When I was breastfeeding my first son, I was SO thirsty and struggling with supply issues. So, one of my friends sent me a pack of LMNT Electrolytes to try. At the time, I had been putting Nuun tablets in my water whenever I remembered. I’d use Nuun for all of my marathon training and even used it during the Boston Marathon.

The Best Electrolytes for Breastfeeding

As a runner, I knew electrolytes were important. However, I never felt like Nuun was making a huge difference, and I definitely didn’t notice an improvement in my supply or my thirst. But that first LMNT packet made such a difference. I immediately felt like my thirst was finally quenched (cliche to say but true). I ended up breastfeeding for two years, so it’s safe to say supply improved!

So, I fell in love and put LMNT on subscription soon after. So, I stopped feeling thirsty all day (which was honestly shocking because I was the person who was thirsty no matter how much water I drank). I even noticed an uptick in my supply. Also, I wish I’d discovered LMNT sooner because I know my years of marathon training would have looked and felt different!

Now I’m breastfeeding my second baby and to my surprise, I have an oversupply. I know that an oversupply is not only because I’m regularly taking LMNT. But proper hydration does contribute to adequate supply, so I have to believe it’s helping. It certainly isn’t hurting and I don’t feel chronically thirsty like I did at this stage with my first.

Use this link to get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any drink mix purchase, and get a free box when you order 3.

I went down the rabbit hole about taking LMNT during my first breastfeeding journey and if it was safe, so I wanted to share what I learned. Hopefully it helps answer any questions you may have too! 

Let’s jump in!

You can watch the below video for more details or just keep reading!

Electrolytes for Breastfeeding

The short answer: LMNT.

The longer answer is below.

First, are electrolytes important for breastfeeding?

First, let’s focus on your baby’s needs. Yes, babies need electrolytes. They get electrolytes  through breast milk (or formula – if you’re using formula, make sure it has electrolytes in it!). Your sodium intake directly connects to the amount of electrolytes the baby gets.  

In fact, in the very early stages of breastfeeding when your milk comes in as colostrum, the sodium concentration is elevated and this helps the baby’s immune system. There’s actually research that suggests that a child’s health could be negatively impacted with inadequate breast milk electrolytes.

Sodium is also correlated with cognitive function as your baby grows. It can even help with better motor function, memory, and IQ! Read this study on sodium and premature babies. So interesting. Your salt status is also connected to milk production volume. This study shows that farmers have been adding sodium to dairy cow’s diets to increase milk production for a while! While there’s not enough research to concretely say this is true on the human front, I feel confident that taking LMNT increased my  supply (with my first, and definitely now with my second).

Unfortunately, because many people believe that restricting sodium helps expecting mothers avoid preeclampsia, lots of moms limit salt both during and after pregnancy.

However this 2018 study found that there’s “no convincing evidence” that salt intake influences hypertension or preeclampsia risk. Additionally, women with preeclampsia are also more likely to have low blood sodium levels compared to others. Low sodium can result in hormonal changes that actually raise blood pressure. So, increasing sodium intake can actually help LOWER blood pressure.

All this to say, since there’s actually evidence that low-sodium diets can negatively affect your health and since we know sodium is important for baby’s growth and development, I did not decrease my salt intake when pregnant or breastfeeding. I actually increased it. I was getting regular bloodwork. Also, I knew my sodium was low – even with LMNT. So, there were no concerns with me continuing with it. However, every pregnancy is different. So, talk to your doctor about your specific situation – your health, your thirst, your bloodwork, everything.

How much sodium do breastfeeding moms need?

The answer is more than you think, especially if you’re a breastfeeding mom. While the FDA recommends 2,300 mg a day (which is about 2.3 grams) for people 14 years and older, to help reduce high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease and deaths, there’s new science that shows that 4-6 grams of sodium a day is actually optimal (granted, this is dependent on diet and lifestyle). And this study actually found that people who consumed lower than 2.5g per day of sodium had higher blood pressure than those who consumed larger amounts. Obviously, talking to your doctor is important since everyone’s health is different, so take this all with a grain of salt (heh) but read LMNTs take on why they recommend so much sodium here.

Since nursing moms are also providing sodium to their babies, more sodium is likely best. Nursing moms may actually find that they need a little more than that to help replace what’s given to their baby.

How much sodium is in LMNT?

