Friends occasionally ask for recommendations for pregnancy and I'm always meaning to consolidate mine into one, easily-accessed blog post. Well, I figured now was the time to do it: while I'm pregnant (so it's on my mind) and before the baby comes and all my energy is consumed with him/her!
Without further ado: the pregnancy recommendations from LMLD: we like to keep things simple, to be prepared, to be informed, and work with a tight budget…
To read:
It's hard for me to express how important this book is. So bear with me, as this first item is the longest:
“My most fervent prayer for all pregnant women is that they read this book and heed its wisdom.” This is the quotation on the front cover of the book, from a certain Christine Northrop, MD — and I can only echo it here.
Whenever a friend is expecting her first or trying to get a better grasp on the whole idea of childbirth (and especially if she has had negative experiences with birth before or dreads birthing), this is the book I most want her to read. If she had to set aside all other books to prepare her for birth, this would be the pick. To be fair, I want all women to read it and, for that matter, all doctors, nurses, medical researchers… you get the idea. Ina May Gaskin is an amazing force in restoring the lost collective memory of midwifery wisdom. So many of us postmodern women are suffering and fearing through childbirth in ways that we just wouldn't have to if Gaskin's advice were widely adopted. This is easily one of the most formative books I've ever read on any topic.
The first section is simply a collection of birth stories from mothers, most of whom gave birth at Gaskin's midwifery/birth center community. This alone is a powerful resource for getting your head out of the negative model of birth presented by pretty much all shows and movies you've ever seen and into a peaceful, empowering place that acknowledges that your body was made for this. The latter sections are Gaskin's instruction and explanation regarding healthy childbirth; and presentation of her research that bears on giving birth in our culture. It is packed with information you should have before you head to wherever you're heading to give birth to your baby. (Including an encouraging chapter regarding VBAC!)
Now, this is not to say that I'm 100% on board with everything that Gaskin says (for instance, she has done a lot to help women in crisis pregnancies! But, regretfully, she thinks that abortion shouldn't be illegal), but I think the intelligent woman can filter these matters along the way and benefit from her vision, her rigorous research, her intuition, and her vast experience. Read it.
- Auntie Leila has a post in which she has discussed books that will help you get ready for a newborn: Ask Auntie Leila: Please Attach Syllabus for Life 101. While you're pregnant, resting and reading are good activities — they promote bonding with the baby and getting your mind ready for what's ahead. You can check out the whole “foundational” category when you're done with that post and its reading recommendations!
I wouldn't go to this as a serious scientific resource, because it's really nothing more than a collection of synthesis and commentary on various studies regarding pregnancy and babies – and we all know that sifting through studies is a tricky task. However, the author doesn't take herself too seriously (I think it's clear that she knows what she is and isn't doing as far as research presentation) and it is chock full of interesting, fun, and helpful information. I especially appreciated her whole section on ‘The Golden Hour' and learning about how very important it is to bond with your baby immediately following birth and in the first weeks postpartum. I categorize this not as an essential read like Ina May Gaskin, but a good way to be more informed about what's going on with you, your body, and your baby on this journey.
NB: I don't remember in great detail, but I do recall at least a little bit of objectionable material. Again: filter recommended.
To watch:
This documentary is an hour and 19 min – a small commitment for a big payoff. It simply follows a handful of babies from different parts of the world from birth until age 1. No narration, no commentary, just fascinating footage. An incredible glimpse at the vast differences between ways of bringing babies into this world, it gave me a huge dose of perspective before I began my mothering. It's very helpful to be reminded that the expectations we are facing as postmodern American women are not universal, nor are they necessarily reasonable! I think that seeing this film definitely empowered me to be the kind of mom who's open to breaking some rules in deciding what's best for my child.
Plus, it's cute. A little stressful at times too, but no more so than having an actual baby to watch out for!
To consume:
- Thorne Research Prenatal Vitamins
I used to use NewChapter Organic prenatal vitamins after my sister-in-law Natasha recommended them. They were awesome: tons of nutrition without any downsides (most notably, easy enough on the tummy to take before breakfast). However, I did find that Thorne is another brand that I trust and which is very easily digested (also even on an empty stomach), but more budget-friendly. So that's what I go with these days.
