What I’m Packing in My Hospital Bag for Baby #2

I am an over-packer. Always have been, and let’s be serious, probably always will be. 

When we travel, I always push the limits of my luggage, barely leaving enough room for souvenirs. Try as I might, I am no minimalist. A girl's gotta have options.

Sadly, the overpacking doesn't just stop with travel. When Morley was born, this overpacking also applied to her hospital bag. I packed way too much, and definitely learned a thing or two about what was a necessity and what could stay at home.

Now that number two is on the way (like any day now), I will be taking a lesson from my own play book and planning accordingly for what I bring with us to the hospital. 

Here’s what I’ve got this go around. (Also scroll to the bottom for a list of items I plan to leave at home, ask what I packed, but didn't use, for baby #1.)

For Mom During Labour

• Small toiletry bag: Lip balm, face wipes, deodorant, contact solution with case, extra hair ties and bobby pins
• Sports bra: To wear during labour, because hospital gowns are hella uncomfortable
• Socks: Because mama needs a fresh pedi, and oddly your feet get cold during labour
• Reusable water bottle: Big enough for ice cubes - they will be your friend (also because you can't eat after you get an epidural)
• iPhone plus charger: For all those photos you'll want to take, games of Candy Crush you'll want to dominate while waiting and music you'll want to listen to to distract yourself

For Mom Post-Partum

• Nursing bra: I'm loving these comfy ones from Thyme Maternity
• Additional toiletry items: Shampoo, conditioner, brush, toothpaste, toothbrush
• Makeup: I literally could not have cared less what I looked like for Morley’s birth, and wore no makeup for my stay at the hospital - the same will apply to this babe, but I’d rather have it than not
• Towel: Trust me, you will want to take a shower
• Depends: Yes, as in those disposable underwear you think are only for old ladies 
• Maxipads: Google "padsicles", you'll thank me later
• Nursing pads: To prevent the leakage from ruining your nursing bras and shirts
• Underwear: Granny panties will become your best friend post partum
• Clothing: Loose fitting pants/leggings, cardigan, tank tops, extra socks, slippers and/or flip flops
• Going home outfit: Maxi dresses will be comfortable during the summer heat
• Snacks: Hospital food just doesn't cut it
• Pillow and blanket: For some comfort from home
• Medical info: ID, health card, etc. - just in case

For Baby

• Hat: Even in the summer, babes will need to wear a hat
• Mitts: Believe it or not, this is for your safety and theirs as they come out with long nails
• Newborn socks: Fresh babes get cold easily
• Size N or 1 diapers: Depending on the size of babe, you'll need to bring your own
• Wipes: We're loving the new Pampers Pure Collection!
• Breastfeeding pillow: Can double as a pillow when not in use by baby
• Swaddle blanket(s): Aden + anais are my favourite!
• Newborn to 3 month sleepers and onesies: Since we don't know the gender, we're loving the gender neutral selection at Carter's (they must also have animals on them)
• Going home outfit: For those cute photos of course
• Baby and big sister gifts: Aka a peace offering

And last, but definitely not least, we can't forget about dad...

For Dad

• Change of clothes
• iPhone and charger
• Toiletries (tooth brush, tooth paste, deodorant, etc.)
• Sweater
• Pillow and blanket

Here are the items that I brought with us for baby #1, but that didn't even leave the bag. Safe to say, they will be staying at home this time.

Items I'm Leaving at Home

• Camera and charger: Unless you are a professional, your phone will do just fine
• Robe: I found a long cardigan/sweater worked just as well when I needed to walk the halls
• Birth plan: Let's be honest, you can plan all your want for how you want your labour to go but there's a good chance that plan will go right out the window once it begins

What did you pack in your hospital bag? What am I forgetting? Please share!

The Deal with the Gender Reveal

As a pregnant woman, you get asked a lot of questions - some odd, some normal and some totally predictable.

For example, a few months back I was crossing a fairly busy intersection downtown Toronto, when an early 20-something yelled out, “How is being pregnant?” as we walked past each other. Without stopping, I said the first thing that came to my mind - awesome! She responded with, “Really?!”, as I laughed and kept on walking. 

Awesome? That’s the best I could come up with? It was a lie. This pregnancy has not been what I would call awesome. But, what did she expect me to do? Stop mid-intersection and say, “I’m sore, my feet are swollen, I don’t sleep and for the first few months I was nauseous as hell”? And so, I went with awesome. She seemed satisfied enough with the answer as I walked away.

