All About Mama: HOTmilk Lingerie

When I was pregnant with both of my children, I remember people telling me that I glowed.  I truly believe that is because I was so happy to be pregnant, (despite the fact that I had some difficulties during both pregnancies) because I didn’t feel beautiful at all.  I mostly felt big and awkward.

Four weeks ago, our baby girl was born…healthy and beautiful and perfect.  And I think that I’m enjoying my postpartum body even less than my pregnant one.  At least when I was pregnant, I had an excuse for the belly and weight gain.  I vowed before I got married not to “let myself go.”   If you’re pregnant or nursing, there are many things you can do to look and feel beautiful, especially in front of your significant other.

HOTmilk offers gorgeous pregnancy lingerie and nursing bras.  When I first saw their collection in person, I had a difficult time believing that the line was created for pregnant and nursing women.  Because apart from the extra fabric in the torso and the nursing straps, you’d never know that the line was designed for this particular population.  HOTmilk originated in New Zealand three years ago and was started by two young moms who’s goal was to empower women to regain their femininity and sensuality.  The company specializes in elegant designs and utilizes the best technology and highest quality laces and details in their collection.

As a woman, I believe that it’s important to feel good about myself…and that includes how I look.  Having a baby is truly the ultimate expression of womanhood.  It IS a beautiful time in a woman’s life, and she should look and feel beautiful.  Since this is the second time I’ve done pregnancy and nursing, I’ve had quite a bit of experience shopping for this time in my life.  And I have to admit that when it comes to beauty and fashion, there aren’t a ton of options.  Nursing bras, in particular, are at best plain.

HOTmilk is definitely a bold maternity and nursing line.  But I am highly impressed with both the quality and designs offered.  And I’d wear most of the pieces offered in their collection because they’re beautiful and tasteful.  In fact, I’ve been sleeping in the Delighted With Her Victory Nursing Nightwear set. The set is very cozy and made from 100% cotton. It’s fashionable, comfortable, and functional.  I really like some of the subtle details like the slight flare the pants have at the bottom and the silk accents (around the ankles and the drawstring on the pants).  The top could be worn both during and after pregnancy since it’s gathered and roomy and has an A-frame shelf for support.

I also received the She Blushes In Delight Lingerie Set.  Stunning…gorgeous…feminine…  Those are just a few words describing this lovely Lingerie Set. The set is comprised of quality laces and fabrics and even includes rose details.  The bra is very supportive (and features an A-frame support and a strong power elastane back), particularly for full-busted women.  The shoulder straps are wide enough to compliment the support the bra provides.  The back adjuster includes six rows of triple eyes to allow for both expansion during pregnancy and slimming afterward. The color and detail are lovely, but the style ensures that the set is functional.

During and after pregnancy, a supportive, well-fitting bra is crucial.  I used to think that meant the bra had to be large and bulky.  My experience with HOTmilk has proved otherwise. Their collection features fresh prints, reminiscent of European styling.  Comfort, ease, and support are all factors that were considered with regards to their bras.  The entire line is free from underwires and each features a one-handed maternity clip. Bras are available in sizes 30A to 42 G and bottoms, in sizes S-XXL.  For more information about where to find HOTmilk lingerie, visit their site.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  I did receive product samples, courtesy of the company, in order to facilitate my review.

Runway Maternity Fashion: Moody Mamas

It’s hard to believe that one week ago, I was pregnant and now I’m not.  I’m not complaining…at all.  It’s just the strangest feeling to be pregnant for almost an entire year and then one day you’re just not.  I am overjoyed at having our baby girl with us.  I’m not one who does pregnancy well.  I don’t glow and generally just feel awkward.  Because I think that there might be a women or two out there who feels the same way I do, I appreciate and support companies that strive to help the pregnant woman look and feel beautiful.

