Here are 10 key tools that helped me have a holistic and natural pregnancy… and ultimately deliver my baby girl without any drugs or interventions.
I was thankful for so many things during my second pregnancy…
- First, that my son Griffin became potty-trained in early summer. It was an easy process without a lot of drama. Love that kid! (Need tips? Check out this post and video.)
- Second, I got through a few months of queasiness with this supplement.
- And third, my husband was home more and I wasn’t working in Corporate America (yoga pants, here I come!)
I was also incredibly grateful that my tests, blood work, blood pressure, and ultrasound all came back with no issues or abnormalities. Thank you God!
I do have to say that it was a tougher pregnancy though because I was chasing after a 3 year old; we moved to a new place; and my activity levels were MUCH HIGHER compared with my previous pregnancy where I sat at a desk for 8 hours a day.
Overall, I found some really helpful tools that allowed me manage my natural pregnancy well, including these. (check out my postpartum recovery essentials too)
Tools that helped me have a natural pregnancy
1. Raspberry Leaf Tea
raspberry-leaf-tea
This nice tasting tea helps tone the uterus and pelvic muscles and is great for childbirth. Most midwives and OB-GYNs recommend drinking RRL tea in the 2nd trimester on since it can trigger some uterine cramping. I never had an issue with myself but be sure to check with doctor.
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2. Magnesium Oil
magnesium-oil
This topical magnesium is so very easy for the body to absorb and instantly calmed and soothed my body. Magnesium can also help with morning sickness, fatigue, constipation and gestational diabetes.
3. Exercise ball
exercise-ball-red
Because I want a natural childbirth, I used this exercise ball often as my “chair.” It keeps the pelvis forward and in good alignment. Now,
don’t get me wrong, in the first trimester, you better believe I was reclining, lounging and engulfed in our super comfy, oversized couch. But, once I was nearing my 3rd trimester, I started using this exercise ball which helps strengthen your core as you sit. It also is great to lean on during labor. Bottom line, this handy tool can get baby into optimal position for birth. (More on that here.)
4. HCL/Pepsin
Especially in the first trimester and now in the third, I find my digestion can get a little wonky when pregnant. The pregnancy hormones can slow down our digestive process, which can lead to heartburn, acid reflux and nausea. In enters this HCL/Pepsin supplement… HCL is something our stomachs secrete naturally during digestion so I like that it “mimics” and supports this process. I found 1-2 capsules per meal worked great to keep any tummy troubles at bay. You can see all the supplements I took while pregnant here.
5. Supernatural Childbirth
This little book has been such a God send. While I’m not 100% convinced that a painless childbirth is possible :), I do appreciate reading the testimonials and Scripture that helps support a more spiritual birth. I love the prayers for conception, for the growing child in utero, and for the delivery itself. HUGE FAITH BUILDER! There’s also this great audio piece that’s great to listen to throughout day.
6. Lemonade
Take 2 lemons. Squeeze through strainer into a quart Mason jar. Add filtered water and about 10 drops of stevia. Add a dash of sea salt. This delicious drink has been my go-to this pregnancy. I find it helps not only getting my fluids in for the day but also aids digestion.
7. SpinningBabies.com
This website, while not the most user-friendly, contains a WEALTH of helpful information on baby positioning. Why is that important? Well, generally speaking, the better position our baby is in, the easier our childbirth will be. You can learn more about here and here.
8. Pumpkin Spice Lattes
This tasty little beverage has been a lovely gift throughout the later half of my pregnancy. The warm milk… the sweet spices… the pumpkin flavor… and so much better than the Starbucks version. Since I’m sensitive to caffeine, I use a naturally decaffeinated coffee like this one for my lattes.
9. The Mama Natural Week-By-Week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth!
If you want to feel empowered and inspired, be sure to pick up a copy of my natural pregnancy guide!
10. All of YOU!
The support, love and wisdom within this community keeps me going. I have LOVED sharing this pregnancy with you and hearing so many inspiring stories from all of you. Thank you for sharing yourselves so freely and being positive examples of Natural Mamas 🙂
Are you pregnant? Planning a shower?
Here’s everything you need to know about creating a baby registry.
How bout YOU? What are your essentials during pregnancy? Share with us!
