I was shopping recently and I was horrified by the way a lot of young mothers-to-be dress over here. They wear skin-tight jeans that do up under the bump and then top it with a skin-tight tee-shirt and look like an Easter egg. So tight you can almost see the little one moving. Another lass waddled past with a crop top on which left the whole stomach exposed. She sure got a lot of looks, but not the kind she was hoping for, I'm sure.
I asked myself- am I old-fashioned? No! Is the pregnant belly something I despise or am offended by? Again, NO! I guess I am offended by the whole immodesty of the girls. Men and women alike were turning round to catch another look, obviously horrified. And the lasses smiling happily and rubbing their bumps didn't decrease the shocked looks. Where have all the pretty maternity tops and dresses gone?
Children are a blessing of the LORD and pregnancy is a wonderful part of a womans’ life, but there should be a line of modesty in public that ensures that a womans’ tummy is covered. We can rejoice in a new life coming without being privy to a mothers’ uncovered body. Glorious as the pregnant form is, I wish they would put it away!
© Glenys Robyn Hicks
I asked myself- am I old-fashioned? No! Is the pregnant belly something I despise or am offended by? Again, NO! I guess I am offended by the whole immodesty of the girls. Men and women alike were turning round to catch another look, obviously horrified. And the lasses smiling happily and rubbing their bumps didn't decrease the shocked looks. Where have all the pretty maternity tops and dresses gone?
Children are a blessing of the LORD and pregnancy is a wonderful part of a womans’ life, but there should be a line of modesty in public that ensures that a womans’ tummy is covered. We can rejoice in a new life coming without being privy to a mothers’ uncovered body. Glorious as the pregnant form is, I wish they would put it away!
© Glenys Robyn Hicks
Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [as] they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: Isaiah 3:16
Just discovered your blog through The Modest Mom link up, and as I am currently pregnant with our third child, I can totally relate. The clothes are often not only immodest, but uncomfortably so, and I think extremely unflattering to a growing bump. I have been blessed by some friends giving me some of their older maternity clothes which has helped, because even ten years ago they were slightly better. However, I found the best solution while pregnant last year with our son: vintage maternity patterns. I realize that everyone doesn't know how to sew, but it's definitely worth learning for this reason alone. I bought many of my patterns very cheap (we're talking less than a dollar for some) on ebay, an they range in age from the 40s to the 90s. One of the best things about vintage patterns is that not only are they usually modest, but they are also practical with many of the older ones being designed to be worn not only throughout pregnancy, but afterwards they are great for nursing. I also love the fact that they are not all stretch jersey that clings everywhere, but can be made out of easy to wash and wear cottons that give a flowing, flattering, and more comfortable fit. I have been pleasantly surprised as well how many of them are made out of just a couple of pieces that are easy to sew up quickly, too. I guess you can see I am fan, but anyone who is pregnant and struggling with this should definitely consider this more modest and affordable option. If you don't sew it's a great way to get to know a sister in Christ and learn a new skill from her. Love in Christ! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah.You have some wonderful ideas there and I am glad that you have taken the time to share them here. I know it will be helpful to our younger sisters who read this. Blessings!
DeleteSo true! I usually try and buy modest clothes, just 1 size bigger than I normally would! Plus, got to love elastic waisted skirts. I wear belly bands to make sure my shirts don't expose the belly :) I rarely buy maternity clothes anymore (our 3rd baby girl is due in August). Although by the time the baby is about ready to be born I feel like nothing I do works :) God Bless!
ReplyDeleteJacki, my daughter used the belly bands with her recent pregnancy...she always looked nice. I wish they were around when I was expecting! Blessings and congratulations on the coming birth of your baby girl.
DeleteGlenys...I agree with you. That style of pregnancy wear was beginning to rear its unfortunate head when I was pregnant with our fourth child (my 6th pregnancy) and I was wearing the more comfortable, loose, and pretty attire I liked. I wonder if the young moms then looked at me as a frumpy old fashioned mom? Hmmm...I guess for me, modesty really is what I choose unto the glory of God. Thanks for sharing. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteHi Naomi! You are like me... I would rather be seen as frumpy old fashioned than immodest and ungodly. We have a Higher God to serve than the god of fashion and culture... you have done well to avoid doing that... Blessings to you and thanks for sharing. Other sisters will benefit from the time you took to comment, so thanks again!
DeleteI remember vacationing one summer and saw a pregnant woman in a bikini at the pool. I guess I was staring because one of her friends said something to me. I wasn't really modest myself at the time but remember how shocked I was that she was letting her belly show.
ReplyDeleteYears later, when I was pregnant with my son, my grandmother lifted my shirt to look at my stomach. I was so offended, but you know you can't really say anything to your grandmother...
Some family members think it is OK to touch and see the stomach. I always ask my daughters if I can touch it beforehand... but we are all different. I haven't been knocked back yet, but I think it's important that we do not invade anothers' personal space- even if she is carrying our grandchild. It's hard to say something to family though, I agree. I guess I probably would have looked at the bikini lady too.... it's part of our human nature. To her I say, if you don't want to be stared at, cover it and be modest.. Blessings!
DeleteYou are so right. My last pregnancy I gained a horrific 80 lbs, so actually had to buy new maternity clothes THREE times during the 9 months just so I'd be able to wear something. We have a store here in Canada, Thyme Maternity, that caters to a teeny clientele... I went in at 3 months pregnant and they had nothing in a large size, only small and medium. Oh, and they sold NO skirts. The sales girl told me that most of their clients are size 0 or 1 like an asian physique, and they are hip, they want to expose the belly and don't want to wear anything that makes them look mature.
ReplyDeleteI found you from The Modest Mom - glad to meet you!
Cindy @ Apron Strings and Apple Trees
I'm so excited about finding The Modest Mom. I was getting a little worried starting to shop for maternity clothes. So many clothing items I've looked at online are not anything I would wear normally, much less with a bulging belly.
ReplyDeleteI read an article the other day of which the purpose was to try to discourage expectant mothers from showing off their larger breasts because "clothes that are too tight are not good for the pregnant body." I have to admit I shook my head.
Yes, it's a great site for pregnant women who like to be modest. I don't agree with the reasoning behind that article you mentioned either. Pregnancy is a time when more give is best- but for modesty reasons, not that mentioned.. expectant mothers have enough to worry about without false information. Thanks for sharing tea with me today. Blessings!
DeleteGuess I haven't seen much of that where I am.
ReplyDeleteYou are fortunate, Lauren. It's not really lovely seeing it thrust in your face. Most people here do a double take, incredulous! Thanks for sharing a cuppa with me today!
ReplyDelete