LMNT electrolyte drink mix has the optimal ratio of electrolytes – 1000 mg of sodium, 200 mg of potassium, and 60 mg of magnesium –  to support hydration. It has zero sugar, no artificial ingredients or fillers, and no preservatives. Many (most, actually) electrolyte drink mixes are full of sugar; and while sugar can help you absorb sodium and fluids, it’s not essential for hydration. So, LMNT doesn’t include sugar. It doesn’t taste like chemicals or medicine, which I’ve found other similar, salty options too (like Liquid IV).

LMNT is super salty (which I love) but you can add more or less water to your preference if it’s too salty for you. I like a full packet in my 24 oz water bottle, but my nanny uses only half a packet each time she drinks LMNT, and saves the other half for next time. You could also just add more water to your water bottle to help dilute it. 

It’s a small thing, but I appreciate that it’s a powder so I don’t have to wait for a tablet to dissolve, like I did with Nuun.

Other important electrolytes for breastfeeding

Potassium

Potassium is important  because it balances the effects of sodium and helps women maintain healthy blood pressure during pregnancy. Shooting for 3.5–5 grams of potassium per day is a good goal. Pregnant and nursing moms should aim for the higher end of that range. LMNT contains 200 mg of potassium, which won’t get you to that mark alone. So, be sure to prioritize potassium rich foods in your diet, like bananas, avocado, spinach, and kale. 

Magnesium

Magnesium is an important electrolyte at all stages of life, but especially pregnancy and postpartum. Also, magnesium is involved in bone formation and density which makes it important for a baby’s development. 400–600 mg of magnesium daily is a good target, and LMNT contains 60 mg, so it’s important to eat magnesium-rich foods to help keep your magnesium level optimal. I also take this Natural Calm magnesium supplement at night.

How many packs of LMNT should you drink per day?

Everyone’s electrolyte needs will vary so the answer depends on the person, and there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer (especially as a breastfeeding mom). However, LMNT shouldn’t be your sole source of electrolytes each day. Clinical data shows that around 5-7g of sodium, 1-3g of potassium, and 250-500mg of magnesium throughout the day is ideal, and it’s great if those are from various sources (ideally from predominantly whole foods). That equates to 1-2 packets a day depending on your activity level and if you’re exclusively breastfeeding 1 one packet contains 1000 mg of sodium, 200 mg of potassium, and 60 mg of magnesium. (Source) I have 2, sometimes 3, packets a day since I have low sodium, have resumed working out and I’m exclusively breastfeeding.  

LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix Flavors

There are a lots of LMNT flavors:

• Citrus salt
• Grapefruit
• Orange salt
• Watermelon salt
• Raw unflavored
• Raspberry Salt
• Lemon Habanero
• Mango Chili
• Chocolate Salt

My favorite flavor of LMNT is watermelon or raspberry. Citrus and grapefruit are pretty good too. I do not like the spicy ones unless I’m using them in my favorite virgin margarita. You can also try a few different ones in a variety pack, which you get for free with my referral link. They also have seasonal flavors, like chocolate caramel and chocolate mint in the winter. Note that the chocolate ones are meant to be mixed with HOT water and consumed like a hot cocoa powder inspired drink. I didn’t realize that for about 6 months and was so confused by the chunky texture and thought it was so nasty. Once I tried it hot, it was a game changer and I loved having it after my cold winter runs.

I did not like the raw unflavored but if you have a different recovery drink you like (perhaps a protein shake or something that has carbs and calories) and want to up the electrolytes in it without impacting the flavor, that may be a good option for you.

Ingredients

Each flavor has one or two different ingredients (the natural watermelon flavor has Malic Acid and the orange flavor uses Citric Acid, for example). Here’s the general breakdown for the Citrus Salt packet. Again, each packet has the perfect balance of sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

• Salt (Sodium Chloride)
• Citric Acid
• Magnesium Malate
• Potassium Chloride
• Natural Flavors
• Stevia Leaf Extract 

I typically hate the taste of stevia but it doesn’t bother me in these! You can find a full list of ingredients for each flavor online here.

Pricing / Packages

One time purchase

The most basic way to purchase LMNT is ordering boxes individually. A box of LMNT comes with 30 packets, and it costs $45 per box, which breaks down to $1.50 per packet.

