What are /r/May2021BabyBumps' favorite Products & Services?

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I've struggled with anxiety, OCD and depression my entire adult life. My first pregnancy I was highly anxious around loss. In addition to therapy I found this book to be extremely helpful. If you're familiar with the clinical realm, this book uses the principles of clinical behavioral therapy (CBT) to help work through feelings of anxiety. This book will serve you if you really read it and engage in the activities/homework it prescribes. I used to bring to therapy and talk about it during sessions.

I have lots of thoughts on this as both a sufferer and a social worker. But basically, I have learned over the years that 1) thoughts are not facts 2) anxious thoughts don't mitigate risk. E.g: obsessing over miscarriage doesn't make it any more or less likely. So if you can just observe the thought without engaging with it, that can help.

Sometimes I literally say to myself "Wow, it sucks that you're so anxious right now. It really feels awful to have these scary thoughts. I'm sorry you feel this way." I know that sounds kind of corny but it cultivates a little self compassion.

I am not a smelly person... until I get pregnant/am breastfeeding. I switched from my aluminum based deodorant to multiple natural ones, and the best one I’ve found is phresh deodorant. I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0039L9G2K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8ZXLFb3ZXY0E4 It generally lasts 24 hours, you can get it at Whole Foods, and if I’m extra stinky I can swipe on another layer and the smell is completely gone.

I bought this on prime day and LOVE it. Used it since Saturday. First night I used it upside down with the opening at the head so I could use my own pillow (Im picky about pillows). 2nd day on I used it the normal way with the open on the bottom and actually was comfy as a headpillow. Having the opening down also makes getting out of bed for the bathroom in the dark easier... Its super comfy and supportive. Also FTM and 12.5 weeks. My chest (and boobs) were starting to hurt if I was not hugging a pillow on my side. And some days my hips were feeling sore if I didn't have a pillow between my legs.

ELNIDO QUEEN Pregnancy Body Pillows with Velvet Cover,U Shaped Full Long Maternity Pillow, Support for Back/Neck/Leg and Belly 55 inches Grey https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08CN8TL7R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DgmKFbSWH2SS0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I have always been a fan of work-pants-that-feel-like-sweatpants. I highly recommend looking at "work pants" that have an elastic waist band from Uniqlo, Athleta, and Betabrand. You can also do leggings and dresses/skirts if that works for you? I work in a more casual setting, but these $29 pants pass off as work pants for me and are super comfortable/basically sweatpants that are presentable.

TIC because our pregnancy journal came. It is simple and perfect. I think this means I need to start taking some pictures.

Seriously though, I am not a crier but I have been holding back tears every night while watching TV. Anything baby related, strong emotions good or bad, etc makes me want to cry.

I’ve posted this link here before, but it’s so darn cute. We are doing something similar and I’m wearing this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016IY4B6U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_3MGBFbX4EGG95 not exactly a costume, but I can’t wait for the reactions!

I’ve been reading this book and she has a lot of great information about caffeine! She compares all of these medical studies, gives you the facts and variables to consider, which allows you to make an informed decision that is best for you.

Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143125702/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_hf3AFbB151BZS

These Preggo Drops have been a life savor for me. I also got the sour ones which include extra B12. I cannot stand ginger so I ordered the 4 pack of them cause I eat them daily!

We have this one and love it - it's a sit and stand stroller, so your bigger kid can sit on the back seat and get down easier. It works with bucket seats too, as long as you have the right adapter - you just click it in. https://www.amazon.com/Joovy-Caboose-Ultralight-Graphite-Stroller/dp/B01BMAW0M2/ref=sr_1_3?

I don't eat fish so I take these for DHA:
https://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Naturals-Development-Pregnancy-Lactation/dp/B0062CW1BG/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=nordic+naturals+dha&qid=1599068342&sr=8-5

I take Rennie(Amazon Link) and it helps most of the time, but I might like the taste a bit too much. One of the few sweet things I eat except fruit at the moment. Also if it is really bad I just continually drink a glass of milk.

