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TFG'S EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JILLIAN SWARTZ ANSWERS YOUR BUMP WATCH QUESTIONS

I keep hearing about those pregnancy bands. Do they really work?—Brenda, Plano, TX
Not only do they work, but I am considering making them a post-post-post pregnancy accessory, too. Here's the deal: they're called Bella Bands and they'll be your resident wardrobe saver for the next nine-plus months.  These bands go over your unbuttoned pre-pregnancy pants and/or your kinda-too-big maternity pants to create a sleek and smooth look that's still comfortable. Tons of places sell them, but I found them at www.doulashop.com for $28.

Will you suggest a unique baby shower gift? My sister is pregnant and I want to give her something she'll really love.—Heather, West Orange, NJ

Well, honestly, my first bit of advice is to get her something off of her registry. I know you want to be different, but mamas-to-be really need the things they registered for. However, if you still want to buck the list, I always think it's cool to get preggos a gift certificate for workout sessions with a trainer (if they're into that kind of thing). They're are plenty of qualified trainers who not only specialize in helping women get their sexy back, but will go to the new mom's home to do so. Private yoga sessions or Pilates sessions are great, too.  I also love gift certificates to a nutritionists, which can be used during or after your bump time. I guess I am into anything that will help new moms feel like themselves again. If you want to do something powerful on a whole different scale, go for gift that gives back. At www.treesforlife.org, you can make a donation that will go to the planting of fruit trees in developing countries. The trees provide a self-renewing source of food and protect the environment.  Or check out www.ourvoicestogether.org and make a donation to a specific cause, such as annual salary for two teachers at the Central Asia Institute, a primarily female school in rural Pakistan and Afghanistan. Our Voices Together actually matches most donations, too. And finally—I am going to lift this directly from a previous Mama Says: Tip of the Week—here are some other charitable purchase options: Want gorgeous jewelry? Hands of Change is a non-profit organization that employs teenage girls from at-risk environments to craft jewelry. Proceeds from the sale of the jewelry go to improve the education of young women globally.  www.handsofchange.com Want fabulous kiddie clothes? The ever-hip Tea Collection offers exclusive t-shirts, bodysuits and sweater sets with 100% of the proceeds donated to The Global Fund for Children. Go to www.teacollection.com and click on Citizenship. Want a variety of unique gifts? With a tagline of "Do Good Live Well," this site, dedicated to helping nonprofits propser, has definitely got the right idea. www.charitybuzz.com/charitybuzz_giftkiosk.html So, as you can see, Heather, they're are a lot of cool options. But don't forget an exersaucer is a much-apprecited gift, too—it saved me!

I have a simple, but desperate question: can I eat soft cheese? If so, what kinds?—Anna, Brooklyn, NY

We actually have an article on pregnancy myths in this issue that answers your question. You can click here to get the whole cheesy deal. And now for the short answer: yes. The Center for Disease Control says it's safe to eat soft cheese as long as it is clearly marked as pasteurized. If you're still a little concerned, then just stick to hard cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan or that guilty-pleasure American. Personally, I did cheese in moderation while pregnant because of all the salt—I did not need to retain anymore water, thank you! And on another cheese-related note, my partner, Amy, and I sent gorgeous cheese plates/baskets to some of our TFG friends this year. We used www.artisanalcheese.com and were quite pleased.

Click here to read about Jillian's life in the 'hood—motherhood.