Raising a baby on a second hand budget: Don't forget mom

So you are newly pregnant, getting pregnant or are about to get pregnant or you're about to pop.

There are a few things you're going to need. But they don't have to be pricey.

• Shop your closet. For me, I was able to minimize the amount of maternity clothes I had to buy by wearing things I already had like baby doll cut dresses. I was able to extend their use by buying a couple of pairs of maternity leggings for just $10 at Old Navy. I seriously recommend maternity leggings. They are so comfortable. Excuse me while I take a minute to day dream about maternity leggings...

• Extend the life of your pants. By using a belling band you can wear your pre pregnancy pants a little longer. The Baby Be Mine band is about $16 and ranges in size 0-24. 

• Thrift store junky. I ran to my local thrift store two weeks ago to pick up a couple things for the boy. When I was there I saw scads of maternity clothes. Cute clothes with the tags still on them! These things were selling for $1 - $4. I thought about it, a lot of women have a baby and then discard their maternity wear because they are either done having youngins' or the clothes will be the wrong season.

• Borrow. You don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe for such a short period of your life. If you have a friend who is the same size as you borrow her maternity clothes. 

• Bump to Bump. Bump to Bump is an online consignment store that sells maternity and nursing wear. I haven't personally used them, but is seems worth a try. 

• Nursing bras and tanks for cheap, thanks. This is key if you plan to nurse. I am going to say this now. I really dislike Walmart. I worked there. I think I earned the right to never go back. But, they have really great, particle nursing bras that don't fall apart. I bought mine for $8. Also, Target has some that are cute for around the same price.

There are a few things you will need that are not clothing related.

• Buy a used breast pump. I bought a practically new Medela Pump in Style from a friend for $130. And when I had my baby the hospital gave me all new accessories to go with the pump. (Bump to Bump has one listed right now.

• Register for it. I know, this sounds terrible. But people want to buy you things. Don't be afraid to register for nursing gear. Were you afraid to register for that swing your baby naps in? No. Think of this as a necessity.

And one splurge!

• I bought a Boppy pregnancy pillow because my back hurt so bad I couldn't sleep. It was crazy expensive- $40. Yes, I see that as crazy expensive. But by the end of my pregnancy it was so worth it.

Raising a baby on a second hand budget: Don't forget mom

So you are newly pregnant, getting pregnant or are about to get pregnant or you're about to pop.

There are a few things you're going to need. But they don't have to be pricey.

• Shop your closet. For me, I was able to minimize the amount of maternity clothes I had to buy by wearing things I already had like baby doll cut dresses. I was able to extend their use by buying a couple of pairs of maternity leggings for just $10 at Old Navy. I seriously recommend maternity leggings. They are so comfortable. Excuse me while I take a minute to day dream about maternity leggings...

• Extend the life of your pants. By using a belling band you can wear your pre pregnancy pants a little longer. The Baby Be Mine band is about $16 and ranges in size 0-24. 

• Thrift store junky. I ran to my local thrift store two weeks ago to pick up a couple things for the boy. When I was there I saw scads of maternity clothes. Cute clothes with the tags still on them! These things were selling for $1 - $4. I thought about it, a lot of women have a baby and then discard their maternity wear because they are either done having youngins' or the clothes will be the wrong season.

• Borrow. You don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe for such a short period of your life. If you have a friend who is the same size as you borrow her maternity clothes. 

• Bump to Bump. Bump to Bump is an online consignment store that sells maternity and nursing wear. I haven't personally used them, but is seems worth a try. 

• Nursing bras and tanks for cheap, thanks. This is key if you plan to nurse. I am going to say this now. I really dislike Walmart. I worked there. I think I earned the right to never go back. But, they have really great, particle nursing bras that don't fall apart. I bought mine for $8. Also, Target has some that are cute for around the same price.

There are a few things you will need that are not clothing related.

• Buy a used breast pump. I bought a practically new Medela Pump in Style from a friend for $130. And when I had my baby the hospital gave me all new accessories to go with the pump. (Bump to Bump has one listed right now.

• Register for it. I know, this sounds terrible. But people want to buy you things. Don't be afraid to register for nursing gear. Were you afraid to register for that swing your baby naps in? No. Think of this as a necessity.

And one splurge!

• I bought a Boppy pregnancy pillow because my back hurt so bad I couldn't sleep. It was crazy expensive- $40. Yes, I see that as crazy expensive. But by the end of my pregnancy it was so worth it.