There can be serious issues that cause this problem such as postpartum depression.  However, it is usually more a case of just not wanting it.  Be patient, both of you.  There are a few things you can try to get the spark of romance back into your relationship.

Date Night

Do not discount the importance of a little time alone.  Get a sitter, go out, enjoy a dinner, see a movie…whatever you decide, it is crucial to take some time to share it together.  Make it a regular thing, maybe going out once a week, or once every two weeks.  The feeling of being strangers can really add to a decreased sex drive in a woman.  Get to know your other half again.

Holly, 24-year-old stay-at-home mother of one little boy said:

“I spent the first year after Elijah was born dreading the days when I would have to have sex with my boyfriend.  It wasn’t that I didn’t love him, or even that I didn’t find him attractive.  I was just so tired and worn down and I felt as though we didn’t know one another anymore.  We never spoke about anything but our son and I started to resent that his only other focus was getting between my legs.

“When Eli was about nine months old we decided something needed to be done to work on the rift that had developed between us.  The obvious answer was to spend more time together, so we signed up for a couples cooking class.  Once a week we would go to the class, learn how to cook something new and then go out for coffee and a chat afterward.

“It really helped to bring back the intimacy in our relationship and that was what ended up bringing back my desire for the physical.”

Set a Day

We would all love to have that crazy, hot, spontaneous sex that seemed to be the norm in the beginning of the relationship.  But, chances are that faded long before baby came.  Now it is even harder to just drop what you’re doing for a romp in the bedroom.  It might even be difficult just to find a time where you are both in the same room.

A sudden encounter will happen occasionally, especially when your child gets older.  However, setting a day and time – while lacking in romance – can at least give you both a night to be together.  You may even find yourself beginning to look forward to it.

Miranda, a 36-year-old mother of three, said:

“After Brittany [second child], my husband was desperate for something to happen.  I completely shut off from him in every way and every bit of attention I had was going to the kids.  I didn’t want him to touch me because I was so tired and I felt like we would be losing sleep time if we did anything at night.

“We ended up making a compromise: we would have sex over the weekend and he would let me sleep in to recoup from the late nights with the baby the next morning.  From there we went from having sex just Friday night, to having sex Friday, Wednesday and Monday night.  After awhile, I had regained my taste for it and I had seen that it wasn’t really affecting my exhaustion level.  It was really helping with my stress level though and it wasn’t long before we didn’t need to set a day anymore.”

Exercise

It may seem counterproductive to add yet another part to an already hectic and exhausting day.   In the case of regular exercise, it is very much worth the conflict.  It has been proven time and again that a regular exercise routine will give you more energy, fight depression and – yes – boost your sex drive.  When you feel better, you will be much more eager to engage sexually.

You can even make it a couple’s thing.  When my husband and I found ourselves getting droopy and easily exhausted when our second daughter was born, we joined up with a gym.  They were offering a two-for-one sale on a year contract that made it affordable and they offered free childcare with the package.

Not only did we find ourselves healthier and feeling much more energetic, but we went from sex twice a week to four times a week without (pardon the pun) breaking a sweat.  Whenever we become lax on using our membership we notice a decrease again, which is enough to get our butts back through the doors and onto the treadmill.

‘The Bump Start’

It isn’t always easy to get in the mood no matter what the situation.  When you have had a long day of work, cleaning, or had your hands shoved up to the wrist in poopy diapers, it is easy to see how the feeling of amore might be a little hard to find.  This is especially true when you are so tired you just want to roll over and go to bed.

You might find that soldiering through can work wonders.  You might not be in the mood, but as long as the thought of sex doesn’t make you physically cringe, the method I like to call ‘The Bump Start’ might be the best option.  This is just what it sounds like…start up and get into it as you go.

Eve, a 27-year-old mother of one, who is currently trying for her second, said:

“It’s something that’s very close to my heart, because I had such a good sex drive (could easily have gone every night) before, even when I was pregnant.  But, now I just don’t have the interest at all.  I know it’s an important part of any relationship but I can’t seem to find the oomph to get there!

