do you have enough cami’s and maternity tee’s? Now is the time to get your summer collection of maternity clothing before it’s too late. Swimwear is one of the biggest things mom-to-be’s overlook as they forget how much they wore their swimsuit last year! Maternity swimwear is abundant at BellaBlu Maternity. Casual maternity tee’s and tops are also a huge summer favorite. Since many events are held outside, you nee to find a sleeveless or short sleeve tee that fits you well and makes you feel good. Some moms like the maternity tee’s with cute little sayings on them, while others like the solid bright colors that breathe well. Ruching sides is also a big hit for maternity tops as it helps the fit and flexibility as there is no riding up or gathering. Most maternity tops for spring and summer are designed to breathe better as pregnancy seems to increase your sensitivity to heat anyways. Seems like we are always hot as those hormones don’t give up! Shade brand of tee’s are still the most popular casual maternity top around. Solid vibrant color maternity tops and by far the most comfortable you will find. And last but not least, the most affordable of any high quality maternity tee! A maternity cami or tank is also a big favorite. Ruching tanks are great but we would suggest you get white. Same goes with maternity cami’s as the whites and pinks are always a big summer hit. Most have a fit that will satisfy all moms since they are so flexible. Enjoy your summer and make sure you have all the maternity summer clothing you need to make it even better!

Ju-Ju-Be Diaper Bags

2010-06-02T11:02:00.004-05:00

BellaBlu Maternity announces the addition of Ju-Ju-Be Diaper bags to our online and retail store! We are very proud to announce that we have added the legendary Ju-Ju-Be diaper bag line to our beautiful selection of diaper bags. Ju-Ju-Be has a very strong reputation as a high quality diaper bag line. They have a wonderful selection of diaper bags to select. They have diaper bags for every type of mom….from conservative and trendy styles to the radical floral beauties! All their BeAll bags have the Waterproof and easy cleaning Teflon as well satin linings which are waterproof as well and are ideal for cleaning. Their lining are also bright colors which unlike many standard black linings, allow mom to find what she’s looking for much faster. All of their hardware is metal and not plastic for better durability. They also use magnets instead of Velcro for pocket closures. And boy do they have the pockets as you can never have too many pockets on a diaper bag! And as always, each bag comes with a removable Memory Foam changing pad to help evenly support your baby as well as help with pressure points. BellaBlu Maternity will be carrying Ju-Ju-Be’s BeAll bag line. These are by far the most popular and most practical. So come take a look at the wonderful selection of Ju-Ju-Be diaper bags we have to choose from. If you decide these may not be the bag for you, don’t worry, we have a tremendous selection of diaper bags to choose from and the vast majority come with free shipping! We even have a great selection of diaper bags for Dad’s too!

Maternity Swimwear

2010-05-20T14:14:00.003-05:00

Swimwear season is here!

BellaBlu Maternity is excited to announce this years beautiful new selection of maternity swimwear. As the season has rapidly approached, it’s time to pick a maternity swimsuit that will make you feel as wonderful as you are. For many, this is the most exciting time of the year with fun filled outdoor activities, BBQ’s, and parties. Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t join in the poolside, lakeside, or ocean side fun. Picking a maternity swimsuit has actually become far easier and even more important, more fun as there are so many adorable suits to choose from. From Prego to Maternal America, you just can’t go wrong with the selection and styles of suits available. Most maternity swimwear fits true to size, though the major rule of thumb is that if you are in between sizes, you should order up. Bust size is the most important to focus on as you have to make sure you have enough support. Some women can’t have strapless while others prefer halters. Do you want a full coverage maternity swimsuit to cover those areas that you would prefer not be seen….for now. Too tight in the bust area is another area to avoid as a tight top can be very uncomfortable. The vast majority of the maternity swimwear have padded cups and/or are lined for better support. Swim bottoms are very flexible and a there are several styles that have tie-side bottoms for even better adjustment. So now the decision is yours. Take a look at BellaBlu’s fantastic selection of maternity swimwear. We’re always here to help if you have any sizing questions or need s suit delivered by a certain date. We always try to accommodate our customers needs whenever possible. And don’t forget the $4.95 flat rate ground shipping which just can’t be beat!

Pregnancy and Your Body

2010-04-27T15:53:00.005-05:00

Post partum blues? Not anymore! The evolution of maternity clothing never ceases to fail as now it continues into after the baby wear. BellaBlu Maternity has added a wonderful new nursing bra line from Bravado. A high quality, affordable nursing bra line with top of the line nursing bras. Maternity pajama sets are all nursing capable so they work great during and after pregnancy. From Japanese Weekend to Olian Maternity, you will certainly find a cute style that suits your interests. Lastly is probably the most important to many moms these days and that is how do I get back to my "normal" body? Well that question has been answered with the induction of the pregnancy belts. Not the kind that hold your belly up for support while you are pregnant, but the kind that get the belly back down so you can work on getting that 6-pack back….or at least try! At BellaBlu Maternity we have 2 brands of after the baby belts to choose from. We have the ever popular Belly Bandit which comes in three styles. They are the Original, the Couture, and the Bamboo(most popular), with each having a color and/or design you will love. All are very easy to size and can be worn right after having your baby(once cleared from the doctor of course!) The next line is one that has been taking off rapidly and is soon to become our best seller and that is the Cinch. The Cinch belly wrap is a uniquely designed wrap that comes in two styles and two colors. Sizes are very simple as they only have two! The Cinch is very simple to use and offers stronger support and allows a wide range of adjustment. Their Signature Cinch even has pockets for warm or cold packs! So don’t let the post partum blues get you down as BellaBlu Maternity offers a great selection of nursing bras and pajama sets to choose from and as the always so wonderful belly wraps to get help get your body back the way you want it! Come take a look!

New Spring Line Has Arrived!

2010-04-15T17:03:00.002-05:00

Spring is here and so are our fabulous new Maternity dresses and tops! As the long winter of 2010 comes to and, we are excited to announce the arrival of our spring maternity dresses and tops at BellaBlu Maternity. With new designers such as Glam Maternity, combined with our stellar lines from Japanese Weekend, Olian, Jules & Jim and Maternal America, we have a wonderful selection of maternity dresses and tops to choose from. All of our maternity clothing is high quality and designed to last through full term pregnancy and even several weeks post-pregnancy during the transition. We have the classy and conservative sleeveless style of dresses as well as Cowl Necks and Halters. If you are the type of Mom to be that likes the prints, we have some beautiful styles of prints to choose from. You can start with Tie-dye, to floral, to 2-color expanded prints that look absolutely adorable. Our trendy line of maternity clothing is becoming more and more popular each year as we understand how important it is to look and feel your best during these trying months of your body making all sorts of changes. The sizing of our new maternity dresses and tops has been even better as the vast majority are true to size, yet most have room for areas where you might be experiencing less or more growth. We are always here to help with any sizing issues and welcome any thoughts or concerns. So don’t wait too long as many of our dresses and tops sell out fast. Our wonderful selection of formal maternity dresses is also getting ready top hit its peak demand as the wedding seasons approach. And last but not least, if you just want something plain and simple, yet comfortable and stylish, you can never go wrong with our fabulous Shad line of maternity tops. Several colors to choose from along with the form fitting style or ruched. You cant go wrong and you wont go wrong with BellaBlu Maternity and its terrific selection of trendy, high quality, yet affordably priced maternity clothing!

New maternity clothing line!

2010-03-19T15:41:00.003-05:00

BellaBlu Maternity announces Glam Maternity into their new line of maternity dresses and maternity tops! We are tremendously excited to bring in Glam who has a beautiful selection of maternity dresses and maternity tops. There is basically something for everyone in this adorable trendy line of maternity clothing. All are made in the USA and all constructed of super soft materials to make you feel even more comfortable and stylish at the same time! Glam Maternity, also knows as See You in Miami, is a very well respected designer in the maternity industry and is dedicated to providing high quality maternity clothes at affordable pricing. There are so many styles to choose from. Gorgeous prints to solids make it easy to choose maternity dress for the season. It didn’t take BellaBlu Maternity long to decide that this line shares our vision as well…to provide high quality, trendy maternity clothing at affordable pricing. All their line is made to last throughout the entire pregnancy and even afterwords through the transitional period. What’s even nicer with their maternity clothes is that almost all of the styles are a One size Fits All. Talk about eliminating the fear of ordering the wrong size of maternity clothing! The Unwritten rule is that the One Size Fits all sizing is catered for those sized 2-12. So come take a look at the fantastic new maternity dresses and tops BellaBlu Maternity has to offer. We promise you’ll find something that fits your style and your budget. You deserve it!

New Bella Band Color!

2010-03-04T12:23:00.003-06:00

BellaBlu Maternity is proud to announce the new Bella Band color for Spring 2010…Grey! Grey you ask? How can Grey be a spring color? Well believe it or not, Grey is a very popular color for spring and summer as it can be worn with basically any color jeans and top. With a grey Bella Band, you still have some color yet you don’t have that heat absorbing factor that the black Bella Band can have. As always, BellaBlu will have several colors of Bella bands available such as White, Black, Midnight(dark navy), Petal(light pink), Coffee(dark brown) and wine(dark burgundy). We offer two styles of bands….the Everyday style and the Lace style for the more trendy look. Still our most popular item ever, the Bella Band offers great comfort and ease with use. No need to buy new maternity jeans yet, when you can buy a Bella Band and use your current jeans. The Bella Band is excellent for transitional use as well when you cant quite fit into your old jeans after delivering your precious angel. The Bella Band offers superb comfort to help hide your belly when you want to be a little more low profile, or to help support that belly if you are one of those mothers that is carrying the baby lower. So come get yours today at BellaBlu Maternity online store or our retail store located in Edmond. Still free ground shipping whether you order it alone or with any other item BellaBlu has to offer.

New Maternity Hits!

2010-01-26T17:07:00.002-06:00

The holidays are over and so far the big hits of the season have been BellaBlu’s Red & Black Plaid Tunic and the Effortless maternity dress. The Red and Black maternity tunic is so wonderfully soft and comfortable and ties in the back so it can grow with you! Great coverage and is one item that can be worn casually with jeans or leggings, or business casual with slacks or trousers. Next is our Effortless long sleeve v-neck maternity dress in black or brown. This gorgeous v-neck maternity dress will give you a classy polished look without having to give up the comfort that some of the more semi-formal dresses lack. So wonderfully soft and comfortable, it will surely turn heads and provide numerous compliments. Maternity clothing at BellaBlu has never been better! So take a look at these trendy new additions along with many other beautiful maternity dresses and tops. We promise, you will find several items that fit your taste. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any sizing or product questions on our maternity clothes as we are always available to help you make the best decision during this wonderful time in your life. You deserve to look good!

New Diaper Bag by Timi & Leslie!

2010-01-21T11:04:00.002-06:00

BellaBlu Maternity presents the long awaited Charlie Bag by Timi & Leslie - this bag was moving fast before we even had them available! This adorable double handles Slouchy Tote diaper bag comes in black(most popular), brown, teal, and red. It’s made of PVC and is easy to keep clean and always looks great. It has a waterproof lining and comes with several interior pockets and wristlets. As always, this beautiful diaper bag comes with a changing pad, bottle tote and the always important key fob for quick access! This diaper bag is the perfect size as it’s not too big nor too small. It measures approximately 16” x 18” x5”, which is ideal for the on the go mom.

Last but not least, this beautiful diaper bag comes with a removable strap as well as stroller straps for those pleasant morning walks. So come get yours now while supplies last. At BellaBlu Maternity, we are always her for you maternity and baby needs and are always available if you need any assistance whatsoever. We are here to make your online shopping experience as easy and as pleasant as possible!

BellaBlu Maternity announces the addition of Caden Lane and Petunia Pickle bottom diaper bags!!

2009-10-12T15:59:00.003-05:00

We are so very proud to announce the arrival of Caden Lane designs and Petunia Pickle Bottom to our diaper bag collection. Both of these designers are considered some of the best in the industry and have the track record to prove it. But don’t take our word for it, just check out these gorgeous diaper bags. Plenty of room, plenty of amenities, and simply a fantastic look. Many of them you can’t even tell are diaper bags! All are designed and manufactured with the highest quality and are built to last for the entire duration. Easy to clean and even easy to match with your favorite outfits!

Both Caden Lane Diaper Bags, and Petunia Pickle Bottom, come with several styles to choose from. Some are bigger then others and some are easier to get around for those quick trips. Regardless, you are certain to find one that matches your needs or style.

BELLABLU MATERNITY INTRODUCES THIS YEAR'S EXCITING NEW FALL 2009 MATERNITY DRESSES!

2009-10-12T13:31:00.008-05:00

With each new fall and spring season we can hardly wait to see what gorgeous maternity dresses our designers have in store for us. This year, they didn’t fail to deliver as we have some of the most beautiful maternity dresses in the industry. With renown designers such as jules & jim, Japanese Weekend, Olian, and others, BellaBlu announces some of our favorite Fall 2009 dresses.

New Maternity Dresses at BellaBlu Maternity!

2009-08-11T16:05:00.011-05:00

Come shop at BellaBlu Maternity and check out some of our new dresses! Floral Plum Print Dress, Contrast Dress in Lilac and Plum Dress, and our Crystal Swing Maternity Dress!

High Tide Hipkini!

2009-07-20T15:39:00.003-05:00

Another hot item at Bellablu Maternity, is the High Tide Hipkini - available in brown and teal patterns, this swimsuit has been a HOT seller! Get yours now while they're in stock!

Cute summer maternity dress!

2009-06-10T12:08:00.001-05:00

Summer's here, and there's no better time than now to look your greatest in our new cotton halter pink Maribou dress! This adorable new dress has taupe silk halter ties on one shoulder, and is very comfortable. Looks great on you even after your baby is born! Sizes extra-small to extra-large currently available.

Shopping Cart Covers

2009-04-24T12:37:00.002-05:00

Get the cutest shopping cart covers from name brand designers at Shopping Cart Cover Shop! We have selections for boys, girls, gender neutral, and even twins! Keep your baby comfortable, clean and germ free while you shop!

Wearing Maternity Clothes

2009-03-03T11:10:00.005-06:00

It is almost certain that as soon as women become pregnant, they start to surf the Internet or flip through baby and parenting magazines. Most marketing sales pitches suggest that you shall soon need specific maternity wear if you are to ensure that you carry yourself well throughout the pregnancy. One even tends to look at the model with pearl white teeth and a small baby bump and start wondering whether you will look as graceful when you start showing. That you will definitely need maternity wear is certain but the question is when?

There are no fixed parameters that decide when you need to start wearing maternity clothes. This is mainly because while there are benchmarks to assess whether your weight increase is normal or not as the months go by, there is a wide differentiation in how the body of each woman reacts to pregnancy. The size of the baby, the diet and various other factors like metabolism also affect the manner in which the tummy shall grow.

