The answer is simple: start as soon as you are uncomfortable.

Many women start feeling that their pants are uncomfortable right around 10 – 16 weeks (but that doesn’t mean your pants can’t feel a little tight at 8 or 18 weeks). Maternity pants can look and feel great and there is no point in being uncomfortable when a better option is out there.

Here are 5 tips toward buying maternity pants with confidence:

Paige maternity jeans, available at Hip to be Round

1. Ask for help.  Even if your favorite brand makes maternity, you’ll find items are retrofitted or made by a different designer altogether so it might not have the fit you’re used to.  Ask the salesperson what the best selling style is and why. You’ll be surprised to hear there’s a lot more that goes into designing maternity pants than you think!

2. Check the fabric content.  Most denim right now contains a certain amount of stretch fabric like Lycra or Spandex to retain shape and provide a comfortable fit.  The more stretch, the more you can go with a fit that feels good “right now”.  For example: a pair with 98% cotton and 2% elastine (stretch material like Lycra or Spandex) will have enough stretch retain it’s shape, but you will likely need to size up for a good maternity fit since they won’t grow with you.  Denim with a 78% cotton, 20% poly, 2% spandex blend will be noticeably more stretchy and you’ll be able to purchase a pair that fit closer to how you normally wear them.

One thing to remember: heat damages elastine over time. That means that if you’re putting your jeans in the dryer to “shrink them down” you are actually damaging their ability to retain their shape!

3. Give yourself a little “insurance room”.  This is especially true when shopping in your first trimester.  This does not mean you need to buy a size up or have a baggy fit, but you do want a little extra room to grow.  Here is one way to check: while wearing the jeans, use your thumb and index finger to grab a pinch of the fabric near your hip. If you pinch your skin, it’s not going to give enough room to grow,  If you can grab a full handful of the fabric, try the size down.  If you have just enough to comfortably hold between your fingers you’re probably just right.

5. Sit.  Find a spot to sit in your pants and lean forward.  Maternity pants offer the least flexibility right were the pant meets the panel (which is an important spot if you plan on sitting any time soon), if it’s digging in, it’s too tight.  While it feels low, the panel should start right above the pelvic bone, cradling the belly and allowing you to sit comfortably.

5. And this is a biggie: Don’t be tempted to purchase regular jeans in a size up.  It always seems like a good idea at the time, a cheap pair of jeans to wear in that “in between stage”, but that doesn’t change the fact that you are buying a pair of jeans for only a few weeks.  Eventually, since non-maternity pants are not meant to adapt to your growing body, they’ll have trouble staying put or be ill-fitting in the behind and before long, you’re going to need another pair.  if you need a temporary stop-gap, try a Bella Band, meant to extend the life of your pre-pregnancy jeans.  The better (and more comfortable) investment is to purchase a good pair of maternity jeans from the start that will adapt and grow with you.

I wanted to share some of the unique features with you!

Top-notch medical care 

– They are the only Level III NICU with private rooms, should a baby need additional, specialized care.

Group prenatal care: Centering Pregnancy

Two Women: Nurses and Moms

Katie

Iris Co is a business owned by two labor and delivery nurses with a passion for creating healthy, natural products for women and girls. With years of experience in the field of nursing, they have learned plenty about what women need and what’s best for them too. That led them to create their unique business together.

Iris started as a small aromatherapy company for pregnancy & childbirth, and soon expanded to include many more items to compliment, enhance and support women throughout their entire lives. With their knowledge and experience in nursing care at the foundation, these two remarkable women have made it their mission to promote a healthy and holistic lifestyle through skincare basics and essentials for women.

Erin

We sat down with Katie Coleman and Erin Hill to learn more about Iris – and boy were we blown away! Check out our interview with them and you will love what you learn!

RMOM: From delivering babies to starting a new kind of business? Seems unusual – what a great story but how and why did it happen?

IRIS:  Sounds strange, we know, but it was a very logical move for us. Our passion and jobs have always been supporting women in our community.  As Labor & Delivery nurses, essential oils & aromatherapy were a key part in assisting us to help women through labor.  After witnessing the positive impact they had on birth outcomes, we started creating more blends to extend the support into pregnancy and Iris grew from there.  Using our nursing backgrounds, we now make several types of natural products, and educate and encourage the connection between women of ALL ages.