“Not only that, but by the time I get to bed I’m normally too tired, so we have had to schedule it earlier.  Sometimes we go to bed right after Saraya [daughter] goes down and then get up again after to have dinner.  We try and fit it in if my mum has Saraya and things like that.  Also, it can be a bit boring, like you don’t have time for “fun” sex.  It’s a quickie here and a quickie there; never really proper take-time-enjoy-each-other type sex, because there isn’t the time or inclination.  Chris tends to give me oral sex first to try and get me in the mood, baths, candles, massages, etc.  But, it’s a really “team” thing…you both have to work at it to get it going.  And, I have to be willing to just lay back and do what I need to do to get things started.”

Medication

Occasionally, the problem can get really serious.  As mentioned above, postpartum depression can be a factor.  Breastfeeding can be its’ own sex-killer, with the hormones needed to produce breast milk counteracting those needed to become aroused.  There are also other medical problems that can completely shut down a sex drive.

When this happens, medication might be in order.  Communicate with your doctor before taking any medication.

Jennifer, a 46-year-old mother of two grown children, said:

“My kids are both out of the house, I have been through one divorce and a remarriage and I still don’t have my sex drive back anywhere near where it used to be.  I’ve tried pretty much every trick out there and switched birth control pills and medications at my doctor’s request.  This seems to have been the most help to me and while I am still not as into it as I would like, I can at least get into the mood when the timing is right.”

Don’t Lose Hope!

Sex can really begin to feel like the elephant in the room when a child is born.  Between lack of time, stress, sleepless nights and a general distance that is injected between you and your partner, it is a wonder couples get back into the swing of things at all.  However, a baby isn’t the end and with a little self-exploration and a willingness to fix the problem, you can have your sex life back as well.

 

You impatiently wait a few moments before reading that exciting word, PREGNANT, on the test.  Your heart races.  Images of walking a carriage on a nice spring day start to play in your mind.  You tell your husband and you’re both thrilled to be starting your family.  But, wait.  Not so fast.  There are nine months to get through before baby arrives.  Your journey between now and then will be long and winding and filled with a ton of surprises.  What kind of surprises you ask?  Well, these are the things that surprised me when I was pregnant!

 

 

 

• Morning Sickness is not confined to the morning hours.  I was sick from dinner until the wee hours of the morning and completely devoid of heartburn and nausea during the day.  Some women are sick 24/7 and others don’t get sick at all.  It’s all individual.
• Your areolas turn into a mood ring.  As the pregnancy progresses, hormones cause a darkening of not only your nipples but your nether areas, stomach and face as well. While chloasma, the brown spots appearing on the skin, cannot be prevented, after child birth it usually fades over time.
• It’s okay to not love being pregnant.  Movies portray pregnant women as thrilled to be in the condition they are, happy and completely content.  However, not every woman wakes up every day loving the journey she’s on.  While we may fall head over heels the moment we see the positive sign on the stick, the changes that occur in our bodies can make us feel out of control and sometimes, depressed.  If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, such as uncommon sleep patterns, loss of appetite, inability to stop eating, exaggerated and uncontrollable mood swings, talk to your doctor immediately.
• It might be 40 degrees outside, but to you it’s 80. Because your blood flow increases to support your body as well as your baby’s, increased sweating is common during pregnancy.  Feeling excessively warm is not out of the ordinary for most pregnant women so dress in layers so that you can remove clothing if you become hot.  Also, having a cold bottle of water handy at all times can help keep the body cool. 
• The glow everyone talks about… might be acne. While some women are relishing the radiance that their pregnancy has given them, others are battling acne the way they did in high school.  Because pregnancy hormones increase oil production, sebaceous glands can become clogged causing cystic acne to occur.  While pregnancy acne cannot be avoided there are ways to help combat it.  Wash your face religiously in the morning and before bed with a mild, detergent-free cleanser.  Make sure your moisturizers are oil-free. Do not squeeze or pop your pimples no matter how tempting it might be.  Before using any pimple creams, talk to your doctor first.  Some ingredients in zit zappers, over the counter and prescription, are not safe for pregnant women to use.