Maternity wear should ideally accommodate the diversities of the female body and the first thing is to know what is available for your size and shape. Below is some advice that may prove useful.

Regardless of the fact that it is suggested that most women do not start showing or gain significant weight before the first trimester is over, some women do gain significant weight in the first trimester. Many feel bloated and normal clothing may tug against the sensitive stomach. The best thing in this case would be to buy non-maternity clothes that have a drawstring or an elastic band at the hip. Buy a few pairs of maternity jeans, pants, skirts or shorts, whichever you prefer, and you will be able to wear them even after you deliver the baby. You can do the same with dresses as well. Simply buy those with a stretchy material and one size up from normal. A Bella Band is also an excellent device that allows you to continue to wear your current jeans and pants without buttoning them!

This type of clothing may serve you well even during the second trimester when you have a clearly visible baby bump. However, for your own comfort you can look for maternity wear with flat tailored panels and adjustable waistbands that are more discreet and comfortable. You may also have to get yourself good support bras to boost your confidence.

By the time you enter the third trimester you would have outgrown your wardrobe. Maternity wear at this stage is mostly dependent upon your size and selection. The basic theory is the same as in the first and second trimester. Trousers and stretch panel skirts with adjustable waistbands are a must as they fit comfortably over the bulge. Depending upon your mood and inclination you may choose maternity wear that covers the baby bump or shows it. This is also time for you to look for a nursing bra, nightwear suitable for breastfeeding and other loose fitting post-pregnancy clothing.

As stated earlier, when and what type of maternity wear you will require depends largely upon how your body changes during pregnancy. Some women are known to live through the entire pregnancy with adjustable non-maternity clothing while for some it may be necessary in the first trimester itself. The thing to cheer about is that there never was such a huge variety of affordable and fashionable maternity wear as there is today.

New maternity clothing lines coming!

2009-01-30T14:56:00.002-06:00

In December of 2008 BellaBlu Maternity & Baby celebrated their one year anniversary of the opening of their retail store in Edmond, Oklahoma. In addition to celebrating a fantastic year, we will be adding several additional high quality maternity clothing and diaper bag lines. Lines such as Jules & Jim, Shade, James Jeans, Spanx, Nest, timi & leslie, and BumGenius. Soon thereafter, when the Fall season of 2009 approaches, even more high quality lines will be added! BellaBlu Maternity & Baby is determined to offer the highest quality maternity clothing options. We understand that maternity clothing is worn very frequently in the 4-6 months it is owned and therefore is expected to last. Our designers are some of the highest respected designers in the industry and know what soon to be moms expect. Buying a top and then having it shrivel up after two washings is not acceptable no matter what you paid for it! Lastly, we also know how important it is to find trendy maternity clothes that don’t have that boring look you often find in stores in the mall. You want to look great during this special time in your life and BellaBlu Maternity is the best online store there is. Locally owned and operated with fantastic customer service. At BellaBlu Maternity, we are here to make your online shopping experience as easy and as pleasant as possible because you deserve it!

Announcing the Arrival of your Baby - Birth Announcements

2008-12-23T11:29:00.004-06:00

Babies are fun to have but the anticipation of their arrival and preparing for the baby can be just as exciting! And once your bundle of joy arrives, the joy and excitement is at such a level that you obviously want to announce it to the world. You want to share it at least with your friends and loved ones.

There are number of ways of sending birth announcements. Giving out a notice in newspapers is passé and too impersonal. The other two are sending hand written or customized birth announcements and sending e mails. One thing with e mails is that there is a chance that all may not have Internet access. Moreover, e mails too appear impersonal and designing one yourself to personalize it may require a fair amount of expertise in software that you may not be conversant with.

The age old custom is to buy cards at a card store and fill out information and post them. There are myriads of designs in birth announcement cards available in stores. Choose a card design and an envelope that appeals you the most. Refer to your Christmas card list and add any new names that you feel you should send birth announcements to. Put on your creative cap to add a personal touch to the birth announcement, which may otherwise appear mundane. For example, write a small poem that expresses your love for the baby to convey your feelings to recipients.

Howsoever excited you may be it would be a bit of a bother to arrange for all these immediately after the baby is born. You can of course order or buy in advance but that may require you to compromise on certain features that are determinable only after the baby is born.

However, in the present day scenario of fast communication, the Internet can help you in birth announcements just as it may have helped you in preparing for the baby: buying maternity clothes and loads of stuff that a baby needs immediately after birth. There are quite a few websites and online maternity stores that offer facilities for sending birth announcements, such as www.miraclemunchkins.com. They even offer choices for holiday birth announcements, and the darling driver’s license birth announcements!

Make sure that you choose two designs: one if it is a boy and second if it is a girl. The traditional way is to use a blue theme for a baby boy and pink for a baby girl but you may find some unisex themes also. Make sure to get envelopes delivered in advance. Keep envelopes ready: complete with addresses and stamp them if you are not using a courier service.

After the birth of the baby, click as many pictures of the baby as you possibly can with a digital camera. Choose the best of the lot and upload to send it to the chosen facility by e mail along with relevant information: date and time of birth and birth weight. You may also want to add the names of those present at the time of birth.

Once the photo cards are delivered, which is usually a couple of days after you send the details. You may also choose to give the names of your friends and relatives for printing each name inside just to show them that you care!

Stretch marks during pregnancy – can you avoid them?

2008-11-12T12:07:00.002-06:00

Stretch marks are a bane of pregnancy and there are quite a few women who fear these lines, dreadfully. However, while one cannot avoid stretch marks completely, there are certain tips that can be kept in mind, which will help reduce chances of developing stretch marks.

1. Weight – Keep your weight gain in control during your pregnancy months. Excessive weight gain is one of the primary reasons for stretch marks. Since the skin expands the most around the belly area, this is where women most often complain of stretch marks, but these marks will appear almost anywhere, if the weight gain in that area is excessive and sudden. However, if one keeps within the normal levels of weight gain and spreads it out over a period of time, then these marks are less likely to appear.

2. Skin care – When the skin expands there is loss of moisture and the skin undergoes tremendous trauma. It is during these times that maternity skin care takes a whole new meaning. Do not ignore skin care routines - use body moisturizers and creams liberally specially in areas where the stretch marks are more likely to appear.

3. Prenatal vitamins – A pregnant lady’s body needs added sources of minerals and supplements and prenatal vitamins are a good way to go about doing the needful. These vitamins help the lady in question to keep her skin and hair duly nourished and glowing through the pregnancy term.

4. Anti-stretch mark creams – Creams that contain vitamin E oil or coconut oil are said to be highly beneficial in preventing stretch marks. Applying such creams on the belly and other stretch mark prone areas helps keep the occurrence of stretch marks at a lower level.

5. Liquid intake – Consuming adequate water during pregnancy and even after the delivery, is highly recommended for several benefits, including prevention of stretch marks. If the skin and body remain duly hydrated, the chances of occurrences of stretch marks are reduced drastically.

While ladies who are genetically prone to stretch marks may suffer them despite taking several precautions, it is important to remember that these marks fade over time and can even be treated by a dermatologist permanently. It is also important to remember that stretch marks are a cosmetic complaint and that they do not harm the baby or the mother in any way.

Staying fit during pregnancy

2008-10-28T12:01:00.003-05:00

Most women put in a lot of effort to stay fit before their pregnancies and then to get back into shape once the delivery is over, while completely ignoring the three trimesters when they are carrying their babies. Though it is true that during the pregnancy term women must maintain some caution in exercising, it does not however mean that they cannot stay fit during this period. In fact doctors state that women who exercise regularly during their pregnancies have much easier labor and are also able to move back into pre-pregnancy shape sooner.

There are several methods by which women can stay fit during their pregnancies and ensure not only a good shape for themselves but also enhanced blood flow to the fetus. A few of these methods are discussed below:

1. Watch your diet – Do not misinterpret this as eating less but shelf the myth that when pregnant you have to eat for two, and God forbid for three, if you are carrying twins. Do not over consume sugar and other such useless calories which do nothing for your energy level. On an average doctors’ advice 3-4 servings of dairy products, 4-6 servings of fruits and vegetables, and 6-11 servings of grain products with iron and folic acid intake too.

2. Stay active - While the first trimester may leave women feeling a bit weak from the nausea that distinctively marks it, do not let the laziness spill into your entire term. Staying active is the key to staying fit during your pregnancy too. Continue to do your home chores and lead a normally active life. Remember you are not sick, just pregnant.

3. Exercise – While walking is said to be the best form of exercise for a pregnant woman, there are those who have adopted yoga, weight training, spinning and even swimming to keep their fitness levels high. Do not confuse body weight with fitness. While the former is bound to increase during your pregnancy, the latter is about keeping in shape and feeling energetic. So do not loose heart if despite your efforts you find the weighing scale tipping further.

4. Adequate rest - Ensure that in your drive to stay fit you do not go over the hedge. Get adequate rest and adopt power naps to keep your energy levels high. A fatigued body is unlikely to stay fit and therefore rest is one of the key components to achieving your fitness targets, during your pregnancy.

5. Meditate - Fitness is often seen as a physical attribute, but ignoring the mind will not be a good idea. Women who meditated during their pregnancies claimed to have had higher energy levels along with a more positive aura about them. So when planning your fitness regime during your pregnancy months, do keep a slot for meditation too.

Keeping these pointers in mind will go a long way it keeping fit during your pregnancy and also facilitate in easier labor, not to mention help you cope with the tiring months that are to follow!

Opting for a water delivery?

2008-10-13T13:47:00.002-05:00

As pregnant women come closer the end of their term, delivery options stare them hard in the face. The development of science and technology has today made it possible for women to opt for painless delivery methods too. However, most physicians recommend the natural methods, which are said to be most suitable for both the mother and the child. Keeping this in mind several ladies do opt for water deliveries since the method is known to be comparatively less painful for the mother and less traumatic for the baby.

Below we shall discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the water deliveries both from the mother’s and the child’s perspective.

Advantages for the mothers:

1. Lesser pain – Women who have opted for water delver state that the effect of water was definitely a positive one in reducing the pain felt during delivery. The principles of Hydrotherapy state that water helps reduce the pain levels especially in the lower back during the process of labor. As opposed to chemical pain killers like epidurals, water is considered a natural and safe method to cut down on labor pains.

2. Zero episiotomy – In all the years that water deliveries have been undertaken there is no record of an episiotomy ever having occurred during this process. Since the water tends to provide support while the babies head is descending chances of skin tear are also reduced drastically.

3. Relaxed environment- Women who have chosen to have their deliveries in the water state that the liquid does help the entire body relax and stay cool. Since the water chosen for this method is generally lukewarm, women find it therapeutic and highly relaxing even when the labor pains are towards their peak.

Advantages for the baby:

1. Less traumatic – Studies show that since babies are used to the intra uterine fluids, they find a similarity in the warm water environment provided right from the birth canal, and therefore the transition is smoother for them than otherwise. Having fewer traumas is known to help in the development of the baby, since it is scientifically proven that trauma babies sometimes face development issues too.

Disadvantages for the mothers:

1. Longer labor – There are people who believe that water tends to decrease the intensity of the contraction and thus cause the labor to last longer. While doctors argue that this has not yet been proved to be true, most hospitals suggest entering the water once the cervix has opened up to 5 centimeters at least.

2. Judgment on blood loss – Another problem associated with water birth is the assessment of the mother’s blood loss. However, since most established hospitals have advanced methods to judge this situation, this problem can be overcome easily.

Disadvantage for the baby:

1. Infection – There is a theory that the child (and mother) is exposed to higher risks of infection due to the bacteria present in the tub or the water during the delivery. However, hospitals are known to follow very strict cleanliness routines in this area and therefore the rate of infection in water deliveries has not been reported to be higher that those choosing to have their babies on land. Also there has never been a case reported of infant death due to water consumption by the baby.

All in all it is safe to state that water deliveries are fast gaining high acceptance and the only caution one needs to maintain when opting for this method is select an authorized hospital environment for the purpose, rather than trying it at home.

Morning sickness – How To Overcome It

2008-10-09T12:03:00.003-05:00

Congratulations! Your family is on the way, but if you are one of the 75% of those ladies who suffer from morning sickness, then the first trimester will be like a roller coaster ride on a full stomach and you may feel as if there is not much to celebrate about. :(

Though termed as "morning sickness", most women are usually afflicted by it in the evenings and the experience is especially nauseating if the lady is carrying for the first time. Ladies experience varying levels of heartburn and nausea, while some even find themselves vomiting almost everything they eat during this period. While the symptoms of morning sickness cannot be completely eradicated, there are several ways to go about diminishing its effect and some of these methods are listed below:

1) Eat first thing in the morning – Keep a few crackers on your bedside and munch on a few before stepping out of bed. An empty stomach tends to aggravate the situation and leads to heightened heartburn.

2) Small meals – While keeping an empty stomach is not a good idea, the other end is not beneficial either. Do not consume large meals that tend to make you feel bloated, instead go with small meals and space them out closer than otherwise. Eating small meals every two waking hours is usually reported to help in keeping the food inside.

3) Ginger ale - Said to be the best companion of women suffering from morning sickness, ginger ale is most definitely recommended. Some women even state that simply adding ginger to their food has also helped in keeping the nausea down.

4) Low spice, high carb – Avoid eating spicy foods since they are known to increase the heartburn level tremendously. Instead high protein and carbohydrate meals that are low on spice seem to help the mother to be feel better.

5) Rest – Your body is trying to cope with the new levels of hormones and adequate rest will help it perform better. Morning sickness tends to de-energize women suffering from it and therefore over-activity must be avoided at all costs.

6) Liquids – At least 8-10 glasses of pure water must be consumed by almost each one of us, but since women suffering from morning sickness tend to lose a lot of liquid due to the constant vomiting, it is advisable that they increase their level of liquid intake.

7) Wristbands – There are several women who state that wearing magnetic wristbands has helped them over come morning sickness during the first trimester. These bands are easily available in most drug stores and do have a scientific explanation as to why they work as well.

8) Homeopathic remedies – There are several homeopathic remedies said to cure morning sickness to quite an extent, but it advisable that these be taken only under the advice of your physician.

While morning sickness is a harmless problem during pregnancy, it can sometimes be cause for concern too. The condition is referred to as hyperemisis and the patient suffers malnutrition and dehydration due to loss of appetite and excessive vomiting. In the case that you feel that morning sickness is overwhelming you, seek immediate advice from your physician. All the same most women are rid of the problem once the first trimester is over and are able to enjoy their term smoothly from then on.