- Floradix
When the iron levels get low, as they are wont to do during pregnancy, life is much harder to handle. Not to mention that low iron levels can raise medical concerns for the baby. So a supplement can be necessary, and if so, we recommend Floradix. It tastes funny sometimes (I think that it tastes different depending on how much one needs it – but note that it's available in pill form as well), but, unlike other iron supplements, it doesn't constipate. And it works.* You will likely need it in your post-partum days, as well.
*Sometimes low iron is overlooked. Here are some signs: extreme tiredness, such that even resting doesn't help, nor does caffeine; constant eating (since eating is often a substitute for resting); the desire to chew on ice; pale lower inner eyelids (pull down on the skin below your eyelid and take a peek — it should be rosy pink).
- Fem-dophilus
Fem-dophilus is what my midwife recommends towards the end of pregnancy as a means of avoiding the Group B Strep diagnosis that can require antibiotics during childbirth. It's not a guarantee, but it's nice to have something proactive to do to help avoid antibiotics and keep birthing as simple as possible!
- Dates
Apparently, eating dates can contribute to easier and faster labor! Plus: they're delicious. I mean, there's really no downside here. I just get them at the grocery store!
- Red Raspberry Leaves/Tea
Red Raspberry Leaf is an herbal supplement that supports a healthy and strong uterus, so it's a good thing to get on your side in the months leading up to birth. You can buy it as a tea and drink a cup a day (and it's delicious, especially iced) or simply pop it in capsule form.
- High-protein/high-healthy-fat snacks for the car/purse
When you're pregnant, hunger can creep up on you and turn you either into a monster or into a rapidly wilting leaf. Have some healthy options handy for when you're out and about so that you don't experience a meltdown on the go. (In my experience, during the first trimester, queasiness sets in whenever I let myself get even close to hungry and then suddenly any food can be repulsive – so it's important to stay ahead of that curve.) Trail mix is a good example.
To wear:
Here I try to list a few staple items that are worth investing in. There are additional items that you'll need (various tops, for example) but are easier to find second-hand. This section is what I would say is worth seeking out in particular, whether from a store, catalog, or by asking around among friends:
- B-band/Tummy Sleeve
This is the secret weapon to extending your normal wardrobe partway into your second trimester (depending on how quickly your tummy pops!). When you're looking too “swell” to zip your normal pants but they fit you ok otherwise, just pop this band over the top of your pants and voila! you have added on a flexible maternity panel and bought a few more weeks before having to enter the dreaded realm of “maternity clothes shopping.” Available at various stores.
- Maternity Leggings
If your pregnancy will span the cold months, a pair of leggings is worth it. Layer them under dresses, long sweaters, and tunic tops for three-season wardrobe options. I got my Gap pair at a consignment store. These have been indispensable for me during my pregnancy with Chickapea — my tummy is just too big to fit into my various maternity pants options anymore! I'm much more comfortable wearing a dress with these underneath along with a cardigan and boots.
(A versatile pair of flats is also recommended. I found my very comfortable Bandalino ballet flats at the thrift store. See my Mutu post for info on why you want zero positive tilt/no heels in order to give your core a break during pregnancy.)
- One “occasion” dress
I got extremely lucky and came upon this high-waisted dress with a flowy skirt — not actually a maternity dress — that fits me from 0-7 months pregnant (pictured here at 0 so you can see what's going on: the sash provides the shape for the dress, which gives it lots of flexibility. Most of my friends have now seen me in this outfit, as I have sported it to many different events at various stages of being with child/having child in arms). The huge bonus: the crossover neckline actually allows for nursing. It is the holy grail of cocktail dresses. If you come upon something like this, buy it.
In general, look for things that are flowy/stretchy and feature high waists. It's more affordable to get a normal dress that happens to work for pregnancy than to go to the maternity retailers for one. Something that can be accessorized different ways is a plus!
- Adjustable belt
Many different tops and sweaters can be turned into “maternity” tops if they've been strategically cinched above the bump. The catch here is to find a belt that works on one's ribcage, when most belts are designed for the belt loops of pants. So keep an eye out and if you ever find an adjusting belt (the kind that won't have a huge tail sticking off the end when you move it up over a pregnant tummy) – buy it! Then you have the flexibility to turn various different tops into pregnancy-friendly looks.
This is especially helpful when you're at that early, borderline phase (“is she or isn't she…?”) — emphasize it with a belt!
