Smooth as silk

Still on a last-minute hunt for that perfect top to see you through the party season? Step (or click) on over to Mamas & Papas where their maternity range currently has some great discounts.

At half the regular price, this luxurious Silk Tie Tunic will skim and drape your figure to flattering form. It has an adjustable tie under the bust and can be jazzed up with jewellery and accessories for a different look each time. We particularly like the tunic paired with these stylish blue tights as pictured.

Visit Mamas & Papas for more festive offers.

Bump and groove

With the Bank Holiday coming up over here, Londoners are either heading away from the Notting Hill Carnival or getting ready to be elbow-deep in the craziness.

If you're insane enough to be pregnant and partying at Europe's biggest street fest, you'll need to be wearing comfy shoes and relaxed clothing. Check out The Maternity Barn for a range of cool, customisable t-shirts that make a statement.

Just pick a style and colour, scroll down the list of slogans like 'Pregnant Not Fat', 'Oops I Did it Again' or 'Funky Mama 09' or even add your own. The most useful message to help you navigate through the crowds is probably 'Hands Off the Bump'.

The Maternity Barn also offers clothing for kids and dads so visit the web site to scope out more styles.

Bump and swirl

We've featured clothing line Nordic Kids several times on our sister blog Hype Baby as their range of cheeky, cheerful labels are the last word in Scandinavian cool. Mamas-to-be should not hesitate to check out the Maternity section for some funky-fly outfits to make you feel bumpalicious.

I adore this Red Peace Print waistband skirt by Plastisock. The combination of lime green strip and groovy red patterns shouldn't work but somehow it does. Even if you've lost your will to party while preggers, this skirt is guaranteed to make you twirl. Visit Nordic Kids and put a little pep in your step.

A timely gift

Little Big Cheeks is already heading towards his half-year birthday and it seems like forever since I was lugging him around in my belly. I don't exactly miss being pregnant, but I do wish I'd known about My Pregnancy Digi Time Capsule when I was 'with child'.

The fantastic techno keepsake provides a way to capture and store your pregnancy journey, from ultrasound and heartbeat recordings to video messages and photos of your growing bump. On 4GB, you can document the process of decorating your baby's nursery, record baby showers and gift items, even put down timely details about the world leading up to your baby's birth. From gender predictions to old wives' tales, pretty much anything you can think about plus loads of stuff you haven't can be saved on the My Pregnancy Digi Time Capsule.

Available in Signature Silver & Gold or White Leather, this award-winning product makes a truly original gift for any mama-to-be. What's great is that once you pop, you will soon be able to create My Baby Book Digi Time Capsule with equally comprehensive features. Visit the Digi Time Capsule web site for more details and updates.

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.

It's a wrap

Like most multi-tasking mamas, finding a fashionable product with multiple uses gives us an almighty buzz. So we were positively electrified to come across the M Coat, a Canadian Spirit designed coat that converts from maternity coat to new mummy cover-up and finally to a stylish jacket for when you're back to regular size.


Insulated with 100 percent Canadian down and featuring a detachable faux fur trim hood, what makes this coat so clever is the removable front panel that can be zipped into multiple positions for pregnancy or for toting your bubba in a front-carrier. The panel has an adjustable drawstring waist to allow your blooming belly to expand or to help pull your baby closer when used for babywearing. And when you're done with the infant stage, you can whip the panel off to reveal the sleeker version of yourself stylishly wrapped in what looks like a brand new winter coat! Find out more at the M Coat web site.

The 6Way LBD

It's a strange phenomenon how your wardrobe seems to shrink as your body expands. If you're struggling to find comfy, stylish clothes to fit your pregnant form, Glow Maternity (by way of the Fertile Mind range of maternity and nursing wear) are offering an inventive solution: the 6 Way maternity dress. That's right, one dress, six different outfits.

This wash and wear garment easily transforms from a simple skirt to a baby doll dress that's ideal for hanging out at the beach, an ultra-hip one-shoulder number perfect for date night (hopefully with your baby daddy!), a halterneck evening gown, a sexy crossover style and a dress with cap sleeves for a little more coverage. Available in sizes S to XL the dress is designed to elegantly skim your form rather than clinging to lumps and bumps. And in the grip of credit crunch panic, it's a snip at only 80 quid. Could this be the ultimate LBD? You do the maths. Find the 6 Way maternity dress at Glow Maternity.