Maternity sleepwear

2008-09-24T15:02:00.002-05:00

Most pregnant women will confirm that sleep is a sweet commodity when you are carrying a baby. The initial few months have you queasy and therefore uncomfortable, while as time passes by, a growing stomach and frequent trips to the bathroom can ruin your sleep pattern completely. However, there are few things that help make the situation better and appropriate maternity sleepwear is one of them.

To begin with, it is important to remember that maternity day wear and maternity night wear must not overlap. Maternity day wear is designed keeping both comfort and style in mind and the use of elastic bands, lace trimmings and even buttons is fairly prevalent in them. However, maternity night wear adopts a completely different approach. Below are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing your maternity night clothing:

1) Fabric – The fabric of your maternity PJs must be extremely soft and irritation free. So at all times choose a cotton based fabric when selecting your maternity night wear. Even during winters, it is recommended that cotton based jersey knits are selected instead of opting for wool.

2) Styles – While you may have done very well in shorts and T’s as sleepwear when you were not pregnant, things may be different now that you are carrying. Avoid garments that lay too much pressure on your belly, so a night t-shirt, a gown or even a nighty will work better than a pajama set. However, PJs designed for the pregnant women usually ensure that they come with draw-strings, so that they do not pressurize the belly area. In such a case of course it is safe to go with a pajama set too.

3) Avoid Accessories – Large buttons, zips, nylon laces and other such accessories that may poke you or cause irritation must be avoided at all costs. Instead if you are looking for attractive maternity nightwear try nice printed ones instead of those accessorized by the above mentioned products. If you are someone who enjoys wearing garments with quotes on them, then you will be pleasantly surprised by the number of maternity nightwear available in the market that have witty quotes on them. Ribbons and similar satin based accessories on the other hand look good as well as cause no hindrance to the wearer.

4) Growth and movement room – Of course while selecting maternity wear of any type, one must cater to room for growth, but for maternity sleepwear, room for movement is also essential. When you sleep the garment must allow you to easily position yourself in any way comfortable to you. Therefore keep these two basics in mind when buying maternity sleepwear.

5) Look beyond your expectancy period – When buying maternity sleepwear, keep in mind that the clothing will last you even after the baby has come into the world. So choosing maternity sleepwear that allows you all the above advantages and is also suitable to feed the baby is a definite plus.

Keeping these pointers in mind will help you select your maternity sleepwear for optimum comfort and thus sleep easy even during tiring times.

Shopping for maternity clothing – things to consider!

2008-09-04T11:22:00.002-05:00

Shopping is a great stress reliever for most women, but if you are pregnant and looking for maternity wear, the exercise can frustrate you to no end! Pregnancy is a time when most women would prefer to lie back and relax instead of walking around from store to store. However, keeping a few things in mind while looking to purchase maternity wear can go a long way in making the exercise enjoyable as well as fruitful.

1. Growth room – One of the most important things to consider when buying maternity wear is that the garment(s) must offer room for growth. Not only should the style allow expansion, but there must be margin space in the stitching too. So while box pleats are great as a style, the garments must allow at least an inch of fabric to be loosened later, if need be. Similarly for pants and jeans, it is very important that there is stretch fabric on the belly so that when the lady does grow in size, she does not face discomfort in wearing these garments. Any garment that will seem uncomfortable if you gain a few pounds is definitely not recommended for a pregnant lady.

2. Avoid zips and belts – Belts tend to have sharp edges and zips also can cause injury. While it may be fairly easy for a non pregnant woman to zip up her pants, dresses or skirts, this is not the case with someone who is pregnant. So when selecting your maternity wardrobe, steer clear of outfits that have bulky metal belts or tedious zips and hooks at places, which can get difficult to reach once your belly grows. Instead pick out soft elasticized bands, string pants and other similar non zip requiring outfits.

3. Comfortable fabrics – Fabrics play an important role in deciding the comfort of a garment. Therefore, it is essential that the material that the outfit is made of is given due importance when selecting maternity wear. Cottons, linen, chiffons and georgettes are highly recommended for summers, while winter is a time to buy jackets with woolen fillings but definitely cotton coverings. Keep in mind that most women feel warmer when pregnant and therefore buying garments made of fabrics that breathe is highly recommended.

4. Impact styles – When looking for maternity wear, keep in mind that simple comfort is not the only criteria, the garment must flatter your new shape too. Try and highlight your advantages, while camouflaging the areas where you feel out of shape. A-line cuts and double breasted styles do very well when it comes to complementing the big belly look. Also always try on the maternity wear that you are buying. Keep in mind that maternity wear need not be just a large sack that you will throw on, instead the garment must complement your present figure as well as what you soon shall grow into.

Maternity wear has drastically changed the way pregnant ladies dress now. Not only do these women have access to beautifully designed clothes that complement their pregnant glow, but also can remain comfortable in them through their pregnancy.

Comfortable Maternity Wear

2008-08-20T12:46:00.002-05:00

Pregnancy is a time of great discomfort for a lady. The first trimester sees her through nausea and dizziness, while the second one brings along a growing belly. The third trimester has the lady wondering where her toes disappeared and simply picking up a dropped pen seems like a huge chore. But, while most women expect these discomforts and are prepared to face them, it is the lack of comfortable clothing during the pregnancy that can cause constant irritation. Thankfully, unlike the natural discomforts that come along with pregnancy, uncomfortable clothing has a solution.

Selecting the clothes you wear during your pregnancy months can make a huge difference in your general comfort level right through your nine moths. While most women find that the first four months do not require any special clothing, it is the remaining carrying period that needs special maternity wear. The second and third trimester usually sees a pregnant lady through tremendous growth and one finds that there is a size change almost every two weeks. Indeed finding comfortable clothing, which does not require you to select a new wardrobe every month and empty out your wallet, can be a task.

Always keep in mind the season that you are going to be wearing your maternity clothing in. When calculating this, leave the first four months of your term out, since most women begin to grow only after the first trimester is over. Materials like linen, cotton and georgettes are highly recommended for the summer while pure wool and thick corduroys will do well for the winters. Steer clear of Lycra and synthetic based clothing. They are not considered fabrics that breathe and therefore can make you extremely uncomfortable during a hot flash. If you find that you are stuck between seasons, then it is advisable to stick to cottons and buy a jacket or two that your can wear over your summer wear. Women tend to feel much hotter than otherwise during their pregnancies and therefore materials that allow the body to remain cool are highly recommended when looking for comfortable maternity wear.

Another tip to keep in mind when selecting comfortable maternity wear is buying the right size. Maternity clothing if bought in the correct size will last you right up to delivery. For example do not purchase maternity wear that is slightly tight on the arms, no matter how good the cut looks on you. When you get into the garment, you must feel relaxed and all casual movement should be easy and unhindered. Tight elastics must be kept out of your wardrobe and only soft broad elastic attached to the fabric by stocking stitch should be allowed entry.

Always pick maternity wear that allows ample room for growth especially in the belly region. Pleats that open up, tie ups that can be loosened, etc. are highly recommended. They prevent you from looking like a sack of potatoes, while at the same time allowing room for growth.

All in all the trick to selecting comfortable maternity wear lies in paying attention to the fabric of the garment, its cut and also picking out the right size.

Maternity clothing – the trend

2008-08-11T14:02:00.003-05:00

The fashion industry is on an all time high, and right from kids to aging adults everyone wants to dress fashionably. Pregnant ladies too have decided to not suffer for months on end looking like a shabby bag of potatoes. With Celebrities flaunting their pregnant bellies and looking ravishing right through their pregnancies, maternity wear has arrived and is here to stay. The trend is not limited to the celebrities only and most pregnant women today choose to buy specially designed maternity wear, instead of just buying oversized regular clothes.

Right from high end designers to highly affordable everyday clothing, maternity wear can be bought in almost all sections. But, what it is about maternity wear that has made the trend so popular? Oversized baggy pants and loose t shirts, from mostly men’s sections, have taken a complete back seat with fancy, well designed, comfortable and economical maternity wear hitting the racks.

What would happen before maternity wear came into vogue, was that from the fourth month onwards women were forced to wear loose clothes that they grew out of within a months time. This lead to several purchases being made right through then pregnancy. Maternity wear on the other hand is designed specially keeping the growth of the belly in mind. So, if you do make a purchase in the fourth month, it could last you right up to term too. Of course this saves drastically on the cost of the garments.

The second advantage of the trend of maternity clothing taking over completely is the cosmetic appeal of the clothing. No matter how comfortable an oversized old t shirt maybe, stepping out for a party in it was not charming at all. With lovely glowing skin and the pregnancy aura at its peak, one wishes to look beautiful instead of shabby. Maternity wear caters to this aspect by using complimenting fabrics and cuts that show the pregnant lady in a better light.

While cosmetic appeal was easy to gain by buying oversized dresses, however they lacked the comfort that maternity wear offers. An evening dress designed for the pregnant lady takes into consideration not only her belly growth but also ensures that the garment maintains over all comfort. Jeans and trousers use extremely soft elastics to ensure that the pregnant lady does not feel uncomfortable wearing them. Tops are mostly pleated or cut in an A line design to ensure enough room for movement.

With cost advantage, cosmetic appeal and comfort begin provided by maternity wear, it is no wonder that the trend has caught on like fire and today pregnant ladies can mostly be seen in specially designed maternity wear.

Pregnancy – the first three months

2008-08-04T10:42:00.003-05:00

Once the pregnancy test is positive, a whole new world of motherhood opens up to most women. The human gestational period is 9 months and is divided into three equal halves. The first trimester or the first three months of a woman’s pregnancy can sway between being a smooth sail, to a highly turbulent Bermuda triangle experience. Simply put the first three months of your pregnancy can go by unnoticed completely or have you feeling quite sick. Different women experience their first trimester differently and the experience also varies on whether it is their first pregnancy or not. All the same we will divide the first trimester of a woman’s pregnancy into three parts.

Physically -Let us understand what a lady goes through physically during her first trimester. While the fetus is not enlarged enough to actually have a visible effect, some women do feel bloated right from the very beginning of their pregnancy. There are others who will not even feel that they are pregnant till right into their 5th month. But regardless of the visible effect, it is important to remember that you are pregnant and your body does have added needs now. Ensure that you begin to take your iron and calcium supplements as soon as your gynecologist gives the green light. Folic acid is another important medicine that needs to be taken during the first trimester of your pregnancy. Over and above the medications, it will help to eat a thoroughly balanced diet during your pregnancy. Many women experience great bouts of nausea during the first trimester and eating sometimes tends to take a back seat with frequent vomiting that often accompanies the nausea. However, even if you are one of those who suffer nausea, do not ignore your food intake. The fetus is growing rapidly and is using up the nutrients in your body to grow. You must consume a highly balanced diet to ensure that these nutrients are quickly replaced so that both you and the child remain healthy. While heavy weight lifting is not recommended during pregnancy, do not ignore an exercise routine either. Go for a 45 minute walk at least five days a week to ensure that you stay fit and your body is prepared for the trauma of delivery. Stay away from alcohol and cigarettes right through your pregnancy. Physically you will undergo taste changes, your sensitivity will be heightened, your breasts will feel enlarged, you might experience pregnancy sickness, vaginal discharge and will find your self going to the bathroom frequently.

Emotionally- Pregnancy is a very emotional time for most women. You will cry at small things and experience bouts of feeling low and then suddenly elated. As much as you are happy to be pregnant, the pressures of raising a child could be haunting you too. A great way to ensure that you do not break down emotionally is to get adequate rest and keep your focus on positive things. Find a friend who will be able to assist you through the tiring times. Join groups where there are other pregnant ladies so that you can share notes with them. Most of all remember that no matter how emotionally drained you feel, this too shall pass. This will be a great time to connect with your partner and do not withdraw into a shell under any circumstances. If the morning sickness is getting you down try remedies like ginger ale, magnet bands, high carbohydrate snacks before getting out of bed, etc.

For the baby – The first trimester sees the baby right from a small amalgamation of cells to a fully formed human form. By the end of the first trimester your baby will have fully formed fingers, genitals, head and face, skeleton and will be about three inches in size. This pear sized fetus is now only going to grow in size within your body and will need you to keep as healthy and fit as possible.

All in all the first trimester is definitely a tiring time for the mother to be, but can be combatted well if the lady in question keeps fit, eats healthy and works on a positive outlook.

Maternity clothing – custom styles!

2008-07-24T16:08:00.002-05:00

Congratulations! You’re pregnant. The only problem is nothing in your wardrobe fits and you find yourself stuck with run of the mill maternity clothes, which may or may not do justice to your frame. Thankfully the fashion industry has taken pregnant women into consideration too and today one can opt for custom styled maternity wear. Of course it comes at a price, but if you can afford it, you will be able to maintain that perfect balance between comfort and style even when you are pregnant. But if the designers are not what you are looking for, there are several other methods of getting into customized maternity wear.

Expectant mothers who have a flair for their own style will find that maternity clothing more often than not will offer them nothing more than factory repeats. Almost every other pregnant lady may be wearing similar stretch belly pants in black or beige with an A line top. However, if you are one of those who wishes to have a unique wardrobe even during your pregnancy, then custom maternity wear it is.

Unlike regular maternity clothing, which is designed for the average frame, custom maternity wear is stitched keeping your particular body dimensions in mind. Your shoulders, arms, belly, and back will all be considered for a top. Pants will be designed specially according to your measurements, so as to compliment you completely.

But where can one find these custom maternity clothing? If you have a flair for the needle and thread, then you maybe able to make customized maternity clothing by raiding your own pre pregnancy wardrobe. You could even go the Victoria Beckham way by cutting two Vs on both sides or your regular jeans and running elastic through it. The other option is of course locating a tailor who will be able to stitch according to your measurements, using designs and fabrics that you provide. Do not opt for tight fits since within a few weeks the garment will begin to suffocate you. Also remember to choose fabrics that breathe since one is likely to feel the heat more when pregnant. So linen and cottons will do well for the summer, while even for the winter it maybe advisable to stay away from synthetic fabrics.

While some pregnant ladies may choose custom wear for sheer style, there are others who find that finding maternity wear in their size can be a problem. Therefore if you are of a really small frame or suffer from the exact opposite problem, then too, custom maternity wear is highly recommended for you.

So do not fret any more if you do not like what your local store has to offer for maternity wear. Simply raid your old wardrobe or torment your tailor and come up with great customized maternity wear and surprisingly at not very high costs either.

Finding the right size maternity clothing

2008-07-10T15:26:00.004-05:00

With several established names providing maternity wear, it is no longer difficult to find stylish and comfortable maternity clothing. There is no need to either be stuck with oversized t shirts and pajamas all through your pregnancy, or wear clothes that are smart but horribly uncomfortable during the time that you carry your child within you. However, finding the right size maternity clothing is what is very important, if this perfect balance between style and comfort is to be maintained. Needless to say, a tall woman who is well built will require a completely different size than a woman who is of a more petite frame and is gaining only on her tummy.

