Nutrition & Supplements During Pregnancy

Join us at the farmers table.

Good nutrition can make all the difference in your pregnancy and nursing journey. Fueling your body with the right food, supplements, and exercise can help you sleep better, fight fatigue, balance your glucose levels, and help combat high blood pressure. I know, its so hard to eat healthy when you are battling pregnancy cravings. Small things like switching out your morning bagel for yogurt, your side of mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes, or your ice cream for whipped cream and strawberries can make a big difference. Eating 60g of protein a day is preferred to help your baby’s growth and can also help with blood pressure issues. Purchasing from your local farmers market or butcher usually ensures a better chance of organic, high quality meat and produce. It also helps support your local community.

Join The Prenatal Nutrition List for helpful tips on foods you can eat and ones you should avoid, while also getting helpful recipe plans.

Quality supplements are worth it!

Do you know the difference between synthetic & wholefood? Did you know, that the majority of vitamins and supplements you find on the shelves at your local drug and grocery store are synthetic? You might be asking, “so whats the difference?” Synthetic vitamins are made from chemicals to mimic the natural way your body absorbs nutrients from food. These chemicals are difficult for your body to absorb and can even cause health issues. Whole food vitamins condense and concentrate the fruits and vegetables to make natural vitamins for your body. Your body actually recognizes them as food and distributes the nutrients where they need to go. With big chains buying out the brands we love the quality is no longer there. I encourage each of my clients to do their own research to figure out which products are right for them. If you dont know where to start and are looking for some direction, Young Living I trust for all of my supplement needs.

Exercising a few times a week during pregnancy is so important to help you rest better, fight fatigue, better frame of mind, and keep blood sugar and pressure levels down. Exercises like swimming are low impact and can really help with back pain and even help with nausea. Yoga is a wonderful way to increase flexibility and bring those cortisol levels down. Walking will help strengthen endurance and help keep baby engaged in the pelvis. If you are able to throw some squats and lunges in there it will definitely help when it comes time for labor and positions changes to help bring baby down.

Shhhh...its Taboo

Shhhh...its Taboo

“Baby blues & postpartum depression. It’s more common then you think yet it’s still considered one of those “taboo” phrases. Why? Generally after a women has a baby, family, friends, and even complete strangers expect them to be “naturally be elated.” The truth is, this isn’t always the case. While some women do feel that sense of joy and total connection to the baby(s) that have been growing in their womb for the last 42 weeks…there are some that don’t. Lets talk about those women. I don’t mean talk about them in that junior high whispering under your breath while deviously glaring like somethings wrong with them way. I mean lets TALK ABOUT THEM…openly…respectfully…and with some mercy and grace on the side.”

Birthing During A Pandemic

Birthing During A Pandemic

Having a baby can be overwhelming, but even more so in the middle of a global pandemic. Thank the Lord we live in a day of options. Women can choose to birth in a hospital, birthing center, or even at home, although 90% of women in America choose to have their babies in a hospital. However, with the current pandemic happening and guidelines changing daily more and more women are opting for out of hospital births. There are a number of women who can’t switch due to their pregnancies being considered high risk, so what are their options?

Real Stories. Real Truth. Real Courage.

Have you ever heard someone say, “no two pregnancies are alike?” Its true. It doesn’t matter how many babies you have, every pregnancy will have something that makes it unique. That’s why I decided to sit down and ask several women about their birth stories and life as a parent. Each had a different story to tell, but all had a different experience then what they initially thought. Sometimes hearing others experiences can be overwhelming (especially if you are a expecting mother), but sometimes its helpful to know you have different options and that other women have been through it too. 

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How did you choose your healthcare provider and what was your experience?

All three of my babies were born at the same hospital, because that’s where my doctor delivers. I chose Dr. McBride for several reasons. I met her when my cousin was pregnant and I accompanied her to a few appointments. I really liked the office staff, nurses, and the doctors. Dr. McBride was so personable and friendly. I felt she always listened to me. The first delivery was not quite what I wanted due to some hospital rules that prevented me from walking around after my water broke. I felt like a lot of that was due to me being a first time mom - they also pressured me to get an epidural which I very firmly refused. (At one point) I finally got sharp with a nurse and they backed off. But my doctor was not on call so she was not there to back me up. I wish this had been different. In the end they gave me Pitocin. Had I been able to move and walk I believe I could have done it naturally! With my second pregnancy, my doctor examined me in the office and said I was indeed in labor. We scheduled a checkin and she broke my water, my daughter was born five hours later and they didn’t even administer fluids. I didn’t need them. I didn’t have any other medications either. It went MUCH smoother. With my third baby, I labored mostly at home and arrived at the hospital in active labor. As soon as my water broke I dilated quickly and she was born before the doctor even got there! It went too fast for me to even focus on. Looking back I might have liked to do a more natural birth, but the cost and lack of one nearby were factors. I was also considered a geriatric mother.

