Maternity Clothing Suggestions

T.,

I'm bottom-heavy, too, and found that Target had affordable, nice options for me. I bought clothes at Motherhood, but found that the quality wasn't very good. Also, I didn't know how I was going to gain wieght, so I had to buy clothes as needed. The "Japanese..." (I don't remember the exact name)jeans brand were perfect for me and my oversied bottom, so they mihgt work for you, too. Hope this helps.

L. D.

Well, I got rid of all my maternity clothes a couple years ago and now I'm in the same postition.
I go to the Salvation Army Store. They have clean used clothes in great condition. I am in that akward stage where nothing fits around my waist but I'm not big enough for maternity clothes yet. Walk around naked?? NO WAY. I got 5 pairs of elastic waisted shorts that fit really well, they are pre-washed, so the fit they have now is what they are and I only paid $10 for the 5 pair!! It's enough to get you over the hump until you are really ready for the BIG stuff. They have a great selection of blouses, shorts, skirts, pants, you name it. Sure beats buying something expensive, getting it home, washing it and finding out it shrunk 2 sizes in the wash!!

As for baby showers, it's all going to depend on how long ago your other child was born. If it was more than 5 years ago, you are entitled to another baby shower. If you already have most of everything (car seat, stroller, high chair, crib and such) then a diaper shower is just the thing!! My kids are two years apart. I had a diaper shower for the second one and litterally didn't buy diapers for almost 9 months!!! Talk about relief$$$$$$$$ At 2 years old, I still had some diapers for her!!
For a diaper shower, what you would register for is diapers (you know what sizes, you'll need, probably only a couple packs of newborn, more size 2's, lots of 3's and 4's, don't forget diaper pail inserts if needed, diaper creams etc.) If your child is a different gender than the first, clothes will still be needed. HINT: if you register for Cases of diapers (but pick the cheap stuff, AKA Target brand or similar) folks will be more likely to buy more for you because they can afford it and they are just as absorbent!

Good luck on both!

First off- congrats! I hope everything goes well.

The one maternity item I have worn the most I bought at Target. In fact, I'm wearing them right now and I've had them for 6 years! They are a stretchy pant with wider legs and black so although they are as comfortable as sweats they look lovely with a nice blouse. I don't know if they still sell them but two years after I bought the first pair I bought a second pair. I wish I had more!

Have you checked out www.freecycle.org or www.craigslist.org? PReowned clothes are always cheapest. I've bought some things on Ebay but when you can't really try something on you don't know for sure if you'll like it.

I've bought clothes at Burlington Coat Factory (they have some really trendy stuff) and Ross but most of my maternity clothes came from Motherhood. They have TERRIFIC clearance. I get clothes from there when I'm not even pregnant. The nursing clothes don't get marked down often so if you plan on nursing, NOW is the time to start collecting also.

There's a MOtherhood and a Ross and a Target all together there at 518 and 288 in Pearland. Motherhood is in a store closer to the road (in front of Target.) There's also an Old Navy over there that may have maternity clothes (some do.) My sister said Carters (also over there by Old Navy) is having a huge baby sale (she bought 30 outfits for $50.) If you want to drive, Katy Mills Mall has a Motherhood outlet (previous seasons clothing.) Children's Place is a great place to visit while over there. They also have a Ross and a Burlington Coat Factory, which I mentioned has maternity clothes. It's just great to be able to go to one place that has so many places to check.

As someone said, don't put your clothes in the dryer- except my black pants I hand dry all my maternity and nursing clothes.

As for the shower- diaper showers are great, so are 'pamper mommy' parties. Talk to the person who offers to give a shower about it. There is nothing wrong with having more then one shower and it's been several years between them. I have four children and plan on having a shower if I have a fifth! I love to celebrate the coming blessings with my friends and family.

S., mom to four girls ages 1-5. Trust me, things get a little worn out by the time the fourth one comes along!!

I needed plus size meternity clothes and Motherhood Maternity and Lane Bryant have them.
I think Lane Bryant is only online.
There is a MOtherhood Maternity outlet at Katy Mills mall.
Old Navy and Gapdo have online mat. clothes.
Target has adorable and in style maternity clothes.(they always have some in the clearance racks, too.)
Good LUck.

