Thursday, September 26, 2013

Getting Ready For Baby // My Favorite Pregnancy Goodies


10 Pregnancy Essentials // Bubby and Bean
1. The Belly Book (for saving pictures of your growing belly and journaling), gift from my friend Sara  //  2. Gentle Baby Essential Oil (for calming anxiety and gentle massage), gift from my friend Rhonda  //  3. Organic Peppermint Essential Oil (for relieving headache pain naturally), Now Solutions  //  4. Bellybuds Sound System (for baby to listen to music and recordings of daddy's voice when he's on the road), c/o Bellybuds  //  5. The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy (for hilarious, straight-to-the-point tips and truths), gift from my friend Heather  //  6. Origins (for learning about how the 9 months in the womb shape life after birth), gift from my friend Cara  //  7. Compression Socks (for relieving aching feet/calves and prevention of spider and varicose veins), Zappos  //  8. Cocoa Butter (for amazing moisturizing and possible prevention of stretch marks), Now Solutions  //  9. Pregnancy Pillow (for sleep support), c/o Bump Nest  // 10. The Pregnancy Journal (for tips and daily reflections), gift from my mother-in-law 


A month ago, I posted a baby goodies roundup of things that we'd gotten so far (purchases and gifts) for our baby-on-the-way.  Today, I thought I'd do the same, but for pregnancy items.  I mentioned in the baby goods posts that we've really been making a conscious effort to keep things to a minimum and focus on necessities and just a few fun goodies.  This same 'rule' has also applied to my pregnancy.  There are so many products out there catered to pregnancy, but up to now, I've only purchased one item (aside from prenatal vitamins, of course) specifically made for pregnancy: a maternity top that I've worn once.  I am considering getting a maternity belt for extra support, because I walk a couple of miles everyday, and this growing bump is starting to create some serious back aches and round ligament pain.  But other than that, each item that I've personally bought has been something not technically made for pregnancy that I will be able use post-baby as well (like #2, the peppermint oil, which is amazing for headaches, or #8, the cocoa butter, which is an incredible moisturizer).  I have been lucky, however, to receive a few goodies made specifically for pregnancy as gifts, all of which have been wonderful surprises and fun treats that have genuinely added to the experience for me. (Like #4, the Bellybuds. I've been playing music for baby girl everyday, and she instantly responds with kicks and movements. It has specialty speakers that adhere to the belly too, so I can play her songs while I'm working and doing other activities.  Pretty bad ass.)

I hope that this roundup is helpful to those of you who are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or have pregnant friends or family members.  And if any of you have suggestions for other items that are worth buying or any especially fun goodies that you recommend, please let me know!  I still have three months to go. :)

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11 comments:

  1. Those pregnancy headphones are kind of cool. My mother said she used to put headphones on her belly with classical music when she was pregnant with me. I'll probably do the same when I get pregnant.

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  2. The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy book is the BEST. I love how real it is. Check into Red Raspberry Leaf tea for when you get close to delivery, it's so soothing and yummy. If you plan on nursing, Lansinoh/Lanolin creme is awesome for those first few weeks, especially.

    I love reliving those pregnancy days through fellow bloggers, cherish every second! It's such a wonderful time!!

    hugs,
    Jess @ beingbarlow.com

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    1. Thanks for the tips! I'm def going to try the raspberry tea.

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  3. i am nowhere near pregnant but i love how this list contains so many books and holistic items like the oils. those are the types of thing i hope to use when it's my time to have a baby.

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  4. I would love to get the belly buds, but for now some old school headphones will have to do!

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  5. Those belly buds look awesome! Wish I would have known about compression socks with my pregger days. Peppermint oil is great even when not pregnant too. And, another great thing that's worked for many (too late for me) to prevent stretch marks - straight up Vitamin E oil. It worked wonders for a few of my friends. They have no stretch marks at all.
    Great list! =0)

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    1. My mom used vitamin e oil and she never got stretch marks. I need to try that.

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  6. I really admire your attitude, Melissa, as it's one that I've been trying to embrace for the past year and a half - only buying things that will be useful in the long-term, not just for a temporary situation (like pregnancy) or, in my case, for one specific event or look. And thanks for the tip about Peppermint Oil, I had no idea it was good for headaches!
    xox,
    Cee

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    1. It's a big thing I learned while working in the eco-fashion industry. And a great way to save money too!

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  7. Those pregnancy headphones look so cool! I'm also a big fan of cocoa butter, you can use it as a multi-purpose moisturizer and it's the best!

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