No matter the symptoms you are experiencing, try to enjoy every moment.  Whether you’re jolly and in love with the amazing feat your body is accomplishing or cursing every second, this is the most amazing experience you will ever have.  Even if you’re frustrated, bloated and completely uncomfortable during your pregnancy, the moment the baby arrives safely in your arms, you’ll experience pure joy.

Baby Washcloths- “Extra smooth for baby’s soft skin” they may say, but it’s not like the wash cloths you already have are made with broken glass.  This is one of those items that really is not a must have.

Baby Towels- Yes, they do have the little awesome hood, but much like the wash cloths that you use for yourself, the towels you normally use are quite okay.  They may even be fluffier and bigger, which may be even more comfortable for your baby’s skin.

Wipe Warmer- Your little one will hardly notice if the baby wipes are slightly cool.  It’s not like the baby wipes are packed in ice before you pull them out.

Bouncers and Vibrating Seats- Some babies thoroughly enjoy the bouncers and vibrating seats, others, not so much.  Before you drop $50-$100 on any baby holders that make the baby bounce and move around, perhaps you should try one out at a friend’s house to see how the child reacts.  If it puts the child to sleep, it may be a winner.  Some children cry and feel very uncomfortable in them so see how your little one reacts first.

Matching Furniture Sets- While the temptation may be there, there really is no need to break the bank on a matching crib, dresser and changing table.  Remember, your little one will only be an infant for a relatively short amount of time.  It’s better to wait until the child is at least a toddler before you go buy a furniture set that’s meant to last.

Too Many Extra Small Diapers- You’ll be absolutely amazed how quickly your little angel will grow.  It’s best to have a supply of diapers on hand that will last you about the first month.  If the little one is still in small diapers a month later, buy more a box at a time. Within the first month, the child may have moved up a size.  Buy a small size first, then wait and see.

Dozens of Outfits that Fit Size 0-3 Months- So exactly how long do you expect your little one to be that size?  Not only that, babies vary greatly in size at birth.  If your little one is born at 10lbs., you’ll hardly be in those outfits very long.  Even if the child is born at only 7lbs., they still won’t be in the small outfits very long.  While shopping for clothes, spread out the sizes.

Bassinet- Despite how much you attempt to plan things out, sometimes things work out how they want, not how you want (especially with children).  You may find that your little one doesn’t want to be in the bassinet.  Or, you may find that you’re so attached to your little one that you wouldn’t dream of having her in another bed.  Not only that, bassinets are only meant to be used a few months before the little one grows out of it and then on to a crib. Many times, it’s just not worth it.

Burp cloths- Goodness only knows how many women have many of these around her home that are never even eventually used.  Some babies barely spit up when burped.  Other children do and people simply use baby blankets for when that happens.  Some children spit up a lot and a small burp cloth couldn’t possibly catch most of it.  It can also depend on how you burp the child.  Some children burp better when sat up and burped instead of over the shoulder.

Baby Combs and Brushes- They are the cutest little things to look at, but seriously when was the last time you saw a parent use one of these?

Baby Shoes- No matter how cute they are, your little one may just kick them off and/or lose them.  Most children aren’t remotely walking until eight or nine months.  If the only reason you want them is because they’re cute, if you’re on a budget, wait until the child is trying to walk.

Baby Wash and Baby Oil- Ivory soap is just as good as baby wash, and you can use it too, which helps you to save money.  I still don’t know what baby oil is even used for.

Toys- Here’s a little secret for you.  Although we all know that you have a little genius, most children don’t really gravitate to toys until they’re about 9 months old.  Before then, they barely even have the ability to pick up small items such as rattles.   A small teddy bear or two may help to keep the child’s attention, or may be good for play time, but most of the toys that light up and make noise will collect dust until the child becomes more cognitive.

Diaper Genies- They keep the smell of diapers down, awesome.  A trashcan that has a liner and a lid can do the same thing.  Diaper genies also require you to purchase refills.

