After having what I felt was an unsuccessful time dressing myself for my first pregnancy I really wanted to learn from my mistakes and share some key features that make a difference when shopping during your pregnancy.
This time around I was really focused on adding items to my wardrobe that would not only be good for being pregnant, but ones that would also be great for nursing and even when everything baby was over. By keeping these tips in mind you will likely find yourself much happier with your shopping choices and have an easier time dressing the bump each morning and still loving each item post pregnancy.
On a side note: It started to down pour part way through/right at the beginning of these photographs but we went with it and embraced the sudden weather change, it was rather magical.
5 Key Features to Look for When Shopping Maternity
1. Type of Fabric // Look for light and breathable fabric that lays nicely on your body and/or has a good stretch to it. If you are due in and around summer time this is even more essential.
2. Nursing Compatible // My first pregnancy I did not think about buying maternity clothes that would also work well for nursing, but this is a HUGE aspect to think about as in most cases it will take a bit to get back to your normal size you will likely still feel most comfortable in your maternity wear so making sure it is also acceptable for nursing is very important.
3. Is it Your Style // Don’t just buy something because it is maternity, make sure that it is something that you would likely buy even if you aren’t pregnant. There is a good chance that if you are getting a dress, shirt, sweater etc while pregnant that you might just continue to wear it even when you are not.
4. Functionality // This is a type that I recently picked up from The Family Jewels, when buying items for your closet, not just maternity, make sure that you aren’t just buying a one off, but that it will fit with what you already have and will work with a number of items within your closet.
5. Wear what you are Comfortable in // When it comes down to it, pregnancy isn’t the most comfortable you are ever going to feel (at least not me) so when you find something that you feel comfortable in seek out more pieces in that same field. For me it was dresses and button ups, I picked up a handful of dresses and non-maternity button up cardigans that I could wear unbuttoned with my dresses knowing that when I wasn’t pregnant both the dresses and the button ups would still be something I would feel stylish and comfortable in.
Photography: Erica Miller Photography
Recently I got to try out a couple of items from Loyal Hana, an online maternity boutique that strives to create maternity wear that will also be perfect for the breastfeeding mother and beyond. I love that their items are so chic and stylish and do not compromise my style even though they are maternity.
One of my favorite features of their clothes is the hidden zippers for nursing. You would never know it by these photos but if you look at the dress listing for what I am wearing on their website you can see that the zip down on both sides is right over each breast to feed with ease.
I have been so impressed with their clothing designs and functionality for my maternity and am really excited to use their products during the breast feeding days. I think this dress is likely going to be my go to for any special event when I have baby on board.
Thank you to my partners on this post;Loyal Hana and Erica Miller Photography
Maternity Wear Styled on Creative Wife & Joyful Worker
A photo posted by Creative Wife & Joyful Worker (@creativewifeandjoyfulworker) on
A photo posted by Creative Wife & Joyful Worker (@creativewifeandjoyfulworker) on
A photo posted by Creative Wife & Joyful Worker (@creativewifeandjoyfulworker) on
That black maxi is adorable! Those hidden zippers were hidden very well! Even when you pointed them out I couldn’t figure out where they were. I can see the excitement on your face!
Thanks so much, the black maxi is a Vancouver BC based company called Nicole Bridger. Not maternity but so perfect for it!
The only thing I can wear now is maxi dresses. I’m only 34 weeks but I’m so uncomfortable and nothing fits properly. I actually just went shopping the other day and bought 3 more! I now have 6. These are great tips.
So glad you like the tips, maxi dresses are great and work so well before and after the bump!
Shopping can be a bit of a chore when you’re pregnant because you become more picky. I prefer buying for comfort because that’s really all that matters when you’re buying preggy clothes! I love soft fabrics and dresses or blouses that doesn’t feel so heavy.
Buying for comfort is so key! You must try out clothes made of bamboo if you haven’t already, so stretchy for nursing and so so comfortable!
what great tips you have here. you look absolutely adorable in all of these outfits and you really know what looks good on you.
Thank you so much Laura, so glad you enjoyed them and such a wonderful compliment. XO