Dr. McBride was so personable and friendly. I felt she always listened to me.

Jan Jefferson, Mineral Wells, Texas 

What was your birth experience?

With my first pregnancy I thought my water broke. I felt a small surge, and it kept leaking for about 2 hours. I had no contractions or pain. I went to hospital, she checked and said it wasn’t my water but kept me for observation. 3 hours later she determined I was in fact leaking amniotic fluid and admitted me. I was able to walk around the hospital for a solid hour  before coming back to L&D. Still no pain or contractions. I was told they had to start Pitocin if I wasn’t having contractions. I was uneducated and it was the middle of the night so they didn’t call my doctor. I was only 37 weeks. My water started leaking again and they started Pitocin around 5am. By 12 pm they started to tell me I wasn’t progressing and if I didn’t get an epidural to “help my body relax” they would have to do a c-section. Above all else I did NOT want a c-section. My doctor was on vacation that week. I caved and got an epidural because I thought that was my only way to avoid a c-section. My baby was born three weeks early. My second pregnancy I had given up on a natural birth since I felt the first one was ruined. I had zero medical direction or support on a natural labor or midwife. I went into labor on my own with fierce contractions at 11am. I got to the hospital and was four centimeters. I got a epidural and about twenty minutes later my left arm went numb and fell off the bed. It was at that moment I realized the epidural had reversed and all I could think was my heart and lungs were next. I immediately started panicking and hyperventilating. They gave me oxygen and rushed the anesthesiologist in. It was very traumatic. She threw me up on the side of the bed and started pulling tubes out of my back very quickly. They left me to lay there for a little bit longer and monitor me then re-inserted the epidural. It was excruciating the second time. Overall that experience led me to have natural birth at a birthing center my third pregnancy.  I saw the entire team of midwives, but had one main midwife that was with me through my entire pregnancy. She gave me scriptures to calm my fears before labor. My water broke on it’s own (for the first time ever) 10 days past my due date. Labor was very very intense and quick. I went from 4 centimeters into full transition in one hour. I birthed in the tub. It was primal as well as spiritual. One of the most spiritual experiences I’ve ever had. My recovery with my natural birth was unlike anything compared to my hospital Births.

I birthed in the tub. It was primal as well as spiritual.

Vanessa James, North Texas

Where did you choose to have your babies and why? 

I had my first baby in a birthing center and my second two at home. Being a RN and having witnessed more than 100 births I was terrified to have a child at a hospital. I switched providers at 34 weeks with my first and gave birth at 37 weeks. The next two I had at home. I didn’t like being herded through the system, feeling like another number with a checklist. I love the personalized and detailed treatment that midwives provide. I felt much safer and cared for and I did it from the comfort of my home without having to go anywhere. That was a huge plus. 

Being a RN.....I was terrified to have a child at a hospital.

Anonymous, Weatherford, Texas

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Is there any encouragement you have for mothers?

Remember that other mothers have gone through some of the same things you are going through. Always ask for help, even when you dont want to. I had emergency c-sections with both of my pregnancies. I knew I would have both of my boys via c-section, but I didn’t think they would both be born premature. Oliver was born at 33 weeks due to preeclampsia. (Preeclampsia happens in pregnancy when your blood pressure is too high) (Doctors) generally treat it with bed rest and medicines, but sometimes it’s so high that they have to deliver the baby early. That is what happened with me. Noah was born at 23 weeks 6 days. I developed preeclampsia very early with him and was put on hospital bed rest for a week before they had to deliver him.

Remember that other mothers have gone through some of the same things you are going through.

Arin Hudgins, Wylie, Texas

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How old are your children? 

I have two boys one is six and the other is three. 

What surprised you the most about being a parent?

The noise and how quiet a life I lived before. I have always known that I was an introvert who preferred quiet and calm, but I did not realize just how much noisy wildness children would bring and how much it would drain me by the end of the day. Oh, but how much your heart loves. Loving a parents is strong, but I have found that there is nothing as consuming as loving your child. 

Is there any advice you have for mothers in the thick of it?