Hi, T..
With my first pregnancy was a size 4/6 before pregnancy, gained 70+ pounds and was barely fitting into the Motherhood Maternity XL sizes. SO I started off in the small sizes (4/6), but quickly grew into larger sizes. Motherhood Maternity has cheap fashionable items, but DON'T PUT ANYTHING INTO THE DRYER, because it all shrinks severely.

THe second pregnancy I gained only 35 pounds started in the marternity smalls ended up in the XL. Went more with Target maternity clothes. But again avoid the dryer.

My stepmother threw my baby shower. I did not receive anything from my registry. Friends and family just brought beautiful baby clothes. And my stepmother made a delicious brunch spread. It was awesome and a lot of fun. It was laid back and held at her apartment.

Hope this helps.

I got a lot of my clothes at ROSS. I had a hard time finding pants to fit, but I could ususally find something at ROSS and they were very reasonable.

As for the baby shower "proper etiquete"(spelling) says if you have one child your not suppose to have another shower. But, if you want one have it. I hosted a diaper party for one of my friends and it was really fun. Her kids are 2 yrs apart so she had all the big stuff. Well good luck.

You have gotten great suggestion for stores. I just wanted to say Congrats to you for losing the weight. WTG :)
Also about the baby showers have whatever you want. They are to welcome new life and a little gift is nice but it's really to celebrate life.
Good Luck

I suggest that you look through Sears and JC Penny's catalogs. It's been a long time for me but when I was pregnant, I found that they had nice clothes and were very reasonably priced.

I have given a "diaper" shower before for a friend that already had a child. Some people brought wipes and other things, too. It was nice and inexpensive way to congratulate the family. I recently went to a shower for a soon to be big sister. Everyone brought a small gift and the soon to be big sister opened the gifts - that was really cute! Good luck!

Hi T.!

I really liked Motherhood maternity store, they have everything from dress up clothes down to pajamas, bras, panties. They were very reasonable priced. I visited two other stores their prices were crazy!

Here is a website on how to learn to make a diaper cake they are so cute http://www.babbee.com/shower-diaper-cakes/

Here is information on a diaper baby shower.

Before I was pregnant I was about a size 12. I found some great stuff at Target, Kmart and even walmart. As far as pants go, look for pants that have an elastic waist and are of a stretchy cotton. These fit great, and with a nice maternity top they don't look too bad. I went more for comfort than style!

Also you may want to try thrift stores or consignment shops I bet you could find some great stuff. I wouldn't shop online right now for 2 reasons, 1 who knows if it will fit and 2 shipping costs are crazy now!!

Another place to try would be Marshalls, Ross or TJ Max. I found a pair of black dress maternity pants at Marshalls. They don't even look like maternity pants so when I gain weight I still wore them (not pregnant) LOL. I'm losing weight now so they are getting to big!

So yay for me and yay for you for losing weight!!

Good luck and congrats!!

Motherhood maternity has these great new pants that are called Secret fit belly. They have this elastic that covers your whole tummy...you have to try them. They really grow with you so one pair could last your whole pregnancy, mine did. Also you can get a Bella band to wear when your clothes are a little too tight, but you dont want to wear maternity clothes yet. You just wear your normal pants unbuttoned and wear the bella band to keep them up. It also works after your pregnancy.
As for the shower...I had a shower for all three of my kids. Number 2 and 3 were just for clothes and diapers. Hint to your friends that you think it would be neat to have a shower and I am sure someone will step up. You could also have a guys diaper shower My husband did this for our brother in law...all the guys went to play golf, their 'fee' to play was a pack of diapers.

