5 Qs with Alyson

Bump envy!

Name: Alyson Schwartz

Neighborhood: Park Slope

Occupation: Lawyer

Baby’s Sex: Girl!

How would you describe your pregnant style?

Feminine and casual. I get to work from home without the need for a typical business wardrobe, so I’ve managed to wear dresses with flat sandals basically every day (ideal for running around with my son after I pick him up from school). Non-maternity brands I love like Madewell, & Other Stories, and COS have all had great selections of flowy, loose, or A-line dresses that fit over my bump if I size up a little bit. I have a bunch of Hatch dresses that I wear on dates with my husband and to parties; the draping is so beautiful and they make me feel chic, even when I’m feeling nauseated or exhausted on the inside.

Have you had any challenges learning to dress your body during this pregnancy?

I think I’m about to face my biggest challenge yet – dressing for cold weather! I was living in Los Angeles when I was pregnant with my son, and so far the ‘bump’ part of this pregnancy has only spanned spring and summer, so I’ve gotten away without wearing a coat (or even pants!) while pregnant. I’m hunting for maternity jeans and big sweaters now.

So far, what has surprised you most during your pregnancy?

I’ve been surprised by how completely different this pregnancy is from my first. During this pregnancy, I had awful morning sickness (all-day sickness!) for the first 20 weeks, which I didn’t really experience when I was pregnant with my son. I also feel so much smaller this time around! Maybe it’s true that your body carries a girl differently than it carries a boy, or maybe my bump just seems small compared to the giant 41.5 week bump I had at the end of my first pregnancy; either way, I feel comfortable and great right now!

What are you most looking forward to sharing with your baby?

I’m really looking forward to nursing her; nursing my son has been so meaningful to me and I’m so excited to experience nursing a whole new baby. I’m also excited to travel with her. My husband and I have traveled a lot with my son since he was a newborn, and I think it’s been great for all of us. I can’t wait for her to explore the world with us, too!