pregnancy essentials

As promised I thought I would do a roundup of my top ten essentials for the second trimester ... here goes!

(Clockwise from top left)

1. Gaviscon

Or any other suitable heartburn remedy! I've been getting heartburn quite regularly and during the second trimester as your bump develops and expands it does wierd and wonderful things on the inside resulting in many women getting heartburn. I've heard some old wives tales that heartburn is an indication of the baby developing hair, the amount I get I may gve birth to a wolf baby, the truth of this remains to be seen!

2. Bump Bands

These really are fantastic, especially for that in betweeen stage where you don't quite need to wear maternity clothes but are a little self conscious about wearing your usual tops for fear of bump flashing. I also find they are great for a little bit of extra support around the bump as you get bigger. A friend of mine also recommends them as a tummy cover up for breast feeding. You can pick them up at most maternity sections and are well worth the small outlay!

3. Dream Genii
I know I've mentioned my love for the dream genii before ... but I'm going to mention it again. I think it's a fantastic product, and if like me you suffer from SPD a must have. I use mine every night and even take it away with me whenever I'm away from home. You can also use it as a breasfeeding pillow when the baby arrives so I'll certainly have had my moneys worth by then!

4. Carmex
I'm a bit obsessed with lip balm and always have to have some in close proximity. Carmex is my favourite (in the little pot), shortly followed by the little vaseline tins ... pots are more satisfying than tubes! I've used loads during the second trimester as my lips seem to get really dry ... along with the rest of my skin which brings me to.

5. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream
Gosh! I've used loads of this ... the smell can be a little off putting but it really works on dry skin. I've used it on my hands, elbows and knees and anywhere I get a patch of dry skin. It helps to releive any itching when the skin tightens because of dryness too. I also like to pop some on my eyelids to give a light sheen to them some days ... makes me look like I've had more sleep than I have!

6. Bump Support Belt
I was given one of these by the physio after I was referred because of SPD. I try not to use it all the time but can really feel the difference when I do. I usually put it on after we have been for a long walk or more recently after long DIY sessions! You can buy them online and from specialist shops, I've seen that places like jojo maman bebe also stock things like support pants and tights which I think I'll be giving a go in the next few weeks!

7. Leggings
They are everywhere still, and thankfully pregnancy friendly! I haven't felt the need to buy specific pregnancy leggings, I just bought some one size up and they are doing the job great! I tend to wear them with longer tops or tunics and what is really great is they can be dressed up or down.

8. Accessories
OK it is very general but hear me out! I made the decision early on, rather than spend a fortune on trendy maternity clothing I would buy some really good basics in plain colours and accessorize them. I've been embracing the world of oversized scarves, colourful tribal jewellery and patterned flat shoes. It's a great way to keep your 'look' up to date without spending a fortune!

And some that aren't in the picture ...

9. Forums
Online forums, such as babycentre, are a great place to chat to people who are going through the same things you are. And, as I've found out, you can ask people anything and they always get back to you! Many also have really useful tools such as pregnancy trackers so you can see where you are up to and the development stages. I've even been linked up with a bump buddy who lives in the same area and is due around the same time as me, we have been emailing each other updates and may even meet up for tea and cake sometime!

10. A journal
I've been using this blog as my journal of sorts, its a great way for me to jot down my thoughts and current obsessions. It will also be great to look back on at the end of my pregnancy and see what a long way I've come, the changes I've gone through ... and probably laugh at my obsessions! Pregnancy is such a special time I think we should all take the time to record our experiences, both good and bad.

So that's it from me! I'd be really interested to see what your essentials are/were!

Cx

necessity?

I have to admit that as first time parents we are sometimes lost in what you need for a baby, what is a nice to have and what is ridiculous ... some of the products below highlight this point!

Diaper Genie

There are loads of nappy disposal systems on the market, some parents (including very good friends of ours) hail them as one of the ultimate must haves for a newborn, some on the other hand highlight their issues (with quite graphical stories and mishaps). I just cant help thinking that they are a little icky ... some hold up to 30 nappies ... 30 nappies sitting there all wrapped up until the system needs emptying. From what I've heard of newborn poo that can't be a good thing, even with sealing and carbon filtering! I'll be disposing of my nappies straight away thank you very much!


Changing Table

I have to say I was in the for camp for this one ... until I spoke to every other parent I know. Some had made the purchase and used them for around three weeks and others had been put off due to safety issues. Many I know actually change their babies on the floor due to both safety and preference. Also, when the baby becomes too big/wriggly to change on the table you end up with a totally redundant piece of furniture. Most furniture ranges include a drawer unit which incorporates a removable changing top - after weeks of research I think that these are the best option if you are still dead set on a dedicated piece for changing. I think we'll be going for a straight forward chest of drawers and adding a changing mat on top which we can then move when the baby gets bigger - without paying a premium.


Nursing Chair

Now ... it's not the concept of these that I don't get, it's the purpose designed chairs - all the nursing chairs/gliders that I have seen are just plain ugly! I think it's a great idea to have a dedicated chair and area to nurse and soothe the baby, somewhere that becomes familiar and relaxing to baby, and is also comfortable for the parents. I've opted for an ikea poang chair and matching footstool, something that we can move to the living room as the baby grows.


Moses Basket

One of our friends has let us borrow their basket and stand (we'll be getting a new mattress) which is great but from what I've heard they aren't really worth purchasing. Until your little one arrives you're not really certain of their size which can determine how long they will be in a moses basket for (some of what I've read states this as briefly as two weeks), also many babies won't settle in a basket - preferring to move straight to a cot. A friend of mine who splashed out on a M&P basket and stand to go with the nursery decor will openly tell you that they are 'a load of rubbish ...  precarious and not sturdy enough for a newborn baby', when born her son weighed 5lbs11oz.


Wipe Warmer

I don't think I need to go any further!


I realise what some people find ridiculous some people can not live without so, with all this confusion, I've been trying to compile a list of items to purchase for our new arrival, I think I'm on the 18th version ... I promise I'll post version 19 when it is complete!.

Cx