9 Things Pregnant Moms Need

If I knew what I know now and was pregnant for the first time, I would do things a little differently. I would wear a couple of new products, I would read a couple of new books and I would inform myself in other ways, like attending a La Leche League meeting.

Last week I did a post called Products That Breastfeeding Moms Actually Need. The focus was on practical over frivolous purchases and it generated some good discussion.  Readers left comments agreeing, disagreeing, and adding to as well as subtracting from my recommendations based on my frugality and experiences. I decided to stay with the general theme this week but instead I am focusing essentials for pregnant moms, not all of which are consumer “products.”

Now pregnant moms don’t need a lot of stuff, per se, but there are a few things I’d like to mention you should have or get if you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant.

1. Comfortable maternity pants. A lot of women can get away with their husbands shirts and baggy sweaters and tees, but no one can escape the need for a pair of grow-with-your-belly maternity pants. There are so many kinds to choose from nowadays. Get a few pairs that you’ll be happy wearing over and over again, during pregnancy and afterward. Remember, it will take a little time before you’ll be squeezed back into your pre-pregnancy pants. And if you are one of those lucky women who slipped right back into her size 4′s a week later, I don’t want to hear about it!

2. A maternity band. These were not around when I had my kids 4 1/2 and 2 years ago. And if they were, they were not on my radar but I wish they had been. There are a few brands out there but basically this is a wide stretchy fabric band that goes over the waist of your pre-pregnancy or maternity pants. They let newly pregnant moms wear their pre-pregnancy pants a little longer with the button or zipper undone, and in the early weeks when your belly is still small they keep the maternity pants from falling down. Later they can keep your pregnant belly from pushing down your maternity pants and postpartum they can help with still tight pre-pregnancy jeans. They can come in a range of colours. So cool!

3. Pocket Dots compliment maternity bands. They clip to the bottom of the band and the back of your pants pocket, thus hiding the band for when you don’t want it to show. They also help keep the band from sliding up. You continue to receive the functional benefits of your belly band while still being in control of your own style.

4. Pregnancy Books. I recommend Birthing From Within for the journey it takes you on in preparing for the birth of your child. For journaling moms and moms who enjoy artistic expression this is the book for you. It also supports a natural birth and gives you the courage, inspiration and tools to do so. I also loved Ina May Gaskin’s Guide to Childbirth. The language is more relatable and less “groovy” than her first and most well known book, Spiritual Midwifery. I read it before each of my births and learned so much from this renowned midwife from the infamous “Farm” in Tennessee. Her words empowered me to feel like I could birth my baby naturally while also giving me the tools I needed to do so. Later, it gave me the extra confidence I needed to do my homebirth after ceasarean too.

5. Parenting Books. I recommend The Baby Book by Dr. Sears. I found it to be top notch. Although I haven’t read it myself, I have also heard many good things from respectable sources about The Mother of All Baby Books: An All Canadian Guide To Your Baby’s First Year by Ann Douglas. You can also click the link to read some reviews. This would be at the top of my list if I were to get pregnant again. A subscription to Mothering Magazine is just about one of the best gifts you could give yourself or get someone else to get you. It’s the only magazine I can say I read cover to cover.

Please do read at least one parenting book before your child arrives. Even if you don’t remember everything you read, you’ll be slightly more prepared for the realities of a new baby, who can make it difficult for you to have time, let alone want to read anything one he or she arrives.

6. The phone number for your local La Leche League leader or lactation consultant. It’s always good to be prepared and have your emergency numbers ready if needed. I also recommend attending at least one La Leche League meeting. You can learn so much just from talking with other dedicated nursing moms, and the meetings are great ways to educate yourself about breastfeeding.

7. The Simply Breastfeeding DVD. Speaking of educating yourself, this instructional DVD set from My Baby Experts is an excellent resource for expecting parents who plan to breastfeed. To read my review you can go here.

8. A supportive partner. Pregnancy is an emotional time. It’s important to have someone in your life to lean on, who cares for you and will plan ahead with you, share the excitement, let you cry, listen to your fears and support you through it all. Single moms can find the same support in a good friend, family or a single parents support group.

9. Rest. A midday nap, a sleep in when you can, a restful afternoon doing something you enjoy, or even a getaway (babymoon) before the baby comes. As long as you feel rested, relaxed and peaceful as much as you can, you are giving both you and your baby what you need to help baby develop and prepare for birth.

Related posts:

1. Monday Musings: How Much Thought Did You Give To Breastfeeding When Pregnant?
2. Review: BellaBand
3. The Things I Didn’t Expect When I Was Expecting
4. No, I’m Not Pregnant
5. The Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey: My Answers

Tags: pregnancy, pregnancy products