RMOM: What makes your products different than other natural skin care products?

IRIS:  All our products have a story behind them. Our body butter was Katie’s attempt at helping my daughters severe excema (which it did), the Heal Your Skin was our answer to our dried-out nursing hands. And because what goes ON your body, goes IN your body we were adamant about making it free of chemicals and harmful preservatives.

RMOM:  Doesn’t “natural” mean “more expensive”? And is it really worth it?

IRIS:  Good question! We actually discussed this in one of our blogs. First and foremost, we advise everyone to read their labels. “Natural” doesn’t always mean free of harmful things. Products that are truly free of chemicals and harmful preservatives tend to be a bit more expensive for many reasons.

• Clean ingredients (pure or organic essential oils, nature-based products, eco-friendly packaging) typically cost more than cheaper fragrance oils, chemicals/preservatives and plastics.
• Some small companies make small batches to preserve the efficacy of their products which takes more time (i.e. increases cost).  Without the harsh chemicals shelf life is shorter, BUT you aren’t exposing yourself to substances that can irritate your skin and have been linked to many diseases.

Nature-based companies spend more on ingredients, so their price usually reflects this.  They aren’t profiting any more than the cheaper product companies, they just care about what they are selling you!

RMOM:  WE LOVE mom-owned businesses and ‘made in America’ products – it sounds like you do both – is that right?

IRIS:  Yes to both! We are mothers before anything else (4 boys and 3 girls between us) – something we decided as a priority on day one. We also use U.S. based companies for our supplies and local companies as much as possible.

RMOM:  Katie, how do you manage this business and continue to be a mom to 4 boys and a practicing nurse?

IRIS:  Yes, it is a very busy life that I lead, but it is exciting and extremely fulfilling at the same time.  The beauty of having a business partnership creates balance – and allows both of us to put our families first when needed, encourage creativity and new ideas, and foster daily growth.

RMOM:  What would you recommend as a place to start with taking better care of ME?

IRIS: Start with small changes, reading your labels (skin care & food).  Educating yourself is key to understanding and committing to healthy change. Follow our blog for great information.

RMOM: I’ve neglected my skin and body for too many years – is it too late to get started?

IRIS: No way!  It’s never too late to start making better decisions for yourself, in any regard.  But be realistic…we recommend that you don’t change everything at once.  You are more likely to stick with good habits when you take them one at a time – get used to them, work them into your daily routine and then reap the benefits of your decision.

RMOM: I understand you have special products for pregnant women. What’s so different about the products for expectant moms?

IRIS:  All of our pregnancy products contain only pure essential oils blended in natural carriers that are safe for you and your baby.  They are free of chemicals, dyes, fragrances and preservatives, like parabens & sulfates. (Note from RMOM: we found not only great products for expectant moms, but the absolute cutest gift ideas like birth necklaces, fertility necklaces, and postpartum necklaces! – check them out at this link).

RMOM: Where can we try your products or purchase them?

IRIS: Locally in Richmond, we are available at Ellwood Thompson’s Natural Market, Whole Foods, Hip To Be Round, plus several stores in NC, Northern VA, and Maryland. Or…you can always purchase online through our website for convenience.  (Click here for a list of all locations carrying Iris products).

RMOM:  Erin, your newest product for young girls is really unique.  Did you have your daughters in mind when you created it? What is the story behind this?

IRIS: Throughout our years of nursing, we have been at the bedsides of many women, witnessing some beautiful moments as well as eye-opening ones. What always struck us was the lack of knowledge that many women have about their own bodies and anatomy. Being the mother of young daughters, I have made it a point to start teaching them about their bodies, answering questions and starting conversations to build trust. Katie and I had always talked about how we could help young girls and their parents with these conversations and found our answer with the First Moon Kit.  It’s a gift to give in honor of the first menstruation with lots of fun things for a young girl, but it also includes informative cards that cover anatomy, why and how our bodies change and other helpful topics.  If we can help start the conversations now, the self-confidence and trust will follow and more young women will realize the beauty they hold.

