Pregnancy Must Haves: A Few of My Favorite Items to Help Prepare for a Smoother Delivery!

There are so many items that are labeled as "must have" for pregnancy. I'm not saying that there is ONE item that will guarantee that labor and birth will be easy. But I am saying that with the right tools, techniques and comforts utilized during pregnancy (and in labor!) it can be a whole different experience.

As both a birth doula and a prenatal yoga instructor, below are several of my favorite items to recommend!

Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my links I may receive a small commission. This does not impact your cost.

1. Birth Ball!

   (TIP: make sure to double check what size you need. It's by height!)

   
   

   These are so, so good! During pregnancy they help with pelvic mobility, good posture, strengthening and stretching. They can be used during labor as support and to help encourage baby to move into an optimal position. You can also use it postpartum for gentle movement and to soothe your baby.

   
   

   This one has a book with some movements included as an added bonus. As a doula, I'll also remind you that there are many options and shapes to utilize that are NOT bouncing. If you're local, check out my quarterly birth ball workshop at Yoga Revolution in North Royalton.

2. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

   Herbs are a form of medicine. I encourage you to check with your healthcare provider before adding something new to your diet. Be certain it's red raspberry leaf; red raspberry is not the same and won't nourish your body the same.

   
   

   This tea is a staple for many women. (It can be helpful at the end of pregnancy, postpartum and when your cycle returns. Your uterus is a muscle. This tea tones the uterus - so think of it as a workout for your uterus.

   
   

   It is delicious and you can drink it hot or cold!

   If you like bags, check out this one.

   If you prefer loose leaf, give this one a go.

3. Massage tools

   Relaxation is essential. You may find that you like to use a tennis ball or a fascial release ball. But the handheld massager that has a gentle vibration or is a wooden roller is great for tight muscles! (Bonus! Your husband or partner can use it on your bum while you lean over your birth ball.) During labor they offer a great way to help your body release tension between contractions, especially if you're on your hands and knees.

   
   

4. Affirmation Cards

   Your mindset is powerful. And during pregnancy is an ideal time to start (or continue) to grow a positive mindset. A simple way to incorporate this into your day-to-day is through affirmations. You can create your own on a sticky note and post it on your bathroom mirror or in your car. If you want something a little fancy, you can find some really beautiful sets people have created locally or on Etsy. (I have a pretty lovely set here.)

   These can be simple such as, "I am peaceful." "I am relaxed." or they can be a little bit longer. Many women I work with choose to use Bible versus that are meaningful to them.

   
   

5. The Birth Partner Book.

   If this is the only book you read about birth, then you've come to a great place!!

   
   

   Ok. It's a thick one. It's for both women and the fathers! But friends, this book is outstanding in the way it presents information. There are words, pictures, charts. And what I like most about it is that certain sections have highlighted pages so you can quickly reference them!

There you have it, my friends. A few of my favorite items to recommend to mamas during pregnancy to help them feel more comfortable, calm and confident in their pregnancy journey!