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Large-Size Maternity Resources FAQ

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Katie's Mommy

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Jun 12, 1996, 3:00:00 AM6/12/96

For the large moms out there, here is the faq I keep re: large maternity and
nursing resources. I don't usually post it or have it on the web at this
time; it's usually only available by email. Some day! Anyway, take
heart---you can find these clothes, and you can have a normal pregnancy! The
key is your health at the start. Just take good care of yourself, and do some
regular walking for exercise.

In the Resources section, I also have the Big Moms mailing list recorded.
There are moms there from just barely big to 350 lbs.+, so there is quite a
variety of input. It is NOT a diet-free list, though, so use clear
subject-headers.

Do not let ANY health care provider bully you about your wt.---get another one
if necessary. Midwives are often more supportive about differing body sizes,
but of course it is variable. Most health folk in the OB category don't
berate anymore, so chances are you won't encounter this. Just be assertive if
you do encounter it.

Have a great pregnancy and a healthy baby! ---kati...@vireday.com

LARGE-SIZE MATERNITY RESOURCES FAQ

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

This document contains information about maternity and nursing clothing
for large women in the U.S. It also contains a few resources for related
products, like large-sized nursing pillows or baby carriers. This list
was compiled from the FAQ about Clothing for Big Folks in the US (see
question C1 at the end of this FAQ for details on obtaining it) and from
resources/recommendations suggested by various posters to misc.kids.pregnancy,
misc.kids, and the big_moms mailing list(see section B4 for more information).

Opinions of companies are from contributors; my comments are in {brackets}.
The advice sections are mine, but are not intended to be medical advice.

This is the seventh edition of the list. Take note that I have not
confirmed the names and numbers of all companies. If you find that any
of this information is wrong, if you have feedback on the companies, or
if you have suggestions for improving the FAQ, please let me know. I
found these resources AFTER I delivered, so I cannot speak to their
quality--Caveat Emptor! Also, I hope you will take the time to fill
out the Large Women and Pregnancy Survey I will be putting out to the
groups eventually, which will result eventually in a more complete FAQ
for Large Pregnant Women. Good luck in your pregnancy, and good health
to you and your baby.

-----kati...@vireday.com, 3 June 1996

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES FROM LAST VERSION

*added The Greater Woman
*expanded info on Mommy's Little Helpers
*deleted incorrect Bellamy Manufacturing phone number
*corrected/added additional information on BabyBecoming
*added more publication/fat-acceptance/mailing list resources
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONTENTS

Section A: Advice for handling large maternity clothing decisions
A1) Do I need specialty maternity clothes?
A2) How much weight can I expect to gain?
A3) Nursing bras and Nursing Tops
A4) Maternity Underwear

Section B: Clothing Resource Lists
B1) Maternity Resources
B2) Nursing Resources
B3) Other Large-Sized Resources
B4) Publications and Other Fat-Acceptance Resources

Section C: Information about this FAQ
C1) Related FAQ's and Posting Information
C2) Contributors

------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------

SECTION A: ADVICE FOR HANDLING LARGE MATERNITY CLOTHING DECISIONS

Note: Contains many personal opinions, written from personal experience. Your
mileage may vary.

A1) Do I need specialty maternity clothes?

The first question is whether you'll NEED special maternity wear. Many large
women need it but some do not. The best advice is probably to combine
regular clothing in larger sizes for early and mid-pregnancy, with a few true
maternity things for the final months. Take a wait and see approach until
you know what your needs will be.

Wearing regular clothes in slightly bigger sizes tends to work best for women
who are around a size 24 or larger at the beginning of the pregnancy, as they
tend not to gain much wt. or a lot of size. Women who are size 16 - 22 are
more likely to need the special fit of maternity clothes earlier, as they gain
wt. and size more like average-sized women. Body type can also make a
difference, with "apple" body types tending to need the special fit of
maternity clothes more. Of course, your mileage may vary. It is usually
recommended that you order any maternity specialty clothes in your
pre-pregnancy size.