This is a great way to try LMNT the first time to make sure you like it.

Subscribe and save

The other option is to set up your LMNT as a subscription and save money. When you subscribe, each box is $39, making each packet $1.30. Since I use 3-5 packets a day, this is by FAR the most economical option for me.

Free sample pack

After ordering LMNT a few times, I reached out to them to see if they’d be willing to offer a promo to my readers. They were super generous and gave me a shopping link that gets you a FREE sample pack with ANY drink mix order. And to top it off, if you end up buying 3 boxes, you’ll also get a 4th for free! I believe you can use my link with every order – not only the first – to get a free box or sample pack! 

LMNT Electrolytes Pros and Cons

Pros

• Tastes amazing
• Super salty (but can be diluted with more water)
• NO SUGAR! (Great for low carb diets if that’s your jam but that’s NOT my jam.)
• A perfect ratio! Most popular electrolyte drinks contain sugar and unhealthy ingredients, along with low amounts of electrolytes. LMNT has more electrolytes in the ratio that our body needs: 1,000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium, and 60 mg magnesium.
• Keto friendly for folks following a keto diet
• Paleo friendly for those following a paleo diet
• Simple ingredients
• Comes in a powder form instead of a tablet that has to dissolve
• Free shipping
• No-questions-asked return policy (seriously! They send new boxes and refund immediately. They have amazing customer service.)
• Can be ordered on Amazon – if you’re running low and want to place a quick order, you can do it with Prime shipping.

Cons

• Pricey. There’s no denying that LMNT is pricey, but it’s worth it. Nuun is about $30 for 30 tablets, which is slightly more affordable than LMNT. But LMNT simply works better!

That’s the only con I can think of!

Get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any drink mix order you place through this link.

The post The Best Electrolytes for Breastfeeding & How it Impacted My Supply appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

I didn’t want a C-section for a few reasons, but it ended up being a much more beautiful and joyful experience than I expected. So if you’re in the same boat, know that it can be a very special experience! And knowing I was going to have a C-section a week ahead of time gave me ample time to prepare, which was also a blessing. I asked my followers on Instagram for their C-section tips, and packed my hospital bag accordingly. I’m sharing everything I packed below since there are some key differences between what I packed in my hospital bag for my first birth and this second time. And if you’re looking for my postpartum essentials, I have a blog post on that topic too.

I hope this list is helpful for you if you’re packing for a planned C-section, or even if you’re doing a little research just in case you end up having an unplanned C-section!

What to Pack for a C-section

When packing for the hospital, I used one large weekender bag. For my first delivery, I packed in two bags (one for labor and one for post-delivery), but this time, I decided that one larger bag would be easier to pack and transport. I used my ShortyLOVE Weekender Bag, which is the only weekender bag I’ve ever had that can actually fit what I need for a weekend. It’s BIG and that is great for a hospital bag.

My C-section Essentials

There are a ton of things you’ll want to pack for the hospital regardless of your birth plan, so those are all listed below, but I’ll start with my C-section specific must-haves since that’s why you are reading this post!

• LAKE Cotton Tank Night Gown – A short nightgown with a stretchy top and straps that can easily pull down is necessary. It made nursing so much easier and didn’t put any pressure on my incision. I wish I had 2-3 of these in the hospital. I love LAKE Pajamas – I shared all of the sets I have and sizing details in this post.
• Wedge Pillow – A MUST. Maybe bring two. This made laying on my side to rest much more comfortable.
• Water bottle without a straw – You’ll be advised not to use a straw for a while post C-section since it can cause you to swallow more air.
• This LAKE lounge dress – This was my going home outfit since even high waistbands didn’t feel great on my incision yet. Any comfortable lounge dress will do, but skip anything with a fitted waistband.
• Frida C-section disposable boyshort undies – I used the hospital undies for the first few days, then switched to these. (Buy the boyshorts, not the briefs, even if you typically don’t like boyshorts. The briefs are NOT as comfortable as the boyshorts.)

After wearing the Frida C-section underwear for a few days, I tried switching switched to Baobei bloomers and C-panty undies with a silicone patch. I did NOT find these comfortable since they irritated my incision/scar more than it protected but I know most people love them so I wanted to note them in this section.

I ended up preferring the same large undies I wore when postpartum with my first delivery. They have a seam that hit near my incision but it somehow didn’t bother it.

