856 pancakes later and I’m back from my Babymoon! I’ve definitely expanded over the last 2 weeks and I’m going to be honest and say I’m not sure what’s baby and what’s carbs right now. I have so much exciting content coming your way with a HUGE guide to New England as well as where to stay, where to eat and things to do, but first, I want to chat about the minefield that is packing for your babymoon and how to find that perfect swimwear option for you’re growing bump. As someone who has a larger chest, I’ve always found shopping for swimwear quite challenging, add an ever-growing bump to that scenario and it’s even harder to commit to one style. I’m a bikini girl all day long as I find swimsuits make me look shorter than I am and I’m all for less pesky tan lines. I decided to go for a bikini over a swimsuit because I actually think that less fabric is more flattering in this case with the bonus of getting more of a golden glow. That being said, it would be wrong to say I wasn’t slightly nervous to bare the bump and I’m not ashamed to say I 100% overpacked.
When Danish brand Hunkemoller got in touch to propose a collaboration, I was over the moon as I was having no luck finding a bikini I felt comfortable in. I decided on a stunning pale pink bikini from the Doutzen Stories range. Triangle bikinis are my go-to style as I find they offer support and are adjustable which makes them perfect for an expanding body. Comfort is key when you are embracing your changing shape and this bikini ticks all the boxes. While this bikini isn’t maternity, I opted for a large top and medium bottoms and it offered the perfect fit. Now if like me, you may not have heard of the Hunkemoller brand before, there’s a small chance you have heard of Doutzen (only one of the sexiest Victoria Secret models around) and her swimwear and beachwear collection is truly dreamy.
I usually mix and match my bikini collection with both designer and high street pieces. My love of triangle designs means I can get away without spending a fortune and usually find some cute options in H and M and New Look but then I’m always tempted by a Heidi Klein or Mellissa Odabash number. The Doutzen Stories collection falls somewhere in between designer and high street prices and this particular piece hits the £48 mark. I didn’t know what to expect from this range, but I was suitably impressed. I was delighted with the fit and the quality was superb. What I loved the most was the attention to detail that had gone into this piece, the colour was the most delicate pink/peach tone that looks great with a tan and the texture was reminiscent of a mermaid’s tail. The gold accents were a nice finishing touch.
I love the freedom of wearing a bikini but wearing one for the first time was slightly nerve-racking and I was thankful that our hotel pool was really secluded. I did wear this to the beach, but I made sure I had a kaftan at the ready to throw on to grab a bite to eat at the bar. While my waistline has gradually disappeared and there is a noticable bump, I’m also aware that while I feel a lot bigger than usual, this is the smallest I’m going to be and things are going to constantly change/grow over the next 5 months. So, I’m embracing these changes and grateful that stretch marks and leaking boobs are not yet problems to contend with.
Have you any tips for baring the bump? Are you a bikini or a one piece lover?
I wore bikinis during both pregnancies and in between babies. Unfortunately fletcher ruined that and I’m now confined to one pieces impossible to remove when wet! My only advice with the triangle bikinis is, as your boobs will only likely get bigger, you may find they they start to cut in on the neck when supporting more weight, so maybe keep a couple of shoulder strap numbers on hand. I am speaking from big breasted experience too!
You look amazing babe, enjoy it xxx
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Such good advice! I totally know what you mean about the neck strain! xxx