- Bathing Suit
This is something you're going to have to buy maternity. If you plan on swimming during your pregnancy (and it is lovely and liberating exercise for the expectant mom), go ahead and make this investment. Maybe keep an eye on sites like Zulily to find a good deal? I do recommend a tankini, so that you can easily use the bathroom (which you'll have to do approximately one thundred times a day while pregnant), but make sure that the top is going to reach all the way around your belly even when you're really sticking out there.
- Coobie Bra
Speaking of investments, this Coobie bra is another smart one. I received one as a gift and it is the comfiest thing ever. It holds up extremely well — after over three years of wearing it constantly any time it didn't have to be washed (and note that I've nursed two babies during that time period!), mine is only now giving out on me. So flexible and comfortable! Especially when you reach that point of pregnancy when all your clothes seem to be conspiring against you, this standby item is a relief.
- Maternity Shorts
Again, depending on the seasonal span of your pregnancy, one pair of shorts might be worth the investment. I have just one pair that I leaned on heavily during my pregnancy with Finnabee, which went well into the summer in DC.
Other hot weather maternity items: a few maternity tops to rotate with the shorts, some breezy dresses (again, these don't necessarily have to be maternity in order to work over a big baby belly), and a pair of maternity capris were all I needed.
- Maternity Jeans
If finding jeans is hard enough, is finding maternity jeans impossible? Again, they're one of those staple items… I avoided this search during my first pregnancy (thanks to the weather, the B-band, and the options mentioned immediately above), but last time around and this time I definitely just needed go-to pants. I ended up finding mine by using ThreadUp, ordering a bunch of pairs, trying them on at home, and using the ‘free returns' policy to send back the ones I didn't like. A pretty affordable way to go about finding an item that does have to be very particular to one's personal needs!
Other cold weather maternity items to look for: maternity coat, a couple long-sleeved maternity shirts, sweaters (open front/drapey sweaters might work, or long/oversized sweaters; this doesn't necessarily have to be a maternity item), cardigans (remember, you don't have to button them! Or you can just button one or two buttons above your bump and leave the rest).
Miscellaneous:
- A good water bottle
You'll be needing to hydrate – a LOT. If you're on the go or if you have trouble remembering to refill your water glass, a water bottle might be a good choice for you. I like my Nalgene that I've had since college. Suki recommends this Contigo Cortland bottle because it can be used one-handed, but it's pretty leakproof and little ones can't unlatch it on their own. (Hers was cheaper when she bought it; maybe you can find one for a better deal somewhere else?)
- A body pillow
Suki says: Some ladies love their pregnancy pillows. I've never tried one {neither have I -D}, but they're expensive and they seem to take up a whole lot of space in the bed. With Desmond I just used a plain old double-length pillow (like this). It eased my hip/pelvic pain a lot, and I slept way better.
{The Amazon links in this post are affiliate links — thanks for shopping with us!}
What are the indispensable items you rely on during pregnancy?
Related posts:
Plain Cooking: Surviving Morning Sickness and More
Postpartum Does Not Mean One Day After the Baby Comes
What Does Nursing the Baby Mean? And Readers' Tips (packed with practical, detailed advice and troubleshooting!)
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Nicole says
You are the cutest pregnant lady ever!! I love this list; just the things I’d recommend to new mamas. I love Ina May– a huge factor in us deciding on out-of-hospital birth. I do always warn people when I recommend t that she’s heavy on the hippie/crunchy (which I personally don’t mind as I can see the fundamental truth or reality she’s getting at through the jargon of her time) and has a bunch of realistic in-process labor photos (i.e. more a warning for the poor husband who flips open the book lol). But yes, this book ought to be required prenatal reading!
In nutrition I’d add Natural Calm cal-mag to vastly help with muscle aches and sleep and to supposedly make contractions less sharp. I also love it during return to cycles. And lastly, chiropractic care. I try to get through long as I can without it but I ALWAYS need it in the final 4 weeks. It is so, so helpful for sciatic pain, lower back, etc. Find a doctor experienced in prenatal. It is a very worthy investment in your health and most chiros will give your newborn a free exam after birth.
Deirdre says
Aw, thanks, Nicole! Haha yes – I forgot about the sometimes-explicit photos! I’m sure they’re helpfully normalizing for us, but probably rather jarring for someone who’s not in the proper mode upon opening the book.
Interesting about cal-mag, too. I’ve heard about that but had forgotten it. Does it prepare you such that contractions are less sharp when they come, or is the idea that you take some during labor to get that effect? Thanks!
