High waisted knicker options for after that C-Section

Picking the right knickers for after that c-section is essential for ensuring you remain comfortable while your scar is healing.

You need a pair that will sit over your scar, not roll down, and maybe look nice too.  

While some women may choose to steal their other halves' boxers in a bid to stay comfy, there is another option, and that's the trusty high waisted design.

That's right, the style known as the "granny knicker" comes to the rescue here as it sits well over your scar. Because many of these briefs are made of cotton they will  also let your scar breathe. 

Buying a size or two up means you'll stay comfy in case of any post-op swelling, while purchasing a multipack from the supermarket or highstreet stores often  results in these working out cheaper than those disposable knickers, meaning you can spend your left over pennies on something a little bit more luxurious.

We've had a little gander to find you some high waisted knicker options from the plain to the little bit more stylish.

These cute knickers, £8, Gap, may not be cheapest in the brief box but the loose fabric is great for getting air to your scar. We also heart the polka dot design.

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We heart these floral briefs from the trusty BHS, coming in at £10 for a pack of three.

Marks and Spencer also comes up trumps with its simple 5 pack of high waisted knickers for £5.

While these maternity lace shorts, £12, Figleaves aren't technically "high waisted" they are a fab option for a few weeks after your section, and will also stretch to fit.

 Playtex three pack, £11.50, Figleaves

As we've already said, style probably won't be at the top of your list, but we just couldn't resist mentioning these cute briefs from Marks and Spencer - we are afterall a fashion site.

Peaks of London launches luxury breast pads

Let's be honest, breast pads aren't the most exciting or sexy part of a maternity wardrobe and not something many of us would choose to talk about.

However, for almost all of us they are essential for preventing those all embarrassing leaks, during and post pregnancy, which typically always happen at the most inconvenient moments.

While there's a huge range of disposable pads on the market, Peaks of London has decided to glam up these otherwise boring essentials.

It's created a range of beautiful and delicate silk/cotton mix pads, which are available in four different colours. 

And not only do they bring a little bit of luxury but they are practical too, being totally machine washable with two sets in each bag.

Now that's something to talk about. 

Maternity monochrome fashion for Spring/Summer 2013

Moschino Spring/Summer 2013

Monochrome made a huge style stance on this season's catwalks, showing that sometimes things really do look better in black and white.

Alexander Wang, Moschino, Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenberg, were just some of the designers to show off the 60s inspired trend, while over in the celebrity maternity fashion camp Kim Kardashian did her bit for the look stepping out in a cute black and white print shift dress. 

Thankfully this trend can interpreted to be as bold or as simple as you like, making it perfect for that maternity wardrobe.

Opt for graphic prints to give a big nod to the swinging 60s, with a checked print or bold stripes for a night out, while simple stark contrast blocking is a great way to channel this trend into the daytime - team up that must have black maternity dress with a simple white scarf and you're all set to go.

 See the gallery below on how to wear the trend.

Go for graphic prints to really make a stand. We think this 60s inspired skirt, £18,  from Asos is great

Turn  that staple black maternity dress, like this one £16.99, New Look, into hot monochrome property by simply adding a white scarf.

White scarf, £6 Matalan

This spot blouse, £32 Mamas and Papas,  is a perfect way to channel the trend in the office, or teamed with black jeans for a night out

Really show off this trend and your bump with this gorge bodycon frock, £30, Asos

Top five summer wedding maternity dresses to suit any budget

The days are getting longer and the sun is peaking its head out, which can only mean one thing, the summer is on its way.

And with the summer comes at least one wedding  that you and your bump will have to attend. If the impending event falls on a point in your later stages of pregnancy then finding that perfect frock may be a bit of a mare, especially if you don't want to splash out too much or simply can't find a frock to flatter that bump.

However, there's a range of ways to make picking that frock easier.
If you're on a bargain budget then opting for a normal maxi dress, a size bigger may be the perfect solution.

If you're set on a maternity style then there are some great choices out there. Pick a simple floral frock, which won't cost the earth and can be dressed up with a pair of heels - pack a pair of flip flops for the evening do- or go for a flimsy frock.

And if money's no option or you have a few events coming up then there's a fantastic range from some of our fave maternity designers.

If Kate Middleton can recycle so can we....

See below for our top five picks to suit any budget.