Finding the right size in maternity wear can be a bit confusing especially when ordering on the net and the fit cannot be tried out. To begin with, it is important to remember that maternity clothes are expensive and there is not much use for them once you have delivered. So do not buy maternity wear until you begin feeling uncomfortable in your normal wear. Most women sail right through the initial four months before they feel the need to start buying from the maternity section. Another important aspect to keep in mind while shopping for maternity wear is not to buy in bulk. Buy only a pair or two each month. It is very difficult to predict how much weight you will gain and in which areas. So you may end up buying the wrong size and then getting stuck with several maternity clothing items that are uncomfortable.

Having laid down these two important facts now let us go on to understand how to find the right fit in maternity wear. Pregnancy garments are designed keeping the growth of the belly in mind and therefore it is fine to buy the same size that you were pre pregnancy. So if you were a size 18 pre pregnancy then that is the size you should ask for in maternity wear too. An XXL or an IX will work very well for someone who was a pre pregnancy size 18. But while this calculation will work for a majority of women, it is not to say that it will work for all.

Some ladies tend to gain only on their bellies while others have a tendency to add pounds on their arms, bums and thighs too. If you are of the latter category then, it is advised that you buy a size larger than your pre pregnancy size. Women tend to feel that maternity clothing are going to be loose from all over, but this is not true. While room is allowed for the belly to expand other parts of the body are not given much gaining room. So if you are gaining weight all round and do not want to feel caught in your maternity wear, buy a size larger than you originally were.

The best method of buying maternity wear is to try it on. Not only will you be assured of the fit of the garment but you will also know how well the style is suiting you. So as far as possible try and find a real time store and pick up maternity wear after trying it on. Buying the right fit and style can go a long way and you may be able to wear the garment right up to your delivery days.

Feeling sexy in maternity clothing

2008-07-01T11:15:00.003-05:00

Many women complain that they loose their sex drive during their pregnancy and early post delivery months. While hormones are at play here too, a lot of this loss of sex drive has to do with the shape that you are in and even the clothes you wear. Maternity clothes are definitely designed with comfort in mind rather than sex appeal and most pregnant women tend to simply get into their husbands older clothes instead of shopping for sexy maternity wear. However, feeling sexy in maternity clothing need not be ‘mission impossible’ and with a few tips you will realize that stepping out while you are pregnant is quite enjoyable after all.

Wearing sexy maternity clothing is not that difficult and need not always translate into an expensive affair. Since most women bloom during the pregnancy months, they are able to flaunt their look even better by dressing in attractive maternity wear. There are several options of both designer wear and casual labels that have introduced a maternity line and depending on personal taste and budget a wardrobe may be selected.

Though sexy maternity clothing is definitely a relative term since each pregnant lady has her own tastes, all the same, keeping a few tips listed below in mind will help in choosing hot maternity wear.

1) Lingerie – Your underwear is often one of the most ignored parts of your wardrobe when you are pregnant. Most women change sizes too often and therefore do not wish to invest in expensive lingerie when they are pregnant. However, you will be surprised at the lovely collections of sexy maternity lingerie. So simply conducting a survey will help you pick the perfect balance between sexy and comfortable.

2) Dresses- When choosing dresses go for A line cuts that allow room for expansion in the tummy region. A tiny box pleat that opens up as you grow will let you look sexy in the same dress right from the first trimester to the last one. Choosing dresses with lower necklines and elasticized belt area will be rather attractive too. Flowing fabrics like chiffons are always a better choice than stiffer ones like linen.

3) Skirts/Pants – Choosing skirts over pants is also a good idea during your pregnancy since maternity skirts look sexy as well as allow you to move about comfortably. However, if you prefer jeans or pants, pick styles that compliment your legs rather than simply look like denim pajamas. Again there are several brands that have introduced maternity pants, which are rather stylish at affordable prices and sometimes all you need to do is look beyond your husband’s wardrobe.

4) Tops – Much like dresses your tops too must be either in a flowing fabric or stretch material. Both these allow room for gaining weight while keeping the sexy look intact. Box pleats, gathers right below the breast line and A-line cuts will work well in this area too.

If you are pregnant, pamper yourself and look sexy by dressing in sexy maternity wear. Not only will it make you feel nice about yourself but your partner and unborn kid will appreciate it too.

Pregnancy – the last trimester

2008-06-23T13:17:00.002-05:00

The last three months and the count down begins! The last trimester of your pregnancy will have you wishing that the baby comes into the world soon. Doctors recommend that travel is avoided during this period and that one maintains caution while exercising and doing other simple household chores. The third trimester starts from the 29th week and goes on to the full term. Lets us divide the last trimester into three main categories of physically, emotionally and for the baby.

Physically- You will grow and grow rather rapidly during this period. Your large belly will prevent you from sleeping comfortably and put tremendous pressure on your spine. Your breasts will feel heavy and you may even experience frequent discharge. Another problem pertaining to this period is the immense pressure on your bladder, which will have you running to the wash room several times a day. Heartburn returns with a vengeance during the last few weeks of your pregnancy though a few pills of antacid may help overcome the situation temporarily. Try lying on your side for more comfort and get as much rest as you can during this time. You will feel low on breath but do not ignore your daily walks or your exercise routines since they will help tremendously in getting you through the final labor stages. Remember to look out for any contraction like pain since it is possible that you may actually go into labor much before your term ends. A piece of advice; get used to the baby's kicks and stop looking for your toes, they are still there!

Emotionally - While most mothers have stopped worrying themselves sick about the health of their babies, there will be quite a few undergoing an all new emotional experience. While you do get used to being pregnant by now, the fear of having to actually handle the baby may be giving you goose bumps. Relax and remember that even a sloth bear can take care of its young. Try and organize as much as you can, so as to feel adequately prepared for the arrival of the child. Preparing the hospital bags will be a good idea now and will help you feel more in control. Though you are anxious to have the baby out and cradling in your arms by now, do not ignore your personal needs either. Rest in plenty and pamper yourself as much as you can. Once the baby enters your world, it will be a long time before you are able to give yourself any attention.

For the baby – During these months your baby will grow in size, which is the main reason for your belly protruding rather fast. The baby's skin, eye color, eye sight all take form during these months. Despite there being no air in the lungs, they do mature and prepare for oxygen filling them soon. The child will grow from an average of about 40 cm to 53 cms during this period and grow to weigh about 7 to 8 lb. Though there are times that a child may acquire a breech position, mostly, during the last few weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s head will slowly descend into the pelvis and the body will prepare for labor. Though due to the uterus being a tight fit for the baby, fetal movements may slow down, it is important to check for them periodically to ensure safety.

At the end of the third trimester you shall go into labor and your baby will fill up your world with joy (and soiled diapers)!

Pregnancy - the second trimester

2008-06-16T11:14:00.003-05:00

The fourth, fifth and sixth months of pregnancy are defined as the second trimester. This is usually the most comfortable time during the pregnancy of a woman, when she is over the nausea of the first trimester and is not too big as in the last trimester. If you have entered your second trimester the best advice would be to enjoy it before you find that you are too big to sleep, walk or even pick up a dropped pencil!

Let us divide the second trimester into three categories namely physically, emotionally, and for the baby.

Physically
From the 13th to the 24th week of your pregnancy, you will notice that your stomach will slowly grow from a small belly into a more prominent pregnancy paunch. The nausea, if any of the first trimester will settle down during this time and leave you feeling more easy and energetic. You will start to gain weight during this time more rapidly than the first trimester. The folic acid will stop now but the iron and calcium supplements will continue. Travel and surgery are both considered safe during this time and that is also one of the main reasons why this period is considered the honey moon period of pregnancy. During the latter part of this trimester you will begin to feel the fluttering movements of the baby inside you, which will soon grow into prominent kicks.

Emotionally
Emotionally, the second trimester is a very relaxing time. You would have settled into the idea of being pregnant by now, so are not very likely to feel emotional turmoil. This is also a time to organize yourself for the coming baby, since by the time the last trimester creeps in you may be too exhausted to get the job done. The shopping and organizing will help you feel better and more cheerful. If you know the gender of the child then you could shop in accordance with it. It is advisable to keep your partner involved so as to not distance yourself from him.

For the baby
This is the time that the baby grows rather rapidly. Having fully taken form in the first trimester, this is the time that the fetus gains weight. Right from the ear stirrups to the nails and skin every part of the baby is forming and growing. The baby develops its fat cells during this time. The latter part of the second trimester sees the baby’s brain develop rather fast. By the end of the second trimester the baby can hear you, has grown to take the form of a new born and is considered viable. On an average a child is about the length of a six inch ruler and weighs about 1.3 pounds.

Stocking up for the new arrival!

2008-06-02T14:55:00.002-05:00

So you’re pregnant! First of all congratulations! Secondly, get your act together and stock up for the new arrival! Even small seemingly unimportant things take on humongous proportions once the baby arrives. Get as much under control as you can so as to make life easier for yourself once your bundle is finally delivered. Like most other things a comprehensive plan will work well here too.

Baby bag – First things first; organize a baby bag that you are going to carry to the hospital with you. Most hospitals will be glad to give you a list of items, which you need to carry in your baby bag. Of these a change of clothing, a blanket, your own hospital gown (if you hospital will allow it) and a few infant diapers form the most essential items.

Clothing – Once home the child will of course need appropriate clothing. However before you step out to get your baby her very own wardrobe, do calculate the season that is she going to arrive in and then shop in accordance with it. So of course, no overalls for a summer baby and no point buying cotton frocks for a winter child. Do keep in mind that buying more that 6 to 8 sets of clothing may not be a good idea since infants grow at a very fast rate and will not take more than two months to outgrow their baby clothing.

Cot needs- The new baby will spend a large part of the day and hopefully night too, sleeping. So it is advisable that a cot be arranged before the baby actually comes home. Keeping the baby on your own bed is not a highly recommended idea. Once you pick the cot of your choice and have found a mattress to go with it, buy at least three fitted sheets and steer clear of baby pillows, since they are known to cause SIDS. Two coverings would suffice and it is advisable to organize some waterproofing regardless of whether you plan to use cloth diapers of not.

Bath needs- You will need to bathe the baby almost within 24 hours of the child arriving at home and being prepared for it will help tremendously. It is best to buy an inclined baby bath tub, which allows you to use both your hands freely. Buy a head to toe tear free bathing baby soap, get a hooded towel and if you like even a thermometer to check the temperature of the water.

Extras – These extras form a large part of your shopping when stocking up for the baby. Buy infant size diapers at least two large packs, but no more since babies tend to outgrow them very quickly. A digital thermometer, nail clipper, nasal cleaner, baby lotion, car seat, diaper bags and a burp cloth will be things you will need almost immediately to get home with the baby. For those planning on bottle feeding the baby, a bottle sterilizer and a feeding set will come in handy too.

While there is no way of being completely prepared for the arrival of your baby, it will help tremendously to organize as much as you can before the baby is home.

Baby's First Swim!

2008-05-27T14:25:00.003-05:00

Your baby’s first swim!

Baby swimming activities are just as much fun for the parents as they are for the child and though a few tears are usual, you can ensure that the baby enjoys the swim by keeping a few tips in mind. Also, it is important to remember that the first few baby swimming classes are not really aimed at teaching the child to swim, but only to enjoy the water and get used to it.

Pre-swimming precautions – These are few precautions that you should keep in mind before you actually enter the water.
1) Swimming gear- Since most pools make it mandatory for babies to enter the pool waters in appropriate swimming gear, it is important to choose the right one. While there are swimming diapers available easily, one could go with a simple swimming suit, which is of course not too tight for the child. Remember that the suit must be comfortable too.
2) Sun block – Some people tend to believe that babies do not need sun blocks, but nothing could be further from the truth. The harsh UV rays of the sun can harm the baby’s sensitive skin much more than an adult’s. However, a sun block cream which is natural rather than chemical is highly recommended. Also do ensure that the Ph of the sun block is at least 30 so as to be effective.
3) Water temperature – The temperature of the pool must not go beyond 96 degrees F and should not fall under 84 degrees F either. Do ensure that the pool is maintaining this temperature before entering with the baby.
4) Your gear- Instead of only a bathing suit, wear a t shirt too, since it will help the child to hold on to you once in the water.

During swimming – A few tips to keep in mind while swimming so as to keep the baby safe as well as happy.
1) Face contact- Keep your face close to the child while conducting the baby swimming activity. This inspires confidence in the child.
2) Floating ideas- Encourage the baby to float on her back and kick frequently.
3) Bubbles – Show the baby how you can blow bubbles under the water. This will help in teaching the child how to eventually take her face underwater.
4) Toys – Carry a few bath time toys to keep the concept of familiarity with water alive.
5) Time- If the baby swimming activity is going smoothly, stay in the water for at least 10 to 20 minutes. However, ensure that you do not stay in the pool for more than 30 min. If at any time the baby begins to shiver come out of the pool and cover the child in a towel immediately.

Post swimming care- The baby swimming tips and precautions continue even after you have left the pool.
1) Bath- Always bathe the baby after a swim, it helps to rid the skin of any infection and chlorine that may have been picked up during the swim. The area under the skin folds needs special attention.
2) Eyes and ears- These are two parts of the body that need special attention after a swim, in both adults and babies alike. Take an ear bud and clean the outer ear of the baby. Add a drop of cleansing eye drops to each eye of the child to ensure that infection is prevented.

Keep these few tips in mind and you will see that your baby’s first swim will grow into a regular baby swimming activity that both you and the child will enjoy thoroughly.

Benefits of Nursing Bras

2008-04-21T16:16:00.002-05:00

Some nursing mothers do not realize the importance of a really good nursing bra. There are some mothers that think any bra will do whether it is a normal bra or a nursing bra.

A nursing bra will give the nursing mother the support that she will need for her ever engorging breasts.

When a woman is breast feeding her new baby her breasts will constantly fill with milk all through out the day and the night. Her breasts will become heavy with milk and then after the baby eats the breasts will become lighter again. It is during these times when a nursing bra is needed the most. When the breasts become heavy with milk they become much heavier to the mother. She will needed added support for her larger breasts and a good nursing bra will provide that much needed support.

Another wonderful thing about a nursing bra is that nursing bras have a flap that the mother can hook and unhook as needed to give the baby a much easier accessible breast to eat from. These flaps are located directly over the breasts and they will usually have some kind of device that you can hook and unhook as needed. There may be some wire hooks or perhaps some kind of buttons or the best thing to have is Velcro.