Like I said, some questions are odd. 

By far, the biggest question I get when people find out I’m pregnant is, “Do you know what you’re having?”. It’s pretty common, and really comes at any point in the pregnancy and from anyone - man, woman, old, young. You name it, they’ve asked.

And when I give them the answer, they always seem surprised.

The answer is no. As in, no we did not find out what we were having. Not with baby number one. And not with baby number two.

When I was pregnant with Morley, I never would have guessed I was having a girl. From day one, I was convinced it was a boy. I read into all the signs - my OB telling me the baby had a “girl’s heartbeat” (of course she was playing mind games with me) and the ultrasound tech quickly moving the screen as she looked between baby’s legs (because she didn’t want me to see what was there). I was even told how I was carrying was indicative of a boy. Surely someone who’s gone through it before would know the truth in that, right?

In fact, I was so convinced, I had also convinced others. Mainly my family. When Steve walked out of the delivery room saying it was a girl, there was a bit of shock before the tears of joy. That’s how convinced they were.

This go around, I haven’t even wagered a guess. I stay mum when people ask. When you’re pregnant, everyone assumes you have a preference. The fact is, I didn’t and don’t care what we have. I think we both agree when I say, we just want a healthy baby.

If genetics had their way, we would be having a boy. I am the oldest of three kids with a younger brother next in line and Steve is youngest of two with an older sister. Girl, boy would be the trend.

But, I am also fully prepared to be a girl mom. We march to the beat of our own drum, so it wouldn’t surprise us to “buck the family trend”. (And if that’s the case, I pity my husband. There are going to be some serious hormonal girl spats in his future.)

Many people don’t find out the gender for many different reasons. For some, it may help to teach them what it feels like to lose control - you know, when your house is an absolute mess and there is nothing you can do about it loss of control. It may also help with the shopping - if you don’t know what you’re having you can’t go wild buying pink or blue. Or, like many suggest, it may help with “the final push” - the eagerness to meet your little miss or mr helps you get through those final moments of labour. 

Having gone through it once before, I can’t be certain it helps in the moment, but I do think it comes down to the anticipation.  Call me crazy, but I like the element of surprise (and I’m not typically one for surprises). Personally, I think it’s one of the biggest surprises we will ever experience in life. It sure is an exciting moment when the doctor says, “It’s a little [insert gender here]”.  For us, no confetti filled balloon or coloured cake reveal could top that moment. 

So that is why we wait. It could be a few days or it could be a few more weeks, but we will wait for the ultimate gender reveal. And that, my friends, is the deal. 

Oh, and if you’re wondering what the second most common question a pregnant woman gets usually is? It’s, “Will you be getting an epidural?”. To which I quickly respond, “Ah, hell yes.”

Did you find out the gender of your children? Why or why not? I’d love to know!

Hiking While Pregnant: Tips for Mastering the Trail & What to Pack

Hiking while pregnant can mean different things to different people, and it can also depend on many different factors. 

How far along are you? Are you second trimester and have all the energy in the world, or about to burst and afraid your feet will swell to the size of balloons? Are you leisurely hiking a park trail, or challenging yourself to an uphill climb?

Regardless of how adventurous you are or how far along you are, pregnancy shouldn’t stop you from exploring the outdoors and getting a good workout. Not to mention, getting outdoors is a great way to clear your mind and any anxieties that may be lingering as baby’s due date approaches. 

There are, however, some things to think about before lacing up your shoes. Here are a few things to consider, including recommendations for what to carry in your daypack. 

Cardio exercise is one of the most important ways to stay healthy during pregnancy. For the most part, hiking while pregnant is safe. But every woman is different and every pregnancy is different too. First things is to check with your health care provider before you think about heading out on any adventures. If you're a long-time hiker, hiking is probably safe. But, if you have had a complicated pregnancy or have never hiked before, it might not be your best choice. 

Once you do get the go-ahead, plan the trail accordingly. Keep in mind that even terrain is best. Be sure to always wear appropriate footwear - good traction and support are key. Wearing the right shoes is vital to staying on your feet and preventing back pain. Until you know how your pregnant body handles the hike, start with an easy trail and go from there. 

If you are heading out of town for your hike, take note of the closest healthcare facility to where you’re going. You should prepare yourself for any possible emergencies - it’s good to have a plan in place for how you’re going to get there fast in an emergency. Be sure to hike with a buddy and where there is cell phone service. You never know.  

