As we launch our adidas by Stella McCartney Fall / Winter ’22 Maternity Collection, we spoke with new and expectant mothers to celebrate the positive changes each pregnancy journey can bring, and how we can ensure movement and style remain priorities entering motherhood and beyond.
EMBRACING CHANGE
Bliss, an expectant mother and vegan chef based in London, is due to give birth shortly. Her journey has been one of self-learning, as she embraced the physical and mental changes to her body throughout pregnancy, and believes this contributed to a positive experience right from the beginning.
“It’s been one of the most fulfilling, unpredictable and humbling experiences. Creating a baby is pure magic and to be able to witness the changes my body, mind and soul have gone through over the last 9 months has been incredible.” – Bliss
Having always been active, Bliss found that during pregnancy her body wanted different things. She shared how she adapted her movement to listen to her body’s needs;
“Before pregnancy, I was very active! I’d go for 5k runs in the morning and do mainly body-weighted exercise at home. I had big plans on exercising throughout my pregnancy but my body just said rest! Moving doesn’t have to consist of high-impact exercises, it can look like; going for walks, doing low-impact exercises on a labour ball or even stretching in bed!” – Bliss
Having always been active, Bliss found that during pregnancy her body wanted different things. She shared how she adapted her movement to listen to her body’s needs;
“Before pregnancy, I was very active! I’d go for 5k runs in the morning and do mainly body-weighted exercise at home. I had big plans on exercising throughout my pregnancy but my body just said rest! Moving doesn’t have to consist of high-impact exercises, it can look like; going for walks, doing low-impact exercises on a labour ball or even stretching in bed!” - Bliss
Some of the changes during pregnancy can be unexpected, and having the space to express yourself physically and mentally is important for both mother and baby. Bliss shares how her whole mindset switched to self-care and everything that comes with it, to ensure both her and her baby were on the right path for them.
“Both physically and emotionally I didn’t expect to already be so protective and in ‘mama bear’ mode! It’s such a sacred time and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure me and baby are peaceful, happy and healthy!”
REIMAGINING MATERNITY WORKOUT STYLE
Understanding the functional and emotional needs of new and expectant mothers were fundamental to the design process of the adidas by Stella McCartney Fall / Winter ’22 Maternity Collection.
“More than ever, we need to ensure sport is an inclusive space, which means innovating and catering to the specific needs of our community." - Stella McCartney
Access to sport and feeling confident to move is a universal barrier for mothers during this time, and so we designed our performance staples not only to compliment your existing wardrobe through our signature striking prints, but also adapt to support you during all stages of pregnancy and beyond. We grow together.
WE MOVE FOR OURSELVES
Movement isn’t just an expression of who you were but part of your identity as a new mother. Our focus was to create accessible maternity wear for movement and low intensity sports such as Yoga and running; whether that’s experienced through our adjustable maternity pants or our Performance Nursing Bra, the collection supports you to move at your own pace.
Bliss wears the Performance Nursing Bra and Maternity tight, both made with part-recycled materials to support the body and planet.
WE NURSE WHERE WE WANT
As one of the most natural acts in the world, you should feel able to breastfeed and be comfortable and confident in doing so no matter where you are. Leyah, a visual artist from NYC has been breastfeeding for nearly 1 year.
"I love breastfeeding my daughter. I wish it wasn’t so taboo, to be able to nourish my daughter through the same body I carried her in for over 9 months." - Leyah
We designed key pieces in the Fall / Winter ’22 Maternity Collection to make the transition from movement to breastfeeding feel as natural and simple as possible. Our maternity bra features an easy-to-open clip and adjustable straps to provide easy access whether you’re pre and post training, or navigating the day-to-day grind - support and nourish your baby any time they need you.
Lita and Leyah nurse with the Performance Nursing Bra, featuring an easy-to-open clip and adjustable straps. Available in 2 colourways.
WE EXPRESS WHO WE ARE
The lack of self-expression afforded by maternity-wear can sometimes feel like you’re having to sacrifice your identity in favour of practical pieces designed to work with your changing body. By designing pieces that can be paired with your everyday wardrobe as well as for sports, we hope that Fall / Winter ’22 Maternity Collection offers more flexibility for mothers who move and also want to remain true to their personal style.
“Each piece is designed for comfort first, but with technical details and bold colours that allow new and expectant mothers to express themselves.” - Stella McCartney
Through this debut Maternity collection, we hope to create greater inclusivity for mothers, celebrating maternity style and self expression at every step of their journey to motherhood.
Credits
Bliss is a vegan chef, nutrionist and expectant mother. Based in London. Follow Bliss here.
Lita is a yoga teacher and mother to Jasmim. Based in Lisbon. Follow Lita here.
Leyah is a visual artist and mother to Penelope. Based in New York. Follow Leyah here.