The Dreaded C

Like the vast majority of mothers who have had a c section, it was not at all how I ever imagined giving birth. I didn't even read that chapter in my otherwise well read pregnancy book. I was going to follow in the footsteps of all noble women in my family before me - I was going to push my children out. I tried pushing. I really did, but 2 hours into it we hit a problem and my son needed to come out quickly. As I was wheeled sobbing into the ER my doctor assured me that my scar wouldn't be big. Big?! A scar was the least of my worries. I suddenly felt the first intense wave of maternal love - was my son going to be ok?

My son was fine. After a couple of hours in the NICU, which felt like an eternity, we were reunited. But having a c-section left it's mark on me - literally and figuratively. I think that I almost certainly had a touch of post traumatic stress but the most ensuring scar was that I had failed at the first act of motherhood - giving birth.

I sometimes find myself a little resentful of the natural birth movement and of movies like "The Business of Being Born" not because I think there is anything wrong with their message which is empowering women to be aware of their choices in child birth, to regain control of their bodies and their babies journey into the world. I am resentful because it makes me feel that I have failed, that I made wrong decisions, or that I need to defend how my children were born. At some point in the birth of our children we do have to put our lives and those of our children in the hands of a medical team we trust will make the best decisions on our behalf. There is no failure in giving birth, and like every conception and child are unique, so is every birth.

Although this blog is designed to share thoughts on pregnancy and motherhood with fashion in mind, the greatest fashion statement is the one we make with confidence and self assurance. That confidence and self assurance only came for me when I accepted and embraced how my children were born was 100% natural...for me.


Bump Brooklyn

Webshop now open

We're excited to have re-launched our website complete with our webshop - yeah!

www.bumpbrooklyn.com

Shoes

I love shoes. It hasn't always been the case. Growing up on a farm it was function above fashion, although I will say I was wearing Hunter wellies 20 years before they were chic. I was once caught hacking away at the toes of very practical pair of laces ups with a handsaw having been told that I could get a new pair when the current ones 'wore out'. I improvised.

My affection for footwear began when I moved to New York 12 years ago and I would find myself foot gazing on the subway longing for the confidence and budget to wear some of the exquisite styles I saw. My confidence and budget have come and gone in waves over the years, but I rest well at night knowing that I have some divine pairs waiting safe and sound in their dust bags for the right moment to make an appearance.

My footwear needs have changed with motherhood and I'm always looking for a comfortable yet stylish pair of shoes. A lot of customers have asked us about great shoes for pregnancy, so when a line of shoes by Sue London was suggested to us we were hopeful that we might have found the perfect match for Bump.

When we visited their Meatpacking store on Wednesday we went in wearing ballet flats and left wishing we were wearing Sue London ballet flats! They are quite simply the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever put on - definitely no need to break them in. Made from the softest leather, with a wonderfully cushioned sole and just the perfect amount of toe-cleavage. We were sold as soon as we put them on.

So starting tomorrow, we're really excited to be Brooklyn's only destination to buy these wonderful ballet flats. We'll be carrying them initially black, silver, gold and a really rich mauve. While they are definitely not inexpensive at $168, we really hope that the comfort, style and longevity of the shoes will win everyone over the same way they did us. I for one will certainly have a much more stylish spring in my step as I walk to work (or the playground) this spring!

Spring Fever

If I was the athletic type, I probably would have done cartwheels down the sidewalk yesterday in what felt like the first real day of spring.

New York winters can feel long, especially with 2 young children at home who seem to have inherited my dislike for the cold weather. Now I have to show some restraint and not start packing up my winter clothes, sprucing up my toes with a pedicure for open toed shoes, and leaving the house without a coat. I know I'll regret it (except maybe the pedicure). I do however plan to enjoy the sunshine while it lasts but I know that weather can be flighty and can dampen my enthusiasm quicker than I reach for a cup of coffee each morning.

Spring also brings with it the challenge of transitional season dressing. We recently photographed some of our favorite styles for our website and this outfit is a great option. The jeans are a straight leg option from J Brand ($187). The denim is super soft and light weight, so you wont feel restricted when the temperatures really start to soar. The blouse is by Yumi Kim, a contemporary designer we adore whose vintage inspired silk prints drape beautifully while pregnant or not.

So here's to keeping the windows open, playing with my children outside and planning a pedicure in the not so distant future!