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Ladies, what do you think is the best maternity wrap dress? There are so many out there — from Isabella Oliver, Gap, Lirola, etc, etc. I feel like this Everly Grey Kaitlyn dress has been around forever and is a strong contender — I like the variety of prints it comes in, and the knee length and high V are both nice. Kaitlyn Maternity Wrap Dress
(L-all)
Building a maternity wardrobe for work? Check out our page with more suggestions along both classic and trendy/seasonal lines.
Sales of note for 9.10.24
(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)
- Ann Taylor – 30% off your purchase
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Boden – 15% off new styles
- Eloquii – $29 and up select styles; up to 50% off everything else
- J.Crew – Up to 50% off wear-to-work styles; extra 30% off sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – 40-60% off everything; extra 60% off clearance
- Lands’ End – 30% off full-price styles
- Loft – Extra 40% off sale styles
- Talbots – BOGO 50% everything, includes markdowns
- Target – Car-seat trade-in event through 9/28 — bring in an old car seat to get a 20% discount on other baby/toddler stuff.
- Zappos – 26,000+ women’s sale items! (check out these reader-favorite workwear brands on sale, and some of our favorite kids’ shoe brands on sale)
Kid/Family Sales
- Carter’s – Birthday sale, 40-50% off & extra 20% off select styles
- Hanna Andersson – Up to 50% off all baby; up to 40% off all Halloween
- J.Crew Crewcuts – Extra 30% off sale styles
- Old Navy – 40% off everything
- Target – BOGO 25% off select haircare, up to 25% off floor care items; up to 30% off indoor furniture up to 20% off TVs
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And — here are some of our latest threadjacks of interest – working mom questions asked by the commenters!
- The concept of “backup care” is so stupid…
- I need tips on managing employees in BigLaw who have to leave for daycare pickup…
- I’m thinking of leaning out to spend more time with my family – how can I find the perfect job for that?
- I’m now a SAHM and my husband needs to step up…
- How can I change my thinking to better recognize some of my husband’s contributions as important, like organizing the shed?
- What are your tips to having a good weekend with kids, especially with little kids? Do you have a set routine or plan?
Advice Please! says
I am close to full term and the decision was just made that I will be having a C-section . Unfortunately, my in-laws will be visiting for several days before and after surgery. They will be leaving before discharge from the hospital. Although having a C section is not ideal, I am having a harder time coping with the idea of family being around right before and after the baby is born. We would have preferred that this time was reserved for my husband and the baby, having decided that we would not be having visitors while in the hospital. Unfortunately that is no longer an option. This is my first child, but not the first grandchild. If you have any suggestions on how to cope, they would be greatly appreciated.
Merabella says
I think the best plan is to get together a list of stuff for them to do to help you, so they have a task. Have them go to the grocery store for you, have them do laundry, have them make dinner. Both things around the house, and things that require them to leave the house, even if for a short period of time.
Also, have a code word with your significant other to say that you need to get away from everyone for a second and be alone – great time to take a shower! – and that you have a space completely off limits to everyone else – so you aren’t always in the middle of everything.
I feel like it can be especially hard when you have in-laws vs. your own parents, because you feel like you can tell your parents they are driving your nuts, and it isn’t so bad, while in-laws feels more like house guests.
Pregnant Chicken has a great post on having people around when you have the baby.
CHJ says
I was in the same situation (scheduled C-section, in-laws coming, didn’t want people around). I would ask them to stay in a hotel. In my family, staying a hotel is a Big Deal and you’re not supposed to ask that, but this is one of those situations where I think you can play the hotel card. Tell them that you’re anxious about the surgery / tired from the pregnancy, and that you aren’t going to be in a position to have house guests when you get out of the hospital. Hopefully, they are compassionate people who will respect that and not get offended. If they do get offended, then they are being selfish, so all the more reason they should stay in a hotel and give you space.
We also made a big stink about wanting to be discharged from the hospital alone, and take our son home for the first time just the three of us. Again, people might get offended by this, but if you want to protect the space, you should ask for it. They can come over (from their hotel!) a few hours later and bring some takeout for everyone.
I was also anxious about having guests in the hospital, but in the end, that part wasn’t so bad. When you’re recovering from a C-section, you can play the “I need to rest” card as often as you want and kick people out.
CHJ says
Also, for my in-laws, we suggested they stay at a historic hotel downtown so that they could enjoy our city during the visit, too, rather than staying at a boring hotel near our house. They were surprisingly happy about this and did all sorts of sightseeing instead of camping out at our hospital / house. (And this was not the first time they’d been to the city. They’ve been here at least 20 times bef0re). Anyway, worth a shot….