Changing Table- If you’re in the living room and your little one needs to be changed, why go all the way to the bedroom to change the child, when you can change right where you are?  In all honesty, you’ll more than likely change the child where he or she is.  You can just as easily change the child in the crib or on your own bed.

Walker- I’m on the fence on this one.  If your home is heavily carpeted, the only time this gets usage is in the kitchen or outside.  Dont’ be fooled though, many children can learn how to walk perfectly well without a walker.

Baby Tub- It’s kind of a pain in the butt to have to kneel into the tub.  You have far more control of the child in the sink.  Eventually the child is able to sit up on his own.  Then you can move him into the bathtub by himself (don’t forget to never leave your pumpkin alone during bath time no matter where you bathe him!).

Here are a few items that you will want to purchase, but worry about buying them later. The last thing you need is more clutter (and trust me, babies plus exhausted mommies equals clutter).

High Chair- Yes, you will eventually want one, but if the angel isn’t here yet, there’s no need to buy one now.  This isn’t necessary until the child starts eating baby food, which is around six months.  Unless you find one at a real bargain, hold out on buying one now.  It also isn’t necessary to spend a lot of money on a high chair.  Shop around, you can even find plenty of them at consignment shops and online.

Play Pen- When the little one starts rolling around, your moments of freedom have begun to shift.  Rather than just leaving the little one on the bed or on his or her little blanket, it is time to look for a play pen.  The play pen becomes the most useful when the little one begins to scoot and crawl.  The play pen allows you to take care of things around the home while your little one is secure in their own little space.  Put a few toys in there to keep the little one entertained.  Just make sure to keep the area clear of things that a child could suffocate or choke on.

Jogging Stroller- Yes, we all know that you’ll be super mother and doing five miles around the block six days a week.  But, in all seriousness, unless you were a jogger before the baby, it’ll be hard to amp yourself up just to go and if you don’t go jogging, the stroller will just collect dust. And if you are a regular jogger and plan on continuing after your little one is born, just know that jogging strollers aren’t for newborns and they don’t recline.  It may be worth it just to wait to join a gym that also has an in-house day care center.  That way you can get your work-out on and not worry about traffic or extreme temperatures.

Congrats on your little one (or good luck if you’re trying to conceive!) but, don’t let anyone pressure you into spending money that you don’t need to spend.  Do your homework and take along a girlfriend on your shopping trips who already has a little one or two.

I was thrilled when Samantha finally outgrew the infant stage.  She could now walk on her own and we understood what she was trying to tell us most of the time.  I thought I had licked this parenting thing.  When my husband would tell people we were going to have more kids I would smile thinking this would only happen in his dreams.  Seeing mothers with one on the way and another in the stroller depressed me almost as much as the moms with two under the age of three.

I will be forty in less than two years.  The extra weight from my last pregnancy is still jigging above the waistband of my jeans.  I am in school earning a certificate to become a drug and alcohol counselor.  Samantha is in morning preschool and soon will be going all day.  I’m finally coming up for air.  Why would I want to start over at this stage?

Something happens when your firstborn reaches the toddler years.  It no longer seems like an eternity before your child will walk or talk.  Now you are the proud owner of a tiny person. Perhaps it’s time you gave them a sibling; I mean it wasn’t that hard the first year.  This time you will sleep when the baby sleeps.  This one will be trained to nap.  You won’t co-sleep. Maybe you can finally use that boy name you tucked away.

So, today I think that I might possibly want to be a new mom for the second time.  Sure when I start my career I will be old enough to collect social security.  I may be too fragile to pick up my grandchildren.  My jean size will never be in the single digits.  Self-doubt and lack of sleep will once again rule my life.  But, I will lie and tell myself knowing what I already know will give me an advantage because I think the benefits far outweigh the negatives. And, if I’m unable to conceive, I will exercise and finally lose that extra twenty-five pounds.

(Interview with Flaimahmy, November 10, 2009)

FM:  You are somewhat of a pioneer.   Tell us about your decision to open Cafe Slush, an organic restaurant, in an up and coming neighborhood of East Atlanta.

