There comes a time in every girl’s life when she realises she’s made the leap into the next generation. For me, it’s definitely happening right now. I have to say, wow, what a year! So many of my friends are in their first pregnancy, or pregnant with their second, third, and even fourth child. Now, even more than when I had my first child a couple of years ago, I’m completely surrounded by babies, children, and pregnant women. Somewhere along the way, I’ve well and truly become a card-carrying member of the ‘parent’ generation.

The thing which really caught me by surprise as I approached motherhood was how much new stuff there was to learn. Especially with shopping. I think we all work out pretty quickly where we like to shop for this, or for that, and what our favourite brands are.

Then I got pregnant…and entered a whole new world. None of the old rules seemed to apply. I had new needs, and they weren’t necessarily being met at my normal shops. A big part of this is because when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you’re suddenly in a market ‘niche’. A pregnant woman is part of a market minority, which not every shop caters for. After all, the buyers at most big stores aren’t deciding which tops to stock based on whether they’ll work with breast pads. When I realised this, I knew I had to adapt, and learn to find my way through the shopping jungle all over again.

Whether this is your first foray into parenthood, or you’ve experienced pregnancy a few times before, you’ll surely agree that it’s a minefield shopping for comfortable and fashionable maternity clothes, particularly ones which will double for use after your pregnancy while you are breastfeeding.

So, does the news you’re pregnant really mean you have to wave a tearful goodbye to all that is funky and fashionable for the foreseeable future? Should you simply resign yourself to spending month upon month in a style-free fashion wasteland as your belly grows? We say no way! Thankfully, the last decade has ushered in a new age for maternity fashion, and there’s a fabulous range of clothes available now. But you won’t find them at your local department store. The secret? Shop online!

You won’t need to look further than online boutique Queen Bee Maternity. They have everything you’ll need both during and after your pregnancy. They specialise in both maternity fashion and nursing wear, and have made it their mission to provide clothes which are a beautiful blend of form and function. So yes, you can choose from a fabulous range of maternity and breastfeeding clothes which look chic and stylish…all while doing the job you need them to do.

So many people tell me that they always recommend Queen Bee Maternity to newly pregnant friends. Why? Quite simply because at Queen Bee the clothes are stylish and flattering to your figure as it grows and changes – while also being comfortable and supremely functional. Queen Bee stock the best maternity brands from around the world, so their range is always current, always up-to-date, and always has something new to offer. You’ll be amazed at the versatility and range on offer. It’s no surprise that Aussie celebs like Toni Pearen and Catriona Rowntree headed to Queen Bee to go shopping for their recent pregnancies.

Funky, fun, fabulous, floral…you name it, Queen Bee have it covered. With Queen Bee Maternity stocking brands like Maternal America, Momzee, and Fillyboo (designed and made right here in Australia), you can celebrate your pregnancy and show off the fact that you’re glowing, vibrant and in full bloom. Covering everything from denim to shirts and swimwear with flowing, flattering lines – and a big serving of colour, style and pizzazz, you’ll love the quirky designer edge these brands give to your maternity wardrobe. These maternity clothes are so great and so versatile that you’ll want to go right on wearing them after you’ve had your baby. Anything but boring!

There really is no need for you to give up your normal sense of style during your pregnancy. And you don’t have to hide your new curves either. Contrary to urban mythology, maternity clothes don’t have to be shapeless and baggy. If you like to wear leggings and funky tunics, get yourself a pair of maternity leggings and go right on doing so. And for those of you who like to live in jeans year round, Queen Bee has got you covered. They are the maternity denim specialists, with a huge range of maternity jeans styles available from the best overseas brands. Don’t think Levis, think mavi maternity jeans, and Seraphine (who’ve won awards for their designer maternity jeans) and Maternal America. Have a little faith - at Queen Bee, it is possible to get maternity jeans which are wonderfully comfortable and look fantastic too.

Now that the warmer weather is on the way, you’ll be glad to know there’s a great range of maternity dresses and maternity skirts on offer to keep you comfortable this summer. And if you’re breastfeeding this summer (or next!) you’ll be glad you discovered Dote Nursing Wear, with dresses which give a new meaning to breastfeeding style…and all in ultra-soft, comfy modern fabrics which drape beautifully. Mayreau will fill out your dress collection, with simple, subtle, nursing dresses and breastfeeding tops with a twist on the classic.

So what else does the maternity wardrobe need? Well, it’s always wise to have some core items which will carry you through your nine months and beyond in ease. For this part of your wardrobe, it’s recommended to keep things simple….by starting with classic wardrobe basics which you can layer and accessorise, mix and match, to create your own unique style. Plain colours work best, and brands like trimester are great for this. When you’re thinking basics you can’t go past a pair of straight legged yoga pants in black, or the shorter capri version – which are wonderful worn with anything from a tunic top to a t-shirt. A sleeveless maternity tank or flattering scooped neck maternity tee round things out nicely.

Also check out Seraphine - besides their show-stopper jeans, they offer a range of stylish, well cut pieces which contribute a touch of Parisian chic to your wardrobe. This brand has been a pregnancy favourite with celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry. And take a look at 1 in the oven, with their casual, comfortable essentials in soft, stretchy, cotton and cotton rich blends – like the french terry hoodie favoured by Jessica Alba.

But what will you wear under it all? Every great wardrobe needs great…um…support. That’s something nearly nude can offer, with their shaping and smoothing underwear. It provides breast and stomach support, without underwire – making it ideal for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Great for dealing with that weight which seems to have somehow redistributed itself during pregnancy, and ended up in places it never was before and has no business being.

After a hard day’s shopping, you may be a little tired. That’s where HOTmilk comes to the fore, with sublime maternity sleepwear. Well, the name says it all. Who says maternity nighties can’t be sizzling hot? They can be and are with HOTmilk. Hmmm. Come to think of it…maybe they’re best worn on a night when you’re not so tired.

Happy shopping!

by hannah