Yes, these are a wonderful invention—it evolved from a tube top, no less!

Just google “belly band tutorial” and you’ll get several good & very easy hits to other sites so that you can make/sew your own, for much less.  I picked up some poly/cotton/spandex material at Joanns for about $7 per yard & made 4 black and 4 white bands for myself and my 3 pregnant friends, for less than $16 & less than an hour.

These are *wonderful* for nursing, as well.  No matter how discreet I think I’m being, I always feel like my back is drafty & exposed.  With my homemade bands, I can just take up the extra “stretched out” material with one straight stitch & it’s good for the post-partum period.

Hallie, I forgot to include this:

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!

Congratulations, Hallie!

Congratulations!  I made a kinda-sorta version of the bella band with some of my little boys’ outgrown t-shirts.  I cut the top of the shirt off just under the armpits, leaving a tube of jersey material.  The shirt was size 3T, a smaller size would have been better.  What I made was constantly riding up in the back, so I had to readjust my pants just about every time I stood up after sitting down.  BUT for free I’d say it worked well enough.    Thankfully I don’t need it anymore- I’m finally to the point where I look pregnant and not like I over-indulged through the holidays.    Best wishes to you for a happy and healthy pregnancy!

Bella Band makes another version that is sold at Target, for about $15 I believe. I think it’s called the “B Band” or something like that. Mine served me O.K. I would say. I’m not totally against them, just thought they could have been a little better. Mine stretched out too quick, but I used it for both pregnancies to make sure I got my money’s worth!

Post-partum, I invested in a Squeem girdle - and IT WAS WORTH EVERY DOLLAR! It really helped hold in my baby tummy and provided back support. Plus, it doesn’t have painful wires in it, which can poke you in the sides. I’m not skinny by any means, but it really helped my belly go down. I actually found mine for 50% off on Amazon.

congrats!!!

and me too!!  well, i’m still in the yucky tummy part…. ugh!

i’ve been thinking about a belly band for a bit further down the line…  but the belly band tutorial sounds awesome!

Congratulations to you, Hallie and family!!! How beautiful and exciting.

I used a Bella Band in my last pregnancy, and the trouble I had with it was that every time I sat down, the band would shift and my pants would poke out from under it in the back, and consequently, when I stood back up, I had to readjust the whole thing. It made for a lot of annoying tugging and pulling—not to mention that people probably wondered what on earth I was doing!

So, if you have any suggestions on combatting this problem, I would appreciate it!

We love the Rockstar Maternity Bling Tee too!  I wear mine all of the time.  I’m due this summer!  Thanks for including us on your site! 

Jackie - Mom & Owner
BabyAndMeGifts.com

http://www.babyandmegifts.com/products/Rockstar-Maternity-Bling-Tee-by-Noktup.html

Congratulations, Hallie! I am in the same boat - due at the end of the summer, first trimester stomach issues subsiding (I hope!) and struggling with my non-maternity pants. I actually broke out maternity pants for the first time this morning. My jeans are still fitting (for the time being) but with my last pregnancy, I would do the “hold the button together with a hair elastic and wear a long shirt” trick. I have such a short torso that I am not convinced that the Bella band will work. :(

Congratulations!

My biggest recommendation for summer pregnancies is to wear as many skirts as possible! They’re easy, cool for summer’s heat, and (if you watch for the right kinds, with elastic waists) fit all the way through pregnancy and beyond without any problems.

Congrats Hallie! I’m due late, late summer as well! Maybe it’s because I’m a little bigger, but the belly band isn’t perfect for me. Every time I go to the bathroom I have to reset it and it just doesn’t ever seem to go back to the right spot.
I hope you have much better success with it! And that your tummy gets better quickly!

Congratulations, Hallie and thanks for this post! I’m due with my first child the first week of August and haven’t moved out of my regular clothes yet - but they sure are getting snug! I’m going shopping for maternity clothes tomorrow, but they belly band is a great idea for the in between period. Thanks and congrats again!

Congratulations!

I think someone may have mentioned it already, but it’s worth saying again in my opinion! Bella Bands are AMAZING…the problem is that they can be a little pricey. There are many tutorials available to make your own and save upwards of $19. It’s not difficult to do even for a beginner sewer so please don’t be intimidated by it!!