There are some moms that feel that a nursing bra is not at all feminine and they would prefer not to wear one. Of course you do not have to wear a nursing bra all of the time but it is advisable to. Even if you are not going out with your new baby and you will not need a nursing bra to feed the baby, your breasts will still become heavy with milk especially if you are not feeding at the time.

Finding plus size maternity clothes.

2008-04-14T11:50:00.002-05:00

When a woman becomes pregnant she can go through many different emotions. And when all of those emotions have played through she can then start to experience pregnancy. Along with pregnancy also comes the fact that her body will change. Due to her changing body she will need to purchase some maternity clothes. When a woman has a much fuller shape she will need to buy some plus size maternity clothes for her changing body.

We see the actresses and the models and all of the "perfect" people of the world with their "baby bumps" all over the media. We see them in magazines, on television and all over the internet. These are the people that can continue to wear all of the cutest styles in fashion even after they are pregnant. There are many stylish outfits for pregnant women to wear. Unless of course you are a bigger woman, then it may be much more difficult to find the adorable maternity clothes to wear.

There was a time when you could not find cute plus size maternity clothing any where that you looked. Plus size maternity clothes just did not come in the latest fashions and it was hard to locate any kind of plus size maternity clothing that looked cute and stylish. But today that has all changed. Plus size women were tired of not being able to wear the stylish and trendy maternity clothes that they saw other women wearing on television and other places. They wanted something that was for them to wear that was cute and also plus size maternity wear.

For any woman it is hard to accept their changing body while they are pregnant. None of their clothing will fit and it may seem like they have nothing to wear. This is one of the reasons that maternity clothing is so important. It is important because maternity clothing will fit the pregnant body much better than regular clothing. A pregnant woman may not want to wear a certain style of clothing when she is not pregnant but once she becomes pregnant it is like a license to wear things that she would not normally wear. For instance there are many women that stay away from flared baby doll tops. Many women feel that the baby doll tops make them look as if they are pregnant and the majority of women who are not pregnant would not want to be mistaken for being pregnant, so they avoid the style of clothing. However once a woman becomes pregnant she can happily embrace the adorable baby doll top. There are many different styles that are perfect for any pregnant woman to wear they just have to find what is right for them.

Plus size maternity clothing should be no different than other maternity clothing. They are in the same adorable styles as other maternity clothes. Plus size women should be allowed to embrace their pregnant bodies just like any other woman should be allowed to. And by finding plus size maternity clothing in the stylish and trendy fashions that are out there they will be able to do so very easily.

Maternity Clothes 2008!

2008-01-02T14:59:00.000-06:00

Maternity Jeans
Jeans, jeans, and more jeans! We have a wonderful selection of HIGH QUALITY jeans that make you look and feel great! From Momzee, to Mamablack, to Chic, to Serena. What a selection! These jeans are not those tight, ugly fitting, scratchy jeans you see at other stores. Our selection of jeans are made for comfort and are in a broad range of prices to meet any budget!

Maternity Pajamas & Gowns
Wow, it's cold! Not anymore! We have an adorable collection of maternity pajamas to fit any style. We have the one piece, 2 piece, 3 piece, and even ones that come with a matching baby PJ set too! Check out our maternity pajamas collection now.

Maternity Tops & Tee's
Tis the season for Long sleeve tee's or casual tops! We have a beautiful selection of casual maternity tops and t-shirts in Long sleeve, Short sleeve, and sleeveless(for the brave!). So many beautiful styles to choose from that it's hard to just get one.

Diaper Bags, Strollers, & More!
Our Baby selection is rapidly growing as we give you baby clothes, strollers, diaper bags, and more. For Mom's we have comfort pillows, nursing shawls, and more! Come check it out and see the savings. FREE SHIPPING!(sorry, not on strollers and furniture items).

Skin Care for Mom & Baby
Protect you and your precious angel's skin with our quality selection of natural and organic skin care items. From stretch mark prevention to moisturizers, to SUV protection. We've got it all! FREE SHIPPING.

Exclusive Fall Savings on Maternity Clothes

2007-10-05T13:39:00.000-05:00

Fall is officially here and the summer has said its goodbye's. At BellaBlu Maternity, we have a wonderful selection of Fall Maternity wear to select from. From seasonal dresses, to long sleeve classy maternity tops, to pants, and to maternity pajamas for those colder nights..............we've got it all! BellaBlu Maternity has made it clear that we want to provide high quality, affordably priced maternity clothing that will not only make you look and feel better, but will really elevate how proud and glowing you are with the little angel that you are helping to create. So take a look around and don't forget to get your exclusive coupon code at the bottom of this Newsletter for additional savings plus FREE shipping* on all orders $100 and over or only $4 Flat rate on any items totalling less than $100!. Here are a few of several items and lines we have to choose from. Please don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions regarding any of our maternity clothing. We are here to make your online shopping experience as easy and as pleasant as possible.

Fall Maternity Clothes Sale!

2007-09-05T12:49:00.000-05:00

Can you believe the summer has come to an end? School is back, vacations are over, and it's time to get back in full groove. Fall is always an exciting time for many expecting mothers as the weather begins to cool down and they can now start to wear some of the wonderful maternity fall fashions that come out every year. This year at Bellablu Maternity, we are excited to be offering some new designs that offer high quality, beautifully designed maternity wear that you can enjoy full term. The new styles from Japanese Weekend, Egg, Momzee, and others, will offer you the highest quality and best designs you can imagine. You deserve to look beautiful while waiting for that little angel that will soon be joining your world. Lastly, as a preferred BellaBlu Maternity customer, you get an exclusive coupon(located at the bottom of the email), that gets you an additional 15% off ALL items! Plus, for a limited time, we have $4 shipping on your ENTIRE ORDER(not per product). That really can add up to a lot in a hurry so take advantage now. Please don't hesitate to contact us via email or phone if you have any questions about styles, sizing, or availability. We are always here to help you and make your online shopping experience as pleasant and as easy as possible.

Huge Swimwear and Maternity Top Sale!

2007-07-23T10:04:00.000-05:00

Can you believe how fast this summer is going? We still have plenty of hot summer days left and now is a great time to get your maternity swimsuit and maternity top from BellaBlu Maternity. We have not only lowered prices, but we are giving you an exclusive discount with an EXTRA 15% OFF all swimwear and tops... and anything else for that matter by using the coupon code BBSWIM!

And don't forget, FREE SHIPPING* on all clothing orders! Many suits are selling fast and certain sizes sell out fast so please hurry! Please enjoy the rest of this great summer! And as always at BellaBlu Maternity, we are here to make your online shopping experience as pleasant as possible so never hesitate to call us if you
have any questions. 866-406-4135 or 405-285-9003.

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-01T11:13:00.000-05:00

Father's Day at BellaBlu Maternity
Greetings!

Don't forget Dad this Father's Day, June 17th!!! Dad's are important too and what a great way to remind them than with a special Father's Day gift from BellaBlu Maternity. Dad's play a special part too in that 9 month period for that precious angel to join the family. At BellaBlu Maternity & Baby, we have a great selection of t-shirts and diaper bags especially made for Dad's. So take a look and buy something extra special for Dad this year! And as always at Bellablu Maternity, we have a wonderful selection of maternity swimwear, spring/summer tops and tee's, and gorgeous dresses and baby bedding! We offer FREE DELIVERY(ground) and don't forget the coupon code(at bottom of email) for additional exclusive discounts!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

2007-05-03T16:12:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day Specials at BellaBlu Maternity!

Mother's Day is May 13th and what better way to show how much you appreciate all the love and care that Mom's give than with a special gift from BellaBlu Maternity. Expecting mothers are even more special as they play such a monumental role in the love and passion for the wonderful children they provide. It's time to show Mom's why they are so special. It's time to pamper them! Use coupon code "bellamom" (without the quotes) to receive 15% off at checkout!

Stylish, comfortable nursing bras

2007-03-19T11:38:00.001-05:00

It is so hard to find nursing Bras that are actually not embarrassing to put on. Passion Spice has come out with a fabulous line of soft yet sexy nursing bras. This fabulous line was just featured in in Epregancy and is a BellaBlu favorite.

Organic Skin Care Products

2007-03-19T11:35:00.000-05:00

Don't let your skin take all the stress. We have a wonderful selection of organically made skin care products from mi ámore. mi ámore prides themselves in providing all natural organic skin care products that are becoming more and more popular these days with all of the harsh chemicals that can be found in many types of skin products. mi ámore skin care products contain all natural healing and revitalizing properties of Hazelnut, Rosehip and Primrose oil and calming anti- inflammatory Orange & Lavender. Its body oils are high in nutritional values, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, each application leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and healthy looking. With a hint of fresh, energizing pure Orange & Lavender, it's truly a "miracle worker". It has a lightweight, non-greasy texture suitable for all skin types and is also safe for babies and children.

Maternity Formal Wear

2007-03-16T11:53:00.001-05:00

NOT YOUR MOMMA’S HOLIDAY DRESS!

A Cheeky Comparison of Today’s Maternity Formal Wear to the 1950’s By Amber Colleen Lipson for Bella Blu Maternity:

Today’s holiday maternity fashions are trendy, stylish and sexy, fitting today’s fast-paced lifestyle of holiday office parties, chic formal dinners and catered holiday events - far from the steadfast, practical dresses worn by our pregnant grandmothers. While many women of the 1950s were consumed with traditional home duties: cooking, cleaning, raising large families, today’s woman is mobile, task-oriented and refuses to allow a growing belly to slow her down. The changes in holiday maternity fashion aptly reflect the changes in women, our attitudes about our pregnant bodies and our role in society over the past fifty years.

1950s Maternity Dress: Arms: Covered with thick material to protect skin while cooking heavy holiday meals and scrubbing floors. Bodice: Tent-like, perfect for chasing little ones and keeping the house clean. Length To the floor: extra material is convenient for dusting off little fingerprint marks and scooping up young children. Fabric: Functional and sturdy, not luxurious. Washable for wear during repeated pregnancies. Style: Handmade, like most of the family’s wardrobe, most likely by the woman wearing the dress. Colors: Dark for disguising stains and spills.

Today’s Maternity Holiday Dress: Arms: Spa-scrubbed skin is fully exposed under spaghetti-straps for maximum flexibility in reaching for designer purses to pay the sushi caterer or tofu deliveryman. Bodice: Form-fitting for ease in slipping in and out of a procession of chic holiday parties. Length To the floor: short, for showing off health club-toned legs and for hailing taxis. Fabric: Dry clean only for women who do not own an ironing board. Style: Purchased from the hottest fashion designer; not expected to be worn more than once as every chic woman knows you can’t be seen in the same style twice. Colors: Bright, busy patterns for maximum Wow! factor. All of today’s hottest and chic maternity dress styles can be found at BellaBlumaternity.com.

Just because your pregnant doesn't mean you cannot enjoy the season! Check out BellaBlu's large selection of Holiday dresses.

Shopping for dad just got easier!

2007-03-16T11:43:00.002-05:00

Don't forget dad this holiday season! BellaBlu has a large selection of great gifts for dad. From our diaper bag collection especially geared towards dad to our stylish yet humorous tee shirt collection. BellaBlu is not leaving dad out this holiday season and either should you. Don't forget to check out this cool daddy diaper bag that dad can carry around. These are completely unique and a BellaBlu favorite. Check out BellaBlu's Daddy Shop for all your new Daddy gift needs.

Fashion Maternity Tees

2007-03-16T09:40:00.001-05:00

There is nothing better than a comfy tee with a great fit especially when your pregnant. Now with so many choices a pregnant mom can wear a comfy tee that is both stylish and fun. From novelty tees with cute sayings to embellished tees with crystals, the options are outstanding. Most of the maternity tees now are form fitting so they provide a stylish yet sexy look. Go Ahead and show off that bump while feeling like your wearing your favorite pre-pregnancy tee shirt.

Sexy Maternity Clothes

2006-08-16T10:52:00.000-05:00

You are expecting a baby and you may be feeling a bit uncomfortable and none too sexy, it need not be that way. Put down the oversized shirt and step away from the frumpy dress. Maternity clothes have actually become quite fashionable in recent decades. They do not have to be dumpy and frumpy and they do not have to scream, “Pregnant lady coming!”

There are now a plethora of styles and colors that the expectant mother can choose from. Maternity clothing now comes in a surprisingly large number of designs and colors. There are now so many choices available in maternity clothing that you are virtually assured of finding something to your liking.

No need to learn circus tents as maternity clothes anymore. Women of all shapes and sizes are demanding more from maternity clothes and the designers are hearing them loud and clear. If you are shopping for maternity clothes now be prepared to be there for awhile because there are a lot of choices to be made.

The good news is that you are no longer limited in what you can buy and you are not limited in what you can wear. Younger moms-to-be are wearing outfits that show off their baby-bellies. There are now maternity clothes manufactured to show off the expectant moms bare midriff.

Most of us are not quite so brave and prefer our maternity clothes to cover our tummies. There are still plenty of choices to the had. Shirts do not have to wear like tarps. They can be formfitting while somehow being flattering to the rather robust figure.

Different women have different shapes, of course. Some of us carry our weight on the bottom and some of us are top heavy. It wasn't too long ago that maternity clothes didn't even bother taking that into account. It was basically a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. The focus was on the belly and this actually made the garments accentuate the feature. Today’s maternity clothes are designed are specifically designed to flatter the different shapes and figures that are unique to would-be moms.

It would seem that bright colors are in now and maternity clothes will reflect that as well. For many years maternity clothes were for some inexplicable reason, drab and colorless. Say goodbye to black, white and beige and say hello to purple, pink and lime green. Color brings life to the once dreaded maternity clothes and in its cheer, at least I think so. There are so many different styles and colors that he really I can have quite a bit of fun making your choices.

Morgan Hamilton offers his findings and insights regarding the world of fashion. You can get interesting and informative information here at
Stylish Maternity Clothes

tags:
sexy, maternity, clothes, pregnancy

Maternity Clothing - Breast Feeding Clothes

2006-08-14T12:23:00.000-05:00

A Guide to Breastfeed in Style.

Melissa, a 34-year-old executive from Manhattan, once asked me how a woman who
had always paid a lot of attention to her image could attend to the nursing
needs of her baby without losing her sense of style and personality in the
process. That question stood in my mind then like one of those bubble gums you
used to find at school underneath your student desk. Back then, nursing in
public meant either running to the next available bathroom you could find and
hide with your baby until she was finished nursing and you could finally
breathe, or wearing one of those out-of-style, oversized t-shirts that do
nothing but to make you cry out of pity for yourself. Nowadays, styles have
changed, and the addition of wonderful man-made fibers, such as Lycra® or
Spandex® (as it is also known), has become a tremendous help for stylish
breastfeeding moms. Those days when moms resented nursing in public because they
could never look “normal” are over. Moms don’t need to suffer any longer. Now
they can look stylish and feel comfortable while addressing their babies’
nursing needs.