Moody Mamas is a line of maternity and nursing clothing popular among celebrities (Jessica Alba and Tori Spelling).  And I’m not surprised that this is the case since they’re clothes are hip and trendy.  When I got pregnant with my son, I only knew of one store that sold maternity clothing (and you are probably all familiar with it).  I wish I had known that other options like Moody Mamas existed.  Most pregnant women experiencing normal, healthy pregnancies continue to work and engage in their normal activities.  It becomes increasingly challenging (especially in that third trimester) to find comfortable, fashionable clothing to wear to work and outings.  Whether you need something casual for the weekends or something more formal for work or going out, you’re certain to find that Moody Mamas offers much in the way of style.

Now, if you’re like me, you perhaps can’t justify spending a lot of money on an entire maternity wardrobe that will only be worn for less than one year.  Many woman spend up to $1000 on a maternity wardrobe they will likely never wear again (unless they have more children).  Fortunately, Moody Mamas recently announced that they would be selling their clothing online at Target.  When I visited their online site, I found that the most expensive piece retails for $59.99 (compared to pieces starting at well over $50 on their main site).

Moody Mamas was surprisingly started by two women who’ve never had children.  Their goal was to design a “bold, daring collection” inspired by the runways.   Some of the styles are hip while others more sophisticated.  Much of what I’ve seen I’d wear long after the pregnancy (particularly since I don’t see myself fitting into my pre-pregnancy clothes in the foreseeable future).   Target offers comfortable lounge-wear, nursing essentials, everyday casual-wear, and dresses for going out.

I received a gorgeous pair of black pajamas.  They’re super soft and cozy and I wore them until I delivered. Fortunately (or maybe unfortunately) they still fit since I am still rocking a bump!  I can actually wear the pajamas for lounging around at home because they don’t really look like your typical pajamas.

If you’re looking for affordable maternity and nursing wear that you’ll enjoy wearing during and after your pregnancy, check out Moody Mamas.  You can also visit their main site and click on “Steals & Deals” for savings up to 60%.  They’re also having a sample sale if you’re in the Los Angeles area.

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this review. I received a product, courtesy of the company in order to facilitate my review.

My Birth Experience

I know it *appears* that I’ve been around…but I really haven’t.  My incredible husband has been doing much in the way of answering emails, closing giveaways, and updating everyone on how we’re doing so that our baby girl and I could have some much needed bonding time before we go home.  My husband has been doing all of this and more in between the times when he’s helping me get up, cuddling our sweet baby girl, and running back and forth to make sure everything is ready for our up coming discharge from the hospital.  I’ve managed to read your comments and tweets and emails and I’ve just been in awe of the support, encouragement, and well wishes we’ve received.  One by one, I’m reading them, taking them in, and responding personally.  

I never really wrote out my first birth experience.  Part of that was because in many ways I felt like I failed.  I agreed to an induction with my son at 38 weeks and the result was a c section…they call it failure to progress.  I’m not fond of that medical term.  Did I fail?  Did my body fail?  I felt a lot of guilt after delivering my son.  The shoulda, woulda, coulda’s kept playing over and over again in my mind.  

This time, I have no guilt.  I knew what to expect…I just didn’t know when to expect her.  I find it amusing that less than 2 days before I went into labor, my doctor had me pretty convinced that we’d be having a January baby.  Once I got my mind around that concept, I decided that the few weeks of prep time would be beneficial.  We’d have a nice, quiet Christmas with our little boy.  

We spent Saturday doing typical errands.  We even squeezed in a visit with Santa.  This was my first walk around the mall without a wheelchair, but I didn’t feel like I really walked all that much.  That night I rested because I had some back pain…but I experienced back pain the entire pregnancy so it really didn’t seem like anything out of the ordinary at the time.  

