babyurbeautiful

There's that annoying phase in pregnancy when your usual skinny jeans and work trousers suddenly feel like they'll slice you in two when you sit down....and that's never a good feeling when you feel nauseous, but equally there's not enough bump to warrant maternity wear without looking like you're wearing a tent.

After a few weeks of managing the hair bobble jeans trick I decided enough was enough and that I needed to buy some new clothes!

This week took me up north with work so I popped to the fab Meadowhall in Sheffield full of optimism! Primark there is HUGE so I was hopeful to find some jeans there....to search high and low and be told they no longer stock maternity wear! 
Next stop was H&M where most stuff is geared towards more pronounced bumps...I felt a bit if a fraud browsing alongside a lady with a lovely big bump!  However I got 2 basic vests and a black t shirt.

H&M Mama Maternity Vest £6.99

After that I tried New Look who have a small maternity range but nothing that took my fancy.  I had a disaster with New Look last week when I ordered some tailored black trousers that were so big I had to pull them in to the maximum and the waist was bunched horribly like a toddler's trousers!

Topshop proved to be my saviour with a lovely pair of indigo skinny jeans. They're a lovely tight fit and true to size.  I recently bought a black pair of Topshop jeans and again they're comfy and smart enough for work.

Topshop Maternity Joni Jeans £36

Work wise I am still on the prowl. Last week I purchased some black trousers from Next and they're better than the New Look pair as these have a soft waist band they're a little loose for my liking and a bit to much like school trousers.  I have just spied that Next have just added a load of new pieces to their maternity collection, so have a look!

Next Slim Maternity Trousers £24

If you have any maternity wear recommendations why not share them with us?!

FJ

Last time I was pregnant, I only bought only one maternity/nursing bra at the beginning, a sleep bra by Emma-Jane (approx. £17.50), and had been using Emma-Jane bra extenders (approx £4) on my other bras, which helped to widen the width for my expanding rib cage so that I could breathe. Emma-Jane do a great range of nursing/maternity bras which are really soft and comfortable for day/night wear. I would recommend the new Next Generation Nursing Bra (approx. £11) which is seamless and really soft.



However, as the birth was approaching (8 weeks to go) I realised that a combined maternity/nursing bra would have been useful, since I planned to breastfeed.


I tried the Elle McPherson style and didn't find those very comfortable, nor the Mothercare styles.

I had a fitting at Marks & Spencer and they told me I was a 36C. (This size also fits me in Mothercare bras). I was then fitted as a 32D in Freya, and in Figleaves as a 36D. Wohoo big boobs for the first time in my life! (Usually a small 34B!) Very confusing- but the rule is to get fitted before you buy.

I would recommend moulded or stretch cups (such as the Emma-Jane range) as most useful, as your breasts will change size throughout the pregnancy and breastfeeding, especially as they fill up with colostrum and breast milk just before the birth. Currently I am still wearing my nursing/maternity bras as I am still breastfeeding my 17 month old twice a day, but my breasts are tiny compared to when I was pregnant last time and when I was fully breastfeeding.

However, the sexiest and most comfy nursing/maternity bras I tried were Freya, and they are really good quality. I have worn mine regularly for nearly 2 years now and it is still in great condition and very supportive. I also just purchased a new style, the Freya Dotty, from Figleaves.com, which was £28. It's a teeny bit big on the cups but am hoping that being pregnanct again I will fill it out soon.


I also got some matching panties for £10, bargain! I can actually look hot whilst breastfeeding!


Figleaves.com have a wide range of maternity styles and currently have a 60% off sale on their website- woirth a look. I would recommend getting fitted before you buy though. Try going to a Debenhams store, as they stock most of these styles and will usually give you a free fitting!

CB