I suggest you start with baby resale shops. There are two good ones on FM 518. Sometimes even Goodwill or other thrift stores have good maternity stuff. Don't spend too much on them - you'll only be wearing them for 6 months, tops. You might also consider finding a seamstress that can make you some clothes that actually fit you - most clothes and sewing patterns are made for a 5 foot tall, 80 pound woman with no curve. If you find the right seamstress, who knows what she's doing, you can get some really awesome stuff. As far as size - you'll need them all. Give yourself a little slack and allow yourself to get big during pregnancy. You're creating a new life!
With my second baby, we had a celebration for the baby - call it what you want, but I see absolutely nothing wrong with celebrating every time you get a new baby - it's a wonderful thing! My 2nd was 4 years after my first and a girl instead of a boy, so I kind of needed one, but still not the big things. You'll just register for the little things that you need - diapers, bottles, binkies, clothing, etc. Some people thing it's an etiquette no-no, but I say celebrate every baby!!

Hi T.,

The best place I found maternity clothes was Target and I bought the Liz Lange clothes when they were on sale. I am 'bottom heavy', and I bought her basic black comfy pull on pants for 4.99 on sale. I bought two pairs and all kinds of cute shirts. Then I added as needed. Also, the black pants are nice fitting and you can wear them post baby. Target also has their own maternity line, and the clothes were also nice. I bought clothes from Motherhood Maternity and I did not find they fit as nice as Liz Lange. (IMHO)

I am not quite sure where you live but I live in Kyle and while I was pregnant I was about your size and I am looking ot get rid of all my Maternity clothes and am having a yard Sale this weekend with changing table, play yard, etc. I am in Kyle, let me know if you want more info.

T., As far as the maternity clothes go, I would get a couple of jumpers and then change the shirts out. There are plenty of people who sew at a reasonable cost if you are unable to find what you like at a maternity store. Perhaps a pattern or two you like and then go from there ?

The general rule of baby showers is that those are given by your friends or coworkers or other family members. You don't solicit them, and you certainly don't pick the theme. It is not customary to have a shower with each child, usually the first, and that's it.

Have a wonderful weekend. Best wishes.

R.

When I was pregnant , I just bought , for the most part oversized clothes ,( just reg, clothes in a bigger size).The styles now are pretty much like the 70's when I was pregnant. Also I took my Bluejeans that were old and cut the entire zipper part out and got my mom to sew in a stretchy panel , and turned them into maternity pants . I would imagine u could do the same for skirts . Good luck and God bless, G.

My thought is that when I got pregnant I was so sick I lost almost 20 lbs. And from one day to the next there was no belly at all. Then at the end I got my belly and I was a much smaller size then all the cholthes people bought me. It is hard but you never know!!

Try looking for clothes that are little bigger than your normal size. I did that with both pregnancies. I had a few and still do, some outfits. But I mainly wore my husband shirts and with bottoms, got stretchy kind that I didnt mind over stretching. With the baby shower, if you had one the first time, they usually say it's not custom for a second one. Just make it a family/friend get together, but let them know you are registered, but for the things that might be needed a second time around. Gift certificates always a plus since you can pick out what you want for the family after baby. Diapers, bottles if needed, new paci's, or just have a girls day and go for a spa mani and pedi!!! I had a whole weekend of get togethers with my second and a friend of mine actually got one of those packages for me which let me have a whole day alone. But I see nothing wrong with a second baby shower especially if the first is a little older. But you can always reuse the bouncy, exersaucer and all if you want to.

My favorite place was Target for all 3 children. They carry the maternity clothes that have the draw string that buttons on the inside and so it can be adjusted. I would always buy a size slightly larger than I normally wear and they worked fine. In fact, I still wear some now, just with the string pulled in all the way. The other place, if you don't want to run around, is a maternity store that has 3 of your basic maternity stores in one. It is off of IH10 past the Collonade (sp?). It is bright pink, but not too cheap. CONGRATS ON THE WEIGHT LOSS! I'm sooooo jealous.

diaper showers are the PERFECT way to go for a second child when they are stair steppers or if you still have those long ago things from your considerably older child.

I never got a baby shower the first time around so I was doubly blessed (pun intended as I had twins) by the fact that a friend had a baby shower for me (I had just gotten rid of my oldest things 2 years prior thinking she would end up being my only) AND as a project my daughter's brownie troop held a surprise diaper shower for me after the twins were born so that I would have some extra help with the little things you need.

Diaper showers are great as the only things you request diapers (naturally) or the little things needed for the new adddition; wash cloths, towels, clothes, bottles, etc.

