Second Trimester Must-haves

When it comes to pregnancy, birth, and motherhood I tend to be more of a "tell me what the REAL Essentials are" kinda gal, so that's what I'm aiming to share here.  In the coming weeks I'll also be sharing what I feel like the real essentials are for once baby arrives, because we've all come across those miles long, exhausting lists that contain things you'll never use like a diaper genie (for real - you don't need it or another thing to clean, save your money for coffee) and totally gloss over things like teething jewelry and baby carriers. Which by the way, might not seem necessary, but let me tell you, they are worth every last penny!

If you've been following along you know we've entered the second trimester, the first trimester fog and nausea have lifted and it's time to get down to business. I mentioned this in previous posts, but the second trimester is a fabulous time to start looking for and/or begin a childbirth or labor prep course, learn new things in preparation for the fourth trimester, and find a doula. Below are my top 8 must-have things and things to do during your second trimester.

1 Childbirth Education // 2 Red Raspberry Leaf Tea // 3 Breastfeeding resources // 4 Motherlove Belly Salve 

5 Pregnancy Pillow // 6 Bun Maternity tank // 7 Birth Ball // 8 Find your Doula

1. Childbirth Education - Whether you're envisioning a homebirth, a hospital birth, planning a cesarean or looking to utilize pain management tools in the hospital a childbirth education class is a must do. Why? You have options during your birth, but your options will be limited if you don't know what they are, when you might want to utilize them, or how to use them. Choosing the right childbirth prep course is also your first opportunity to dust off your researching abilities and find the right class or technique for you and your birth.  There's The Bradley Method, Hypnobirthing, Hypnobabies, Evidence Based Birth classes and workshops, and free or low cost hospital based classes. I'd encourage you look into each method before making a decision since when it comes to specifics like Bradley Method and Hypnobirthing, these aren't a one size fits all. Whether it's your first or third birth, it's never too late to learn something new though. For example, after much consideration I've decided to take a Hypnobirthing course with Jessie of Feather and Fawn in preparation for my third birth. 

As a bonus for any local mama readers, here are a few of the childbirth education classes I'd recommend: 

• Hypnobirthing - Feather and Fawn Birth
• Evidence Based Birth - Your Birth Team
• General Childbirth Education - Granola Babies
• Bradley Method - Babylove 

2. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea - My favorite brand is Traditional Medicinals. This is a must-have for two reasons. First, RRLT is thought to be an incredible tonic for the uterus and aid in preparing for labor, it's also rich in iron, and may help with nausea. Perhaps even more important, it's an opportunity to begin creating your own rhythm and ritual, two things that are vital during labor and parenthood. For myself, I like to have a cup after I finish working out or practicing meditation while my guys nap. It's calming, helps me regroup on the hard days or when pregnancy hormones get the best of me, and it's a ritual I know I can take with me as I continue on this ever changing motherhood journey.

3. Breastfeeding Resources - Don't wait until the baby is here to start learning about breastfeeding, because yes, even though it's the biological norm there's still a lot to learn for you and baby. Locate and gather resources now, while you're getting a little more sleep and you have a little more time ;) Start with a good book, and you can grow your knowledge from there with the help of a breastfeeding class, a doula who also has lactation training, or a Lactation Consultant. A couple books I've found helpful are The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (warning - this does have a strong opinion on formula) and Dr. Jack Newman's Guide to Breastfeeding.

4. Motherlove Belly Salve - I love this stuff! It smells great, has a solid ingredient roster, and it does wonders for skin that's undergoing a big transformation and can sometimes get a bit itchy. Real talk though - Girl, you'll be hard pressed to find ANY product out there than can prevent stretch marks 100%. Why? Stretch marks are primarily genetic. You literally got it from your mama. So seriously, don't be fooled into spending money you could put towards a doula on creams that claim the impossible and cost a fortune. Plus, you're in good company, according to the American Academy of Dermatology around 90% of women have stretch marks. They're a beautiful variation of normal. You can help your skin out though by doing things like exercising and keeping it hydrated with creams full of good stuff like shea butter which is great for growing bellies and minimizing stretch marks. When it comes to important stuff, Motherlove's got you covered (see what I did there?)

5. A pregnancy pillow - Just trust me this is money well spent! Sleep is so important! You're growing a tiny human and that's exhausting, and if you're also working and raising tiny humans you need good rest. That's really all there is too it.

6. Bun Maternity - No surprise here, because I love their stuff, but I'm a huge fan of their High Low tank. Why is this a must-have? If you're in your second trimester like me that means that you'll be pregnant during our killer So Cal summer and you're going to need a good tank that's comfortable. So if you're going to spend on something make it something that's going to survive your transition from pregnant to postpartum and breastfeeding. Get the most bang for buck and look good doing it!

7. Birth Ball - The gift that keeps on giving! During pregnancy sitting on your ball is great for strengthening and comforting your back, a fantastic tool for stretching and exercising, and a even better tool to have available for a body that is ready for or already in labor. Pro-tip - they're magic when it comes to soothing baby during the fourth trimester.

8. Find your Doula - last on my list but most definitely not the least important! The main thing - a doula is for everyone and every birth! That's right, whether you are planning a hospital birth, home birth, cesarean birth, birthing in a free standing birth center, or maybe things change and you're inducing labor or you have an unplanned cesarean birth you can and should have a doula. You've heard of Mt Everest right? Even the most skilled climbers will utilize the skill and knowledge of a Sherpa during a climb, well a Doula is a like a sherpa for birth. This experience, kind of like climbing Everest, will leave it's mark on your forever.  I'd recommend interviewing a few and while certifications and training are great attributes to keep in mind, the most important thing will be how you connect with this person emotionally. Starting the process of finding the right doula for you and partner now during the second trimester will also give you a great chance to grow and expand the connection that drew you to you doula prior to your birth experience.

Phew! That was long, sorry! If you're still here you certainly deserve a gold star or to pee in peace or something. Happy Thursday!

Xo