I'd like to share some of the products and routines that make life a little easier when going through the divine journey of pregnancy.

1. Pure Organic Coconut Oil: don't be fooled by the expensive belly/stretch-mark creams. This stuff works wonders for rubbing on your belly daily, especially as you enter 3rd trimester. It feels great, smells great, and I like to do it after a shower. Additionally, after the babe's arrival, whatever's left works its magic on your baby's bottom (never used a diaper cream either) when you see the first signs of redness - it'll be gone by the next diaper change. Love this stuff!! I've always bought the one at Sprouts and I try to get it 25% off:  http://www.sprouts.com/features/coconut-oil-5-creative-ways-to-use-coconut-oil


2. A dry body brush is a sweet and simple routine to get into before your morning shower; I've used this one for years but it's especially beneficial to circulate the lymph and reduce swelling during pregnancy. You always brush from the extremities (hands and feet) in towards your heart and you can even gently rub your beautiful belly with it. Feels so nurturing. I have one like this: http://www.amazon.com/Fantasea-Natural-Bristle-Brush-Ounce/dp/B0035RE2TA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1384921524&sr=8-2&keywords=dry+body+brush
And here's a more extensive article on the benefits of body brushing if you'd like to learn more:
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7955/why-you-should-start-dry-body-brushing-today.html


3. Mama Mio has many prenatal products and although I think they are pricey, there is one product I love for my achy and tired legs at the end of the night. Plus, I've had more than a few of you ask what you can do to relieve your sore legs at the end of a long work day and the peppermint oil in this is so cooling and feels wonderful. The smell is nice too. If you slip under the sheets after application, the effects lasts longer : )  http://www.mamamio.com/us/lucky-legs.html  


4. I'm not one to spend money on maternity clothes; ask friends for hand-me-downs, stop into the thrift store and even buy clothing that is not maternity but will grow with you (elastic waist bands, baggy/harem pants, yoga leggings) and that work postpartum as well. Belly bands are a great way to make your regular pants last longer, jeans included. Plus, in 3rd trimester, they support a growing belly and relieve that heavy, pulling feeling. And they are great after baby to invite muscles and tissues back together while transitioning back to your pre-baby clothes.  http://www.target.com/p/be-maternity-beband-assorted-colors/-/A-13742281


5. What I spent the most money on during my first pregnancy was bras! I skipped maternity bras and just bought nursing bras so I wouldn't have to make another investment after baby - because they are an investment. But I feel it's so important to support the breast tissues and really find something that's comfortable, supportive, (not constricting) and why not pretty too?! The Elle MacPherson Bras are wonderful and they do bra sales often at A Pea in the Pod, where you can go into a store and try them on. My sizing pretty much stayed the same from prenatal to postnatal and nursing and I'm still wearing them now. It might be time for a new one or two! : )  http://www.apeainthepod.com/maternity/designer-brands-elle-macpherson.asp


6. Lastly, maternity undies, which I never found any I loved, so I'm looking for your advice here because in my 3rd trimester last time my normal undies weren't making the cut!! They actually hurt. I want something soft and flexible so please share if you've found something that fits the bill...and the growing belly!


I hope you found this helpful and that your're taking good care of yourselves - being gentle with your bodies and creating some supportive routines that you can carry on into motherhood. It's so important, for you and your family, that you take some time out for your well-being and happiness. I'd love to hear any ideas or shares you have on this topic and I'll see in yoga soon!!

Blessings~

Rachel,

Thanks for all the good yummy pre-mommy products. I know I mentioned today that I often get itchy skin with all the stretching and changes in weather. In addition, sleeping has been really challenging, especially calming the mind and body down. I've recently started doing warm long baths to help calm me and it has worked wonders! The trick is that you go to bed shortly after. I also bought a variety of natural bubble baths that have coconut oils in them to soak in, some have oatmeal in it, or you can also use oatmeal bath from target, like when you get chicken pox and soak in that. I get a small cheese cloth and bunch some oatmeal up to rub all over and it feels awesome and you'd be surprised how soft your skin is afterwards.

As for maternity undies, I've never bought any. I've found that the seemless undies at Macy's see to do the trick! I believe Calvin Klein sells them, simple and comfy, they don't leave any marks and are yoga/tight pants friendly!

I agree with buying nursing bras as well! I went straight to them and they're so much more comfy than normal bras anyhow!

Thanks for all the great advice! Love reading them!

Lorena,

Thanks for your response and your input. The oatmeal bath suggestion sounds delightful and I definitely need to try to get back into a bath routine (haven't had one since the baby was born!).  Also, the seamless undies sound ideal and then you don't have to pay the extra cost of a 'maternity' label. And yoga pant friendly is always a  plus!! I will check out Macy's soon for those.

I'm so glad you're finding the forum helpful. : )

Can't wait to see your glowing face again soon.

Hugs,
Rachel