Now that baby girl is nearing 7 months old, the conversation of when the next one will come along has been brought up more than once. While I can guarantee you it won't be any time soon, it has really made me start thinking about what and how I will do things differently the next time around.
I will be the first to admit, I wasn't the healthiest during my pregnancy. I didn't eat whatever food was in sight, but I did have a general salt craving, which included things such as chips, Mr Noodle soup, and plain salt, straight from the grinder. I know, it makes my heart hurt just thinking about it. I also had a craving for salad, which in my mind, evened out the salt craving. Paired with a less active lifestyle than I'm used to, its safe to say I gained a few extra lbs.
That being said, there are also some things that I would do exactly the same next go around. When it came to some of my must haves, I didn't go all out and buy the fanciest, pregnancy-specific items. I made do with whatever I had around the house, or found an alternative, cheaper and more "multi purpose" item to use instead.
Check out my pregnancy must haves, plus an awesome giveaway (below)...
My Pregnancy Must Haves
1. Coconut oil.
Growing, stretching skin needs to be kept moisturized in order to prevent the unbearable itchiness that often comes along with pregnancy. There are so many expensive lotions and potions on the market that will provide the relief needed, however, I found that coconut oil was the perfect all-natural remedy. While everyone is different, and coconut oil won't completely eliminate the dreaded stretch marks, especially if you're genetically doomed, it does help minimize the stretching of the skin by keeping it moisturized. Apply coconut oil to your belly, and all over, right out of the shower when is cleaned and best at absorbing it. Always allow the oil to soak in and dry before dressing.
I also made my own all natural whipped belly butter with this recipe.
2. Body pillow.
I will gladly admit, sleeping while pregnant is the worst! Pregnancy can bring with it a variety of aches and pains, as well as considerable challenges for comfortably sleeping through the night. Sure there are many pregnancy-specific body pillow available on the market, but instead of shelling out $50+, why not just use a simple body pillow which can be purchased for around $10-20? Some people may already have one at home. Using a large pillow to support and cradle your growing body is especially helpful during the last trimester. Sleeping on your side, a normal body pillow can easily be positioned to give you a comfortable night's sleep.
3. Robe.
Let's face it, when you are sporting a 40 week belly, getting dressed can be a challenge. Donning a comfortable, warm robe is so much better. A robe is also important if you're using a belly butter, such as the recipe above, because you need to let it dry on your skin before putting your clothes on. You may also want a robe during your hospital stay to help keep you warm and to cover up when you have visitors.
4. Maternity jeans.
I live in leggings. But, I also love jeans. Knowing that they would be packed away after 9 months, I didn't spend a lot of maternity-specific clothing. I opted for shirts, leggings, etc. that were purchased in the normal sections that I shop in, and that could be worn post pregnancy. Maternity clothes are expensive! The one thing I did splurge on was a pair of good maternity bootcut jeans. That stretchy expandable belly panel, paired with the super stretchy cotton blend denim fabric made these jeans an absolute dream to wear. And I may or may not have worn them for a few months post pregnancy before eventually retiring them. (Unlike the above picture, I did not wear heels with these jeans. My kankles would not have been a fan.)
I live in leggings. But, I also love jeans. Knowing that they would be packed away after 9 months, I didn't spend a lot of maternity-specific clothing. I opted for shirts, leggings, etc. that were purchased in the normal sections that I shop in, and that could be worn post pregnancy. Maternity clothes are expensive! The one thing I did splurge on was a pair of good maternity bootcut jeans. That stretchy expandable belly panel, paired with the super stretchy cotton blend denim fabric made these jeans an absolute dream to wear. And I may or may not have worn them for a few months post pregnancy before eventually retiring them. (Unlike the above picture, I did not wear heels with these jeans. My kankles would not have been a fan.)
5. Silicone wedding band.
I love wearing my rings, but sadly, I was not blessed with slim fingers. With the weight gain going what seemed as straight to my fingers, it turned them into something that can only be best described as a breakfast sausages. I'm just going to take a stab an say that this also may or may not have been directly related to my salt cravings. Regardless, I knew from early on that my wedding rings had to go. Even now with the heat and humidity of this past summer, my rings have remained in safe keeping.