If you managed to catch any of my tweets, then you know earlier in the week I thought I was in labor…which ended up being a false alarm.  So when I woke up at 2 am with some contractions on Sunday morning, I just assumed it was false labor.  I got up, walked a bit to see if they would go away and then laid back down.  After about an hour (which seemed like many) I woke my husband up.  We started timing the contractions which were only about 10 minutes apart (very similar to the timing of the contractions earlier in the week).  Except…they hurt…and I mean, I was having to breathe through them and they were hurting into my back.  Something was definitely different.  My husband asked me if I wanted to watch something on TV while we waited to see what would ensue.  At that point I was barely coping and pretty much told him that we needed to call the doctor because something was just not right.  While we waited for my doctor to call back, I started frantically trying to get things packed (in between the contractions which were getting closer and closer together), in the unlikely event that we’d be staying overnight.  As a side note, if you’re 9 months pregnant, it might be a good idea to have a hospital bag packed…I’m just sayin’.  Then there was the question of what to do with our son.  My husband took him to our very kind neighbor’s house while I pretty  much started to lose control.  In that moment, I sincerely wished I had paid attention to the breathing techniques we learned during my first pregnancy.  How funny is it that I was due to have a scheduled c section and still had to go through several hours of labor.  Sigh!

Not once did I ever really think that I was in labor or that we’d have to stay overnight or that we’d be meeting our baby girl that day.  Everything happened so fast.  When we got to the hospital, it was quickly determined that I was in labor and that my good friend Terbutaline was no longer effective at stopping my contractions.  Two doses of it and I was still contracting.  So off to the OR we went.

This time, I knew what to expect with regards to the anesthesia and the surgery.  It seemed like only minutes before we were hearing our sweet baby girl’s cries.  She was (and is) perfect and healthy and much bigger than I would have expected at 37 weeks.   Her and my husband went over to a different room while they put me back together and my parents got in a quick cuddle.   I pretty much felt at peace and in control (as opposed to that feeling of being out of control with my first).  After I was put back together, I was taken to recovery and my parents were asked to leave.  I was amazed that not once did our baby girl have to leave either of our sides.  She’s 3 days old and hasn’t been away from us for one second!  The hospital is amazing in that way and if you have to undergo anything other than natural childbirth, this is definitely something to advocate for. 

Today we go home (one whole day early!).  Recovery, in some ways, has been easier (although definitely not pain-free).  I was up walking on Sunday night (12 hours after having surgery) and eating a full meal by midnight that night (crazy!).  We’ve had more sleep, I’ve taken less pain medication, and she’s managed to take to nursing much quicker than my son (but no comparisons here!).  

I never, ever imagined I’d be saying this, but having a c section was as pleasant as major surgery could be.  My body doesn’t do pregnancy or labor well, so I’m thankful that we have options.  

I’m anxious to see our little boy.  We’ve talked to him over the phone every day but I miss him terribly.  I have no idea how he is going to react.  We’re planning on shooting some video and taking pictures to capture the moment.  

My husband and I didn’t exchange gifts with each other this year (no time!). The weekend was supposed to be our time to do that, but something even better happened.  We could not have asked for a better gift.  She’s lovely and perfect.  We’re blessed and thankful beyond words.  

I sincerely hope that each and every one of you has a safe, blessed, enjoyable Christmas.  My husband has been emailing winners and closing giveaways.  I apologize that some of your prizes won’t arrive until after Christmas.  But it makes me so happy to email you with great news and I hope in a small way you’re blessed!   

I have so much planned for the coming year.  I hope you’ll join me!  

Blessings, 

The Baileys

The Waiting Game (aka Get The Baby Out!)

Warning:  This post contains terms like dilation.  If you’re offended by words like this, you may want to avoid reading this post.  

On Sunday, I’ll be 37 weeks (officially full-term).  It’s been a long journey and I’m so thankful that we’ve made it this far without any major problems. Thanks to the Terbutaline, I managed to avoid bedrest this pregnancy and just limited my activity when I started contracting.  I have been very diligent about making sure I don’t do too much, because bedrest + a 2 year old + a working husband don’t make for a great combination.  I went off the Terbutaline at 34 weeks (except for a couple of spot doses here and there) and the contractions have been intense.  It’s ironic that I have to use my breathing techniques when I’m scheduled for a c section in two weeks.  

