Second Hand Maternity Clothes?
When I was expecting my first child, I worked in a nursing home. I really didn’t have to worry about my work clothes because it was pretty basic stuff and not too much room for individuality.
I really never showed until I was around 6 months pregnant. At that time, I began to search for maternity clothes but our budget was so strained, I simply couldn’t afford to buy too many clothes. A friend of mine decided to pass along the clothes she had sitting in her attic. I was thrilled for the clothes!
When my pregnancy ended, my friend told me to just keep the clothes. I was thrilled and stored them in the attic until my next pregnancy.  The one thing I didn’t consider though was the reality of the timing of my pregnancies and how that would affect my wardrobe.
For example, I conceived my son a few summers ago. I didn’t wear maternity clothes until fall, and then I could fit into small or medium outfits. By the time he was born in spring, I had progressed to large maternity outfits mostly because I had a lot of excess fluid I was carrying. This year, I began my pregnancy in early December and our child will be born in August. I have NO summer maternity clothes because I was didn’t need them with my last pregnancy!
Sadly, at my “advanced maternal age”, I am the only one of my friends still bearing babies. Sharing maternity clothes is not an option. Oh well…looks like I just may have to go out and buy some NEW maternity clothes. Part of me feels guilty splurging to buy new clothes when I know this is my last pregnancy. What a waste of money! Another part of me tells myself that I am worth that splurge.
What do you think? Did you buy new maternity clothes for yourself during your pregnancy? Did you wear second hand clothes?
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Anne says...
I tried to wear as many non-maternity pieces as I could. I was lucky that a lot of the styles at the regular stores were comfortable for my growing belly. I was able to get fashionable shirts at much cheaper prices than maternity wear. I did have to buy a pair of maternity jeans. And I bought the bella band to help me wear my regular pants longer. I was lucky to be mostly pregnant in the summer and fall so I didn’t have to worry about heavier clothing OR winter coats!
Britax Frontier Sale says...
In my neighborhood someone set up an area in her house where people bring maternity clothes that they don’t need anymore. Anyone can go there and borrow clothes for a very small fee, and then return it when she is done.
This is so helpful because maternity clothes are worn for such a short time that it’s a shame to have to buy a whole new wardrobe…
Melissa H says...
One of the things that I realized is that if you are choosy with the style of maternity tops that you get… you can wear them after the baby is born. The styles are especially good for that right now. Also even though I didn’t NEED to I wore maternity pants until my daughter was about 10 or 11 months old. I also wore my before pregnancy pants (especially if going out) but around the house… or for in the yard they were great, and really comfortable. Also hit the clearance rack. Target is GREAT for their clothes and they always have something at a little bit of a discount. I am currently five months with my fourth and was hoping that I could make it through the winter with out getting a coat…. right now I can’t zip mine… so I am hoping that it gets warm QUICK!!!!!
VaMomma says...
Melissa, Britax and Anne–thanks for the great suggestions!