Christine Kininmonth (pronounced KINN-IN-MONTH), Sydney newsreader for Australia's Sky News television channel thought it up when she was pregnant in 1996.

She was keen to stay in her suits for on-air work and hand-sewed a prototype. When the tenth person said "what a great idea" she decided to bring out a commercial version (under the name Belly Belt).

A maternity lingerie company that specializes in comfortable bras refined her prototype.

Q2. Is it safe for baby/comfortable for mother?

The widest lingerie elastic available is used for safety and comfort.

It's really no different to wearing elasticised pants or skirts. Belly Belt expands with the tummy, and doesn't press it in. The design has been endorsed by the Australian Society of Independent Midwives and is recommended by the Nursing Mothers Association of Australia. It's been used by doctors and obstetricians and brochures are displayed at a growing number of maternity hospitals.

Q3. Sometimes women put on weight on their legs and bottoms, not just their tummies. Will Belly Belt work then?

Yes, although probably not for as long.

It depends on the person, their pregnancy and their wardrobe (how loose or stretchy the garments are in the first place.)

Women who put more weight on in mid-pregnancy can opt to wear the Belly Belt with larger normal clothes, or switch to maternity wear. On the other hand, some women can use Belly Belt right up until the last couple of weeks of pregnancy.

Our motto is "if you can get it over your thighs, we'll look after the belly."

Belly Belt is also ideal for just after birth, as the belly returns towards normal size.

Q4. Some women get very large with twins. Will Belly Belt work then?

Yes, same rule as above. And if the largest belt still proves too small, the belts can be buttoned together for extra length

All types.

It's very popular with businesswomen. More affluent women love it because it increases the choice in their wardrobe, and they can wear "labels". The Belly Belt Slide is best for this as the hook and clasp is mostly found on more formal wear than casual wear.

Less affluent women love it because it's affordable and they can manage their expenditure on their maternity wardrobe.

All women love it because it fills the gap (psychological and physical) between finding out they're pregnant and wanting to wear maternity clothing.

Even women who are not pregnant and some men buy the product to wear clothes they no longer fit!

Belly Belt is distributed in America by Condell Projex Distribution under a distribution agreement.

Condell Projex Distribution has been introducing new ideas into countries around the Pacific Rim for some years now, and it is pleased to support this unique product in America.

Belly Belt® is available at over 1,200 stores nationwide in the USA and Canada.

If you are interested in reselling Belly Belt®, please email us.