When you're knee-deep in morning sickness, carting around a swollen belly and calves that have transformed into sausage-like cankles, the last thing you think you'll ever feel is pretty! And, if feeling betrayed by your body wasn't enough to send you slightly off the deep end, you're facing this pregnancy solo and a bit apprehensive about becoming a
single mom.
Well, if you're in the market for an online support system, consider
SingleMindedWomen.com the first stop on your single mom journey. Here you'll find a community of experts and single moms in the trenches who will give you the low-down on dealing with your ex, custody and finding time for yourself and most importantly; the fact that you don't have to sacrifice your sense of style just because you're sporting a bit of a baby bump!
According to Amy Swift, chief product officer for
Ladies Who Launch , the number one rule in pregnancy is to ditch those baggy clothes!
“You want to feature the part of your body that is faring the best--so besides your bump, perhaps it's your collar bone and face, or maybe your legs or arms are staying slim and toned," says Swift. “Whatever is working for you, make that the focus of your outfit. If you have gorgeous FEET, wear a sandal and show off your pedicure!”
Swift's picks for style-conscious outfits for pregnant single moms:
Leggings with a cute tunic or longer cotton blouse and a great flat.
Stretchy dresses--especially with a heel—since during your pregnancy is the one time you can really rock something sexy and slim fitting while still acknowledging your are pregnant.
Beautiful accessories go a long way.
Two of Swifts' favorite picks:
Raven Kaufman's line of clutches, so arresting no one is going to notice you've gained a little weight! And
Gabrielle Augustini's gorgeous silk scarves, to drape around your neck or hair.
“Bottom line: You don't want to throw in the towel when you're pregnant," says Swift. “In fact, it's really about making a little extra effort to feel pretty, since you might feel big and not-so-pretty. “
To help you on your way to fabulously rocking your baby bump, check out our list of the best baby bump products for pregnant single moms.
Bonnie Marcus & Co. Flip Flops, with their white polka dots and pink (or blue) and black color combo will have any pregnant single mom
expecting in style. But what really makes them a must-have is their sculpted arch for added support and the text embroidered on pink ribbon: "Mom-to-be". $31.95.
Bonnie Marcus while you're browsing this stylish site you might want check out their
Peek-a-boo Mom Note Pad and their
chic stationary printed on recycled paper, containing 30% post consumer waste fiber. A portion of the proceeds from their sale is donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Brush2Go is a mineral powder that quickly and easily dispenses through a luxuriously soft, refillable brush and is perfect for expectant moms who want a healthy, no-nonsense makeup routine. These 100% pure minerals impart a, natural radiance that feels weightless, flawlessly covers, and provides natural SPF 20 protection and its anti-inflammatory ingredients help soothe pregnant sensitive and irritated skin. Brush2Go also has a line of blushers, bronzers and tinted lip balms. $55.
Brush2Go.
Mommy Trends T-Shirts hip, stretchy maternity t-shirts with their flirty expressions – like “Big & Beautiful” and “Hot and Heavy” splashed across the tees celebrate pregnancy and are must-haves for glowing moms-to-be everywhere. will let to let everyone know you're pregnant and lovin' it! $36,
Mommy Trends.
Glow Mama is a tasty nutritious kiwi juice is packed with the essential pre and post-natal vitamins, including fiber and folic acid, and was developed for and by moms. Glow Mama is completely natural, contains no artificial sweeteners, is low calorie, and is endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association.
Drink to Glow, $11.95 for 6 bottles, $21.95 for 12 bottles.
I'm Thankful Journal: Raising a child on one's own is rewarding, but emotionally draining. The I'm Thankful Journal will remind moms all there is to be thankful for. $17.95,
I'm Thankful.
RUVACards are one-of-a-kind birth announcements that print your personal sentiments on their gorgeous designs so that you can announce your little one's arrival in a completely customized style! $1 to $3.
RUVACards.
BabyPlus® This prenatal education system is designed as a fannie pack, for the mother to wear twice a day; an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening, and can be introduced to the fetus as early as 18 weeks in the womb. The series of 16 lessons introduces a safe, simple set of sounds patterned after the mother's heartbeat, the one language the baby can recognize at this early stage of life because it's the only true and consistent sound of the prenatal environment. Much like a prenatal vitamin encourages strong physical development, BabyPlus® encourages strong cognitive development. After using BabyPlus, infants are reported to be more relaxed and alert at birth, more interactive and responsive, nurse more readily and display an increased ability to self-soothe. $149,
BabyPlus.
Due Date Maternity Necklaces: There's all kind of jewelry out there for brand new moms… but what about a special accessory for moms-to-be? Proud moms-to-be can now wear a necklace from day one to let the world know when their tiny miracle is expected to arrive! This hand-crafted necklace made of polished nickel and strung on an 18 inch sterling silver chain comes with the "Due In" month stamped into a rectangular pendant and is packaged in a keepsake tin. $48, Go Belly Go.