Out, dark spots!

One of the many strange wonders of pregnancy is just what happens to your skin. The cocktail of hormones can leave you blooming or turn your epidermis into an acne-ridden, fuzzy, streaky hide that unfortunately takes longer than nine months to shed.

Chloasma, ranging from dark patches to the so-called ‘mask of pregnancy’ caused by increasingly sun-sensitive skin can be especially distressing. Luckily Belli cosmetics have a dermatologically-approved Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF 25 sun cream and moisturiser that contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to help block those pesky UVA/UVB rays without causing any harm to your unborn. So before you stride out into the summer heat, grab yourself a wide-brimmed hat, some oversized shades and a tube of Belli Anti-Chloasma available at good beauty stores or from the Belli web site.

Track your Cycle

If you’re trying for a baby or simply looking for a little help with natural family planning, the Institute for Reproductive Health at Georgetown University have an innovative and might we add, stylish solution. CycleBeads are a string of 32 colour-coded beads, each representing a day of your menstrual cycle. You simply move the black ring over each bead to count through from the first day of your period to help you track your most fertile days.

In studies, CycleBeads have been shown to be more than 95% effective when used correctly. Brand New Mamas like that CycleBeads give women another option in the often dicey area of birth control, they come with no side effects and they look pretty cute with this summer’s tribal-global fashion. Find out more at the CycleBeads web site.

Glamour, Amoralia style

Given the current UK climate, it may sound ironic talking about your summer wardrobe. But it’s never a bad time to celebrate lingerie that’s designed for pregnant women who are hot in every sense. Leading brand Amoralia is already a favourite of celebs like Rachel Weisz and model Laura Bailey.

Now Amoralia has launched two summer collections: Embrace features a strapless maternity bra in breathable microfibre and matching briefs or hipster thongs cut to hug you right below the bump. You can also try their nursing bra which has a patented magnetic clip to allow discrete feeding. The Canelle collection includes a multi-way bra with detachable straps that can be worn under cross-over, halter-neck or strapless tops and dresses.

Elsewhere in the Amoralia range we’re particularly keen on the ultra-sexy Nougatine set with its award-winning nursing bra and French cut knickers with bows. Slip into Amoralia and you’ll have no excuse not to step out looking and feeling mamalicious, whatever the weather has in store.

We dream of genii

Pregnancy and sleep go together like, well, new babies and sleep. It’s hard enough freeing your mind of the thousand and one thoughts that run through your head as soon as you find out you’re knocked up. But finding a comfortable position as your bump grows proves to be a Herculean task.

What you need is a good maternity pillow like the DreamGenii Pregnancy Pillow. Winner of the Practical Parenting Pregnancy Product of the Year 2007, this pillow manages to support your bump, back and knees without taking up all the space in the bed and enraging your partner. It allows you to lie on your left side encouraging maximum blood flow to your baby and stops you rolling onto your back (not the best position for baby). Even better, after the birth you can use the pillow as a comfy nursing cushion. UK customers can pick one up at Mothercare; for a list of other stockists visit the DreamGenii site.

Yummy Tummy

Watching your bump grow is one of the joys of pregnancy. But watching the stretch marks that sometimes grow along with your belly can deflate your new mama pride. If you’re itemising goodies for an upcoming baby shower, don’t forget to put a little something for mama on your wish list.

We recommend the Tummy Honey 3-Piece Gift Set which includes not only prevention butter and stick but also a fading cream to help zap those pesky marks. All Tummy Honey products include a powerful cocktail of skin-loving ingredients like Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Emu Oil, Vegolatum (plant-based alternative to petrolatum), Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. Go on, give your tummy a little honey. Available online at Due Maternity and selected retailers.

Hot Milk does a body good

There’s something about the phrase maternity bra that calls up images of chunky straps and boulder cups of the ilk that might be sported by head matron in Carry on Nurse. Two words: Not Sexy.

But a bold New Zealand company, Hot Milk, is raising temperatures worldwide with its provocative and mama-affirming line of maternity lingerie that you would actually want your partner to see (and touch and tease…).

