Glow Guide to Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most magical experiences that a woman will go through. That said, it can also be overwhelming, uncomfortable and scary. Jessie has created this glow guide to share some essentials and tips that have been helpful in creating comfort and glow throughout her pregnancy.
Body Products:
If you haven't been paying attention to the ingredients that you put on your body, being pregnant is absolutely the time to start. Our skin is our largest organ, and our bodies ingest what we feed our skin-- that means your growing baby will too. Here are some products that have been staples throughout pregnancy. Once you make the switch to natural, you won't want to go back!!
Erbaviva Organic Belly Butter and Stretch Mark Oil: We couldn't love these products more. With gorgeous botanical smells, clean packaging and a luxurious feel, Erbaviva checks all the boxes.
Nine Naturals Belly Butter: The light, whipped texture goes on smoothly, as opposed to some of the more balmy butters. Plus, we love the mild, refreshing smell.
Zoe Organics Nipple Balm and Belly Butter: Start using both of these products in the beginning of your pregnancy and your skin will be super happy and moisturized.
REN Rose Sugar Scrub and Body Oil: Great for keeping your body soft, smooth and glowy throughout your entire pregnancy and beyond.
Coco La Vie Coconut Oil: This is our absolute favorite coconut oil. You can use it anywhere, but our favorite use is in the bedroom. We always have a jar next to the bed.
Living Libations Seabuckthorn Shampoo : Truly the best organic shampoo. So refreshing and invigorating and it smells great.
Pursoma Recovery Foot Soak: Great for tired or swollen feet.
Soapwalla Deodorant: If you haven't switched to a natural deodorant yet, now is the time. Soapwalla is our favorite, simply because it actually WORKS. You will have to rub a little bit of the paste between your fingers and then into your armpit, but it will last all day and you'll smell great.
Lebon Toothpaste: The glowiest natural toothpaste that comes in the chicest packaging and unique flavors
Reading:
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth: Provides positive, real and empowering accounts of natural births. A must read!
The Mindful Mom To be: Amazing manual for all things pregnancy and birth, including DIY scrubs, smoothie recipes and meditations.
Bringing Up Bebe: Learn from the French how to raise an unfussy baby.
Mothering From Your Center: Learn to tap into your intuition.
Mindful Birthing: Dissover ways to bring mindfulness practices into pregnancy and birth.
Let Them Eat Dirt: Why germs are actually GOOD for your baby.
The Expectant Father: Amazing resource for baby daddies and partners
The Birth Partner Trains your partner how to support you in birth, acting as your doula.
Non-toxic Nails:
Olive and June: Our go-to glow zone. Make sure to specifically ask for the Emma or Margeaux mani/pedi, as these both use completely natural products and are such an indulgent treat for pregnancy mamas.
Base Coat Nail Salon: Such a great vibe, aesthetic and quality services that will leave you feeling pampered and glowy. Started by two moms, they use their own luxurious and natural body scrubs and oils that smell divine.
TenOverTen: They have their own line of the most beautiful non-toxic, pregnancy safe polishes and nail products that we swear by.
Prenatal Massage:
Tomoko Spa The prenatal massage at Tomoko Spa in beverly Hills is a splurge, but if you can swing it (or register for it) it is TOTALLY worth it. Not all massages/spas are created equal, and this Japanese Oasis is doing everything right.
Non-Maternity "Maternity" Clothing:
Hatch: Everything from Hatch is pretty much perfect. We love that their beautiful clothes work beyond pregnancy as well.
Ingrid & Isabel:"Maternity wear" for the stylish pregnant woman. They make the most comfortable, flattering dress, THE most comfortable stretchy leggings, and a great belly band for after delivery.
LACA USA: Great for flowy silks and comfortable cotton dresses.
Christy Dawn: Easy, flowy, feminine dresses
Doen: Beautiful prints and high quality materials. The flowy styles are great for pregnancy.
Beyond Yoga: We love their super soft high waisted leggings, and they carry some great maternity yoga wear.
Sleep Essentials:
Lunya : Specifically this Lunya Romper , which will be a staple throughout your entire pregnancy and beyond.
Gap Body: For the softest everything. The Pure Body Modal Joggers are the best pants because they don't dig into your belly. You can wear them to sleep or out during the day as well.