Being a military wife generally means that I do not have the strong, established support system available to me. I like to imagine the old days when things were easier, less demands and expectations for mothers and parenting.  People knew that help needed but (also) would generally be accepted. Today, we are reticent to accept help when it is offered. We do not know how to offer help as a result and are even less willing to ask for it.  So my advice...

  1. Say yes. Even if you think they don’t really want to help, still say yes. If they aren’t specific in how they want to help, then be specific for them. Don’t be afraid to give them the dirty work. When I said yes, I found so many who were truly willing to help out but just didn’t know how.  

  2. Talk about it. Whatever it is, talk about it. The funny, the bad, and the indifferent. You will find support in the most unlikely of places. And you will realize that you really are not alone.

I have found that there is nothing as consuming as loving your child.


Therasa Nettesheim, Milwaukee Wisconsin



















It takes a village....

Have you ever heard the phrase, “it takes a village to raise a child?” No one actually knows where this phrase came from, although some have suspected from a Native American tribe or a African proverb, but no matter the origin, it is one hundred percent true. It doesn’t take much researching to find that America is one of the top countries, if not number one, for postpartum depression in women. Why? America is one of the only cultures where women are left to do motherhood on their own. Most every other culture in the world has a “tribe” that surrounds the new mother for months after she gives birth to help cook, clean, and take care of her other children (if any) while the mom heals and bonds with her new baby. 

When I became a mother my world was literally turned upside down and I suffered from culture shock. I didn’t have just one baby to take care of, I had two. No one in my family had had twins. Non of my younger friends had had twins either. My husband and I were was completely on our own trying to figure out this new world and it was STRESSFUL. 

I had always been someone who worked in the office and now I was suddenly a full time mom to two. The first six months my husband and I were in strict survival mode living off a little sleep and a lot of Jesus, but by their first birthdays they were sleeping through the night, eating solid foods, and we felt like we finally found our rhythm. Then BOOM we found out baby number three was on the way. Imagine trying to chase two rambunctious toddlers while you are nine months pregnant. 

A month after their second birthday little sister arrived. We thought wed have a sweet moment at the hospital introducing them, but after her first cry that was all over. My parents literally had been at the hospital for 30 minutes before they had to carry our twins out because they would not stop crying. It was like that for the first two months their sister was home. Every time she cried it was total meltdowns. My husband and I found ourselves in a state of exhaustion all over again. We were becoming more reclusive without even trying. When we finally got all three kids to bed all we wanted to do was eat, take a shower, and catch up on sleep ourselves. We thought what parent has time for friends? We barely have time for ourselves and date nights. Our daughter was exclusively nursed AND co-sleeping with us because it was just easier. So imagine our surprise when two days before our her first birthday we found out we were expecting our fourth baby.

..........Long story short we are now parents to four kids under the age of four. Why am I telling you this? We wouldn’t be where we are today without our village. My friend and doula (yes even doulas need doulas) has been with me through all four of my births and has been such a wealth of wisdom when it comes to making sure my physical, emotional, and mental state is good. My parents and sister have cooked, cleaned, allowed us to sleep, and  make it out of the house for date night. Although we find ourselves overwhelmed yet again as we have three toddlers and a newborn we know that with the help of our “village” we will again find our rhythm once again.

Its important to find a a community/support system (whether family, friends, postpartum doula, or local mom/parent group) that you can call on for help, wisdom, comfort, and advice when you need it. People are not meant to walk through parenthood alone, it truly takes a village.

Xo,

Ashley

Its important to have a community/support system that you can call on...

Traveling with Kids

This weekend my husband and I took our first LONG trip ( 7hrs one way) with all three of our kiddos. Let me add that we have twin toddlers (2 1/2) and a 4 month old. This trip taught us a lot about ourselves and our kids. So I thought I might share some helpful tips we figured out along the way.

  1. Less is more when it comes to clothes. If you are staying somewhere that has access to a washer and dryer then utilize it.

  2. Take 1-3 toys that are compact (toy guitar, car, book, etc) that can keep your kiddo(s) entertained. We have a SUV with a TV and it was so helpful when the boys got bored with their toys.

  3. Pack a cooler of snacks and eat at a roadside park. Two things about toddlers…..they are picky eaters and they need to expel energy. You can spend a lot of money eating out on road trips. What’s worse is seeing that money get thrown on the floor by a super picky eater. My husband and I found that packing snacks and lunches in a cooler that we knew our kids would eat was more helpful then guessing and wasting money eating out. We also enjoyed the trip and scenery more when we stopped at a nice roadside park to eat and let our kids run off some energy. They took better naps when we did too.