Many women *have* gone through a pregnancy without special maternity
clothing---I did----so you may want to consider not buying much, especially if
money is an issue. You can purchase a few knit, elastic-waist or drawstring
pants in a size or two larger than you normally wear (probably 2 sizes) ---
sweats are especially comfortable. Large, loose tops often work up till the
last month or two, and if you purchase "babydoll" or "trapeze" style tops a
size or two big, this might get you through that last "watermelon" month.
Loose fitting empire-waist dresses/jumpers give a career or dress-up
option---just top them with an unbuttoned large blazer if you need a more
professional look---and these can be used again after pregnancy. If you must
have very formal career wear, however, you will need maternity suits when you
begin to show significantly; unfortunately, these are harder to find. For
casualwear or sleepwear, try t-shirts in men's large sizes (Hanes outlets, or
at some K-marts and Walmarts). These usually tend to come in very large
sizes, are cut extra wide in the belly, are not limited to maternity pastels,
come without the silly bows and things, are 100% cotton, and are
*significantly* cheaper than the maternity shop t-shirts.

A2) How much weight can I expect to gain?

As a loose guideline, women size 18-22 tend to gain 15-30 lbs. in a pregnancy,
usually on the lower side of this range as the size goes up. Women size 24-28
usually gain very little in a pregnancy, i.e. 5-15 lbs., or may not gain wt.
at all. Of course there are exceptions, but this pattern of wt.gain is quite
common. These numbers were determined from an informal net survey of large
women who had had children; they are not scientific, and they are not medical
advice. I had no survey respondents who were larger than a size 28, but they
do exist out there. Not many women in the survey wanted to say how many
inches around the waist they gained, but the consensus of those who did say
seemed to be about 15 inches. Thus, elastic or drawstring pants are nice
options, as they expand with you. You'll also want soft, unconstraining
fabrics against your skin, believe me!

A3) Nursing bras and Nursing Tops

Nursing Bras are a tougher call. If you plan to nurse (please do!), you will
want a nursing bra. The amount of chest/cup increase seems to vary greatly,
so I am very leery of giving advice on choosing a size. However, my
experience as a *well*-endowed woman is that I gained a couple of cup sizes
(groan) but used the same band size. This did _not_ fit comfortably during
pregnancy because a pregnant woman's ribcage often expands due to the child,
and then returns to its usual size after delivery. Engorgement will also make
your breasts larger than they will end up being later. One idea is to order a
bra back extender with your nursing bra; then you can use it to give a little
extra room for rib expansion/engorgement without having to buy something that
will be too large later. These extenders are available through the Extra
Emphasis catalogue or Motherwear in the nursing section.

Personally, I ordered nursing bras, but did not wear them until a week or two
had passed after engorgement and I was at my long-term nursing size. Until
then, I used very soft athletic-style bras (like Decent Exposures) and just
lifted the bra up when it was time to nurse, which worked fine. They weren't
supportive enough for long-term use, and occasionally women find that using
such bras can lead to breast infections and clogged ducts, so be sure you have
a few really good, supportive nursing bras if you are well-endowed. I
strongly recommend against underwire nursing bras, but you may not agree.
Many lactation specialists also recommend against "cut-out" nursing bras,
where the cup unfastens but there is a flap at the bottom that does not fold
down. It is there to help support the breast, but unfortunately can cause too
much pressure right on the milk sinuses and cause recurrent problems with
mastitis and clogged ducts. (Underwires can cause the same problem in some
women.) Try to find a bra without underwires or these cut-outs if possible.

Nursing tops are really unnecessary. Just wear a 2-piece outfit (a loose top
and a bottom) and pull up your shirt. You can also unbutton a shirt or dress
from the top, but pulling up your shirt is FAR more discreet. Keep a blanket
nearby to help if needed. (BTW, large-busted women often find the football
hold easier for nursing. Remember to use pillows to bring the baby up to your
level. When going out in public, put a large diaper bag behind and to the
side of you, then prop the baby up on the bag and your lap in order to achieve
a more comfortable, discreet position. Be sure to enlist a lactation
consultant if you have ANY problems nursing at all---they are invaluable!)