<span style="font-weight: bold;">The 5 pieces of clothes you cannot live
without:</span>

There are five basic pieces that go a long way in any breastfeeding mom’s
wardrobe. A black linen nursing dress. This is a great classic dress no woman
can live without. Black is always fashionable, and linen, or better yet, stretch
linen can add shape, comfort and breathe ability to satisfy the stylish woman as
well as the mom in you. We all know how much we need clothes that breathe with
us, especially during those first few months when our mommy-hormones are at
their peak. The elasticity and comfort of stretch linen can make any mommy feel
sexy. A nursing pant suit, a must-have for almost every occasion. You can get
wonderful sets of tops, blouses or tunics with their matching pants. This type
of outfit is as versatile as it gets. You can wear both pieces together as they
are, add a jacket to make it more formal, or combine the top with jeans, a skirt
or just about anything to achieve almost any style you can think of. You can get
sets in cotton, rayon or stretch linen. Ah, what a wonderful idea! A
cotton/Spandex® top, this is the IT piece for everyone. Whether you are a
stay-at-home-mom or a corporate executive on Wall Street, this would be the
piece you could not forget to wear. The combination of these two fibers creates
the perfect marriage. Cotton makes it comfortable, breathable and affordable;
Spandex® makes it stylish, adds more comfort and gives you that sexy look to die
for. And finally, two pairs of nursing bras, of course! And you thought I would
forget the bras? No woman can have only one bra, so why should the nursing mom
be the exception. At least, you would need a white or beige (commonly called
“ecru”) and a black nursing bra. As you already know, we need one that can be
worn with almost any light-colored outfit and one that should be worn with
dark-colored ones. Bras should fit comfortably, snug, never tight. If you have
problems finding the proper nursing bra size for you, you can always consult a
lactation consultant who can measure you and advice you on the best shape and

style that suits your needs and likes. Now mommies can feel like that sexy
goddess they thought they left hiding in the closet and nurse in comfort and
style. And, remember, what you wear today will haunt you for ever. 
Bellablu Maternity carries an extensive line of stylish <a href="http://www.bellablumaternity.com/nursing-bras-pretty-c-68.html">nursing
bras</a>, visit www.bellablumaternity.com.

Maternity Wear

2006-08-14T12:21:00.000-05:00

by Patricia Skinner

If you are expecting a baby and want to stay looking your best, it's important to locate a source of really good looking and comfortable maternity wear. The approach of new motherhood is exciting. So much is changing and there is the prospect of welcoming a new human being into the world! But it can be tiring and you sometimes get to feel a little uncomfortable towards the end.

Always Look Your Best
There is much you can do though, to keep feeling energetic and to stay looking your best right up to the baby's due date. To begin with, it's important for mothers-in-waiting to take the best possible care of themselves. This includes taking all the vitamins and nutritional supplements recommended by healthcare professionals, eating right, and even taking a little light exercise.

Whatever the weather, it's a little more difficult than at other times to stay comfortable. The right maternity wear will help keep you feeling glamorous and feminine no matter what else is going on. Fortunately anyone expecting a baby now has a lot more choice than in times gone by. In the past few years many exceptional maternity wear companies have opened up, triggered into existence by frustration on the part of so many pregnant moms at not being able to find maternity wear that they can look good and feel great in.

In the winter, fabrics are not so much of an issue, but during hot weather it's important that your maternity wear is fashioned from healthy and comfortable fabrics. If you don't go for totally natural materials, like cotton, silk, linen or wool, then opt for one of the modern microfibers which are very soft, practical and comfortable.

Don't Try to Avoid Maternity Wear
Unfortunately, too many women put off buying maternity wear till the last minute, hoping that they won't gain too much weight, and will be able to make do with their ordinary clothes right up to baby's birth. This is highly unlikely for the majority of women, and most end up making a trip to the store just a few weeks before they give birth, having already been uncomfortable for a some time because of their expanding waistlines. Don't do this to yourself!

You will get far better value for money if you go and choose a suitable maternity wardrobe as soon as your clothes begin to be a little snug. You will be providing yourself with comfort, and if you're a professional you must stay looking businesslike, which involves accommodating your bump with dignity! You need well fitting clothes at all times. You can find maternity wear to suit any occasion, whether it's sweats for a trip to the park or hanging out, tailored business suits for work, or even a glamorous evening dress for a night out.

Accommodating the New You!
Since you'll probably only be in this situation a couple of times in your life at most, why not make it special? You want to have pictures and memories so that you can look back in admiration, not embarrassment about what you were wearing. So make a point of locating some stores where you can find the styles you wear usually, only made to accommodate your changing shape with grace and style.

Remember that there's no need to select a larger size when you buy maternity wear. These fashions are cut to take your bump into account. Unless you've gained a lot of weight elsewhere, you need to select the same size you wore before your pregnancy.

Stretch Mark Cream for Pregnancy Stretch Marks

2006-06-07T22:08:00.000-05:00

Repair Your Stretch Marks In
As Little As 4 Weeks with

Stretch Mark Cream formulated with your results in mind. Using a "Dual Delivery" System of emu oil and liposomes, Stretch Renew deeply penetrates your skin helping to repair and diminish both new and old marks.

Whether caused from pregnancy, body building, weight gain/loss or growth spurts, there's finally help at last.

Stretch Renew was developed from years of research creating a precise formulation. This amazing formula not only helps repair and reduce old stretch marks, but actually helps prevent new ones from forming.

Stretch Marks can be removed.

Hip Moms: Fancy Diaper Bags

2006-06-07T22:02:00.001-05:00

You may think that $180 is a little steep for a diaper bag but BellaBlu
Maternity's customers are snapping them up.

The fancy diaper bags, glamorous in rich colors and featuring bottle holders, changing pad and pockets for wipes, are flying out the door at
BellaBlu's maternity and baby boutique. BellaBlu Maternity's customers tend to be among that commercially-coveted group of shoppers who seek out exclusive clothing, shoes, bedding and furniture.

"They're very chic for the hip mom, very hot with the celebrities," said
BellaBlu. "They're very stylish, they don't look like typical diaper bags" said
BellaBlu.

Pretty maternity clothes in chic designs and unusual colors are abundant.

"A lot of department stores have stopped carrying maternity clothes," BellaBlu noted, adding that "We have so many galas here, people like to look good."

Last week, a customer arrived who was clearly in pain. She was a nurse who was pregnant and complaining that her back hurt because she was on her feet all day.

The solution: A unique device called the prenatal cradle; which provides support to the mother-to-be. It costs $90.

"She was most amazed once she put it on, how much it helped," BellaBlu remembered. "She wore it out of the store she liked it so much."

The boutique also carries furniture that can be custom-ordered, so choosy clients can create a coordinated look of matching furniture styles, bed linens and chair fabrics.

There are custom gliders that can be ordered with many different features and 20 types of cribs, each one available in 25 different colors. Not to mention the changing tables,
chests and chairs. Part of the service the staff provides is something beyond
sheer politeness. "When they get farther along, we'll help them design the room.
We're into serious customer service."

Maternity Clothing getting a bit too tight for comfort

2006-04-25T08:08:00.001-05:00

Published April 24, 2006

`They aren't leaving a thing to the imagination.' That's one of my mother's favorite expressions.

And she recently served it up during a conversation we were having about pregnant women and
maternity clothes.

"When did it become chic for a pregnant woman to wear such skintight, form-fitting clothing?" she asks.

Face in full scrunch, she tells me that she's been noticing this little fashion statement a lot lately on quite a few women of varying demographics. I've noticed it too. But it hasn't moved me the way it has moved her.

"Their belly buttons are poking out," she adds. "You'd be hard-pressed to find one that doesn't poke out during pregnancy, but do we have to see this in such detail?"

My mother views pregnancy as a wonderful time when a woman's figure, no matter how "WOW" it was prior to pregnancy, soon expands and contorts into one big "WHOA" that should be dutifully concealed.

For her, Spandex T-shirts and dresses are too tell-all and don't help much. Neither does the warm weather, which reveals things and is the reason we're having the conversation.

I toy with whether it's worth reminding her that in agrarian societies a pregnant woman once was worshiped as a goddess--physique and all--and a sign that a good crop would yield a bountiful harvest.

I don't speak these words, though. I know full well she'd only roll her eyes at me.

My mother's two pregnancies occurred in the mid-to-late 1960s. Back when women wore muumuus, and other understated tent like apparel, even before they started "to show."

Her mother's two pregnancies occurred in the mid-to-late 1930s, when, I suppose, women must have hidden themselves during gestation.

I was the subject of my mother's fashion scrutiny in 1994, when my favorite outfit included a pair of Birkenstock sandals and a sky blue jumper that was so amenable to my expanding midsection I wore it every chance I could. By summer's end, it was nearly threadbare.

A colleague and good friend advised me that I shouldn't invest in too many maternity outfits. She said I should purchase a few outfits in larger sizes, which was how I'd arrived at my jumper. After the baby was born, she said, I could probably wear several of my overlarge sweaters again. Other wardrobe items I could donate or incinerate.

She also hipped me to the rubber band trick. It's a way a pregnant woman can wear her more stylish pants beyond the time when they can no longer be zipped up all the way.

The rubber band trick works like this: You take three or four rubber bands, chain-link them until you have something that can work like a suspension bridge. You loop one end through the buttonhole of the pants and the other end around the button. And, viola! This allows you to wear normal pants a bit longer without the worry that they might slide down to your knees.

Sponor your pregnancy

2006-03-28T13:21:00.000-06:00

Your Ad, My Belly
By Anju Mary Paul, Women's eNews
Posted on March 27, 2006, Printed on March 28, 2006
http://www.alternet.org/story/34001/

Going once ... Going twice ... Sold for $1,000, sponsorship rights to the live birth on March 18 of one baby girl! A month ago, in St. Louis, 21-year-old Asia Francis sold the rights to sponsor the birth of her first child to Globat LLC, a Los Angeles-based Web hosting company.

Globat president and CEO Ben R. Neumann came across Francis' offer at the online auction site, eBay, and made the winning bid of $1,000. "The opportunity to sponsor the birth of a child was simply too exciting to pass up," Neumann said in a press release.

In return, Francis agreed to wear Globat.com T-shirts whenever she stepped out of her home before her delivery and to sport a temporary tattoo of the company's red-and-black logo on her swollen belly. On the morning of March 17 when Francis drove to the hospital to induce labor, her car was decorated with Globat decals and car magnets. In the delivery room the expectant mother had Globat stickers around her pillow, her well-wishers all wore company T-shirts while the walls were decked with company posters and a banner. At 2:35am the next day, her baby, named Samiah Wynn Francis, was born, weighing 6 pounds, 15 ounces. The delivery itself was videotaped and selected segments will be posted for viewing on the company's Web site. This sponsorship helped provide
maternity clothing.

The sponsorship deal fits in with Globat's publicity strategy of paying for "at least one edgy event in every state of the United States." Helen Lee, the company's marketing director, thinks that the birth sponsorship makes for a "fun story that's unique and gets people talking about us." But how about from the new mother's point of view? Was all that worth $1,000?

"Nine months is a long time to sit around and not do anything," Francis said. "This gave me something to do."

Single motherhood ain't easy

As a single mother still living with her parents, Francis expects to eventually marry the father of her child and move in with him, but the couple has yet to set any dates. In the meantime, Francis is using the $1,000 to continue making her car payments and also help with her daughter's care.

Fear of miscarriage makes buying baby clothes or setting up a nursery before a baby's birth taboo in many cultures, as it is believed to be tempting bad luck. In the United States, almost 15 percent of pregnant women between 20 and 24 years of age experienced miscarriages in 2000, according to the New York-based Alan Guttmacher Institute. But Francis says she was "pretty aware" her baby was healthy and didn't think there was any risk involved in selling advance advertising rights.

Pregnancy sponsor

Globat was actually the second company involved with Francis' pregnancy.

Before lining up her "birth sponsor," Francis found a "pregnancy sponsor." For three months starting in November last year, she auctioned off ad space on her swollen belly to Golden Palace, the online casino licensed out of the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake, Canada. Golden Palace has a track record of tattooing pregnant women and sponsoring deliveries as a marketing tactic.

From December 2005 to February 2006, three pregnant sisters from St. Petersburg, Fla., who were all giving birth within a month of each other, agreed to advertise for the company. Photographs of the sisters displayed their swollen bellies under rolled-up T-shirts, with the Web address GoldenPalace.com stamped across their stomachs in bold letters.

In March 2005, the company sponsored the birth of a baby boy, Parker, to South Carolina resident Amber Rainey, who had previously auctioned ad space on her belly to the casino. Rainey encouraged bidding on her eBay site by arguing that people can't help but look at pregnant women's abdomens. "Obviously GoldenPalace.com agrees," the company said in a press release.

The video of Rainey's birth sponsorship--which Francis stumbled across while surfing through the auction pages of eBay, based in San Jose, Calif.--gave her the idea of putting up her own baby's birth for sponsorship.

Role reversal

"We pay to advertise for companies right now with the cars we drive and the brands we wear on our T-shirts," Francis says. "This way they pay us to advertise."

Not everyone agrees.

"I think that's an incredible rationalization," says Jean Kilbourne, author of the 1999 book, "Can't Buy My Love: How Advertising Changes the Way We Think and Feel." "I do agree that wearing clothing with brand labels is in fact advertising and we should be getting paid for it. But there was a time when we did not wear brands on the outside of our clothing. It's indicative of how advertising has colonized us and taken over our lives. The correct logic would be to refuse to be turned into a billboard." Kilbourne, a Boston resident, created the award-winning documentary series "Killing Us Softly," which examines the image of women in advertising. The first documentary came out in 1979 and two updates were released in 1987 and 1999.

Francis' sponsorship stunt has also been picked up by national and international media. She has been featured on local radio stations and television channels and in newspapers as far away as Australia. Could this new ripple of media interest in pregnancy help change an advertising standard that usually prefers rail-thin women?

Kilbourne doesn't think so. "Pregnant women are the only ones who have permission to be fat. I still wouldn't see that as progress. What this shows is who owns her body. She's allowing herself to be used which is demeaning in itself. But it's particularly degrading when linked to something like pregnancy."

Asia Francis says she auctioned off the advertising rights to her baby's birth "75 percent for fun, 25 percent for the money." She also says she did it for her daughter. "I'm going to put the photos in my daughter's memory book," Francis says, "so she can see how excited we were about her birth."