  4. Traveling with infants. We found it much easier to feed and change our 4 month old every time we stopped (whether she was sleeping or not) to prevent additional stops. We took her out of her car seat and let her stretch, we exercised her legs by doing bicycle kicks etc. We found this super helpful to her traveling better with less fits.

  5. If your kiddos are not well traveled then chances are you may have a few restless nights with them being in a new place and not in their own bed. Try letting them run out as much energy as possible and start settling them down a hr before their usual bedtime. A nice warm bath with lavender scented soap and lotion helps calm. Over stimulation is a real thing.

  6. Lastly. Cut yourself some slack. Kids are kids. They are in a new place and their curiosity is at a all time high. They want to touch, explore, and learn all about this new world. We ran ourselves ragged trying to make sure that they didn’t get into every little thing. At the end of the day we had to choose our battles.

Xo,

Ashley

Tips for Breastfeeding Mothers

Breastfeeding has many wonderful benefits for both mom and baby(s). With that said, breastfeeding is also demanding, time consuming, and often times exhausting for mothers. Here are a few tips to help you keep supply up. 

  • Rest. I know most moms will read this, cock their heads, and say “Are you crazy? There is no rest for the weary.” I encourage all new mothers to sleep when the baby sleeps. Cleaning and other things can wait. Rest is crucial for not only your milk supply, but it also helps combat postpartum depression/blues.

  • Nurse frequently. In the first few weeks it is crucial to nurse frequently (every 2hrs or more if baby shows signs of hunger) as this helps establish your milk supply.

  • Eat. This is actually easier said then done when you are exhausted, taking care of a newborn, and especially if you have other children needing your attention. Meal prepping can be a huge life savor where this is concerned. (Postpartum doulas are wonderful at keeping fridges stocked for moms) Eating healthy meals that provide lots of protein and iron will help your supply.

  • Water. This is a IMPORTANT one. Staying hydrated is crucial for a good milk supply. Nursing mothers should drink a minimum of 64oz of water a day.

  • Fennel. Fennel is a wonderful all natural way to help milk production. It can be found in Mothers Milk (a tea for breastfeeding mothers) as well as in oil form (The oil can be applied right to the chest).

At the same time there are several things that can dry up your milk. 

  • Stress

  • Smoking

  • Tight clothing/bras

  • Certain medications.

You want to avoid these things if It at all possible. If you have tried all the above tips to improve breast milk production and still aren’t having any luck it might be time to visit with a lactation consultant. Ask your doula for recommendations on a good LC in the area (if they themselves are not one). 

Xo,

Ashley

 

 

 

Hospital Bag Check List

There are a million thoughts that race through the minds of new parents when thinking about their soon-to-be baby including but not limited to registering, assembling the nursery, planning a baby shower, etc... Truthfully, there is only so much you can do to prepare for the baby’s arrival, but no matter how prepared you think you are, you are guaranteed to run into a few surprises. It’s akin to that episode of “I Love Lucy,” where Ricky, Ethel, and Fred practiced over and over again their roles for when “the time had come.” No matter how many times they practiced, when the time “finally came,” they were running around like chickens with no heads. Nevertheless, it helps to prepare and be as ready as possible. A great starting point is packing your hospital bag. I suggest that expectant families have their hospital bag packed at least three weeks in advance, just in case the baby decides to make an early debut. You can find plenty of packing lists on the internet  - some helpful and some not as much. Are you the “bare minimum” type of planner or “be ready for all things” type of planner? After my own postpartum hospital stay, I compiled a packing list of my own that was the perfect happy medium for me. I had everything I needed for a normal 1-4 day hospital stay. Additionally, I tried to keep in mind that most postpartum rooms have limited space and limited storage. If you’re about to have a baby and want to have a great packed bag, this list is a good place to start.

For You:

-Birth plan. I always print two copies: one to post in the labor room and the other to give your hospital staff (doula, midwife, doctor, and nurses.) 

-Comfortable pajamas. Although we all want to be cute in our Victoria Secret matching PJs, this is not conducive right after having a baby. I suggest a long nightgown that isn’t too constricting on the stomach, not pants that rub between the inner thighs or higher. For nursing mothers, I suggest an easy-to-open front top for nursing.

-Robe. This makes getting out of the shower easier and also allows you to cover up quickly should someone decide to pop in.

-Shower essentials. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash (remember the hospital only supplies small bottles) toothpaste, toothbrush, face wash, lip balm, headband, and lotion.

