Bringing sexy back

If you're heavily pregnant or newly with sprog, you're probably feeling about as sexy as a stuffed turkey. Have no fear, help is at hand from those canny souls at Agent Provocateur. By popular demand, they've introduced a line of luscious maternity and postnatal lingerie and no, that's no longer an oxymoron. The range includes sleek under-the-bump knickers in four colours and sizes that can be worn throughout pregnancy and beyond.

Bring out your inner wild cat in their soft-cup leopard print front-fastening maternity/nursing bra that pushes you up and out, and still allows you to breastfeed with ease. And la piece de resistance is this elasticated waist-cinching brief that's designed to help you regain your shape by applying gentle pressure while creating a flattering silhouette. It comes with detachable suspender straps for that 'woah mama' factor and is only available in sizzling burlesque-style black and red. Dita von Teese, eat your heart out.

Bright Eyes

I always used to wonder why those teen mums on shows like Ricki Lake or Jerry Springer looked 20 years older. Until I became a mother myself and experienced the shock of rapid overnight aging. While beauty products for new mamas emphasise stomachs and stretch marks, what bothers most of us are those lines and shadows around our eyes caused by months (and probably years ahead) of sleep deprivation.

So be thankful for this Belli L.A.B. (Life After Baby) Eye Brightening Cream which promises to refresh and rejuvenate the delicate eye area. It contains Vitamin K to enhance circulation and reduce dark circles and Soybean protein to improve hydration. Don't expect any miracle cream to erase the evidence of nighttime waking. But if you enjoy slathering lotions and potions on your body, it can't hurt to show your eyes some extra love too. Visit Belli Cosmetics for more skincare treats for mums and mums-to-be.

Boobs on trial

As I’m now weaning my 15-month-old, I was struck by recent pap shots of brand new mama Maggie Gyllenhaal breastfeeding her 7-month-old. I was amazed once again at just how intrusive the paparazzi can be but even more stunned by the negative feedback. Maybe it shouldn't surprise me after Janet Jackson's Nipplegate that the sight of even part of a woman's bare breast should lead to public hysteria. Some object to her doing it in the open, others insist she should have covered up more. But stroll through any national gallery and you'll see nursing mothers from peasants to the Madonna proudly displayed as art.

If you've ever been out with a hungry breastfeeding baby, you'll realise that discretion is soon tossed to the wind and instinct kicks in. Some new mothers rely on specially designed nursing covers, tops with slits for easy access or even makeshift shawls. But show me a baby happy with wearing a blanket on his head and I'll show you an offspring of Michael Jackson (hey, two Jackson family references in one boobalicious post!) Personally I preferred loose tops I could lift up easily so baby could nurse without any fuss. Most passersby thought we were just cuddling and if I got the occasional funny look I would either focus on my baby or glare right back. After all, it’s rude to stare at people eating no matter how tiny they are.

Photo source: Celebrity Baby Blog

Scent of a baby

Pregnancy not only wreaks havoc on your digestive system, it can enhance your sense of smell to an uncomfortable degree. Even the breeziest fragrance can become overpowering. If you're a preggers perfume junkie after something that won't irritate your nose or your increasingly sensitive skin, check out Philosophy's Baby Grace fragrance. This clean and mild perfume combines talc and lotion notes to evoke fresh baby skin - probably nature's most delicious scent. So along with helping restore your sense of equilibrium, Baby Grace will act as a yummy teaser for your tot-in-waiting. It's also great for new mothers or indeed any woman who needs a little extra nurturing. Find it at John Lewis (UK) or visit the Philosophy web site.

Updates - Mamalingual on hold

Our apologies for the unannounced and unexpectedly long hiatus, but we're back and ready to pick up where we left off. The main news is that we'll no longer be publishing our Mamalingual Dictionary entries at this site, since there's a conflict of interest with another of our projects.

However we will continue with our other upcoming and soon to be regular features including Mama Says (soundbites from the mama blogs), Mama Does (mini-profiles of mothers making smart moves) and MotherFAQAs (frequently asked and answered questions by mothers, for mothers).

We'll also keep bringing you useful tips, product buzz, news and gossip and other general fluff for the nappy-brained. And remember to contact us with ideas, advice or anything you want to get off your chest.