Maternity

This basic black dress from cadeau is a perfect staple for your pregnancy wardrobe.  It is made from a lightweight fabric that is appropriate for the summer and early fall, but the style seems like it could be worn all year.  It is also very versatile as you can easily dress it either up or down.  Its loose style also makes it wearable during many different stages of pregnancy, and likely even beyond.  One of my favorite things about this dress is the neckline with its gathered shirring.  I love that simple, but sophisticated touch.  Pockets are an added bonus.

The dress is made from cotton, but does need to be dry cleaned.  You can purchase one on sale for $89.99 at babystyle.com.

This is a classy look because the top is not just covering mother’s tummy, and it’s not exposing her tummy, it’s complimenting her maternal figure. The Viscose Razor Maternity top falls softly and gracefully and can be layered over the Lauren Kiyomi baby rib tank (also available at same site).

This ensemble is suitable for casual outings with your guy or visiting family or friends. Such a lightweight and comfortable top should be in your wardrobe. It is available in small, medium and large sizes for $25.95 at StellaMaternity.com.

When I spotted this Old Navy Kimono Dress, I fell in love instantly. Too bad I’m not going to be pregnant when this sweltering heat is over and longer sleeves and heavier materials won’t leave me sweaty and uncomfortable.

Offered online only, in sizes small right up to XXLarge, it’s pretty, stylish, and great for pretty much anything—special occasions, hanging out with friends, or work. Since I’m enjoying the freedom of movement dresses and skirts provide during this pregnancy and empire waists (for highlighting the bump), the only problem I can see with this dress is that it’s polyester and not cotton. However, as I mentioned, heavier materials (like polyester) are easier to wear once summer’s over. Cotton seems to be my best friend as the temperatures rise though.

If this fall is going to find you heavily pregnant, this could be the dress for you, on sale for $25.00 at OldNavy.com.

One thing you must understand when you become a mommy is that you have to remember to take care of YOU too. This Baby CZ Poplin Mommy Tunic has a lot of style and elegance and would actually help young mommies to take a time out. I think for the first three years of mommy-hood I was running around in sweatshirts and jeans. Make a point to have a special day out and make sure you dress for the occasion! You’ll be a better mommy for it.

The Baby CZ Poplin Mommy Tunic is availaible in sizes S/M and M/L. It comes in Green Fez or Navy and costs $190.00 at PetitLuxe.com.

With a full line of maternity swimwear, Maternity4Less is a well-stocked site. There are all sorts of shapes, colors, and styles available in maternity swimsuits, but I like the Two Piece Strapless Mini. It’s pretty, fun, and flirty. I’m not a big swimmer, but if I were, it would be a winner in my book.

Made of Nylon and Spandex, it comes in four color choices and sizes Small up to X-Large. There is even a detachable strap for swimming. Buy yours for $67.99 at Maternity4Less.com.

The Chiarakruza Michaela Tube Top will flatter your mommy figure throughout your pregnancy and beyond. You can see it’s full enough to accommodate your growing tummy but can also be worn after baby’s arrival with jeans or shorts. And as an added plus, the Chiarakruza Michaela Tube can also be worn as a bubble skirt. You’ve got a lot of verstality in this one item! It looks like it could become one of your favorite things to wear because it comfortable and attractive.

This top is available in size large (10-12). Made from Rayon and Lycra, it’s machine washable, tumble dry. You can purchase one for  $84.95 at StellaMaternity.com.

Knowing the cravings and hunger pains that go along with being pregnant, I loved this tank upon spotting it. The We’re Hungry Tank by Chic-a-Boo is one size fits all, which can be dangerous territory depending on your build, and offered in brown with white lettering. I like wearing cotton tanks on hot summer days, so this item completely fits the bill. It would go nicely with jean capris or a gypsy style skirt and pretty necklace.

Accessorize it to your taste, as this tank is versatile enough for any mom’s style. Sold for $37.00, you can grab it at Babymabels.com.

While after two painful natural childbirths I’ve pretty much given up on the notion that any product can make my labor pleasant or even largely bearable, this Phases of Labor Comfort Kit from Lighten My Labor does seem like a nice idea. The kit includes products to soothe you through each of the three phases of labor.

The products were created by Anne Maria D’Onofrio who is both a mom and an OB/GYN nurse. It includes massage gel, linen/room spray, cooling body mist, and after baby bath tea. The set is attractively packaged in a decorated box that is perfect for gift giving. It may not take the pain out of labor, but it might help you keep your mind of the pain.

You can purchase the set for $62 at BamaBabiesandBirthdays.com.