Toiletries

All of these items went in my beloved Amazon Toiletry bag. It holds SO MUCH STUFF.

• Nipple butter
• Colleen Rothschild Vitamin E Lip Balm
• Prenatal vitamins
• Hair brush
• travel-sized shampoo & conditioner, body wash & body lotion – Multiple people told me not to worry about packing body stuff since you won’t feel like showering after a c-section but I couldn’t WAIT to shower, and I didn’t have my shower toiletries and had my husband go home to get it.
• Glasses
• Ursa Major face wipes
• Face wash, facial oil and moisturizer
• Contacts + contact solution
• Toothbrush, floss + my favorite toothpaste
• Scrunchies + claw clips 
• Deodorant 
• Makeup
• Mouth guard 

Miscellaneous

• Drivers license and insurance card 
• Birth goals document 
• Charging block + long changing cord (I used the charging block more)
• Blanket and pillow from home (not white so it doesn’t get mixed up with hospital laundry)
• Brestfriend pillow for breastfeeding
• Snacks 
• My favorite electrolytes
• BabyBub pillow
• Eye mask
• Ear plugs

Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby

• Diaper bag 
• Portable sound machine
• Going home outfit (two different sizes)
• Pacifiers 
• Pump 
• Cozy blanket 
• Car seat 

C-section Packing Tips

When to Pack Your C-section Hospital Bag

I’m not a great example of this because I didn’t pack my hospital bag until the week of my C-section. I recommend packing your bag much earlier, just in case! And the great news about this packing list is that everything can be used for a vaginal delivery too, so you’ll be ready for either (maybe throw a pair of cozy joggers and a tank into the bag in case you delivery vaginally since you’ll be able to wear them. I prefer Vouri joggers for this). Pack your hospital bag as early as you want to, but definitely by 37 weeks since that’s when you’re considered full-term.

If you are having a C-section because your baby is breech like mine was, and you are having an ECV to try to flip your baby, make sure your bag is packed for the day of the procedure, just in case it puts you into labor. (We ended up not doing an ECV because it was too risky in our situation.)

What Should I Wear on the Day of my C-section

You’ll have to change into a gown that they will give you for surgery, so you can wear whatever you want on the way to the hospital. I wore joggers and a pullover to the hospital but didn’t have them on long before I changed into the gown.

Afterwards you’ll be able to put on your own clothes for the rest of your hospital stay, which is when I recommend the LAKE Pima Cotton Nightgown for comfort and easy nursing. And it’s feminine and cute, so if you do have any visitors, you’ll feel somewhat put together.

How to Prepare for a C-section

1. Don’t eat anything for 8 hours ahead of time. My C-section was scheduled for 7am, so I ate dinner early the night before and had a very small cup of black coffee the morning-of. (Ask your providers if coffee is okay. My nurses said yes.)
   
2. Don’t shave or wax close to the day. If your C-section is planned, skip shaving or waxing down there since it can cause irritation that could potentially cause infection post-surgery. (I got waxed about two weeks before.)
   
3. Discuss pain management. Be sure to communicate if there’s anything your team should know ahead of time.
   
4. Bring a phone or camera. If you want to snap a photo in the operating room as you meet your baby, just ask the staff. They will typically allow this if you don’t take photos of the medical team. And most hospitals don’t allow videos.

Final Thoughts

As someone who was adamantly against having a C-section if at all possible, it was so much more beautiful than I anticipated. I hope that this packing list makes your preparation a bit easier!

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The post What to Pack for a C-section appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.

It’s so hard to believe that we brought our second baby home almost a month ago! Time has absolutely flown. We are SO in love with our two boys, and I’m soaking in lots of newborn snuggles between triple feeding, lots of doctors appointments (for Charles and myself), and trying to sleep when I can. My recovery from this delivery has differed a good bit from my first because I had Charles via C-section, and while it’s been difficult in some ways (especially not being able to hold Thomas), all things considered, we’re all doing well.

While it’s fresh in my mind, I wanted to share my postpartum must-haves. I hope this is helpful for any expecting or new moms or those trying to support them!

I’m including things I loved after my first delivery (vaginal) along with items I’m loving currently, and I’ll write a cesarean section-specific blog post soon where I’ll outline specific must-haves if you have a caesarean delivery. The items below are my favorite postpartum essentials in general.

