What to wear in the 3 trimesters of pregnancy

You have just received the wonderful news that you are pregnant. After the initial jubilation you suddenly realise that in addition to some major life changes in the years ahead there is also going to be some major changes to your body over the next 9 months. However this doesn't mean that you have to dig out the old jogging bottoms and baggy sweatshirts and hibernate until your bundle of joy arrives. Here are some tips from maternity wear specialist Bunny Bumpkin, about what to wear in each trimester of pregnancy.

First Trimester 0-3 months
You may notice that bras start to get uncomfortable towards the end of the first trimester. It is best to order wireless bras like this Emma Jane maternity/nursing bra which is designed to grow with the expectant mother during her pregnancy

Emma Jane Maternity Bra 361

Although clothes may feel a little tighter, you should be able to get away with wearing your existing wardrobe in the first trimester.

Second Trimester 3-6 months

Your bump will become increasingly more noticeable in this period and if you want to avoid living in those jogging bottoms and sweatshirts it is time to look for maternity tops and maternity trousers.

Most maternity tops (like this white cross maternity blouse) are made from cotton and elastene which allows them to stretch with your growing bump. Some also have ruched sides.

 

White Cross Maternity Blouse

Maternity trousers are available in under the bump style or over the bump. There is no science behind this. It is just a matter of personal preference. Over the bump trousers have a wide elasticated band at the top, while under the bump trousers have a thin elasticated band. These are no jogging bottoms though; some of these trousers can look very smart as shown by these brown over the bump trousers.

Brown Over The Bump Maternity Trousers

Third Trimester 6-9 months

During the third trimester your breasts will grow rapidly and may start to leak colostrum. If you are planning to breast feed, it is time to order a nursing bra. Wait until 3-4 weeks before your baby is due as this will give you a good idea of the size needed. Be aware that as the real milk starts to be produced in the days following the birth, your breasts may increase by one more cup size. Some nursing bras are designed for a range of cup sizes so if you have one like this Emma Jane 362 bra then the increase in cup size will not matter. Nursing bras are fitted with a clip to allow easy access for breast feeding.

 

Emma Jane 362 bra

Trying to sleep when it feels like you have a bowling ball in your belly is difficult enough so it is important to make sure your nightwear is comfortable.
Maternity nighties are designed to allow for your bump. Like many others, this pink nursing nightie is also designed for breast feeding.

 

Pink Nursing Nightie  404

Well done; you have survived pregnancy wearing comfortable and fashionable clothes. Now all you need to worry about is what the baby will wear, but we will leave that for a future blog.

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What do I put in my hospital bag?

Your baby is due anytime, the hospital bag is packed and you believe you are well prepared. But if this is your first baby there is a good chance you have forgotten something. So Bunny Bumpkin has prepared this guide to what you need to pack in your hospital bag. Many of these items are available from our website. Click on the highlighted items to see more details.

• Most importantly you will need your birth plan and maternity notes.
• Snacks and Drinks. You may be in hospital a while
• Slippers. The hospital floors are cold and the toilets may be bit of a walk
• Books or magazine. (Yes labour is not all pushing and screaming)
• Dressing Gown
• Disposable Underwear (you will leak for a while after the birth)
• Nursing bra for easy breastfeeding
• Nursing nightie or pyjamas
• Flannel and towel
• A camera for that great first baby photo
• Phone (don’t forget the charger)
• Toothbrush, shampoo, shower gel, and other toiletries
• Breastfeeding pillow
• Nursing top to go home in.
• Maternity trousers (Your bump doesn't go down straight away)
• Disposable breast pads
• Something warm to take baby home in, if it’s a cold day. Try thisSnowsuit
• Nappies
• Muslin cloths
• Changing bags
• Baby Grows, Vests, Hats, Mits, Bibs. This 5 Piece set is great value.

And last but not least, don’t forget to take a have a car seat in the car to take your beautiful little bunny home.

A high chair, a high chair, my kingdom for a high chair.

Finding a high chair in a pub can be a challenge. In todays blog we take a light hearted look at the problem and reveal how Pipsy Koala has found a solution.

While many pubs are closing there is one type of pub that is doing extremely well. Its not good beer or food that is attracting the punters (though that helps) it is the essential feature that every family pub needs. THE BALL PIT.

Telling our 3 year old that we are going to the Wacky Warehouse is like putting a big key in his back and winding him up.

In the Wacky Warehouse (our local family pub) mum is happy because the kids are entertained so she gets a break. Dad is happy because he can watch the Rugby six nations on the TV without being disturbed and 3 year old Jake is over the moon because he can run around and make all the noise he wants without being told off. Even 9 month old Millie is happy because there are lots of sights and sounds to stimulate her.
What could possibly go wrong then. Well here comes the problem. The pub is so popular with families, there are a lot of babies but very few highchairs.

9 month old Millie is sat on mums lap. The meal is on its way but Mum knows unless a high chair is found for Millie, eating dinner will be a challenge to say the least. Millie likes to wriggle and grab anything in reach and throw it on the floor. Great fun. So unless a high chair is found mums scampi and chips will all be heading south.
Cue Dad.


Dad is sent on something akin to a military operation. The objective – To find one of the three high chairs in a pub full of babies and toddlers.

Dad asks a member of staff, who helpfully promises to let him know as soon as one is available.
Reassured, dad sits back down and informs mum that a high chair will be found soon. But then  a setback. Enemy are spotted. Another family with a baby arrive. They ask a waitress for a high chair and unbelievably the waitress goes and gets one that’s has just become available. What to do. Should dad rugby tackle the waitress, fight the father and come back with the high chair and demand a victory celebration from his family.

No. That would be uncivilised, so instead dad recconoitres the 2 remaining high chairs. Peering around the corner he sees that the owners of one of the high chairs are having their post meal coffee, so they will be leaving soon. He loiters with high chair in his sights, hoping not to look too weird. It must be only moments, before the meal arrives and mum will not be happy if he fails his mission. Then just as he thought all hope was lost, the waitress arrives with a high chair that she found in the ball pit area. Relieved, dad takes the high chair back to the family with a smug look on his face.

But, dad wonders, should eating out be this stressful. Fortunately Pipsy Koala has found a solution. The On the Go Booster Seat can be attached to the chair with a 3 point safety harness with adjustable straps. Its wipe clean design, means that it is hygienic, but here is the best bit.It folds up really small to about the size of a handbag. (W31 x D8 x H26cm). This means it can be easily carried or kept in the car. So whether you are visiting the pub or visiting the relatives finding a high chair is no longer a military operation.

The Pipsy Koaka On the Go Booster Seat conforms to EN14988-1/2:2006. Childrens High Chairs- Safety Requirements and Test Methods. It can be purchased from http://www.bunnybumpkin.com/pipsy-koala-on-the-go-booster-seat-990-p.asp
Needless to say, Dad has already bought one.