Baby Shower Gift Guide Day 5: For Momma

One thing that many of us tend to overlook when we are pregnant is ourselves-especially when there are other children running around. It is so crucial to make sure that we not only take care of our bodies, but take care of our minds as well. In addition to eating right, drinking lots of water and making sure to get in a little exercise, a large component in helping me feel good is wearing nice things. They don’t have to be expensive or frilly, they just need to be made well and fit right.

And, ok, it totally helps if they’re pretty. Even hospital gowns.

Annie & Isabel

I actually discovered designer hospital gowns before Zoe was born. I wore that gown throughout the entire experience-I was induced with Zoe, so I had a LOT of time walking off contractions and exploring the halls of the hospital. It was nice to be wearing something new, clean, and PINK.

This time around was a wee bit different. Baby B was born about 20 minutes after we arrived at the hospital-the nurses barely had time to throw a gown over my shoulders. I was, however, thrilled to be able to change into this beautiful new gown-and this one has snaps on the shoulders for easy nursing and skin-to-skin contact.

Annie & Isabel was created by two lovely women that I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know through this amazing world of social media. They are both nurses and mothers who not only named their company after their grandmothers, but also name each gown after women who inspired them. If you get a moment, you should check out their Feel Better Campaign, where they reach out and donate gowns to those in need. I couldn’t be more thrilled to know these women and support their company.

Gown Features:

Made of comfortable 100% high quality cotton and are trimmed with beautiful grosgrain ribbon.
The inverted pleat in the front adds style.
The inside side pocket will keep essentials handy….cell phone, lip gloss etc.
Gowns wrap abound and tie on the side for full back coverage.
Shoulder snaps provide easy access for IV lines and are convenient for nursing mothers.
Gowns fall to mid-calf length on most people, providing extra security and comfort.
Sizes available in XS,S,M,L,XL,XXL, and available in Pregnancy sizes too!
Gowns meet hospital standards.
Made in the U.S.A.

Belabumbum

Just before and after baby is born, the only thing that matters to me is comfort. My body is in a shape that is temporary and awkward, and I just want to be able to move around and nurse afterwards with ease. Belabumbum has created a line of clothing that is perfect for these times-only with a bonus: They LOOK nice, too.

I’ll be completely honest when I say that in the past 6 days since having my son, I have worn three pieces-and they have all been Belabumbum. I’m comfortable, nursing has been a breeze and I don’t mind answering the door for pizza delivery in them.

Belabumbum’s founders started the company to support themselves, the people who work with them, and their customers. The vision? To create collections of fun, feminine styles that accompany women through the creative phases of their life. Belabumbum works with socially conscious manufacturers in South America to ensure excellent working conditions and job security. Belabumbum has also contributed to countless health and well-being related events and organizations.

Their Maternity Mom-and-Baby Sets are particularly adorable, and made of the softest cotton. It’s no wonder I haven’t taken it off!

Bravado! Designs

You might not believe this, but I have never used a nursing bra until now. I tried one when I had my first baby, but I found it cumbersome and annoying so I tossed it to the back of my drawer, never to be seen again.

This third time around, I gave nursing bras and tanks another try with Bravado! Designs, and I couldn’t be more impressed. I’m sincerely grateful at the amount of ease and comfort these pieces have brought me.

The Essential Nursing Tank

The Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra

The Sublime Nursing Bra

“We test-wear our products on literally hundreds of pregnant and nursing moms every year to make our bras perfect, right down to the finest detail. We use real moms as models because we don’t think we need models to make breastfeeding beautiful. We’re a green company, and we donate products in our own community—not because it’s the trendy thing to do but because it’s the right thing. Because we not only want to be the brand on your bra but also the company you’re proud to wear and tell your friends about.”

Bravado! Design’s commitment to quality, motherhood and bolstering the self-esteem of women is clear and resounding-I am their newest, biggest fan.

Barrett’s Braid Bar</a>

The last two babies I delivered, my hair was short and manageable with a hair clip or two-it made for quick, camera ready styles and fuss-free during the days and weeks after the babies were born. Since my hair is quite long now, I wanted to do something that would be fun and girly, and especially hassle free.

I was recently introduced to the Braid Bar at the John Barrett Salon at the tippy top of Bergdorf’s on 5th Avenue and knew that this was as special an occasion as any to have my hair braided. It just so happened that the day before I went into labor, I headed to the Braid Bar and treated myself.

Bring on the baby!

Undone braided pigtails, whimsical milkmaid braids, fishtail-braided side ponytails, small french-braided updos and more are available for recreation at Barrett’s Braid Bar.

Braided styles are perfect for a fun night out in the city, a beach day out in the Hamptons or a special occasion.

All braids – $45
Shampoo & Braid – $65
Shampoo, blow dry and braid starting at $120.

Whether it’s a braid or a blowout, I highly recommend heading to a salon. It was one of the best things I did for myself before B arrived.

The Mama Necklace by Tali Gillette

Finally, the push prize of all. Tali Gillette’s Mama Necklace has been on my list for at least two years since I was introduced to them. These are the most beautiful yet simple pieces that I have found to perfectly commemorate motherhood.

The Mama Collection is made of 18K White Gold and 14K Yellow or Rose Gold with G VS Diamonds on 16″ chains. Custom orders are available.

NOTE: The Mama Necklace is NOT a part of the giveaway. I do think it would make a perfect holiday gift, though! It’s definitely on my wish list (as seen on Lil Sugar).

WIN IT!

I’m thrilled to be able to give away some products from each of these fabulous brands:

*One Annie & Isabel Hospital Gown
*One Belabumbum Before & After Cami & Pant from their Belly, Boudoir & Beyond collection
*One of each of the Bravado! Design Bras and one Tank that I highlighted
*One gift card to the John Barrett Braid Bar

To Enter:

Leave one comment telling me how you plan to spoil yourself or someone you love during pregnancy.

Extra Entries:

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Leave ONE comment per each entry telling me that you did, or already do!

Tweet the following:

I’m entered to win items from @bravadodesigns @annieandisabel @belabumbum & @johnbarrettnyc @MommasGoneCity http://t.co/AzEUwPUg

Leave one comment with the Tweet url. You may tweet once per day and leave a single comment each day until the contest is over.

Sweepstakes run from Monday, December 5th until Friday, December 16th at midnight, PST. Thank you for celebrating with me!

UPDATE: WINNER CHOSEN!

Congratulations to Joslyn Burke! Winner was chosen randomly via “And The Winner Is”, a WordPress plugin. Thank you to everyone who entered, tweeted, and followed. I hope your holidays are beautiful!

I was not compensated for this post. I did receive product from Annie & Isabel, Bravado Designs, Belabumbum and John Barrett for purposes of review, coverage, and giveaway. I hand picked each brand and all opinions are absolutely my own.