Friday marked my last birthday before I’ll officially be a mom. Crazy stuff. I can only imagine how different our lives will be this time next year. I said to Eric that I just wish it was time already because I want to meet her so much. I keep picturing her in my arms and I just can’t wait.
Eric is pretty fascinated with my growing bump and changing body. He rubs it all the time and he likes to play his guitar “for the baby” now and then. I sure love that guy. I like to joke around with the belly a lot. Sometimes I hide behind a wall and just stick out the bump until he looks up and notices it in the doorway. It’s pretty ridiculous. Generally speaking I’m feeling pretty great in my own skin, but I do have moments when I don’t feel the most body confident. It feels a bit like when I was a preteen and going through puberty with so many rapid changes only this time I have the years and experience behind me to trust the process and my body! This week some strangers commented on my pregnancy and I was SO happy and just beaming with pride. hah.
Maternity clothing:
My pregnancy wardrobe up until this point has been all about the stretchy black leggings/crops and fitted tees/tanks. I’ve been amazed by how comfortable my stretchy Lulu crops still are! I had to abandon my “groove pants” long ago though (the waistband just doesn’t have as much stretch to it). I haven’t had much luck shopping for maternity clothes yet. My main purchases so far have been some comfy maternity tees (v-neck and scoop neck) from Old Navy (I seriously bought about 6 of them in various bright colours!), a black Old Navy maternity t-shirt dress (below), and a cropped denim jacket from Garage (not maternity, also below) which I think looks pretty cute with a bright fitted tank/tee and black crops. I think the name of the game this summer will be all about the flowy summer dresses and comfy casual wear!
Latest appointment:
I had an appointment with my OB this week and the anatomy scan results came back normal – whew! I did find out that I have a low lying placenta (the placenta attached low and is partially blocking the cervix right now), but the doctor reassured me that it’s quite common and there’s a good chance it will move up and out of the way in time for my due date. One of my sisters had this with her first pregnancy and she said it moved up by 33/34 weeks. I’m hoping for the same so I have the option of a vaginal delivery. I have a follow-up ultrasound in about 6 weeks.
How I’m Doing:
Comfortable sleeping has been a challenge over the past few weeks. I’m now putting a small pillow between my legs when I’m on my side and this helps a lot. I’m also taking more bathroom breaks than I ever thought possible (and I have a small bladder to begin with). Other symptoms include lower back pain and some pelvic area pain on and off (which I hear is just normal stretching). I feel a bit moody or emotional at times, but I’ve actually been surprised by how level my emotions have been overall. Another thing I’ve noticed lately is that I can’t eat a lot of food at one time – my belly just feels too full and uncomfortable. Small meals are the way to go! On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being amazing), I would say I’m feeling a solid 8 across the board this month. Gotta love the 2nd trimester.
Shower planning begins:
It looks like I’ll be having my baby shower the 3rd weekend in July. I’m so excited that my mom and sister are going to fly out for it and we’ll get to spend some time together! I’m told that I need to get on the ball and create a registry. =) I’ve been working on a document with ideas and registry must-have lists from other bloggers, but that’s about all I’ve done so far. Any tips or suggestions on newborn essentials are greatly appreciated! What did you absolutely need and what did you think you needed that you really didn’t?
If I had it to do over again, I would not get expensive baby bedding. So not worth it.
I have a 5 week old and my absolute essentials so far have been:
– Water Wipes (bought on Amazon), no nasty chemicals, just water and a little bit of plant extract. Amazing!
– Happy Wrap, for baby wearing I figured I’d get too hot but this one is light weight as it’s made of Bamboo and my little man loves it! I wear it ALOT and can breastfeed with him in there too. Hello freedom!
– Coconut Oil! For pregnancy to help prevent stretch marks and also as nipple cream once babe arrives for those first few days of both of you figuring out how to latch properly!
Enjoy!
The tricky thing is that your list might be the complete opposite from any of ours because it’s such an individual family thing. Here are the things I couldn’t have done without:
1. Ergo – I seriously could not have done without this thing! I have a snuggly baby, and she wanted to be near me all the time. This was the only way I could get anything done when she was little.
2. Breast pump – I was going to wait until I went back to work to get one, but I needed my pump pretty much from day one, and apparently that’s pretty common. And yes, it was absolutely worth the extra money to get a double pump. At least for me.
3. Nipple cream – We would not have made it past the first week without that stuff. I used lanolin, but I know there are a ton of other things out there. Going topless and just letting the air heal it works best, but it isn’t always an option.