AP:  During my pregnancy I had gestational diabetes.  I was told that it was a warning sign and at that point started being very particular about what I consumed because it is on both sides of my family.  In my search for a healthier diet, food as well as beverage, we just started changing everything from my favorite thing, smoothies, to just a healthier way of being able to consume it.   That’s sort of where it came from, just being careful of my sugar intake; I started to implement more natural sugars rather than processed sugars in my diet.  We started making our smoothies a certain way and eating certain types of foods.  As I gained knowledge I wanted to share it with others.

Kandi Burruss

FM:  We know that Kandi Burruss (Atlanta Housewives) gave you a very good review recently.  Do you find  that your clientele are already eating organic foods or are they more often trying organic for the first time?

AP:  I would say most are trying it for the first time.

FM:  For someone visiting your restaurant for the first time, what menu suggestions would you offer?  What is your specialty?

AP:  As far as smoothies, any of them because they are all totally natural, no sugars, yogurts, ice…they are friendly to whatever diet.  As far as  the smoothies I usually ask, “ What is the preference?”  If it’s something that you’re looking to gain a certain benefit from, then I can direct them to certain foods.  As far as taste, the biggest seller would be our freshly squeezed white grapes, then we add strawberries, peaches and pineapples.  That would be the number one if you are looking for a really sweet, refreshing taste.  As far as the sandwiches, the most popular would be the turkey phillies using an all natural meat and organic vegan bread.

FM:  Do you and your family eat strictly organic?

AP:  Yes.

FM:  What is the biggest misconception that people have about organic foods?

AP:  It is that they have to sacrifice taste and that is far from the truth.

FM:  Why do you think people think that?

Marion H. "Pooch" Hall

AP:  They think that it is missing something and I always tell them that the only thing it is missing is chemicals, pesticides…it actually allows you to really taste the true flavor of the fruits and vegetables that you are consuming because it hasn’t been coated with anything artificial.

FM:  How expensive are your menu choices?

AP:  Most sandwiches are combos because we sell everything in combos.  Most are five ($5.00) to seven ($7.00) dollars.

FM:  Do you think people typically believe that it costs more to eat organically?

AP:  They do, yes.

FM:  This is a family venture for you; your Mom helps out in the kitchen.  Are your husband and two sons involved as well?

AP:  They are.

FM:  What do they usually do with you?

AP:  My older is now seventeen.  He is excellent at peeling and juicing the fruits.  The younger is my taste tester.  If it passes his taste (test) then it’s usually a winner.  My husband has become the greatest at the lemonade and tea making.

FM:  What so far has been the most challenging part of running a family business?

AP:   The biggest challenge of working with my husband and boys is keeping them from consuming all the beverages…they LOVE huge samples.

Dikembe Mutombo

FM:  Do you have plans for expansion of Cafe Slush into other parts of Atlanta or to other cities perhaps as a franchise?

AP:  We are.  We are considering that, yes.

FM:  At the end of a long day what is your favorite thing to do?

AP:  My favorite thing is to get on the Internet and continue researching.  I love researching, finding out new things everyday.  My favorite is to research the different herbs.  I love finding about  the benefits and the different natural remedies for ailments and diseases.

FM:  We consider you to be a Fly Mommy.  What do you think makes you a Fly Mommy?

AP:  I’m one in the true sense of the word.  I hold it down as far as  my daily business activities and then come home and complete that role at the same time.

www.cafeslush.com

Having a baby is a very exciting and emotional time in your life. Bringing another person into this world can be one of the most memorable experiences that one can have. This can also be a time when you don’t feel as beautiful as you did before you were pregnant. This can be caused by those raging hormones, stretch marks and the extra weight that you packed on during your pregnancy.

