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Jan

2012

New and Improved Ingrid & Isabel BellaBand

We couldn’t help ourselves, we’re raving about another Ingrid & Isabel item, yet again. This item we’re about to tell you about is a life saver in your first trimester. You know that point in your pregnancy where your belly hasn’t really popped out yet, but it looks like you’ve had one too many cupcakes? That same time where you think the rubber band trick is the most genius idea, but it looks a bit bulky? Ingrid & Isabel has come up with the solution for it all…feast your eyes on the Bellaband:

*also available in white

That piece of black fabric over her pants is the answer to all of life’s problems. Well not really, but it is the answer to that “in between period” in your pregnancy.

Here is how it works:
1. Grab a pair of your non-maternity pants.
2. Leave it unbuttoned and unzippered
3. Slide your Bellaband over the top of your pants
…and VOILA! Life just got better.

The magic behind the Bellaband is that they hold up your pants in place while they’re unbuttoned and unzippered. It is perfect for that period in your pregnancy where things are getting a bit tight by the end of the day, but you’re not ready to venture into maternity clothes just yet. The nice thing about the Bellaband is when you wear a shirt over it, the part of the fabric that sticks out looks just like a layering cami. The stretchy material makes the Bellaband super comfortable while your belly gets bigger.

Why do we call it the “new and improved”?? Just recently, Ingrid & Isabel made two changes to the Bellaband…
1. It now has a stay-put silicone strip that offers more hold and keeps Bellaband from riding or rolling up
2. It is now longer in length for extra coverage and flexibility

Feeling F-A-T, More Advice, Pregnant Girl, What to Wear 0

Dec

2011

Nursing Essentials

If you’re a first time mom, nursing can be a bit overwhelming for you. We’ve gathered a couple of our favorites that we couldn’t live without while we were nursing. We hope that these items will help make your journey into breastfeeding a little easier.

The Bravado Bliss Bra is hands-down one of the best nursing bras that we’ve come across. It offers the full support of an underwire bra, without the underwire. The seamless foam cups hide nipples and breast pads while giving you a beautiful shape. The flexible under-breast support channel that offers remarkable shape and lift while maintaining comfort and good breast health. There is also a gentle stretch feature in the cups that grow and contract with your changing shape while maintaining support.

bliss chai

*also available in black

Another Bravado item that moms love is the Essential Nursing Tank. It’s a basic nursing tank top with a built in full support bra. It is perfect to wear in the hospital as people are walking in and out, nursing in public, around the house, or even to sleep. You’ll look terrific, feel great and it is easy to nurse in public because it provides tummy coverage where you need it.

tankblk

*also available in white and chocolate brown

My Brest Friend really is your best friend when it comes down to nursing time. The wrap around design secures to the body helping mom and baby maintain positioning and latch-on. Back rest helps you maintain good posture during feeding and prevents sore back and neck. This pillow is full of features that moms love.

MBFgreen *also available in pink and blue

The Hooter Hider helps you nurse discreetly and in style. The unique rigid neckline allows for ventilation, as well as direct eye contact with the baby. Generous sizing keeps mommy completely covered during breastfeeding. Don’t leave home without this useful nursing item.

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*available in different prints

Don’t even think about trying to nurse without grabbing some Bella B Nipple Nurture. Use the cream before and after breastfeeding to help prevent and soothe sore or cracked nipples. Their plant-based ingredients are food-grade and 100% safe for mother and baby. Bella B uses the very best natural ingredients including cocoa, shea and mango butter butter that are combined and specially-blended to provide excellent soothing and healing properties without using animal by-products.

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There you have it, our top pick nursing essentials for moms-to-be. All these items have been tried and loved by friends and clients.

Question: What was your must-have nursing item that you recommend to all expectant moms?

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Dec

2011

First Trimester Maternity Must-Haves

We are putting together a four part guide for all your maternity closet must-haves. Becoming a first time mom can be pretty overwhelming, so we’ve put together a list of some key pieces that will help you look and feel great throughout each trimester of your pregnancy.

First off, we highly recommend that your first maternity purchase be the Bella Band. Ditch the rubber band trick as that can get pretty uncomfortable throughout the day and invest in a Bella Band. When your pants are getting a bit too tight, slip the Bella Band over the unbuttoned and/or unzipped waistband. VOILA! This will allow you to wear your normal pants for a little longer prior to transitioning into the world of maternity bottoms.

*Offered in white, black, and lace

Our second suggestion would have to be a good stretch mark prevention cream by Bella B. Some people say that stretch marks are luck of the draw, but honestly, I’d rather be safe than sorry. A good prevention cream is the Tummy Honey Butter, but if you already have stretch marks we suggest the Tummy Honey Cream for stretch mark fading. Don’t forget to grab the Silk & Honey to moisturize the rest of your body.

Our third suggestion is a cute thong by Hanky Panky that says “MOM TO BE”. This would be a great way to tell hubby that you are expecting. If you’ve never worn a pair of Hanky Panky panties before, we highly suggest you try a pair. They are comfortable, cute, and don’t ride up like other thongs.

Our fourth suggestion is a good bra. Not only will your tummy be growing, but so will your breasts. We cannot express how important it is to invest in a good bra. We’re loving the BelaBumBum Serena Soft Cup Bras because of the flexibility offered in the sizing. They will transition into nursing bras and the lace adds a nice feminine touch.

*Offered in black and nude

Last, but certainly not least we have the Ingrid & Isabel camis. These camis are the perfect layering piece to wear throughout your pregnancy. They are great for the first trimester when your non-maternity tops are getting a bit too short. As your belly grows, they will stretch over your bump without riding up. As we said, they are the perfect piece for everyday wear under your shirts and we are guessing you won’t want to give them up post pregnancy.

*Offered in black, white, pink, and brown

This concludes our first trimester must-haves for your growing bump. Check back with us next Monday for our second trimester must-haves. We hope this series will be helpful to you while building your maternity wardrobe.

Feel free to email us at info@xpectingmaternity.com if you have any additional questions.

Question: What was your maternity ‘must-have’ item that you couldn’t live without?

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