Bottoms up!

When it comes to your favourite tipple, the jury's still out on whether light drinking or total abstinence should be de rigeur during pregnancy. If you've decided to play it safe but don't want to feel like the party pooper over New Year's, you can still enjoy a glass of bubbly with some sparkling (non-alcoholic) cider or whip up your own concoction.

Fizzy water with apple or cranberry juice or a splash of ginger ale for a little kick work well. For more inspiration, scope out Preggatinis. This book by professional mixologist Natalie Bovis-Nelsen a.k.a. The Liquid Muse is crammed with baby-friendly cocktail recipes for every stage of pregnancy. So skip the Cosmo for a Cosmom and toast in the New Year without guilt or fear. For a taste of The Liquid Muse check out her blog or get the book at Amazon.

Xmas cracker

Still after that perfect party dress? If you've had no joy in high street stores, look no further than this hot lacy number from online store Babes with Babies. Available in ultra-trendy dark chocolate or black lace over an oyster lining, it features a flattering empire line waist and cross-over neckline so you can work that new mama cleavage. This style of neckline is also useful for breastfeeding as you can simply slide the fabric across and let baby at 'em (maybe drape a scarf across if you're feeling modest). Designed by Tiffany Rose, this dress will keep you blooming throughout pregnancy, the festive season and beyond those bumpy days ahead. Order online at the Babes with Babies web site.

Brownies for baby mamas

Gushing phone calls, texts, cards and even flowers are all very well when you've had a baby. But after going through the resplendent drama of childbearing and birth, every Brand New Mama deserves something a little more indulgent. That's why the canny folk at Silver Bee Bakery have come up with a range of packaged goodies for mum and child.

With my second baby's arrival imminent in the next couple of months (ah, the 'secret' is out!), what I'm craving is a New Mummy's Pampering Kit complete with balms for lips, face and feet, organic soap and a sweet Anne-Claire Petit knitted rattle for the bubba. And of course the star attraction -- a huge tin of Chocolissimo brownies to keep my energy and spirits up during those 24 hour feeding-changing-feeding sessions.

I had a chance to sample one of these brownies at the London Baby Show and I have to say that they are hands down the most gooey, chocolatey, tongue-twistingly sensational brownies I've tasted in a long time. Give someone you know a new mama/papa/baby or Xmas gift to remember with an order from Silver Bee Bakery.