Top notch: A nursing bra tank-top is just one of the items on offer from Once Born's mail order catalogue, an Irish company offering "discreet and stylish" nursing accessories.
Apart from clothes with three different types of openings designed to avoid having to unbutton, untuck or lift up clothing to feed a baby, Once Born also stocks "Bravado" nursing bras in zany floral or leopard prints that are a blend of mostly cotton and spandex with snap-down cups and adjustable shoulder straps. In small, medium or large, they cost €35, with matching bikini briefs or thongs €15 each. Order by fax or phone at 01-6675953 or view website www.onceborn.com
BLOOMING DAY
In keeping with the current vogue for close-fitting maternity wear, Irish label Blooming is also tightening up its line, and a couple of items in its winter collection get it right, such as this black jersey asymmetrical dress with low-slung "underbump" belt, €95
EMPIRE STATE
Diane Von Furstenburg is a name that can't be separated from the wrap dress, that all-purpose favourite that works particularly well on some pregnant woman. It remains one of the best sellers at Bella Mamma's chic maternity wear boutique in Dublin's Ranelagh, but this season from the same designer there are black silk jersey evening dresses and multi-coloured sequinned tops that look great with jeans. But for real dash, nothing beats a great red dress, and this empire line number from US label Chaiken trimmed with satin ribbons and bows would certainly make any mother-to-be stand out from the crowd. €395 from Bella Mamma, The Triangle, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 (01-4968598)