Bump rubs: Soothing products for the tummy

A common pregnancy complaint is itchy, superdry skin on the growing tummy -- after experiencing the bump itch in both of my pregnancies; my tip is to avoid the scratching the delicately stretching skin and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

These are two of my favorites.

1) Mustela's 9 Month Maternity Stretch Marks Double Action.
This lightly scented, super-rich cream massages into the skin beautifully to put a stop to the dry dump for hours. Purchase locally at Dawn Price Baby - Eastern Market and online at http://www.mustelausa.com/stretch_marks_double_action.html

2) MamaMio's Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Oil - CM2B Fave!

A mildly citrus scented oil that was (and still is - I use it regularly still 3 months after Sollie's birth) a pleasure to use. My skin has a nice, not greasy, moisturized feel, a subtle sheen and even better no stretch marks.

Order at www.mamamio.com (free preggie pops with most orders for a limited time)

Capitol Moms founder featured in the Washington Post

In Saturday's Washington Post, Capitol Moms founder Teia Collier is featured as a resource for busy parents, in the article, A Consultant at the Crib and a Coach at the Potty.

You can view the article by visiting, www.washingtonpost.com

For more information on Capitol Moms Motherhood Resource Service's full service pregnancy, parenting and motherhood concierge service which includes personal shopping, please visit www.capitolmoms.org/motherhood.html or email, teia@capitolmoms.org

Trade Secrets: Teia Collier of Capitol Moms MRS talks about Maternity Fashion: 5 Tips to Great Maternity Look

Sometimes, at the Motherhood Resource Service, I get asked tips for looking great and for great maternity wear in the city. Here are some of my favorites.

1) Get great basics. Basics are the foundation of a great wardrobe. They set the tone, multi-task and do double duty. They can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion. I suggest a great pair of maternity slacks, a pair of jeans, a couple of tees and camisoles in colors that work with your skin tone and enhance your glow and a wrap dress that will carry you along the nine month strech and beyond.
CM2B Faves: Ann Taylor Loft Maternity, Liz Lange for Target, Isabella Oliver and Gap Maternity

2) Don't be afraid of color. Black is not the only color in the rainbow, in fact, it's not. Poppy, blue, sunny yellow, shades of royal and creamy neutrals are so in-this season. Let them enhance your glow.

CM2B Faves: Old Navy Maternity, Childish Maternity and RockStar Maternity

3) Invest in comfortable lingerie. Fabulous, comfortable lingerie is a must. Nothing says unflattering like a bra that is digging into your flesh or a panty that won't stay put.
CM2B Faves: Bella Materna, Bravado Designs!, and Mimi Maternity

4) Accesories are your friend. You can liven up any outfit or change the look of a classic basic with a pair of sparkly bangles, a long chain and a fabulous handbag.
CM2B Faves: South Moon Under


5) Pamper yourself -- remember your hands and feet. Manicures and pedicures are the perfect treat for your growing body. An extra special treat is to have your significant other massage warm lotion into those swollen peds.
CM2B Fave: Nail Taxi

For more tips and a personalized consultation by the Capitol Moms Motherhood Resource Service, contact Teia at teia@capitolmoms.org

Enter our giveaway for a SIGNED copy of the new City Baby DC

We are giving away a signed copy of the latest new resource for DC Moms and Moms-to-Be, City Baby D.C.: The Ultimate Guide for DC Metro Parents from Pregnancy to Preschool by Holly Morse Caldwell.

Holly has written a great resource for DC Mamas-to-be. It is an easy reading, well oraganized book chock-full of tips geared specifically for this area. I spent a while on Saturday reading about places I've been and making a list of places and services that tried yet.

It is a must for every DC area mum.

To enter the giveaway, simply sign-up for our newsletter in the box, just above the links. The drawing will be held on March 29th, 2008.

If you can't wait and want to purchase your copy now, visit AMAZON.

CM2B Loves:Hip, Rockin Fashion for the Bump-set - Rock Star Maternity

Who doesn't love a great look? I love a great look that goes from the bump and beyond, that's what you'll find with the super hip and rock-star style from Rock starmoms maternity, yoga and children's line.

Seriously cool, fellow mom Leah Brumley has come out with a line that says, "I love my bump. I'm fabulous, and I want to show it." without going the cutesy floral and pastel route. There are fun camis, original tees, calming yoga sets and the most adorable Jimmy Hendrix little girl outfit that my daughter loves.

We tried the short-sleeve Funky Momma Tee in creamy soft cotton with a chocolate brown print. It fit beautifully and earned us several compliments from random strangers.

Find your Rock Star match at www.rockstarmoms.com

Fenangling Maternity Leave - How will you do it?

When I talk to mothers around town, or with friends in other places, I find that maternity leave in traditional terms is becoming more and more scarce. Either moms and moms-to-be simply can't afford to take the full time allowed through the Family Medical Leave Act, their jobs aren't accomodating or for some other reason -- these days of healing, bonding, nututing and recovery are growing shorter and shorter with each decade that passes.

Here is an article from MSN, Take the Labor Out of Maternity Leave
MP Dunleavey discusses the situation that is facing some women and I encourage you to read the article, talk with your significant other and your employer.

For us, it is a work in progress. I have gone back to work part-time and thankfully, I can write from home, but we want to know how did you do it? Or how will you do it? You can leave your comments here.

Sol Loves - Dwell Studio Plush Blanket- Bringing Home Preemie #1

I had heard about Dwell Studio for Target and while we were there getting pacis, socks and diapers, I decided to give it a try. Think of a dreamy-plush, creamy, ultra-soft blankie without the silk and satin ruffles in warm-neutral colors and you've got Dwell Studio for Target's Circle Throw Blanket

We use it in the stroller, on the sofa or as a plush addition to tummy-time. It's a steal at $14.99. Since my Z loves it as much as Sol does, we are going to have to grab a couple more.

To get yours, visit your local Target or visit, www.target.com

To find more of our Bringing Home Baby Stories, visit http://capitolmoms.blogspot.com

See Part 1 of our 5 part series-- Bringing Home Preemie

Part 1 of our 5 part series on my favorite goodies for our new little boy, Solomon (Sollie for short) on the Original Capitol Moms blog is up now.

As a special treat for Capitol Moms Maternity Edition readers, there will be one extra review on this site as well.

Be sure to join our mailing list to enter a drawing for a mom-to-be gift pack of products handpicked by Capitol Moms Motherhood Resource Service worth $250. Drawing to be held on March 31, 2008.

Sign up in the box to the right or send an email to info@capitolmoms.org with your name and contact information in the subject line.