Mary says
I agree with my friend, Nicole!! I did regular chiropractic care this past pregnancy and it was a game changer. No back pain, no sore feet, no swelling, and easy delivery!! My recovery was a lot easier too. It could be that this pregnancy was just totally different than my first, but I definitely think the frequent chiro appointments are what helped me so much.
Amelia says
My total wardrobe saver that has been fabulously helpful for me both during pregnancy and for nursing is a demi cami/half tank. It’s a highish-neckline sleeveless top that only comes down below the bust with some gentle elastic around the bottom.
1) It always fits, no matter what my tummy is doing.
2) It fixes the problem of those shirts which have an immodest neckline but are otherwise good; on my well-endowed frame this is a very frequent issue, and oddly enough, especially with maternity clothes. Dresses that are nursing-friendly by virtue of being low-cut become wearable in public. My tanks have easily paid for themselves by expanding the selection of secondhand maternity & nursing-friendly clothes that I can get away with.
3) It doesn’t heat you up the way wearing a cami or t-shirt underneath does!
4) It easily lifts up for nursing and provides cleavage coverage, easy-peasy, no having to remember or mess with an extra blanket/scarf/what have you.
I have this one in two colors – one neutral plus one color that I picked to work with anything I have that clashes with the neutral – that I got for under $20 each: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KQ6ZN2I/. For reference, mine are XL and my bra size is 32K – the neckline fits distinctly lower on me than in those pictures and the band doesn’t go all the way to the bottom band of my bras, but it still works well. There are variations of this sort of top available elsewhere and I’ve heard of women doing over a tank top by cutting off the bottom and sewing on a band of elastic.
Deirdre says
Interesting! Thanks for sharing, Amelia!
Sharyn says
I love these too! I get the Kosher Casual ones.
Dixie says
Amelia, WHERE do you get nursing bras (any bras!) in 32K? I am a 32/34 J while nursing and it seems an almost impossible task. The best I have found are from Decent Exposures, but of course they are $$$ and it takes weeks or months to get them properly fitted.
Amelia says
I know, it’s quite a task! When pregnant with my first I naively asked for a fitting at a maternity store and the woman seemed unable to comprehend or believe that, indeed, even the closest fits she could offer were laughably too small in the cup and too big in the band. Amusingly, I just ordered my first Decent Exposures bra the other day! At this point with long-term breast and lymph health in mind I’m looking to adapt gradually to less external support so I got line dri-release fabric with hook & eye nursing flaps. Can you speak to your experience with the different fabrics and such they offer?
The ones in my current stash that I don’t hate are two different Royce nursing bras and Panache Alisha (pros: easier to find cheap & relatively forgiving as far as having to get my exact size; con: the seams in front often show through clothing). Oh, and one from Hot Milk that I happened to find super-duper cheap on eBay. That one’s 34M, which fits me late pregnancy & early postpartum with a band extender when I am approximately ginormous. (I gain 65-80 lbs. in pregnancy so I get to scale up and down a handful of sizes each time.) My favorite for a “shapely” look when dressing up is Royce Charlotte.
One thing I highly recommend trying is setting up a few search alerts on eBay. Since there isn’t much selection mid-alphabet, getting all the new entries in your size(s) & price range in nursing bras emailed to you regularly is probably not overwhelming and hopefully you’ll get lucky if you hold out long enough. I don’t mean used ones, necessarily, but things like random overstock getting sold or resold. That’s how I got the Hot Milk one. But eBay finds and getting lucky with random sizes of Royce on Amazon (you can set up a camelcamelcamel.com price alert but you’d have to do it for each specific one you’re interested in) are the only ways I’ve figured out to get a good deal. Good luck finding some bargains!
Dixie says
That is smart, Amelia! I had not thought of E-bay. I will have to try it out. Thank you!
I am resigned to spending $50 on a single bra (that will sound outrageous to ladies with normal chests, but it is a fact of life for those of us with smaller band sizes and tremendous cup sizes), but I won’t go to $80 and either way, it has to fit! So frustrating.
I hope you will like your Decent Exposures purchase. I actually really like their bras because they will really and truly adjust the bra to fit you however you want if you send it back. Usually for me, that means shortening the straps, lengthening the separating band, and cutting out more of the front and back of the armholes. So it can be quite a process. I am currently pregnant, so this is just not an option –I’m changing too fast! It takes me about 6 weeks to find the right fit with Decent Exposures, and I can’t wait that long right now.