If you were following me on Twitter the other night, then you may have read that I thought I was in labor.  After my doctor’s visit today, I’m laughing at the irony of that statement.  My body doesn’t do labor.  It does “false” labor…and a good job of it.  All of those intense contractions that have been forcing me to muster up every breathing technique I can remember, are doing absolutely nothing to further the progress in any way, shape or form.  In other words, I’m not dilated or effaced.  At this point last time, I was at least 2 cm and starting to efface.  I guess in some ways this is “good” because it means I’m not high risk for pre-term labor, should we decide that we’re not done with our family.  I have what they call an “irritable uterus,” which means I contract like crazy, but I likely won’t deliver early.  This happened with my son and I was put on bedrest for over 5 months with home monitoring, frequent doctor’s visits, and medicine.  

So at 1 day shy of 37 weeks, I’m getting 10 minute apart contractions and NOTHING is happening.  Which led us to the discussion of a VBAC and the fact that I’m just not a good candidate.  I’ve been pretty certain all along that I would just opt for a repeat c section, but the question always remained as to whether or not my body could do labor.  And after today’s visit, my OB was pretty convinced that an attempt at a VBAC would not be successful, given my history and today’s exam.  

So, the waiting game begins.  I had myself pretty convinced that our baby girl would make her appearance around Christmas. After today’s doctor visit, I’m pretty certain she won’t come until my scheduled c section date in January.  It’s been an emotional day.  I had bought her Christmas outfits to go home from the hospital in, hoping she would come just a bit early. We spent last week installing her car seat, washing her clothes, setting up her bassinet, and purchasing the last few items we need, all in anticipation of her arrival (which we hoped would be next week).  This weekend, we don’t have a lot to do because everything is “done.”  

Our baby girl is going to be here when she is ready.  I don’t want to rush that.  I just had hopes that I wouldn’t have to endure the pain of these contractions for another two weeks.  The last few weeks are trying.  It’s like the end of a marathon.  I see the finish line, but I’m not there yet and I’m tired.  Tired of being big and uncomfortable.  Tired of the back pain and insomnia.  Tired of the contractions I have to breathe through.  And tired of not being able to do the things I used to with my son.  But I know, the moment I look into her eyes, all of this will be a distant memory, so I keep that as the goal in site.

I usually try to be positive about everything…but today was a tough day.  And all I really wanted to say to my doctor was “Get the Baby Out!”  

As a side note, when the big day does finally come, look out for tweets from my hubby.  He’ll also try to update Facebook and the blog with pictures once she’s born.

Insomnia

It’s 3 am and I’ve been tossing and turning for hours.  Perhaps I shouldn’t have taken that 3 hour nap with my son.  Perhaps sitting on my tush most of the day eating bon bons (ha!) doesn’t help tire me out for a good night’s sleep. Perhaps I shouldn’t have had that mocha.  Regardless, I’m wide awake at 3 am and ready to…well…do nothing.  I hope that all this tossing and turning will rouse my snoring husband.  Failed.  I nudge him…he makes a noise that sounds like he might wake up. Not a chance.

 ”Jas”…I whisper…he moves…success!  ”I’m hungry,” trying not to sound whiny or needy.  Silence.  And then snoring.  Seriously?  This time I make my request very audible.  ”Jas…can I please have some Cheerios?”  He’s awake now.  And mildly annoyed that I’ve woken him up from his deep slumber.  How I long to sleep like that for even one hour.  ”Can you eat some crackers?” he asks, knowing full-well that crackers (especially ones that have been sitting on his night-stand for days) aren’t going to satisfy this pregnant mama’s craving.  Because when a pregnant woman wants Cheerios, she won’t be satisfied until she has had her bowl-ful.  My husband sighs and makes unintelligible sounds, expressing his annoyance.  Hey, I’m annoyed too.  I have a 30 pound bump I’ve been carrying around, I fall asleep only to be awoken by my aching bladder or Braxton Hicks contractions, I’ve been forced to sleep on my side (with resultant hip pain), and have had back pain since the end of the first trimester.  Not to mention the myriad of other pregnancy joys (sarcasm?) I would rather not discuss.  So while I feel bad that I’ve awoken my husband, he’ll go back to sleep long before my bowl of Cheerios have hit my stomach.