4. White noise machine – I know this is probably on a lot of people’s optional or “splurge” lists, but it was an unexpected shower gift that was an absolute lifesaver for us. She slept sooooo much better with it on and I decided that every shower I go to from now on, this is what I’m giving them!
5. Sleepers – Our little girl lived in zippered sleepers for the first 6 months, at least. I preferred those to snaps because I hated lining snaps up during middle of the night diaper changes.
That’s all the “stuff” I really felt like we needed. We used some other stuff that was helpful, but these were the ones we both felt like were essentials. I would also recommend requesting some clothes in larger baby sizes. We actually specifically requested no clothes because I was getting so many hand-me-downs from my sisters’ girls. We still got tons because everyone wanted to buy newborn and 0-3 month clothes because they’re so cute. She outgrew them so fast and I was given so many of them that I felt bad for not getting people’s money worth out of them. Then when she was 6 months old, she had very few clothes other than the hand-me-downs.
I forgot to add the nosefrida to the list. It sounds absolutely disgusting, but there’s a filter and the way it’s made, it’s really not as bad as it sounds. The bulb syringes, on the other hand, get disgusting inside.
I also cloth diaper, and I love my bumgenius and flips. Those have worked the best for us, by far. Everyone told me to get a variety of kinds to try them out and see what worked best, but I pretty much knew from the start that those were the ones.
I’ve had two babies (youngest is currently 4 months), and cannot say enough amazing things about the Ergo carrier. Seriously, you need it, and don’t even bother with other brands. Between the two babies, I’ve worn it for thousands of hours. Both of my babies have loved it for comfort, sleeping and just hanging out. They feel safe and snug, and I feel comfortable and my hands are free! It’s great when you have a fussy baby and just need to push through until bedtime/naptime. Also, if you like to walk at all (I walk A LOT), this is essential. A good stroller is nice too, but strollers are really limited in terms of walking on trails, anywhere with stairs, malls and stores with narrow aisles, busy sidewalks etc. So, although you need a decent stroller for some outings and travel (I recommend the Baby Jogger City Select or City Mini), the Ergo will get far more day-to-day use. Other than that, velcro swaddle blankets, a good travel diaper roll/change pad (this can just go in a large purse – you do not need a fancy diaper bag), a full set of cloth diapers (I very highly recommend GroVia hybrids – I did my research and I’m currently getting a second round of use with these with my second baby. I’m extremely happy with them) with two wet bags and a full set of re-usable bum clothes (I just use baby cloths in plain water for cleaning breastmilk poop. Once the poos change with solid foods, washing gets a bit more complicated). Older babies (4 months plus) get a lot of use out of the jolly jumper, a good playmat and the bumbo chair. For younger babies, I suggest the Bjorn bouncy chair. My fav highchair (which my daughter STILL uses in its converted form at 5 yrs) is the SVAN (it’s pricey – find it used).
Oh, and with the second baby, I’ve had a video monitor, which I’ve really liked. I didn’t even use an audio monitor with my first (we were in a small condo then), but I kind of wish I’d had this video monitor. It’s a bit of a luxury, and totally not necessary, but something to think about.
i know this is old, i’m revisiting this section because I’m due with my first soon and have been researching video monitors for way too long! what kind did you use that you loved?
Hi Angela!
I love your blog and cookbook! I’ve been vegan for 1.5 years now and we’re raising our 3 children (6, 3.5 and 5 months) vegan as well, my husband is mostly plant-based. All the recipes I’ve tried thus far have been a huge hit with the family. Thanks for the yummy recipes.
Baby must haves (things I use(d) everyday:
Double electric breast pump
Hands free pumping bra
Boob-ease or Honest brand nipple cream (I’ve been beyond happy with all Honest products- baby and household)
Reuseable organic nursing pads
Boppy pillow
BornFree glass bottles
Medela milk storage bottles
Boon lawn drying rack
Dishwasher rack (nipples, pacifiers, infant/toddler cutlery), etc.
