Healthy Chicks

Good morning, beauties! I’m currently in my 34th week of pregnancy, and things are getting real. My family threw a beautiful baby shower for me last week, and all I have to say is baby girl is already so loved (and going to be so well dressed).

When people ask when I’m due and I say “End of August,” the reactions are pretty much the same every time. They cringe and then say, “Oh, it’s going to be hot!” or “Summer babies are the worst!” Trust me, I get it: summer is hot and my bump isn’t getting any smaller. But instead of complaining, I’m choosing to enjoy this precious bump, baby kicks and time with my hubby during my favorite season.

I’ve also been craving lots of alone time, as I know once baby comes she’ll pretty much be attached to me for the first few months. After all, self-care is super important to me, especially during pregnancy. Here are 6 self-care essentials that are helping me get through these last few weeks of pregnancy!

Mama Natural Affirmations

As you know by now, affirmation cards are a huge part of my life. Heck, I even created my own Spark Your Bliss deck! Mindset is key, and maintaining a positive outlook during this pregnancy has been monumental for me, especially after having an early miscarriage last year.

I’m absolutely in love with Mama Natural’s Natural Pregnancy Affirmation Cards for keeping the good pregnancy vibes going! The 50-card deck is beautifully illustrated, with sweet mantras like “My body is safe, my baby is safe, “I know I can birth this baby naturally” and “I envision a peaceful birth” with words of encouragement on the back of each card. These are 100% going in my hospital bag!

A High Quality Fish Oil

A high quality fish oil with DHA is super important for baby’s brain development throughout pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. I currently take Metagenics Wellness Essentials Pregnancy packets which contain an advanced prenatal, choline, calcium/magnesium, and EPA-DHA fish oil.

I’m loving these supplements during pregnancy, but looking forward to downgrade the amount I take once baby girl is here. (7 pills is intense!) I already ordered New Chapter’s Wholemega Fish Oil for Mom (which contains EPA and DHA) for postpartum. I purchased a 1 1/2 month supply for less than $38 on Thrive Market, which I highly recommend for healthy eats, beauty and more. I also stocked up on Actif Organic Postnatal Vitamins, specifically designed for nursing mamas.

Belly Butter

With a bump that seems to grow by the day, a soothing belly butter is a must during pregnancy, especially when things start to get a little uncomfortable during the third trimester!

I’ve been using Aimee Raupp’s Organic Belly Butter daily since the 2nd trimester, and love how smooth it makes my tummy feel. I especially love the natural ingredients like Shea butter, coconut oil, grapefruit and frankincense. Plus, I’ve been able to avoid stretch marks so far, which I know can also be genetic!

Relaxing Tunes

Music has been a big part of my life throughout this pregnancy, as a way for me to relax and connect with baby girl. I sing to our sweet baby every night, and recently bought some fun lullabies on Amazon of Dave Matthew’s Band (hubby’s favorite!) and The Beatles (my fave!) for hubby and I to play for her once she’s here.

I also created a Spotify playlist for the hospital, titled “Calm, Easy Labor + Delivery.” I made sure to write in my birth plan that I prefer dimmed lighting, essential oils and yes, my music playing. Hubby even bought me a portable Bluetooth speaker for my birthday so I can listen to these relaxing tunes throughout my labor experience.

Daily Movement

I’m not going to lie: I didn’t move much the first half of my pregnancy simply because I felt horribly sick throughout the first trimester and up until about 18 weeks pregnant. However, daily movement is now super important to me as I know it’s good for both me and baby to get that blood pumping!

I was taking daily morning walks for a while, but I’ve since upgraded to swimming laps in our pool since it’s just too hot to even walk. It’s been a while since my swim team years in high school, but it’s been great to get back to it. I love the way my body feels in the cool water, and baby girl has been loving it too!

A Doula or Support Person

I decided early on that I wanted to invest in a doula, as I know I’ll need that extra support to stay calm in the hospital setting. Emma of Lavandoula was recommended by a friend, and I knew she was right for me from the moment I met her over coffee and tea. She makes 2 in-person prenatal home visits, offers continuous support throughout labor, and makes 1 postpartum visit as well. I love that I can ask her anything like “When will I know when it’s THE TIME to go to the hospital?” or “How will I get through contractions naturally?” and she answers openly and honestly.

Since it’s my goal to have a natural birth with limited medical interventions (I prefer not to have an epidural), Emma will act as an advocate for my wishes. For example, if the time comes that I’m begging for an epidural or the nurses are trying to push one on me, she’ll ask if we can take 5 and discuss other options like breathing techniques or changing up my position before moving forward.

If you can’t afford a doula, I highly recommend having a support person you trust with you during the process — be it your mom, your hubby or a dear friend.

Moms and moms-to-be, what were your third trimester self-care essentials? How did you maintain a positive mindset?