One of the side effects (yes side effects) of the pregnancy is stretching. Receiving your stripes is like a step into womanhood. Most of us get them before pregnancy, when we finally get boobs or our butts grow just a smidge. Those tiger stripes are not so flattering, so we do what we can to keep them at bay. Coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil to name a few.

I have invested in many Palmers products to include their body oil, Cocoa Butter Stretch Mark Lotion, and good ole’ Tummy Butter.  It has to be applied at least three times a day, AFTER applying the lotion for best results. But really, who has time to do that? Granted, I am trying to apply twice. Once in the morning and once at night. If I have a crazy day sometimes I’ll add a little aroma therapy lotion to the mix for relaxation at night.

In the November issue (27 Nov 2015 via Snapchat) of Cosmopolitan, I stumbled upon a campaign called #LoveYourLines. They encourage all women, all shapes and sizes, from all cultural backgrounds to submit photos. The idea is to change to the perception of the female body image.

Stretch marks are inevitable and I welcome them with the thought that my body has to change for my child to grow. I want a healthy baby so I will have to adapt however that may be, to include trading booty rubs for Tummy Butter belly rubs.

I promise to own my tiger stripes if they appear, but I will be walking around smelling like the Nubian Queen that I am, covered in natural tree oils, and shea nut butters just in case. LOL