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I can’t even believe how cool maternity clothes are today. My first pregnancy began in February 2004 and it took me about 5 months to actually start showing. I remember hating most of the maternity clothes because they were so dull and frumpy. Did I mention frumpy?  The cool maternity clothes were only at A Pea in the Pod. Luckily for preggo ladies today, that is NOT the case.

There are so many fashionable maternity collections to choose from right now. I just blogged about Heidi Klum’s latest endeavor, Lavish, on Droolicious. Just browse the clothes at Isabella Oliver or Mommy Appelseed. They are so hip! Take a look at the links below and see a few of my faves. Rock that baby bump, girls!

Maternity Jumpsuit: Friend or Foe?
Strut Your Baby Bump Klum-Style
Skinny Maternity Jeans for Preggo Fashionistas

Maybe it’s because the weather has been so cold or maybe it’s because this looks so super-duper cozy. No matter what the reason is I love this maternity sweater. This is the Cable Batwing Sweater at Isabella Oliver and it’s on sale now for $167.

Speaking of looking fab with a baby bump, my favorite momtrepreneur, Heidi Klum, announced today she is working on two maternity lines. It’s about time! She chases around her four kiddos and still has time to do Project Runway, design jewelry and clothes and look incredible the whole time. Now that is talent, my friends.

Lavish and Loved will debut online and in stores February 12, 2010. A Pea In The Pod and Motherhood will carry her items. Lavish features iconic looks and Loved is affordable. (We’ll see!) Read more about it here!

Read more from MommyQ – Project Runway: Who’s Getting Auf’d Tonight?

I’m a nut for totes, purses, handbags, clutches, etc. When I spotted this gorgeous bag at Arte Bebe, I just had to blog about it…

This is the leather Mercer Bag, a new addition to the Nest’s collection. And what a diaper bag it is! It features suede details and gold tones hardware. It’s also a departure from black – remember navy? I think it’s a refreshing change.

Other features include:
- separate zippered diaper compartment at the bottom keeps the rest of the bag neat and fresh and includes an extra large changing pad and diaper and wipes pocket
- 2 large exterior and 1 interior zippered pockets
- 2 interior bottle holders
- 2 divided pockets to hold extra clothes, toys, etc
- key chain holder
- removable, adjustable long strap

Indulge at Arte Bebe for $385. Shipping is free.

If you’ve had a c-section, you know exactly how difficult those first weeks after surgery can be. In addition to the wacky hormones, helpless newborn and post-delivery fatigue, you have this brand new incision to worry about.

Enter C-Panty! I’ve seen a lot of “new” baby and maternity products over the years, but this one is really top-notch. It is a panty designed specifically for post cesarean use. Instead of wearing those big, mesh, hospital-issued boy shorts or granny panties, you can wear these. They have special panels and a silicone layer to protect and support your new scar during healing.

Hop over to Droolicious (a Babble blog) to read more about the C-Panty. Now that’s one smart pair of undies! If you have mom friends with a c-section on the calendar, make sure you send them a link to this post!

A few years ago, when Angelina Jolie-Pitt was not a Pitt, this was the diaper bag she was spotted toting around town. I love the fact that it’s Pewter, so it goes with everything! It’s the ‘Emily’ Diaper Bag from Storksak and you can get one for around $175 at Nordstrom. If you’re not a pewter kinda gal, it also comes in a yummy bronze.

It may look like a normal bag, but it has tons of storage compartments and insulated pockets, not to mention a padded changing mat, detachable bag, mobile pocket (who doesn’t need one of those!) and wipe-clean lining. Go ahead, it’s still cool to be like Angie.

If you’re looking for an even more indulgent diaper bag, check out the Felix Ray ‘Emma’ Diaper Bag. Pleated details, a bow and goldtone studs? FUN! And you’ll be paying for that fun too. It retails for $450 at Nordstrom.

An article published today titled, Expectant Moms Packing on Too Many Pounds says there are new guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy. (This outta be good.) And they go a little something like this:

- A normal-weight woman should gain between 25 and 35 pounds during pregnancy.

- An overweight woman —should gain 15 to 25 pounds during pregnancy.

- For the first time, the guidelines set a standard for obese women — to gain 11 to 20 pounds.

- An underweight woman should gain 28 to 40 pounds.

Thankfully, the article stresses the importance of gaining weight in a healthy way. Just because you’re preggo doesn’t mean you can live on Dr. Pepper, Skittles, bacon sandwiches, Cheetos and a daily Frosty!  You can’t throw all of your knowledge about nutrition out the window just because you see a plus sign on the little stick. It is tempting, but it’s not smart.

Keep this in mind – you will probably want to lose everything you gain.  (If for no other reason than you like your existing wardrobe and don’t want to say goodbye to those William Rast jeans forever, right?) See, that takes the fun out of your nightly rendezvous with Krispy Kreme, doesn’t it. It may sound odd, but my big craving was those old-school multi-colored rainbow popsicles. I probably had one every day and haven’t had one since I was pregnant. Strange, huh?

When I was pregnant, my doctor told me my goal weight gain was 25-30 pounds. Well, I gained a ton more than that. (I may have been on the underweight side when I got pregnant, but only by a few pounds.) I probably gained close to 55 pounds during my pregnancies, maybe more. I was freaking out, but my doctor was fine with it. My diet was good and I was exercising, but I packed on weight no matter what. I passed all of my blood tests and check-ups with no problem, etc.

My point is if you gain more weight than you’re supposed to, don’t starve yourself to stay within the “recommended” numbers.  Don’t beat yourself up mentally or try to exist on a unrealistic diet. Every pregnancy is different. These guidelines are exactly that – benchmarks. You may be within that range and you may not. Be honest with your doctor and if you’re doing everything you can do to be healthy, yet you’re packing on the pounds – so be it. You need to be smart. Your body will do the rest.

Weight gain guidelines – friend or foe? How much weight did you gain? Do you agree with these guidelines?

There are two things I love about this maternity cover up…it’s not black and it’s not white! This cute cotton Button Front cover-up features a fresh paisley print in shades of green and long sleeves. Perfect for transporting that growing belly at the pool or the beach. You could easily wear it as a top with shorts or jeans too.  Retails for $58 at A Pea in The Pod.

When you’re preparing for a new baby, it seems like there are tons of things to buy. Sometimes in an effort to save some dough, new moms skimp on things for themselves, like sleepwear. Take it from a mom who knows, if there’s anything that brings your life some extra comfort during those last weeks of pregnancy and first weeks of motherhood (and nursing), it’s nice sleepwear.

This beautiful Black Lotus Nursing Chemise by Belabumbum is sexy, functional and comfortable. The small lace details are just enough to make you feel feminine, yet not too frilly for your lifestyle. The straps are adjustable and there are nursing clips above each bra cup. Treat yourself. You deserve it! Retails at Tummy Style for $59.