I guess I am your average stay-at-home work-at-home mom. My typical attire is comfy jeans and a T-shirt. This gets a little tricky while pregnant. Especially when you are frugal and pregnant.
I have made it a goal to spend as little as possible on maternity clothes this 3rd time around. I must admit I went a little overboard with the first 2. And since this baby was a “surprise” blessing, most of my maternity wardrobe had been passed on to friends long ago.
So I did what any frugal mom would do. I borrowed clothes right back from those friends and others! Thankfully, I ended up with a pretty decent collection. I purchased a few pieces here and there on clearance to round out the wardrobe, and decided to be done.
Then, I developed a little problem. A hernia in my belly-button. Now before you get all grossed out, this has nothing to do with intestines. It is just some tissue and fat that has protruded through the now separated abdominal wall. But, it is very. very. painful.
Therin lies the problem. The maternity jeans I had acquired hit me square in the belly-button. Ouch! I also tend to carry quite low, so the under-the-belly option is quite uncomfortable. I decided it was time for some new jeans.
The other day, I came across a very timely post by Audrey at Mom Generations. Audrey has begun a 365 day series on fashion advice for moms. Her very first topic? Mom jeans!
So I picked Audrey’s brain…”where can I find some stylish, and most importantly, comfortable maternity jeans to get me through the next 3 months?”
She had the perfect solution. Motherhood. They carry a new line of “secret fit belly jeans”. Coming from a mom of 4 boys 4 and under, I knew I could trust her.
I set out on my mission that very day. Success! I tried on exactly 3 pairs of jeans, and settled on a dark wash boot cut option. Thankfully, they were long enough for my tall frame. And let me just say they are oh. so. comfortable.
The super stretchy secret panel
Seriously, where were these jeans when I needed them in 2000 and 2005? The super stretchy panel feels almost non-existent against my tender belly. There is no line under my T-shirt, and nothing pinches. Best of all, they stay up!
See? No line!
Right now, Motherhood is having a big sale. There are secret fit styles available for as low as $12.99. My jeans cost $29.98, and well worth every penny.
Another nice Motherhood perk, which I had forgotten about: with your first purchase, you get a nifty little goody bag full of coupons, samples, and even a free Playtex bottle!
So, Audrey. Do you approve? Thanks for the great tip. I have a feeling you will see me wearing these jeans a lot!
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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
You look fabulous! Those look really comfy. I had the hardest time finding maternity jeans that were long enough too.
Tara @ Deal Seeking Mom
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You look great, Alyssa! I’ve been having the opposite problem- since I’m not even 5′2″, I’ve had a hard time finding maternity pants that aren’t way too long!
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Those jeans look exactly like the kind I used to wear when I was pregnant with you!
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Where were those when I was pregnant with my two. You look awesome and what a great price! Good luck dealing with your belly button, that doesn’t sound fun at all!
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WOOT!! You go girl:) I’ve only every worn the “secret panel” jeans…..are there other kinds.
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WOOT!! You go girl:) I’ve only every worn the “secret panel” jeans…..are there other kinds.
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WOOT!! You go girl:) I’ve only every worn the “secret panel” jeans…..are there other kinds.
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WOOT!! You go girl:) I’ve only every worn the “secret panel” jeans…..are there other kinds.
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I’m currently 4 months into my first pregnancy and I too just discovered the secret fit belly. Because of past stomach problems, I couldn’t stand anything to hug my stomach until I found the secret fit panel. Strong enough to hold them up, but not uncomfortable, and they’re in every price range, which is just what I needed. Who wants to blow their budget on jeans they’ll only wear for a few months?
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What a cutie you are! I wish I had know about these for my three pregnancies… I will keep this in mind whenever #4 decides to come along. I hope the hernia gets better.
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Love the jeans. Also, hope that hernia repairs itself. I got one when pregnant with my 1st and boy did it hurt with my second. I still have problems with mine if anything is too tight around the belly button or sit with something pressing…not fun. Had to have an ultrasound for something they thought they found, and the only thing to show up was “you know you have a hernia in your belly button.” YEP still there…bummer!
You look great and hope the remainder of your pregnancy goes great!
Heather
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The Belly Band rocks too and you could totally get away with it and regular jeans since you’re so little!
But, are you just trying to advertise your preggers body for a modeling agency or something?? Cause I think they pose like that sometimes
…you’re so much cuter, though!
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You look so cute! So sorry you have a painful hernia, but glad you found something comfortable.
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You look great, sexy momma!!!
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Alyssa… Not only do I approve – my goodness, you look amazing! It’s funny… I had that same reaction you did – where were these jeans in 2004 and 2005 when I was pregnant!? I am so sorry about your hernia… I cannot imagine how difficult it must be, not to mention still being able to function for your girls and your husband, too. And – I hope Motherhood Maternity sees this post and asks you to model for them! You look absolutely gorgeous! That little man has quite the pretty mommy that he’ll get to meet!
xo,
Audrey
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You look very cute in those jeans…and they look comfy too!
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Thanks for the info! Good to know!
I wore something similar from K-Mart in my last pregnancy.
What kind of Playtex bottle do they give you, is it the Drop-In kind?
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You are looking good.
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A plea for you to consider the ethics of buying maternity clothing. Let’s face it, if you’re going to have a child on this planet, you’d better make sure the planet is in a good state! Therefore do try and consider, for example, the cloth the clothes are made from, the human rights of the employees where they’re manufactured and the green credentials of the clothes retailer. Oh, and try to share, instead of throwing away. Thanks!!!!
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