The top 5 pregnancy essentials

Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting times in a woman's life. However, it can also be one of the most uncomfortable times. During this time, you need to take care of yourself and your baby. To make sure that goes as smoothly as possible, here are five things to keep on hand during pregnancy.

When you're pregnant, the world seems like a bigger place. You're carrying around an extra person, and suddenly everything in your life (from your daily commute to the way you walk up stairs) feels different.

That's why we think it's important to take care of yourself as best as you can. It doesn't have to be complicated - we've got 5 essentials that will help you feel confident and prepared for whatever comes next!

1. Breast pump

It's one thing to be a mom. It's another to be a mom who also has to pump breast milk.

Breast pumps come in all shapes and sizes, and it's important to find one that fits your needs. For example, if you want to be able to pump discreetly at work or while traveling, look for a portable pump. If you're looking for something simple that doesn't require extra parts or accessories, choose a manual pump over an electric model so there are no extra cords getting in your way when using it.

Mama Body Tea have created this breast pump with hands free option so you can pump milk while you're on the go! It is a portable, noise free breast pump that allows you to pump milk without having to hold the pump in place yourself. It's even designed to fit inside your bra so you don't have to lug around an extra piece of equipment! This pump attaches to your breast with a vacuum and can be left on to completely empty your breast. Some of the other features include: lightweight, made with food grade silicone, BPA free, dishwasher & steriliser safe and holds over 110 ml of breast milk. 

2. Breast pads

You may have heard the term "breast pads" before, but you might not be sure what they are or how to use them. They're often confused with nursing bras - and while they're similar in that both are designed to prevent leaking from your breasts, their purposes do differ.

Breast pads attach to your bra and help absorb any excess breast milk that may leak out after feeding your baby. This leakage is normal during pregnancy, it's especially common when you first start nursing because of changes caused by pregnancy hormones (called prolactin).

You can buy disposable or washable options: Disposable pads typically come with a sticky strip on one side so that they stay put in place under your bra without shifting around throughout the day; while reusable ones can be washed frequently as needed.

Mama Body Tea reusable breast pads are an eco friendly alternative to disposable pads. They are washable, allow your skin to breathe and come in 3 colours - white, pink and black set.

3. Nipple balm

Nipple balm is not just for breastfeeding. Not only does it help to soothe sore and cracked nipples, but it can also be used on other parts of the body that get chapped or dry. Some people like to use nipple balm on their lips, hands, and feet when they're feeling particularly dry and chapped during the winter months (or any time of year).

There are plenty of options available from different brands; some are specifically marketed toward breastfeeding mothers while others are more versatile.

The Physic Garden soothing nipple balm has been specially formulated to protect, moisturise and soothe dry, cracked nipples. It can be used by mums‐to-be to prepare for breastfeeding in the third trimester, as well as by breastfeeding mums to promote elasticity and moisturise.

4. Stretch marks cream

What is a stretch mark?

A stretch mark is a scar in the skin that looks like a zigzag line. You can get them during puberty, as a result of rapid growth or weight gain, or during pregnancy. Stretch marks form when the skin tries to keep up with your body's growth by stretching too quickly and breaking down the collagen and elastin fibres that hold it together - this causes small tears in your dermis (the inner layer of skin) which then heal back together leaving behind an irregularly shaped scar.

Pregnancy related hormonal changes such as those experienced during puberty or breast feeding may cause the appearance of new stretch marks on your abdomen, breasts or thighs after gaining weight rapidly due to fluctuating hormones while pregnant (especially during late stages). Your body will also naturally undergo several changes during pregnancy which may lead towards developing more severe forms of this condition over time if not taken care of properly beforehand.

Stretch marks cream is designed to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. They often contain ingredients such as shea butter, rosehip, macadamia & sweet almond oils that help repair damaged skin cells and make them less noticeable. It's designed to work fast and improve your skin's elasticity over time, so you can get back to feeling confident in your own skin.

5. Lactation tea

One of the best ways to increase milk production is by drinking lactation tea. 

Lactation tea has many benefits, including boosting your supply, helping with sore nipples, and increasing comfort while breastfeeding. Lactation tea is completely safe to drink while pregnant or breastfeeding because it contains no ingredients that could harm your baby in any way. The most common ingredient in lactation tea is fennel seed. Fennel is an herb that helps stimulate milk supply, along with other herbs like anise and dill.

A good brand to try is Mama Body Tea, which you can find at Sassy Organics. Their lactation tea is made with organic herbs and contains vitamins and minerals helping to support lactation, promote healthy milk flow and soothe bubs digestion

Other things to consider

While we feel that the above 5 items are essentials, Here are a few additional recommendations that may help you through the pregnancy.

• Pregnancy Pillow - Your body is changing in all kinds of ways during pregnancy, so it's important to invest in a pillow that will give you the support and comfort you need. A good pregnancy pillow can help alleviate back pain and improve circulation while also keeping your hips at an angle that's optimal for fetal development.
• Pregnancy Journal - Keeping track of everything that's happening to your body during this time is crucial - and doing so in a journal makes it easier for you to remember details about what was happening when (and why) later on down the road. You can write down questions or concerns, note changes in how you feel physically or emotionally, and even draw pictures of what's going on inside your belly! It'll be fun for you later when looking back through all this stuff makes those memories come flooding back again - plus it'll make it easier for anyone else who might want to know about these
• Good Nursing Bra - When you're pregnant, your breasts will grow in size and become sensitive. You'll also probably experience some leaking as your milk supply builds up. To make things more comfortable for you, invest in a good nursing bra that offers support and coverage without sacrificing comfort or style!
• Top Quality Mattress Pad - You'll want to protect both your mattress and yourself from any blood or bodily fluids that may leak during this time of extreme change in your body. This product will keep your mattress clean while also providing extra padding for comfort and protection against leaks or stains!

What you should be packing for your hospital bag

• A big, comfy robe. You'll want something to cover up in after your baby is born, but you'll also want something that's easy to move around in during labour. We recommend a big, comfy robe that you can wear home from the hospital.
• Your favourite slippers or flip flops. They'll make it easier for you to get around after the baby is born - and they'll help keep your feet warm while you're waiting for things to start moving along.
• Your favourite nightgown or pyjamas! You're going to want something comfortable and easy to get into when it comes time to have your baby - and these are just two of our favourite options!

Final thoughts

There is no right or wrong way to get through pregnancy, but it’s important to be prepared. The best way to do that is by having the right tools and supplies on hand. We hope you enjoyed our list of top five pregnancy essentials, and we wish you all the best as you prepare for your baby-to-be! To learn more, visit our guide Morning sickness, breastfeeding and beyond 

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