A Few of MY Favorite Things
I love talking to my friends and family about products that not only work but are within my budget, which is lowwww. So! If you're a new parent, expecting, or even a grandparent, listen up! These are some of the best products I or my clients have used and fallen in love with. Complete with links to where to get them!
Pregnancy:
SNOOGLE LOOP! If you are pregnant, or let's be real, a hungover parent, you need this pillow. It's like having 15 pillows all in the right spot! The people at Leachco know what they are doing. BONUS! These are made in Ada, Oklahoma!
BELLY SUPPORT. With each pregnancy, it seems like your babies feel lower and lower. This inexpensive belly support belt will help take pressure off of your pelvis.
BRA EXTENDERS. When you just never know what size you'll be when you wake up.
CALMAG is great supplement for the aches and pains that come with pregnancy. Many midwives suggest taking it before bed to help with shooting pains or restless legs.
Birth:
NURSING GOWNS are amazing before, during, and after birth. They are soft and breathable. Whether you are having a home or hospital birth, having a soft nightgown you can easily nurse in is AMAZING.
BIRTH BOOKS are essential for preparing for the birth you envision. INA MAYS GUIDE TO CHILDBIRTH, YOUR BIRTH EXPERIENCE PARENT GUIDE, and THE BIRTH PARTNER are just a few of my favorites to get you on the right track.
A DOULA! Ya'll know I had to list a doula. Someone that understands the ins and outs of childbirth who can really listen and help you achieve your goals. Someone who is there to help your partner cope and support the laboring mother. Someone who can offer the most up to date information regarding the questions you have. Someone who can offer pain relief techniques during labor and make sure your every need is taken care of.
LABOR MASSAGE OIL. This oil smells amazing and is made just for laboring mothers. Let your birth partner or doula take your mind off of the discomfort by massaging your shoulders or lower back during labor. I always carry this oil in my doula bag. I love it.
Postpartum:
MATTRESS PROTECTOR will save your mattress! Breastmilk leakage, baby spit up, poop and pee leaks, pad leaks. I'd probably put one of these on before birth just to be safe.
CLOTH NURSING PADS are so much better and cheaper and more sustainable than disposable pads. These are made from bamboo which is extremely soft.
BELLY BINDER will help you during your recovery by supporting and assisting in abdominal wall healing.
MEAL PLANNING apps make it easy for family and friends to help out with the baby. Want to come hold the baby? Bring us lunch! Easy as that. You'll need nutritious and filling meals to help your milk supply should you choose to breastfeed.
BOTTOM SPRAY will help facilitate healing and shrink swelling. This spray even helps shrink hemorrhoids. Plus it's all natural!
Baby:
WOOMBIE is a swaddler that was my (and my baby's) absolute favorite. Zips from both ends and comes in a variety of materials to fit your climate. They always have a sale going too!
BABY CARRIER You'll find that every person has a different preference when it comes to baby wearing. But many of us agree that ring slings are simple, cheap, and easiest for the newborn stage. You might also want to go to a Tulsa baby wearing meeting and see/feel/try the many options available through the lending library before you commit to any carrier.
PORTABLE HIGHCHAIR This chair was amazing! Not only did I not have to worry about where we were eating, but the cleanliness of the chair is controlled by you. Some restaurants have nasty sticky chairs. No Thanks. This can go to grandmas, babysitters, on a weekend trip. It folds up flat and can easily be kept in the trunk of your car.
NOSEFRIDA if snot grosses you out, then now is the time to get over that. This little machine is the holey grail of snot suckers. Easily washable and the filters can be thrown away when you feel the need.
OPHIE I don't know what it is about this damn giraffe but teething babies love her, so just get one.
THE WONDER WEEKS This book is an amazing guide to you new baby's development. It was so helpful for me to see when my child was coming up on a growth spurt or developmental leap.
Well there it is! These are just a FEW of the products that I still recommend to my friends and clients.
What are your favorite products? I'd love to hear about them!