I would hold a week or two after the baby was born as it gives everyone a chance to see your new little bundle of joy...I remember that was the best part of the day, everyone who was worried about when an appropriate time to see them would be, got their chance by being at the diaper shower.

Even better as it was planned my my daughter's troop, they had a grand time making and sending the invites, plus they did all of the setting up and cleaning up, and it was held someplace besides my home.

It was truly a great experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who is having a second child and doesn't need all the normal baby shower gear...

I would try www.fashionbug.com. It's a lot like CATO but for some reason they are more up north than here. I wore they're stuff and the more expensive motherhood stuff. And the fashion bug was way more comfy. They're pretty moderately priced. I also suggest finding a consignment store it may take a little more looking but you can find great prices on maternity clothes.

I am plus sized and ended up getting a lot of maternity clothes online at Old Navy.

Motherhood and Gap also have nice maternity clothes online and if you can find a decent sale the prices aren't too bad.

I shop a lot online and as long as you keep the tags and are willing to pay return shipping you can always exchange clothes or get a full refund. (If you wind up needing to get a different size).

You could also look into a belly band or bella band to fit over your unbuttoned jeans in early pregnancy (I found out about them too late but I think it is a great idea).

Hi. I had a similar situation when I got pregnant. I was also a size 18. I found clothes that were made a little bigger at Sears. They have a maternity line called 2Hearts, I think. I found that most of the clothes at Target fit and they were not expensive. I have heard that Lane Bryant has a maternity line as well as Old Navy. They don't sell them in my area, but are available online and usually cheaper than in the stores. Best of luck to you!

One thing I recommened is that as soon as you find out you are pregnant and before you are actually neededing maternity clothes, you go to the stores and buy the season of clothes that just ended and is on clearance. It wont fit you til you need it and you get everything for way cheaper! Usually the season that just ended will be the one where you are the biggest in 9 months! I bought dresses from Old Navy and Target for $6-10 and shirts for $3!

Suggestions: Motherhood store. Sears carries Motherhood clothes, JC Penny's has a Maternity section, Macy's at Lakeline Mall has a Maternity Section - The sublet a section just for maternity. Kid to Kid is a location in that area that buys and sells on consignment. I plan to turn my clothes in for resale at 14010 N Highway 183 Ste 525. I am 9 months pregnant and I had a baby shower. We purchased some big items. I think you can still have a baby shower just register allot of little items. You can even add some toddler toys that some poeple may buy or they may give vift certificates.

L.

I got REALLY great clothes at JC Penny, WalMart of all places, & the Mall. The Maternity mall store was kinda expensive but JC Penny had some GREAT kewl clothes on sale. I got some 'punk rocker' type maternity pants for like $14 or so. Walmart & places like that sell maternity blue jeans & tops pretty reasonable. I didn't 'fill out' til after the sixth month really I just stayed in my normal size til about then & THEN bought the pants & top, otherwise, I just bought regular clothes but just in a little bit larger size. It worked fine.

Consignment shops and thrift stores are a good place to buy maternity clothes. Since they are used, then the price is often low enough to buy them when you need them.

A diaper shower is usually what you have for a 2nd child. Your friends would need to organize it. It is also ok to not have one, so I wouldn't get emotional about it.

I love Lane Bryant for maternity! I'm about the same size you are now and they have some really cute 'tie to the back' blouses right now that work PERFECT for bigger girls that are preggo. As for pants, I use the bella band, or something like it... You could also go buy some swimsuit material and make your own which would be much cheaper, it will help you wear those pre-preggo pants long after the don't really fit anymore. JC Penney over off 610 on the West side has a great maternity section last I was in there.

As for showers, I think if someone offers to through you and the baby a shower, then go for it. I have a girlfriend who wants to throw me a diaper party in celebration of the new baby (she says every baby needs a party) even though it's my third. So I put a few things on a registry, I too have all the big stuff, along with diapers and wipes.