Merabella says
This is a great idea if your in-laws want to be treated more like tourists/house guests vs helpers/there for you and the baby. It is a know your in-laws/spouse deal.
If they are more like house guests/tourists, I’d make a list of great places to go eat (and ask for takeout from your favorite restaurants after they have enjoyed the atmosphere).
Meg Murry says
Yes, I was going to make a suggestion that you come up with a list of chores for them to do like Merabella suggested, and/or a list of touristy things that you suggest they do (without you). I also suggest the code word or code phrase for your husband to mean “get these people out of my hospital room now”. With my first, I was very uncomfortable telling people to leave, but I also wasn’t comfortable even attempting to nurse in front of them, so it was awkward all around. With my second, I started to say “I need to feed the baby now” and that was husband’s cue to get them all out of my living room in the next 5 minutes.
Talk to your husband about your comfort level with things like nursing in front of your in-laws (for me, it was not at all for kid #1, for kid #2 MIL was ok but FIL was definitely not), and how much time he’s going to need to spend keeping them occupied vs spending time alone with you vs sending them off on their own.
At least since you have a date scheduled for the c-section, you can plan a little.
JJ says
At least with a C-section, you get to play the “I just had major surgery and need rest” card. I would not hesitate to use it. In the hospital, use the nurses as your allies and let them know when you want to be alone. They can be the ones to shoo visitors away.
Agree to make sure that you have some private space at home where you don’t have to worry about houseguests (although I strongly agree to have the in-laws stay in a hotel if possible).
Anonyc says
I just re-read and saw that they will be leaving before discharge, so it sounds like will be around in the last few days before you have the c-section and for a bit afterwards. Agree with everyone else that you should go for the hotel card. I liked having that bit of time before the baby comes to savor the “it’s just the two of us” moment a little longer, so that sounds like one of the things you’ll be losing. Maybe plan a nice dinner out with just you and your husband for one of those nights (last dinner out!) and make clear that the in-laws are on their own that evening. Have your husband run all interface on visiting the hospital, and figure out when you could possibly deal with them (i.e., the next day after the baby is born). Get a code word for when you need space, think of things they can do to help you (if they are the kind of people to do that stuff).
But also realize they are excited, too, and try to give them some time to meet their grandkid before they head out. A few hours in the hospital will probably make a huge difference to them. I say this as someone who has had a fraught relationship at times with the in-laws, part of which is my need to have more space/time without people all over me than they are accustomed to (also: I am the only DIL; all the other mothers in the family are daughters, and that makes a difference). Everyone loves a baby, and a little sharing can go a long way (I’ve found), so long as you and your husband know when you’ve reached your limit, try to give them some gently-holding-a-baby time.
Congrats and good luck!
sfg says
I just need to vent. My daughter was born 2.5 weeks ago. My parents, with whom I have not had a great relationship and who live out of town, came to stay locally (though not with us) on Friday. First, my dad announces when he walks in that he’s not interested in holding “the baby.” He then proceeded to sit on our couch in front of the TV most of the weekend. (and, when talking on the phone to another family member on Saturday, said, yes, the baby is cute, but let me tell you about this adorable cat at the guest house…) My mom at least held my daughter, briefly. Both of them spent most of their time talking about themselves or looking at their phones. Neither of them offered to do anything, even make dinner (from food we had on hand). This was frustrating but somewhat expected.
However, the kicker was yesterday afternoon. They occupied themselves for the morning and came over unannounced while I was out with my daughter at a friend’s baby shower. My mom then proceeded to have some sort of stomach upset in the bathroom (including blood in her stool – TMI, I know, but also, WTF). When I asked her to leave and seek medical attention, as who knows what was causing it, both of my parents got very upset and huffy with me (particularly my father, who insisted my mom was “fine” and could not possibly actually be ill with anything serious). They really could not accept that newborns don’t have much of an immune system and that I could not risk her getting sick. I know I was in the right to ask them to leave but they are going to be such a$$es about this (and anything to do with my daughter, no doubt) for years to come. Ugh.
HM says
That’s horrible. I am so sorry. Thank goodness they’re gone!
c says
One of the children in my son’s daycare class has been diagnosed with a serious illness, and I would like to show my support and sympathy for the family by sending a meal, but I also am afraid it might be kind of intrusive to show up on their doorstep unannounced since I don’t know the parents very well at all. I was thinking that some kind of soup delivery or the like might be the best way to go about it. Any recommendations for websites/companies that do this kind of thing?