Runway Maternity Fashion

I was talking to another mom the other day about pregnancy.  We were commenting on how some women just glow during pregnancy.  You look in their eyes and you see how much they enjoy being pregnant.  They look and feel fabulous.  And then there the rest of us…who are just trying to survive.  I’m in the second category.  Please don’t get me wrong.  I am so thankful that I am pregnant and that it was relatively easy for us (despite the fact that I was very sick for the first 4+ months and am now on restricted activity).  I don’t take the miracle of pregnancy for granted, and I know that we are truly blessed to be expecting a second child.  With that said, sometimes, a pregnant woman needs a little help feeling beautiful. I didn’t allow myself much of that during my first pregnancy.  I was on bedrest, which meant I really didn’t have a reason to get all dressed up with nowhere to go.

This time is different.  Yes, I’m on restricted activity, but that doesn’t mean I am confined to my bed.  I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to get out and mingle a little.  And thanks to Pouch, I have a gorgeous (and I seriously mean stunning) Classic Versatile Dress to wear to a variety of occasions.  This dress is unlike any I’ve seen in that it can be worn throughout the entire pregnancy (and after!) and in a variety of ways. Here is a little more information from the site:

Using the bandeau top and layered apron with ties, you can create many looks, flattering to your new curves and busy lifestyle. Try it as a halter, strapless, front wrap, one-shoulder, Grecian halter and skirt.  Dress it up or down with jewelry, tees, tanks and jackets. Day to evening, office to errands, lunch with the girls or a weekend getaway…The Versatile Dress can do it all.

I’ve worn this dress to both casual, informal events and upscale events.  I’ve also worn it at least three different ways so far (but there are at least seven).  My favorite way to wear it is as a halter.  It’s comfortable, flattering, and very easy to “wear.”  This might be TMI, but it’s nice to have a dress with enough support that I don’t need to wear a bra.  It just makes the dress that much more flattering.  It’s cool enough to wear in the summer (believe me…it’s been so hot here lately) but you could easily put a sweater over it and be warm.  The material is very stretchy, so as long as you measure according to the site, you should be able to wear this dress throughout the entire duration of the pregnancy.  Here is a little video on how to wear the dress:

The Classic Versatile Dress retails for $150 (remember that you’ll be able to wear it for a long time, in several different ways, for multiple occasions) and is available in four colors.  And with so many wearing options, you’ll feel like you have a new dress each time you try a different style.  I’ll definitely be wearing it after our little baby is born!

Feeling Overwhelmed…

So this is where I get a little vulnerable. Many of you have emailed me, asking where I’ve been the last few days.  Personal emails are the first ones I open when I check my inbox.  They’re my absolute favorite.  You don’t know how much those emails mean to me, particularly those who’ve asked how I’ve been doing or where I’ve been.  I’ve had a rough couple of weeks.  If you follow my blog, then you know I’ve been rather sick with this pregnancy.  Combine that with hormones, fatigue, and the inability at times to keep up with my energetic child, the dishes, the never-ending laundry and a husband who works long hours (which equals no break for me), and I’m just a little bit overwhelmed.  Oh…and did I mention I still have to WORK?