If you’re looking for details about what I packed in my hospital bag, you’ll find that info here, and I also have a C-section hospital bag packing list post here.

My Early Postpartum Must-Haves

Water bottle

I’m so thirsty ALL THE TIME, especially when nursing and staying hydrated is so important for milk supply. I was not able to use a straw for the first bit after my C-section, so I ordered this Owala water bottle. It’s perfect since it has an internal straw (which I’m using now), but it also has an opening where you can chug water normally. You can order Owala water bottles from Amazon.

I have 1-2 LMNT electrolyte packets a day so sometimes that goes in my water bottle too. (Read my review of LMNT here.)

Face Oil + Overnight Face Mask x

My skin has been SO dry since having Charles (it’s always dry, but it’s significantly more dry these days), so every time I get up to nurse throughout the night, I put on a layer of the Colleen Rothschild No 9 Face Oil and then a layer of their Intense Hydrating Mask. I reapply 3-4 times a night, and my skin looks great!

Use code TERILYN20 if you order from Colleen Rothschild, and read this post for more details on why I love the No. 9 Facial Oil.

Lip balm

Along with my face, my lips are so dry. I use the Colleen Rothschild Butter Lip Mask every time I get up to nurse, and I keep the Colleen Rothschild Vitamin E lip moisturizer next to my glider since it’s easier to apply with one hand.

You can get the lip mask and lip moisturizer in a set along with a lip scrub in this lip trio for a great discount here. And use code TERILYN20 at checkout as well.

Frida Baby 3-in-1 Cool Mist Humidifier

I’ve also been using the Frida Humidifier every night to help with my dry skin in the winter. Both my boys also have dry skin, so I ended up buying 3 total– one for my room, one for Thomas’ room, and one in Charles’ nursery. Not only is it a great humidifier, but it also has a built-in nightlight that is the perfect amount of light. Not too dark or too bright, just right! I have the XL size and love that I don’t have to refill it every single day.

Perelel Postnatal Vitamins and Supplements

I used Perelel prenatal vitamins when I was pregnant with Charles and fell in love with the brand (see a reel I filmed for Perelel here). They make trimester specific support packs so it takes the guesswork out of what vitamins/supplements you need each trimester…brilliant), and so I knew immediately that I’d use Perelel for my postnatal support too.

I’ve been taking the supplements and vitamins in the Mom Multi Support Pack for the last few weeks and I love it. The pack is designed specifically for postpartum, breastfeeding, and early motherhood and contains a full-spectrum multivitamin, omega DHA + EPA, a beauty blend, and an anti-stress blend. It’s super comprehensive, as outlined below.

• Mom Multi Provides Optimal Nutrition
• Mom Multi Provides Immune Support
• Omega DHA + EPA Supports Heart & Brain Health
• Omega DHA + EPA Provides Mood Support
• Beauty Blend Supports Hair, Skin & Nail Health
• Stress Support Blend Supports Emotional Balance
• Stress Support Blend Provides Antioxidants

I appreciate that Perelel was founded by an OB/GYN and two moms. I wish I had known about this brand when I had Thomas! You can see all of my Perelel favorites linked here.

Lots of PJs

I sweat through 3 pairs of pajamas a night. Like they’re SOAKED. So having multiple pairs of clean PJs is essential. I prefer LAKE Pajamas, specifically the Pima Ruffle Nightgown because you can pull the straps down easily to nurse and it puts no pressure on my incision. I also like this pair of PJs from Joy Street since the pants are a little more comfortable with an incision and the button front makes nursing and pumping easy. Whichever route you go for PJs, get a lot of them.

I have a full review of LAKE Pajamas linked here.

Full size towels by the bed

I keep two full-size towels next to my bed to swap out in the middle of the night to avoid soaking my fitted sheet. When I get up to nurse, I pull the wet towel off, change into dry PJs, nurse and then put a dry towel down when getting back in bed.

Treat yourself to nice towels for this since you’ll want something soft and fluffy to sleep on. My favorite bath towels are these by Serena & Lily.

Multiples of your favorite pillow

Again, I sweat through everything at night, including my pillows. Go ahead and grab another one of your favorite pillows to swap out in the middle of the night. My all-time favorite are Lagoon Pillows. I like the Fox pillow but the Chinchilla is good if you like a softer option.

