My Perinatal Wardrobe (or lack there of). And the leggings that can do it all.

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Frankly, fashion is not one of my strengths. It’s just not something that I enjoy nor something that I want to spend my money on. When I found out I was pregnant, I basically refused to buy lots of “pregnancy” clothes. I knew it was inevitable that I’d need some modifications but I didn’t plan on purchasing many items that I wouldn’t be able to wear post pregnancy.

I was fortunate to work in healthcare (at the time, it was before the COVID-19 pandemic, so certainly less taxing that it is now) and I was able to wear scrubs many days. Additionally, I was able to “size up” in the scrub machine without having to buy too many additional pairs. For more formal days, I did buy a few dresses that were classified as maternity but in a style that I would be able to continue to wear when not pregnant, maxi or babydoll silhouettes (ie: no odd ruching on the sides, etc.). I purchased them from Stitch-Fix as they do have maternity options and as I said, shopping is not something I enjoy, therefore having clothes shipped to my house is perfection.

I purchased two pairs of maternity style jeans which were totally worth it. They should market stretchy topped jeans to non pregnant individuals as well, seriously, especially for those nights were lots of beverages are ingested ha! There are a lot of options and most are not stocked in stores to try on – so online shopping is the way to go. I ended up with a pair of petite maternity jeans in black from Loft and a denim pair from Target after doing some research and I was happy with them. I wore the black pair more often as they could be dressed up or down. I did purchase a pants extending option (an elastic piece to widen and a stretchy band to place over the top of the pants to conceal). As much as we enjoyed calling this the “expandopants” option, it was more hassle that it was worth for me and my body).

Poppy was born in February so I was in my late second and third trimester in the colder months. Luckily large sweaters are in style so I bought 3 that were cozy and that I loved, and still do. In addition to sweaters, I did get a maternity style jacket. (I asked for this Seraphine Maternity 3 in 1 Parka as a gift so it was on the slightly pricier side but it is super nice). I was on the fence about purchasing this type of jacket as I thought it would be wasteful but I had a fellow mama state it would be great for baby wearing the following winter. The additional piece allows you to zip up comfortably around baby in whatever body carrier you choose to have them (I love the Solly Wrap and the Ergobaby 360) in and everyone is snug as a bug in a rug, almost literally. It was actually great and I’d highly recommend it.

Last, but certainly not least, and actually the best are leggings. I don’t think there is a perinatal item that I recommend more than leggings, in particular the Align Leggings from Lululemon. (That is not an affiliate link and I am not in any way paid to say that). These are literally the best. They are soft as butter and so comfortable. The reason I think they are so comfortable in pregnancy as well is that there are no rigid or uncomfortable seams at the top of the band and therefore they move so well with the belly. The Align High Rise Pant come in both 28″ and 25″ so pay attention to that when purchasing to have the best fit (I am 5’3″ and 25″ fits me like a full length pant). Yes, they are pricey, I know, but the quality is so worth it. I wore the same pair MY ENTIRE PERINATAL JOURNEY. That’s right – pre pregnancy, to 40+ weeks and now postpartum in the same pants. The band is not excessively stretched nor uncomfortable. I am a yogi, so I am partial to yoga pants, but I have several of these and do not regret it. I wear them almost daily.

The obvious point is that these pants are amazing and adapted to all these stages of my perinatal journey. But it is so amazing, and also quite crazy, to see how much my body changed throughout this process too. Seeing these pictures I see the same person but such a different person at the same time. The weight I gained growing such a beautiful babe and then the significant weight I loss nourishing that baby is a testament to how much the body, and mind is able to endure. Luckily I had my trusty legging to be with me during the ride – this sounds silly, but honestly having a soft and supportive pant and not having to worry about what to wear is a true measure of comfort. Which brings up another item for the list. (I said the leggings were last, but I suppose I lied).

Last, and literally (in the tone of Chris Traeger from Parks and Recreation) last, is bras. Why is buying bras such a terrible experience? I feel like when I was much younger it was something I enjoyed but as I have gotten older it is much more of a chore. Now that I am postpartum and my breasts have changes in size, shape and consistency (as the rest of me did) I have no starting point in buying a “normal” bra and it just feels like a total dark abyss. I bought several awesome nursing bras, my post about favorite breastfeeding items discusses about them, but I sadly cannot continue to wear them anymore. One pro to the COVID-19 pandemic is that we aren’t doing too much these days so I have basically been living in sports bras and just winging it when necessary. (And by winging it, I mean stressing and melting down when I have to pick a real bra to wear that doesn’t really fit). I’ve tried a few different companies and each time it doesn’t seem to be right. I get so discouraged, return them and then I wait weeks before trying again… There appears to be so many options out there but the products and the process just continue to be futile. So is it me? Is it society? One thing I do know is, for now, until I obtain more stamina, sports bras it is.

What are your favorite pregnancy attire items? Did you have lots of fun clothes or live in the same items?

Has anyone else had the same bra woes? Please help a sister out with suggestions!

I can’t wait to hear about it. Let’s talk soon,
Al