Today, I just broke down…I’m actually still teary…  I feel guilty for being impatient with my husband and my son.  I feel inadequate for not being able to do everything I normally do.  And I’m so sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.  I’m not one to rant or complain.  In fact, I’m mostly a cheerful, upbeat person.  But these last few weeks have definitely been trying.  With baby number 1, you can sleep when you need a nap.  You can sit down when you need a rest break.  You can eat when you’re hungry.  But being pregnant with number 2 means you have to put your first child ahead of those needs.  And while I wouldn’t have it any other way, sometimes it gets just a little bit overwhelming.

Moms of 2 or more….how did you do it?  How did you survive pregnancy without totally going bonkers?  I’d LOVE any tips or advice…

And I promise to try not to be such a downer…Hey…I’m almost done with the first trimester.  Don’t they say the second is the best?

*Father’s Day winners will be announced tomorrow!

Book Review: Baby Lists

Having a baby can be an overwhelming experience.  There is much to prepare.  If physical and mental preparation are not enough, you’ve also got to ensure you have the products and gear you’ll need when that sweet miracle arrives.

When I was pregnant with my son, I ended up on bedrest with way too much time to research must-have baby products and gear.  It was completely overwhelming.  So I made and downloaded lists. I remember going online when I was pregnant and printing off every list I could find that told me what I needed for the hospital, the nursery, the diaper bag…  My husband asked me how I was going to keep track of all the lists I had printed off.  And he was right. I like to make all kinds of lists and then have no idea either where I put them or what to do with them.

If you only get one pregnancy planning book, be sure to pick up Baby Lists by Elaine Farber.  With over twenty-five years of experience as a newborn and early parenting coach and consultant, Elaine Farber will get you organized and prepared for that babe on the way.  The book is comprehensive without overwhelming expectant moms. Jessica Alba was recently gifted this book.

Baby Lists is divided into three sections:  Becoming Baby Ready, Necessities and Nice Things to Have, and Books, Videos, DVDs, and Music. My favorite chapters were those that covered the necessities versus the “niceties.”  I was going through some of my son’s clothes, toys, and gear and found brand-new items I never used because I never needed them.  I would have really appreciated a resource that gave me direction so that I could shop wisely.

The book has several write-in sections to keep pertinent information in one place.  I’ll definitely use this book for baby number two because it has a ton of great product recommendations with links to the manufacturer’s websites.

Baby Lists is available for purchase on Amazon.com.  I highly recommend checking out the website for fabulous articles and tips for expectant and new parents.

Profuse thanks to Baby Swags for this review opportunity.  Check out the site for more “swaggable” products.

Mamas…Get Your Glow On!

When I was pregnant with my son, I remember all of the do’s and don’ts particularly when it came to eating. When my son was born I thought…finally…I can eat and drink whatever I want. Except that I nursed my son for 13 months. While nursing gave me more freedom than pregnancy, I still felt the weight of unwritten restrictions.

I can barely go a day without tea and coffee but caffeine and babies, regardless of whether they are in or outside of the womb, don’t mix. With recent research linking high fructose corn syrup to obesity and diabetes, it’s prudent for all mamas, pregnant or not, to stay away from it. So what does that leave? Water, juice, and Glow Mama!

Glow Mama is a healthy, low-calorie drink designed by a mom for pregnant and nursing moms. It’s a light and refreshing blend of kiwi and white grape juices. It’s not too sweet and at only 70 calories you’ll feel good about the nutrients it provides. Glow Mama is free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, preservatives, and caffeine and contains calcium, rolate, B and C vitamins, and fiber. Glow Mama complements your prenatal vitamin so don’t forget to keep taking it! I recommend refrigerating it because it tastes wonderful chilled. If you’re finding it difficult to consume your 8-10 glasses of water every day, why not try Glow Mama?

What I find impressive about Glow Mama is that the American Pregnancy Association endorses it. Head on over to Glow Mama for more information including some very cool recipes for mommy mocktails!

Get It Now! Use the promotion code “rockinmama” and you’ll save 15% off your next order!

Profuse thanks to Glow Mama and the Family Review Network for this review opportunity!