Are you all about getting the things you absolutely need, NOT the things everyone and their Mama says you need?
You know that this time of pregnancy is so special (the shopping time). Every store, site, and person tells you that you need “this and that and those” for a great pregnancy, labor, and birth. Well, I am going to list the things that I could not live without in my pregnancy, and leave the rest of the deciding up to you.
Oh, and before I continue, I want to say how important it is to be ready for the day when your baby decides he or she wants to meet you.
Labor can be daunting and exciting at the same time, but I know that you can do it!
That is why I want to mention my FREE Natural Birth Workbook! This 4 Step Process is a great start if you are considering a med-free birth. Click the button below to download the workbook…
Here is my list of absolute essentials in pregnancy, labor, and birth…
Labor shoes.
I will say that I LOVE my Arizona birks. Slide on sandals that are cute and comfy are the bomb in and out of pregnancy. As I headed towards “labor day” I knew that I needed shoes for the hospital. Sure, you can wear slippers or socks, but maybe no one has told you that labor is a messy ordeal. There is amniotic fluid, blood, sweat, and tears (need I go any further?). Away from gross and back to cute, I definitely recommend these slip on Birkenstocks that can be worn throughout your pregnancy as your feet get puffy and you just don’t want to bend over to buckle, tie, velcro, snap, or zip anything else. Added bonus is that they can be your labor shoe because they are “wash and wear again” shoes!
►►►Link for Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandals
Belly support.
I need to talk about the baby bump that grows a little bigger and heavier each day. You want to support your baby and your belly so that your back doesn’t ache and your skin doesn’t sag. This belly band is great when leggings or pants below the belly show a little too much skin when the shirt isn’t long enough. Wear this belly wrap with dresses, skirts, pants, shorts, and even if you decide to go pant-less for a while (it’s true). But I definitely recommend wearing dresses as much as possible in pregnancy to allow for good circulation throughout your legs, groin, and abdomen.
Tight pants.
Yes, I did say that dresses are good. But sometimes leggings are necessary (gym day, lounging, etc.) So, you cannot live without these comfy and cute leggings that make your mama body look great and belly feel cozy. These leggings are great because you can skip the belly wrap and just wear the leggings that snuggle your belly and give you the support you need. Plus the stitching on the legs make you look more slim!
►►►Link to Maternity Activewear
Long shirts.
When I was pregnant, I was amazingly surprised that my shirts looked ridiculous on me. I tried to wear regular shirts thinking they would be long enough to meet my pants. Jokes on me. I am a nurse, and I would try to wear a regular t-shirt with my scrub pants. Well, there was not a meet-up down there. My husband had to break the news to me about buying new shirts. I am already tall, and besides buying Big and Tall clothing, I felt out of luck. Then I found these super cute tops. I am a sucker for black and grey, and I was hooked. You should try these out too unless you like the midriff look.
Sleep aid.
I need to talk about bedtime, because honestly, I am a lover of sleep. Not that I get it much, but I have fantasies about it. When I was pregnant, especially, I would daydream about the moment I would get to crawl into my big cloud of a mattress, pull up the duvet, and drift into Neverland. BUT that never seemed to happen. I would toss and turn, finally fall asleep and then wake up frantic on my back (circulation problems). This cyclical pattern happened throughout the night(s). Then I decided that a big body caressing pillow would be the solution. I recommend one of these big guys to do the trick. And please, Mama, put him in the closet, or somewhere other than the bed when pregnancy is over. Your husband will not love the idea of “big guy” sleeping in the bed with you forever.
Exercise ball or birthing ball.
It is absolutely vital! We are getting closer to delivery day and you need the bouncer. This ball will help you open up your pelvis, get baby into position, and take advantage of gravity for assistance. I have another post on how to make labor progress faster if you want to know more about why the birthing ball is so important. But trust me! You need one. And you need to know how to use it.
Check out FEARLESS Labor & Delivery to learn how to practice relaxation techniques in labor.
The robe!
You deliver your bundle of joy, you are wheeled off to postpartum, and then everyone visits you in your hospital room. You can be seen in the hospital gown, PJs, or a pretty robe that says “I just delivered a _____ pound baby and I look this good.” I recommend that you find and wear a robe that feels like you and says “I look this good” when everyone pays their visit. OH! And you need a comfy but cute nursing bra to go under the gown and robe (they won’t see it but you’ll know you look good all around).
►►►Link to Robe
Easy and comfortable bra.
It is so important to feel comfortable, sexy, and supported during pregnancy. I had to have my wireless bras. These bras are soft, comfy, and reliable for around the house, in bed, at the gym, and hey maybe even under a loose dress. I definitely recommend that you add some of these to your lingerie drawer where they can bring some mommy basics into the house.
►►►Link to Bra
Shea butter.
To be honest, your skin will change in pregnancy and post pregnancy. It is so important to take care of your skin. Maybe you are not noticing any skin problems or itchiness yet, but your baby bump will grow and that is when some itching begins. It can be annoying, and the shea butter is so helpful in easing that itchiness. You may be wondering about stretch marks. Stretch marks begin when your skin stretches. The underlying layers of connective fibers that give elasticity to your skin begin to weaken and tear. This causes scarring and discoloration on the surface of your belly, thighs, butt, etc. Shea butter will not repair the damaged connective tissue. Truly, prescription medication and laser therapy are the only options for stretch marks right now. However, your stretch marks may be noticeable at first, but they will fade over time. In the meantime, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Keep your skin soft, pliable, and itch-free with shea butter. I definitely needed it, and loved using it.
Red raspberry leaf tea.
It is time for labor prep! But this tea is good for so many reasons other than labor prep. I begin my day with a cup of coffee in the morning, and I like to end my day with a hot cup of tea. I 100% recommend that you drink red raspberry tea in your pregnancy to decrease nausea, increase your nutrient and antioxidant intake, shorten labor time, and decrease unnecessary interventions at birth. Yes, it is true that studies indicate that red raspberry leaves are not only high in nutrients, but also may strengthen your uterine wall (your uterus is a muscle getting ready to WORK), and decrease labor time and complications! Wow, those midwives are on to something. Check it out, go make a cup of this amazing tea, and try to sip one cup everyday from now until delivery day.
►►►Link for tea
Mama, we are at the end of the list. Easy as that. These are the essentials that I think are truly “essential” in pregnancy, labor, and birth. Don’t get too much, get just the right amount. And have fun. Happy day.
Xoxo
Annabelle
P.S. Do you want some help making a plan? I have created my FREE Natural Birth Workbook just for you. This 4 Step Process is a great start if you are considering a med-free birth. Download below…
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