Anonymous says
I would just do a giftcard to somewhere that delivers. anything else seems too much
kc esq says
Where can I buy true toddler-sized clothes? 2T is too small in most brands for my big 20-month-old boys — but so many stores have baby departments and then bigger kid departments and I’m having trouble finding good play basics for 2T or 3T sizes.
TBK says
Carter’s?
Midwest Mom says
Carter’s, Old Navy, Target, and even Walmart is mostly where I got my kiddo’s toddler-sized basic play clothes. I didn’t really notice whether they all fit “true to size,” but they seemed to fit similarly. I did notice that Gymboree clothes seem to a run a bit bigger (i.e. longer pants, which is good for my tall, skinny kiddo).
R says
I know I’m late, but wanted to +1 Walmart and the Garanimals line. I hate supporting Walmart, but boy those clothes are worth it. (If you’re in your 30’s, you likely wore Garanimals growing up.) They hold up incredibly well to my very rambunctious toddler and her daycare shenanigans. The quality just can’t be beat and the price is insane.
JJ says
Most of our play basics come from Carter’s and Old Navy, with a few Target and Gap pieces thrown in. Both of my kids are bigger than average, but my oldest fit in 2T when he was early twos and now 3T-4T that he’s 3 years old.
Katarina says
I also like the Children’s Place for basics.
Manhattanite says
I like them too, but FYI, I do find they run small.
Nonny says
If you’re willing to pay a little extra for shipping (it makes no difference to me since I rarely get free shipping anyway, living in Canada), the UK brand Mothercare has awesome toddler clothes. Very cute, generally pretty classic, and well made. My daughter lives in a combination of those and Carter’s.
mascot says
In addition to the above, try Kohl’s. Their Jumping Beans line is a great price point for daycare/play clothes and there are frequent sales.
D. Meagle says
Have the UBV. For baby No. 1, was living in the city, so we used the bassinet for walks, as well as for napping/sleeping (we would roll the stroller into our bedroom). For baby No. 2, we had moved to the suburbs. Did not take as many walks, but when we did, used the bassinet. Still used it for sleeping and napping (although splurged for the stand). If you are not planning on taking walks from your house, and you have a bassinet, I can see why you wouldn’t need one. However, my stroller is older, so this might not be the case anymore, but I felt like the UBV was a lot sturdier than the UBC. That was ultimately the selling point, the perceived sturdiness.
Stroller Bassinet Is For When? says
Thank you. Maybe I should treat myself with the UBV.
I swear some other lovely ladies responded to my post but it looks like this site ate them (and my original post) before I could see them. Dang it.
anon says
Where did all the comments on this post go? I looked a little while ago and there were close to 50. Now there are only 12.
MomAnon4This says
Yeah, this was a weird website day here…
JJ says
Yup. The post even disappeared for a while for me, at least.
Meg Murry says
Ok, good, I thought I was going crazy since I could have sworn there were 50+ posts and now only 18. Odd, probably some kind of server hiccup?
Anonymous says
A friend recently had a baby (not a first time mom) and is having difficulty with her return to work. Kid is not taking pumped milk. She is unwilling to try formula. Basically MIL brings baby to her at 12 and that is the only feeding baby gets from 8:30-4:30.
What if anything should I do? This has been going on for three weeks. Can I say something? Is the child at risk of harm?
POSITA says
Does she have a lipase issue or is it bottle refusal? We had both. So stressful.
POSITA says
Some babies will reverse cycle which isn’t really harmful to the baby, just stressful to the mom and caregivers. Basically the baby will nurse all night to get their calories.
RR says
This. You shouldn’t really do anything but offer support to your friend. Chances are she’s up all night nursing the baby because it’s reverse cycling. I have some friends purposely do this because they prefer it to lots of pumping.
Anonymous says
Thanks! That’s very helpful. I’ve been worried the little dude is starving! Seriously, I have no idea how stuff works so that was a relief.
Millie says
How old is the baby? By 8-12 weeks, they can cut back to about four feedings per day (for ex., my daughter eats at about 8 am, noon, 4 pm, and 7 pm). Obviously, varies from child to child, but I don’t think this is child abuse unless the baby is way younger than that or clearly starving and screaming all the time, and losing / ceasing to gain wait. That said, a baby will stop rejecting the bottle if that is the only thing offered to him / her. My daughter was very neutral about food source (breast, bottle, formula, breastmilk, all the same to her, including among brands of bottles). But I know moms whose babies rejected the bottle at first but came to accept it (if not to like it all that much) after going hungry-ish for a few days. In extreme cases, the moms had to pump and bottle-feed even on weekends so the babies didn’t get picky all over again come Monday, though.
