With my due date looming, I’m realizing that it is time to start thinking about nursing clothes (and, of course, concealing that post-baby belly until I can get back in shape).  I just came across this great nursing top by Mayreau, and it seems to fit my needs perfectly.  I love the deep chocolate color, which I find flatters most women.  Dark colors, of course, are also slimming, a great option in those first few months.

The design of the top is great for nursing. The crossover neck can be pushed aside to allow for easy nursing access, which makes it as practical as it is stylish. The high waist and low skirt are very forgiving of a post-baby tummy.

You can purchase one of these great shirts for $62 at MamasAndMunchkins.com.  It is available in S, M or L sizes.

I am absolutely in love with this Maternity Ponte Jacket from Olian.  Available in either black or red, it features a rounded collar and a five-button closure.  I love the shape of this jacket, which is what immediately caught my eye. It has an empire waist, which is about as flattering a cut as you will find during pregnancy. Darts above the waist provide a more tailored, professional look.  The flared sleeves are also quite attractive.  This would be great for the office and would look great with either slacks or a long skirt.

The jacket is made in the USA from a blend of polyester, spandex, and rayon.  It is available in sizes from XS to L.  You can purchase one for $104 at anntaylorloft.com.

Some moms are very proud of their baby shape. This Belly Cast Kit will enable these proud moms-to-be to preserve their baby belly. That will certainly be an interesting conversation starter. I don’t think I would have had the nerve to do it myself, but I think it would make a great baby shower gift. It’s unusual and a very interesting idea. It’s sort of like having a picture of the sonogram of your baby inside the womb.

Made by Motherhood Maternity, the kit comes with everything you’ll need to make your belly cast, including instructions. Visit Motherhood.com to purchase this item for $25.

When I first encountered a different brand of “bring your own hospital gown” a few months ago, I was surprised.  Suddenly, this seems to be a booming industry, with multiple brands and styles to choose from.  I even saw a long thread about them on a pregnancy board recently, and it seems that many women are investing in them.  I personally have resigned myself to taking less than stellar post-birth pictures, and tend to jump into my own pajamas as soon as hospital staff will let me out of bed, so this isn’t a trend that’s for me. When I look at some of the available options, though, I can understand why they appeal to many women.

I do very much like the print on this hospital gown from Girlie Gowns, a company whose products have received a lot of very positive press.  It is definitely much more attractive than what hospitals provide.  I also like the fact that different sizes are available, so it will actually fit properly.  That alone may make it worth the $55.

You can check out the available prints, purchase your own gown, and read the company’s very straightforward FAQ (you may not be able to wear this for a c-section, for example.) on their Web site at GirlieGowns.com.

Oh what fun it is….to be pregnant during the holidays! This long sleeve t-shirt by Preggers n Proud celebrates the holidays and shows off your “jingle belly.” The shirt is red with white letters proclaiming, “Jingle Belly, Jingle Belly, Baby On The Way!”

At the EvaLillian web site where this shirt is sold, they say it all: “These maternity shirts are just what you need in that 3rd to 4th month, when it looks like you’ve just been pounding the Christmas cookies a little too hard and you want to shout to the world “I’m pregnant, for goodness sake!”"

Made of 100% combed cotton, this shirt comes in S/M and L/XL to accommodate whatever month you’re in. EvaLillian notes that this shirt sold out last November, so if you want one, you should visit EvaLillian.com now, where it’s selling for $36.

One thing I couldn’t find when I was pregnant was a well-fitting pair of maternity corduroy pants. These 5 Pocket Cords by duo look very comfortable and fashionable. They are bootcut pants with a mock fly and a low elastic waist for the ultimate comfort. The back pockets are embroidered for extra style.

Made of a cotton/spandex blend, these corduroys are machine washable. They are currently on sale for $17.99 (down from $40) at JCPenney.com, but are not available in JCPenney stores - only online. Since they are on sale, the sizes available range from Medium to XX-Large and Tall lengths only (34″ long).