Celebrity Spot - Tori Spelling wears Silk Dress available at Sweet Lilly Maternity

Celebrity Spot!

Check out our stunning silk chiffon maternity dress as worn by Tori Spelling on the red carpet!

This gorgeous silk chiffon dress is the epitome of maternity style and its simple design with pretty torquoise and brown print makes this a sure maternity 'must have'.

Imported from LA's top maternity style house, Lauren Kiyomi, this dress is available in chocolate or blue colourways only online at http://www.sweetlillymaternity.com.au/

Ladies, we only have a limited supply of this beautiful dress, so be quick or may miss out on this season's hottest maternity style!

For more information, check out the following link: http://www.sweetlillymaternity.com.au/product.aspx?ID=490

Born to Shop

Maternity Clothing Guide for First Time Mums

f you've just found out that you're expecting your first child, congratulations and get ready for an exciting 9 months of your life!

Its fair to say that you'll probably have your share of the up's and down's and the effect of the baby hormones is something else! But there is an added bonus to becoming a new mum - you get to choose a new wardrobe for yourself and for your new baby too! Whoever said that retail therapy doesn't work can think again - its amazing how a spot of shopping can take the edge off morning sickness!

This is the point where you need to remind those dear husband and partners not to freak out ...you don't have to spend a fortune, in fact we have suggested a few basic, key maternity pieces to get you through the 9 months in maternity style.

Maternity clothes really do give you comfort and who wants to look back on their pregnancy photos with embarrassement at those huge tents or oversized, ill fitting sweatpants and tees?

Maternity clothing also doesn't have to be about contantly wearing dark colours to try and minimise your new shape. There are some wonderful maternity styles currently available that celebrate your shape, accentuating those womanly curves and minimising those flabby parts that we like to hide - all available in some wonderful exciting colours that reflect what's currently hot on the fashion runways across the globe.

Maternity wear in Australia has become an integral part of the fashion savvy mum-to-be wardrobe. Here is our list of essential maternity items:

Maternity jeans - invest in a couple of really good maternity jeans for best fit and cutting edge style

Maternity Pants - a couple of pairs of basic work maternity pants will ensure comfort whilst at work

Maternity Dresses - a good wrap dress can be worn over pants or maternity jeans and be dressed up or down and will 'grow' with your body

Maternity Lingerie - great fitting maternity bras that ooze sex appeal are fantastic to remind you that you are beautiful and sexy!

Maternity Nursing Tops - offer excellent value as many offer built in bras that can be worn during pregnancy and then afterwards for breastfeeding

Maternity Blouses - cute + colourful maternity blouses will brighten up a pair of basic pants or maternity jeans and enhance your new 'glowing' skin

Now that you have a better idea for what maternity clothing you will need - the real fun begins! There are some wonderful maternity wear, maternity clothing and maternity designs + labels on the market right now and overseas maternity labels are all accessible at Sweet Lilly Maternity.

Congratulations and good luck with your pregnancy.

From all at Sweet Lilly xx

Pavlina's Pregnancy Journal - Month 9 and the Birth!

Pav and Baby Isabella

The last month was not fun at all. My rash has spread all over my body except my face and became absolutely unbearable. The itchiness drove me mad. I couldn’t sleep. I woke up at 1am every night my body shaking and didn’t sleep since then; ended up having bath around 6am and then went back to bed, slept until 9am, getting up totally exhausted. I wore cotton gloves to protect myself from using my nails. My husband quite often held my hands so I didn’t scratch myself. But it was impossible. I had bruises all over my legs just from scratching. I’ve tried everything to calm it down but nothing worked.

My doctor said that the rash will disappear a few days after the labour. It’s called PUPPP and there’s no medication for it. Only about 1% of pregnant women get this nasty rash. Hmmm…why it had to be me….???
Even though I didn’t want to, I ended up taking antihistamine tablets at night to give me at least a few hours of sleep. My doctor assure me that 1 tablet a day won’t hurt my baby.