Millie says
Also, you shouldn’t do anything. Seems like you are not an expert on babies, and this mom has had them before. Even if her baby weren’t totally happy, it wouldn’t be your place to stage an intervention.
Anonymous says
The friend has told me that the kid cries for the last two hours every work day because he is hungry. It’s a weird thing to respond to for me. I can’t really see how that is better than feeding the kid formula which he will take but I’m not an expert. Just seems cruel to me- was helpful to hear that this is the way some people and their babies live.
POSITA says
Are you sure he or she’d accept formula? Usually bottle refusal is refusing the bottle, not it’s contents.
It’s not a strange thing to share or to respond to at all. You say, “I’m sorry. That’s so stressful. I hope the baby settles in soon. How are you holding up?”
anonymama says
omg, you are being super judgemental and you don’t even have a kid? Obviously you mean well and are just concerned with the baby’s welfare, but really, I’m sure the mother has been trying lots of things and it’s really really not your place to say anything about your concerns. Also, many many babies are extra-fussy around that time of day anyway, (see: colic) and it really doesn’t hurt them to cry a little bit.
anon says
Why on earth would a baby who won’t take breastmilk (familiar food) in bottles (unfamiliar source) take formula (unfamiliar food) in bottles? Even if you don’t have a kid, if you have even a shred of common sense this would be obvious.
Anonymous says
Because, he does take formula in bottles. Kid was in the hospital last month and that’s what he ate. And I have a kid the same age. My kid feeds every three hours but often sooner. I’m not opposed to breast milk or formula or bottles or whatever. Just was wondering if this was normal as I am not a doctor and not feeding a three month old child a bit more regularly seemed weird to me. I accept that other women will make decisions that seem odd to me at times, figured it would be better to ask strangers than upset a friend.
Some of you answered my question in a way that was really helpful and I appreciated that. I don’t claim to be a breastfeeding expert. The information was useful and I’ll keep it in mind.
And honestly no, I don’t want to hear about my friends kid crying for two hours because he is hungry. Just like some of you don’t want to hear about your friend’s kid’s poop or your friend letting their kid cry it out all night long. We all have things we don’t want to hear.
POSITA says
I’ve been trying to be nice, but you’re a horrible judgmental person who shouldn’t claim to be her friend. Just leave her alone. She’s telling you about her struggles to find support, not judgment.
And for the record, a preference for breastfeeding can develop quickly right around 3 months. That’s what happened to us. I was pumping and giving one bottle every other day just so she was used to it when I went back to work. We took off 5 days when we traveled for Thanksgiving and didn’t want to lug a pump and bottles. By the time we got home she absolutely refused a bottle. Formula wouldn’t fix it. She HATED bottles. It took many hours of her screaming and many hours of me and my husband at our wits end (often sobbing ourselves) to get her to take a bottle–it took about 2.5 months. So sad and miserable but I promise you that I lovedmy baby and was doing everything I could for her.
Anyways, just because the baby took a bottle a month ago at 2 months it doesn’t mean that the baby will take one now at 3 months. So go crawl into a hole somewhere. She doesn’t need a mean, judgmental “friend” like you.
Anonymous says
I think you need to get over your own issues. Not everything is about you and your kid. Goodnight!
K. says
My baby refused the bottle for over three weeks when I returned to work and never took a ton of milk after that (max of 8 ounces a day–often much less). So, that meant my daughter had nothing from 7am-4pm every day. My daughter started reverse-cycling and has ever since (now eight months). She always had the minimum of wet/dirty diapers and never lost weight and continued to grow at a steady rate. She just made it up at night, which wasn’t a big deal since we co-slept. There are ways to make it work, esp. if she has supportive childcare. I never tried formula, but it was the bottle she was rejecting entirely, so I didn’t think it mattered.
Anonymous says
Thanks for giving me some perspective. My friend must be tired with that late night feeding- I’ll
Try to be as supportive as I can.
K. says
Also wanted to add that the most helpful thing you can do is be supportive of your friend. Even though I knew my baby was fine (and she was generally happy the whole day despite everything), it is hard to know that if you were only at home, your baby would be eating whenever he or she wanted to. I loved being back at work and I have the world’s best childcare, but until she started taking the bottle, it was stressful!
Anonymous says
Your response was super helpful. I breastfed my kid sometimes and at no point did anyone ever earn me that people have as much difficulty as my friend is having getting their kid to take expressed milk. If they had I probably would have just formula fed or pump fed my kid from the start.
This whole situation was new for me so thanks for the perspective.