Once you are settled into the nursing stage and your size isn’t changing so radically, I highly recommend them — just be patient with the process. I recommend calling them and talking through the changes you might need (if you need any) with someone there. They are so helpful! I also go through the process again after weaning and like their regular, non-nursing bras, too. I have had both the lined dri-release fabric and the lined cotton lycra and liked them both. I slightly prefer the cotton as it is not synthetic but I am happy with either. It is amazing the support they can offer without wires. Much better for avoiding mastitis! I really try to avoid wires these days.
I have also found that their non-nursing, clasp-front bras work for nursing around the house once your baby is not nursing every 7.5 minutes. It is a little less discreet getting them unhooked and rehooked, but sometimes I found it more comfortable.
That was a long response, but I hope it helps. Thanks for your encouragement and ideas, and good luck to us both!
Dixie says
Okay — I guess lycra is synthetic! Don’t know what I was thinking…oh, wait, I remember, I’m 4 months pregnant and can’t think 🙂
Deirdre says
I’m glad you two found each other! Sounds like a tough chore for you; I hope you get good options!
jennyann1126 says
I cannot agree more with the raspberry leaf tea! I started using it with my last pregnancy to increase my magnesium, iron and B vitamins. It is also known to shorten labor and improve the tone of your uterus. After my quick natural delivery my nurses couldn’t believe how hard my uterus was and how well it was contracting. I continued the raspberry leaf tea for at least a month after my birth to continue to tone my uterus. My bleeding was extremely minimal but the afterbirth contractions were quite strong. After two weeks my tum was back to it’s non-pregnant state. I couldn’t believe how well it worked. I continue to drink raspberry leaf mixed with a bit of lavender, chamomile and spearmint leaves when I’m experiencing any menstruation issues. We call it the sleepy tea bc it knocks you out. My children love it esp when I make popsicles out of it with a little elderberry juice. Thanks for all of the great recommendations!
Deirdre says
Awesome!
Marta says
Entering phase 2 of pregnancy #6 (good grief, I’m a grand multipara!) and I have to give a big thumbs up to all of these. Ina May was a life changer for me. Every time I buy a copy, I end up giving it away!
Floridix is tops. It kept my anemia from risking me out of a home birth twice.
I’d only add: stay away from pregnancy forums. Tons of misinformation, judgement, and anxiety out there that nobody needs.
Logan says
Ha, you are right about staying away from forums in general! However, amusingly, I discovered LMLD on the mothering.com forum with the caption “this woman taught me how to clean my house.” That was six years ago and I’ve been happy to have never needed another forum. 🙂
Leila says
Aw, Logan, awesome!! Glad you found us!!
Deirdre says
Haha that’s awesome!
Dixie says
Great recommendations, Deirdre!
I know Floradix often works really well, but I want to add that if Floradix doesn’t work for you, Blood Builder by MegaFood is another good option. It is in pill form but does not bother the tummy or cause constipation. I take it in lieu of a prenatal vitamin (I have never found a prenatal that doesn’t nauseate me) as it contains iron, folate, B12, and vitamin C, which I consider the basics. And if you can’t keep any supplements down in the first trimester, try taking just a liquid or sublingual folate/folic acid. That’s really the most important thing until you can get back to normal eating and supplementation.
Also: consider a wedge pillow for your head if you are having trouble with reflux. It keeps you elevated without putting as much strain on your spine as using several pillows under your head does.
I also love the Gaskin book. It is a good thing to read no matter what decisions you are making about your birth: home, hospital, birthing center, drugs, no drugs. It is just really encouraging!! Gaskin herself is also very medically reliable; she is generally well-respected by OB’s and knows what she is talking about.
Deirdre says
Good thoughts! Yes, I have learned about the importance of folic acid from my midwife. And I probably could have used a wedge pillow in my first pregnancy, which was a roller coaster ride of heartburn/acid reflux. 🙁
Sarah says
I second the Blood Builder! Floradix (which I took in my 1st pregnancy) never quite got me over the “not anemic” threshold (though mild anemia in pregnancy is not actually dangerous), though I took it faithfully every day in orange juice. Blood Builder, which I took in my 3rd pregnancy and now am taking in my 4th, did get me just above that anemia cutoff, never bothered my digestion, and since it’s a pill you don’t have to taste it. It is basically Brewer’s Yeast that has been fed lots of iron.