Snoogle Body Pillow: You will need this for your third trimester to help you get comfy in bed. It is also wonderful for propping yourself up to read or watch a movie comfortably.
Bras:
Your breasts go through all sorts of crazy changes from the moment your pregnancy begins. Pretty soon you may find that none of your bras fit, and it is very difficult to find one that feels comfortable. The struggle is real, but there are a few that I have found tolerable!!
Gap Body: If you hate underwire and love bralettes the Modal Triangle Pullover Bralette is extremely comfy and relatively supportive too. The material is so soft you can even sleep in it!!
Wear Lively: The Cross Back Bralette is not only super comfortable, it is also very cute! It has been a go-to for yoga class, as regular sports bras can feel too restrictive on pregnant breasts.
Workouts:
In Bloom Prenatal Yoga Incredible sessions with Patti Quintero at her home studio in Santa Monica. Patti also teaches Prenatal Yoga at Yogaworks on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica on Saturdays. Her class is the absolute best-- the perfect amount of challenging and nurturing and great for partners too.
Love Yoga : Feel-good, mellow prenatal yoga in Venice
Beach walks and Hiking: Low impact activity that is good for the mind and body.
Swimming: In the third trimester, walking is not always as enjoyable. This is a good time to make use of a swimming pool in your neighborhood.
Eats:
The first trimester is a free for all-- some people don't even feel pregnant, and others are completely out of commission. Nausea, sickness and exhaustion are very common in the first three months of pregnancy. Listen to your body, eat whatever you can keep down, get lots of rest and stay hydrated!! Don't worry that your baby isn't getting enough nutrition, you have plenty of time in the next few months to eat all the superfoods; the most important thing is finding ways for yourself to feel good and nourished in the beginning.
*cereal and milk can be very comforting during this time -- Peanut Butter Puffins are a staple!
*apples and citrus can also be great for anti-nausea while keeping you hydrated -- oranges in particular are great because of the vitamin C
*don't be afraid of carbs!! sandwiches, rice, pasta, etc. can be very comforting to upset tummies and also help you sleep
Most people find that in the second trimester, the pregnancy fog is lifted and you'll start to feel like your glowy self again. Now is the time to eat all the delicious, nutrient-dense foods, if and when your appetite and stomach permit it.
People say to eat at least three walnuts a day for healthy brain development.
Snack on lots of organic veggies and fruits
Foods rich in Omega 3's such as salmon, avocado, olive oil, nuts and seeds
Yogurt and kefir for calcium and a dose of probiotics
Smoothies with Moon Juice Chocolate Plant Protein Powder
Monfefo ginger and turmeric shots
Perfect Bars (so delicious crumbled in a smoothie!!)
LA Pregnancy Resources:
Loom by Erica Chidi Cohen, Mid-City -- opening Summer 2017
Uma Mother by Patti Quintero, Santa Monica
WMN Space by Paula Mallis, Culver City
Surya Spa by Martha Soffer, Pacific Palisades
Nice To Have:
Birthing Ball: Great to sit / stretch on throughout your pregnancy and a must-have for delivery.
Samaya Meditation Cushion: Sitting is more uncomfortable when you're pregnant, which can hinder your meditation practice. This gorgeous seat will keep your tush happy while you meditate, and will continue to be a staple far beyond your pregnancy.
Olababy Bellytunes: Your baby can hear while in utero, so play some #glowtunes for your little babe to keep the good vibes flowing.
Clare V Agnes Back Pack: Wearing a cute every day back pack like this Clare V one in replacement of a purse will save you a lot of back pain and uneccessary discomfort. This will also help your balance, which can be a little off when you're pregnant.
Registry:
GuguGuru: It has been tough to find a good baby registry, so discovering GuguGuru was a game-changer. You are able to aggregate gifts from different sites instead of having to register from the same place. The helpful and knowledgeable concierge gives you advice on the best products to register for. It is truly the best registry out there and we can't recommend them enough!
Nursery Design:
Laurel and Wolf: If you need some help conceptualizing and designing your nursery on a budget, Laurel and Wolf is a perfect solution. Upload photos of your space online and a designer will virtually help you find what to buy based on your budget. They will also be able to instruct you on exactly how to set up to room to make optimal use of the space.
Photo Credit: Katie Jones