It’s that time of year! Below are the best products I used during (and after) pregnancy, plus a bonus gift idea that I regret not getting while I was expecting. Happy Holidays!
This pregnancy pillow helped support my growing belly and aching back and hips during my last two trimesters. And after the baby is born, the pillow can be used for breastfeeding, as a baby lounger (create a circle, cover with a blanket and place the baby in the center) and as a protective bumper when the baby is learning to sit.
We used our yoga ball throughout pregnancy, labor and postpartum. I swapped out my desk chair and sat on the ball while I worked. It helps strengthen your lower back, supports your pelvis and helps with the baby’s position (which is super important towards the end of pregnancy). During labor, I kneeled on it and leaned forward over it for support. You can also bounce on it during contractions to help speed things along. After our baby was born, an Occupational Therapist suggested that we bounce our daughter face up on it to help relieve gas. I was always too nervous to try to balance her on the ball like that, but my husband did it basically every night for the first two months. It was sometimes the only way she would fall asleep. (We got ours from TJ Maxx; they have really good prices.) Here’s a great article on choosing the right sized ball based on your height.
I love, love, love The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth and recommend it to everyone I know. It is so comprehensive, so accessible and such an easy reference guide. Don’t be intimidated by the word “natural” in the title; Genevieve gives advice that’s appropriate for all types of birth plans, not just non-medicated ones. The book has recipes, simple descriptions of complex healthcare terms and great advice for maximizing your health during and after pregnancy. I loved the ritual of reading the book at the beginning of every week, and the content was always spot on for the growth of the baby, how I was feeling and the decisions we were making at each stage.
Everyone swears by Hatch Belly Oil to nourish the skin and help prevent stretch marks. It’s made with calming botanicals like calendula, which is healing and soothing for the skin, so it’s safe for mom and baby. It’s a little on the pricey side, so it would be the perfect luxurious gift!
Beautycounter is the only clean brand I know of that’s Environmental Working Group (EWG) Verified for its skincare and makeup products. EWG is an amazing resource for information on a product’s toxicity, allergens, supply chain and animal testing policies. Clean products are important for everyone, but especially while pregnant, breastfeeding and even before trying to conceive.
I think MORROW+MINT has the most gorgeous alternatives to the utilitarian nursing bras that we’re all accustomed to. The brand focuses on designing bralettes that are as comfortable as they are beautiful. What an uplifting way to support a new mom! You can buy their gift cards online.
Other than not getting acupuncture to help with morning sickness during my first trimester, my only regret from pregnancy is not keeping a pregnancy journal. I love the idea of chronicling your pregnancy journey, your transition into a mother and all of the little details (cravings, dreams, growth milestones, etc.) that you’ll never want to forget. This Growing You journal is such a sweet, gender-neutral heirloom that can later be passed on to baby.