Saturday, July 9, 2016

My Frustration with the Maternity Swimwear Industry

My baby girl, Jordyn Mary, was born December 13, 2011.  I was beyond thrilled.  I can’t tell you how in love I am with this little bundle.  I had known going in that I wanted to breastfeed.  I know it provides babies with the best nutrients. I especially realized this when Jordyn had an eye infection and the doctor told me to put breast milk in her eye.  Whaaaat???  Cleared it up in a zip. It’s literally gold. 

Living in Southern California I was in a bathing suit most of the year and the fact that my husband is a water-ski racer we end up traveling a lot to different destinations where these races are held.  Well in Feb, March of 2012 we travelled to hot destinations and, of course, I was breastfeeding.  Looking for nursing swimwear, was absolutely frustrating. I always came to the same conclusion - small selection of tankinis, one-pieces, ugly, out-dated and far from sexy, horrible designs and no support or adjustability.  So I went back to my old string bikinis I had in my drawer and I thought, this will work.  I’ll just slide the cup to the side and when done, I’ll slide it right back. Only problem with this ladies…not only do the string bikinis offer no support for your engorged breasts but if you are going to nurse in a semi-public or public place, when you go to slide the cup back, the padding bunches and you have bunched up boobs. 

I remember one time I nursed while we were taking a boat ride, so we were nowhere near a bathroom or room.  When I finished nursing I was so embarrassed in front of my husbands friends, that my bikini top was all bunched from the padding and I couldn’t get it back into place w/o going to a bathroom and taking off to re-adjust.  I found it super annoying.  And of course, if you’re breastfeeding, you know that you need the padding, in case there is some leakage.  So taking the pads out was out of the question.

I was so in love with my nursing bras and thought, why doesn’t anyone offer a hot, sexy bikini with the same ease and luxury my nursing bra offers, with the clips.  Unclip; pull down and there you go, boob’s out and ready to go.  And when done, just fold back up and clip.  Ta da.

So I decided to design my own maternity swimwear line.  Something that women can use not only just for nursing, but something throughout their whole pregnancy (that was another thing that annoyed me…that some of the maternity bathing suits wouldn’t be wearable after pregnancy or while nursing).

Bikini Mama’s designs are so hot and sexy, you can ‘t even tell they’re maternity.  You could continue to wear them after breastfeeding.  I’ve even had girlfriends (who aren’t pregnant or even close to) buy my swimsuits because they offer so much support (especially for larger breasts) that they push up their boobs to where they look like a really good fake boob job.  Who wouldn’t want that, right?

Ladies, pregnancy and being a new mom, is a beautiful thing.  Why wouldn’t you show it off and why not feel beautiful and sexy while doing it.  My maternity swimsuits won’t only make you feel sexy and beautiful, but they are super-supportive and easily accessible to nurse your baby.  They are also adjustable in every sense to you can tighten or loosen while your body grows (during pregnancy) and shrinks (after baby).   I also offer the tankini option, to cover your belly, with my wrap.  Because it’s adjustable (I understand if you’re not totally comfortable showing off your ever growing belly) it can be used not only to cover your bump, stretch marks or C-section scars, but you can also use the wrap as a skirt (I gained weight in my thighs, so I love using the wrap as a skirt) but you can also use it as a cover to nurse your baby.

Again I wanted women to get the most use out of my swimwear line.  I wanted them to feel sexy but also wanted to provide something with exceptional support and convenience.


Rock it Moms.  Be Beautiful.


My Frustration with the Maternity Swimwear Industry

My baby girl, Jordyn Mary, was born December 13, 2011.  I was beyond thrilled.  I can’t tell you how in love I am with this little bundle.  I had known going in that I wanted to breastfeed.  I know it provides babies with the best nutrients. I especially realized this when Jordyn had an eye infection and the doctor told me to put breast milk in her eye.  Whaaaat???  Cleared it up in a zip. It’s literally gold. 

Living in Southern California I was in a bathing suit most of the year and the fact that my husband is a water-ski racer we end up traveling a lot to different destinations where these races are held.  Well in Feb, March of 2012 we travelled to hot destinations and, of course, I was breastfeeding.  Looking for nursing swimwear, was absolutely frustrating. I always came to the same conclusion - small selection of tankinis, one-pieces, ugly, out-dated and far from sexy, horrible designs and no support or adjustability.  So I went back to my old string bikinis I had in my drawer and I thought, this will work.  I’ll just slide the cup to the side and when done, I’ll slide it right back. Only problem with this ladies…not only do the string bikinis offer no support for your engorged breasts but if you are going to nurse in a semi-public or public place, when you go to slide the cup back, the padding bunches and you have bunched up boobs. 

