okay.
This list is completely meant to be kind of serious and kind of fun. But hopefully you realize that I try to keep everything a bit light hearted — we are all so so so different. What is on your must-list might be something I’d never even consider buying, and vise versa.
Like a body pillow. I was going to add it as an “everyone says you should get one, but I still haven’t but maybe I should” item, but it’s really not on my must have list… I’ve never had one, so maybe I just don’t know what I’m missing?
On to my list. I know you guys have been waiting on pins and needles for this post. ha. Hahaha. Right.
1|| Earth Mama Baby Angel Natural Stretch Oil
Okay. That is the longest name ever, but this stuff is amazing. I tried a belly butter last pregnancy, but it was so greasy and never really soaked in well, that I found myself not using it because I didn’t want to ruin my clothing. This stuff is an oil that goes on and soaks in quickly. I haven’t had any problem with shirts staining or getting ruined because of it. Love it.
2|| Miralax
Yup. This stuff is my BFFAEAEAEAE (that’s best friend forever and ever and ever and ever and ever) during pregnancy. It’s needed for this mama, and I gulp down a small glass of orange juice with it mixed in each morning.
Pregnant and constipated? Go buy this stat. Well, buy the generic stuff — so much cheaper!
3|| Maman Poule
I found out a popular phrase in France is “maman poule” — translated, Mama Hen. I think it’s awesome. Really this item is two fold: 1) find stuff that makes you smile and laugh and 2) find a comfy sweatshirt.
This sweatshirt? Two birds. One stone. Whichhhhh is really a terrible phrase when you think about it, ummm yikes. Anyways. I love this sweatshirt.
4|| Quit Reading All the Books!
aka read this book only: Diaper Free Baby.
Really though, this tip is probably my number one thing I tell pregnant friends of mine. Don’t read the books! I read the extremes: the schedules, the no schedules. I needed to! Lifespan development! The study behind the books, obviously it all fit together, right?
um. no. Just don’t. You will recite the opposite theory in just about every choice you make during those first few weeks. Just don’t.
My advice if you just have to read some interesting infant book? Ready Diaper Free Baby. We did a laidback and modified form of Elimination Communication, and I certainly plan on reading this again (it’s a super quick read) and doing it again. Andy can probably count on 1 hand the number of messy diapers he changed…and I don’t think I would need three. That isn’t to brag, it’s just how interesting and fun — yes, I really just wrote fun — this concept can be!
Most of all, I love how this book is written. It’s not condescending or bashing of other methods or theories. Instead it encourages you in whatever way you want to adopt its methods.
I haven’t jumped completely on the essential oil wagon, but there is no denying that diffusing some pretty scents throughout the house or our bedroom makes me just plain happy.
I love the simple look of this diffuser, and I found it at Kohl’s for a great price! A sale, because really, when is there not a sale going on at Kohl’s! ]
I struggle with a 1x a day prenatal with crazy amounts of iron. See item number 2 if you are wondering why.
I love that I can take 2 of these a day and supplement as needed, as to not overdue my iron intake…which ends up causing way more problems for me. Oy. I also love that the Honest Company ones can be taken on an empty stomach.
My stomach and prenatal horse pills don’t like to play nice, but these have proven to be great in that aspect so far!
7|| Vitamix
Again, you can refer to number two. :) But really, it’s so easy to get some great helpings of vegetables and fruits when Harlow and I make smoothies during the day.
This simple green smoothie is still a favorite!
I talked with Andy about getting this after baby boy arrives for middle-of-the-night nursing sessions, but ended up springing for it a little early.
Two words for you: pregnancy insomnia.
I have a first generation nook that I still like, but the backlight of the Kindle allows me to just read quietly without waking Andy…when I can’t sleep for hours in the middle of the night.
I know it’s a bit of a splurge, but I’m already hooked. Oh! And reserve ebooks from your library! I rarely pay for a book, I just check them out from the library!
