If you’re expecting or planning to start a family anytime soon, first of all CONGRATS!!!!!! And next, I’ve got your back!
There is no shortage of advice, books, documentaries and websites out there offering an overwhelming slew of prenatal goodies to you at every turn. I’ve personally found that the very best advice has always come from other mamas I admire and close friends who truly want the best for me.
In celebration of my second daughter arriving in October of this year, and also in celebration of YOUR new little bundle on the way, I’ve put together my own list of FAVOURITE PRENATAL THINGS that has made my journey way more fun and enjoyable (both times around).
Whether you’re planning a home birth, natural birth, hospital birth or anything in between…my hope is that it can help you too.
I truly want you to feel your very best, totally enjoy your journey as a new or repeat mama, and set yourself up for a fabulous birth and postpartum experience.
From me to you, enjoy xo
My Favrouite Things – Prenatal Edition
1. The Body Shop – Cocoa Butter Moisturizing stick
It’s a roll on, moisture packed, massage and hydrating magician in one. Roll it on your growing baby bump (and achy boobs if you wish) before bed every night. It eases stretching and hydrates skin for a comfortable 40 (or more) weeks and also makes sure your skin will be in better shape after delivery too. I used this with my first daughter and am still obsessed with it during this preganacy as well.
Need a bonus? It’s Fair Trade cocoa butter too! Everyone wins!
2. Usana’s BabyCare Prenatals
When you’re pregnant, your nutritional needs are even greater than usual. Food cravings and aversions can heighten you lack of vital minerals and vitamins too (I can’t stand most meats now for example). So, taking a lower-dose one-a-day multivitamin and mineral prenatal supplement that only meets minimal pregnancy RDA recommendations may fall short of providing you with the right amounts of the right nutrients. When it comes to getting the best nutrition for you and your baby, I highly suggest starting with the carefully formulated BabyCare Prenatal Essentials, comprised of BabyCare Prenatal Mega Antioxidant and Chelated Mineral. Both provide advanced levels of the essential vitamins and minerals you need to safely support your health and the healthy growth and development of your baby—from before conception until you stop nursing.
Need a bonus? Unlike any shelf ready supplement on the market today Usana’s products are shipped direct to your front door (hello stay cozy and cool this summer rather than drag your growing bump to the store monthly) AND they are also:
Woohoooo! And, to make is even simpler for you, you can order your top rated prenatals at a discount simply by sending me a quick message.
3. Chocolate Whey Nutrimeal
Protein!!!! A vital component of a healthy pregnancy – along with fats and clean carbs too, obviously – but, since I’ve had a serious aversion to any meats (perhaps you can relate??) this one was a major love of mine to be able to still have a balanced diet during both my pregnancies.
Why you need protein during pregnancy:
The amino acids that make up protein are the building blocks of your body’s cells – and of your baby’s body as well. It’s important to get enough protein throughout your pregnancy, but especially during the second and third trimesters, when your baby is growing the fastest and your breasts and organs are getting bigger to accommodate the needs of your growing baby.
How much protein you need:
Pregnant women: about 70 grams (g) of protein per day
Non-pregnant women: about 45 g
(stats c/o BabyCenter.com)
4. Baby Books I love!
Yes, there a MILLION or more books about babies, pregnancy, prenatal info, postpartum info and everything in between.
It’s actually overwhelming AND brutal to try to sift through them all by yourself. One of the things I get asked THE MOST by my expecting and parent friends, business partners and followers, is which books are the best and why?
So, here is my Baby Book Club list of faves and what you can expect to get from each one…
Yes, the title is daunting but don’t be fooled – this book is PACKED with excellent info on food and nutrition for both you and your adorable growing baby. Health starts from the inside out, and so it goes for your little sweet pea as well. I adored the humour and wonderful, intelligent info about food sources and nutrition must haves in this book. Holistic health is something I am super passionate about and this book will help you to understand (with a load of sass) why you should be too.
This book was awesome because I used it as a reference or new mom encyclopedia if you will. It was a great way to avoid calling my OB or Paediatrician every five seconds when my new daughter did something that freaked me out or that I simply didn’t understand. It has all stages of growth and development along with indications for illness or need concern. This book saved me from many already sleepless nights and helped to educate me as my little munchkin grew. I highly recommend this one for parental peace of mind and lots of great info!
Seriously THE BEST book I’ve ever read on how to calm your little one when they are brand new. It tells us mamas (and dads) about the little known 4th trimester (don’t worry, it’s not in utero!!! phhhhhew!) and gives the most magical (and doctor approved) advice on how to keep your sweet new bundle happy and adjusting well to her/his new environment as she/he gets used to both you and the world. No more crying baby and lots more calm, peaceful, dreamy baby enjoyment for mom (and dad).
**Yes, I’m very aware that this can be a controversial book** That being said, I want to be clear that I simply used it as a guide to get my daughter to HER happy place with our own “schedule”. I use the term schedule very loosely here, as you absolutely must, must, must listen to and look out for YOUR baby’s own cues on what she will or won’t be happy doing. I do find that most children and infants feel most secure when they know what’s coming next, and so a schedule worked very well for my sweet daughter Winslowe when she was born – this system was a life-saver for both me and her, and she’s been happily on a very easy (no pun intended) schedule ever since. She’s now 4 years old, and she has slept through the night since 6 months old, oh…and she’s a very good eater as well. Schedules should always be on cue with your baby’s needs and only you as their mama will know best what that looks like – so use this book accordingly.
5. Prenatal Yoga
Le sigh, this made my life for both pregnancies. A calm body, mind and soul are so vital for a great, healthy and happy pregnancy, delivery and post part experience.
There are many awesome programs out there that I love. It’s super important to have any activity cleared with your own doctor first, and to always listen to your own body with how far you want to take each exercise. I found that the shorter routines were best for me (around 30 minutes) as I’m also still busy with my 4 year old and with work as well. Here is my fave routine online. And be sure to check out the many great DVD programs available now as well.
Congrats Mama!
Sending you lots of love and hugs for a fabulous, radiant and easy pregnancy and delivery.
Be ready for the greatest love story of your life.
xo, Lav
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