We enjoyed talking with Katie and Erin, but more importantly, we’re excited about trying these wonderful new products (and we even found some great information on nutrition on their website too!) Watch for a follow-up article after we try  more products – we’ll let you know how we love them!

And be sure to try the products and leave us a comment below too because we want to know what you think. Visit the website here.

Thanks Katie and Erin – for creating Iris Co for women everywhere!

The Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center will host two open houses to showcase its renovated Labor and Delivery Unit, which offers unique accommodations and childbirth options to expectant mothers.

The new unit features spacious rooms with private labor tubs and showers, a 24-hour visitation policy for family and friends, á la carte room service and wireless fetal monitoring, allowing women to move freely during labor. The unit will support VCU Medical Center’s comprehensive labor and delivery team, including obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, certified nurse-midwives and nurses. For more information, visit VCUmom.com.

I’ll let that soak in for a minute.

This isn’t the first time someone has said something to me that couldn’t be interpreted as anything other than an insult.  When I was pregnant with my second, a customer actually scoffed when I mentioned my pre-pregnancy size.

Even pregnant women can manage to say the wrong thing to other pregnant women.

Now, what was my hormone-charged reaction to this woman telling me I look huge instead of cute?

Well, I laughed. Because it was funny. And I told her that other people looked cute because they were the one who is pregnant and not you and that we always judge ourselves (and apparently sales people) differently.

I was 30 weeks pregnant. Quickly on my way to outweighing my husband, I had dimples in places that aren’t cute, and just holding up a pair of jeans two sizes larger than my regular size I could already tell they’d be too tight.

Compared to non-pregnant me, I was huge.

And you know what? I’m totally okay with it.  I felt great about how I looked, which is why what she said really didn’t bother me.

I work with a lot of women, and I am always shocked how many women seem to truly hate their pregnant bodies.  It seems that at least once a day I hear someone say “I’m just so fat”.

To which I usually say “Stop.”

Just stop.  This will not help you. And besides, you’re completely missing the point.

Now there are extremes on either end, some people who gain too much and people who gain too little, but for the average pregnant lady (who always seem to be the most critical) I look at it like this:

Swimmers have long bodies and broad shoulders because they need strong arms and a strong back to perform strokes like the butterfly.

Marathon runners are much less broad, they are lean and spindly, they need to be light and muscular to carry their weight for long distances.

Olympic weight lifters have very big biceps of course but also large quads to stabilize themselves as they lift over 500lbs of weight.

And you’re going to need a few extra dimples on your butt to grow a strong and healthy baby.

Pregnancy and birth are nothing short of an Olympic feat. So take it easy on the self-criticism –at least temporarily.

So, no, I didn’t win any bikini contests during my pregnancy (never won one not pregnant so it’s not a hard loss). And, yeah, it’s a bummer when even your pajama pants are tight.  But I wasn’t about to be the one turning to the person next to me on the climb up Mt. Everest asking “Does this snow suit make my butt look big?”.

Because I’ll miss the view from the mountain.

And I’ll ruin the journey.

And I’ll stop myself from enjoying something that most people only get to do a few times in their life– if they are lucky. Some people never get to do it at all.

And who knows… Maybe being able to accept (maybe even love) your pregnant body… you might be able to make a few steps in forgiving that non-pregnant body too.

Click here to learn more about women’s health and taking care of yourself.

Each week beginning in April 2013, Virginia Women’s Center will provide us with a Weekly Healthy Tip – making it easier to stay healthy!

Women’s Health Tips

Virginia Women’s Center is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com

Food safety starts at the grocery store. In your grocery cart, it is important that you keep ready-to-eat foods separate from raw meat, poultry, seafood and their juices. Keep produce in the clear plastic bags that are provided. When you get your groceries home, put raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator so that the juices from these items do not drip onto other foods. If you use reusable bags to carry your groceries, you should wash them frequently, especially the ones that carry raw meat or seafood.

