Congratulations!  You’re expecting and along with it comes all of the elation, anxiety, preparation, excitement, trepidation, morning sickness, cankles, uncertainty, sore hips, swollen feet, personal sacrifice, and the hopeful expectation of a safe and uneventful delivery when those precious first cries from that sweet baby you’ve been gestating all these months make it all worth it. 

We, your fairy godmothers, aunties, and sisters assure that you can still enjoy your happy place that is the Renaissance Festival. Your personal comfort and health are of the utmost priority; we offer some of the most tried, true, and sage advice as you undertake your own maternity journey. 

We are obligated to mention that you should always consult with your doctor or pre-natal/maternity healthcare professional before participating in any activity requiring physical exertion or in temperatures that are above or below average.

Maternity Friendly Ren Faire Wear:

Layers:  Whether you are dressing as royalty, peasantry, fantasy, or cosplay, begin with foundational garments of cotton or linen then build your costume from there with pieces that you can easily remove. A light bodice or cropped vest that ties in the front allows you to adjust for swelling or to alleviate discomfort. Vented openings allow for better air flow.  For cooler weather, have a cloak handy.

Fabrics:  Opt for natural fibers such as linen, cotton, silk, and worsted wool; breathable fabrics and garments are key.  Cotton and linen undergarments are lifesavers, helping to keep you cool while wicking away perspiration.  Outer garments made of any natural fiber are breathable and easily laundered. Save synthetics for accessories, extremities, and embellishments. We love the options at Alli Designs and Zootzu.

Footwear: Wear broken-in, comfortable, low-heeled, supportive walking shoes or sandals.  NEVER wear a pair of shoes on a faire day for the first time as your feet may be swollen or may have grown during your pregnancy. If your feet tend to swell, you may prefer sturdy sandals with appropriately supportive insoles.  Don’t shy away from compression socks or hose if you plan to be on your feet for several hours.  The benefit of these garments is immeasurable. There are several vendors online with a variety of styles, colors, and degrees of support. Medieval Moccasins make shoes that are stylish, appropriate for faire, and are easily adjusted as your feet ebb and flow.

Adjustable and Adaptable Clothing:  Garments with adjustable waists and lacing that accommodate an ever-changing body are not only period-appropriate, but also super comfortable. Consider skirts with an elastic or drawstring waist that can be loosened or tightened when needed and can be worn over or under your baby bump. Avoid excessive embellishments on your skirts that can add extra weight and cause pressure and discomfort around your abdomen.  Empire-waist style dresses, blouses, or chemises worn with comfortable skirts allow for comfort without pressure on the belly. Swan Lace Clothier has a large selection of garments that adjust, while Moresca‘s Khadija bodice, Rennicotte dress, and Pixie top are especially cute options.

Maternity Belly Band:  If you have a maternity belly band, wear it.  It will help alleviate the weight from your belly and save strain on your back, hips, and pelvis.  If you don’t have a belly band, there are several online tutorials that demonstrate how to create your own by wrapping fabric around your abdomen to help support your baby bump.

Health and Safety:

Medical:  Locate the venue’s first aid and emergency hydration stations at the beginning of your day should you require their services at any point.  If there are kiosks throughout the fairground where emergency calls may be made make a note of those as well.  Keep a map of the faireground handy with those facilities clearly marked.  Pack necessary medications and supplies and have them with you at all times or in close proximity.

Hail Hydrate! We will never be able to state this enough – HYDRATE! HYDRATE!  HYDRATE!  Keep your drinking vessel handy, keep it filled with fresh water or herbal tea at all times.  Dehydration, especially in the latter weeks of pregnancy, can lead to contractions and blood pressure issues. Even if the weather is cool and the humidity low, your body still requires steady hydrating.  Keep a stash of nutritionally well-balanced snacks on hand to keep your energy up.

Sun Protection:  If permitted, wear a sun hat, apply sunscreen (Demeter’s Garden features an all-natural one), and stick to shady areas.  A gorgeous parasol is your friend when a brimmed hat is not a part of your aesthetic.

Pacing: Take it slow. Don’t feel pressured to see everything or perform to your non-pregnant level. Plan for frequent rests and find a shaded, quiet area to relax and recharge.

Walking on the Path: Watch out for uneven ground, such as gravel or divots that may cause you to trip or stumble.  This may be the perfect opportunity for you to engage a companion to escort you around the fairground to ensure you put your best foot forward, or to engage patrons with some pregnancy-related interactions.

Helpful Accessories or Props:  A handheld folding fan set in a lovely fan holster from Twilight Wisp, a bodice chiller from Perth Pewter (or other cooling packs) for warm weather, a parasol, anti-chafing cremes, a cushion or pillow for your bum may be just the thing!

Faire Prep

Parking:  Call the front office of the festival you are attending and ask if they have preferred parking for pregnant patrons.  If not, then treat yourself and pay for preferred/closer parking to reduce walking distance.  Arrive early for access to better parking.  The shorter walk to your car when it is time to leave may be just what you need at the end of along day at the Faire.  If you are a participant, speak to management and ask if arrangements can be made for maternity parking backstage that will allow you closer access to the venue entrance from the participants’ area.  

Comfort Items: Bring a small, foldable seat or blanket if you aren’t sure there will be seating, or simply utilize the benches and restaurant seating. 

Other Sage and Practical Advice:

• The ice water vat at the faire’s Wax Hands booth is a great spot for dipping baby toes for a quick cooldown!
• Have a buddy system in place so that if you need assistance someone is with you to provide immediate aid.
• If you know you will be participating at your event during your pregnancy, notify your entertainment director, vendor coordinator, or other managing individual as soon as you are able and comfortable doing so that if any accommodations to be made.
• Enjoy the magic of the faire, and take plenty of photos!

Hilary Bryant is a writer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles. She uses her perspective as a storyteller to explore what is beautiful, weird, and hard about being a human. Past and current projects include comedies about dating a war veteran with PTSD (Love and War) and a modern “Mary Poppins-esque” series about a young divorcee processing the end of her marriage (Aftering). She is the co-host and producer of Cereal Bowl, a popular variety show in LA that highlights and brings together some very cool, very talented people! She loves loves coffee and wine and kombucha (basically all beverages) and is the proud dog mom to the cutest girl in the whole world, Maizy – she will fight you about that. 

What does a gal with bachelor’s degrees in Art and Russian from the University of Texas do with her life? OBVIOUSLY she becomes an actor, director, theater producer, wife, full-time stay-at -home mom, history buff, crafter, wine lover, paralegal, and general over achiever. Stacy Bakri loves every role she’s played from stage classics, to the iconic Mona Lisa at the Texas Renaissance Festival, to being a hands on mom to her own kids and for anyone else who needs it, and helping people plan for what happens after their timely demise. Her mission is to make life for those around her a little bit easier.