Top 5 Pregnancy Favorites

I just want to start off by saying welcome to my blog!  I am currently 36 weeks pregnant and thought that it would be appropriate to share my top 5 pregnancy favorites.  I don't know that I would go as far as saying essentials for everybody but these are items that I personally couldn't live without.

1.  New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin

I was originally taking the Thorne Research Basic Prenatal because that's what my Naturopath had recommended, but I could not keep it down during the first trimester.  It really irritated my stomach, even when I took it with food.

As a result I stopped taking Prenatal's for a few weeks.  I kept searching for an alternative until my hunt led me to the local health food store where the pharmacist recommended the New Chapter vitamin.  This vitamin is made up of whole foods and so much easier for the body to digest.  Let me tell you this vitamin is so gentle I can take it on an empty stomach.  I know you first trimester mamma's can appreciate that!

Cost: At retail I paid $72.99 for 192 tablets.  But in my opinion it's worth every penny!

One of the best prices I've seen has been on Vitacost where it costs $50.99 for 192 tablets.

*Check out the code for $10 off your first purchase from Vitacost down below

2.  Rocky Mountain Soap Co. Belly Butter

Every pregnant lady knows that you need a good belly butter.  I am of the belief that stretch marks are hereditary but why not leave the skin as moisturised as possible to minimise the result?  It can only help, right?  So I've been oiling up the belly twice a day since about 14 weeks.  I've used a couple of different products but find the Rocky Mountain Soap Co.'s to be my favourite.

I love that it comes in a deodorant type twist up so it's super easy to apply and you don't have to get your hands greasy if you don't want to.  The ingredient's are really clean and I love that it is locally made!

The butter is made up of cocoa butter, shea butter, beeswax and a bunch of oils.  Although it is a little oily when first applied it sinks in quickly and leaves you feeling moisturised all day.  Bye bye itchy belly!

Cost: Retails at $15 and they offer international shipping.

One "stick" lasts me a few weeks using it twice a day.  They recently changed the packaging so mine looks different then the one on their website but it's the same stuff.

3.  BoobDesign Nursing Tops

Okay so I know that this sounds like a post natal necessity which it is, but I've been living in the BoobDesign Pregnancy wear "ruched" collection through out my pregnancy.  It's designed for pregnancy and after, and I love to be as practical as possible so buying something multipurpose just made sense.  These tops are sooooo comfortable and accommodate a growing belly so well.   I am excited to try them out for nursing as well, the nursing opening is so discreet that I feel like I would be comfortable enough to nurse without a cover.  I will keep you posted on that front!

I currently own the v-neck t-shirt, the long sleeve shirt and three tank tops.  I live in them now and I'm sure that I will continue to live in them once the little one gets here.

Cost: These tops range from $55-$89.  I originally purchased them off the outlet section of their website and saved a lot of money.... but ended up paying a lot of shipping.  Alternatively I found a great little Canadian store called Bellies in Bloom that also sells them online.  They have lots of sales and free shipping over a $100 CAD and $150 US.

4.  Positive Pregnancy with Andrew Johnson iPhone App

This App and Andrew Johnson's Relax + App are great!  You can use them to help you sleep or just pop it on during the day to help you well.... relax.  With an over active pregnant mind, I'm constantly making lists and planning so it's nice to be able to lay down at the end of the day with a guided meditation to help me unwind and sleep!  Since it is hard enough to sleep during pregnancy as it is, I will take every little bit of help I can get!  When I use this app I find that I get a restful deep sleep, it definitely works for me.

I do have to listen to this with headphones on, which is what is recommended, but I do it because my fiancé finds the voice annoying.  I personally find the author's Scottish accent very calming and soothing.  Oh well to each their own I guess.

Cost: $3.49 for Positive Pregnancy, Relax + is free :)

5.  Nettle Leaf Tea

I drink a cup of this every day.  Although it doesn't have the best flavour it is high in Iron.  It also has Vitamin C which helps with Iron absorption so I drink it as a supplement.  Pre-pregnancy I struggled with low iron, since taking this tea my levels have been great!!

I have taken the Traditional Medicinals Nettle Leaf Tea which is great but I just recently purchased some loose leaf Nettle from my local tea shop.  

I checked with my midwife before using this tea as there are so many rules with what you can and can't drink especially with tea's..... and they actually recommend taking it.

Cost: Varies

Bonus Item:  Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

I didn't feel like I could finish off this post without adding a bonus item.  This book changed my perspective on childbirth!!  It really takes the fear out of giving birth and gives such a practical approach to a natural process.  Ina May is probably one of the most famous and respected midwives in North America.  If you are interested in natural childbirth then this is the book to read!!

Ina May also has a great TedTalk about Reducing Fear of Birth in US Culture, which is also worth watching.

Cost: $12.72 on Amazon

Well that sums it up.  I hope that you find some of these items as helpful as I've found them.  Thanks for checking in, stay tuned for some upcoming green beauty reviews and hauls!~❤️N

*$10 off your first Vitacost Purchase - http://goo.gl/FTCJJZ

I purchased all the products reviewed and all opinions are my own.