I have never run across anything directed to the post-partum mommy. At Bella Blu maternity, there’s an After the Baby Wear line providing clothes to the mom who is tired of wearing maternity clothes but wants a stylish choice for that “I don’t fit my regular stuff” stage.

The designer of the line has put a lot of thought into what mommies need. Covering the tummy, nursing, stretch, and comfort come into play. I like pretty much everything offered, from the nursing to workout gear, and especially the comfy and pretty Mama Nursing Tank.

Mamas simply lift up the overlying tank and pull down the top of the underlying tank to expose breasts for nursing but keep the belly completely out of sight! To have a look at all the stylish and useful choices, or to buy this tank for $49.00, click on bellablumaternity.com.

Some men really want to be involved in the new baby experience but maybe they don’t know how to ask? Or what to ask? Well, it’s not just about changing diapers anymore. This 126 minute DVD covers topics from: “What you need to know about feeding, crying, sleeping and diapers” to “Making sense of your changing emotions and unexpected anxieties and fears.”

As experienced or as new moms, we tend to neglect our men.  With all the preparations and celebrations being pretty much oriented toward us, it’s easy to do. It might even be a good idea for you and your man to find time to watch this DVD together, alone. It would probably be a lot of fun, maybe even romantic.

Anyway, give your guy the time and attention he deserves and needs during this important and special time in your lives. It will be time well spent. Price: $19.95 at bambininbliss.com.

I never sent birth announcements for either of my daughters, which I hate to admit.  I just never found something that I truly liked, and just ran out of time to look.  I plan to be more proactive this time around. Lately, I have been seeing all kinds of custom-made photo announcements that look absolutely fantastic.

One source for these cards is myboyscustomcards, an Etsy shop run by a stay at home mom of two young boys.  The store offers a number of fun designs that are customized with your baby’s birth statistics and/or photograph.  I like the fun graphic design of the pictured announcement, and there are many more to choose from.  Whether you are looking for something hip and modern, or something a bit more traditional, you will likely find something to suit your taste.

You can purchase a set of 40 customized announcements in this design for $30 at myboyscustomcards on www.etsy.com.

Many mommies now crave a stylish yet flattering maternity look. I like wearing maternity (and non) dresses this time around; they’re easy, pretty, and comfortable. In the right fabric, they grow with you and should last for the duration of pregnancy.

I’m more apt to buy casual styles than dressy, since I have a lot more informal activities planned week-to-week than anything else. I like 100% Cotton materials; they’re breathable and cooler than some of the synthetic fibres I’ve run across.

The Cadeau Girasole Silk Dress in yellow and brown caught my eye immediately. Though I’ve not had much experience with silk, it’s one of those fabrics that is sure to make a mommy feel special. However, be aware that it’s not a wash-and-go type material; it’s dry clean only.

Offered in small, medium, large, and extra-large (based on in-stock availability), this mod but modern maternity dress sells for $119.00 (regularly $168.00) at babystyle.com. If dresses really aren’t your thing, there’s a shirt in the same pattern and empire style available on the site.

The idea is to still look like you’re a part of the human race - the female part! The tie front is fun and feminine and would be appropriate dress for work or a weekend outing. It’s a very classic design with cuffed long sleeves and open collar. And it looks very, very breathable and comfortable.

How important is that when your well into your pregnancy? A little pinstripe helps too! Comes in small, medium and large, 100% Cotton made in the USA. Price: $135.00 at www.apeainthepod.com.

Every expectant mother knows the joy, but also the new anxiety that comes with feeling the baby move for the first time. Is the baby moving enough? Why did I feel it more yesterday than today? etc. KickTrack offers a way to help put your mind at ease.

Used by celebrity parents-to-be such as Jennifer Lopez, this product offers a number of features. You can use it from the beginning of your pregnancy to keep track of the weeks and days as they pass. Once you start feeling the baby move, kickTrack helps you keep track of movements with the simple click of a button. Later in your pregnancy, you can use it to time contractions.

This simple device was designed by an obstetrician and has been featured in Fit Pregnancy magazine. You can purchase one for $39.95 at babykick.com.

Many hip celebrity moms such as Debra Messing and Julia Roberts are sporting lockets designed by Jill Alberts Jewelry. These one of a kind lockets are a perfect way to keep your child close to you at all times. I’ve never been a huge jewelry fan, but I definitely see the appeal of a piece like this. They truly are gorgeous, and as a working mother I love the idea of being able to access a treasured keepsake at all times.

You can view the selection of lockets at jillalberts.com. The Vintage locket shown retails for $450.