I haven’t gone too crazy with buying a ton of new things while enjoying this pregnancy, BUT there are several things that I have been using that have either made my life easier, sleep better, pre-birthing anxiety slowly dissipate, more comfortable, and as always, cozier.
Pregnancy calls for some everyday modifications, a few specialized items just for this time, and some patience as you find what works…and what doesn’t.
My goal for my pregnancy has been to embrace as much of it as I can.
From my every changing body to the challenges that pregnancy brings, to connecting with my baby and finding the calm during this very beautiful yet unpredictable moment in my life, I dove into this pregnancy head first.
Here are a few things I’ve learned over the past five months and want to share:
Take all the bump photos your heart desires. And if you want to post them all, post them all. Who cares. Or maybe you just want to collect bump photos and stare at them all day. Go for it! This is your journey and for many of us, we waited a long ass time and tried real hard to get here. So whether you got knocked up on your first try or spent years dealing with infertility, you go on and document that gorgeous bump of yours.
Side note: A few friends have told me they regret not having professional maternity photos done…something to consider.
Don’t attach your mind to the “I don’t mean to scare you” stories. I have had many people preface their birthing stories with this and the truth is, some of the stories are quite scary. But they are not mine. They are theirs. I listen and I try to remember that we all experience birthing in our own way. Plus, I think it’s really healthy and at times helpful for women to share their stories regardless of the intensity or smoothness of their delivery. (Hypnobirthing has helped me with this.) It’s also ok to ask someone to pause their story if it’s giving you raging anxiety. F that. Boundaries are our friends when pregnant and not pregnant.
Stand naked in front of the mirror. If you’re comfortable doing this, take time each week to observe your beautiful growing body. I know this can be really hard for some, and as someone who has suffered from body image, I have found that it has actually helped me adjust, accept, and fall in love with the beauty of my baby belly and everything that comes with it, including other changes that go far beyond a growing bump.
Listen to your body. I was also told that the fatigue will go away after the first trimester and the lie detector determined…that was a lie. If anything it got more intense in the second. If your body says rest…rest. I’m hearing that I will never ever sleep again forever and forever, lol, so I’m taking the naps when I need to. I’m also sleeping in and it feels really freaking good.
Honorable Mentions for Pregnancy Podcasts:
What To Expect Podcast – I love the app as well and watch the weekly videos on what my body and baby are doing. It’s so interesting!
Honorable Mentions for Maternity Clothes:
Pink Blush- This site has so many wonderful options! From everyday basics to dresses that have a bit of sexiness to them, it’s worth perusing. Plus, they always have discount codes which is amazing.
Pea in the Pod, located on Damen Ave. in Wicker Park. This is also where I discovered my favorite maternity leggings ever made. (see below)
Free People (Not maternity but works!) – Free People is known for its flowy, bohemian fashion which makes dressing a bump real easy and comfortable. My favorite find yet is the Hot Shot One Piece. I bought a medium for room to grow. Not pregnant, I’d get a small or extra small. I want one in every hue! Great gift for a mom-to-be.
Here are several things I am loving during pregnancy:
This is one of my absolute favorite candles by The Paper Peony. (The same talented candle maker that creates our candles.) It has notes of lemon, basil, and lilac.
PS. Keep your eyes peeled! Our spring candle, Fresh AF, drops later next month!
*women-owned
Equilibria CBD Mineral Bath Soak
The most uncomfortable issue I’ve had so far is sciatic pain. Restorative yoga helps, but when it comes to soothing it, a warm bath and some CBD salts are giving me some of the relief I need. Not only is the CBD soothing, but the scent is also glorious.
Use our code THESISTERPROJECT for 15% off of your first purchase. I highly recommend you pair it with Equilibria’s Relief Balm.
*women-owned
I am all about the oils and this Belly Oil by Nourish + Co. is pure magic. The potion is made up of jojoba oil, rosehip oil, almond oil, avocado oil, Kakadu plum extract, vitamin e, and grapefruit.
There is also something really special about rubbing this lovely blend of oils all over your belly and connecting with your baby fresh out of the shower. It’s one of my favorite moments of the day.
You don’t need to be pregnant to rub this stunning oil all over your beautiful body.
*women-owned
Being comfortable and cozy is imperative during pregnancy. I spent the first five months arranging pillows to support back and side sleeping when I stumbled upon this very pillow while in the baby section of Target. I called Michelle and asked if I needed it and when she said, “Oh honey, you need it now”, I listened to my big sister and got it. Sure glad I did because it is a sleeping game changer. I actually look forward to cuddling around it.
It is big and it takes up some space, but there is no negotiation when comfort and sleep are at stake.
A dear friend of mine gifted me this sweet necklace. It’s a gentle chime that hangs low to your belly so the baby can connect with you as you move. I love that it’s chic, beautifully crafted, and offers a connection to my baby throughout the day.
There are several variations, I have the Golden Hour (yellow gold), but also love the Dawn Sky (rose gold) and Moonlight (silver matte) ones.
I’ve had some fun with clothes I wear when not pregnant and have easily integrated them into my pregnant life. However, to do that, you need a great pair of fashionable leggings. I’ve got just the ones for you. These leggings by BumpSuit are UNBELIEVABLE and trust me, I have been on the hunt.
They ride high, which is what I was looking for. And what I love most is that there is no seam below the belly. They go all the way up, right under the boobs, and are smooth from the crotch up. The fabric is insanely soft and the stretch allows them to grow with you. I highly recommend these.
I first heard about hypnobirthing over Covid and knew I wanted to learn and implement it into my pregnancy and birthing however I could. The goal around hypnobirthing is to not only prepare your mind and body for delivery via breathing techniques, affirmations, and guided meditations but to also help alleviate anxiety and fears surrounding the miracle of birth.
This book, along with the podcasts (see above) and Insight Timer meditations I’ve been listening to, has helped me develop a strong sense of mindfulness throughout my pregnancy. Don’t let the term, hypnobirthing, throw you off. It’s basically meditation for pregnancy. And it is MAGIC.
Organic Mother Blossom Loose Tea
Typically I love a good glass of vino in the evening, but since that is off-limits, I’ve settled into more tea more often. There are a lot of pregnancy teas out there, but might I suggest you go with a loose tea. I find them to be fresher and I love seeing the beauty of the ingredients.
When it comes to tea during pregnancy I want it to have some if not all of these ingredients: raspberry leaf, ginger, peppermint, lemon balm, and then some. This tea by Femallay is perfect for a mom-to-be.
If you’re in need of a loose tea steeper, this one is just what you need.
True Botanicals Overnight Moisture Lock Mask
It’s the best when you hear, “my goodness, you are glowing!” Hell yeah, I am! I use tons of incredible skincare to get that dang glow! Ok, sure some of it may be the fact that I have zero booze in me and I have a glow of pregnancy, but a lot of it is also my skincare regiment.
I have added this Overnight Moisture Lock Mask from True Botanicals to my nightly routine which no doubt has me waking up with moisturized, well-rested skin. It smells heavenly. Love love using this product to nourish my pregnancy skin.
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