With names like Whisper Sweet Wickedness and Baby Doll Delicious, this exquisite range of maternity and nursing bras, panties, camisoles and nightwear screams in-your-face decadence and has courted more than its fair share of controversy (some outraged mothers who received Hot Milk catalogues cried ‘soft porn’).

If you’re the type of puritan who’s offended by the sight of bumpalicious babes celebrating their earth mama sensuality, then look away. But if you’re ready to throw out that greying, saggy upholstery for under garments that will help you reclaim your inner sex goddess (no matter what stage of new motherhood you’re at) then you definitely need a taste of Hot Milk. We could drink it by the gallon.

Citizens of maternity

If like me you’re one of those women who live, sleep and will be buried in their jeans, then even the most blooming belly is unlikely to separate you from your denims. Maternity jeans that expand with your form are easy to find these days and trendy mamas will be thrilled to know that ultra hip brand Citizens of Humanity now does some fab, dare we say sexy, maternity jeans. So pack away those hipsters and slip into these Kelly bootcut jeans featuring a standard stretchy waistband to accommodate your growing bump. Grab a pair or more at Due Maternity online store.

Love yourself

As Cupid tunes up his bow and gets ready to make mischief, it’s time to stop mooning around and focus on what you really want for Valentine’s. If you (or lover boy) are stuck for ideas, may we suggest a spa voucher as the gift that keeps on giving? After being literally consumed by your baby for months on end, you deserve some one-on-one pampering. Grayshott Spa is just one of many top UK spas that offer personalised treatments for new mothers and expectant mums (not suitable for the first 12 weeks or after week 36 of pregnancy). Their maternity packages range from a 70 minute session to 7 nights of pure unbridled luxury for you and a partner…with a price tag to match. Still, you’re worth it. Reservations can be made online at Grayshott Spa.

Easy queasy

Probably one of the worst aspects of early pregnancy for many women is morning sickness – that unsettling feeling ranging from mild nausea to uncontrollable vomiting. Although I was one of the lucky few who didn’t suffer badly, the mere sight of certain foods made me gag and I soon realised that ‘morning sickness’ can actually last 24 hours.

Common advice includes drinking ginger ale, sucking on ginger lollipops or sipping on ginger herbal tea (apparently ginger helps alleviate symptoms). But if you’re not down with the flavour and you still want a natural remedy, you could opt for a sniff of QueaseEASE. The handy purse-sized tube contains a unique blend of essential oils (peppermint, lavender, spearmint and yes, ginger) designed to cure all sorts of nausea including morning sickness and motion sickness. There are no side effects and you can use it as often as you like. Simply remove the cap, inhale deeply for a few breaths and let the oils work their magic. Available via the web site Soothing Scents.

Just done it

Even though we're not currently in the family way, Brand New Mama can't get enough of sassy maternity tops with cute sayings. Our new favourite is the Ruby Fay Done It Thermal long-sleeved t-shirt. It features an upside down Nike style swoosh logo along with the phrase 'Done It' that sits neatly over your bump. Enough said. The shirt comes in flattering chocolate brown or navy and is available at The Cocoa Monkey.

Belly music

If you’re hunting for Xmas treasures for an impending baby mama, check out the web site Belly Gifts that caters for parents at every stage of pregnancy and beyond. We’re intrigued by one of their top sellers, BabyChimes, a sterling silver pendant hanging from a 34 inch silver chain. Throughout your pregnancy the chime moves across your belly playing sounds to soothe your growing baby. After birth, she’ll associate the sounds of the BabyChime with the comfort and security of being in the womb. All BabyChimes are handmade and come in several designs including this popular Big Heart shape. View this and other great ideas at Belly Gifts.

Puffed up

There is nothing warmer or more weather-resistant than the puffa jacket which once again the fash pack has declared ‘hot’ for the cold season. But when the average skinny Minnie can resemble the Michelin man in a padded coat, what hope is there for someone who on a good day looks like she’s strapped a VW to her tummy? Well we’ve scoured the web and found this ultra-funky, sleek and mummy-friendly puffer coat by Motherhood Maternity. Available in black, sizes S-XL, this quilted three-quarter length coat comes with a detachable fake fur-trim hood and room to grow. Grab one while they last at Motherhood online store.