Monday, 30 May 2011

Frequently Asked Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Questions

When should I start buying maternity clothing?

As soon as you feel uncomfortable or find your wardrobe choices are dwindling. Sometimes as early as 12 weeks. Don’t settle for tracksuit pants or your husband’s shirts! Start with a couple of basic items such as pants or jeans and work it back with some tops in this seasons fashion colours. You can build up your maternity wardrobe as your pregnancy progresses, keeping in mind the season you will spend most of your pregnancy, as well as work clothing and if you have any formal engagements coming up in the months that you will be pregnant.
Stork Maternity has something for every occasion including, work, casual and evening wear.

I don’t look pregnant yet but my clothes feel too tight, can I just buy normal clothes a size larger?

It is a common mistake and huge ‘No No’ to purchase regular clothing in a size too big, unlike maternity clothes normal fashions do not have allowances for the growth of pregnancy, leaving tops too short and clingy and pants digging into your growing tummy.
Maternity clothing is carefully designed to flatter women throughout their pregnancies and beyond. Extra room is allowed for where you need it, not where you don’t.

I live in jeans; can I wear regular denim while pregnant?

Some women will be able to add a belly belt while their jeans are fitting everywhere but the waist, which is a great way to make your clothes last through a change of season. Further into your pregnancy it is well worth investing in a pair of maternity jeans that fit well, feel good and make you look fantastic. Stork Maternity stock a variety of jeans including straight leg and skinny leg as well as a variety of different waist styles depending on what is most comfortable for you.

What size maternity clothing do I need?

It is normal to increase 1-2 cup sizes in the bust and one size in the diaphragm and to grow a little in the hip and thigh areas. All maternity wear is especially designed to accommodate this growth so you will mostly choose your pre-pregnancy size. If you are more prone to putting on weight or expecting a multiple birth you may need to go up a size during your pregnancy. Don’t worry about the sizing on the tag, every manufacturer has a different sizing guide and fit so wear what looks good and feels great.

Will the clothes I buy fit throughout my pregnancy?

Maternity wear is specifically designed to adapt to your changing body. You will be able to start wearing your maternity wear as soon as the clothes you normally wear feel uncomfortable, right through your pregnancy and in the early days after giving birth until you are back into your usual clothes which can sometimes take several months.

I have a function coming up and I want to look fantastic, can I still wear an evening dress?

Thankfully the modern trend in maternity wear has shifted from the tent like dresses that women used to be stuck with. Stork Maternity offer a wide range of beautiful evening wear from long satin gowns to the LBD (little black dress).

When should I start wearing a maternity bra?

According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association the breasts begin to prepare for your baby quite early in pregnancy, some woman will feel uncomfortable or will fully outgrow their usual bra sooner than others.
As a general rule most changes to the breast have occurred by around 16 weeks and this is a good time to be fitted for a new maternity bra, if you haven’t been already. Stork Maternity provides a professional and free bra fitting service in store.

Is it true I can’t wear and underwire bra?

Many women would prefer to wear an underwire bra but underwire is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The reason for this is your changing breasts. A rigid underwire can put pressure on already tender breasts. When breastfeeding, the breasts increase and decrease in size and retained fluid during pregnancy can cause your breasts to swell in size. Underwire bras can be uncomfortable when the breast is fuller and having this pressure can lead to blocked (plugged) ducts and infection (mastitis).

How does a maternity bra differ from a normal bra?

There are many different styles and designs of maternity bras available. A good maternity bra should have the following features.

* Extended hook and eye clips
* Drop feeding cups
* Wide diaphragm for support
* Soft lining for comfort
* Inner sling for support inside the cup and to keep straps in place while feeding.
* No underwire

Stork Maternity stocks all the well known and trusted brands of maternity lingerie including HOTmilk, Lovable, Womama, Bendon and Berlei. We have a style, size and colour to suit everybody.

Will I get the same support from a Maternity Bra as an underwire?

Maternity bras are designed in such a way that you will get the same support from a beautiful maternity bra as you would your original underwire bra and you will be a lot more comfortable.

Should I wear a bra to bed?

Wearing a bra to bed is a personal preference. Some women like to wear a bra to bed for support and to hold breast pads in place. An alternative to this would be a feeding singlet with a supportive cup or shelf bra and nursing clips, making it much more comfortable and convenient.

How many bras will I need?

During pregnancy it is recommended to have at least 2 bras, 1 lighter and one darker to go under any outfit. During Breastfeeding you should have 3-4 bras as your breasts may leak milk and may need changing more frequently than usual.