I remember when I first came home from the hospital with my new baby. I was so excited to finally have him home. I was still very much sore and could hardly walk after my C-Section. So my mother decided to stay with me for a while. I was so emotional that I broke down crying to my mother. I remember looking in the mirror naked and could not hold back the tears. So I turned to my mother for comfort and said “What has happened to my body”. My mother quickly responded without any hesitation that “You have just had major surgery and brought another life into this world. Your body needs time to heal.” Although I see now that she was correct, at the time I really didn’t see my body getting back to the way it was before pregnancy. Even now it is not 100% like it was before. I have just learned to accept and embrace my new body. There are several things that I did to help my body to recover close to what it was before.

Getting Your Body Back After Pregnancy:

Exercise, exercise, exercise. Once the doctor gives you the okay to exercise get to it! Exercise will help to clear your mind and improve your body. It also helps to stay active during pregnancy so that your body will snap back quicker. This will also help to maintain a healthy pregnancy weight.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. This will not only be good for you, but if you are breastfeeding it will provide nutrients your baby needs also.

Moisturize your skin during and after pregnancy. Cocoa butter worked wonders for me during and after pregnancy. There are also many creams that you can try. It is not proven that they prevent stretch marks but moisturized skin feels so much better.

After pregnancy wear a tummy band to help the stomach get back to its original size.

Surround yourself with positive people and be positive yourself. Being around happy people will lift your spirit and your mood.

Breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding provides vitamins and minerals your baby needs and it will also help you to burn extra calories. In addition it will work those stomach muscles to help it snapback in no time!

Continue to take your prenatal vitamins if you are breastfeeding. This will also help to make sure your baby gets the nutrients that they need.

Drink plenty of water. It is important to stay hydrated during and after pregnancy especially if you are breastfeeding.

If you are depressed after the baby or having thoughts of hurting your child call your doctor immediately.

Remember it took 40 weeks for your body to get that way. So give it that much time to get back to normal.

Make time for yourself. After the baby it is very important to have “Me time”. Use this time to go shopping, pamper yourself, or have lunch with your friends.

Above all understand that having a baby is a major change in your life and for your body. Even if your body is not exactly how it was before the baby embrace the way it is now. Every woman is beautiful, so just work with what you have and love the new you. Your baby will love you regardless of how your body looks; just think of the sacrifice that you have already made for your child.

Thank God for a warm October or I would have been quite cold in my $3 Old Navy flip flops on the ride home from the hospital.  While I did have pre-hypertension that caused severe swelling during my pregnancy, my experience is not all that uncommon.  And while swelling is a part of the reason that your feet expand during pregnancy, there is something else going on.

The pregnancy hormone relaxin loosens the joints in your pelvis so that your baby can make its way into the birth canal.   Relaxin also loosens the ligaments in your feet causing them to spread.  So while my feet may now need a size 9, they didn’t actually grow, but they did expand a full half size.   The bones aren’t as tight as they once were.  Swelling caused by pregnancy will go away after childbirth but feet spreading is permanent.

During the latter months of pregnancy, a nice comfortable pair of shoes is a necessity, especially if you are experiencing swelling (also called edema).  Here were my staples:

• Flip Flops:  Flip Flops with a sturdier sole.  They weren’t as confining as a sneaker but had the support of one.

• Uggs:  When the weather became chillier, I lived in my Uggs.  Fashionable or not, they were comfortable, warm, supportive and easy to slip on and off.  Besides, did you see the new cable knit Uggs?  Adorable and so versatile!

• Open-Toe Pump Slides:  For a dressier occasion, I always chose my 2″ open toe pumps.  They didn’t have the pressure of a stiletto and looked dressy enough to wear with a nice outfit.

After pregnancy, it’s recommended that you wait six weeks before you start buying any new footwear.  Allow for any swelling to reduce before you re-size your feet.  In fact,  you just might want to wait till you’re finished having children before you spring for that pair of Louboutin’s!

You have been feeling the pregnancy symptoms for a few days and you are 2-weeks late for your period. All types of emotions are running through your mind, whether you had been planning a pregnancy or not. Your next step is to take the actual pregnacy test. So you rush to your local pharmacy to pickup a test. You may even get a few tests just to be certain.

