I can so vividly remember being pregnant for the first time and attempting to hold my pants together with a hair elastic for months until my belly made it very obvious that maternity clothes were a necessity. It was on a snowy Saturday that my Mom and I went on an adventure to find me a new wardrobe. We visited all the chain stores and then ended the day at Yo Mama Maternity, and it was at Yo Mama that I found my very favourite maternity staples that held me through 2 pregnancies (which happened to be a few tank tops and leggings that I wore LONG past being pregnant!).

I’ve since been lucky enough to work with Yo Mama Maternity on multiple photoshoots and events and can attest that the hearts of the ladies behind the store are just as amazing as the maternity and nursing clothes they carry.

I recently sat down with Schoena Strudwick, co-owner of Yo Mama Maternity to ask her a few quick-fire questions about shopping for maternity and nursing attire.

What’s one staple every expectant mama should have in her closet?

“The Classic Cami by Bravado! It’s the perfect layering piece that can also be worn on its own. It has an amazing shelf bra that’s supportive and can take you through your pregnancy and into the postpartum period.”

What’s a piece of advice you’d give when it comes to shopping for maternity clothes?

“Purchase items that are also post-pregnancy friendly. This way you’ll get the most bang for your buck!”

Yo Mama has an incredible selection of clothes that work so, so well with a bump and if you’re nursing! This sweater has actually been worn by multiple new mamas during newborn sessions that I’ve photographed.

What’s the colour of the season that you’re seeing for Spring/Summer 2020?

“Leopard print continues to be popular, but any combination of blue and blush is also very popular this season. It’s such a pretty, feminine colour combo.”

Thank you Schoena and Tara for helping out pregnant mamas in and around Edmonton! ❤️

Wondering if Yo Mama has clothes that could work for you newborn and/or maternity photos session? The answer is clearly, yes!

For photo sessions, I generally recommend you stick with clothes that are neutral and comfy! For a newborn session, you also want to ensure that you choose clothes that are nursing friendly as you’ll likely nurse at some point during our session.

A few great options:

• Button-up shirts like this one from Ripe Maternity or this super cute peplum shirt, also from Ripe.
• We all know that cropped shirts are in, and this on from the Bae, The Label would be so great with one of the nursing tanks Schoena recommended above.
• Black leggings work in all situations!! They’re such a great option for newborn sessions so that you can have the stretch you need but still look polished.
• If denim is your thing, then these distressed maternity jeans would look great in photos, paired with a plain maternity/nursing tee that has a ton of flexibility.

Happy shopping mama!