A4) Maternity Underwear

Maternity/larger underwear may or may not be needed. My advice is wait and
see whether you'll need it before ordering it. I never would have thought my
underwear would've accomodated 15 extra waist inches, but it did, since I have
a definite pear-shaped figure. "Apples" may differ in their needs. Cotton is
very important, though, since many pregnant women tend towards bladder and
vaginal infections anyway. Skip the pantyhose entirely, IMO; you'll be much
more comfortable and healthier. However, maternity hose *is* available from
the JCPenney catalogue if you must have it.

In order to get larger underwear, try buying Hanes/Just My Size/Fruit of the
Loom at Kmart or Wal-mart, which usually carry up to a size 13 and sometimes
15 (underwear sizing). Others recommend Kmart's spandex lace plus-size undies,
as they tend to stretch for the belly and return to their previous shapes when
washed. If you can't find large underwear at stores, the JMS catalogue is
listed in the resources section, as well as mail sources for underwear up to
7x. Some opt for the bikini style undies and wear them under the belly, but
most find "granny-style" or hi-cut to be their preference. JCPenney's
Maternity catalogue has some maternity underwear in larger sizes, if these
other options do not work out.

After delivery, some women find the post-partum panties the hospital provides
not to be "one-size-fits-all." You may want to consider taking a couple of
pair of old, raggedy undies to use instead, and then just discard them
afterwards. Another good option might be the new disposable Kotex panties
(advertised for night-time coverage). These reportedly are only available up
to size 10, however, and should probably have a pad placed in them for extra-
heavy post-partum flow. If you have to have a C-section and you tend to wear
low-riding panties, place a maxi pad across your incision to protect it from
the elastic waistband of the panty.

In conclusion, it seems to be smarter to wait and see what you will need,
clothing-wise, until you start to increase and you can determine your needs.
Then buy either in larger sizes or in maternity wear (or both) as needed.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B1) CLOTHING RESOURCE LIST - MATERNITY

Note: Comments are from the Big Folks Clothing FAQ or the person passing along
the information, with some editing by me. Comments in {brackets} are from me
alone. Some supersize (size 30+) clothing resources are included, for those
whose needs can be met by buying larger sizes or who fall outside available
maternity sizes.

Baby Becoming
P.O.Box 7238
Cumberland, RI 02864
(401) 658-0688
(401) 658-3008 FAX
babybe...@igc.apc.org
Good customer service, friendly and inspirational owner--Charlotte
Bradley. She knows of many large resources and will refer you to
a company that can fill your needs if she knows of one. Sizes
XL - 7X (sizes 16-48); Bras 30AA - 60M. May also know of a nursing
pillow for larger sizes? She is also opening a wholesale division
so that other plus/super-size shops and maternity stores can offer
maternity/nursing clothing too. She says, "I am always looking
for input about designs, colors, fabrics, new items that people
need to find. So please feel free to make suggestions."

Basics Direct, Maternity and Nursing
P.O. Box 453
Uxbridge, Ma. 01569.
Phone 800-954-MOMS.
Shipping address: 485 Great Rd.
Acton, Ma. 01720
http://www.maternity.com
{This resource was given to me electronically by Steve Berube,
who is part of this company (Basics Direct Maternity & Nursing
Catalog). His email address is sbe...@ma.ultranet.com and he
says they carry maternity stuff for XL (14-16), 2X (18-20) and
3X (22 to 24) in cotton/lycra basics. "One style is a tapered
trouser pant available in black and the other style is a top in
short or long sleeve in cream or black." The catalogue should
be available on the net soon---see above. He is currently
working to expand this part of his business. "As soon as we
start producing sales from our existing plus sizes I will be
expanding our selection even further. Finding the correct
sizing and patterns is a challenge as well." Let's be sure to
give him feedback so we can increase the plus-size
representation!}

Bellamy Manufacturing
222 N. 11th St
Clarksville, TN 37040
Catalog $4.
Patterns for nice careerwear with skirts or pants. Maternity
patterns also available. Sizes 22-62 average, plus tall. Can
special order sizes 64-70. (Phone number given previously is
incorrect; it is unknown if this street address is correct or
whether this company is still in business.)

Betsy and Company
P.O. Box 1911
Philadelphia, PA 19105-1911
Catalog $2
Sizes 1x-3x.