Chicco and or Diono car seats
JJ Cole Car seat cover ( shower cap style, doesn’t interfere with safety)
Baby Jogger City Mini (lightweight, super easy fold)
Muslin Swaddle Blankets (JJ Cole and Aden and Anais)
Muslin bibs & burp cloths (JJ Cole, Aden & Anais, BornFree)
Cloth Diapers (Charlie Banana and GroVia)
Cloth Wipes
Halo Sleepsacks
Baby sleep gowns, makes nighttime changes so easy (I love Carter’s, Baby Gap and Circo from Target)
Arms Reach Mini CoSleeper
Organic bedding
Breathable Baby Bumper
Fisher Price Cradle Swing
Fisher Price Rock and Play Sleeper
Playmat
Exersaucer or jumperoo
OXO Sprout Highchair
Ergo baby wrap (essential for teeny babies who want held by momma 24/7)
Lillebaby All Seasons or Airflow (super comfy for mom & baby and multiple carrying positions)
I hope some of this helps
Target also has great maternity clothes. My baby is 4 months old now and I’m still living in the Liz Lange tank tops – the are great for nursing.
Key baby items for us were a boppy, side snap shirts (for the baby), miracle blanket, lots of wash cloths, nipple ointment. And a really comfy recliner for the nursery.
Keep it simple! Borrow as much as you can or get it off kijiji, because half of the stuff you get you won’t even use – every baby is so different. DO get a good carrier. My 6 week old is in a moby wrap at least half of the day while I chase around her older brother… she much prefers this to a baby bjorn or sling. If you use cloth diapers get a diaper sprayer that hooks onto the toilet. A good stroller is also a good investment (I vote Bob). If you like to camp, a seat that clips onto the picnic table is handy (also handy for a backyard table). Don’t feel like you need to get everything now, all you need for the first while is breastmilk, blankets and a good carrier.
You look fabulous!
Having had three babies in three years, here’s my thoughts. The two most important things you need when having a baby are grace and flexibility. Seriously, you are going to have to give yourself (and your spouse) grace as you navigate this exciting, and at times overwhelming, new path of parenthood. Also, it’s great to have a “plan” (like a birth plan, nursing plan, baby schedule/plan, etc), but be ready to be flexible and to be at peace with yourself (no mommy guilt!) for when things don’t go according to “the plan”. Because life usually has a way of doing that!
Material things for baby:
– baby swing
– muslin swaddle blankets
– nose frida
– a & d ointment
– ergo
– baby nail clipper
– sleeping gowns, onesies, zipper sleep and plays
– white noise machine/app
– if you’re eventually planning to add to the family a convertible stroller such as the baby jogger city select
– cross-body diaper bag (to keep hands free for changes/feedings)
– cloth diapers (used as burp rags, way more absorbent then burp cloths)
– baby monitor
– bath bear sponge, to bathe baby on
– disposable cloth wipes (sensitive wipes were too irritating for all 3 of my babies’ bums)
– exergen thermometer
Material things for yourself:
– big maxi pads, witch hazel pads, spray bottle, possibly colace and ibuprofen
– freezer meals (I usually did about a month’s worth)
– stocked pantry
– journal (for keeping track of feedings)
– supportive friend(s)/family
Lastly expect some hormonal fluctuations/resetting after giving birth and give yourself permission to feel exhausted ;)
Hope that is helpful.
I enjoyed reading everyone’s comments as much as your post :) Isn’t it interesting the things that some people loved and others never used. I always thought the baby stores were so crazy full of gadgets and whatnots but now that I’m pregnant with number two I guess every baby is different and who knows what gadgets will safe your life :)
My only tip, if you’re not sure about an item leave it in it’s packaging and/or tape the receipt to it. Then if baby is 3 months and you realize you never cared to fish it out of the drawer you can return.
I just wanted to throw out there that the absolute best diaper rash ointment I’ve found is plain ol’ coconut oil. I have a little girl, 18 months, and she will get a yeast type rash occasionally that is more smooth and red but coconut oil will clear it up almost instantly. I keep a baby food jar of virgin, unrefined coconut on my changing table. Some people might suggest not having a changing table but we bought a dresser and attached a changing pad to the top so it doesn’t have only one use. All her clothes, diapers, creams, wipes, lotions and powders were within hand’s reach. I seriously think having one station to do it all is completely worth it. Plus, if you have a vaginal birth, you won’t feel like sitting on the floor anytime soon. We love the noise machine, my daughter sleeps better and for a longer length of time with in on. I didn’t want to invest in a basinet but that was a mistake, luckily my mom have given my a pack-n-play with a sleeper and a changing table with optional storage that stayed next to my bed for the first three months. I didn’t want to walk into the other room in the middle of the night to change diapers or clothes. Other than that if you have plenty of burp clothes and a comfy place to feed, you should be set.
Haha, I’m sure that was more two-cents than you had asked for but that is what I learned in the past 18 months.