I love wearing my rings, but sadly, I was not blessed with slim fingers. With the weight gain going what seemed as straight to my fingers, it turned them into something that can only be best described as a breakfast sausages. I'm just going to take a stab an say that this also may or may not have been directly related to my salt cravings. Regardless, I knew from early on that my wedding rings had to go. Even now with the heat and humidity of this past summer, my rings have remained in safe keeping.
I was recently sent a set of stackable silicone rings from Enso Rings, the perfect solution for those pregnancy sausage fingers. Made from soft, lightweight, medical-grade silicone, these rings are flexible enough to get on and off my fingers, no matter what size or shape they take on. With a variety of colours to mix and match, the Women's Stackables are extremely versatile and the perfect way to express your unique personality. I chose the purple and turquoise stackables, two of my favourite colours. [Pictured above: Women's Stackable Silicone Ring in plum. Available in a variety of colours and sizes.]
Although not pregnant, my husband also approves of Enso Rings. As a former professional hockey player, he could never wear his wedding band while playing in case he was injured. His current wedding ring is made of tungsten carbide, which is not the safest material for someone with an active lifestyle. He also didn't want to misplace it with the constant on and off between games. With being on the road half of the season, his ring sat at home most of the time. He received the Men's Ultralite Silicone Ring in obsidian (black) for review and is a big fan! He has received quite a few comments from family, friends and coworkers on the uniqueness of the ring. The thing he loves most is how lightweight and flexible it is, especially compared to his tungsten carbide wedding band. Like the women's stackables, this ring is also made with medical grade silicone and features their Anti Ring Avulsion Technology, meaning the ring keeps it’s shape, but if needed, will also break away in a potential accident. My husband's biggest wish was that he had of discovered Enso Rings during his hockey playing days.
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| See... I wasn't lying when I said sausage fingers. |
Although not pregnant, my husband also approves of Enso Rings. As a former professional hockey player, he could never wear his wedding band while playing in case he was injured. His current wedding ring is made of tungsten carbide, which is not the safest material for someone with an active lifestyle. He also didn't want to misplace it with the constant on and off between games. With being on the road half of the season, his ring sat at home most of the time. He received the Men's Ultralite Silicone Ring in obsidian (black) for review and is a big fan! He has received quite a few comments from family, friends and coworkers on the uniqueness of the ring. The thing he loves most is how lightweight and flexible it is, especially compared to his tungsten carbide wedding band. Like the women's stackables, this ring is also made with medical grade silicone and features their Anti Ring Avulsion Technology, meaning the ring keeps it’s shape, but if needed, will also break away in a potential accident. My husband's biggest wish was that he had of discovered Enso Rings during his hockey playing days.
Besides the affordability, selection and quality, one of my favourite things about Enso Rings is that they believe in giving back. For every ring they sell, a portion of the proceeds are donated to local and global organizations that are working to solve problems like hunger, poverty, disease and protecting our planet.
**GIVEAWAY**
Whether there's a baby on the way, you're travelling and want to leave your jewels at home, you can't wear certain jewellery due to work or allergies, or something in between, Enso Rings are the perfect solution. Now you can have a set of your own - enter the giveaway below for your chance to win $50 worth of Enso Rings! And with how affordable these rings are, that's more than enough to purchase a new ring for yourself and for another.
**GIVEAWAY**
Whether there's a baby on the way, you're travelling and want to leave your jewels at home, you can't wear certain jewellery due to work or allergies, or something in between, Enso Rings are the perfect solution. Now you can have a set of your own - enter the giveaway below for your chance to win $50 worth of Enso Rings! And with how affordable these rings are, that's more than enough to purchase a new ring for yourself and for another.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
*I was provided a set of women's stackable silicone rings and a men's ultralite silicone ring for review. All opinions are 100% my own. Thank you Enso Rings!
Rules, because there's always rules: Contest runs 10/14/2016 to 10/19/2016 at 11:59pm, and is open to residents of Canada and US. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Winner will be notified on 10/20/2016 and has 48 hours to respond. If prize is not claimed within this time, another winner will be drawn at random. Prize is in the form of a coupon code worth $50, to be used at Enso Rings. Good luck!
What are your pregnancy must haves and recommendations? I'd love to hear!
What are your pregnancy must haves and recommendations? I'd love to hear!
*I was provided a set of women's stackable silicone rings and a men's ultralite silicone ring for review. All opinions are 100% my own. Thank you Enso Rings!
