I have to say, I was extremely blessed throughout my pregnancy. I had little to no discomfort, practically zero stretch marks, and it left me feeling even more confident and happy with body after having my baby… Now, I understand it’s kind of rare for a woman to say these things after having a baby, but that’s why I want to share steps I took in taking care of myself throughout my pregnancy.

First, I ate healthy and exercised prior to getting pregnant. And once I did, I was determined to keep my exercise  routine, and to eat as healthy as my hormones would allow. Now, this doesn’t at all mean I deprived myself. Once a vegetarian, I was now eating meatballs about once a week, and splurging on dessert after every meal. However, I made sure I kept my meals light ( just because you are pregnant doesn’t make it ok to eat for two!). I walked at least 30 mins every day, did lunges, and lifted dumbbell’s. I even rode my bike up to about my eigth month. I’m not saying you should, as I didn’t exactly tell my doctor.  But I felt healthy enough, and it made my happy…

Second, I slathered my skin in body butter. I loved Lavanila Body Butter, and Clarins Body Treatment Oil. I swear these two products saved my skin from over stretching and kept stretch marks at bay.  This is not a time to skimp and buy cheap lotion. The time and money you spend on your skin in these crutial days, can save you thousands in trying to correct stretch-marks post pregnancy.

Third, after the baby I wrapped my tummy in a Belly Bandit. It helped to speed up my recovery, and shrank my belly. Also, as soon as I got the okay from my doctor, I returned to the gym. Exercise is a great way to relieve post baby stress, and keep your post-baby hormones in check.

Lastly, remember that being a mommy is what makes you beautiful. It’s one more step up to being that much more fabulous!