TIGER STRIPES
If you don’t have them, you probably say things like “they’re battle scars” and “you should be proud of those bad boys”. If you do have them, deep down you know that’s mostly shit. It’s like when people tell a bride that rain on her wedding day is lucky; it’s just one of those things people say to make people feel better. And bless you for it, but you know what’s lucky? A sunny day and a cool breeze. I know that and you know that. So thanks, but no thanks with all that rain talk. The reality is that stretch marks are just another side effect of growing a human, branded on our bodies for the long haul. To be completely honest, I don’t hate mine. I’m fully aware of where they came from and what they represent. They are just one more reality of our new bodies that we mothers have to get used to, and that can be tough at first.
Ironically, I didn’t get any stretch marks during my pregnancy. I know it’s not very UV responsible of me but I’m a self-proclaimed sun bum, and always feel a little better in my own skin when I have a glow. My third trimester was during the summer months and I took full advantage of my teacher summer by regularly sunning my ever-expanding body (that I must say began to bear a strong resemblance to a roasted chicken).
My bump was bronzed and smooth, life was goooood. It wasn’t until after I gave birth that I earned my little baby-making badges. FYI stretch marks can form when skin expands and/or shrinks rapidly. Childbirth had popped my uterus balloon and it deflated quick. Not in a cute way either, like an actual deflated balloon. Even though the likelihood of developing stretch marks is largely based on a individual’s predisposing factors (i.e. genetics), I had a tummy care routine that I followed religiously throughout my pregnancy. Whether the benefits were real or they just gave me a psychological placebo effect, I believe it helped. After I gave birth I stopped my routine for two reasons: I didn’t feel comfortable putting oils and products (regardless of how natural they were) on my skin where my new baby was going to be resting to nurse, and I barely had time to change my own diaper let alone give my tummy a daily spa treatment. However I do regret not keeping it up because even though it might not have completely prevented me from developing stretch marks, I’m confident it may have helped my odds. Regardless, I earned my stripes. I didn’t get very many and they aren’t very big, so I’m grateful for that. And as fluffy as it sounds, I am slightly honoured to have them. Do I like having lines and dents on my tummy? No. But I know that they represent my journey with Lou, like little commemorative tattoos to remind of us of our prenatal road trip. And I’m proud to sport any and all of my new body’s souvenirs for that babe.
For my next trip down the pregnancy aisle I plan to pack my umbrella (so to speak) and maintain my tummy care routine from day one. Actually, I picked it back up a month or so after Lou was born. The soft, saggy-ness of a mother’s abdominal skin is no joke! So I figured it couldn’t hurt. Along with genetics (may the odds be ever in your favour), I do believe there are a few things we can do to help minimize the appearance of stretch marks. My tummy care tricks include...
exfoliate
Exfoliation is always a good way to promote healthy skin. It clears away dead skins cells allowing your skin to “breathe” better, and increases circulation. Healthy skin is stretchy skin, and good blood flow aides your stomach in its transformation into a kangaroo pouch. I always exfoliate with a natural loofah sponge as part of my shower routine. You can buy them at any pharmacy, and I highly recommend using it before you shave. It pulls up stubborn hair follicles and decreases the chance of developing ingrown hairs (that’s a bonus tip, you’re welcome). I also used a body scrub every time I showered. There are a lot of great options for scrubs out there, but I preferred to go the locally made, natural route (preferably one with coconut oil). I absolutely loved the Lavender & Eucalyptus Scrub by Love Yo’self Naturals. The mild aroma of the essential oils is fresh and calming (which is a big plus when you’re nauseous 24/7) , and it left my skin feeling like butter. It serves as an exfoliant, but the coconut oil also helps to moisturize your skin and sets the stage for step two.
hydrate
Think of your skin like play-doh (since that’s most likely what it’s going feel like after you push out that human)… if you leave it to dry out it cracks, splits, and loses its malleability. The same goes for your skin. You’ve got to keep it hydrated and that starts with your overall water intake. Drink a LOT of water. Chances are you’re going to be hyper-thirsty anyways (thanks to the all-encompassing surge of hormones you’re experiencing), but drink even more. Yes your sweet little fetus is a miracle, but it also will suck the life right out of you; taking the nutrients and hydration it needs to thrive, and leaving you with just enough to survive. So drink MORE, carry a water bottle around with you, take your prenatal vitamins religiously and moisturize. Step up your skin care game from gentle, fragrant lotion to full on body oil. Apply a few times a day but particularly after the shower, when your pores are open and your skin is extra absorbent. The coconut oil in the body scrub I was using in the shower was a good start, but I always followed it up with a good lathering of The Honest Company’s Organic Body Oil. I applied it several times a day, but always after a shower, any sun exposure, and before bed.
a little tip
It’s important to remember (as if you forgot) that it won’t just be your stomach that expands with pregnancy. Your body is going to change in a million different ways and in places you maybe didn’t even consider, so don’t confine your new skin care practices to just your abdomen. Your hips, your love handles and even (especially) your boobs. Don’t be shy, exfoliate and lather that life-giving body up! But just remember… when you do finally earn your stripes, regardless of how you feel about them initially, they really are incredible reminders of the fact that you legitimately created life. You’re amazing, so are those lines and everything else that came along with them.