Big Stitches Swimwear
2423 Douglas St.
San Pablo,CA 94806
(510) 237-3978
Proprietor Jan makes swimsuits to any supersize. {These might be
suitable for a maternity swimsuit.}

Color Me Big
P.O. Box 9773
San Bernardino, CA 92427
{No information available, just a recommendation for it. I would
presume it to carry super sizes.}

Fairy Godmother at Large
133 S. Murphy Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
1-408-737-7684
Run by Marcia Shea (fair...@aol.com)
New and used clothing in sizes 14-super. Women's jeans up to
size 60. Tee-shirts up to 72" around, big shirts up to 78"
around. Panties up to size 16. Also nylon petit pants up to
6X. They also sell maternity clothes. Some folks have had
bad experiences giving them consignments. (Checks have taken
a long time to arrive, checks have bounced, there hasn't been
nice clothes for them to take in exchange for consignments,
the proprietor has not gotten back to them in a timely
fashion.)

The Greater Woman
10360 Ellison Circle
Omaha, NE 68134
1-800-68WOMAN (689-6626)
M-F 9 a.m.-9 p.m. CST
No maternity clothes, but a number of its styles could be worn
for maternity, and they go into the supersizes. Some of the
dresses in particular could offer some options for career/formal
maternity dressing in larger sizes. Pricey. Some styles go
to size 4x (32/34); others go all the way to 8x. Some have
options for petite, average, or tall lengths.

Japanese Weekend Inc.
222 Dore
San Francisco, CA 94103-4308
1-800-808-0555
fax 1-415-621-1198
You can also call them to find a store near you that carries their
clothing. They offer maternity and nursing clothing, much of it
cotton (and washable). Most items only go up to size "L", although
some go to size "XXL." The order form says XXL fits current bust
or hip measurement up to 46", or pre-pregnancy dress size 18-20.

JC Penney's
PO Box 2021
Milwaukee, WI 53201-2021
1-800-222-6161
Their regular catalog has some large-size clothing, and, in
particular has large-size maternity clothing. They fill
orders in a few days. They also have a separate large-size
catalog (Fashion Plus) with jeans, casual and career dresses
and separates, suits, and outerwear. Sizes 14W-34W, and also
women's petites. Swimsuits up to size 26W. Also, they carry
cotton leggings and split slips. You can return catalog
merchandise to their stores.

JC Penney's Maternity Catalog
PO Box 2021
Milwaukee, WI 53201-2021
1-800-222-6161
Maternity outfits up to size 26. Bras up to 44DD. Also have
maternity panties and pantyhose. Good quality, sized well.
Unfortunately, a somewhat limited selection, and somewhat
pricey. {My note: the maternity nightgown that is smocked,
white with blue or pink flowers is GREAT, the others not so great.
Also, some stores reportedly will carry *some* plus maternity
clothes in stock, so you may want to check store before ordering}

Just My Size
P.O. Box 748
Rural Hill, NC 27098-0748
1-800-522-9567 (orders)
1-800-522-0889 (customer service)
1-910-635-3447 (orders) though they "don't ship to Canada"
They sell lingerie - Bali, Playtex, JMS and possibly other
brands (up to 46DDD or so). 100% cotton panties up to size
13. And pantyhose. And pettipants (split slips). And Hanes
Her Way sweatpants/shirts. And lycra shorts up to 3x. Also
have inexpensive casual clothes up to about 4X. They use
large models and also disabled models.

Laughing Sisters
San Diego CA 92117
Phone: 619/272-1976
Catalog $1.
They make and sell unusually high quality nightgowns of their
own design. Similar to the full old-fashioned gowns of the
past. Extremely full and graciously gathered with set-in
sleeves. Sizes up to supersize, and they will custom-make.
Superb and glorious, well-constructed and high-quality. They
also make flannel or summerweight cotton nightgowns for
nursing women with two openings concealed in deep pleats in
gathers at the yoke. "The owner is an amusing woman to speak
with. She sells her gowns in two sizes, Small and Medium.
Medium is for about 24-36+, which she said she named Medium
because that's her size and it's her company. She also will
custom-size as necessary."

Peggy Lutz
(707) 824-1634
{No information on this company, just a name and the comment
"She carries lots of supersizes"}

Making It Big
707-795-1995
Clothing into supersizes, call for a catalog; web site:
http://www.bigwomen.com/mib, sizings in petite, regular, and
long!

