Name: Mitalee Christman

Neighborhood: Union Square, NYC

Occupation: Dermatology Resident

Baby’s sex: It’s a boy!

How would you describe your pregnant style? During this pregnancy, I tried to buy as few clothes as possible. The cupcake and bow styles favored by most maternity stores just didn’t appeal. I’m happiest in black! So, the only clothing I did not return was from Storq. They have great basics that flatter and are opaque, seamless and soft to touch. Their maternity/nursing bra, leggings and this dress got me through my whole pregnancy, and I plan to wear their kaftan home from the hospital.

One item of clothing I wish I purchased before I needed it was the Blanqi support tank. It was sold out when I needed it most for back and belly support — all musts for the third trimester! I supplemented these basics with the Le Tote Maternity rental box. The quality is variable, but it did the trick for season-and-work appropriate clothing that I don’t fancy clogging my closet once baby is here.

Being a dermatologist, another great maternity staple for me are compression hose. They take some time to pull on, especially as my bump grows, but they limit the leg swelling that can lead to lower leg uglies like varicose veins and spider veins. For me, they also lessen the lightheadedness that can come with hours of standing at work. My favorite brands were Solidea for over-bump maternity hose, Rejuva Health for knee high compression socks to wear with scrubs, and Therafirm knee high sheers to wear on the days I was running late and just needed to get out the door.

Have you had any challenges learning to dress your body during this pregnancy? The biggest challenge has been pulling on my compression hose each morning. And the ever-evolving bra size!

So far, what has surprised you most during this pregnancy? I didn’t realize how much being pregnant would make me appreciate my own mother. All these dreams I have for my child, she had for me. All the heartburn, all the rolls and kicks, she felt from me! It’s wild that humanity has continued this way. Everything about this pregnancy feels so specific to me yet it is the most universal experience.

I didn’t realize how much you could love a person you haven’t met yet. I get googly eyed looking at my ultrasound photos. I can’t wait to meet our little man! And, although I’d read about it in textbooks, I didn’t realize the extent to which all my skin folds would darken. It’s a common finding in pregnancy in my skin type, and the hyperpigmentation is something I will have to work on once he is out!

What are you most looking forward to sharing with your baby? I was an avid reader as a child. My mom will tell you how I used to read aloud to our kindergarten class. So I’m looking forward to story time, but I really can’t wait for the first time my little guy reads me a book! Plus, of course: late night cuddles. Every derm has to love skin-to-skin!

What’s your top 5 registry essentials?

Kiinde breast milk storage twist gift set

Blessed nest nursing pillow

Uppababy Vista stroller

Solly Baby Wrap carrier

Jonathan Adler sensory gym

Mitalee is wearing:

Blanqi support tank

Storq dress

Everlane loafer

Coolibar hat

Photographer: Abbie W. Anderson

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