Belly Band Fail combined with loquacious children

[bayouhazard]

Ok so I am expecting and this is our fourth child so at 18 weeks my abdomen is round and I need maternity pants. So my OWB behind the hip holster won't do anymore as I can't wear a belt. We went to a local gun show and my DH (dear husband) gets me this great belly band to hold my glock 36--nice stretchy resembles my pregnancy support band. I put it on and it feels great, works well and off we go. DH is an umpire so he went off to do a game and the kids and I went to burger king to get a late lunch. All goes just fine until we go to the bathroom. As I am readjusting my clothing the belly band tilts and clatter clatter clatter my gun goes onto the floor of the stall . Now I am in VA (so there is no legal problem here--I am not sure if there is a problem in TX) and I am in a one stall bathroom. My kids shout out "MOMMY your gun fell on the FLOOR! (they are 4 and 6--the ones that can talk anyway!) I shush them put the gun back into the holster and head out the door ASAP.

So--now I need to figure out--how did I mess this one up/can I get the belly band to work. Any thoughts on adding a retention strap?

What did you settle on as a solution? Modified the belly band? Flash bang holster? Off body carry? Something else?

[mamabearCali]

Well for the moment, since I am 36 weeks pregnant and have tried numerous carries--belly band, flash bang, smart carry, and all of them put bruises and blisters on my current body shape I am carrying in my purse. I really hate that, but it is either that or nothing at all. When I am not pregnant I usually wear skirts (just like them better) so I am looking at possibly a chick holster (because nursing in a flash bang could be problematic), or a smart carry for out of the house and an OWB for around the house combined with a smaller 9mm---thinking of a Karr cm9. Thanks for asking. I will give the belly band another try perhaps when I am not such a strange shape.

[VoiceofReason]

I don’t know if this would help you but I settled on a shoulder holster for my primary carry.

With a good shoulder holster you can;
Draw faster than with an IWB or belt holster.
Sit down more comfortably.
Draw while sitting down without going through contortions.
Use the restroom without removing your firearm from the holster.
Retain control of your firearm better.

I have always thought that if I am in a bad situation I could put my hand inside my vest and lift the gun almost out of the holster while telling the BG to leave me alone. If he chooses life, then he will never have seen the gun.

[Gyrogearhead]

[Divided Attention]

I keep trying to think how to put this.... I am not sure of the gender of the shoulder holster posters; however, I suspect they are of the masculine persuasion. Especially when expecting, certain parts of female anatomy can make it difficult to draw from a shoulder type holster. Add carrying toddlers to that, and I am not sure it is any better than the other options she has explored. JMPHO, and we appreciate the input, always to hear other's perspective.!

[VoiceofReason]

I keep trying to think how to put this.... I am not sure of the gender of the shoulder holster posters; however, I suspect they are of the masculine persuasion. Especially when expecting, certain parts of female anatomy can make it difficult to draw from a shoulder type holster. Add carrying toddlers to that, and I am not sure it is any better than the other options she has explored. JMPHO, and we appreciate the input, always to hear other's perspective.!

Understood.

It is just a suggestion that she might try. They have some very low priced nylon shoulder holsters at Academy that can be worn vertically. I have a Bianchi IWB which I used. One day I spotted the nylon rig I mentioned at Academy and bought it. It took a little while to get it adjusted but it is now my primary carry method. It is cheap enough that if it doesn’t work, she will only be out $20 or $30.

I have been doing leather work on the side for about two years and now feel confident enough to start building my own custom rig.

[mamabearCali]

We tried it on in the store . Yeah--NO! I looked ridiculous even with a cover garment not the mention that I could hardly reach it. Additionally as a PP stated there have been times for saftey sake that I have had to carry my two year old (parking lots/etc) he is getting better at walking and holding my hand--but only recently. That would have meant not just irritation but PAIN in carrying for that time to the point where I could not have done it. I do appreciate the suggestion though! No worries somewhere between 4-6 weeks from now my belly will be much smaller though I will likely stay around the house for another 4-6 weeks after that so soon enough I will be back to where I can do reasonable carries without all this nonsense.

[VoiceofReason]

We tried it on in the store . Yeah--NO! I looked ridiculous even with a cover garment not the mention that I could hardly reach it. Additionally as a PP stated there have been times for saftey sake that I have had to carry my two year old (parking lots/etc) he is getting better at walking and holding my hand--but only recently. That would have meant not just irritation but PAIN in carrying for that time to the point where I could not have done it. I do appreciate the suggestion though! No worries somewhere between 4-6 weeks from now my belly will be much smaller though I will likely stay around the house for another 4-6 weeks after that so soon enough I will be back to where I can do reasonable carries without all this nonsense.

Oh well, it was just a thought.

[papasan]

Have you thought about using a neck holster?

[mamabearCali]

I would have to get a different weapon. I have not seen a neck holster for a Glock 36--additionally I can't think that a weapon of that size would conceal easily in a neck holster. Happily my newborn is here and when I feel ready to head out into the world I will have a few more options. But thanks for the suggestion. I am looking into getting a smaller weapon for those times that my .45 is just too much.

[Divided Attention]

Well - inquiring minds wanna know the statistics! Congratulations, on your new little bundle, please share date, weight, length, hair eyes, toes, gender. We like to awwwwwwwww too! Hoping all are doing well and you had a Christmas blessed with happy memories!

[mamabearCali]

My little Arabella Grace was born December 16 at 11:15 am. She was 7lbs. 11 oz, 20 inches long. She has about 1/2 an inch of brown hair. Her eyes are blue, but will likely change as they are very dark. She was born with an altar score of 8/9, which is not terribly surprising as we had an 100% au-natural birth (planned and prepared for). Her first name is Italian and it means answered prayer and that she is. My other three children are thrilled. My littlest guy Elijah (age two) is adjusting to not being the littlest in the house, but he will adjust just fine I am sure (the two older ones did before him). Surprisingly she has o negative blood even though both Chris and I are o positive, apparently there is a one in four chance of an o negative child. Thanks for asking and letting me share.

[Dragonfighter]

My little Arabella Grace was born December 16 at 11:15 am. <SNIP>

Congratulations Momma Bear...another arrow for the quiver! God Bless you and your growing family.

[Keith B]

Congrtulations to you mamabear, and to papabear also!! Would love to see a picture of your new bundle too if you are willing to post one! :-)

[Divided Attention]

Love the name it is beautiful! Congratulations and thanks for sharing... being a mom I will not make the requirement that without pictures it didn't happen

Rest when you can! Best to all!