Hey mommas,
Baby number 2 is almost here!
It's funny saying that because it took us FOREVER to share the news publicly. My husband, Kris, was deployed for the first 6 months of my pregnancy ... then he finally came home and social media was the lasttt thing on my mind. So now I'm 32 weeks along and just getting around to sharing our news, whoops!
Pregnancy can be really fun - baby kicks and ultrasounds and guessing baby's gender. So much excitement! But growing tiny humans can also be pretty tough. So I wanted to share a few things that have made the process a little easier (and a lot more comfortable) during both of my pregnancies:
A CUTE PLANNER
Now that you're expecting, there's so much to keep up with! Doctor's appointments and ultrasounds, baby showers, reminders to pack your hospital bag and put together the crib and learn how to use your brand new stroller. Stay organized with one of Day Designer's daily planners. My all-time favorite is the Mini Edition (Black Stripe). Seriously .... LOVE!!!
A COMFY BRALETTE
For some reason my regular bra is soooo uncomfortable during pregnancy. Thankfully I found this Aerie Castaway Lace Padded Longline Bralette from Aerie - it's comfy, feminine, and just the right fit (I ordered a size up because, you know, pregnancy boobs). Plus they offer free shipping/returns on all their bras!
BELLY OIL
Worried about stretch marks? Me too! During my first pregnancy, I applied Dr. Palmer's Stretch Mark lotion literally every single day ... twice a day! And it totally worked - no stretch marks!! But the cocoa butter smell was a little overwhelming. This time around, I switched to Earth Mama Belly Oil. It's organic, smells AMAZING, and has hundreds of positive reviews online. And so far so good - still no stretch marks!
MATERNITY CLOTHES
Some expecting mommas choose to wear regular clothes in a bigger size throughout pregnancy. I've been guilty of this! But it's worth investing in a few pieces that specifically fit your pregnant body (think soft tee shirts and stretchy leggings and maternity overalls). You'll look and feel better, promise!
(Psssst ... Want to know our favorite maternity picks for summer? Just click here!)
NON-WHITENING TOOTHPASTE
Okay this one is kind of out there ... but something about my regular toothpaste makes my morning sickness so. much. worse! A friend of mine suggested switching to non-whitening toothpaste and guess what? It actually helped! It didn't cure my sickness entirely but at least I can brush my teeth without puking :)
EPSOM SALT
Hot baths are frowned upon during pregnancy (boo!). But a warm bath with a scoop of Epsom salt is super relaxing and doctor-approved. I'm kind of obsessed with Dr. Teal's Comfort & Calm Pure Epsom Salt with Chamomile - it's smells incredible!
A HEATING PAD
Speaking of heat, lying on a heating pad before bed is mayyybe my favorite thing right now. I use it on my lower back for pain relief but it's also just really cozy! Most experts agree that heating pads are safe for short periods of time - but check with your OB if you need reassurance :)
A PREGNANCY APP
There are tons to choose from! I've tried a few but always come back to What to Expect's Pregnancy & Baby App. It'll help you track your baby's growth and the forum is full of sweet mommas. It's the perfect place to ask for advice, share your fears, and compare pregnancies all from the comfort of your own couch.
NETFLIX
Sometimes the only way to survive pregnancy is by binge-watching your favorite TV show. Need suggestions? Check out Baby Daddy and Young & Hungry on Netflix - the episodes are short, sweet, and always upbeat!
What are some of your prenatal must-haves? Let me know in the comments below!
With love,
Lace