Despatches from a mother who started late (and is running to catch up)

A belly good idea

Since my first 'belly bra' arrived by post two days ago, life has taken a turn for the better. Lest you were wondering, the 'bra' is a support garment for pregnant women. An 'intelligent, full torso' support garment, no less. At least, that is according to the (American) manufacturers. I mention this in case you thought it was underwear of choice for beer-swilling men from the North with names like Jimmy Five Bellies. Though they could probably put the belly bra to good use too. We all have our burdens to bear. Let's not be territorial here. At 29 weeks pregnant, struggling with pelvic aches and pain, I am finding it invaluable.

It's not quite the landmark in my life of getting fitted (aged 13) for my first bra, but I wouldn't like to underplay the garment's impact. Thanks to the 'bra', I can once more walk around without clinging onto table tops for support and wincing in pain. I can hoover the floor, get up and down from chairs, crouch on the floor to change nappies, race after Beanie in shops, stand at the cooker to make supper and - get this - walk further than the end of the street and back. It has, in short, transformed my life. After all, it's one thing to be a 'fashionably late' mum (I am 40). Something else to acquire the mobility of an arthritic 80-year-old. Many thanks to Catherine from Juxtapose who recommended one in a comment. I'd never even heard of such a thing a week ago. 

Posted 24 April 2008 16:17

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