Before I went on my maternity leave I had lots of plans in my mind, what I’m going to do in the 3 weeks before my labour. I’ve done nothing, except of painting one picture for our nursery. I had no energy at all. I managed to do my final maternity shopping online at Sweet Lilly Maternity, purchasing maternity nursing tanks and maternity tops for the hospital. I also bought some gorgeous breastfeeding tops and nursing dresses and pyjamas to make breastfeeding a little easier in public. My husband bought me a lovely maternity evening dress from Lilly B for me to wear after the birth so that we can go out and celebrate in style! I also found some lovely newborn wraps and clothing for the new baby at Sweet Lilly Maternity so I would really recommend this site to all new mums to be.

I finally had my C-section on the 5th April but could't wait for the day to arrive.

4th April in the afternoon I started feeling contractions. It wouldn’t stop. I was booked in the Hornsby hospital which is about 40min drive from our place. My husband was terrified, grabbed my hospital bag and placed it in our front room so it’s ready if we need to go earlier. I had my contractions all night, luckily not too regular.
The next day we got to the hospital about 11am. They did all the checking (temperature, blood pressure, etc) and then we waited and waited. I was so exhausted from all the sleepless nights that I wasn’t as scared as I thought I’d be. I just wished it was over so I can get some sleep. My husband was very brave, showed no fear and was my big support during the whole time. I think not only mothers but also fathers deserve a medal after the birth of their little ones.
Finally at about 2.30pm we went to the operation theatre and I got a spinal injection that numbed me from stomach down. At 2.58pm our little daughter was born weighing 3.58kg and measuring 47cm. It was a fantastic, very happy, very emotional and unforgettable moment. A moment when you do forget about your pain, about your rash about everything bad, because by looking at the little bundle all you can think of is “it was worth it”. She’s absolutely gorgeous. I can stare at her for hours.

Just make me wonder how two totally average and ordinary people could produce something so beautiful and perfect…..

Shop at Sweet Lilly Maternity for Australia's premier online maternity store, now showing hot maternity clothing sourced from around the globle. Shop for best fitting maternity jeans, maternity tops, maternity party dresses, maternity lingerie, breastfeeding tops and dresses, maternity pants and baby clothes. Maternity wear has never looked so good and many of our maternity labels have been imported from overseas. Maternity clothes and maternity clothing has been taken to a new level with great labels such as Lilly B, Maternal America, Lauren Kiyomi and Mama Black New York to name a few. Other Australian favourites include Ripe Maternity, Soon Melbourne Maternity and HOTmilk Lingerie from New Zealand.

Pavlina's Pregnancy Journal - Month 8

Had my last ultrasound this week. My baby has grown so much since last time that we could hardly see anything. Just parts of her body we couldn’t really recognize. Because of her position they couldn’t even tell us if it’s a girl or a boy. Luckily from the doctor’s point of view everything looked fine. (Apart from the fact that she’s turned 180 degrees the wrong way around – head-up instead of down. That means she will have to be delivered by caesarian).

I feel like the skin on my belly can’t stretch any more…I was wrong. Now I really feel like I am a house (for the baby). A mobile house. I’ve also developed the penguin walk and can’t remember the last time I saw my feet. I’ve stopped weighing myself because I can’t see the numbers on the scales any more! I can’t sleep at night; it’s really hard to find a comfortable position and when I manage to fall asleep I’m waken up by the urge of emptying my bladder or by cramps in my leg. And I've also developed a nasty rash on my tummy; it’s horribly itchy, 24/7. But other than that, I can’t really complain… That’s the beauty of the third trimester.

Due to the expansion of my stomach, I've been buying lots more maternity clothes at my favourite maternity stores. Online stores seem to work best for me as it takes up a lot less time and I can always send them back if they don't fit right. This month I purchased some white cropped Maternity jeans and a great silk maternity top from Sweet Lilly Maternity, both of them available at Sweet Lilly Maternity. They have a great selection of cool maternity wear. I've also bought some maternity lingerie and maternity swimwear. I didn't realise how great maternity clothing could make you feel. At last, lots of room to move!