I would have never splurged on this but w/ baby#5 my sister was tired of seeing me with my rubber bands during the first trimester trying to stretch out the use of my regular jeans she bought me a bella band…WHY DID I NOT BUY ONE OF THESE SOONER?
love it!! Now that I am postpartum I am wearing it to transition back into my regular jeans

We are so excited that our Rockstar Maternity Bling T-Shirt has been featured on this blog post that we have marked it down to $29.99 from $38.00 just for you guys!
http://www.babyandmegifts.com/products/Rockstar-Maternity-Bling-Tee-by-Noktup.html

Be sure to check out our Spring Giveaway and our BabyLegs Clearance sale too!

Congratulations Hallie!

Thanks again,

Jackie - Mom and Owner
BabyAndMeGifts.com

Hallie,

Congratulations! I’m so excited for you!

I never bought the Bella Band, but I did use a rubber band—I fashioned a little loop to expand my button. With pants having a lower-rise these days, it got me through my first trimester.

You are sweet to call me a rock star. I can’t wait to read all about your pregnant fashion sense—you inspire us so!

Congratulations! That’s wonderful!!

Congratulations!  I was “yucky tummy” all the way through all 4 of my successful pregnancies, so I am always happy to hear someone is feeling better!  May God bless your growing family.

I love my Bella Band.  I didn’t get it until the end of my last pregnancy and so I look forward to having it for the beginning next time around.  While it’s not perfect, can ride up or bunch up depending on activity, I do think it was worth it to me for the sake of comfort.  I really despise the end of my pregnancies when my pants, skirts, etc. constantly slide down under my stomach and get all bunchy and start sagging.  It really bugs me.  The Bella Band helped a lot with making my stuff stay up and offering a bit of comfort during a super uncomfortable time.  I also like that it’s tight around my stomach, something about that gave me a sense of stability.

Congratulations!  I love my maternity wardrobe, and own 3 bella bands, by Pea in the Pod (which is got for FREE at our local pregnancy center!)  I am constantly looking for maternity clothes at our local Goodwill and St. Vincent de Paul.  I have found the most beautiful clothes there, and have around 3 giant boxes full of cute finds.  I had three little ones in 3.5 years, and look forward to more in the future.  Though we are waiting (due to health issues) I really enjoy lending my maternity wardrobe out.  It’s so nice to see others get excited when they open the boxes and find really cute clothes that flatter their precious goods:) 
Great maternity accessories: EARRINGS!!  Scarves, chunky glasses, great shoes, solid color shirts that have some sort of added flair, like a boat neck or ruffled shoulders.  But seriously, a great pair of earrings, some blush and lipstick, and your a transformed woman!  All the best to each of your carrying life.  I will pray that each day is a blessing. 
MNS

Congratulations, Hallie!  I LOVE THIS COLUMN!!! You always point out fabulous new (or old) things I’ve never heard of.  Glad you are feeling better.

I saw this years ago and thought it was an overpriced gimmick. I bought one last year with baby #12 and just loved it for 1st trimester as well as AFTER BABY TUMMY. It was worth every penny. I would love to design one for young girls to cover up their tummy’s or cover their back sides with those low rider jeans!!! +JMJ+

A friend bought me a bella band during my 1st pregnancy.  I loved it so much, I went out and bought one of the cheaper versions at Motherhood Maternity.  They do seem a little thinner than the brand name, but still totally worth it in my book.  They’ve both lasted 6 years and 3 pregnancies, and I lent them to a friend who is currently expecting.    I did notice that Target recently came out with some too, but I don’t have any experience with those.  Love your column and blog!

I love all the baby announcements we get on F&F - CONGRATULATIONS!

I forgot to tell you my favorite new baby item…Target tank nursing bra!!! I live in it; sleep, play, and even walk on the treadmill with it on!!! Well worth the money!!!

http://www.target.com/Gilligan-OMalley-Women’s-Sling-Nursing/dp/B000KLXGNC/ref=sc_pd_gwvub_2_title?ie=UTF8&pf_rd_r=3D1B0066F62B4F168B62&pf_rd_m=A1VC38T7YXB528&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000LFSJ5M&pf_rd_p=58371022&pf_rd_s=bottom-4

Congratulations!!! I was wondering what happened to you (I SO look forward to your weekly articles here and of course your blog!) and I’m so excited for you and your family!

I also LOVE my Bella band! It’s kept me from breaking down crying, esp. during those post-partum months right after when you’re sick of wearing your maternity stuff, but can’t quite fit back into regular clothes (or at least the ones you own).

My internet access has been sporadic lately, so I’m a little late in telling you CONGRATULATIONS!