You can definitely do this! Use a calculator that lets you put in the # of hours between tests and it will give you the correct percentage. I like this one

I got the queen rose my last time around and absolutely loved it. It’s very supportive and cuddly. Might be time to get it out of storage soon. 🤔

QUEEN ROSE 60in Pregnancy Pillow with Cotton Cover, U Shape Full Body Pillow for Pregnant Women,Available in 55in and 60in(Blue and Pink) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BJYPQVW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Rx5LFb6MYXDFW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I posted about it a few times in the last week since I got it bc I love it. SUPER fluffy and supportive. I think you can look in my comments for my other posts about it

ELNIDO QUEEN Pregnancy Body Pillows with Velvet Cover,U Shaped Full Long Maternity Pillow, Support for Back/Neck/Leg and Belly 55 inches Grey https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08CN8TL7R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Ay2LFbTXC35V1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

You can get a cotton cover if you think it's too warm. I was afraid of that but haven't been warm, so haven't ordered the cover but it's in my saved for laters.

TILLYOU Large Zipper Personalized Pregnancy Pillowcase, 100% Egyptian Cotton Fully Body Maternity Pillow Replacement Cover, Soft Breathable, Fit Standard U Shaped Pillow, Charcoal Gray https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07D4FTSD5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uz2LFbD0YFR3C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I got this pregnancy journal from Amazon and I really like it. Lots of places for writing thoughts and feelings, journal prompts, and places for ultrasound pics 🙂 first time mom’s pregnancy journal

When you give birth they give you a little squirt bottle to rinse with and it's such a godsend, I've ordered more from Amazon just to keep the around when I need them! I'd squirt off and then pay dry with a towel.

Here's the cheap ones that work perfectly well.

Here's a fancy expensive one people seem to like but I've never felt a need to try

Pro tip: these are also wonderful for cleaning a rashy baby bottom! We used to hang out kiddo's bum over the edge of the sink and spray her off because she was red from so much wiping. And as a bonus, if they pee or poop during the change, you can just wash it straight down the sink!

4 moms makes this. I plan to buy this because it’s significantly cheaper. My daughter lived in a rock n play. I wish people would have properly used them and they weren’t recalled. Ours broke and I’m really nervous about not finding a bassinet that will rock.

4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet | Bluetooth Baby Bassinets and Furniture with 5 Unique Motions | 4 Built-in White Noise Options | Birch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BVQND3V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RsDKFb4ZTKS9E?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I recommend these if you ever want to sleep again.

SwaddleMe Original Swaddle – Size Small, 0-3 Months, 2-Pack (Sleepy Forest) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TQB2G16/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_G.CKFbB642D87

Also a video monitor. I bought one that doesn’t go over WiFi. I originally just had walkie-talkie ones, but I quickly learned seeing my baby with out having to go in her room was more reassuring.

Also spectra pumps are the best if you want to go that route.

Our hospital had a woman come around and take newborn photos. I had a cute receiving blanket, but I think I want a little matching outfit. Like this. I know it varies A LOT, but ours was really reasonable and I'm so glad we had those, cuz I probably wouldn't have gotten around to it in those first few weeks.

I bought this one, but it hasn't come yet (so I can't say whether it was worth it or not!)

https://www.amazon.com/MALOUF-Total-C-Shape-Pregnancy-Pillow/dp/B00ODEPQBW

What I want this time... fine to get used for me!

What I got for my first that I despise and still use everyday

Actif Organics Prenatal Vitamin have 800 mcg Folate and 30 mg iron. They're about the size of an M&M and have no taste or smell. They're also by far the cheapest I've found with all these specs--they're $43 on Amazon currently for a 90 day supply. I wanted to try the Ritual prenatals, but these are so much cheaper I'm just going to stick with them. My NP asked to see my prenatal at my last appointment and gave these a thumbs up.

I highly recommend this mattress to every mom I know. It is designed specifically so your baby can breathe through it if/when they start sleeping on their tummy. It’s kind of pricey, but worth it to know that you don’t have to worry about your baby if they flip onto their stomach in the middle of the night.

We have friends of friends who had triplets around when my big gherkin was born.

