The essential list for every pregnant mom
You just found out you are expecting and are already in nesting mode for the next 9 months. – that was me.
Now you’re scouring Pinterest and baby center for any bit of information to prepare you for pregnancy and delivery.
Here is The magic list of essentials for every pregnant mom.
Seriously! That is kind of it… or the point I'm trying to make.
For this time in your life, you deserve it. Your body is working overtime and you have experienced every emotion, indigestion, and discomfort that comes with the miracle of growing a baby. This is the time in life to take care of yourself. This doesn't mean you are spoiling yourself or being selfish, just sometimes, in different seasons of life, we need a little extra. You have permission, do it now!
It is essential to do before baby arrives. Because you are worth it.
Self-love is a big deal in preparing for baby. It improves your self-esteem, which leads to better self-care. It's because when you love yourself, you're much more likely to engage in activities that contribute to better nutrition and physical fitness, and less likely to make unhealthy choices.
Love is the antidote to stress and encourages your body to produce oxytocin, which helps you remain calmer, absorb more nutrients and sleep better. All A +++ for baby.
Oxytocin or the "love hormone" is responsible for uterine contractions during labor. (All my 40-week mamas, I feel for ya, so listen up!) If you are pregnant, don’t fret because that really does affect your body negatively and will cause the release of stress hormones that compete with Oxytocin or even suppress it. You’re probably sitting on the couch balancing a bowl of whatever and starting to worry about worrying. Well, don’t. Instead, stop and take a breather, a bath and order in... whatever it takes to make a step in the right direction.
Self-love can look like a lot of different things for a lot of people.
So, here is my compilation of self – love ideas for the most special women during their most special time of their lives.
#1. Treat yourself to something you want for the nursery
- Every mom has a dream nursery but things like space, climate, budget, and reality tend to get in the way of that. Treat yourself to at least one item that you are in love with and can’t get out of your beautiful prego brain. You will be spending ample amounts of time… ok, most of your time in baby’s room so why not make it a place that you enjoy being in?
#1. Treat yourself to something you want for the nursery
That can look like a super comfy upholstered rocking chair, a piece of art to hang on the walls with aspirations for your baby’s future or a rug that you KNOW you’ll end up falling asleep on… more than once.
#2. Reach out to friends. Yes, they are excited about your baby shower, and rightly so, but don’t let them forget about you. It isn’t selfish, it's healthy. Ask your besties to plan a girl’s night out or in for you to catch up on life and feel somewhat normal. Right now your mind is being consumed by everything baby and will be for a really long time. Take time to for yourself to hang out with friends and talk about something else. Go to a concert, art show, movie, whatever it is that helps you feel like your old self again. (This is especially important after you give birth too, remind your girls of that and have a girls night planned postpartum too! Fort Worth Locals try The Bird Cafe. They have a fun brunch menu and something called the badass bacon waffle and fresh basil lime cooler.
#3. Invest in monthly subscription boxes during the length of your pregnancy.
There are some out there that are only $10 and go up from there. They have a wide variety of choices from healthy snacks, (here), baby products from (Bluum), and safe all natural beauty products from (Petit Vour). Having something arrive at your home every month can perk up your day and sometimes make your week after fighting off morning sickness. Treat yo self!
#4. Prenatal massage!
I think this goes without explanation.
#5. Find your hospital bag essentials.
I’m not going to tell you what to put in your bag because it's been done before but I’m going to tell you to add that robe. Not the one in the back of your closet, but that beautiful silky, trendy print robe that catches your eye on all those Pinterest pictures. Yes, those. You will want it, you’ll need it and wish you had something pretty and comfy during recovery in your postpartum room. Like this one (here).
I’m not going to tell you what to put in your bag because it's been done before but I’m going to tell you to add that robe. Not the one in the back of your closet, but that beautiful silky, trendy print robe that catches your eye on all those Pinterest pictures. Yes, those. You will want it, you’ll need it and wish you had something pretty and comfy during recovery in your postpartum room. Like this one (here).
#6. Maternity and Postpartum clothes.
My first time being pregnant I managed to get through without having to actually buy anything and used a rubber band to hold my pants up instead of buttoning them. Let me just tell you that by the third time around I was buying real maternity pants (like these here), that not once cut into my ever expanding hips. I know you will only be wearing them for a short period of time but your body and your nerves with thank you. Because they aren’t worn for very long, it's easy to find really nice used clothing. There are also websites that cater to pregnant moms that want to try (renting) their maternity clothing. Give both a try and see what you like.
#7. Chiropractic care.
It isn't just safe, it actually promotes healthy and easier labors. The Webster Technique focuses on facilitating balance in the pelvic and abdominal muscles and ligaments, which in turn reduces constraint to your uterus allowing the baby to get into the best possible position for birth. If you are local (Fort Worth), try Life Time Family Wellness.
#8. Natural Pedicures.
When you reach a point in your pregnancy you stop being able to see your toes. Bending over isn't going to happen either. Taking care of your feet should be on every new mom's list of things to do. With all the extra weight and swelling your feet need more attention now than ever. Find a spa that offers natural treatments like mango and coffee scrubs to exfoliate, massage and treat those feet with reflexology and a pretty pedi. If you're local try Hollywood Nails and Spa on Camp Bowie.
#9. Prenatal Yoga
Do yourself a favor and try a class. It will give you the energy you need to enjoy your pregnancy. If you're in Fort Worth try Urban Yoga. They have prenatal classes and you can flow right into their Baby and Me Yoga class. Namaste.
You might not be feeling like rocking your new baby weight but that is why I feel maternity photos are important. It is an excuse to get dressed up and show just how good you really do look. Clearer glowing skin, thick, healthy hair, boobs.. really big boobs.. haha you can picture it now, right? You’ll forget pretty fast just how much your belly grew and it is always fun to look back on. Photo source (Life Diagrams Photography).
There's my magic list of essentials! Remember, the real point is to love yourself, be patient with yourself, have grace for yourself, even pamper yourself. If there's something on my list you totally agree with and maybe have a good story why it's so important, I'd love to hear it! Also, if you think I missed something you know to be essential to pregnancy, I need to know!! Comment below!
All the love, Rebecca
All the love, Rebecca
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