Hey there, fabulous mamas-to-be!
With a few of my girlfriends currently on this beautiful journey of pregnancy, I’ve found myself eager to share some of my favorite products and tips that made my own experience a little sweeter. So, let’s dive into the items that every glowing mama should consider!
When you’re pregnant, it’s easy to forget about your own needs while dreaming of the little miracle growing inside you. I remember when I was pregnant with Sadie, I spent countless moments envisioning her nursery and wondering what she would look like—would she have her daddy’s eyes and my hair? But amidst all the daydreaming, I made sure to prioritize self-care for both me and my bump. Here are the seven items I found to be absolute game-changers during my pregnancy!
- Prenatal Vitamins: Your doctor may recommend a specific brand, but I found my holy grail in a Whole Earth & Sea Women’s Prenatal and Dr. Formulated Prenatal DHA. Yes, they’re both a bit on the larger side, but I didn’t experience nausea with them. Remember, your baby is a nutrient thief—your body even takes calcium from your bones to nourish them! So, keep yourself topped up!
- Body Cream & Oil: I swear by my stretch mark cream, StretcHeal, paired with a body oil like Burt’s Bees or even coconut oil. Lathering up morning and night not only left my bump super soft but also turned into a beautiful bonding ritual. I’d talk to Sadie while I applied it, telling her how excited I was to meet her. Such a special moment!
- Nipple Butter: Let’s be honest—your nipples will go through a lot during and after pregnancy! I loved using the Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter because it was neither smelly nor goopy. It was gentle for both me and Sadie during breastfeeding. Any nipple butter is definitely a must-have in those early months of breastfeeding!
- Compression Socks: I started rocking compression socks early in my pregnancy, especially while working from home. They kept my legs feeling light and helped prevent swelling. Totally worth it!
- Walking: Get moving, mama! Regular walks kept me feeling great. Early on, I enjoyed yoga, then when I could no longer do the poses I switched to aquatic aerobics. It was a blast, and I felt so much lighter (and less nauseated) in the water!
- Hydration: Let’s not underestimate the power of H2O! I drank tons of water—seriously, it was my go-to drink! I’d occasionally sip agua frescas, but water was my hydration hero.
- Nutrition: Your diet is crucial for your growing bump! By some miracle, I craved fresh foods—think salads, seafood, veggies. I couldn’t get enough of shrimp and yellowtail salad, grilled octopus, and an abundance of avocados and mangoes. Give in to your cravings, but try to balance it out with nutritious choices. Eating the rainbow is key!
While these may seem like basic items, they are important for both you and your baby! It’s worth mentioning that I found most of my items on Amazon and other retailers, proving that self-care doesn’t have to break the bank.
Honorable Mentions: Music, massages, and a pregnancy ball! I had a great time curating a playlist for Sadie, featuring everything from upbeat tunes to soothing sleep sounds. To this day, we kick off our mornings with energetic tracks and wind down at night with calming melodies. Toward the end of my pregnancy, I indulged in “prenatal massages,” which felt absolutely heavenly. Additionally, my trusty pregnancy ball became my best friend, helping me stretch and alleviate discomfort.
In the end, cherish this time nurturing your bump and creating a bond that only you and your little one will share. It’s an incredible journey, and I hope you savor every moment!
Does this list resonate with you? Let me know in the comments below!
From Bump 2 Balance 