Good luck!!

try thrift stores in your area. the selection may not be great, but the price is right. if you buy some everyday clothes that way, you can splurge on a few nice outfits for church or special occasions. also, i would buy a size bigger, since you tend to be bottom heavy you will likely gain more weight in that area. and you don't want maternity clothes that are tight. good luck.

I would recommend the motherhood maternity store, they have alot of cute maternity clothes that are inexpensive..also, for me since i'm an inbetween size ..lol...I found it easiest to get into yoga pants and those really cute babydoll tops that are popular in the summertime..it worked out great for me..good luck!

You are going to make yourself crazy with worry and prep. you can't be completely prepared because somethings just can't always be planned for. I will try and answer your questions anyway. I'm bottom heavy too. I actually found pants at Wal mart that fit pretty good. The other thing I did with my last pregnancy was I bought a belly sock. I think that is what it's called. Anyway, it's a solid piece of material like leg warmers but for your belly. I was able to wear my normal pant until I was 7 months pregnant with this piece of material because it covered up the fact that my pants were unbuttoned and unzipped. It's stretchy and tight so it held up my pants too.
As far as a shower goes, usually someone close to you throws you one. I have 4 kids, 3 girls and a boy. I ended up having a shower for each of them. Obviously the 1st one was to get most of the big items and the things you don't have. My 2nd was a boy so I got boy things. my 3rd was combined with a couple of other mothers who had babies at the same time. People just donated money and the people throwing the shower went and bought 1 big gift with that. It was more just to celebrate her arrival (we had it after she was born). My last child was another girl. My girlfriend wanted to celebrate her birth so she threw me a diaper shower. It was so much fun. People came and brought diapers or wipes and met my daughter for the first time. If you get brands you don't like just exchange them at Walmart for the size or brand you need. best of luck.

Try Target, I found some cute things there and they aren't expensive. Also, Burlington Coat Factory and Ross have some super cheap stuff. If you aren't against Goodwill...try there too. Have you tried a belly band? They have them at maternity stores (I think the brand I bought was bella band). It allows you to wear your pants longer than you would normally be able too. Also, my friend told me to take a hair tie (or rubber band) and put one end around the button on your jeans and loop the other end through the button hole and back onto the button. I wore my jeans for 2-3 months like that.
I don't think there is a rule for baby showers. I'm against having 2nd baby showers...but that's just me. I know others feel the complete opposite.

Me too.. I had a closet full BEFORE I even got pregnant. I didnt want to wake up one morning and not fit into anything. Thank God I did, because at 5 weeks I was wearing maternity pants already (bloated from IVF).

I purchased a lot of my clothes from Burke's Outlet and the Goodwill Select in Atascocita. They both have a decent selection. I also purchased a lot of clothes off ebay. I also hit the resale shops too. Maternity clothes are only worn for about 5 months anyway.

In fact, I think I only have maybe 2 outfits purchased from a maternity clothing store brand new.

As for the baby shower, if you really dont need anything...you can have a baby celebration for the upcoming birth, and have attendees bring a package of diapers as the entrance fee. Just have a party and invite everyone..guys and gals. You are celebrating a new life, not having a "needy" party.

Or if anyone asks where you are registered, simply say "we're only requesting diapers as gifts. We have everything else."

And I am on my 4th pregnancy, have given birth to 3 beautiful children, and I HAVE HAD A SHOWER FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM. I will have a shower for this one too. EACH CHILD needs to be celebrated as a new life. Each child is a BLESSING From GOD and should be celebrated as such.

I think Sears has the best plus size maternity clothes. Happy shopping!

T.! Dear!
Please SLOW DOWN! I understand your excitement but some things need to be taken a day at a time. Some people I know never Had to wear maternity clothes until the very end depending on your growth, etc. I do agree that Jcpenney, Target and Ross are good choices since you are WAY ahead of the game but you NEVER know when you will get pregnant and the season you will need the maternity clothes might not be available now. If you worry about all this now that could affect your ability to conceive.
Also, let your friends and family worry about the shower WHEN you get pregnant. Give your thoughts and ideas but I am very concerned about your "overpreparation."
Please repeat after me....."Relax, Relate, Release" "Relax, Relate, Release!"
Have a Wonderful Day!
In God's Love....