ANYA Recovery Drops with Vitamin C

I add ANYA Recovery Drops to a glass of water every morning to help with recovery. It contains 100% of your daily value of vitamin C which is critical for repairing tissue internally, producing collagen for skin repair, and supporting immunity. Vitamin C is also great because it also helps boost iron absorption. Be sure to use code TERILYN15 for 15% off your order.

Iron Supplement

Replenishing iron stores are really important after birth, especially if you’ve lost a lot of blood. I take Perelel’s Daily Iron Ease which also supports muscle health and energy production.

Frida Disposable Boy Shorts

I’ve been loving this Frida disposable underwear post C-section, but now that I’ve tried them, I’d imagine they’d be perfect for a regular delivery as well. I love that they’re very soft and breathable, but have a lot of room for layering recovery-must-haves. They’re also very thin so you can easily wear them under joggers, leggings or jeans without much showing. (Still, nothing tops my favorite Natori thongs but no one wants to wear those immediately postpartum.)

If you want to skip the disposable underwear, opt for big, soft undies. You’ll want to skip ANYTHING that rubs (see ya, lace), or anything that digs into your sensitive parts. Get big undies. Size up. Trust me, you won’t want anything that rubs (see ya lace) or anything that digs into your sensitive parts. Get big undies. Size up. Make sure they’re full coverage. I purchased these full-coverage briefs from Amazon, in a size Large. I still prefer the Frida option at this point postpartum, but they are pricey so these are a more economical option.

While we’re on the topic, your doctor might also recommend that you do a sitz bath. This is where you soak your bottom half, where you’re likely a little swollen or sore, in warm water. I didn’t know much about these prior to hearing about them while pregnant with Thomas, and they can help reduce swelling. You can order a sitz bath online here.

Care for down there

When I had Thomas, I liked the Frida mom angled spray peri bottle better than the straight shot bottle from the hospital. Don’t worry about buying pads… the hospital will send you home with plenty. For pain relief, I liked the Tucks pads and Dermoplast the hospital provided and this Frida foam that a friend gave me. I didn’t need any of these for my c-section recovery.

Nursing and Pumping bra

I have more breastfeeding must-haves in a separate blog post, but I wanted to highlight my favorite nursing and pumping bra right now. I love the Kindred Bravely Sublime Wireless Comfort Sleep Pumping Bra. It’s super soft, comfortable, makes nursing easy and comes in a busty-size, which has been great for me. (This post has more of my favorite nursing bras.)

Comfy slippers 

I live in them. I was gifted a pair of Shearling slippers from Jenni Kayne two years ago and I’ve still never gotten over it. Nicest gift EVER. They’re the most luxurious slippers I’ve ever owned and would make a wonderful gift for a new mom.

Postpartum doula hours

Give yourself the gift of a postpartum doula, ESPECIALLY if you don’t have family close by. Heck, even if you do have family close by, a postpartum doula is there to support YOU, with whatever you need. If you’re local, I could not recommend Margo from Born with Margo enough. She was our doula for Thomas and she was the first person I called when I found I was pregnant with Charles.

She comes a few nights a week and stays with Charles in his nursery so I can sleep between feeds. She wakes me up when it’s time to feed Charles, and then changes his diaper and helps him back to sleep after he nurses. It’s life-changing and the best money you could spend. We absolutely adore Margo – she’s like family to us.

Small table at your nursing station

I keep snacks, lip balm, water, and a little lamp by the glider so that I have everything I need beside me when I nurse. Since I’m nursing so often, I practically live in my glider, so I love having a little set-up beside me.

Portable charger

My phone dies all the time these days so I keep one of these near the places I nurse most often.  This portable charger is my favorite because it’s cordless, so you can walk around and use your phone while it’s charging.

Sleep Consultant

One of the best things we did when we had Thomas was hire a sleep consultant. We used Molly from Sleep Shore and love her so much. She changed our lives! Use code “Terilyn” for $20 off any sleep service. Read Molly’s sleep tips in this post about Thomas’ first nursery too!

Solly Baby Wrap

Thomas loved the Solly Baby wrap and Charles does too! It’s my favorite way to carry Charles and one of my favorite early postpartum must-haves.

