Ballerina Bump Series: 10 Tested Beauty & Body Tips

Ballerina Bump by Monika Pawlak Better Looking Photography

In this post of Ballerina Bump Series, I'd like to cover a few things that have kept me feeling "pretty" or at least like I wasn't giving up entirely. Some of the products or tips listed below are about beauty, but also about feeling comfortable in your own skin during this happy, challenging time. For your health and sanity keep on keeping on! I have compiled some of the things that have helped me rock it (at least in my head)! :)

1) LEGS
Lucky Legs by Mama Mio- Without this product I don't sleep a wink since I have a wicked case of restless leg syndrome (RLS) and my legs just fly up in the air right as I'm about to fall asleep. It also minimizes swelling in the legs, so I go through a lot of this! $20 per bottle, worth every penny.

2) FACE
SK II Essential Power $175 & Black African Soap $5- If you don't know what "pregnancy mask" is, you might soon in your first weeks! Thanks to hormonal changes, your skin starts to develop blotchy patches of discoloration called melasma, a condition I was prone to before pregnancy. Thanks to this wonder, nada! African Black Soap is a $5 bar of all natural soap found at Whole Foods that is key in managing breakouts, especially when you can't use your favorite acne medications.

3) TEETH
  MI Paste & Peridex- You can get these at your dentist. With pregnancy your gums are very vulnerable which translates to gum disease, cavities and other horrors. You need to be extra diligent with your dental care if you want to prevent future major issues. These 2 products help your gums stay healthy and protect from the volatility occuring in your mouth. Each around $20.

4) BODY
Massage & Adjustments- Everything is shifting, you're sore, swollen and just plain achy! I used my 2 favorite body work places regularly to feel better. For massage, it doesn't get more comforting, relaxing and effective (this is like drugs sister!) than a massage than from Terri & her team at Urban Wellness Chicago. For adjustments, headaches and nutritional tweaks, there is no better wizard than Dr. Pontarelli at Windy City Wellness.

5) INSIDES
EFA's & high quality probiotic- Essential fatty acids in liquid form (available at Windy City Wellness) are great for reducing inflammation, baby's brain development, preventing pre-term labor and quench many cravings (pregnant or not). You can get a good, high quality probiotic from your doctor. Keeping your digestive system happy and running is always a good thing,and in pregnancy it's everything.

6) SHOES & ACCESSORIES
I know, I know! No high heels when you're pregnant. Maybe it's the Victoria Beckham in me, but I can't quit these! Wedges do the trick, are a lot more stable than stillies and everyone around me can sweat it out while I hold on to them. Some of my faves: Nike, and my beloved BCBG leopards that instantly dress anything up! Also, if I don't wear earrings, I feel naked! Accessories are so great during this time because they really dress up ho hum maternity fashion and give you that extra festive feel and always fit! I love chunky necklaces, watches, scarves, hats, belts (empire high on your waist or under your belly) for dramatic lines. Have fun with it, check out Baublebar.com to get started!

7)THE SECRET WEAPON
The bolero knit shirt- Mastermind sis stylist Marisol, (her style rivals Kate Moss & Rachel Zoe combined) had a sleepless night early in my pregnancy because she was stressing about what I would wear in the last months. She didn't want me to "get lost" in fabric and wanted to emphasize the parts of me that were still smallish; arms, torso, neck, earlobes :). She presented me with a bolero cut ribbed black top from Zara. At first I was confused because it seemed like something one would wear to a hot Soho party to show off a MaZi tummy but she quickly explained that I would be wearing over it flowy tops and dresses to create instant empire waists. Pure Brilliance. Check out the result here:

Styled by Aunt Ma!
 Better Looking Photography

8) OILS
Stretch marks are not news, and yes, most of what happens is hereditary but isn't it worth you putting on a good fight?! I try to put my oils/creams on at least twice a day and more if I get itchy. I have found that I prefer oils because they seem to get absorbed better by the skin and I don't have to use as much. Sometimes I do both oil first and finish off with a cream, especially because it's winter. Some of my favorites: L'Occitane Almond Oil (Huile Souplesse) $40, Johnson's Baby Oil $4 in shower, Palmer's Cocoa Butter ($18). I think many products are similar and hard to get it wrong. Key here is consistency in use!

9) BALLERINA BUMP SHOOT
It's an interesting time, you want to capture what's going on but also are having a hard time reconciling what's going on with your body. Nothing makes you feel prettier than having an amazing photographer capture your glow and bump!  Monika Pawlak, of Better Looking Photography is a pro in form, function and beauty! She knows exactly how to capture your best angles. If there's one thing I would recommend every pregnant woman do it's to capture your belly with a trusted professional. You can reach Monika here. #monikamagic

10)YOUR HEART
Finally, your support system- This is a great time to get rid of toxic, negative people. Surround yourself with good people that love you and make you feel beautiful inside and out.  Partners, spouses, family, friends...your support system needs to do just that at this time so that you can get through this with positive energy. Don't feel guilty putting yourself first for once because it's not about you right now, it's actually about your baby!

Do any of you mommies have any must-share tips?!  Please share with us. :)

XO
- Zi

Note: As always, check with your doc before using/doing any of this as you generally need a Dr.'s note to drink water at this time. ;)

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