January 6th, 2012
Knocked up in Toronto
The biggest shock after the blue line appeared? Learning that pregnancy is ten months long. Thankfully, you get a lovely present at the end. In the meantime, here are a few things that kept Toronto Contributor Marianne Wisenthal’s sanity intact:
Being pregnant through winter meant that I couldn’t swan around in flowing empire- waist dresses. Instead, it was maternity jeans six days a week (and PJ’s on the seventh). Montreal’s Second Clothing makes the coziest pair of over-dyed black skinnies that won’t fade as you wash, or pinch as you grow. $118 at Rhonda Maternity, 110 Cumberland St., Toronto, 416-921-3116, www.rhondamaternity.com
Alas, there’s no miracle cure for stretch marks—you’ll either get them or you won’t (ask your mother). I did, however, find a great remedy for dry itchy skin in Substance Belly Jelly. Packed with lavender, oats and Vitamin E, it’s truly the balm. $19 at Ella & Elliott, 188 Strachan Ave., Toronto, 416-850-7890, www.ellaandelliot.com
Finding a nice-looking maternity bra that doesn’t poke or flatten shouldn’t be harder than installing an infant car seat (and yet it is). I stocked up on organic cotton Majamas at Evymama. The changing rooms have chairs and you can sip tea while the staff measures your bourgeoning tatas. $40 at Envymama, 266 Jane St., Toronto, 416-913-0546 and 230 Danforth Ave., Toronto, 416-465-9991 www.evymama.ca
Growing a human can be a pain in the neck, back, feet, ankles and head. I can’t say enough about the fine hands of RMT Julie Moore. Her side-lying prenatal massages are the best in town. Better still, her little therapy room is one-door down from The Ceili Cottage so you can stop in for sticky toffee pudding on the way home. Julie Moore RMT, 1303 Queen St. E., Toronto, 416-768-4722, www.juliemoorermt.com —Marianne Wisenthal