I just got your book, and in love with every recipe I have tried. I have a severe peanut and nut allergy, so I’m limited with which ones I can try. I swear the chia donuts and coconut whip cream is positively orgasmic! Loooove!
Congrats on your pregnancy! I have a little daughter who is six months, and I read your posts and teared up, as I remember the joy of feeling her grow inside me… Such a miracle!
As for the gear… FOR MAMA:I loooove all of the Earth Mama/baby balms. I have used the nipple cream (amazing for dry hands after excessive after diaper washes, and for lips… Tastes like cocoa)( FYI lanolin sucks and stains everything… Skip it) the baby bottom balm is the only balm that cleared her diaper rash and kept yeast away, the mama bottom balm is soothing for your sore lady bits too ;) other tips for you, a spill free water bottle for lots of water drinking in the middle of the night, when baby cries and you are dilerious…. You will thank me that you didn’t place a glass on your bedside table. Cotton top pads, not the mesh kind as stitches can get stuck… Ouch. Witch hazel, and Epsom salts are also soothing for your post partum bottom.
Now the fun stuff BABY!
-I love the aden and anais sleep sacks. I wish I has their swaddle sack too when she was little, no loose blankets to worry about and babe is snuggled tight. Their blankets are also amazing!
-baby carrier, I have the boba carrier and love it for this age. I’ve heard amazing things about the Tula ones too
– nook play mat, it’s definitely a splurge gift, but I love the natural materials, and construction. It’s soft for her to play on, and helpful for mama’s sore feet after hours I’d walking and rocking
– snugglebugz.ca/baby-shusher-the-sleep-miracle.html this saved our life. It helped calm our daughter and save our sanity. Such a great purchase. Just be mindful of how close and how loud you use it, to avoid any damage to baby girl’s ears.
– Oliver Jeffers books are cute and have beautiful illustrations
– snugglebugz.ca/bunch-a-farmers-stain-remover.html this natural stain remover is perfect for baby blow outs. Be sure to wash and hand scrub the stain ASAP
– if you aren’t using cloth ans want a more natural diaper, the honest company diapers are awesome. And have the cutest patterns!!
– fancy newborn clothes proved to be a nausance. Sleepers are the way to go, easy for mom and prevents crying that often occurs with the cute over the head outfits when she’s little.
Haha I could go in forever with more tips, but I won’t overwhelm you. Best of luck!
S
I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned this, but a water bottle with a straw – I’ve been using a camelbak one. Amazing for the end of pregnancy when you’re resting and don’t want to sit up to drink water. For labour – easier to take small sips & a lifesaver for breastfeeding when the insatiable thirst hits & you can have the bottle sitting (or lying) wherever you are feeding without spilling, you can drink without even touching the bottle if your hands are full!
(http://www.wiggle.co.uk/camelbak-eddy-bottle-750ml/)
So much good advice above. I’d add two things:
1. We discovered a swaddle called Woombie that made life so much easier. It just has a zipper; no need to deal with any snaps or complicated wrappings.
2. Please do not listen to the scare tactics of anti-vaxers who got their medical degrees from Google U. They will play on your natural anxieties as a new mother. Your doctor can be trusted. Vaccines are safe and preferable to measles, whooping cough, etc.
Congratulations on your daughter! She is in for a treat with her mom’s cooking, to be sure!
HI Angela!
Congrats! I’m a bit behind as I just had my first baby in September. It is the most wonderful thing ever. I am amazed by how much you can love someone without even knowing their personality. One of the things I realized that I won’t do for my second is register for bedding. Of course you want to decorate your baby girl’s room but the only part of the bedding you actually use for the first couple of years is the sheets. As soon as your child sits up/ starts pulling up, and you have to drop the mattress down, the bed skirt becomes useless. You can’t use the comfort for the first couple of years either. I purchased a breathable mesh bumper which I highly recommend getting. The thing that has given me the most piece of mind though is the Angel Care Monitor. It goes under the mattress and monitors your babies breathing. If they stop breathing for more than 20 seconds an alarm goes off. Having that has helped me sleep when my son is sleeping. Also, LOVED the book 12 hours sleep by 12 weeks old. Worked like a charm for myself and one of my friends. Moms on Call is a great resource to. They have a website you should check out.
Congrats again and best of luck to all of you!
-Robyn
Hi Angela!
Would you be able to share the name of the Doula you used? I’m due in early October and live in the Halton area and would love to use her services :)
Thank you!!