And you can get a refurbished Kindle Paperwhite for a little bit less as well! (that’s what I did, and I’m super happy with it!)
9|| Mustard
Yup. You read that right! I have been plagued with insane leg cramps during this pregnancy.
Seriously awful.
I mentioned it to my dad, and he told me that MUSTARD will get a leg cramp to stop pretty quickly.
So stock those bedside tables with mustard, folks! Crazy, right? But way better than dealing with a leg cramp that leaves me limping the next day!
So what’s on your list? I’d love to hear how similar or different your list is from mine!
xo
ok the mustard thing? Who knew!
WEIRDEST thing ever, right!? But totally workssssss! And I was limping the next day my cramps were so bad!
Hey Kacia, love this list! My doctor told me to avoid the leg cramps, I should take at least 600 mg of calcium. I loyally took the calcium and never had any. Also, I’ve started to do lots of research on essential oils (which ones are ok to use during pregnancy, with young children, how much to dilute, etc.) so if you want those resources, let me know :)
I’d love those resources, Leanna!!
I actually stopped taking calcium because of the research done with calcium supplements and future heart problems — well, that and my fear of getting kidney stones!!
Wow, I didn’t know calcium did either of those! Good to know.
Who knew about the mustard??? Another easy way to stop leg cramps (you know, if you run out of mustard and all :)) is to gently flex your foot in the opposite direction of the cramp. So as soon as you start to feel the spasm come on, keeping your leg straight, gently push your heel out and raise your toes until your foot is flat. It’s hard to describe but basically you want your leg to look like you are standing with your foot flat on the ground. My mom taught me this trick years ago when I had growing leg cramps and I have used it so many times. Works instantaneously!
that’s what has been so weird about these cramps, kate!! That’s what I always learned to do as well, but these cramps have been RELENTLESS! (one lasted over 30 minutes in the middle of the night) and i tried flexing my foot and stretching…it would subside and flare back up again. SO WEIRD. the mustard thing actually worked — but then I always stretch afterwards to try to keep the muscle loose after being so tight!
I owe you an email :) trying to find a pic since the front of our house is a disaster still from the accident :/
Oh man that does sound AWFUL! Glad you do have something that works (will bookmark the idea too :)). No problem about the house pics! I could try piecing some together or you may be able to find one online by googling your address :)
22 weeks with baby #4 and getting ready for the cramps to set in. So do you drink the mustard or rub it on the crampy spot? I tried to click on the link in that section but nothing opened. Thanks for the suggestions!! Xoxo
let me check the link! Just keep some sample packets and eat a little bit as SOON as the cramp hits! I know it sounds crazy!!
Thanks so much, Kacia! I hope it works for me too- those things are a nightmare!! Love and hugs!
I would love to hear more of your thoughts/experiences on Diaper Free Baby!
yes! i really should write a few posts about it — we LOVED it. We were super laid back about it, and I was blessed to be home with her, but what I love about the book is that is it really just outlines the psychology of it all. So many people respond when they hear we did this approach with, “i never know when/my kid is inconsistent, etc etc” but this book looks at the physicality of it all and signs and triggers to look for. it’s really just fascinating!
we are planning on doing the approach with baby boy as well, and it’ll be interesting to see if it’s different at all from how it went with harlow! I didn’t start until about 3months w H, but I will probably start around 2-3 weeks with the babe!
Right now Tums are my best friend! I can’t go a day without popping at least 1 or 2. My mom has sworn by the mustard thing for yearssss and I always thought she was crazy. Maybe she’s on to something afterall. :)
When I was pregnant I majorly struggled with constipation. GNC makes a prenatal vitamin without iron, and they helped me so much. They don’t have a bad smell or taste, and you only have to take 2 pills/day. It doesn’t have the DHA in it, so I do take that separately.
OH!! that’s SO good to know — gentle on the stomach toO!?
Great list. These must-haves is like any pregnant woman’s survival kit LOL. Thank you for sharing this.