All I know is they swear by a giant baby gated play area. Evenflo Versatile Play Space, Indoor & Outdoor Play Space, Portable, 18.5 Square Feet of Enclosed Space, Cool Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072LTSWND/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GCDGFbFJ1C3GD

They bring it everywhere they go (the kids are now almost 3) because it’s the only way mom can wrangle them while taking older siblings to soccer / going to a friends house for a barbecue.

I would say you don’t necessarily need a rug, but a play mat is nice for when they start sitting and crawling around. Something like this: Baby Play Mat, Extra Large Baby Crawling Mat, Portable Waterproof Non Toxic Soft Foam, Anti-Slip Folding Puzzle Mat Playmat for Infants, Toddlers, Kids, Indoor or Outdoor Use, 77x70 inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081Q18N9N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AXCGFbNQ7MF9P

I have hardwood floors in mine too. Once my LO started to sit up more on her own, she was often wobbly and falling over and hitting her head so I was worried I needed to get a giant rug or something for her but I just ended up getting her two sets of those foam playmats so she had a nice play area in our living room and wouldn't be hitting her head hard whenever she toppled over.

https://www.amazon.com/BalanceFrom-Puzzle-Exercise-Interlocking-Tiles/dp/B01D7SS1X4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Foam+playmats&qid=1602339561&sr=8-3

They often don't start sitting up until 5 months or older so you won't have to worry about that sort of thing right away! And they can learn to crawl on any surface, hard or soft. Mine crawled all over the hardwoods, no issues! I just tried to keep the floor clean for her and that was about it.

Hope that answers your question!

My previous boss wore these nose plugs by the company Nosa. They are very small and plastic, super discreet. And they are menthol scented. She wore them to not smell people on the train home but they are actually used by professionals by people who work in morgues, etc. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085SZ6Z9R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_BUWEFb6EZQVAS

Ive decided this diaper bag is my pregnancy gift to myself https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WJ6ZZ7F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bjpwFbM274DC6 I know, I know, VERY expensive. But I’ve wanted this bag for so long! This company has a line with Chelsea from teen mom (don’t judge, I love her) which is how I found them a while ago. It’s just too cute!

How and when is everyone telling family? My husband and I wanted to have a Halloween party this year with a few family members, which happens to be right around 13 weeks (haven’t been to the doctor yet for a due date). So I thought I’d just wear this shirt Crazy Dog T-Shirts Maternity Skeleton Baby T Shirt Funny Cute Pregnancy Halloween Tee Announcement https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016IY4K2U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_i0nvFbKEYMB2R I like it because you’re not actually “telling” them and it has to register on their own. But we are so lost on how to tell our parents! We don’t want to do anything cheesy, but my husband doesn’t want to just tell them outright. It will be his parents first grandchild, but not my parents. And we want to do it with both of them at the same time. Let me hear your ideas!

love The Birth Hour and also Ina May Gaskin's' book:

https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Midwifery-Ina-May-Gaskin/dp/1570671044/ref=pd_lpo_14_t_1/131-5764084-4018554?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1570671044&pd_rd_r=b9d49454-74fc-45e1-b85b-cfe042804dc4&pd_rd_w=VUEU3&pd_rd_wg=T3Lgv&pf_rd_p=7b36d496-f366-4631-94d3-61b87b52511b&pf_rd_r=YYKK78NNNGGPFP1ADR1M&psc=1&refRID=YYKK78NNNGGPFP1ADR1M

I bought this one on Amazon cus i love Klimt and I love this piece: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0857751166/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I second this, especially if you’re fortunate enough to be WFH right now. You can buy the bralette nursing bras that pull to the side. They are so comfortable. I wear them all the time still. Amazon has a ton of options: Playtex Women's Nursing Pullover Sleep Bra 2-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLHXRK1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_oU-zFbN3NBR8H

While you’re waiting to hear back, have you heard of the Empty Cradle? They’re a parent lead support group out here in Southern California. They have been doing Zoom meetings since COVID. I attended meetings when my son first died and they really helped a lot. Everyone got it, much more so than my therapist has TBH.

And yep it’s over the counter 81mg. The Bayer 300 pill bottle is perfectly timed with a full term, 10 month pregnancy. I get it from Amazon.