"Mommy's Little Helpers"
9250 Watson Rd.
St. Loius, MO 63126
1-800-859-3559.
Quote: "They carry many nursing and maternity tops in 1X and a
few up to 3X. They also have nursing bras up to a size 50LL. I
normally wear a size 26/28 and their 3X is a little loose on me.
They also have a sling style baby carrier in a larger size and a
semi-circular nursing pillow in plus size. They are very
friendly and helpful on the phone. If an item from the catalog
is not available, they will go out to their sales floor and tell
you what they do have that isn't in the catalog.

Mother's Work Maternity Chain
(215) 625-9259---Philadelphia HQ, ask for store nearest you
A maternity chain that has bought up other stores such as
Motherhood, Mother's Work, Mimi Maternite`, and Pea In The Pod.
Some Motherhood depts. can be found in Lazarus Dept. Stores.
Their sizes are XS: 2-4; S: 6-8; M: 10-12; L: 14-16; XL:
18-20. Not all vendors have XS or XL; some vendors also have
1X, 2X, and 3X in SELECTED styles---mostly basic items like
leggings and casual tops, possibly summer shorts too. Reg.
price items can be exchanged for other merchandise or store
credit within 10 days. Sale items, intimate apparel, bathing
suits, and special occasion wear are FINAL sales. They also
carry lots of pregnancy related stuff like pantyhose, underwear,
nursing pads, etc. "Our AVERAGE customer is a size 10-12 and on
average, a women (sic) working in a non-professional job spends
$800- $1000 on clothes. The career woman spends $1200-1500."
{wow.}

Mothertime Chain
{Chain store in Cleveland area that is supposed to have some
large sizes}

NAAFA Feminist SIG
Lynn Meletiche
2065 First Ave. #19-D
Dept. RM
New York, NY 10029
(212) 721-8259
They sell large-size hospital gowns (allow 4-6 weeks for
delivery).

Sears
Their Take Nine maternity line's XL fits about 18-22.
They are often out of stock on the large sizes.

*{The following companies carry large-size sewing patterns, though little to
no maternity stuff that I know of. I include them because they may be
useful for women to make clothes a size or two larger than normal for
maternity wear, or they could be adapted into maternity patterns by the
sewing-literate.}

*Burda
GLP International
153 South Dean St.
Englewood, NJ 07631
(201) 871-1010
Has a full figure magazine of patterns, size 20+, "very
european" in style and a little more challenging to sew

*Great Fit Patterns
2229 N.E. Burnside
Suite 305
Gresham, OR 97030
Catalogue $1; sizes 38-60

*Nancy's Notions
1-800-833-0690
nzi...@aol.com or
na...@peoples.net
One section of patterns for large women

*Plus Woman
1-800-628-5525
Clothes to Super Sizes

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B2) CLOTHING RESOURCES - NURSING

Bravado Bras
{A popular, oft-mentioned nursing bra. They usually
are made of 92% cotton, 8% spandex, with many colors and
patterns, but may be a bit less supportive than the Goddess
bras. Supposedly they have 3 different support levels, 4
back sizes, and 3 cup sizes. 1-800-590-7802.}

Bust Stop
8270 E. 71st Street
Tulsa, OK 74122
1-800-858-3887
Catalog $2.
Bras up to 60GG. Has maternity/nursing bras also.

Cameo Coutures, Inc.
Dallas, TX 75247
1-214-631-4860
Custom-made large bras. Expensive (about $50) but comfy.
Well-made and long-lasting. No underwires.

Creative Woman
1530 S. Myrtle
Monrovia, CA
1-818-358-6216
Nursing bras (including Goddess Bras) to 46H with extenders for
larger band sizes. Custom fitting. Large bras, lingerie, and
even some costumes for holidays carried as well!

Cyberbaby
1-860-749-1696 (Central Time)
Helen Moore: hm...@tiac.net
http://www.tiac.net/users/hm25/bra.html
Comfortable and supportive nursing bra made of cotton/lycra.
Up to band size 42-46, cup size F-G.

