Books

These were books that were recommended for my partner and I to read...

• Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way: Revised Edition
  
• Husband-Coached Childbirth : The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth
• What to Expect When You're Expecting 
• Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition
  
• What to Expect the First Year
  
• On Becoming BabyWise 
• Breastfeeding: A Parent's Guide
  
• The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Newborn Baby Sleep Longer
• The Attachment Parenting Book: A Commonsense Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Baby
  
• Baby Signs: How to Talk with Your Baby Before Your Baby Can Talk 
  
• The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Book of Pregnancy & Baby Care
• Super Baby Food

What books do you recommend? And libraries that you prefer? 

June Special Events... About Babies

Did you know that your local Babies R Us Store hosts classes and showers on a monthly basis?! One of the stores in Pittsburgh is advertising the following events:

• 6/7/11: Breastfeeding 101 Workshop at 6:30pm, sponsored by Madela.
• 6/11/11: Super Baby Shower from 12 - 3pm sponsored by Huggies, Summer, Avent and Baby Einstein. This event will potentially give shower gifts to expectant mothers and friends/family are invited, too!
• 6/21/11: Gearing Up For Baby at 6:30pm, sponsored by Safety 1st.
• 6/25/11: Special Summer Outings 12 - 3pm, sponsored by Tommee Tippee.

These events provide fun opportunities to learn more about products and receive samples, too! If you're still unsure then call up a friend and ask for company to attend a generic baby shower thrown for pregnant Pittsburghers!

Please share... any other stores that offer free classes or baby showers?

Maternity & Nursing Clothes

The right column includes more links. Certain Goodwill Stores have more variety of maternity/nursing clothes than others. I found a decent selection at the thrift store in SouthSide. Also, if you register at Target then you may receive a coupon towards nursing/maternity clothes!


If you are interested in online purchases for great prices... check out maternity/nursing clothes sold online through Old Navy and Gap. Also, La Leche League, International has accessories and clothing.


Near South Hills the Sears Store has many affordable options, as does Burlington Coat Factory and Gabriel Brothers. Remember to check other thrift stores though their selection may vary... Salvation Army in South Side, and Red, White & Blue Thrift Store. **One of the cleanest & most organized thrift stores where I shopped is the St. Vincent de Paul's Thrift Store in Castle Shannon**


Another option is A Mother's Boutique in Wexford. Also, if you subscribe to mailings you will receive coupon towards a purchase. [More sophisticated and expensive options were available at Becoming Mommy, Inc. located in Squirrel Hill. Apparently the store closed in Spring 2011.] 


Apparently more locations of Macy's  are carrying a maternity department, though during my pregnancy there were none located close to our home. Another department store option is JC Penney. Remember to use coupons from mailings or internet at Kohl's, too!


By far the most helpful employees work at MotherhoodMaternity located in The Mall At Robinson.


Remember to check with family and friends for helpful hand-me-downs and recommendations for comfortable clothing. You may find other local options by viewing the Expectant Mothers Guide.


*Store Review*
The The Has Bin Consignment is a local, consignment and retail store. It is located in Bethel Park, PA.


Pros: 

•  Informative website with details such as a printable coupon & details about "Bag Sale Day."
• General quality of products
• Variety of merchandise
• Parking

Cons:SIZE OF STORE

• The advertised space for nursing is a lone, upright chair squeezed in a hallway near the bathroom, clothes racks and sole fitting room.
• There is not enough space to include your shopping cart inside of the closed fitting room.
• It is difficult navigating a shopping carriage through the overly cluttered aisles (overflowing with disheveled hangers, over-stuffed boxes, etc.)
• Some of the clothing prices were beyond "thrift" range.

Further discussion about shopping for clothes is seen here... BabyCenter - Thrift Stores in Pittsburgh