Don’t carry too much weight. Carrying an extra 20, 30, or 40 pounds of baby weight already can throw off your centre of gravity, putting you at an increased risk of falls. Stick to even, clearly defined trails and only bring enough supplies for the day, packed in a small daypack. Being comfortable is key. 

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! While pregnant, you’re going to get overheated and dehydrated faster, so you need to drink about twice as much water on a normal day. When you go hiking, you’ll need to up that even more. Staying hydrated will help replenish all the water you lose when you sweat. It will also prevent muscle cramps. Remember, drink only bottled or filtered water. Do not get adventurous and drink from a steam or river you come across as it may make you sick.

Protect your skin. Regardless of the season, your skin is susceptible to the sun’s UV rays. This is especially true during pregnancy, when pregnancy hormones can make your skin sensitive to the sun. Follow shaded trails when possible and always apply a sunscreen with a minimum 30 SPF prior to your hike. 

Keeping your blood sugar up while you’re hiking is crucial too. As soon as you realize you’re getting hungry, have a snack. It can be trail mix or a protein bar. Anything small, healthy, and easy to eat will do.

No matter how far along you are, your bathroom trips are probably frequent. Pay the toilet a visit when you see one, even if you don’t have to go. Pack some TP in your daypack just in case nature calls at an inopportune location. Don’t forget the hand sanitizer and maybe even some baby wipes. 

Stay comfortable. Pregnancy can be uncomfortable enough as it is. Wear loose fitting clothes that will wick away sweat, comfortable shoes and a large sun hat to cover your face, ears and neck. Tucking a small package of baby wipes in your daypack is also handy to help wipe the sweat from your face (and other unwanted places). 

Finally, know your limits. Be aware of over exertion - symptoms include uterine contractions, excessive perspiration and increased shortness of breath. Remember that regardless of the activity, you shouldn’t push yourself while you’re pregnant. Your body is busy growing another human - it needs energy, rest, and relaxation as much as exercise. You know your body best. Listen to your body and what it is telling you, including when you need to slow down and when you need to ‘call it a hike’. 

It’s easy to let people judge what you decide to do during your pregnancy. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because you’re pregnant. Including hiking. Remember to always talk to your health care provider. But, once you do get the green light, get out there and enjoy making memories hiking while pregnant! 

Photos taken on a recent day hike through Toronto's Rouge National Urban Park.

Do you have any tips for hiking while pregnant? I’d love to hear!

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Where to Find Affordable (& Fashionable) Maternity Clothing

Dressing your rapidly changing pregnancy body can be a challenge. But when it comes to maternity clothing, you definitely don’t need to sacrifice your style, or your wallet.

When I buy clothes, they need to be three things - built to last, fashionable and affordable. Key word there is affordable, especially for this mama on a budget. And when it comes to clothing that is only going to see the light of day for six to seven months at a time, maybe every two years, I definitely don’t want to be spending a whole heck of a lot.

Ladies, I’m talking maternity clothes here. 

Is it just me, or do they seem to be a heck of a lot more expensive than regular clothing? And come with a selection that’s a whole heck of a lot more limited?

Like I said, since I’m only going to be wearing the clothing for six to seven months at a time, I don’t want to a) buy a lot and b) spend a lot. I tend to stick to basics, such as solid-coloured tops, black pants, etc. and spice them up with items I already have in my wardrobe, such as jewellery, a cardigan, blazer or cute jacket.

Here is my list of go-to stores when it comes to buying maternity clothes.

Old Navy

Old Navy offers a great selection of simple maternity clothing. While the in-store selection varies by location, the online store has a wide variety of dresses, tops, pants, active wear and more to choose from. You can find solid-coloured basics (such as leggings or tees) or a floral printed maxi dress, perfect for summer.

Be sure to sign up for their newsletter that will frequently send you coupon codes (which also apply to maternity clothing). 

H&M

H&M also has some great non-maternity options that will cover the bump, such as their long camis/tank tops. 

Depending on the location, they also have a limited selection of maternity items available in-store. A larger selection can be found on their website, which includes some versatile basics, but also more bold pieces with fun patterns. They even sell maternity one-piece bathing suits online, perfect for the upcoming summer!

And once baby is born, they have a selection of inexpensive, yet stylish, nursing tops. 

