Stretch marks-free on our pre-natal shoot and beyond

A couple of days from now, my Saffron will be turning one. I am getting all emotional this early. When still pregnant with him, I remember how worried I was about stretch marks and how my belly would look like during our pre-natal shoot.

I'm sharing with you guys our pre-natal shoot and brag, at the same time, about my smooth and stretch marks-free tummy.

Our pre-natal or maternity shoot was done by Jamie Lihan of Imaginenation FOR FREE! Lucky right!? We received this as a gift from Imaginenation which also served as our photographer during our wedding. Our shoot was done in its studio along Araneta Avenue.

The proud parents with our pakwan! Hahaha!

The little details. Did you notice the rabbit stuffed toy? We got it for free from Swatch, and I thought it was the perfect gift because Sam was born in the year of the rabbit.

So if you ask me, like most of my friends do, whether I have stretch marks on my tummy even after giving birth to Sam, I am proud to tell you that I have none. Here's my tummy. No photoshop here. It's all natural!

Pregnancy allowed me to clean my belly button. Hahaha!

So, what's my secret to a stretch marks-free tummy? Although it's all about the genes, I also had help and a few tricks. And thanks to my husband Jon for helping me smother two very effective products on my tummy.

I bought Dr. Palmers Organic Stretch Marks Cream (not the lotion) and Bio-oil and used them immediately when I found out that I was pregnant. I also didn't grow my nails and I always put on gloves at night - just in case I accidentally scratch my tummy. And these worked for me.

My husband helped me put on Dr. Palmers Organic Stretch Marks Cream and Bio-oil on my tummy.

Dr. Palmers Organic Stretch Marks Cream and Bio-oil.

Here's a short description on the two products that I used. Please note, however, that results from use of these products vary from individual to individual.

Bio oil:

When the body expands faster than the covering skin, the skin tears, forming a scar as it heals. These scars are visible on the surface of the skin as stretch marks.

The likelihood of developing stretch marks varies according to skin type, race, age, diet and hydration of the skin. Those most prone to stretch marks include pregnant women, body builders, adolescents undergoing sudden growth spurts and individuals who experience rapid weight gain.

Stretch marks are permanent in nature, and although Bio‑Oil is formulated to help improve their appearance, it can never remove them.

Bio‑Oil should be massaged in a circular motion into the stretch marks, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. During pregnancy, it should be applied from the start of the second trimester to areas that are prone to stretch marks such as the abdomen, breasts, lower back, hips, buttocks and thighs.

Results will vary from individual to individual.

Dr. Palmer's:

Palmer’s Organics Massage Cream for Stretch Marks helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks, naturally. A special combination of Cocoa Butter, Aloe, Vitamin E, Soybean Oil, Collagen and Elastin lubricates the skin, helping retain its natural elasticity and moisture.

Made with organic ingredients this Palmers product is:
* Paraben Free
* Propylene Glycol Free
* Mineral Free
* Cruelty Free
* Support Fair Trading Farming

Up until now, I still use Bio-oil on my skin (which my sister who is based in Canada supplies me with).
Unfortunately, it's not available for sale in stores in the Philippines. You can, however, find online sellers who may have stocks of this product.

And good news to our readers: I am giving away Dr. Palmer's Organic Stretch Marks Cream to one lucky mommy. But that's not all, stay tuned for more mommy loot and information on how to join our blog giveaway.

- Mommy Raquel