Decent Exposures
P.O. Box 27206
2202 NE 115th
Seattle, WA 98125-1606
1-800-524-4949 (U.S. or Canada)
1-206-364-4540 (Seattle or overseas)
Bras, underwear, nightshirts.
Bras "look like outerwear, have no hardware and are quite
comfortable.... Come in a variety of colors", cup sizes AA to
K and band sizes 30-58 or so. They make maternity/nursing
bras. They make leisure-style bras, so they may be less
supportive, but the fabric of the bra makes a difference
(lined lycra is most supportive, cotton is not recommended for
large sizes). You can get them in cotton, velour, or lycra,
and in a number of different colors. Follow the sizing
instructions carefully, they may be somewhat different than
regular sizing. (The sizes run large.) They also sell
underwear up to size 12 in cotton, lycra, and velour. If you
don't like how something fits, they will adjust it for free
(deepening the armholes, re-cutting the legs, etc.). They
also have leggings up to size 4X (36 or so).

Extra Emphasis
1-916-581-0848 (information)
1-800-539-0030 (orders only)
1-916-581-5719 (fax)
P.O. Box 1725
Tahoe City, CA 96145
Excellent selection of large-size nursing bras, and bras in
general. Has bra back extenders (not listed in catalogue
though) and maternity support belts. Very helpful with sizing
questions for nursing bras. Order well ahead.

Goddess Bras
Well-made, large-size bras. They have cotton bras without
underwires up to about size 52DD. Good push-up bras,
comfortable merry widows. (213)629-2905 or (617)569-3000.
They've been actively soliciting NAAFA to find out what
large women want in bras. {This company had the most often
recommended nursing bras in the survey. Goddess Model 510
in particular received mention. Also available at Creative
Woman? (818)358-6216.}

Lady Grace Intimate Apparel
61 Exchange St.
PO Box 128
Malden, MA 02148
1-800-922-0504
Bras (up to 52H), bustiers, panties (up to 9XL), girdles.
Maternity bras.

Leading Lady Bras
{This is the nursing bra I have: Style LL491, all cotton.
Very nice once engorgement was over. Other styles
available too, sizes go up to 46 G or H. Back extenders
available too, for even larger sizes. These bras and
many others available through Extra Emphasis catalogue,
1-800-539-0030 or (916)581-5719. See above listing.}

"Mommy's Little Helpers"
9250 Watson Rd.
St. Loius, MO 63126
1-800-859-3559
(314) 849-2128.
Basically, they carry most everything you could possibly need to
support breastfeeding and natural parenting! Breastfeeding Apparel:
Petite-3XL, only a few in 3X. Nursing bras: 26A-50LL.
Breast pumps, breastfeeding accessories, cloth diapering
supplies, natural parenting supplies, medical grade lamb-
skins, Sling Carriers for plus sizes, Lansinoh cream, Avent
bottle/nipples, average and plus-sized nursing pillows,
Supplemental Nursing Systems including the Haberman Feeder which
is supposed to adjust milk flow to suit needs of special babies and
"rewards babies who have even the weakest feeding effort."
Quote: "They are very friendly and helpful on the phone. If an
item from the catalog is not available, they will go out to their
sales floor and tell you what they do have that isn't in the catalog."

Motherwear
PO Box 114
Northampton, Massachusetts 01061-0114
(413) 586-7532
1-800-950-2500
They carry a large selection of nursing bras, most of which run to F
or G cups (some only to DD) and one style (my favorite) which
goes up to a 48I. Their selection ranges from minimal support
"night-time" bras, underwires and sturdily constructed,
non-underwire, very supportive bras. This spring they've added
a few more size 3X clothing items. (Their bras) are the most
comfortable bras I've eever worn, pregnant, nursing or not!
They also carry bra extenders for about $2 each.