Walmart

Walmart’s maternity section is a fairly new discovery for me, as it only consists of about one rack at my local store. Again, the in-store selection is small and varies by location, but a wider variety is available online at very reasonable prices. If you’re looking for basics (think solid-coloured tops, leggings, etc.), Walmart has many different options. They also have affordable, George brand nursing bras available. 

Thyme Maternity

The one thing I will spend a little extra money on is the pants. When it comes to maternity pants, comfort, but also quality, are key. I can switch up the shirt every day, but I usually wear the same pair of pants a few times a week. Therefore, they must last. So for pants, I turn to Thyme Maternity. They have a wide variety of types (i.e. jeans, casual, dressy) for all budgets. You could spend a few pennies on a brand name pair of Silver jeans, or be budget-conscious and stick to a more affordable Thyme Maternity branded pair. 

Thyme Maternity also almost always has sale codes available (sign up for their newsletter to receive exclusive discounts) and in-store and online, you can often snag some great finds on their sale racks. 

They also have the comfiest nursing bralettes for once baby is born. 

Joe Fresh

Ok, so Joe Fresh may not yet have a maternity line (fingers crossed they will one day), but they do have some great pieces that you can incorporate into your wardrobe. You can always find cute cardigans, jackets and shoes that will compliment your maternity top and pants. Their summer collection almost always contains a variety of flowy skirts and dresses that can be worn with a bump, or post-pregnancy. They also have an affordable lingerie line, to help accommodate that growing bust size. 

Sign up for their newsletter to receive notification of sales and coupon codes. 

At the end of the day, you don’t need to go crazy with buying maternity clothing. You’ll only be wearing them for a few months anyways. Stick to basics, add a splash of what you already have, and you will be one stylish (and confident) mama-to-be!

What are your thoughts on maternity clothing? What is your favourite maternity store to shop at? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Purchasing through these links means that To & Fro will receive a small commission.  Thank you!

The Things No One Tells You About Pregnancy

*This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label.

Pregnancy is a pretty wild experience - mentally, emotionally, and physically. But that shouldn't come as a big surprise - you’ve got a little human growing inside you, after all. With that little human comes some crazy hormones that do some interesting things to your body.

There is no way to be fully ready for pregnancy. With every pregnancy being so different, there is only so much you can do to prepare, so much advice others can give you and (sadly) so much you can read on the internet. 

Today, I’m getting real and talking mom to mom about the things you may experience during pregnancy, including the pros and the cons, the interesting and the unexpected.

It can get emotional.

There is so much focus on the physical changes in pregnancy that the emotional ones are sometimes overlooked. Hormone shifts during pregnancy are common and can leave you with unexpected bursts of anger, sadness or anxiety. So, if you suddenly find yourself crying over a commercial on TV, rest assured, it’s (unfortunately) 100% normal.

Beauty perks.

With the growing belly comes many other body changes that you may not be aware of, such as your skin, nails and hair. A great beauty perk is that your hair will look shiner and thicker than ever, thanks to an increase in estrogen. Just the other day I had a coworker mention how luscious my locks looked. Pretty good compliment considering I’ve been too lazy and cheap to do my hair for the past 8 months. Another perk? Nails. Nails also grow stronger and more rapidly - a great excuse to get more manicures and pedicures! 

Maternity pants rock.

A stretchy waist band is nothing to laugh about. Maternity pants are key. Invest in a good pair, or several. I still joke with my husband that my maternity jeans are probably the comfiest pants I own. I whipped them out of storage the minute I found out I was pregnant with number two, because I now had an excuse to start wearing them again.

Not a morning person.

That term “morning sickness”? Ya, throw it out the window. The joyful first trimester pregnancy sickness doesn’t wear a watch, and can make an appearance at any point of the day, and in any form. From mild to severe, nausea to puking, morning to evening, everyone experiences it differently (or not at all). With Morley, there was one day I felt nauseous, and it was something I attributed to the heat on our family vacation in Italy. But with baby number 2? Whole different story. The nausea would set in around 4:30pm - I’d battle through making dinner, barely eating myself, put Morley to bed and then pass out hard on the living room floor at 8:30pm. Like I said, pregnancy sickness isn’t always reserved for the mornings. 

Off balance.

Sure, having a big belly may make you feel a bit top heavy, but there are other ways that your body can be off balance during pregnancy, including your body’s pH.

Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection that comes with some unpleasant side effects “down there”. It can cause complications during pregnancy, so if you suspect you might have it, make an appointment with your doctor. And, if you do, no sweat - there are over the counter options to treat symptoms, such as CanesBalance®, which works to regulate your pH. (This website has more information on symptoms and prevention.)

Pain in the butt. 

Literally. For many, with pregnancy comes the joy of hemorrhoids. Constipation is very common in pregnancy, and for many, the joy of hemorrhoids comes along for the ride. They may not be polite dinner conversation, but they must not be left off the list. Hemorrhoids are actually varicose veins in your rectal area. They are usually not dangerous, but as I’m sure many moms will tell you, they can be annoying. Try applying cotton pads soaked in witch hazel, or soaking in a warm tub with epsom salt to soothe your symptoms. 

Sweet dreams.
Nearing the end of my pregnancy, we were in full on Game of Thrones and Walking Dead binge mode. But, despite being in my third trimester (and carrying an extra 40+ pounds) and being extremely tired, I was not sleeping well at all. Thank you nightmares. You think those two shows are brutal enough? My dreams took them to a whole new level. Safe to say, we had to put them on pause until after baby was born.

In a fog.

You may have heard of “pregnancy brain” before. Well let me tell you, it is not a made up excuse for why you can’t find your car keys. Hormone shifts, sleep deprivation and emotions may all play a role in impairing your memory. I wish I had good news and could say it goes away, but after baby is born, it more so just turns into “mom brain”. 

>> Capture your pregnancy memories: DIY Silhouette Maternity Photos

Ok, so pregnancy isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. But, the end result is a beautiful, incredible, amazing baby. One that you helped create. So enjoy that glow, rock those maternity jeans and get ready for a wild ride. It’s totally worth it!

Soon-to-be, first-time, or experienced mom? What surprised you most about pregnancy? 

*This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label.

Tips for Traveling While Pregnant

As summer comes to an end, the travel planning wheels in my head have already started turning with new ideas and destinations for the year that lies ahead. 

We have Alaska coming up in the fall, with thoughts of a joint Iceland/Scotland venture in the near distant future. I'm also currently dreaming of these luxury homes in Italy. Oh, Italy. How I would love to go back.

Our family trip to Italy two summers ago was one for the memory books, and one that will be hard to top. For many reasons.

We ate, we drank, we laughed, we relaxed, we took in the sights. And, I did it all pregnant. (Ok, minus the drinking part.)

You may not know it by looking at my vacation photos, but I was hot, I was uncomfortable, I was irritable, I will slightly nauseous, and man, oh man, was I tired. A “total trooper”, as my mom called it.

Despite being in my first trimester on my family’s vacation to Rome, Napoli and the Amalfi Coast, and despite not being able to drink all the wine, enjoy all of the cappuccino and devour all of the meat and cheese, being pregnant did not affect my experience or the amazing memories made.

Tips for Traveling to Europe While Pregnant

Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you need to pause your travels. Here are some things to consider when traveling while pregnant.

Before You Go:

Talk to your doctor.

First and foremost, be sure to talk to your doctor before booking your vacation. Zikka, malaria and other viruses with fancy names are all things to consider. Your doctor will know if you require vaccinations based on the country you're visiting, what medications you can and cannot take while pregnant, what foods to avoid and what to do in case you run into issues.

Check your health insurance.

Ensure your health insurance plan covers out of country medical, in case you need take a trip to the clinic. If not, purchase an additional package so that you are covered. 

Select your seat.

Flights to Europe are long, and plane seats are uncomfortable. If the budget allows, upgrade your seats to one with more leg room, or opt for an aisle seat which will make it easy for you to get up and down to the bathroom and to stretch throughout the flight.

Pack light.

You’re already going to be tired, so the last thing you want is to lugging a heavy carryon and suitcase around the airport and to and from your destination. Make a packing list and check it twice. Chances are you won’t need all of that stuff anyways. It’s always helpful to lean on your travel buddy to assist when needed. 

Get some rest.

When flying from North America to Europe, flights are typically overnight. And if you’re anything like me, that doesn’t mean I’m able to sleep. Despite the pregnancy fatigue. Make sure you get plenty of rest in the days leading up to your trip. 

Travel Day:

Drink lots of water.