If I thought last month that people around me are exaggerating about my size…well now it became a hell. People are stopping me on the street, in shops, in lifts; they’re not asking me any more, but telling me, I must be due NOW! I’m leaving shocked faces and open mouths behind me. Clients at work are jumping from their chairs when I bring them cup of coffee, saying “Oh my God, women, sit down and put your feet up”. I tried to calm them down saying I have still 8 weeks to go but they don’t seems to believe me.
Only my husband and my hairdresser are not saying that I’m too big. My husband doesn’t because he’s a real English gentleman. And my hairdresser doesn’t because she put on 35kg when she was pregnant with her child. She brought me a picture of her when she was 7 month pregnant and I didn’t recognize her…There was this huge women on the photo who looked nothing like my hairdresser. That’s what I call big! But she’s lost all the weight and laughs about it now. She said to me “If you feel down because you think you’re too big, just remember me and I’m sure you’ll feel better”. I wish I could have my hair done every second day. Its funny cos, whenever I feel down, a bit of retail therapy always seems to lift my spirits. Now I'm an expert on cool maternity wear or clothes that look good as maternity clothing.

Month 5

Finally had my appointment in hospital. Have to say I wasn’t very excited as I assumed I will get some useful information about my pregnancy and labor but instead, I spent 3 hours (!!!) filling forms with a midwife. Not fun. Hopefully the next one will be better.
Also had another ultrasound. This time my husband was very brave and showed no sweat or fast heartbeat. Hold my hand all the time while watching how our girl (YES, it’s a GIRL!) has grown. I was little bit scared and awfully nervous but luckily everything looked fine. It was big relieve for both of us and I was, first time, truly very happy and excited.
As everything went so well, it’s time to do some shopping…
Bought some beautiful maternity tops and maternity pants from Sweet Lilly Maternity. They fit perfectly and are so comfortable and will last for a while even though I grow every hour and the material is very nice too…just everything you need if you want to feel great (as much as your big belly allows). Definitely not a waste of money.
My husband was impressed (started calling me yummy mummy) and I even had some nice comments from his friends. That felt fantastic! So I told him to buy me some more maternity clothes. He was pretty interested in buying me some maternity lingerie!

I will also need something for our company’s Xmas party and my friend’s wedding I’ll be going to in January. I’ve already spotted some…Girls, don’t be afraid to spent some money. It’s not a waste, it’s an investment. You’re worth it! Have you seen the Broderie Dress by Ripe Maternity on the Sweet Lilly Maternity site? I think it will be the one I’m going to get… There are some wonderful maternity designs around. Have you looked in Cosmopolitan Pregnancy Magazine? There is so much choice! I never realised that there was so much choice in maternity wear. There are also some very beautiful maternity party dresses and maternity evening wear, as well great functional maternity wear for the office.


Prenatal Tests Week 17-20:
Ultrasound
- This time the doctor will do thorough examination of your baby’s heart, kidneys, liver, bladder and checks for any abnormalities

Pavlina's Pregnancy Journal - Month 6

Month 6

Another doctor’s visit. Since my last experience with the midwife I was glad that every future visit I’m going to see a doctor. Don’t get me wrong, I do believe midwifes are well educated and experience professionals but for some reason I found myself feeling ‘safer’ by talking to a doctor. This time there’re no tests. Basically your doctor check your blood pressure, listens your baby’s heart beating and ask you if you have any problems or generally how you feel.
I’ve chosen a public hospital, instead of private (mainly for financial reason). That means you can’t choose your doctor, so most likely you have a different doctor on every visit.
So far I had a good experience, as both my doctors were very nice and thorough. The only annoying thing I found is, that they don’t read your file beforehand; they read it in front of you and if you had some medical problems in your past, they ask you the same questions every time and you have to explain everything again and again.

Having crazy dreams every night. Don’t think I rest at all as my dreams are keeping me pretty busy all night. It’s all kind of dreams. In the beginning they were mostly erotic dreams. (Like it wasn’t enough that I can’t stop thinking about sex during day). These dreams feel fantastic! The erotic fantasy life of a pregnant woman has no boundaries. They’re not ordinary, they are nothing like a romantic flirt from 17th century. They’re about the actual sex act and they feel like they REALLY happened when you wake up. In those dreams I had ‘affairs’ not just with my husband, but also with several different women, friends, colleagues, neighbors or total strangers.
I’m also having ‘normal life’ dreams about traveling, playing sports, partying, etc. They’re sometimes totally crazy, or totally real or sometimes so upsetting that I wake up crying.
Oh my…and I still have 4 months to go….