B3) OTHER LARGE-SIZED RESOURCES

Ample Stuff
P.O. Box 116
Bearsville, NY 12409
(914) 679-3316
{No maternity stuff that I know of, but they do have items to
help large folk cope, such as reaching aids, hygiene aids,
seatbelt extenders for airplanes, Pambras bra liners to ease
friction against baby bellies, large size towels, etc. Bill
Fabrey or Nancy Summer}

Parent's Pal
(770) 396-4747
http://www.nav.com/mainstreet/pplace/pplace.htm
{Owner Susan Wittenstein reports that she has a baby sling or
carrier that fits many alternative sizes, including tall folk.
She says the large size fits people who weigh 140-275 lbs., or
who are large-chested. She says it's also good for those over
5'11" tall. "Well-padded, machine-washable, 100% cotton, can
carry kids newborn to 35 lbs. in it. The position that is best
varies with the child's age, development, etc. There are many
positions to choose from, including cradle, upright, facing out,
hip carry and tummy-to-tummy."}

B4) PUBLICATIONS AND OTHER FAT-ACCEPTANCE RESOURCES

alt.support.big-folks
An internet newsgroup for support for large people. Dieting
discussions are not part of the charter; fat-acceptance is.
A number of FAQs for big-folks are posted bi-weekly here; their
web site is http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~sasha/fat/faqs.html. These
FAQs include general clothing resources, health FAQs, research
FAQs, and general resources FAQs. An excellent resource for
more information.

Big Moms Mailing List
big_mo...@butler.hpl.external.hp.com
A mailing list devoted to the concerns of big moms everywhere.
Subscribe to the address you are sending from by sending a
message to big_moms_l...@butler.hpl.hp.com with a body of
subscribe. If you want to subscribe to different address, email
me for further information. Note: This is not a diet-free list;
be sure to use clear subject headers for any discussion of
dieting/non-dieting issues.

Fat-Acceptance Mailing List
majo...@world.std.com
To join, email the above majordomo address. In the body of your
email, put only the words "subscribe fat-acceptance" (without
punctuation of course). Most people on this list are Naafa members,
but you do not have to be a member to subscribe.

NAAFA
P.O. Box 188620
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 558-6880
naafa-...@facteur.std.com
National Association for the Advancement of Fat Acceptance- it's
a human rights organization working very hard on social and
legal fronts to make our lives a bit easier. They have several
mailing lists, which you can subscribe to through the majordomo
address above. You must be a confirmed member in order to
subscribe to these mailing lists.

parent-l mailing list
parent-l...@uts.edu.au
An extensive, high-volume mailing list designed to support
breastfeeding and parenting the nursing child. There is
somewhat of an emphasis on extended breastfeeding and
attachment parenting. To subscribe to the single message
mode simply send a message to: parent-l...@uts.edu.au
with 'subscribe' in the body of the message.

Radiance Magazine
P.O. Box 30246
Oakland, CA 94604
510-482-0680
Rad...@aol.com (info only)
It's chock full of ads for great clothes in all sizes, not to mention
uplifting articles. Highly recommended resource. There is an
upcoming issue on pregnancy and parenting issues for large women.

soc.support.fat-acceptance
Another internet newsgroup about fat-acceptance, not dieting. Many
topics are cross-posted with alt.support.big-folks, but not all are.
The Big-Folks FAQs are also cross-posted here.

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C1) Related FAQ's and Posting Information

Some of this information is drawn from the FAQ about Clothing for Big
Folks in the US maintained by Sasha Wood (Sasha...@cs.cmu.edu).
This FAQ contains numerous clothing resources for large people,
including ski clothes, lingerie, wedding/formal attire, shoes,
exercise wear, etc. There are also a number of other related FAQ's in
these groups. These FAQs are available at:

http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~sasha/fat/faqs.html
ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/news.answers/fat-acceptance-faq

They are posted bi-weekly to the newsgroups soc.support.fat-acceptance
and alt.support.big-folks.

C2) Contributors

These are the people who have contributed significant chunks to this
FAQ.

kati...@vireday.com
Sasha Wood (Sasha...@cs.cmu.edu)

Too many other people to credit contributed information that
appears herein via email, the fat-acceptance net groups, and
the big moms mailing list. Thanks to them all.

Suggestions for additions/improvements are always welcome.

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Copyright 1995 by kati...@vireday.com. Permission is granted to copy
and redistribute this article in its entirety for non-commercial use
provided that this copyright notice is not removed or altered. No
portion of this work may be sold, either by itself or as part of a
larger work, without the express written permission of the author; this
restriction covers all publication media, including (but not limited to)
CD-ROM.

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