Not consuming enough water while flying often leads to nasty side effects such as cramping, swelling, fatigue and jet lag. Prepare ahead by consuming plenty of water before you board (with a pit stop at the washrooms). Bring your own reusable water bottle and fill it before you board the flight. That way, you don’t need to rely on the flight attendants for a small glass of water whenever you need a drink.

Bring snacks.

Being hungry on a plane is the last thing a pregnant woman needs, so load up on snacks before going to the airport. Protein bars and dried fruits and nuts are good options. Also prepare for nausea. Since I could not take my old reliable Gravol or Dramamine, candied ginger was helpful for me. 

Give yourself lots of time.

Some cities (such as those we experienced along the Amalfi Coast) have many, many stairs. Take your time. You don't need to set a personal best. Everyone in your party will understand if you're a bit slower, or need to stop more often. Giving yourself time also includes sneaking in a few extra bathroom breaks. 

Request a pat down.

The TSA says that body scanners, which use imaging technology with low levels of radiation are safe for pregnant women. However, if you are hesitant, instead ask for a pat down from a female guard when going through security. 

Remember to stretch your legs.

Flights to Europe are long ones and plane seats are not comfortable. So, don’t forget to get up every once in a while to stretch your legs, whether a trip to the bathroom or just a quick stretch in the aisle.

During the Trip:

Wear comfortable shoes, and clothes.

The best way to see Europe is via your own two feet. Which means you need good walking shoes. 

Don’t over schedule yourself. 

Wake up when you want and go to bed early. Limit yourself to one activity per day to minimize the amount of stress on your body. Don’t be a hero. If you can’t fit everything on you ‘must see list’ into your trip, Europe will always be there. Planning in activities in advance of your trip will help with this. Your body will thank you. 

Stick to bottled water.

You may think it is silly avoid tap water in certain countries. But these counties may also have different standards and regulations when it comes to drinking water than we do in North America. Bottled still and sparkling water are the safer bet.

Avoid certain foods. 

When you spoke with your doctor about your travel plans, they should have alerted you to what you can and cannot eat. Alcohol, unpasteurized cheese and cured meats may be tempting, but are best to avoid (especially alcohol). When eating out, ensure you know how to communicate your pregnancy with the wait staff.

Listen to your body. 

The most important thing to do while traveling pregnant is to listen to your body. You know it best. Rest when you need to rest, eat when you need to eat and drink water when you are thirsty. Go with your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, take a break or visit a local clinic. 

Have fun!

Did I miss anything? Do you have any tips for traveling while pregnant? I'd love to hear!

*To & Fro was provided compensation in exchange for this post. All opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for your continued support!

Pregnancy Must Haves

Now that baby girl is nearing 7 months old, the conversation of when the next one will come along has been brought up more than once. While I can guarantee you it won't be any time soon, it has really made me start thinking about what and how I will do things differently the next time around.

I will be the first to admit, I wasn't the healthiest during my pregnancy. I didn't eat whatever food was in sight, but I did have a general salt craving, which included things such as chips, Mr Noodle soup, and plain salt, straight from the grinder. I know, it makes my heart hurt just thinking about it. I also had a craving for salad, which in my mind, evened out the salt craving. Paired with a less active lifestyle than I'm used to, its safe to say I gained a few extra lbs.

That being said, there are also some things that I would do exactly the same next go around. When it came to some of my must haves, I didn't go all out and buy the fanciest, pregnancy-specific items. I made do with whatever I had around the house, or found an alternative, cheaper and more "multi purpose" item to use instead.

Check out my pregnancy must haves, plus an awesome giveaway (below)...

My Pregnancy Must Haves

1. Coconut oil.

Growing, stretching skin needs to be kept moisturized in order to prevent the unbearable itchiness that often comes along with pregnancy. There are so many expensive lotions and potions on the market that will provide the relief needed, however, I found that coconut oil was the perfect all-natural remedy. While everyone is different, and coconut oil won't completely eliminate the dreaded stretch marks, especially if you're genetically doomed, it does help minimize the stretching of the skin by keeping it moisturized.  Apply coconut oil to your belly, and all over, right out of the shower when is cleaned and best at absorbing it. Always allow the oil to soak in and dry before dressing.

I also made my own all natural whipped belly butter with this recipe.