B says
Birthing from Within or Hypnobabies are two childbirth books/courses I know a lot of people who used and liked. My impression is that they are very adaptable to circumstances and current research, and can be done at home if needed.
On red raspberry leaf, I’ve seen a couple posts like this one (read down for some links to research studies) https://www.facebook.com/vbacfacts/posts/10151464187893921 so I’m not sure I would generally recommend it. I have allergies/sensitivities that make many herbal mixtures problematic, though.
Clothing wise, I was lucky that my partner prefers XXL tops, and I fit into those really well as pregnancy progresses. Sweatpants and men’s cotton lounge pants worked well enough as bottoms. I bought a maxi dress at tjmaxx or Ross very inexpensively, and layered depending on the occasion. I spent a long time looking and eventually bought a custom maternity/nursing two part swimsuit from Etsy for the same cost and better fit as any new maternity suit I saw. There are some modest suit options from smaller companies that would also work for both situations. I did invest in the inexpensive Target brand maternity tank tops, and they also work as nursing tops, even though they are quite long on me that way.
I have Camelbak water bottles, and they have an awesome support policy. I have gotten new lids every year or so for free and have had the oldest bottle 7 years now.
I recommend both chiropractic and massage care during pregnancy. Some places are lucky enough to have someone who specializes in something like the Webster chiropractic technique, and I know many people who found the difference obvious when they were able to go vs unable.
I also emphasize that if you have pregnancy provider options to pick the situation and location that is the least intervention necessary to handle your individual medical needs. A trained support person such as a doula can really help with this, and can be a great local resource for other needs such as breastfeeding support.
Stephanie says
Oh yes to Ina May…my well worn copy. Even as I grow my sixth I need to go back and reread her good words. The best thing a pregnant woman can be is informed and I do believe that her book has a very “collective memory” feel to it. My biggest struggle right now as I am about into my third trimester are very painful vericose veins. I have to wear full length compression hose and the pain always goes away once I have baby. The veins really started getting bad after my third pregnancy. Every pregnancy I always tell myself…never again with these veins…and well funny how the Lord just seems to take that memory away lol. Temporary but worth it and yet I would love any tips besides the “keep your legs elevated” from any readers who may have experienced this? Thank you Deirdre for this thoughtful post!!
Lauren says
I have really bad varicose veins too. Baby #5, and only 30 years old :(. It’s primarily genetic, my Irish grandma had them too. But they will make summer swimming tough because although they are fine with compression socks (I can go about life just fine with them on), I feel like compression socks are tough around pools and beaches and water!!
Stephanie says
Yes Lauren, my grandmother…also Irish..had them with five kiddos. Yesss…I am a long skirt girl in the summer lol.
Sarah says
If the veins are mainly in your lower legs, you might try the “compression sleeves” for the calves that some runners wear these days. They’re not great if you have swelling in your feet but if the veins are your main concern, they would be much better for the beach or pool because they’re footless. They are pretty inexpensive compared to medical grade stockings, and may not provide the same level of compression but are better than nothing!
B says
I thought there was something for diving that did compression, but I have no idea how maternity friendly that would be.
Lauren says
Yes that would be better than nothing. They get really gnarly really fast if I am standing without compression socks for even 5 min. I do have them all the way across the top of my feet too, but the ankle area is the worst. Luckily they do go away as soon as I have the baby! I am due in July so just have to make it through maybe 2 months of summer time.
Stephanie says
Thank you! I have not tried anything that isn’t full leg yet …my last babies were in Alaska so this upcoming VA humidity wasn’t an issue…Thank you again!
Sharyn says
The b-band/tummy sleeve can also be used to wear non-maternity skirts that fit your tummy size. The band holds the skirt in place (if it needs that) and flattens it to below your hips which allows it to look flattering.
I also use a tube top like the tummy sleeve, one that fits tight to my tummy after pregnancy, for nursing. I slide the top of it to just underneath my bras. This allows me to use regular shirts modestly as the top layer can be pulled up but your tummy is still covered. It is great for cold nights too for keeping your tummy warm while nursing.
Deirdre says
Oh, smart tips! Thank you, Sharyn!
Christine says
Hi Deirdre, How did you nurse with the Coobie bra? From the pictures on Amazon, it looks like there might be hooks on the front but it’s hard to tell. If there are, were they pretty easy to get on and off, especially one-handed? The thought of a comfy bra is very tempting now that I am entering the third trimester; somehow, all the bras that got me through my first pregnancy are too tight… 😀 I don’t weigh more, but I am bigger this time around!
