For moms.

I would like to dedicate this article to all future moms. I came across websites with baby stuff many times but not once did I find a website specifically dedicated to mom's needs/wants (if you know about some, please let me know!). At the beginning of my pregnancy I had no idea where to shop for maternity clothes. I would never think of H&M for example (although at the end I was little disappointed with the selection, at least here in Boston). And although I have not bought much of maternity clothes yet, I can't wait for spring to come so I can show off my pregnancy belly in my new pregnancy dress.

But I don't want to talk only about clothes (although we all love doing just that). Below you will also find a list of pharmaceutical essentials, tips for books and other things that I would never think about before but which are, as I was told, needed for surviving :)


Clothing

This year's fashion favors future moms, loose blouses, dresses and sweaters are in. I bought only few of real maternity pieces so far, only pair of skinny jeans (GAP), pair of black pants (GAP), one top and one summer dress (MACY'S) that was on sale. All the other clothes is non-maternity clothes that is just little looser or one size bigger (to accommodate my growing belly even in the last few months of my pregnancy). But I am counting with at least one shopping spree in the spring to add few new pregnancy pieces into my closet.

Regarding pants, there are few different panels - demi panel, front panel and full panel. At the beginning I liked a full panel but the more my belly grows the more I like a demi panel or front panel. Although a full panel is very thin and the material is comfortable, I am getting irritated just to feel anything tight on my belly.

Here are few tips for stores/websites that offer more than baggy sweaters and potato bags:

unbuttoned
H&M
GAP
a pea in the pod
MOTHERHOOD Maternity
ZARA
OLD NAVY


Pharmaceutical and other essentials

• bra pads
  
• electric breast pump
  
• tea supporting milk creation
  
• nursing tank top
  
• nursing bra
  
• healing nipple cream
  
• nursing pillow
  

Books

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
Mayo Clinic
Harper Paperbacks, April 13, 2004


Practical Parenting: Your Baby's First Year
Richard C. Woolfson, Anne Richley, Lowri Kew
Hamlyn, 2008


Dad's Pregnant Too: Expectant fathers, expectant mothers, new dads and new moms share advice, tips and stories about all the surprises, questions and joys ahead...
Harlan Cohen, 2008


Pregnancy cookbook - healthy food for future moms (bought in Slovak, not sure if English version is available)
Fiona Wilcock Computer Press, a.s., 2008