Radio and television mirror (July-Dec 1948)

r. . „nA Wr listeners a "new look" at maternity clothes. Mrs. Lillian Dretzin, of Lane Bryant, gave Terry Burton and her ^^^ By TERRY BURTON "lTOU'RE going to have a baby." I was so excited and W thrilled when I heard those words! But there were ■i so many questions in my mind, I just didn't know where to start. Here was a real job for a Family Counselor. When Mrs. Lillian Dretzin of Lane Bryant appeared as my guest, she completely straightened out my confused thinking. (Lane Bryant, Inc., are the stores known country-wide for maternity and infant apparel, you know.) The first thing Mrs. Dretzin told me was "Start with yourself, Mrs. Burton — don't make the mistake so many other prospective mothers do — that of immediately running out and buying the baby's layette with no thought for yourself." After looking forward and planning for my baby's clothes, this was quite a disappointment to me. But then Mrs. Dretzin hastened to explain that there would be plenty of time to plan for the baby's outfits, but that it was important to prepare myself physically for the months ahead. (This was right after I had had my accident, as you may remember.) Then she went on to say: "And remember, Mrs. Burton, it's no longer necessary for an expecting mother to feel self-conscious of her appearance. A modern mother is proud of herself, especially since today's maternity fashions are designed to make you look so pert and pretty." Of course, I know all about those lovely clothes, but Stan and I have been watching expenses so closely that I didn't feel we could afford to buy a wardrobe that I wouldn't be able to wear again. Then Mrs. Dretzin came forth with some good news. "Believe it or not, Mrs. Burton, you can have the 'new look' in maternity clothes and stay within your budget!" she said. "Designers are most conscious of that fact and their prices fit your pocketbook. And don't forget, the new styles are readily adaptable. You'll be wearing the same ballerina skirts and smart box suits and coats long after the baby has arrived." But that was enough about me! I was so anxious to find out about the layette that I practically begged our Family Counselor for information. "Well, Mrs. Burton, the first things to consider are the essentials such as diapers and shirts," Mrs. Dretzin said. I guess my disappointment must have shown in my face, for she laughed a bit and continued, "Every young mother wants to buy fancy baby things, but the layette should be made up primarily of a few and simple things. Remember, you can focus your attention on the baby's real needs and still have a charming layette. Don't worry, the trimmings come later. "Remember, the layette should be designed to keep the infant clean, comfortable and safe. In no way should the garments interfere with the baby's freedom. It is tiny for such a short time that you don't want to accumulate a lot of unnecessary things." Then, as the Family Counselor drew to a close, Mrs. Dretzin showed me a series of seven pamphlets, prepared by the Maternity Center Association. All that Mrs. Dretzin had been telling me and much more was included in the gaily illustrated series. It is something every young mother will want to have — it has so many helpful hints and advice. I asked our Family Counselor if we couldn't offer it to you. Result: if you send a postal card addressed to Lane Bryant, Inc., 752 East Market Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, you'll get your free copy of "Stork Facts." With the Family Counselor portion of The Second Mrs. Burton, we want to include topics that are of interest to you. If you have a problem that you would like to hear discussed, won't you send it along to me, c/o Radio Mirror? Every Wednesday, The Second Mrs. Burton (played by Patsy Campbell) is visited by an authority on some phase of women's-world interest. Through this department, Terry Burton shares some of these visits with Radio Mirror readers. The Second Mrs. Burton may be heard each Monday through Friday at 2 P.M., EDT on CBS stations.