Smooth stroller

Thomas hated the stroller for a few months but finally turned a corner and started to love them when he was a little older. I’m hoping Charles will like riding in the stroller from the jump, but we’ll see! We have a few strollers, but the UppaBaby Vista 2 is the smoothest ride and is adaptable for two kids, so that’s what we’ll start with when we put Charles in a stroller. It has a bassinet attachment which makes it perfect for newborns. Read my full review of the UppaBaby Vista 2 on the blog here.

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Walking is probably my all-time favorite thing to do with Thomas. We try go on family walks in the evening when Tommy gets home from work, and when Thomas was younger, I ran with him in the Thule jogging stroller a couple times a week too. We also have a compact Zoe Tour+ stroller that we use for travel (we tried the Cybex first but didn’t like it); I actually just keep it in my trunk since I use it when we’re out on adventures throughout the week and it doesn’t take up much space. (See how easily it collapses here.) Use this link for 15% off the Zoe stroller.

While we do have 3 strollers, the stroller that has gotten the very most use in 2.5 years is definitely the Uppababy Vista. When I was pregnant, my husband was skeptical of a $900+ stroller. Yeah, the Uppababy Vista stroller is pricey. But now, he and I both agree that it’s worth every penny. And today, I’m sharing why.

You can find the rest of my postpartum essentials linked in this blog post!

Uppababy Vista Stroller Review

I’ll share a quick overview of the stroller as well as some pros/cons below. The Uppababy Vista V2 stroller is our most-used baby item and was the first thing I put on my baby registry. If you want a high-end stroller that has a very smooth ride both for your little one and for you to push (I promise it does make a difference for the moms and dads too), you’ll love it. I don’t know anyone who regrets buying it and a lot of my friends own it too.

The Uppababy Vista is a convertible stroller, meaning it will grow with your child. It has a bassinet attachment for when your little one is tiny and also has car seat compatibility (we have the Uppababy Mesa car seat which can be used with this stroller base with the proper adapter). You can also buy car seat adapters for a handful of other car seats.  As your little one grows, there is a reversible rumble seat so your little guy or girl can face you or face out. All the different options mean that you can use it from the moment you bring your child home all the way until he/she wants to walk alongside you.

It has a SUPER easy locking system to make sure the seat is in correctly and has one-handed recline for your child’s seat. You can also adjust the footrest as your child grows to support their legs. The telescoping handle bar will allow you to adjust the handle height easily (one-handed, actually) and that option is great for Tommy and me since we’re such different heights, with almost a 12″ difference! )

We also love the massive storage basket underneath the stroller. We love the ventilation that the fact that it has super easy access from all sides, so there’s no end to what you could put in there.

Pros

Easy to find in lots of colors

I appreciate that you can get this stroller from so many different retailers. We got ours from Nordstrom (it’s included in the Anniversary sale!), but you can grab it from Pottery Barn, , Bloomingdales, etc. It’s easy to re-sell too once you’re finished using it. It also comes in lots of colors, which I appreciate. We have the “Gregory” color-way that has a blue mélange seat and shade and silver frame.

Adjustable Handle

This is super important for Tommy and I. We’re both very different heights (he’s 6′ and I’m 5’1″), and the stroller handle adjusts easily with one hand. This is a feature I really miss when I’m using my other strollers so if you’re short and/or your husband is tall, you’ll appreciate this. The tallest the handle will get is 44″.

Peek-a-boo window

I LOVE this. It’s a little window with a magnetic closure on the top of the sunshade. Thomas likes to sit facing outward and look around, so I use this little window to look at him without having to stop, put the break locks on, and walk around to look at him. It’s super convenient and cute.

Front or rear facing seat

When Thomas was smaller, we’d face him towards us. Now that he’s bigger, we face him outward so he can look around. Having the ability to do both is essential if you’re going to make a significant investment in a stroller like this and this is the only stroller I’ve seen that can do it. (If you know of others, please share in the comments!) I also love that the Vista stroller has 6 seat recline positions, so he could nap while we walked and I could also adjust how upright he is as he grows.

Bassinet

We used the bassinet right when we brought Thomas home, but he didn’t like the stroller much. This didn’t get a ton of use for us with him, but for other babies that love to go on walks as infants, this is amazing (we’ll see what Charles thinks soon). It fits children from birth to 20 lbs or 20″. It also includes a perforated mattress pad and vented base (great for breathability and comfort). You can even buy a bassinet stand for your house that fits this exact bassinet.

