I can’t believe it but these photos were taken two years ago while vacationing in Puglia, Italy! What I can’t believe even more, I am still wearing this Felicity & Coco dress. When I purchased it I knew it would be a favorite of mine – it is simple, timeless, light, and wearable. What I didn’t expect, to be wearing it two years later while pregnant. I really can’t explain the diversity of this dress! It comes in a few colors (my mom and sister-in-law have all purchased it) and is easily dressed up with simple heels or down with strappy sandals. Oh, and did I mention how comfortable it is? Comfortable clothing has always been important to me but it is now more than ever. Whether you are expecting a child, heading on a vacation, or you just want the perfect spring/summer/fall dress this dress (under $90) won’t let you down!
How Not To Get Stretch Marks When Pregnant
products pictured // Beauty Counter Baby Oil, Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter
Stretch Mark: A dreaded product of pregnancy. There are so many articles out there on different ways to avoid getting stretch marks. I mean, you can really hear some crazy suggestions if you just google for it. I truly believe they are due to many different aspects, one being heredity. That being said, this post can’t guarantee you won’t get them during your pregnancy, but I did want to share the products I am using and tips I have heard that I believe have really helped me avoid these little creatures.
- HYDRATION – This is seriously key! Throughout your entire pregnancy, to avoid stretch marks or not you should really up your water intake. I try to drink about 2-3L of Evian a day and I can really tell a big difference in my energy level, my skin, and my overall well-being. Every doctor will tell you this is a key necessity to your pregnancy. You can also do research and learn that hydrated skin is easier to stretch which can help avoid stretch marks.
2. Mama Mio Tummy Rub Oil – I use a LOT of different (and baby safe) oils on my belly. I have tried around four and one I really swear by is this one by Mama Mio. I first heard of Mama Mio when I read an article saying Khloe Kardashian used it on her neck after stealing it from Kourtney when she was pregnant. The Mama Mio products are really nourishing and rub in very well. I can tell a big difference when I don’t use it!
Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Balm – Most women are so concerned about preventing stretch marks on their belly’s that they forget their breast. You forget that they can grow up to three sizes larger during pregnancy. That is a LOT of growing and stretching! I double up on this Mama Mio Nipple balm and the Mama Mio oil every night. I rub it together put it all over my breast so that I can help them also avoid getting stretch marks. It is the most hydrating combination I have tried thus far. Another fun fact – Being that I have large breast I get fine lines near my cleavage. I put it on my chest too and have really noticed a HUGE difference in the disappearance of those fine lines and the overall smoothness of my chest skin.
Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter – This is actually the very first product I purchased for stretch marks. I used it by itself for a really long time before I added oil. It is so rich and hydrating but I felt like I wanted something to in addition with it to make it go on smoother. Now, I put the oil on first and then layer this on top as a barrier to keep all the moisture and oil on the skin.
Beauty Counter Baby Oil – This is marketed as baby oil but after posting it on my Instagram everyone was saying they loved it for themselves when pregnant. Even my sister said she used it on her belly. After further googling I have even read that people use it for the eczema! I absolutely love this oil because not only it is Beauty Counter (which means it is safe and clean) it is also lighter than the other oils. It goes on so well and really seeps into the skin quickly. I plan to always have this on stock, be it for me or the baby. I will use this and then add the Mama Mio butter on top.
Coconut Oil – If you aren’t in the market to buy these other products Coconut oil has a ton of advantages and is 100% clean and safe. One of its many advantages is its reputation for preventing stretch marks. Because of its high amount of Vitamin E research has said it is an excellent fighter in the battle with stretch marks.