While I don’t think that delivery gowns are the next big “it” thing, Pretty Pusher’s organic delivery gown maybe on to something when it comes to the world of maternity fashion. The gown, which also comes with a matching headband, is compostable.

I try to shy away from covering too many clothing/fashion stories, as for both expectant mother and baby, each of their bodies change so rapidly that the concept of spending money on new garments is inefficient. I mostly recommend using bellybands, friend’s clothing, or purchasing garments from thrift shops during pregnancy and for rapidly growing babies. Fashionistas, don’t worry though, you can find several fashionable pieces via this method. Even if a garment is not made with organic materials, if you buy it from a second hand vendor or borrow it from a friend, you are still doing your part when it comes to protecting the environment by extending the garment’s lifecycle.

If more maternity garments and infant clothing pieces were as fashionable (as is this gown, which can easily be used as a sexy night gown as well) organic and compostable as this Pretty Pusher’s piece, it would definitely be an incentive for the the ecoconsumer to purchase. This niche(yet popular) maternity industry can benefit by adapting more from the cradle-to-cradle mentality.

This past Monday, I had the fortunate, thought provoking experience of attending the first annual WIE: Women Inspiration and Enterprise Symposium. The event was spearheaded and hosted by a phenomenal triad of women including Sarah Brown (on behalf of the White Ribbon Alliance(WRA)), Donna Karen and Arianna Huffington. The symposium was held to coincide with a United Nations review summit on the Millennium Development Goals which is also being held this week in New York.

The focus of the symposium was to highlight the work of the White Ribbon Alliance, advocates and leaders around the globe who are making a difference. The White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood is an international coalition of individuals and organizations formed to promote increased public awareness of the need to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for all women and newborns in the developing, as well as, developed countries.

Participants left touched, inspired, empowered and motivated to make a change for girls and women around the globe. Special guest speakers included Melinda Gates, Queen Rania of Jordan and Ambassador Melanne Verveer, Director of the Department of State’s new office on Global Women’s Issues and the list goes on to cover more than 40 impressive women. Click here to read more about the participants/panelist.

Many young innovators and entrepreneurs were honored at the event, but I would like to highlight the WIE winner for Creative Vision particularly. Christy Turlington Burns won this deserving award for her film, No Woman, No Cry. In this piece, she shares powerful stories of at-risk pregnant women in four parts of the world, including a remote Maasai tribe in Tanzania, a slum of Bangladesh, a post-abortion care ward in Guatemala, and a prenatal clinic in the United States. It is her passion to increase awareness and support for maternal health around the globe so that we as humanity can collectively end unnecessary deaths due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

After the panels and the awards show, Donna Karen along with other designers such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Chloe and Vera Wang to name a few, presented a fashion show in honor of the White Ribbon Alliance. All garments are available for bidding on Charity Buzz. The proceeds will benefit the WRA. The evening was capped off by an uplifting performance by Estelle.

Mama Meditation & Shopping Event at EGG Baby
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
6:00pm – 9:00pm
EGG baby pop-up shop in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Join Tender Shoots Wellness Founder, Latham Thomas, for a guided meditation for moms followed by a shopping soire with EGG Baby and Maternity.
RSVP to press@egg-baby.com

The Pregnant New Yorker Series
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
6:30pm – 9:00pm
Renew Physical Therapy
149 Madison Avenue, Suite 903
(Btwn 31st and 32nd)
Register

Cara Muhlhahn, as featured in “The Business of Being Born” will be at this month’s Pregnant New Yorker to answer your questions about midwifery and childbirth. I will be discussing and answering questions about being a doula, and other guest will be discussing how to keep fit throughout your pregnancy and after wards. How physical therapy, chiropractic and massage can help you through your pregnancy and the benefits of having a baby nurse. Get easy and economical ways to green your home in preparation for a baby. Plus come see some great products on everything baby and mommy.

Head on over to Camilla Boutique to check out great stylish eco-friendly spring finds for your entire family. Located in Brooklyn, this fashion and home accessories shop provides customers with high-quality, beautiful pieces that embrace sustainability in all aspects, from organic and eco-friendly fibers to small-scale, local production. If you do not live in the city, you can always purchase items on-line.

Check out these affordable and adorable organic spring finds from Kate Quinn Organics. Most of the garments come in a variety of sizes ranging from infancy to 8 years old. Until March 31st, you can receive free shipping on all orders over $50. As well, you can check out the collection at a variety of retailers across the country. The brand only uses certified organic cotton and all garments have been certified Fair Trade. I will be keeping an eye out for Kate Quinn Organics will soon be releasing a line of women’s clothing sometime this year! The items are reasonably affordable compared to most organic collections. The clothing is simple, fresh and “green”.

Click on the image to view more details:

For those mothers who are in transition between their pre-pregnancy clothes and a maternity wardrobe, check out these comfortable and chic belly bands by Baby Be Mine Maternity. These bamboo bands come in a variety of colors and can be used in any stage of pregnancy whether you are just showing a little, your EDD is around the corner, or you just delivered your little bundle. The great thing about the Bamboo collection is that it is naturally breathable, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, it is anti-static, anti-bacterial/anit-fungal 98% UV protective, made from naturally grown bamboo (no pesticides and fertilizers), and is biodegradable! Lucky for shoppers, Baby Be Mine also carries organic tees as well.

The site is currently holding to great specials. You can buy two bamboo bands for $44.99 and free shipping for the US and Canada ends October 12.

Head on over to Euphoria Maternity to check out a super cute collection of organic maternity tees and nursing tops. They are reasonably priced, made from 100% organic cotton, and are just the perfect addition for your fall wardrobe.