October 2007 - Posts

• Scrub-a-Dub, Mom's in the Tub!

  I'm just going to come right out with it. The bathroom is my sanctuary. There. I said it. I don't mean sanctuary in the way guys do -- when they go in with their cell phones and newspapers and Maxims.... I mean that whenever I am feeling overwhelmed or overly stressed -- overloaded in any way -- I escape to the depths of my bathtub. It's easy for me -- I'm not pregnant, so there's no limit to how hot my water can be or what essential oils I can use. But when you are pregnant, you don't want to put anything on your body that might harm your baby -- and likewise, you don't want to put your body in anything that might do the same. So I've scoped out a few of my favorite products for you mamas-to-be who love the bathroom (and tub) as much as I do: Blooming Body Soothing Sitz Bath It's true, pregnancy often triggers the hemmies (er, hemorrhoids). But a sitz bath can help, and this one by Blooming Body's calendula and comfrey leaf soaks provide the healing power you need to calm that booty down.   Belli Cosmetics Pampered Pregnancy Body Wash Like all body washes, this one can be used as a bubble bath as well. The lavender will soothe and calm your nerves while green tea and cucumber work their anti-inflammatory magic.     Bod Stretchmark Oil Obviously, this one isn't for soaking in -- but it falls within the bathroom realm, so here it is. The frankincense and rosewood oils actually help your skin to grow with your body, instead of stretching over it. I haven't been able to find it in the States, so if anyone has a source State-side, let me know and I'll post it. Noodle & Boo Sugar Mama Honey bar Everyone needs a little sugar now and then -- and the honey in this body bar provides an ultra-moisturizing treatment that also rebalances your skin's natural pH levels.   Basq Sweet Dreams Aromatherapy Blend One of my favorite things to do is drizzle a little sweet almond oil into my bath, along with a few drops of essential oil. Basq makes it easy on you by picking the perfect essential oils for bump-safe bathing. (I'd avoid adding the oil to your bath, however, unless you are really keen on a slippery tub bottom!)   Bliss Foot Patrol I've been pushing this stuff on everyone I meet lately, that's how much I love it! I've actually thrown out all my pumice stones thanks to this gem of a product. I soak in the bath for a while, then get out and take a few minutes to slather the lotion onto my feet -- my callouses are diminishing as we speak!   Posted Oct 25 2007, 01:38 PM by Megan with no comments Filed under: Pregnancy, bath products, picks, bath, bathing, beauty

• LBBDs (Little Black Belly Dresses)

  I can hardly believe it, but the holiday season is looming. Kind of like a Goodyear blimp, just circling the stadium, endlessly, loooooooming. That means party season is also looming. (Is there something bigger than a blimp? That's how large it looms!) Don't get me wrong, I love the fall and winter holidays -- it's my favorite time of year, a time during which I feel exhilirated, excited and full of hope. And, okay, the parties are fun, too. I usually take party season as an excuse to buy myself one really fabulous new outfit -- and failing that, I at least treat myself to a piece of jewelry I've been coveting or shoes after which I've been lusting (usually a fab pair of boots, this time of year). However, when you are pregnant, finding that fabulous new outfit can sometimes be a bit of a challenge -- and for so long, your only bump-covering options looked like black pillowcases. Stretchy pillowcases, but bed linens all the same. If you lucked out, you could find a swingy tablecloth with which to adorn your blossoming belly. So, thank goodness designers have finally started realizing that preggos have to party, too! And honestly, I'd wear most of these dresses in my current un-pregnant form (especially that gorgeous Isabella Oliver column dress on the left). I've rounded up a few of my fave dresses for the season -- they are all dressy enough for an evening mocktail party, but would work just as well for an office function or family dinner. If you have found any others that you love, leave a link for me in the comments -- I'm always looking for great new clothes!     Blossom Maternity's Metallic Galate Dress It's grey, it's delightfully metallic -- it meets all the requirements of the season!           Isabella Oliver's Satin Bow Dress The satin bow dresses up a classic silk charmeuse, making this one a perfect multi-tasking dress                 Cadeau Maternity Silk Babydoll Dress The split v-neck maximizes your new "endowments" while the classic empire waist provides a smooth-flowing form.         Childish Maternity Silk Dress Smocking, fluttery sleeves and a sumptuous shimmer -- what else could you ask for?           Posted Oct 19 2007, 05:55 PM by Megan with 4 comment(s) Filed under: Fashion, clothes, Isabella Oliver, Dresses, maternity

• Get Your Daily Dose of D -- Vitamin D, That Is!

  I have to digress from the Vegas blogocoaster for a bit, because I've recently seen this study popping up in a bunch of places. Scientists have found what appears to be a pretty definite link between a lack of Vitamin D early in pregnancy and an increased risk for pre-eclampsia. Women who developed pre-eclampsia had Vitamin D concentrations that were significantly lower early in pregnancy compared to those with normal pregnancies. So what does this mean for you? Make sure you get your daily dose of Vitamin D! There are some super simple ways to boost your dose -- though you should always check with your doctor before beginning any sort of supplementation. Take your prenatal vitamin. Your doctor has probably already prescribed one for you -- and it's for a good reason, so make sure you take it faithfully. If you are having trouble swallowing the pills or they make you nauseous, simply ask your doctor for an alternative. There are lots of great vitamins out there, so there's bound to be one that's right for everybody! Put on the sunscreen and take a walk. (Come on, you know you need to exercise anyway!) Believe it or not, your body can synthesize one type of Vitamin D just from exposing your skin to the sun for a few minutes a day. This does not give you carte blanche to tan, so put the baby oil and reflector away. Watch your diet. While you can't possibly consume enough of the foods you would need to in order to meet your daily recommended dose of the D, you can help your body along by incorporating things like eggs (yolks included), salmon, and milk or fortified soymilk. (If you are a vegan, check your soymilk -- not all brands use a vegan form of Vitamin D.) Ask about further supplementation. Your doctor may want you to take a bit extra Vitamin D, especially if you are already at risk for pre-eclampsia. The bottom line is that at your next appointment, you should ask your doctor or midwife about Vitamin D. Your prenatal vitamin may be covering all the bases, but your doctor may have other suggestions that can help you have the safest pregnancy possible! Posted Oct 11 2007, 02:54 PM by Megan with 1 comment(s) Filed under: Pregnancy, Pregnancy Health, Vitamin D, Pre-eclampsia