I remember one time I nursed while we were taking a boat ride, so we were nowhere near a bathroom or room.  When I finished nursing I was so embarrassed in front of my husbands friends, that my bikini top was all bunched from the padding and I couldn’t get it back into place w/o going to a bathroom and taking off to re-adjust.  I found it super annoying.  And of course, if you’re breastfeeding, you know that you need the padding, in case there is some leakage.  So taking the pads out was out of the question.

I was so in love with my nursing bras and thought, why doesn’t anyone offer a hot, sexy bikini with the same ease and luxury my nursing bra offers, with the clips.  Unclip; pull down and there you go, boob’s out and ready to go.  And when done, just fold back up and clip.  Ta da.

So I decided to design my own maternity swimwear line.  Something that women can use not only just for nursing, but something throughout their whole pregnancy (that was another thing that annoyed me…that some of the maternity bathing suits wouldn’t be wearable after pregnancy or while nursing).

Bikini Mama’s designs are so hot and sexy, you can ‘t even tell they’re maternity.  You could continue to wear them after breastfeeding.  I’ve even had girlfriends (who aren’t pregnant or even close to) buy my swimsuits because they offer so much support (especially for larger breasts) that they push up their boobs to where they look like a really good fake boob job.  Who wouldn’t want that, right?

Ladies, pregnancy and being a new mom, is a beautiful thing.  Why wouldn’t you show it off and why not feel beautiful and sexy while doing it.  My maternity swimsuits won’t only make you feel sexy and beautiful, but they are super-supportive and easily accessible to nurse your baby.  They are also adjustable in every sense to you can tighten or loosen while your body grows (during pregnancy) and shrinks (after baby).   I also offer the tankini option, to cover your belly, with my wrap.  Because it’s adjustable (I understand if you’re not totally comfortable showing off your ever growing belly) it can be used not only to cover your bump, stretch marks or C-section scars, but you can also use the wrap as a skirt (I gained weight in my thighs, so I love using the wrap as a skirt) but you can also use it as a cover to nurse your baby.

Again I wanted women to get the most use out of my swimwear line.  I wanted them to feel sexy but also wanted to provide something with exceptional support and convenience.


Rock it Moms.  Be Beautiful.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

GIVEAWAY ALERT! Bikini Mama's is giving away a maternity swimsuit!

Enter for a chance to win a swimsuit by Bikini Mama's



Bikini Mama's is giving away one of our maternity or nursing bikinis & convertible tankini wrap, that converts any one of our bikinis into a tankini with one simple wrap.


Contest Ends June 30, 2016

Good luck!

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Facebook-Breastfeeding Double Standard

After reading an article from the Huffington Post, on Facebook, about a Mom using a Victoria's Secret photo to highlight the absurd double standard in regards to breastfeeding, I was like "hallelujah", I'm not the only one in this boat.  For three years now I have been trying to build a business catered to the pregnant and nursing Mom, offering a swimwear (and now dress) line that Mama's can feel confident and comfortable in, all while staying up-to-date with the latest trends (basically offering fashion that doesn't look maternity).  After reading this article and being denied, numerous times, by Facebook on posting ads and selling my products, I decided it was time to do something about it.  
The Bikini Mama's line offers nursing bikinis with a drop down of cup and inner frame for support, while breastfeeding.  Because I'm the only person out there offering this type of product, I obviously have to demonstrate how the top works.  Otherwise women are going to think it's just a traditional push-up bikini top (seriously, you can't tell!). So I posted product pictures like this to my Facebook Store...
When I was first denied from Facebook I thought the same thing Corry (from the Huffington Post article) did.  How is this picture more racy than the Victoria's Secret posts/ads and page???  How is this racy at all?  This is a top that offers the breastfeeding Mom the access and convenience to breastfeed their little ones, anywhere at anytime.  When did breastfeeding "anywhere at anytime" become looked down upon?  And why are breastfeeding pics that are posted on social media being flagged or reported?  
It also brought me back to a segment I had seen on Wendy Williams (seen here on cnn.com) of Alyssa Milano (love her) discussing the subject of breastfeeding in public and I was completely shocked when Wendy Williams (a Mom herself), said "I don't want to see you breastfeeding!".  I think my jaw literally dropped to the floor.  What has happened to society?  This is a natural thing, it's a beautiful thing! You are feeding your baby!! When did it become sexual?  Alyssa brought up so many good points during that interview.  Why is it okay to show photos of Miley with suspenders over her breasts but it's not okay to show photos of a mother nursing? 
Anyway, back to my issue with Facebook.  How is it I am receiving rejections to my ad requests and the rejection of selling my products through Facebook, when Victoria's Secret ads with topless women don't seem to be an issue?  They are posted all over Facebook, in the mall, on bus stops, etc. 
My images and posts do not, and never have, contained nudity or depicted people in explicit or suggestive positions.  Yet, are you checking out the Victoria's Secret image? Correct me if I'm wrong, but is she not topless? With just a hand over her nipple?  All I have to say is DOUBLE STANDARD!!
I am going to take action and fight Facebook on this and I have to commemorate all the breastfeeding advocates out there, including Corry and Alyssa Milano. Keep on fighting Mama's!!! #normalizebreastfeeding