Deirdre says
Hi Christine,
No, the Coobie doesn’t have any opening/clasp option. The fabric is so stretchy and flexible that I just pull it down one side at a time! To be fair, this has probably not been good for it, and it might have lasted longer if I hadn’t put so much wear and tear on it. But it’s been worth it, I think!
Colette says
I had the Coobie bras in pregnancy and got the nursing ones for after. I ran out of clean bras the other day and put on a regular Coobie and was surprised how great it was for nursing. Like Deirdre says, just pull one side down. A great bra, but I was a smaller cup to begin with. I don’t know if I’d recommend them for larger-chested women.
The nursing Coobie is okay. After 8 months of constant use and washing, they have gotten tight to the point of uncomfortable in the band. Otherwise, they weren’t bad on the wallet and they did the job when I wasn’t sure exactly how much my breasts were going to grow.
maura says
https://www.amazon.com/BAOMOSI-Maternity-Seamless-Wireless-Underwear/dp/B01A6OROVW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1488545661&sr=8-2&keywords=baomosi%2Bnursing%2Bbra&th=1&psc=1
These are amazing nursing/pregnancy bras!! They may not last three kids (I’ve used them through one baby) but at that price you can afford to replace them! SOOOOOOO comfortable and they have the snap down on the front.
Christine says
Wonderful, thank you!!
Colette says
Mindful Birthing by Nancy Bardacke got me through labor, I’m pretty certain. Her chapter on pain and fear was fantastic.
A good prenatal yoga class is worth the time, effort, and cost. If your body does not feel better after a prenatal yoga class, stop going to that class.
Also great: a postnatal yoga class where you can bring the baby.
I had issues with low back pain prior to pregnancy, so I put down money for one of the stupidly named pregnancy pillows. Verdict: entirely, completely worth it.
Christine says
Agree about the pillow – my husband got me this body pillow for Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004TMHX1E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
not technically a pregnancy pillow, but not too expensive, and I love it. I sleep soo much better now.
Katie says
Haha, I read this post yesterday just after stopping by the store, wherein I had purchased prenatal vitamins and trail mix granola bars for the snack stash in the console of my car. =)
Good thought on the Fem-Dophilous and strep B. I’m filing that away for later this summer. I had the IV with my second baby and would love to skip it next time!
Ina May was the first (and only, actually) childbirth book that I bought for myself. (Other good resources were lent from friends.) I distinctly remember choosing it in a charming local bookstore while on a trip at a conference, while browsing with another expectant-mama friend, and then cozying up under a lamp in the hotel room that night and entering the world of those birth stories.
Deirdre, I hadn’t heard of the Babies documentary before, but it sounds great. Do you think it would be appropriate to watch with my little girls (almost 4 and 18mos)? Picturing it as a fascinating “real life is the best story to children” type thing, but possibly there are red flags re labor/delivery or other cultural elements whose mere unfamiliarity could be startling to a very young one?
Deirdre says
Hmmm. I’m not remembering it well enough to say for sure, but my instinct is that you might not want to watch it with your littles. Or maybe watch it first on your own to decide. I want to say that they might find it confusing or boring at parts? Sorry, I don’t have a definite answer!
Natasha says
I’d like to add that my husband and I found talking Bradley classes to be extremely helpful and informative for good nutrition while pregnant, encouragement to exercise, and particularly for preparation for labor, birth, as well as for nursing and healing after birth (Our instructor was stellar! She was also an I.C.B.L.C.–or whatever those initials are… Obviously I have some refreshing to do before baby #3 comes in January) 🙂 I’ve not heard of anyone regretting taking Bradley classes, only being glad they took them and recommending them to others in their turn. That said, if taking the classes isn’t possible (let’s face it, after having one or more children, it definitely wouldn’t be easy to attend an evening class sans children for x number of weeks), one of the two books I highly recommend reading during pregnancy–the second being the Ina May book listed above–is: “Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way” by Susan McCutcheon. It’s not a coffee table book due to the pictures of women in labor and such, but like the Ina May book it’s very informative of what a mother’s body does during labor and birth, the common types of labor that deviate from the textbook definition which is commonly expected in hospitals, etc. It’s so helpful!
Deirdre says
Thanks for the input, Natasha!