I'm not going to insult you and call this a "must-haves" list. Everyone is going to have different experiences and different wants and needs, and none of these are things you have to have or else.
But I did want to share some things that I've found helpful/useful during this pregnancy. Because trust me: if you're anything like me, you will find this entire process extremely overwhelming. Hopefully this will give you a place to start!
But I did want to share some things that I've found helpful/useful during this pregnancy. Because trust me: if you're anything like me, you will find this entire process extremely overwhelming. Hopefully this will give you a place to start!
Personally, I think special creams and oils that supposedly keep you from getting stretch marks is a load of crap. You either get them or you don't, and there's no way to prove that putting on a cream or oil helps. However, I do think that your skin is stretching and it gets itchy and lotion helps.
This lotion is thick (in a good way) and smells good and lathers well, and I would definitely recommend it! I bought one bottle at the start of my pregnancy and use it every time I get out of the shower, and it's lasted this whole time.
I bought two of these at the very beginning of my pregnancy (size small), and I've worn them the entire time! They are so soft and comfortable and LONG (<--- important). I recommend you stock up if you know what's good for you. Don't be like me and buy two lonely colors that you rotate for 7 months.
I know everyone loves What to Expect When You're Expecting, but I personally liked this one better. Each week is very informative and easy to digest, and I liked the format better than What to Expect.
Admittedly I haven't used this a ton, but it has come in handy, especially in the later stages. I don't wear it all day or anything, but sometimes I put it on when my back is hurting or the belly just feels heavy, and I really like it. I don't feel like it's super bulky to go under my clothes.
We received this as a gift from a lady in my church. It's a book full of short devotional prayers that parents pray over their children. Some of the prayers are cheesy, some won't apply to every situation, but we've loved reading these out loud to Baby Bum before bed.
6. A pillow
Personal opinion: those giant maternity pillows everyone raves about are not necessary. Plus, they are expensive. And, have you thought about storing that monstrosity after you give birth? Where do you put that thing?
Anyway, I know people swear by them, but I didn't get one and was just fine. I DO, however, highly recommend having a pillow to put between your knees. Any pillow will work, but you are going to need a pillow.
Seriously, the entire Old Navy maternity website is awesome. Don't spend your money on expensive maternity clothes! Wait for ON online sales and go crazy. My tip: read reviews. One thing that was really hard was deciding which size to buy, and I found the online reviews on the ON website very helpful.
8. Honorable Mention (mostly because I thought about it after I already made the post graphic): Compression socks. I didn't wear them all the time, but when my legs were feeling heavy I put them on, and it was great! These are my favorite.
8. Honorable Mention (mostly because I thought about it after I already made the post graphic): Compression socks. I didn't wear them all the time, but when my legs were feeling heavy I put them on, and it was great! These are my favorite.
So those are just a few of my favorite pregnancy things!
Anyone have anything you loved during your pregnancy to add?
---> p.s. I posted a "currently" vlog over the weekend. Don't miss it!
---> p.s. I posted a "currently" vlog over the weekend. Don't miss it!
*Nothing in this post is sponsored. These are things I purchased and used myself. However, some of these are Amazon affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I will receive a small percentage. Thanks for supporting Baby Bum and the Lady Okie Blog!
I also loved Your Pregnancy Week by Week. There is also a version about your baby's first year--I found the "when to call the doctor" pages most helpful, even though the nurses at our pediatrician's office always encouraged us to call with any questions.
This is more of a baby item, but I loved these for sterilizing pump parts and pacifiers: http://www.target.com/p/medela-5ct-quick-clean-micro-steam-sterilizing-bags/-/A-10953413?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=10953413&CPNG=Baby&kpid=10953413&LID=9pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=10953413&kpid=10953413&gclid=Cj0KEQjwl6GuBRD8x4G646HX7ZYBEiQADGnzuilYYMlUxs_E7a1qlgFmS_QeJakPitlfGE1ZsRX2jZwaAoyx8P8HAQ
I obviously have zero need for this right now, so I'm pinning for later!
Good to know! Pinning for later :)
I also really liked the Week to Week book. It was nice to read about the week I was in, and that's it. No stressing about 3 months down the road!
Literally all I wear is old Navy maternity! Have you found any good nursing tanks yet?
I lived in Old Navy maternity. The very best. Maybe I'm still wearing those maternity leggings...
This is good for future reference!!!! ;) thanks for sharing! I can imagine my #1 would be a good soft pillow for my legs/back!
I walk past the maternity tank tops at Target every time I'm there and come THISCLOSE to picking one up... then I see the $20 price tag and I skip it. I have a feeling that won't last much longer, though... my regular tanks are getting a smidge tight!
These are great tips! I didn't get a maternity pillow with Caleb but that's the FIRST thing I'm getting when I'm pregnant again. By the end of my pregnancy I think I had 6 pillows supporting my back and stomach, beneath my head, and between my legs. I would love to exchange that for just one big pillow.
Will keep these in mind for later and I LOVE that you read from that book of prayers to little missy every night :)
So glad your pregnancy is going well! I am 26 weeks in my 2nd pregnancy (hence the blogpost drop off) but I agree with the Liz Lange tanks, Old Navy sales, extra pillow, prayer book AND def the compression socks. I had to buy the socks a month before I was due with my first baby... lifesaver. Many prayers and blessings! -Julie
I really could not believe how expensive maternity clothes were when I first started looking. I mean, you'll only need them for a year, at the very most. I can't believe how much money some people shell out!
fabulous tips girl! and good to know about old navy maternity clothes, i don't have crazy amounts of $$ to waste on fancy maternity clothes! will have to check out that book!
also, good to know about the pregnancy pillows. those things look ridiculous and we don't have enough room in our (double) bed for one!
I kind of have had that same thought about stretch marks. I think a lot of it is genetics. Glad you found a lotion you liked, though! :)
Old Navy Maternity is THE BEST and so much cheaper than the other stores! Also just had to mention...the pregnancy pillow thing. That was a must have for me, but I hated to pay for it, but I've gotten my moneys worth especially now that Aiden is mobile. When he was just learning to sit up we put my maternity pillow around him like a nest and it has been awesome. So I have found new ways to use it even after pregnancy. Haha. Can't wait to see more pictures of your sweet baby!!! Yay!
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