Give a nod to one of summer's top trends with this monochrome maternity Seraphine Dahlia Dress, £55, John Lewis

Wedding guests on a budget will love this gorge floral maternity number, which lands in at a fab £19.99, H&M

Blow the budget with this beautiful blue maxi from Isabella Oliver, £129

Polka dot flimsy dress, £38, Topshop

Maternity Slash Neck Flared Hem Dress, £36, Marks and Spencer

Cantaloop maternity bra claimed to last from the third trimester right through to the breastfeeding stage

Nursing bras are a necessity if you're planning to breastfeed, and there's a huge range of good ones out there.

However, one company is now claiming to have come up with a bra that will last you from the third stage of your pregnancy right through breastfeeding.

The Cantaloop bra is also claimed to be comfortable enough to sleep in and most importantly  requires no specialist fitting. 

It's been developed by TYTEX, a company that creates medical textiles, and is said to adapt to your changing body as a result of the soft and elasticated fibres that have been created by the firm.

According to the blurb the nursing bras are designed to adapt to the changing breast size, from growth in the third trimester through to nursing when the breast sizes can change individually by up to two cup sizes.

They also have a drop-cup design and adjustable straps with a clip/unclip system which means you can easily unclip to feed with one hand.

There are four Cantaloop sizes to choose from,which the company says will fit  more than 95 percent of all bust dimensions without the need for underwires or stiff fabrics. The two larger sizes also have removable shoulder supports for a firmer fit.

 All you have to do is pop online, check which size to you are on the company's chart, and pop down to your local Boots to pick it up.

The bra costs £24, which is pricey, but if it does what it claims then we think it's more than worth it.

Have you bought one of these bras? Leave your comments below and let us know what your experiences have been.

Top five maternity winter coats to see you through the snow

With the winter weather bringing us a flurry of snow, it's never been more important to ensure you have a good coat to keep you and your bump warm.

Although your normal coat may have lasted you for a few months, you may begin to find it harder and harder to zip up over your sprouting bump and thick maternity jumper.

Thankfully the virtual highstreet is full of maternity coats to suit every style and occasion, and with the sales still in full swing now is a perfect time to bag yourself a bargain.

Choose from a wool dress coat, which is great worn over that office outfit, while padded and duffel coats are great casual options and look great with a pair of maternity jeans.

See some of our faves below.

Wool maternity coat, £25 from £69, Jojo Maman Bebe

ASOS Maternity Padded Jacket, was £70 now £49.

Black Quilted Hooded Jacket
£39.99
New Look

Rosanna Wool Maternity Coat Jacket, £64, Yummy Mummy Maternity

Sophie Duffel coat
was £319 now from £159.50, Isabella Oliver

 

Top five 2013 celebrity mummies-to-be: Kate Middleton, Fearne Cotton, Kim Kardashian and more

2013 is still young, but we're already excited about what the celebrity mummy world has in store for us this year, with a range of stars due to give birth in the upcoming months.

Towards the end of last year, we were delighted to hear that Kate Middleton was pregnant, while Kim Kardashian and Jessica Simpson both announced they too were expecting little bundles in 2013.

And let's not forget other yummy mummies such as Lara Stone, Sophie Dahl and of course Fearne Cotton who are all rocking maternity fashion due to their expanding bellies.

To celebrate the new year, we've put together a list of our top five yummy mummies to-be for 2013. We can't wait to see what they'll be wearing in the upcoming months.

Fearne is now in her last stages of pregnancy and has given us some great maternity fashion looks. We love this dressing gown photo, which shows that even pregnant celebs need some downtime too. Click here to get a similar look.

Towards the end of the year St James Palace announced that Kate Middleton was expecting her first child with Prince William, we're so happy for the couple, and we have a feeling the announcement will change maternity fashion as we know it. We can't wait. Check out some Kate Middleton inspired evening maternity dresses here.

Sophie and James confirmed they are expecting baby two, after Sophie was spotted out late last year revealing her growing bump.

Lara Stone and hubby David Walliams announced they were expecting their first child in the middle of 2013. See here for what we expect Lara to be channelling as her bump grows.

Kanye West announced the news on stage during a concert in Atlantic City when Kim Kardashian was in the audience watching. The papa-to-be said: 'stop the music. Make noise for my baby mama right here.'  We know Kim will make a great style icon for curvy pregnant women everywhere. In the meantime see our guide on how to dress your maternity curves.