If I have ever asked you when are you planning on having a baby, I sincerely apologize. After being married for approximately four months I realize that is possibly the most intrusive and annoying question anyone can ask.
We have become so engulfed in measuring womanhood through this archaic model of what it truly means to be a woman that we don’t even realize that this, in a sense, is actually offensive to real womanhood.
Get an education. Get married. Have a child. I don’t believe it defines who you are as a woman and no woman should be nailed to a cross if none of it manifests in her life. Society really needs to learn how to chill at times.
Now that I have gotten that out of my system, I want to discuss the importance of maternity fashion/wear. I always knew it was an important thing, but no one ever really talks of its psychological value before and during pregnancy. I feel as if most of the information I’ve come across just really surrounds nutrition and well-being with most of it revolving around the baby. It’s not that the baby isn’t important and the information isn’t necessary but I feel it’s just as important for the woman carrying the child to feel that her needs are important as well.
How do you really prepare yourself for the physical changes your body goes through? How do you help someone prepare for and feel beautiful about incoming stretch marks, weight gain, swollen feet and the like?
Before I left Guyana, my godmother showed me her midwifery book. I think she was a bit shy to ask if I was pregnant; I had gained ten pounds. I took the book nevertheless and flicked through the pages and to my surprise there was a whole chapter on pregnancy fashion. I want to share with those who are expecting or are planning a pregnancy in the near future.
I think it is important for anyone planning a pregnancy to leave a little room in their budget for their wardrobe. Pregnancy shouldn’t be welcomed as the time to give up on clothes or your image but one to embrace. Here are a few tips from my godmother’s book.
The Bra – We all know we have to buy nursing bras if we plan on breastfeeding. However, if you are one to always be wearing triangle shaped bras like me, you will probably have to change your bras in the twelfth week. You will need to invest in ones that carry broad shoulder straps and its under surface should be supportive. After the twelfth week your bust measurement can see around 3-4 inches’ increase, so you will need proper support bearing in mind they must also have a little room as its unhealthy to have your nipple suppressed.
Clothes – According to Margaret Myles in her Textbook for Midwives, suitable clothes are a necessity and not a luxury. This means you will have to invest and try your best not feel guilty when doing so. I feel everyone seemingly gets excited when it comes to buying stuff for the newborn but not as excited for themselves. I think there is always a constant uphill battle of feeling guilty about your needs when compared to a baby’s needs. But you shouldn’t feel guilty, your happiness is important too.
According, to Myles, if the “maternity garments are becoming and comfortable, the woman has a feeling of assurance that combats her inclination to be self-conscious about her figure.” Pregnant women are also cautioned against wearing really tight clothes as if affects the movement of the foetus.
Because there is so much change taking place, one can’t help but to be self-conscious, so it’s better to be prepared. Your life doesn’t stop when you are pregnant. You should still enjoy social activities and outings and of course you will need suitable clothes to do all of that. I think I would I prefer to have custom made garments during such a time. I would also personally stay away from prints and maternity jeans as you would also need to find a matching top. It works out cheaper to just get a dress and have a complete outfit.
Styles that are very pro-maternity for me are shift dresses and wrap dresses. They are also easy to put on and take off and the wrap dress’s use can be stretched out for a lengthy period during your pregnancy. If you use solid colours, you can always change up your look with accessories. I think stocking up on maybe a few maternity slacks and loose blouses is quite fine too, but when the bump is in swing you may quickly have to end their reign.
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