Due Maternity Blog | Designer Maternity Clothes Blog

This isn’t my 1^st trip to the rodeo. I am Victoria Arya, the head honcho and mommy behind Life Starring the Kids & Me.  I am a married stay at home mom to two little girls: Ellie, who is 2, turning 3 in September, and Eve who turns 1 in June.  I am also expecting my third child, yes another girl, sometime in late October. 

I don’t know how many times I have heard all about how I have “easy” pregnancies and that everything has been so “easy” for me, and each and every time it seems like the person saying that is some how lessening my 9 month commitment.  Now, I admit to the fact that I happen to not have any issues with being pregnant; no morning sickness, no huge problems, no premature labor…I am healthy as a horse while pregnant.  But, even though I may have an “easy” pregnancy, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t a physical, emotional, and mental toll. 

According to me, growing a plant is hard, so imagine how hard it is to grow a human…you basically give up your body for 9 months, your hormones go wacky and you deal with the emotions that come up, and then you torment yourself with the mental thoughts about the next 18 years of your life and how you are going to be responsible for a kid…a real honest to goodness kid.

So, since I have been through this a couple of times (even though those times were “easy”) I have a few tips on how to deal with even the “easiest” pregnancy when it gets hard.  First of all physically there are going to be a lot of changes: your feet and other areas are going to swell, it’s going to be harder to get around and your skin is going to go a little wacky. 

* Swelling: Face it, you are going to swell, the real question comes in how much are you going to swell?  Keep your salt intake down to a minimum and drink water…yes I know you will have to use the bathroom a lot if you do, but it’s worth it.

* Getting Around: While it’s a good thing to be as active as your doctor allows, remember to take it easy and rest when you feel the need; you’re growing a baby and you need to keep your body happy.

* Your Skin: Alright so some pregnant women get glowing skin, but for the rest of us mere mortals we get skin issues because our hormones are going crazy.  If you are like me your skin will get dry, so invest in a couple good lotions to lock in moisture and keep everything feeling smooth.  If your skin gets oily try switching to a stronger face/body wash and a lighter moisturizer.

Not only will pregnancy effect your physically, but you will also have to deal with it emotionally and mentally.  You’re hormones are going to be wacky which means that you could potentially go from swinging on the rafters to getting annoyed because your hubby/partner ate the last donut.  This may sound weird, but don’t control the wackiness; if you keep everything bottled inside you are more likely to become stressed and unhappy, neither of which is good for you or the baby. 

Mentally you are going to have to deal with the fact that you will have 9 months in order to prep yourself into becoming a parent…and actual guide to another human being (heck I have 2 right now and there are times when I look at them and think “I am in charge of making them decent human beings?”).  In order to mentally prepare yourself read parenting books if that is what works for you, talk to people who have been there.  And just because you get all of this advice, it doesn’t mean you need to do what they tell you: your kiddo-your rules.

So, overall while people may tell you that you have an ”easy” pregnancy, that doesn’t diminish the fact that you are not only growing a human (think about it, that’s amazing), but you are also mentally and emotionally preparing yourself to put a child first…forever.  That’s big. 

Hi! 

I’ve had days where the mere thought of washing my face before falling into bed seems impossible. I’m just too tired and frankly unwilling to pry myself from the soft, cool bed. That’s why I think I like the concept behind Rosy Glow Baby Your Face wipes so much. They offer me the option to remove my makeup without removing myself from the bed and still be gentle to my sensitive skin. I’m also betting they’d be a great addition to any diaper bag for those days when you need to wipe the day away a little bedtime. 

Happy shopping!

Erin

Hi!
Taking good care of your skin while pregnant and once baby arrives is essential. You may even find that it has changed significantly to become drier or oilier than it was before you were expecting. I’m all about a good face wash and moisturizer but sometimes you also need a little extra help. Check out the combo pack of Baby Bump’s 2 in 1 Face Mask & Scrub. It’s got tiny microbeads meant to gently exfoliate away the dead skin cells and reveal that hidden inner glow.
Happy pampering!
Erin

Hi!

The answer to that question is an emphatic “yes it is!”  The skin on your belly is stretching to accommodate that growing baby. And that stretching can lead to all sorts of unpleasant things including itchiness and stretch marks. To combat these and bring you and your man a little closer I’m loving Baby Bump Stretch Mark and Massage Oil. I’m sure it won’t be the first time you hear about it here at DueMaternity.com.

