Parental Advisory 10
What bridesmaid dress can I wear six weeks postpartum?
by Rebecca Odes & Ceridwen Morris
February 13, 2007
I'm trying to get pregnant, but when I stand up after sex I feel like everything immediately drips out. Will it help to put my legs up afterward? — I'm Still Standing
Dear I'm Still Standing,
The human species has been around for a long time, and it's not because of post-coital headstands: There is no scientific evidence proving that sticking your legs over your head after sex will help make you pregnant. Sperm are famous for their swimming abilities — the fastest ones can jet to the womb in minutes. Do it if it makes you feel more productive (or festive!) but don't worry too much about getting into fancy positions.
I'm due in May and I will have two weddings to attend (including my sister's, which I am actually IN!) at five and six weeks postpartum. What am I supposed to wear? I don't want to do last-minute shopping with a newborn in my arms, but can I realistically plan for my size? — Fashion Forward
Dear Fashion Forward,
This is a tough one. You really cannot predict the shape of your early postpartum figure down to the dress size. It takes six weeks for your uterus to shrink to postpartum proportions. And your uterus is just one piece of the pie. Most pregnant women have to contend with a puffy, jiggle-y pooch and quite possibly assorted other areas of expansion. And if you're breastfeeding, you can count on at least an extra bra size, possibly as many as two or three.
The safest postpartum formalwear bets are things with a lot of stretch, drape, or both. You'll also need to consider boob access if you're going to need to nurse in your wedding outfits. If you absolutely must buy something fitted (as in, a bridesmaid dress) buy it big, and find a good tailor who works fast. One of the challenges of postpartum dressing is that your body's size and shape can change quickly, so you'll want to do measurements and alterations as close to the event as you can. You may end up spending a chunk of change on the tailor, but hey, that's the price of keeping your sister happy. For one day.
Have a question? Email parentaladvisory@babble.com
©2007 Rebecca Odes & Ceridwen Morris and Nerve Media
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