When I had my baby, I knew I planned to breastfeed and tried to refuse the “free diaper bag” from the formula company. “Take it,” they said, “It has free samples and coupons.” Too exhausted to argue, I accepted the bag. Beyond the formula, there was one newborn-sized diaper and a lot of advertisements.

Now there is an alternative for moms who plan to breastfeed: the Healthy Baby Bounty Bag…

Your Best Birth: Know All Your Options, Discover the Natural Choices, and Take Back the Birth Experience, by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein, is a book I would love to recommend to all of my pregnant friends–and I almost can.

Lake and Epstein, or, as they would probably prefer to be called given the “girlfriend” tone of the book, Ricki and Abby, set out to awaken the inner birth goddess in every pregnant woman, but more in the fabulous and fearless sense of goddess than in the crunchy or new-age meaning. They want you to have “YOUR best birth,” rather than THE best or the PERFECT birth, because there is no one-size-fits-all and they know that flexibility is key in childbirth.

Celebs like Angelina Jolie and Gwen Stefani both wore Maggie Maternity clothing during their pregnancies. The affordability of the line makes movie-star glamour accessible to the rest of us.

For just $195, you can buy the “Classic Maggie Box,” which contains a silhouette skirt, bump trousers, model tank and figure tee. These four pieces are the foundations of any chic and professional pregnancy wardrobe. Easy-to-wash and even easier-to-wear, the stretch jersey fabric is flattering and comfortable at the same time. (Click here to read Mamanista’s full review.)

While celebs make pregnancy look glamorous, it’s tough to look that fab on a budget.

As a working mom-to-be, I struggled to find affordable, professional clothing during my first pregnancy. I assembled a wardrobe of inexpensive staples from Old Navy, Target, and Motherhood Maternity and combined it with a handful of pricier items from A Pea in the Pod, Mimi Maternity, and the Gap.

I wish I’d known about Maggie Maternity. Maggie Maternity makes dressing while expecting elegant, effortless and (most-important of all) inexpensive…

You can get great deals on breastfeeding essentials at Nursing Mother Supplies! Owned and operated by a mom and certified lactation consultant, Nursing Mother Supplies offers excellent customer service.
When my son was born in April, Jen (the owner) helped me pick out just the right bras and breastpump accessories. I knew I liked the Bravado Original Nursing Bra (see full review here) since I’d originally purchased some from figleaves for $45 each to use as maternity bras during my pregnancy.
After baby was born and I started breastfeeding, I discovered that I needed A LOT more bras. (Why …

My stretch marks are badges of honor…but I’m not the type to brag.
I found an uplifting site, The Shape of a Mother, which encourages us to celebrate our amazing bodies that have nurtured new life. While I agree with embracing the changes motherhood has brought, it is also healthy (for mind and body) to try to look your best. And I wouldn’t mind a little pick me up in the body department.
Once the excesses of the Holidays have passed, I’m making a New Year’s resolution to eat right and be …

I’ve never been a fan of Desperate Housewives, but my mother persuaded me to watch the season premiere with her. For the first time, I could identify with one of the characters. Gabby, the former model, now has two children and a matching frumpy mom-style. Her old frenemy Edie is shocked by her new appearance, leading to this classic exchange: Edie: “So Gabby, I have to ask: What the hell happened to you? Carlos might be blind, but the rest of us aren’t.” Gabby: “I had two children.” Edie: “For what? Breakfast?”
Um…ouch. …

More than pickles and ice cream, mamas-to-be crave droolworthy clothing that’s fashionable and figure flattering. Your body may be changing, but your style doesn’t have to!
Hip celeb moms like Heidi Klum, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jessica Alba are fans of Childish Clothing, which is designed by Skye Hoppus (wife of Blink 182’s Mark Hoppus and author of Rock Star Momma: The Hip Guide to Looking Gorgeous Through All Nine Months And Beyond).
Childish’s fashion forward designs are body conscious, well made and comfy. I adore the Ellie Dress ($88) from the Childish Fall line. Casual …

Ever since I started using Belli Pregnancy Safe Acne Wash on the advice of Mama-To-Be, I’ve been a fan of Belli Maternity Care.
The products are on the pricier side but I find that the quality and peace of mind are worth it–plus, their tubes and jars of creams, lotions, and cleansers go a long way.
Belli makes a full line of skin care for pregnant moms and for baby and is the #1 Recommended Pregnancy Skin Care Collection Among OB-Gyns because the ingredients are safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding and the …