How many cloth nappies will I need?

Generally a newborn baby will require 10-12 changes per day, after 3 months this will go down to 8-10 changes per day then after 6 months will settle down to 6-8 changes per day. Of course every baby is different and you may find you will need more or less changes.
To use modern cloth nappies part time it is recommended you have at least 10 nappies on hand, making sure you have back up for when you do a wash. And to use modern cloth nappies on a full time basis it is recommended you have 20 nappies. This will allow you to have a good stock of nappies as they grow. You may need to add extra to your collection as you go once you have settled into a pattern and you discover whether or not your baby is a heavy wetter. And don’t forget if you use a good quality modern cloth nappy they can then be used again on subsequent children.


What are the benefits of using a baby sling or carrier?

* Carrying your child in a sling or carrier may decrease a child’s cry by up to 50%, creating more time for smiles and giggles shared between parent and child
* Your newborn is snuggled in, safe from unwanted touches, shielded from germs and under the watchful eye of parents at all times
* Digestion is also improved with motion of movement between parent and child, this works wonders for the baby’s tummy, helping ease the discomfort of colic and reflux
* Amazingly language development is also encouraged as the child is on the level of adult conversation and eye contact.
* Mothers are more responsive to babies’ vocalizations, in turn the babies’ needs are met quickly and efficiently
* Say goodbye to tired arms and be hands free
* A sling makes breastfeeding in public easy and private
* Properly wearing a sling or carrier positions a baby in a way that supports their spine and promotes correct physical development


www.storkmaternity.com.au

Monday, 16 May 2011

grobags / baby sleep bag / sleeping bags for babies

Keep your baby or toddler warm all  night long in a grobag baby sleeping bag.
grobags have different togs for different weather 2.5 tog being for the coldest nights.
Even if your baby kicks there blankets off they will still be snug and warm in their sleeping bag, which means no more sleepless nights for mums and dads.

Groing Places

This travel Grobag is all about ‘Gro’.  Gro-ing Places shows off our unique leaf design which will keep flourishing from season to season. 

Safari So Good

Inspired by animal adventures, this graph paper background with safari silhouette shapes and playful dotty outlines makes travelling to new horizons none stop fun!Features
Free nursery thermometer with every grobag®.
Safety:Two-way front zip and back vent on all sizes, to fit five-point harness.
Full Length zip guard plus chin guard.


Little Space Invader
Rocket your little boy to the moon... or to bed with this fun and funky Little Space Invader’ Grobag - for any boy who loves galaxy adventures! 
Available in 1.0 and 2.5TOG only


Available in store or on our website


Monday, 9 May 2011

Pregnancy and Post Pregnancy Support

Pregnancy Support

Stork Maternity stock a great range of pregnancy and post pregnancy support garments to help you get back to your pre baby shape faster!!!

SRC Pregnancy Shorts

SRC Recovery Shorts



Belly Bandit



V2 Supporter - Pre Natal Cradle

During pregnancy, vulvar varicosities can occur for many reasons. Increased weight of the enlarged uterus sometimes creates pressure on veins in the pelvic area and interferes with the flow of blood returning from the legs. Naturally higher levels of estrogen promote growth, while increased progesterone tends to relax the smooth muscles of the vein walls. The relaxed veins can become distended and "pop out" as vulvar varicosities. Wearing the V2 supporter before rising in the morning, helps prevent excessive swelling of the vulvar veins.
 
The V2 Supporter provides clinically proven compression therapy

Recommended for:
  • Vulvar Varicosities (also used post sclerotherapy)
  • Lympedema
  • Perineal edema
  • Incontinence
  • External prolapsed bladder or uterus

The V2Supporter is:
  • Doctor recommended
  • Adjustable for maximum comfort and support
  • Safe, effective, and convenient
  • Soft, lightweight, and machine washable (line dry)

You can find all of these items at Stork Maternity in Dean Street Albury or at our online store

or find more info on each product at the following links


Helping you feel truly beautiful during your pregnancy

Monday, 2 May 2011

Designer Nappy Bags

Stork Maternity Stock a great range of gorgeous nappy bags for the fashion concious budget minded parents from a wide range of stockists.
Go to www.storkmaternity.com.au to view the full range

Vanchi
www.vanchi.com.au


Oi Oi
www.oioi.com.au


Isoki
www.isoki.com.au



Il Tutto
http://www.iltutto.com.au/
Koochu
http://koochu.com/collection.php