I’m especially keen on it’s amazing texture – so many oils can be greasy and leave you feeling like you’ve been oiled up for frying but Baby Bump’s is really quite nice. It’s also 100% natural made from Jojoba, Olive, Grapeseed and Sweet Almond oils and packaged in such a pretty way you’ll be happy to keep it on the nightstand. I say make a date with hubby and Baby Bump tonight!

Happy massaging!

Erin

Hi!

I think I told you that two of my friends are pregnant right now. That means it’s shower season for me and that also means gifts. My gifts tend to be something personalized and most recently these have taken the form of a hand-knit baby hat and wash cloths. Super soft yarn means baby gets pampered from day one. But skincare is also key for the little one so I’m adding the fab Gift Set from Belli to the box. 

I like that it’s 100% phthalate free meaning it’s so much better for baby – and Mom, too. I love the calming body wash, luxurious lotion and soft talc powder are the perfect size for gift-giving and for travel once the family hits the road. Add it to your gift list (or wish list) today. 

Happy Showering!

Erin

If you’re looking for simple yet flattering maternity tops to wear this summer, you’re in luck!At Due Maternity there is a large selection of maternity tops and tees that are perfect for the summer.

When you’re pregnant and starting to feel uncomfortable it feels even worse on a hot day.  You need to find maternity clothes that feel comfortable and not constricted.

Due’s line of Michael Stars is a great choice. The style features a round neck with cap sleeve . The gathers at the neckline very flattering, just what you are looking for!

Hi!

So you might think we’re making a lot of the stretch mark here at the Due blog. Maybe, but you do eventually take off your maternity clothes and the idea that those less-than-attractive silvery marks may last past Junior’s first birthday might be something to consider. My mom never has forgiven me completely for hers. Really. She keeps telling me that slathering on the body butter is the best defense. 

I have to agree. And I’ve just become a fan of the Novena Tangerine Cocoa Butter Belly Cream. First off, I like the luxurious texture. Second I’m in love with anything that smells like cocoa butter — the scent that is summer to me. I’ve considered even putting a dab of Hawaiian Tropic behind each ear. Novena adds tangerine to their formula not only for the lovely aroma but also for its softening and healing products. Yum, yum!

Happy moisturizing, 

Erin

Pregnancy means growing belly and growing belly definitely means stretch marks.  Some women get very noticeable stretch marks while others, the lucky ones, get a few that seem light on the skin.  No matter what kind or how many, no one likes to have them hanging around!

The Tummy Honey 3 Pack includes both prevention and fading solutions. This product addresses both prevention and fading based on all natural formulations. Keeping the skin truly elastic during the growth phase dramatically reduces the chance of getting stretch marks.

We have it all at Due Maternity, not just beautiful maternity clothes

Hi!

The weather is warm and summer is here so you’ve doubtless got the beach or pool on your agenda for the near future. Finding the right maternity swimsuit is a snap here at Due but getting your skin in show-me-off shape requires a little TLC. A great exfoliator like Mama Mio’s Body Buff or Basq’s Citrus Sugar Body Polish is the right place to start. Both smell yummy, too!

Not only will it get rid of all those nasty old dead skin cells that keep your skin from glowing, but great skin care can also help ward off stretch marks. Follow it up with a rich body lotion like Palmer’s or Tummy Honey Body Butter to keep skin soft and supple. 

Enjoy the sun! 

Erin

ps: if you’re ever concerned about what skin care products are safe to use while you’re pregnant ask your Doc for the A-OK before trying.

Hi!

Shopping for maternity clothing is already a little intimidating with your body changing practically daily! Add to that the scary thought of finding a swimsuit to suit your new body and you might find yourself in the midst of a full-blown fashion emergency. With Memorial Day weekend upon us, bathing suit season is here, girls! But Due makes it so easy to find just the right thing.

The first decision to make is if you prefer to bare your belly or keep it covered. I’m all for showing it off, but if you prefer the ultimate in comfort try a tankini like this cool mosaic print one from Prego.

Belabumbum has great bikinis in prints and solids that totally remind me of the 80s in the best way. Another favorite of mine is a pretty one-piece like this one from Maternal America. Choose a cover-up to coordinate and your ready to head back to the beach. Remember to grab your sunscreen and a great hat to protect your face from the harsh rays of the sun! 

Happy shopping, 

Erin