
These beautiful, stylish bags come packed with everything you’ll need when you go to the hospital to have your baby. The contents include: lotion, shampoo/conditioner, razor, body wash, sponge, lip balm, feminine products, toothbrush, toothpaste, brush/comb, a snack, deodorant, and a special gift for the New Mommy. There’s plenty of room left to pack your clothes, too. This bag should last you up to a week’s stay in the hospital. You can view the various styles available at NewMommyBags.com, where they sell for $53.69, with free shipping in the US. One less thing to worry about as the big day approaches!

Everyone swears by Bravado nursing bras. My one experience with their basic model wasn’t stellar, but I recently saw this one online and liked the look of it immediately. The biggest draw, I think, is that it doesn’t look like a nursing bra. It had a much more flattering design and fit than the one I had I love the “black cherry” color, too. This bra features a soft cup and easy to use clips for easy access when it is time to feed. You can purchase one in a whole range of sizes for $45 at breakoutbras.stores.yahoo.net. A matching brief retails for $18.

Pour Deux Maternity for Two Maternity Candles make a unique baby shower gift for a mom-to-be. Each of the 12 candles (one for each month) describes the personality the baby should have based on the month the baby is due. The company says they created these monthly maternity candles in honor of the one thing every woman focuses on from the time she learns she’s pregnant: the month the baby is due. It is hoped that, as the mom-to-be illuminates this beautiful dual-wick candle, she will gain insight into the personality characteristics of her future child that are unique to his or her birth month. In addition to making a great shower gift, one of these would be a cherished holiday gift for a pregnant woman who’s due next year. Each candle sells for $38, with free shipping, at MaternityForTwo.com.

As cold weather returns, I’m reminded of how much I struggled to find a maternity coat last winter. I ended up making do with my existing coats, unfastened (luckily, I don’t get cold very easily). This Gap Maternity Long Peacoat looks like a nice option if you are in that same boat this year. This is the kind of style that can go to the office, but can also be dressed down–which is great if you don’t want to buy more than one maternity coat. It also looks like it will serve well as transition wear–I know I for one was unfortunately unable to fasten most of my coats in the months after giving birth. This versatile coat retails for $148 at gap.com. Based on customer reviews, however, I’d recommend visiting a store to get the sizing right. Hopefully you’ll have better luck finding a Gap with maternity wear than I did!

This Ruched Tank Maternity Dress by Isabella Oliver doesn’t even look like a maternity dress. It’s stylish and fashionable, which is probably why celebrity moms like Heidi Klum and Angelina Jolie have been spotted wearing it. It can be worn for a variety of occasions, and dressed up or down with accessories. Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you have to give up style! You can view this beautiful dress at IsabellaOliver.com, where it sells for $175.

Those who are mothers know how difficult it is to regain one’s pre-pregnancy body (some of us are still working on it!) The Anew Cinch is a tool that might help. It’s a wrap worn post-pregnancy to help tone abdominal muscles, flattening the stomach and helping moms get back to a healthy shape. The Anew Cinch is adjustable to your changing shape, using velcro and zippers. It also comes with an internal tape measure and a pouch to hold a hot or cold pack for aches and pains associated with post-pregnancy. The Anew Cinch is a favorite of celebrity moms like Angelina Jolie, Gwen Stefani, and Jennifer Garner, who used it to help them regain their pre-pregnancy bodies. You can purchase it for $86 at ByAnew.com.
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Splendid’s childrens’ clothing are immensely popular with Hollywood parents. I’m not sure I can think of a celebrity child whom I haven’t seen photographed in one of the company’s famous striped cotton outfits. I haven’t ever completely “gotten” this look, but since so many others have, I think I may be missing something. If you are a fan, you might like this rugby striped maternity stripe from the company’s A Pea in the Pod collection. It brings the simple, comfortable look of the childrens’ wear favorites to the world of maternity clothing. I find the $115 price a bit steep for this look, but to each her own. If it strikes your fancy, you can purchase one at destinationmaternity.com.

Ed Hardy isn’t really my style, but it sure is popular these days. If you enjoy this colorful aesthetic, and are looking for some hip maternity clothes, check out this pink maternity tee. Made in the USA from stretchy cotton, it will keep you hip throughout your pregnancy. Originally $95, this tee is currently on sale for $39.99 at destinationmaternity.com.

Nicole Richie has a new line of maternity clothes at A Pea in the Pod. I was surprised that the designs are so traditional, as I would have expected something a bit younger and edgier. Even so, there are some nice pieces in the line. I quite like this blouse, with its soft paisley print, mandarin collar, and 3/4 length sleeves. You can purchase one of these flowing tops for $88 at destinationmaternity.com. Based on my previous experiences with a Pea in the Pod, you can be confident you are purchasing a high quality product that will last.

Did you know Spanx has a maternity line? I had no idea. How innovative! When I was pregnant with my first son, it was difficult to even find a pair of maternity pantyhose in department stores and now Spanx is nipping and tucking even the pregnant figure. Spanx Power Mama Panties can be worn every day. They are made to “provide support and relieve pressure.” I think many mamas-to-be will appreciate a line of undies meant to keep them looking flawless; I know I would’ve! Get them for $38 at A Pea in the Pod.

After spotting Nicole Richie’s new maternity line (for A Pea in the Pod) in Vogue, I had to have a look at her designs. Besides being pretty scarce, I didn’t see anything that really stood out to me. I think her designs are mostly nice basics that will be best for work wear; the colors are neutral and the lines are simple and elegant. Check them out at APeaInThePod.com. For going out, I liked the Spaghetti Strap Smocked Maternity Dress for $148 and for casual wear, there’s the $48 Sleeveless Scoop Neck Must-Have Basic Maternity Tank Top.

Old Navy is currently having a big baby and maternity sale with prices up to 40% off through September 24th. I saw a lot of cute jeans for $10 a pair, and coats are only $20. I haven’t had much luck with Old Navy knit tops, which I don’t think hold their shape very well with washing, but I have had no problems with their denim, corduroy, or fleece. This fun Ruffle-Hem Cord Dress is on sale for $15. Shop the sale at oldnavy.gap.com.
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This French Terry Set from Maternal America looks like exactly the kind of clothing you want when you are pregnant. Made from 100% cotton, it is made to be comfortable. Its black color and flattering make it even more appealing, especially as you get bigger, more uncomfortable, and (at least in my case) more self-conscious about your changing shape. You can purchase this splurgy set for $144 at picklesandicecream.com. Need an excuse to spend $144? It looks like it will serve well as post-maternity transition wear as well.

Looking for chic maternity clothing that makes a statement? Check out LaFeeNoire, a specialty maternity shop selling, among other things, slogan maternity tees. One of my favorites is this “Make Love Not War” tee by Threads for Thought. There are many other styles available if this one isn’t your bag. It sells for 20GBP (approx $32.67 USD) at LaFeeNoire.com. Shipping is available to the UK, Europe, and the USA.

Oh, to be pregnant in the autumn! This would be the perfect fall accessory to show off your “baby bump.” The Halloween Pumpkin Maternity Tee by Bella B Maternity is currently on sale, too, for just $25 (was $33). It comes in long sleeve white or black, short sleeve black or white, and sizes to XL. Check it out yourself at BellaBMaternity.com.