Anju Mary Paul has an M.A. in journalism from New York University. She is a reporter in New York City.
© 2006 Independent Media Institute. All rights reserved.

Support from expectant mothers

2006-03-18T11:21:00.000-06:00

Seven sources of support for expectant mothers

Pickles and ice cream cravings, too-tight
maternity clothing and morning sickness: every mother-to-be has heard of, or experienced, these physical hallmarks of pregnancy. But the size of your waistband isn't the only thing that changes during pregnancy, notes Ellen Sue Stern, author of "Expecting Change: Your Guide to the Emotional Journey of Pregnancy" (Meadowbrook Press, $10.00; www.meadowbrookpress.com).

"Pregnancy has propelled you into a whole new world that you might not be able to navigate alone," says Stern. "Whatever your particular support system may be, now's the time to think about who you can turn to for help."

Stern suggests seven pillars of support that expectant mothers can turn to during pregnancy for advice, comfort and encouragement:

1. Your Partner

Your partner is the single most important source of support during your pregnancy. Your partner has probably been your greatest support during your entire relationship, but the changes of pregnancy have made your need for his physical and emotional help more pressing.

2. Your Family and Friends

These are the people you turn to when you need a helping hand with yard work, some pointers about buying maternity clothes, a sympathetic ear to listen to your concerns about childbirth, an escort for your parental checkups, or any other practical issue. Sometimes these close-knit relationships can be tense, but deep down, your family and friends care for you and want the very best for you and your baby.

3. Your Medical Provider

The best approach is to carefully select a medical provider who will offer the kind of care and support you want. Be sure to interview medical providers to learn about their training, experience and personal styles. Talk openly about your wishes and needs. You're inviting this person to participate in your pregnancy.

Maternity Swimwear

2006-03-03T09:15:00.001-06:00

Do you remember when the only choices for swimwear were a bikini or one piece? Those days are long gone. Nowadays, swimwear features more styles and color selections that people often choose to own not one, but several different styles. If you need any confirmation that there is variety in swimwear, just visit MySwim.net and you can find information and specials for just about every type of swimsuit available in the world. Swimwear has become so fashionable that you may not be aware of all the styles that are available.

If you're not interested in exposing much skin, you can easily find a tankini that covers more of your skin. In addition to being fashionable, tankinis
are also designed for comfort. Since the top part of the bathing suit resembles
a blouse, some of these swimsuits are available with cushion or padding. Are you
planning to attend a private gathering or are you feeling daring? Exotic
swimwear is probably the option for you. Exotic swimwear includes bathing suits
that expose more of your body or that are designed with unique shapes and
styles. You don't have to feel compelled to expose your body the entire time
you're wearing the bathing suit. There are a variety of cover-ups available on
the market. You can even find exotic swimwear with a cover-up option. Think
swimwear is only for those with perfect bodies? Wrong. Designers of stylish
swimwear realized that they were missing out on market potential and began
producing a wide range of swimwear. Clothing for pregnant women is such a huge
market now, that there are shops that sell maternity wear exclusively. The good
news about maternity swimwear is that it too is stylish. Another expanding
stylish swimwear market is plus sizes. Like maternity wear, there are shops just
about everywhere that offer clothing for plus sizes. Swimwear in plus sizes are
available in colorful and stylish choices. For your
Maternity Swimsuits please visit
http://www.bellablumaternity.com/

Thinking About Your Maternity Wardrobe

2006-02-12T17:50:00.000-06:00

"I am currently pregnant with my third and with my first I was in pregnancy clothes around month 4 and the second one I was in pregnancy clothes around month 3. By the time I got to week 9 I was absolutely dying in my regular clothes."

by Robin Elise Weiss

Maternity and fashion are two words you probably don't expect to see together. However, maternity clothes have gotten a lot more stylish, even since I had my first child.

Gone are the days of baby doll smocks and t-shirts announcing "Baby This Way." Today, we have a wide variety of clothes, from business, to dress/formal wear, and even
maternity lingerie.

The one prohibitive part of maternity clothes continues to be the monetary investment for clothing that gets worn for such a short amount of time. There are some solutions to this problem:

* Getting the most out of your purchases. There are clothes that you can buy that will take you all the way from pregnancy to nursing. There are also sets that can be purchased that when you add a few colored t-shirts you've got a whole wardrobe for a lot less than you'd spend on two really nice outfits.

* Beg, borrow and steal. Ask any friends or relatives if they have clothing that you can borrow. Clothing often gets passed around circles in these manners.

* Wear it big. Wearing plus size clothing can lessen the cost of the clothing you are buying, but will not fit as well as clothes made for pregnancy.

* Raid your husband's closet! If your mate is larger than you are feel free to help yourself to his clothing! Tell him I told you so...

* Discounts and more. Shop at yard sales, discount outlets, consignment shops, or even end of the year sales. I remember with my first pregnancy finding out in March and raiding the winter closeouts for my December due date. I saved a lot of money and had some nice clothes to wear.

* Make your own! If you're even slightly handy with sewing making your own clothes should be fairly easy to do.

Buying Maternity clothes does have it's benefits. The main benefit is that well fitting clothes are going to make us feel and look better than ill fitting non-maternity clothes.

Choosing a size is usually based on your pre-pregnancy weight. Though there are sizing charts available. Most stores will offer lengths and the like for online buying, and ensure that the stores have good return policies.

Underwear deserves some mention as well. My first pregnancy I shelled out the big bucks for some fancy (actually rather plain) maternity bikini underwear. The bands were just high enough to flip down over the underwear as my abdomen expanded, and by the end of pregnancy I had abandoned them for the delightful granny panties. With my third pregnancy I found that the regular bikini underwear that I bought in a size larger really worked the best, but occasionally nothing felt as good as my grandma underwear!

The bottom line is shop around, beg what you can from friends and relatives, and spend some money on a few well chosen pieces that make you look and feel better. Looking great will help your esteem when pregnant and make you more comfortable in the long run.

Plus Size Maternity Swimwear - Keeping it Comfortable

2006-01-18T23:03:00.000-06:00

We all want to look good, especially during pregnancy and even more when wearing a swimsuit.
Featuring hip, stylish maternity swim wear for the hip mom! Fun yet
stylish designer swimwear and swimwuits by Bellablu Maternity. Sexy, stylish and chic styles. When you are expecting - looking good makes you feel good!

So you're having a baby and you were a little overweight when you found out and now you have visions of more weight and the worry of finding something to fit. Well don't despair, enjoy your pregnancy because there are lots of plus size maternity clothes sold on the market today. They can make you look good at the office or at home, at an elegant party or a casual affair. You just have to know where to find the maternity clothes you want. The Internet is the best place to start your shopping experience for plus size maternity clothes.

In fact some sites will give you tips on what to expect and how to handle the changes you will be going through.

The online market offers beautiful swimwear that you can purchase in maternity wear. A plus size tankini wears very well during pregnancy. This type of plus size maternity clothes covers your tummy and gives you a look of style and fashion. You need to look as good as you feel when you are pregnant.

From swim wear to lingerie, from formal to casual, there is enough plus size maternity wear offered on the Internet sites to keep you in flattering fashion from the time of conception to the delivery.

Check out the sweaters that flow from your neck to down past your hips. These items of plus size maternity wear are extremely good at hiding the fact that you are carrying more than your normal weight. If you're stepping out on a cool evening, try a shawl that goes over the head and hangs below the hips. Plus size maternity clothes can make you look great in your pregnancy, so you don't have to hide yourself.

In plus size maternity clothes you will find a wide variety of pants and shorts in all kinds of fabric, most of which are very stretchable and will expand as you grow while keeping you very comfortable. Some of these maternity pants have panels in the front made especially for the growing belly and the same applies to the make of the shorts.

So relax and enjoy your pregnancy. The plus size maternity clothes are there for you to keep you fashionable and comfortable all the way through even to sexy lingerie. Remember you won't need maternity wear forever although it may seem like it in the last few months.

Plus size maternity clothes, look good while you're waiting for baby to arrive.

What is a Tankini?

2005-12-15T11:51:00.000-06:00

Tankinis are a Cross Between a Bikini and a Tank Top

A woman that has worn a bikini before having children may want to change to a
tankini after a birth. Tankinis are a cross between a bikini and a tank top and add a bit more coverage to a woman. She may be still young and feel that a one piece suit is too frumpy and not her style. A tankini can be a step away from a bikini without going all the way to a one piece suit. Tankinis cover the tummy that may have a few blemishes or may not be as appealing in a bikini as it once was. it is the perfect solution for a young woman not really interested in conservative styles.

Tankinis may fit tight to the skin almost like a one piece suit but they do not join at the bottoms. They can also be make to be looser fitting and not cling at all. The style that the woman decides on will depend on her tastes and what it will take to make her feel comfortable on the beach. She will also have a selection of different fabric colors and designs of tankinis to select from to make her skin tone and personal coloring. With a little shopping she will be able to find the right suit to ease her back on to the beach after a baby or just on days when she feels more timid.
BellaBlu Maternity offers a large selection of

maternity bathing suits.

Maternity Swimwear

2005-12-15T11:42:00.002-06:00

The maternity swimwear designed today has never been more practical or fashionable. Maternity swimsuits come in both two- piece and one- piece suits. The swimsuits are made with extra lining in the places that need it; most designs have built in soft-cup bras.

Tankini designs come in slightly larger belly covering lengths and swim-dress suits are available for more coverage. The selections of cover -ups come in both skirt and hooded designs, the skirts are often double lined with elastic waistbands.

There are so many great manufacturers offering an endless array of designs and various soft stretchy fabrics that you’re ensured a comfy fit during any stage of pregnancy. There are also wonderful nursing bathing suits on the market, which offer proper post pregnancy belly cover-up with built in bras for use when nursing baby.

BellaBlu Maternity offers a large selection of the
hottest maternity swimwear to help keep you cool while celebrating your belly. Whether you prefer a one piece maternity swimsuit or a two piece maternity swimsuit-From fun to funky, BellaBluMaternity.Com has plenty of maternity swimwear to offer. Maternity swimsuits have never looked so good.

Maternity Clothing Designs Available in New Catalog

2005-12-15T11:35:00.000-06:00

Exclusive Maternity Clothing Designs Available
online from BellaBlu Maternity

Edmond, OK – BellaBlu Maternity (http://www.bellablumaternity.com/) is pleased to announce the expansion of their
online maternity clothing store into the catalog market with the publication of their first catalog. Development and production of the catalog began in August 2005 when BellaBlu and strategic partner, Serena Maternity, began designing the maternity clothing to be featured in the catalog.

Known for their funky yet functional maternity clothing, BellaBlu Maternity has been offering maternity apparel and accessories online since March 2004. BellaBlu has featured maternity clothing from Serena Maternity on their website since its inception and the company saw the collaboration on the catalog as a natural fit for their business. “We love what Serena Maternity produces and our customers agree that the designs are hip and comfortable which is important to moms-to-be,”
says BellaBlu.

The Serena Maternity line is described as “a great line of basics with style." “Our goal in developing this line was to offer maternity clothing for working women and women on the go. It is maternity clothing that’s fashion forward and fun but also wears well.” The clothing designs in the catalog are exclusive to BellaBlu which give their customers the advantage of wearing pieces not found everywhere else.

The exclusive Serena Maternity line is available through the catalog and on the BellaBlu Maternity website. The new catalog will come out four times a year with the Spring 2006 catalog mailing in March. To receive the catalog, please visit the
BellaBlu website and click “catalog signup” in the navigation on the top right.

About BellaBlu Maternity
BellaBlu Maternity is dedicated to providing mothers-to-be with exceptional maternity clothing that is high quality and fashionable. They feature a wide variety of styles – from sophisticated to hip and modern – to bring their customers the freshest looks in maternity clothing. To shop their large selection of maternity clothes please visit:
http://www.bellablumaternity.com/.
Company Contact:
customerservice@bellablumaternity.com Phone: 866-406-4135

Press Release Contact:
Alyssa Duvall

All you need to know about food safety during pregnancy.

2005-12-02T21:10:00.000-06:00

What is foodborne illness?

* It's a sickness that occurs when people eat or drink harmful microorganisms (bacteria, parasites, viruses) or chemical contaminants found in some foods or drinking water.
* Symptoms vary, but in general can include: stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headache, or body aches. Sometimes you may not feel sick, but whether you feel sick or not, you can still pass the illness to your unborn child without even knowing it.

Why are pregnant women at high risk?

* You and your growing fetus are at high risk from some foodborne illnesses because during pregnancy your immune system is weakened, which makes it harder for your body to fight off harmful foodborne microorganisms.
* Your unborn baby's immune system is not developed enough to fight off harmful foodborne microorganisms.
* For both mother and baby, foodborne illness can cause serious health problems - or even death.

Tips for a Lifetime
There are many bacteria that can cause foodborne illness, such as E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella. Here are 4 Simple Steps you should follow to keep yourself and your baby healthy during pregnancy and beyond!

1. Clean

* Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap.
* Wash hands before and after handling food, and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or handling pets.
* Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and countertops with hot water and soap.
* Rinse raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water.

2. Separate

* Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from ready-to-eat foods.
* If possible, use one cutting board for raw meat, poultry, and seafood and another one for fresh fruits and vegetables.
* Place cooked food on a clean plate. If cooked food is placed on an unwashed plate that held raw meat, poultry, or seafood, bacteria from the raw food could contaminate the cooked food.

3. Cook

* Cook foods thoroughly. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature. See the Apply the Heat (PDF | 20.3KB - also available as JPG | 44.4KB) chart for the recommended cooking times for foods.
* Keep foods out of the Danger Zone: The range of temperatures at which bacteria can grow - usually between 40° F and 140° F (4° C and 60° C).
* 2-Hour Rule: Discard foods left out at room temperature for more than two hours.

4. Chill

* Your refrigerator should register at 40° F (4° C) or below and the freezer at 0° F (-18° C). Place an appliance thermometer in the refrigerator, and check the temperature periodically.
* Refrigerate or freeze perishables (foods that can spoil or become contaminated by bacteria if left unrefrigerated).
* Use ready-to-eat, perishable foods (dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, produce) as soon as possible.

3 Foodborne Risks for Pregnant Women
As a mom-to-be, there are 3 specific foodborne risks that you need to be aware of. These risks can cause serious illness or death to you or your unborn child. Follow these steps to help ensure a healthy pregnancy.

1. Listeria
What it is:
A harmful bacterium that can grow at refrigerator temperatures where most other foodborne bacteria do not. It causes an illness called listeriosis.

Where it's found:
Refrigerated, ready-to-eat foods and unpasteurized milk and milk products.