-House shoes. Comfy, no-slip house shoes are perfect so your feet never have to touch the cold floor. (Non-slip socks can go in place if you aren’t a house shoe type of person.)

-Comfortable underwear. Most hospitals will supply you with mesh underwear during your postpartum stay, but some new mothers find these uncomfortable. I suggest whipping out your cotton, oversized, granny panties that you don’t mind getting ruined. Most mothers are unaware that postpartum bleeding is very heavy.

-Nursing bra.  For nursing mothers I suggest 2-3 extra nursing bras. Breastfeeding is sometimes messy, but if you are planning on a water birth or do not want to wear a gown, nursing bras provide great coverage if you aren’t comfortable bearing all.

-Nursing pads.

-Breast pump. The hospital normally provides a hospital grade pump; however, sometimes they may not be available.

-Comfortable going-home outfit. Loose pants and top are best. Tight clothing around your stomach can be uncomfortable.

-Charger. For your phone and any other devices

-Relax. Whatever other items that will make you feel at home such as essential oils, diffusers (as hospitals sometimes smell), pillow, eye mask, etc.

-Healthy snacks. Although hospital food has improved over the years, snacks are still good to have on hand for dad and for mom. Gatorade or water with electrolytes is also helpful for dehydration.

-Check-in information. Photo ID, insurance card(s), credit card(s), cash (vending machines), hospital paperwork, and a journal/baby book to log first days’ information.

 

For Baby:

-Infant car seat. Most hospitals will do a car seat test with your baby. This lets them know that your baby is able to ride in a car seat safely without having any health risks. Without a car seat you will not be able to leave the hospital.

-Bring-home outfit. It helps to pack several outfits 0-3 months as no one really knows the size or length the baby is going to be. Babies have difficulty regulating their body temperature for the first two weeks, so I encourage a warmer outfit.

-Receiving blankets or swaddle. Most hospitals supply during your stay, but request that everything be left so they can clean and recycle.

-Pacifiers.

If you would like to add a doula to your list of things to bring with you, call me.  https://www.womanofvalordoula.com/new-page-1/

I hope you find all of these suggestions helpful.

Xo,

Ashley

Why Do I Need a Birth Doula?

 

I’m sure every mother has asked this question when first approached about using a doula for their birth. This may be your first baby or your fourth- regardless, when you’re pregnant, having the right support team in place is essential. Most people who have done their research regarding doulas know that they are professionally trained birth workers skilled in childbirth, labor, and postpartum care. The most common definition people use is someone who “provides emotional, educational, and physical support to expecting mothers.” However, this only skims the surface of what doulas truly do. Below are five statistics and reasons you should consider hiring a doula. 

 

  1. Educational support. Doulas are extremely knowledgeable of medical terminology, hospital cesarean rates within your area, breast feeding tips, etc… Doulas help educate parents so they can have the best birth.

  2. Mothers wanting a vaginal birth should know that cesarean rates decrease 28% with a doula. Although a cesarean can be life saving, it is major abdominal surgery and there are substantial risks to both the mother and baby during and after childbirth.

  3. Women wanting a un-medicated birth should also know that the use of Pitocin decreases 31% with a doula. Pitocin is the synthetic version of oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone naturally produced by the body to cause the uterus to contract. When a woman naturally goes into labor, there are breaks in between contractions. Pitocin increases the intensity and strength of the contractions which consequently exhausts the laboring mother and generally ends in her getting an epidural to help cope with the pain.

  4. The likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth is increased by 12% when a doula is apart of your birthing team. This means baby comes on his/her own without the use of forceps or a vacuum. Doulas can help mothers get into a better birthing positions to help avoid these invasive procedures that often times have serious risks to both mother and baby.

  5. Hiring a doula can help decrease the length of labor by 25%. If you have watched movies of laboring mothers, generally it shows them on their back in a bed. Doulas will have you try several positions such as squatting, walking, rocking, etc… to help bring the baby down into the birth canal.

 

These are just a few of the medical benefits of hiring a doula. Whether you are an expectant mother, you can never go wrong with hiring a doula.

Xo,

Ashley

 

References:

dona.org

evidencebasedbirth.com

internationaldoulainstitute.com

 

Visitors &Newborn Baby

As a doula, I get asked this question a lot: “When is the best time to have visitors after my baby is born?” 