I've been online shopping again at Sweet Lilly Maternity and have found more gorgeous maternity clothes and maternity jeans. The maternity jeans didn't fit quite so well as I had hoped so I returned them for the smaller size and they now fit perfect. I also bought some great maternity nursing bras and lingerie (to go with my erotic dreams!) and some lovely maternity dresses for work.

Prenatal Tests Week 21-24:
Blood pressure

Month 4

I’m not as sick any more. My husband showed me he can cope more than well…has been very patient, learnt to ignore my moodiness, always stops (immediately) when I need to wee (about every 20 min) and always makes sure I get lots of food (at least every hour), to avoid any breakdowns.
I can’t fit in my clothes any more…first crisis…went shopping, looking like I’ve grown beer belly but keep forgetting it and asking for size 6 even though I can’t fit into size 8 any more.
Feeling down just walking into maternity clothes shops… Decided to shop online.
Found a very good web site called Sweet Lilly Maternity (http://sweetlillymaternity.com.au), offering not only very trendy maternity clothes but also baby clothes and cosmetics (something I’ll need in near future..).

Another message for all pregnant women!! Do not hesitate to spoil yourself. This is the time of your life when you need it most. Go to a hairdresser; buy new shoes, go to see a concert, have your facial done, and BUY NEW MATERNITY CLOTHES!
Trust me you’ll feel fantastic for at least half an hour every time after you bought something for yourself. Feels like nice food on empty stomach (at least for me who eats a lot)

Prenatal Tests - Week 13-16:
Amniocentesis
- It’s a test that determines whether your baby has genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, such a Down syndrome
- Firstly the doctor uses ultrasound to pinpoint a pocket of amniotic fluid a safe distance from both the baby and the placenta
- The doctor takes a sample of your amniotic fluid by inserting a long, thin needle through your abdominal wall and into the sac of fluid around your baby; withdrawing the fluid should take less then 30 seconds
- There is a slight risk of miscarriage

Month 3

I became a sleeping and eating machine plus an emotional bomb – all in once. My hormones are so active that I can manage during (just) one day, laugh, cry and get angry for absolutely no reason. It’s like being constantly premenstrual.
I read a book about pregnancy. There was a chapter where husbands were describing their feelings and experience with their pregnant wives. One of them suggested this chapter should be titled WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH MY WIFE. I think that’s a perfect description. Suddenly there is this barrier between you and your husband and you each feel like living in different world. You don’t understand why he wants to watch the stupid TV show instead of discussing important things, like what name we’re going to choose for your baby. On the other hand he doesn’t understand why you’re so moody and how come you came home so grumpy even though you were totally fine in the morning. Why you constantly talk about strollers, cots and baby clothes when you have still 7 months to go. Basically all YOU want is a response and cooperation (and you want it now!) and all HE wants is his ‘old’ wife back and no differences in his life.

I had my first ultrasound done. It was amazing to actually see what’s going on inside me. My husband was there with me (at least physically), he looked very pale and his heart was beating fast (he hates hospitals). But it was incredible experience for both of us. It’s a fantastic feeling, especially when you see your baby moving. Our looked like it was doing somersaults there. (And we wanted a quiet one; DOH).
My 12th week test’s results were good so thanks God I didn’t have to have amniocentesis done. I was very glad, just imagination of somebody sticking a long needle into my belly was giving me goose bumps.

My bump is really starting to show now so I suppose I should be on the look out for some cool maternity clothes. I really need some materity skirts and maternity pants for work. Does anybody know of anywhere that sells some pretty cool maternity wear?

Prenatal Tests Week 9-12:
Nuchal fold and first trimester combined screening test

- It’s a combination of blood test and ultrasound; these test give you an indication of your baby’s risk for chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome
- The blood test measure two proteins in your blood
- The screening (ultrasound) measures thickness of your baby’s neck (its nuchal fold area)
- The doctor will put that measurement into formula along with your age, baby’s gestational age and your blood test result and give you a ratio that expresses your baby’s chances for having a chromosomal defects
- If you have an abnormal result, the doctor probably recommends another test called amniocentesis and also consultation with a genetic counselor