 HI again! If you're navigating life with a colostomy or an ileostomy bag like me, you know that finding the perfect outfit can sometimes feel like a daunting task. But fear not, because I've got some tried-and-true tips to help you feel confident and stylish. In the beginning of my life with an ostomy, I found that tight fitting tank tops underneath my tops were my best friend. Not everyone is the same, but I liked the feeling of having my bag close to me. This allowed me to wear whatever top I wanted to over it. Some people may prefer loose fitting tops but it made me feel most comfortable wearing tight fitting tank tops. This helped to minimize any bulges or lines from the bag itself. Choosing Dark-Colored Clothing: Dark colors like black, navy, or charcoal gray are incredibly forgiving and can help if you want to conceal your ostomy bag. These shades tend to camouflage any lumps or bumps, allowing you to feel more at ease in your outfit choice. Experiment with different textures and fabrics to add depth and interest to your look. Layer Strategically: Layering is a fantastic way to add dimension to your outfit while discreetly hiding your ostomy bag. Consider wearing a cardigan, blazer, or lightweight jacket over your top to create a sleek silhouette. You can also experiment with scarves, shawls, or statement necklaces to draw attention away from your midsection. Opt For High-Waisted Bottoms: High-waisted pants, skirts, or shorts can work wonders in concealing your ostomy bag but most importantly it provides support and comfort. Look for styles with elastic waistbands or adjustable closures for a customizable fit. Pair them with a tucked-in blouse or a cropped top to accentuate your waistline and elongate your silhouette. Invest In Ostomy-Specific Clothing: Nowadays, there are plenty of clothing brands that cater specifically to ostomates, offering stylish and functional garments designed with discreet built-in pouches or hidden access points. From swimwear to activewear to everyday essentials, these specialized pieces can make dressing with an ostomy a breeze. Experiment With Accessories: Accessories are a fun and easy way to elevate your outfit while diverting attention away from your ostomy bag. Try adding a statement belt, chunky jewelry, or a bold scarf to draw the eye upwards and create visual interest. Just remember to keep comfort in mind and avoid anything that may rub against or irritate your stoma site. Swimwear: I found early on that there were not many options in terms of bag covers for the mini pouch size that I would wear with my swimsuits. I wore two piece swimsuits from day one but wanted to have matching bag covers to wear. I got to shopping and sewing and eventually had a collection of bag covers specifically for the mini pouches made out of swimsuit material. After a few years I became more comfortable with my ostomy and ditched the tight fitting tank tops underneath shirts and now wear whatever feels most comfortable to me. I don't make an effort to conceal or hide my bag anymore, which has been extremely freeing. Confidence Is Key: Above all else, remember that confidence is the most stylish accessory you can wear. Embrace your body, be proud of your journey, and don't let your ostomy define you. Own your unique style and strut your stuff with pride because you are beautiful, inside and out. So there you have it, – some fashion-forward tips to help you navigate the world of ostomy-friendly clothing with ease. Whether you're dressing up for a special occasion or keeping it casual for a day out with friends, remember that you deserve to look and feel your best. Embrace your individuality, experiment with different styles, and never be afraid to showcase your true self to the world. Until next time, stay fabulous! With love and ostomy solidarity, Megan xoxo  My Hubby & I #BeachDay
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 As I sit down to write this blog post, I'm overwhelmed with a myriad of emotions. Pregnancy for all women I feel is a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and a touch of anxiety for any expecting mother.
However, being pregnant while also living as an ostomate adds another layer of complexity to the experience. I want to share my story of navigating pregnancy as an ostomate, shedding light on the fears, concerns, and triumphs that come with this unique journey. My journey as an ostomate began several years ago, following a jet ski accident in my beloved Bahamas. The accident left me with a colostomy, a surgical procedure that reroutes the colon through an opening in the abdominal wall, resulting in the need for an ostomy bag to collect waste. Adjusting to life with an ostomy was challenging initially, filled with fears of the unknown and concerns about how it would impact my daily life. However, over time, I've learned to adapt and embrace my new normal. (You can read my previous blog posts on this). One of the very first questions I asked my doctors after waking up from emergency surgery after the accident was if I could still have kids in the future. Due to the location of my injuries it was one of my very first thoughts waking up. My doctors explained that it would be a situation where we wouldn’t really know until it was time to have kids, but if and when I got pregnant, that I would definitely have to have a c-section/s. During my first pregnancy like any expecting mother, I was filled with joy when I discovered I was pregnant. However, mixed with that joy was a sense of apprehension as I grappled with the uncertainties of how my ostomy would affect the pregnancy and vice versa. I explored whether or not I would have to have a c section overseas, but after speaking to my doctors in Florida, they felt it was best to have my deliveries in Nassau, with the surgeon that performed my emergency surgery assisting during the delivery. And so that is what I did. I did not have any complications with my first pregnancy. I do suffer with frequent UTI’s because I also have to self catheterize in order to pee properly, so that was something we had to pay attention to and monitor with frequent antibiotics. When I got pregnant with my second child, I quickly realized that I had developed a parastomal hernia, something that most likely was a result of my first pregnancy. This type of hernia is common with ostomy patients, but I had gone 10 years without one. This type of hernia is when part of the intestines bulge through the abdominal wall near a stoma. The risk of this during pregnancy and at any time is if the hernia gets stuck, or strangulated which can cause intestinal obstruction and death of the strangulated intestine, requiring emergency surgery. I often had to wear a hernia support belt, which helped keep the hernia from bulging. I did have a lot more UTI issues with my second pregnancy, which (we think) resulted in early labour. My second child came 4 weeks early, but both of us were healthy and there were no other complications. Fast forward to the present, this being my third, I now have the reassurance and comfort in knowing that my ostomy does not prevent me from having a healthy pregnancy. My doctors and I have learned from my previous pregnancies and decided to keep my on a low dose daily antibiotic this pregnancy which has helped to prevent UTI’s. I have also had my hernia belt handy for when/if needed. So far at 23 weeks pregnant I have not had many flares of my hernia bulging. I do credit some of this for having built a stronger core with my fitness training the last 4 years. Here are a couple tips if you are currently pregnant as an ostomate:
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