Mermaid Maternity Swimwear Giveaway

Summer is here and with it usually comes the opportunity to go swimming. If you're anything like me, dawning a bathing suit in public is a nauseating proposition at the best of times, but it was downright scary when I was pregnant.

I never did invest in a maternity bathing suit, it just seemed so frivolous. I actually wore my one piece when I was around 30 weeks pregnant and thought the jaws of life were going to have to be used to get me out of it. So I just didn't swim again. It was a shame because I loved swimming when I was pregnant. I felt so cool, so light, so buoyant.

So when Nicole from Mermaid Maternity approached me to do a giveaway, I was all, "hell ya".

I think the thing that got me was when she wrote, "My goal is to give women more options in what they can wear to the beach or pool so they will feel comfortable and confident. Our swimwear separates include swim shorts, board shorts, swim skirts, swim 'skorts', rash guards, and tankinis. We don't just mimic what all the other maternity swimwear brands are doing. We really think about what real pregnant women need and want (rather than what will look hot on a size 2 model w/ a fake belly)."

Here are just a few of the great things they carry:

Maternity Rash Guard Swim Shirt: Great for extra coverage or sun protection. The drawstring allows you to create a custom fit that grows with your belly, and also ensures that your top won’t float up in the water because that's such a *charming* look. It is designed to be worn over a bikini top, sports bra, or regular bra – a great solution for women who prefer the fit and support of their own bra or bikini top. Brilliant.

Maternity Hipster Swim Brief: These have a low cut waist to sit comfortably below your belly, and a lower cut leg and a full coverage back so you don’t have to worry about it creeping up. It's a nice hybrid of something that comfortably covers your ass but doesn't look like an old lady girdle.

Tie Back Maternity Tankini: This top can be worn 3 different ways: Halter style, Criss Cross Back, or Straight Back. Again, the drawstring hem to prevent shirt floating. The soft cup bra and adjustable ties provide support. I especially love the slight cleavage cover so you get the look of the halter without the giant-boob show at the family beach outing.

Fold Over Panel Maternity Board Shorts: These bad boys are generously cut through the seat and hips with a stretchy spandex fold over panel that can be worn up for maximum belly coverage, or folded down to sit under the belly. They also feature an attached panty, a longer inseam, and white contrast stitching. I think I just love these so much because you can look like you're wearing shorts and a tee, yet you can go in the water.

Wrap Around Bandeau Maternity Tankini Top: I think it would be really hard to look like a floating pig in this one. How pretty is this?! This top features 2 long ties that wrap around the bust and tie at the waist yet still provides maximum boob coverage. It has a soft cup shelf bra and adjustable straps to provide support and the straps can be worn straight or crossed. It says it can also be worn post-partum – I would consider me post-partum even though my youngest son is turning four this month. Winner I say.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I really wish I had invested in a maternity swimsuit. I loved swimming when I was pregnant, even if it was just to feel weightless for a while (I always felt like Shamu trying get out of the water but that's beside the point). Plus, I could have worn it for both of my pregnancies AND it would have come in handy after I had both kids. 

Alas, that ship has sailed but YOU, my darling, can win a $100 gift certificate to spend at Mermaid Maternity! Toot! Toot! 

All you have to do is visit the site, then come back here and tell me what you'd spend your gift certificate on. I'll pick a random winner next Wednesday (June 20th).

While you're at it, check these guys out on Facebook too. They have great contests and discount codes listed, and you can see the rave reviews from other women.

Good luck!