For first-time parents and even seasoned parents, this can be a touchy subject. The truth is, whenever is convenient for you and your new family. Some families are ready for visitors in the hospital. Some are ready the first week they are home, while still other families may need a few months to adjust to their new life. Whichever scenario applies to you and your family is completely acceptable. Friends and family sometimes have a tendency to get caught up in the excitement of the new arrival that they forget the long and exhausting process the parents have endured along the way. In fact, most countries around the world actually encourage the mother to stay in bed, rest, and bond with the baby while others come to her aid. (Ex. Prepare meals, grocery shop, clean, etc.)

I have a friend who for several years struggled to conceive a baby, and even suffered a miscarriage. However, their dream of becoming a family had finally come true. They did their research, planned out all of the details of the birth, hired a doula – everything was perfect. However, the day she went into labor, everything that could go wrong did and her perfectly planned birth plan went out the window. She had both a hard labor and delivery but after 30+ hours, she and her husband had finally become parents. They told friends and family that due to  delivering prematurely,  coupled with a laborious birthing process, they would not be accepting visitors until they were home and settled. It was a long four days recovering in the hospital: her body was healing from major trauma; she was exhausted from being up every two hours to nurse, and her hormones were a rollercoaster. When she finally made it home, people began calling wondering when they could come visit. I suppose the terms “home and settled” meant as soon as they got home from the hospital. For some that may be true, but for my friend, it was months. Keeping in mind that their little one was born during the cold and flu season, some forget if he/she have been sick recently or have had the slightest cough, it can be potentially dangerous to an infant’s fragile immune system. Friends and family not only wanted to hold their baby, but kiss the baby’s hands and face. This poor, new mother was harassed by those who thought they should be allowed to see the new bundle of joy first, before anyone else. This was suppose to be a joyful time and instead people she loved were making it about them.

Why do I tell you this story? To remind those excited family members and friends that it is not about them. As hard as it is to hear, it is the truth. This is about being an encouraging support to the new parents who are making exhausting adjustments to the new chapter in their lives. New parents, especially mothers, feel they need to entertain guests when they come over instead of resting. This can often lead to other problems down the road such as fatigue, more bleeding, low milk supply in nursing mothers, postpartum depression etc… Some visitors tell the parents to go lay down while they watch the baby. While this may seem helpful, some parents are not yet comfortable leaving their new infant with anyone, friends and family included. So as a family member or friend, what is helpful? Ask if they need food, diapers, a coffee run from Starbucks, or anything else. Be patient and remember it is not personal. If they say they are not accepting visitors right now, they have good reason. If they ask you to wash your hands, not kiss their baby, or any other requests, no matter how ridiculous it may seem to you, just comply. 

Xo,

Ashley

Welcoming Fall Fashion With A Pumpkin Size Belly

 

Fall is my favorite season. I love the cool crisp air as it blows through the trees and the rustling sound it makes. I love when the sun peers through the red leaves and lights up like fire, or sipping hot chocolate out of my favorite mug. But my favorite thing of all is fall fashion. When I can pull my knee high boots, over sized sweaters, and leggings out from the back of my closet.  However, I found it is much more difficult to look cute for fall when your sporting a pumpkin under your shirt. How many pregnant woman can identify? 

When fall rolled around I was in my second trimester with twins. My belly looked like I was ready to give birth any day. I also found myself struggling with major hot flashes which made wearing those oversized sweaters I adored on the cover of Pea In the Pod magazines impossible to wear. I also lived in Texas, which lets face it, our fall consists of weather in the low 70s maybe 60’s if we are lucky. Still I wanted to look cute and stylish while pregnant. 

Here are my top 5 tips and fashion hacks for fall during pregnancy.

 

  1. Leggings. Maternity leggings are probably the most comfortable thing you can wear while growing a tiny human in your uterus. They are also versatile and can be worn with almost anything.

  2. Crochet Shaw. I first saw one of these worn by Jessica Simpson. She now has it as apart of her collection. Its super versatile, keeps you warm, but easy to take off if you have a hot flash.

  3. Boots. This is one of the iconic fall fashion trends. Boots can go with a good pair of jeans or leggings and they are super comfortable.

  4. Skinny jeans. Another must have for fall. There is generally a Motherhood store in every mall that offers a affordable selection of skinny jeans for $34-$40.

  5. Variety of tops. Whether a sweater, mid arm, or t-shirt, most any top can be worn with leggings, boots, and a scarf or shaw to pull off the fall fashion style you desire. I suggest purchasing several different tops and mix matching them between jeans and leggings.

 

I hope this helps. Have fun sporting your bump this fall season.

Xo,

Ashley