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

See what Mommy Bloggers are saying about Bikini Mama's Swimwear

We always love hearing from our customers and love it even more when they blog about us.  See what this adorable Mama-To-Be and Blogger, Camilla from Castle Avenue Blog, had to say about our maternity-to-nursing swimwear....
"This week has been anything but warm and I’m having trouble believing that summer is truly over. Although I do enjoy fall for the knit sweaters and cozy nights in, I miss summer already! Although I think poolside days are over, this awesome bikini will still be put to use. I am currently in the midst of planning our little baby moon and this number will definitely be joining us (no hot tubbing of course).

As soon as my body started expanding my ‘regular’ bathing suits just weren’t an option. I all of a sudden became very modest with the style of bathing suit I was comfortable wearing. I wanted (and needed) something that provided more coverage, was comfy to wear but was still fashionable. Thank goodness for the company Bikini Mamas! A company run by a mama named Terri (who is initially from Canada) providing fashionable, comfortable and versatile bikinis just for moms with either growing bumps or growing babies. Exactly what I was looking for! Don’t get me wrong, I do still adore my ‘regular’ suit options but just don’t feel comfortable in them with a body growing in all different places and directions (bosoms, butt and belly).

There are quite a few options in regards to design and pieces. I personally absolutely adore the Bikini Mamas cover wrap as it really brings an adorable girly touch to the suit but I actually immediately fell in love with the bottoms. I lived in these bottoms all… summer… long (I’m not joking, I should honestly have multiples). Not only did the bottoms provide the coverage this newly modest lady needed, but they were so comfortable! When I wasn’t wearing the top (which duals as a great support top for those growing bosoms during maternity as well as a nursing top for when baby is here) I swapped between bathing suit bandeaus I had (to keep the tan lines in check) but never went without the bottoms.

If you’re an expecting mama adjusting to a growing bump and needing more support, coverage and comfort while still feeling trendy you must check out Bikini Mamas. They always have amazing sales on and their shipping is so quick! They have quite a few designs available for the top and Terri always works hard to introduce new options. I know this bikini set will be used well into next summer as I plan to breastfeed for as long as possible (key word plan).

These photos were taken a few weeks ago when we got our last heat wave. I was 30 weeks."


Camilla is enjoying her two swimsuits in one, with our convertible teddy tankini wrap, which converts her Animal Print Maternity to Nursing Bikini into a Maternity Tankini, with one simple wrap.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Featuring Bikini Mama's Model, Suzanne Toth

As you all may know, we started running a Bikini Mama's Model Search campaign on Instagram and Facebook.  We wanted to feature actual Bikini Mama's clients; real women in our traditional, maternity and nursing swimwear.  We are happy to announce our first feature, Suzanne Toth.  Suzanne looks absolutely radiant in our Black Push-Up Maternity Bikini, sporting her oh-so-cute baby bump.  



Not only is Suzanne a blogger and mother, but she's also a Certified Lamaze Childbirth Educator.  Here's a little blurb about Suzanne from her website SuzanneToth.com...
"I remember so clearly the day that I realized I wanted to become a childbirth educator. I was sitting in session one of a prenatal series being taught at the London Health Unit, six months pregnant with my son Owen. As I listened to the instructor speak an immense sense of excitement overcame me, and I couldn't help but think that this woman had the most wonderful job in the world.....and then it struck me: this was something that I wanted to do.

My passionate interest in working with parents and parents-to-be never left me and so I embarked on my journey. After completing my studies of Childbirth Education through Douglas College and Lamaze International, I became certified and have been happily preparing expecting parents ever since! Not everyone is able to do what they love or embrace what they are passionate about, and I am so blessed to have found a field of work that I truly love."
Thank you, again, Suzanne, for sharing your pictures.  Please feel free ladies to keep on sharing.  We will post two featured Bikini Mama's models every month. 

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Staying fashionable and trendy, throughout pregnancy!

When I stumbled upon Heritwine Maternity I was thrilled.  A boutique that offered a trendy, fun and fashionable maternity line, that you can wear throughout pregnancy and beyond.  Hand-picked by the owner, she has found dresses, tops, pants and shorts that can be worn as maternity or traditional, a motto we live by here at Bikini Mama's.

A little about Heritwine...

Pronounced as Heri-Twine, where the heritage of two people intertwine as one. Here at Heritwine, we believe that being pregnant should not mean that your style should be compromised based on lack of choices and cost. If you haven’t noticed by now, a lot of the maternity clothes aren’t very stylish and the ones that are, are way too expensive. So, with style and cost in mind, it is important for us to find outfits that are both cute and affordable, whether it is exclusively maternity wear or just maternity friendly.

Some of our favorite picks are...

Black Floral Camilla Maxi Dress