#eckler

Check Dr. KRISTEN P ECKLER MD - OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY Profile on http://www.physicianusa.org/4/dr-kristen-p-eckler-md-obstetricsgynecology/

Dr. KRISTEN P ECKLER MD - OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY

Rebecca Eckler is the author of: “Up: Confessions of a Modern-Mother-to-be”, “Wiped! Life with a Pint-size Dictator”, “Toddlers Gone Wild”, “Mischievous Mom at the Art Gallery” and her most recent book: “How to Raise a Boyfriend.”

We had the pleasure of asking Rebecca about her own journey as a mom and fashion-lover. As usual, she doesn't hold back, and we love it! Thanks Rebecca!

 How do you think women's fashion choices change during pregnancy? How does the change in the way they see themselves affect these choices? (Do they still want to dress sexily? etc)

I dressed sexily, well, as sexily as possible. I would wear, for example, a purple bra showing under a dress or tank top with matching shoes. Of course fashion, or at least the clothes change. You get bigger!

The first time I realized I couldn't fit into my "regular" clothes, I cried. (Literally, I sobbed hysterically). Now, women who wear tight dresses or maxi dresses to show they are pregnant are my heroes! Pregnancy makes you feel like crap. However, that old adage “dress well, you'll feel better” actually works, especially during pregnancy.

What does being a “yummy-mummy” mean to you? How does a YM dress?

A yummy mummy doesn't care to hide her pregnant body, or body afterwords. I wore bikinis all through my pregnancy. And now I work out and there's no way you could tell I've had a baby. Yes, you have to work at it, but that's why they call it a "work out." A 'yummy-mummy” is a mummy who has fun and enjoys being a mother and also enjoys her own life.

The term “yummy-mummy”: is it empowering for pregnant women/mothers, or an unrealistic standard that women are required to live up to?

Well, I think it's overused. But I do think it's empowering. Do you want to be a yummy mummy or a barf mummy? Exactly!

As a busy writer, public figure, and mother, do you try to keep up with fashion trends on a daily basis (ie..when you're at the park with your child)? How has your relationship to fashion changed since you became a mother?

I LOVE shopping for my daughter now. So I buy more for her than for me. I'm also addicted now to on-line shopping, like Dealuxe.ca. I'm like Jen Aniston. I love wearing jeans, flip flops, and tank tops. But when I have to do it up, I still do. Also, times have changed. Work out clothes are nice now, so you can easily throw them on and no one judges you when you wear them throughout the day.

Is fashion superficial? Does it become less meaningful when women become mothers?

Yes, I suppose. However, it makes people happy. So a little superficiality is just fine by me. And, no, fashion is still important when women become mothers. Hello? We're still women!

I read a blog post about your struggle with your daughter around clothing choices, does fashion cause conflict or bring mothers and daughters together? What role does fashion play in the relationship between mothers and daughters?

When she's older, I'm sure there will be conflict. I see some other children looking like mini-prostitutes and I don't think it's cute at all. So I dress my daughter, yes, in designer clothes (Juicy, Roxy etc.), but they are cute! The only fight we had over clothes was when I wanted to get rid of some because it was too small! We'll see what happens when she's a teen. As long as there are no tattoos in her future, I'm all for her trying out different outfits and finding her own style. Fashion is fun!

How should fashion designers/clothing stores cater specifically to women who are pregnant and/or mothers? Are they doing a good job of meeting their needs?

Not always. Listen, these days women can buy bigger sizes like in Lulu Lemon. I actually bought nightgowns that looked like long dresses that I wore throughout my pregnancy. You can find ways to make fashion work for you. There are stores that will take your favourite jeans and make them into maternity jeans. The maxi dress is great for pregnant women, as are work out clothes, because they are stretchy. I leaned to buy bigger sizes in the clothes I wanted. I don't even think I bought one maternity outfit.

Which mother do you admire the most from both a mothering and fashion perspective and why?