Gorgeous Mama Pregnancy Guide Part II

beauty+self care+comfort

It can be challenging to feel gorgeous while pregnant and afterward, so here are some ideas to take care of mama.
 
vintage bandana dress with wedding band around my neck.
1. massage/acupuncture/facial/pedicure treatments monthly: for the locals try LMT Brigitte Kranabitl who unlike other practitioners props you from underneath for a belly-down treatment, rather than the lame side-lying position that only gets one side of your body; Zenana Spa for a non-toxic pedicure or an amazing facial with Sarah; Alma Midwifery for education and resources from childbirth to infant CPR.

2. coconut oil: not only for cooking french toast! Use for dry skin, and for every baby rash imaginable. Wonderful for cradle cap and baby acne too.

3. dresses- I am a firm believer that cute dresses can change your outlook from crappy to sunny, especially true during pregnancy. Vintage empire waists work well, American Apparel stretchy ones in a larger size, H&M Maternity is trendy and cheap; check out Hatch and Boob for chic maternity and nursing clothing.

4. slightly larger shoes- men's sneakers are nice and wide, invest in comfy sandals, and casual but supportive flip-flops. 

5. skincare: your complexion might be redder than usual, so if you're a makeup wearer invest in a pro concealer or Hauska's tinted moisturizer.

help/support

1. seek counsel: make dates with other mama's to hear their perspective; find a therapist for one-on-one support; take a birthing class; interview practitioners and explore with them all possible outcomes during labor and delivery; make sure you have a few resources for the postpartum period. In Portland Wendy Foster is the postpartum fitness guru, so put a gift certificate on your registry for classes with her!

2. bond with your partner: you know what works better than I. Do those things. Especially sex.

3. watch videos and read books of births: online repository of various types of labor and delivery, read anything by Ida May Gaskin.

4. research practitioners for whole family wellness. So many great practitioners in Portland!


5. Home Support: A diaper service is totally recommended for the 1st 6 months: locally owned/operated Tidee Didee has been in business forever; Honest Company is a low-impact, disposable option. A housecleaner is great, whether it be a relative or a Doula. In case you get home, want to breastfeed, and have a problem Meg Stalnaker will come over and spend time with your family before giving recommendations. Make a food registry/meal plan for 90 days (at minimum). We used MealBaby.com.

For more tips, see Part Un... and stay tuned for Part troi! xoxo