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You Grow, Girl

When I was expecting, I reveled in the prospect of becoming a mom, but I was terrified of actually looking like one. Vain, I know, but I feared the inevitable descent into the realm of the un-cool, starting with the stretchy elastic pants and tent dresses during my pregnancy.  From there, I would certainly transform into that mom who totes around a diaper bag full of lint covered soothers and soggy Cheerios while idling the mini-van outside the kids’ school.

Entertaining such a notion immediately motivated me to find ways to reconcile my style with the crossover into motherhood.  I was delighted to find that maternity clothes have never looked so good!  Now, more than ever, moms-to-be are working that bump and showing it off in all its glory, not hiding it under a mountain of baggy material.  There’s no need to sacrifice your style while you grow into your new role--literally.  For expectant moms who are looking for exciting new products to enhance a maternity wardrobe, here are a few accessories to help you look and feel great:

Bella Bands -- The Bella Band maternity accessory is a seamless knit band you wear over your unbuttoned pre-pregnancy pants. Comfortable, soft, and easy to wear, the Bella Band fits around your waistline and is just snug enough to hold your pants up.  You can wear your favourite designer jeans, both while you’re pregnant, and post partum, when they’re still a little too snug.   The band doesn’t have the appearance of elastic, but rather, a camisole or t-shirt, which can give you that cool, layered look.  The Bella Band is available at most maternity shops and retails for around $35.00 CA.

The Popper Stopper -- It seems that every woman experiences the inevitable popping of the bellybutton during pregnancy.  Suddenly your smooth and beautiful bump has a bump all its own!  If you find yourself in this predicament, Miss Oops Popper Stoppers can help. The disposable, paper-thin material with adhesive backing stops your belly button from popping through your garments.  And no need to worry, the material is latex-free and medically approved.  The Stopper retails for approximately $19.99 CA.

Butterfly Weed Belly Jelly -- This remarkable belly jelly is designed to keep skin supple and luminous, while preventing stretch marks.  Toronto herbalist Denise Williams uses 100% organic and wild-crafted ingredients in her products and this belly jelly is so popular that it just flies off the shelves.  The belly jelly smells like a lavender dream and will help expectant mothers prepare for a glorious birth.   A tin of this magical elixir retails for approximately $14.99 CA.

-- Sarah Simpson

posted 04.25.08