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Maternity Clothes: Options For Today's Pregnant Woman
Article By Maureen Griese, R.N., Childbirth Educator, BSC

I was shopping for maternity clothes for my sister-in-law, Karen, who was expecting baby number two in May 2000. I was disappointed as I strolled through the maternity section at my local department store--few selections, dull colors and whoa, talk about pricey! Well, you DO have other options as you shop for maternity clothing.

Borrow from a Friend or Family Member

Karen and I have swapped maternity clothes before. Some of my maternity clothes once belonged to friends who were done with having children and more than happy to give them away. My colleagues and I will also swap maternity clothes amongst ourselves.

Try Plus Size Clothing

A co-worker recommended to me with my first pregancy that I go to Lane Bryant and shop for BIG clothes there. This worked for a while but I then found that they didn't fit as well as clothing made specifically for expectant moms.

Ask your Hubby for Help

Is your mate a few sizes larger than you? If so, maybe you could borrow a few of his more comfortable garments.

Find it on Sale

Some of my best maternity clothing finds have been at yard sales and consignment shops. Scan your local newspaper for yard sales offering maternity clothing. Peruse your local outlet store. I hit the stores in March during the winter sales for my December baby and saved a bundle.

Leasing Maternity Clothes

You can lease maternity clothes and save money. Some types of clothing for lease include business wear, formal wear, plus sizes, Levi's and Overalls, and bathing suits. Working women are no longer at the mercy of high priced mall shops, now they can lease the business clothes they need. The Maternity Closet leases quality business maternity clothes at affordable prices. They have the largest selection of business maternity fashions in North

America to help working women select the maternity wear that

meets their needs. Here is how it works: A new wardrobe is leased as necessary to meet the needs of the changing body and changing season. The Maternity Closet takes care of all the cleaning. Expectant mothers can check out details and shop on-line at Maternity Closet.

Make your Own

I tried making my own maternity clothes during my first pregnancy and it became, well, a disaster! I decided I was not a seamstress. If you are good at sewing or even so-so, you can sew yourself some nifty threads. Check out your local Wal-Mart or sewing store for maternity patterns.

Other Shopping Tips

As you shop for maternity clothes, keep in mind that you will start the same size you wore before you were pregnant. Generally, as you progress in your pregnancy, you will go up one size or more. Also, be sure to buy things that match what you normally wear. You may be able to wear some of your pre-pregnancy clothing for a while as well as your shoes and accessories.

Maternity Underwear

What about maternity bras and panties? Well, don't expect to find them at Frederick's of Hollywood or Victoria's Secret (I already looked!). With my first pregnancy, I absolutely refused to buy maternity panties because they were so ugly. However, I found that they were also the most comfortable. Lots of moms will also wear cotton bikinis about a size larger than usual and are quite comfortable. As my baby (and tummy) grew, I still had to go back to the comfort of those big maternity panties. No, not pretty to look at but worth their price in comfort.

With careful shopping and some creativity, you can find some great looking, comfortable clothes for creating your baby shrine-YOU!

About the Author:

Maurenne Griese is a certified childbirth and breastfeeding educator and has a bachelor of science degree in Nursing. She is a Registered Nurse and board certified in Inpatient Obstetrical Nursing. She has worked in this capacity for over 11 years. She spent 5 years in the US Army as an OB nurse. Maureen is 33 years old, the mother of four children ages 7, 5, 2 and newborn. Visit her website at KonzaBaby

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More information: Maternity Clothes: Dressing For Your Pregnancy