The first step in handling food safely is to make sure you are washing your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. You should wash your hands before and after you handle food as well as every time after you use the restroom, change a diaper or touch an animal. When you are preparing raw poultry, meat or seafood, it’s important to wash any knives, cutting boards or preparation areas that are used with hot soapy water to avoid cross contamination. Another food safety tip is to make sure that you wash all produce well – even those that have skins or rinds that you do not eat.

In addition to handling food safely, it is important to cook your foods safely. To ensure you are cooking meat, poultry and eggs to a safe temperature, it is recommended that you use a food thermometer. Below are the USDA-FDA recommended safe minimum internal temperatures:

• Beef, pork, veal, lamb (steaks, roasts and chops): cook to 145°F with three minute rest time
• Fish: cook to 145°F
• Beef, pork, veal and lamb (ground): cook to 160°F
• Egg dishes: cook to 160°
• Turkey, chicken and duck (whole, pieces and ground): cook to 165°F

When you are pregnant, it is also recommended that you heat hot dogs and deli/lunch meats to steaming hot (and then let them cool) before eating. Heating these meats kills harmful bacteria that can grow on these foods. Below is a list of other foods that should be avoided during pregnancy so that your chances of acquiring a foodborne illness are minimized.

• Raw/undercooked meat, poultry or seafood
• Refrigerated smoked fish and precooked seafood such as shrimp, crab and seafood salads
• Refrigerated pates and meat spreads
• Raw sprouts and unwashed fruits and vegetables
• Soft cheeses made from raw milk (feta, brie, camembert, blue-veined cheeses, queso fresco, queso blanco, Panela)
• Raw or undercooked eggs
• Raw (unpasteurized) milk and milk products
• Unpasteurized juice (fresh squeezed or chilled)

Pregnancy and preparing for your new baby is an exciting time. Using the tips above as well as the information found in the links below can help you stay safe and healthy as you eat and handle food during pregnancy.

Additional links:

• Fish Facts for Pregnant Women: Learn what types of fish are okay to eat during pregnancy and which types should be avoided.
• Food Safety for Pregnant Women: Learn more about this topic from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service

Virginia Women’s Center is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com

OmMama is excited to announce the birth of the new OmMama Resource Center.  Some Richmond moms may already be familiar with OmMama’s yoga classes geared toward pregnant women, new moms and their babies.  Some moms can testify that it was the knowledgeable, caring women behind OmMama who helped them navigate through the sometimes rough waters of pregnancy, birth and beyond.

But OmMama is growing, thanks to a passionate and dedicated Board of Directors who seek to provide evidence based education, fitness, resources, and support for women in their childbearing years and their families here in Richmond.  Through their educational services, yoga classes, and collaborative resources, the new non-profit OmMama Resource Center supports women’s physical and emotional health before, during and after pregnancy.

The months of pregnancy are chock full of physical, chemical, and emotional changes, and childbirth itself is of course a monumental event.  The OmMama Resource Center provides women with the resources and education needed to feel supported and make empowered decisions during the entire pregnancy.  (And even before!  OmMama believes that pregnancy health begins before a women gets the positive pregnancy test.)

OmMama also knows that many new moms can feel alone and stressed after their little ones are born.  They go from seeing their doctor regularly to one quick post-natal check up and for some moms that is just not sufficient.  Just because their delivery is behind them doesn’t mean they don’t need continued physical and emotional support.  And for them, the OmMama Resource Center is there to provide a caring and educational environment.  OmMama also believes that fellow moms are an excellent resource for each other and just by providing the time and space to come together, healing and empowerment can begin.

OmMama’s Board of Directors is comprised of doulas, childbirth and pregnancy educators, social workers, and women who, having been transformed by their own OmMama pregnancy and birth experience, want to help other women have access to the same level of education and care.  OmMama’s growth will continue as their tireless Board of Directors works to raise awareness and capital to help them achieve their ultimate goal: a physical bricks and mortar location to provide their services.  Until then, visit OmMama for information on classes, how to get help or how to get involved.

OmMama envisions a world where every family has the resources they need for the strongest start into parenthood, and with the new OmMama Resource Center, they are well on their way to achieving that vision.