2. Body pillow.

I will gladly admit, sleeping while pregnant is the worst! Pregnancy can bring with it a variety of aches and pains, as well as considerable challenges for comfortably sleeping through the night. Sure there are many pregnancy-specific body pillow available on the market, but instead of shelling out $50+, why not just use a simple body pillow which can be purchased for around $10-20? Some people may already have one at home. Using a large pillow to support and cradle your growing body is especially helpful during the last trimester. Sleeping on your side, a normal body pillow can easily be positioned to give you a comfortable night's sleep.

3. Robe. 

Let's face it, when you are sporting a 40 week belly, getting dressed can be a challenge. Donning a comfortable, warm robe is so much better. A robe is also important if you're using a belly butter, such as the recipe above, because you need to let it dry on your skin before putting your clothes on. You may also want a robe during your hospital stay to help keep you warm and to cover up when you have visitors. 

4. Maternity jeans. 
I live in leggings. But, I also love jeans. Knowing that they would be packed away after 9 months, I didn't spend a lot of maternity-specific clothing. I opted for shirts, leggings, etc. that were purchased in the normal sections that I shop in, and that could be worn post pregnancy. Maternity clothes are expensive! The one thing I did splurge on was a pair of good maternity bootcut jeans. That stretchy expandable belly panel, paired with the super stretchy cotton blend denim fabric made these jeans an absolute dream to wear. And I may or may not have worn them for a few months post pregnancy before eventually retiring them.  (Unlike the above picture, I did not wear heels with these jeans. My kankles would not have been a fan.)

5. Silicone wedding band. 
I love wearing my rings, but sadly, I was not blessed with slim fingers. With the weight gain going what seemed as straight to my fingers, it turned them into something that can only be best described as a breakfast sausages.  I'm just going to take a stab an say that this also may or may not have been directly related to my salt cravings. Regardless, I knew from early on that my wedding rings had to go. Even now with the heat and humidity of this past summer, my rings have remained in safe keeping. 

I was recently sent a set of stackable silicone rings from Enso Rings, the perfect solution for those pregnancy sausage fingers. Made from soft, lightweight, medical-grade silicone, these rings are flexible enough to get on and off my fingers, no matter what size or shape they take on. With a  variety of colours to mix and match, the Women's Stackables are extremely versatile and the perfect way to express your unique personality. I chose the purple and turquoise stackables, two of my favourite colours. [Pictured above: Women's Stackable Silicone Ring in plum. Available in a variety of colours and sizes.]

See... I wasn't lying when I said sausage fingers.

Although not pregnant, my husband also approves of Enso Rings. As a former professional hockey player, he could never wear his wedding band while playing in case he was injured. His current wedding ring is made of tungsten carbide, which is not the safest material for someone with an active lifestyle. He also didn't want to misplace it with the constant on and off between games. With being on the road half of the season, his ring sat at home most of the time. He received the Men's Ultralite Silicone Ring in obsidian (black) for review and is a big fan! He has received quite a few comments from family, friends and coworkers on the uniqueness of the ring. The thing he loves most is how lightweight and flexible it is, especially compared to his tungsten carbide wedding band. Like the women's stackables, this ring is also made with medical grade silicone and features their Anti Ring Avulsion Technology, meaning the ring keeps it’s shape, but if needed, will also break away in a potential accident. My husband's biggest wish was that he had of discovered Enso Rings during his hockey playing days. 

Besides the affordability, selection and quality, one of my favourite things about Enso Rings is that they believe in giving back. For every ring they sell, a portion of the proceeds are donated to local and global organizations that are working to solve problems like hunger, poverty, disease and protecting our planet.

**GIVEAWAY**

Whether there's a baby on the way, you're travelling and want to leave your jewels at home, you can't wear certain jewellery due to work or allergies, or something in between, Enso Rings are the perfect solution. Now you can have a set of your own - enter the giveaway below for your chance to win $50 worth of Enso Rings! And with how affordable these rings are, that's more than enough to purchase a new ring for yourself and for another.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules, because there's always rules: Contest runs 10/14/2016 to 10/19/2016 at 11:59pm, and is open to residents of Canada and US. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Winner will be notified on 10/20/2016 and has 48 hours to respond. If prize is not claimed within this time, another winner will be drawn at random. Prize is in the form of a coupon code worth $50, to be used at Enso Rings. Good luck!


What are your pregnancy must haves and recommendations? I'd love to hear!

*I was provided a set of women's stackable silicone rings and a men's ultralite silicone ring for review. All opinions are 100% my own. Thank you Enso Rings!