How to prevent illness:

* Follow the 4 Simple Steps above.
* Do not eat hot dogs and luncheon meats - unless they're reheated until steaming hot.
* Do not eat soft cheese, such as Feta, Brie, Camembert, "blue-veined cheeses," "queso blanco," "queso fresco," and Panela - unless it's labeled as made with pasteurized milk. Check the label.
* Do not eat refrigerated pâtés or meat spreads.
* Do not eat refrigerated smoked seafood - unless it's in a cooked dish, such as a casserole. (Refrigerated smoked seafood, such as salmon, trout, whitefish, cod, tuna, or mackerel, is most often labeled as "nova-style," "lox," "kippered," "smoked," or "jerky." These types of fish are found in the refrigerator section or sold at deli counters of grocery stores and delicatessens.)
* Do not drink raw (unpasteurized) milk or eat foods that contain unpasteurized milk.

2. Methylmercury
What it is:
A metal that can be found in certain fish. At high levels, it can be harmful to an unborn baby's developing nervous system.

Where it's found:
Large, long-lived fish, such as shark, tilefish, king mackerel, and swordfish.
How to prevent illness:

* Don't eat shark, tilefish, king mackerel, and swordfish. These fish can contain high levels of methylmercury.
* It's okay to eat other cooked fish/seafood as long as a variety of other kinds are selected during pregnancy or while a woman is trying to become pregnant. She can eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury. Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Another commonly eaten fish, albacore ("white") tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna. So, when choosing your two meals of fish and shellfish, you may eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) of albacore tuna per week.

3. Toxoplasma
What it is:
A harmful parasite. It causes an illness called toxoplasmosis that can be difficult to detect.

Where it's found:
Raw and undercooked meat; unwashed fruits and vegetables; soil; dirty cat-litter boxes; and outdoor places where cat feces can be found.
How to prevent illness:

* Follow the 4 Simple Steps above.
* If possible, have someone else change the litter box. If you have to clean it, wash your hands with soap and warm water afterwards.
* Wear gloves when gardening or handling sand from a sandbox.
* Don't get a new cat while pregnant.
* Cook meat thoroughly: see the Apply the Heat (PDF | 20.3KB - also available as JPG | 44.4KB) chart for the proper temperatures.

For More Information:

* See your doctor or health-care provider if you have questions about foodborne illness.
* FDA Food Information Line: 1-888-SAFE-FOOD.
* FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition: www.cfsan.fda.gov
* Gateway to Government Food Safety Information: www.foodsafety.gov
* U.S. Partnership for Food Safety Education: www.fightbac.org

Maternity Clothing During Pregnancy?

2005-12-02T20:37:00.000-06:00

Are maternity clothes necessary in order to look good during pregnancy?
by Marsha Maung

I remember my mother telling me about the times when she was pregnant. She was wearing nothing more than my father's jeans and his working shirts throughout her pregnancy. No maternity clothes for her because she was too poor to buy them at that time. Remember, in her time, which was about 30 years back, maternity clothes used to cost a bomb.

And yet, if you walk along any shopping center these days, you'll notice at least three or four maternity clothes fashion houses catering to the specifically 'large' needs of a pregnant mother. And since the web and the Internet is such a magnanimous thing these days, what about online maternity stores? I'd safely say there are just about half a million legitimate maternity stores right now flailing around the Internet wires for business.

And the amazing thing is that...YES, they make money! And why, I was wondering.

Because of one simple thing....even though my mother (like your mother) and my grandmother (and your grandmother) didn't need maternity clothes when they were pregnant, the modern generation of pregnant women really, truly DO need maternity clothes. We're living in an era that is completely different from their time and we cannot compare our pregnancy needs with their needs. The same rules no longer apply.

If you're pregnant right now and am sitting around here wondering if you should get yourself a whole new wardrobe of maternity clothes, you're in luck. I have some tips about buying maternity clothes for you.

Buy good-looking maternity clothes that can last at least 3 pregnancies

Like I said, maternity clothes are not cheap these days and maternity clothes are only wearable for the nine months that you're pregnant and maybe another month or two after that. And when you get back in shape, you're going to have to shelve those expensive maternity clothes or put the maternity clothes in sad boxes with the edges stuck together with cellophane tape.
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For more choices of maternity clothing check out Bellablumaternity.com
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only maternity clothes that are classy and of exceptional quality. You wear
maternity clothes only when you plan to go out. For casual outings and at home,
stick to your extra large clothes or perhaps, you can buy some large sweaters,
t-shirts, overalls, or raglan to wear when you're not required to look
all-that-presentable. It works! You won't need CASUAL maternity clothes. In my
books, that's an oxymoron. Maternity clothes that can double up as breastfeeding
clothes later on would be good too If you intend to breastfeed your baby after
the whole pregnancy is over, you would have to think about buying MORE
clothes...breastfeeding/nursing clothes. Now, as with maternity clothes, nursing
clothes don't come cheap either. And do we NEED nursing clothes as much as we
need maternity clothes? Yes, sometimes we do. I have quite a few fashionable
looking nursing clothes that I wear whenever I go out shopping or meeting up
with friends. Other times, I wear my t-shirts with holes cut out for easy access
to the breast! Yeah, it's funny, but at home, who's going to care? And if you
can get your hands on some good maternity clothes that can double up as nursing
clothes later on, GO FOR IT! You will get your money's worth that way. Style of
maternity clothes Many maternity clothes designers are asleep when they're
designing maternity clothes - the selection is bad. Most of them are nothing but
flower after flower, spiral after spiral, safety pins or perhaps some form of
teddy bear or another. Forget about them! If you were to buy maternity clothes,
invest one that makes you look good. If the maternity clothes are plain, that's
fine, it's better than making you look like Bozo - most of them do, by the way.
The point is that you want to look CLASSY even though you're sort of....BIG. and
wearing maternity clothes with large orange and yellow flower prints is NOT
going to help you do that! That's just my opinion, of course, and you're
entitled to have your own opinion about maternity clothes that looks good. Good
luck!

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Always look your best with maternity apparel at Bellblu Maternity

How to Choose the Perfect Diaper Bag

2005-11-10T14:16:00.001-06:00

Choosing the perfect diaper bag can be both an exciting and daunting task. With so many different diaper bags on the market it can be difficult to choose. First you need to decide if you want a diaper bag, a diaper back pack, or a diaper tote. Second, you need to decide if you want a small, medium, or large diaper bag. Finally you need to decide on the fabric. Do you want a vinyl lined bag that makes it easy to clean or do you want a more sophisticated leather type diaper bag.

With so many unlimited choices or diaper bags we chose our top 3 favorite diaper bags.

1)

OiOi Diaper Bags
- These are a beautiful selection of elegant diaper bags that are washable and
can double as a purse! 2) For the mama who prefers more of a designer diaper bag we love this new
Diaper Bag by DadGear. This bag is comfortable, durable, and looks cool too!

3) Everyone needs the perfect black bag and this sophisticated
diaper bag by JP Lizzy is perfect for the mom to be who needs a basic black diaper bag that goes with everything. Made of a Micro fiber that is easy to clean. The zipper across the top keeps everything neatly organized inside your bag.

Expecting during Summertime

2005-11-10T10:34:00.001-06:00

Summertime is full of fun and excitement, and if you’re pregnant, you're probably looking forward to doing all the warm weather activities you've always enjoyed. However, you might also have some concerns. In this article, we address some of your most common questions regarding pregnancy and summertime activities.

What Precautions Should I Take While Traveling? "The best time to travel is in
the second trimester between 19 weeks and 23 weeks," says Mary Barnett, a
certified midwife in Austin, Texas, with 25 years’ experience. "This is the ime that most women feel their best in pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage has passed and there is little risk of a premature birth."

Barnett says motion sickness is not an increased concern, unless one was troubled by motion sickness before pregnancy.

In the third trimester, there are some considerations to consider when traveling. "When sitting in a car or airplane for a long period of time, the veins in the legs can have an increased amount of pressure in them," says Barnett. "This, coupled with not drinking enough water, can contribute to blood clots in the veins." Blood clots can be a potentially deadly condition. Aside from staying hydrated, Barnett suggests simply getting up out of your seat and walking to the restroom frequently. This can improve circulation and make you more comfortable.

When considering plane travel, note that some airlines require a health care provider's note if you are traveling in the later stages of pregnancy. "No air
travel [should be done] after 35 weeks unless [it is] absolutely necessary, as in a family emergency," says Barnett. However, she doesn't see a problem with a few hours ride in the car, "unless there is a history of precipitous [abrupt, or less than three hours] delivery." In addition, special health consultations should be made before traveling overseas. Consult your physician before traveling overseas while pregnant.

How Can I Make Sure I am Staying Healthy on Vacation? If you are going to be away from home for more than two weeks, there are a few precautions you should take. First, says Barnett, it's a good idea to get a midwife or physician in the vacation area to either conduct a prenatal exam if it is time for a checkup or to be available if there are any questions or concerns.

Barnett suggests asking your current practitioner for a referral and a copy of all your prenatal records to take along on your trip. "This will greatly facilitate your care should you need to be seen while away from home," she says.
Barnett also stresses how important it is to know the symptoms of premature labor. She suggests visiting The March of Dimes Web site and printing out a list of premature labor symptoms to take with you so you can go to the nearest emergency room if you feel you may be at risk.

Vacationing during the final stretch of your pregnancy means taking extra care to get the rest you need. "Lay down on a bed, hammock or couch on either the left or the right side and completely relax," suggests Barnett. "This gives the
legs a break and takes a lot of pressure off the cervix and bladder, too. It is
easier for the heart to pump the blood to the uterus and vital organs when the woman is lying down."

What's the Best Swimsuit Style for Me? "Definitely the tankini," available at BellaBlu Maternity, which sells clothing for pregnant women on its Web site. quot;Tankinis provide [the] all-over coverage you want, but the low-rise bottom also allows for a little tummy 'peek a boo.' They're form-fitting and show a little skin but still give support and coverage."

Is it Still OK to Use an Insect Repellant? Dr. Diane Berson, a New York City dermatologist and assistant professor at Cornell University Weill Medical College, gives her nod of approval. "I really don't think it's an issue," says Dr. Berson. "Insect repellants do contain chemicals, so it is better to use protective clothing rather than apply a lot of repellant. However, the rule of thumb is moderation. Spraying lightly is OK, especially if you are going to go out in high grasses and woods and you'll be showering later that day."

How Can I Keep My Cool? When you’re outdoors, spend most of the time in the shade. When you’re indoors, stay only in buildings that have adequate ventilation from open windows and fans. Keep windows closed only if there is working air conditioning. Water cools the body, so drinking water helps as does being in the water. Swimming is a great activity for pregnant women, but even if you can't swim, sitting immersed in a cool bath can cool the body considerably, advises Barnett.

"Sometimes women can experience hormonal surges while pregnant that cause sweating and hot flashes," says Dr. Berson. "This combined with summer’s eat can lead to all kinds of heat-related skin irritations, like prickly heat. Cool
showers can help as well as a good absorbent powder. Wear loose cotton clothing, not polyester/spandex. Using a mild antibacterial soap can help to prevent rashes."

To avoid overheating, Barnett suggests exercising in the morning or late afternoon, staying hydrated and resting when it's really hot. If you feel really hot or flushed for a period of time, take some time to cool down. "If not cooled, the symptoms can progress and you may develop a headache, dizziness, mental confusion or hot dry skin. This requires immediate medical attention," says Barnett.

How Much Extra Fluids Do I Need to Drink? It's as simple as listening to your body. You'll probably notice you're thirsty more often in the heat. However, what you drink is just as important as how much. Barnett advises women to limit the amount of teas and juices they drink and focus on good old-fashioned water. Most other beverages add too much of a sugar load to the body and can be detrimental to a growing fetus.

If you just can't stomach plain water, try adding a few ounces of juice to it, or sample some of the new flavored waters (just read the ingredients to make sure it isn't just sugar water!)

What are Some Essential Maternity Clothes Items to Own this Season? BellaBlu says for this summer season, no chic mom-to-be should be without a tube top or halter top. "Many have built-in bras or ties at the neck so they give you the extra support you need but are also form fitting and really cute for the summer."

Another suggestion is the summertime staple – capri pants – both in solid colors and prints. Rounding out the list, BellaBlu recommends a breezy cotton A-line skirt. The maternity styles have elastic waists for adjustable comfort. Go for a crisp white skirt, perhaps with some floral print or embellishment at the hemline. This trendy cut works great on a pregnant mom because it falls around the knee, is flirty and is easy to wear.

BellaBlu's advice for buying correctly sized maternity clothing? "Order up! It's better to allow for a little growth, and you won't be able to tell with most
pieces that they are a bit roomy."

What Foods Should I Add to My Diet? Stock up on fresh fruits and veggies. quot;There
is some evidence that the folic acid in fresh fruits and vegetables may protect the embryo and fetus from the harmful effects from heat," Barnett says. She says
foods that give an extra serving of "cool" include watermelon, cucumber and cantaloupe. Adding greens like parsley, cilantro and mint to salads can help,
too.

Is it OK to Swim in My Pool or at the Beach? Not only is it OK, it's recommended! Swimming is the perfect exercise for pregnant women because it does not place pressure on joints or organs. It also helps you keep cool and relaxed.

Just remember to check the sanitation condition of the pool. Don't go into cloudy or bad-smelling pools and make sure to use the steps rather than the sidewall ladders. Avoid the deep end if you aren't a good swimmer. And, activities such as water skiing are probably not a good idea while pregnant!

Is My Skin More Sensitive to the Sun? "Pregnant women may be more sensitive to
sunburn," says Dr. Berson. "Women should be more attentive to their skin and sun exposure. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens made with titanium dioxide or transparent zinc oxide may be more
preferable to use because of how they feel and because they contain less chemicals. Pregnant women need to use a high SPF of 30 or more. This will help to prevent melasma, often called the ‘mask of pregnancy,’ which causes skin discolorations to occur on the face around the upper lip onto the forehead."

Pregnancy hormones interacting with the skin's exposure to the sun cause melasma.
This is why women need to apply sunscreen every day, not just at the beach and
pool, stresses Dr. Berson. She also suggests wearing tightly woven clothing made of a breathable material such as cotton and investing in a wide full-brimmed hat to protect the often-overlooked areas of the head, neck and ears.

Should I Avoid Theme Park Rides? "Don't use any rides which whip the body about
at high speeds like roller coasters or high, fast water slides," says Barnett.
"Most amusement parks will post a precaution on the rides that are not for
pregnant women, so observe any restrictions." Think twice before going on
spinning rides. Even if they are slow, like a merry-go-round, they can still make you nauseous or dizzy. Stick to the kiddie rides – it will be good practice for when the little one arrives!

Please visit Bellablu Maternity
for your maternity clothing needs.