Once you get home you rush to the bathroom to take your pregnancy test. Some women do this alone; some may tell the expecting father to be there with them and some may even tell their best friend to be there with them for support. The test is positive! Now what? You may go from being numb to excited,  happy to sad or just may not be able to explain how you feel. Understand that all these emotions are normal when it comes to pregnancy. Now, you just have to break the news to the baby’s father (if he doesn’t know), your family and friends.

For some people it may be easy to break the news to others. It all depends on where you are in your life as far as age, career, family religion, or relationship status. Whatever category you’re in just understand that your life will change forever! Most women decide to break the news to the baby’s father first, while others may choose a different route. There are several ways you can go about breaking the news.

Breaking the news that you’re pregnant:

If you have been planning to have a baby send a gift to the baby’s father, i.e., baby shoes, a baby’s outfit, hair brush and comb, etc.

Another way to break the news, if you have been planning to get pregnant, is to leave the positive test on the counter. Tell him you have a surprise for him in the bathroom. Have the camera ready to capture his reaction.

Many women live a great distance from family and friends. If you will not be around your friends or family anytime soon just pickup the phone and tell them over the phone. Years ago this would be a no no, but it is more acceptable today.

Have a party.  Invite your family and friends. Halfway through the party you and your baby’s father can make an announcement.

You can send out announcement cards to let your family and friends know that you are expecting a new addition to the family.

You can also send out announcements over the internet.

Plan a visit to break the news in person.

If you are sad, upset or scared about your pregnancy tell your close friend first. Very often just having someone else being there with you for that extra support will make you feel better.

It is a great idea to wait to break the news to your boss and coworkers after the 1^st trimester. When you do decide to break the news tell your boss first. You don’t want your boss to hear it from someone else in the office. Waiting until after the first trimester will give you a chance to get comfortable with the idea that you are expecting. It will also give you a chance to visit the doctor to make sure everything is going smoothly.

Whether you are excited or not about this pregnancy just take it one day at a time. Talk to a friend or family member about your emotions. Go to the library or bookstore and pickup books on pregnancy. This will help you to understand the changes that your body is going through, in turn helping you feel better about your pregnancy.

Tip 1:  Extend the life of your non-maternity wardrobe

Don’t give up your pants just yet!  Take a hair elastic and loop it through the button hole of your pants .  Use the open end to attach to the button.  Wear a long shirt, tunic, or jacket to camouflage your “make-shift pants-extender.”

Search your closet for all wrap dresses, extra large clothing, and anything with a little stretch!  You probably have more than enough clothing already to make it through your first and second trimesters; you just don’t know it yet.

Take a little time and search your closet thoroughly.  When I was pregnant I discovered a drawer full of cute t-shirts never worn because I thought they weren’t fitted enough.

Tip 2: Don’t buy any maternity clothes until you need them

Many women rush out as soon as they find out they are pregnant and buy a ton of maternity gear. You shouldn’t do this because there is no way to predict what size you will ultimately be during your pregnancy.  As you begin to no longer fit your non-maternity wardrobe that’s when you should shop for maternity wear.  So save your money until you need to spend it!

Tip 3: Shop maternity sales

If you haven’t noticed already,  maternity clothes can cost a pretty penny.   Of course,  being the bargain hunter I am I made a great discovery. Maternity stores stock their clothes just like regular clothiers, seasonally.  Search the sales racks!

If you follow Tip 2 then you will be searching for clothing you can wear immediately, meaning if it’s on the sales rack it is still in season.  I went to The Gap while I was pregnant and ended up leaving with about 10 items (all $5.00 dollars or less), and ended up passing all of it on to pregnant family and friends!

Tip 4: Buy stylish practical items that can be worn after baby gets here

Long tanks, tunic shirts, bubble/tulip & maxi dresses are all in style right now, and they are perfect for baby bumps.  So go ahead and shop in the non-maternity section.  You will probably surprise yourself with what you find and you will be very happy with how fabulous you look.  And the best part of all, you will have some cute comfy clothes to wear after your baby gets here!

Follow these tips and you will be a very Fly Mommy-to-be!

Happy Shopping!