This was on our first-ever stroller walk with him, a few days after I got home from the hospital! I went half a block and was wiped out!

Compatible with the MESA Car Seat

If you’re getting the Uppababy MESA infant car seat, you’ll appreciate the compatibility with this stroller. It clicks right in, so you can put your baby in the car, put the stroller in the trunk, and then use them together wherever you go. The Vista stroller has lots of accessories that you can buy as well. These are sold separately, which is a con since other strollers (namely, the Zoe stroller) has so many accessories included or built-in (like a snack cup, water bottle holder, phone holder, etc.)

Expandable for 2 children

I think this is a huge selling point, especially as a mom of two. This stroller fits two children which makes the investment that much easier! The VISTA fits two infant car seats, two Bassinets, two seats – or a combination of those to make it a great double stroller (although Uppababy does have a traditional umbrella double stroller here that would be great for twins as another stroller option). It gave me peace of mind knowing that I would be able to use this if we had a second (and now we do).

This photo is from Vista’s website, showing how you can use it with up to THREE children! There isn’t room for three seats, but if you have an older child, they can stand on the back with this piggyback ride along board.

Photo Source

Smooth ride

It may sound crazy if you haven’t pushed many strollers, but the way this stroller feels is unlike any others. It’s a very smooth ride, easy to push on uneven terrain, easy to maneuver with one hand, etc.

I took the way that it glides for granted since I thought it was normal until I pushed other strollers with average or below-average wheel suspension. The Vista stroller has all-wheel suspension and independent shocks which makes it incredibly comfortable. It’s the best in its class. You can also use the front wheel lock to keep the stroller aligned and steady on uneven terrain.

The UppaBaby Vista stroller feels like a Lexus: smooth, sturdy, well-made, etc. And considering how much you’ll use a stroller, this is a really nice perk for the parents!

Brakes

The foot pedal parking brake is convenient and easy to use. Nothing fancy but it is easier to use than my other strollers’ lock brakes, which you have to push up on with your toe to unlock. On the Uppababy, you push down to lock and push again to release.

Uppababy Vista Accessories

You can find all sorts of accessories for this stroller like this snack tray, foot pedestal for a third older kid, a stroller caddy basket organizer, etc. We got the waterproof leather handlebar cover and it looks so nice. Since all of these are sold separately, you may want to add a few to your registry since it gets pricey with all the add-ons.

Uppababy Vista Storage

The bottom of the stroller has SO MUCH SPACE, and is easy to access, which is amazing for a diaper bag, snacks, or whatever else you need. The bottom is a vented base so it is breathable if you were to put groceries in the bottom. The storage basket hold up to 30 lbs, so there’s no end to what you could put down there.

Easy to fold and pack

It’s definitely not a travel stroller but it easy to break down. First, you remove the seat, and then the base collapses and folds. It takes up a lot of space and it’s not one handed like other strollers. So this is more of a stroller you’d keep at home, not one you’d want to take around town too often. It’s not too heavy, but it does just take a couple extra steps and is larger than compact strollers. It fits in the back of my small SUV and since the seat takes up so much space, I end up packing things into the seat itself. (I took this pic as part of a Justin’s partnership but it really is what I do with the seat storage if I am taking it somewhere.)

Cons

Price

The price is a significant investment at $999.99. But because you can use it for so long AND with multiple kids, I think it’s a worthwhile purchase. You can also buy it used if you keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace, but they go quickly so you have to act fast. Or snag it right now during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale!

Size

Now that I’ve had other strollers that are more compact, this feels enormous by comparison. But as long as I’m not trying to take it around town too often, I don’t mind at all since it just stays in my garage.

How to Clean Uppababy Vista

To clean the frame, I typically use a damp cloth and wipe everything down. I will use Force of Nature cleaner for this in most cases. When the seat itself is super grimy, I will take it off the frame and  hand wash it or spot treat it with Force of Nature cleaner or sometimes a mild laundry detergent. Then I lay it all flat to dry outside in the sun.

I love that the fabric all removable and washable. While I don’t wash it too often (I should probably wash it more!), it’s never a real pain when I do.

Uppababy Vista Stroller Specs

What’s included?

• Frame
• Four wheels
• Bassinet with bug shield and storage bag
• Toddler seat with rain and bug shield canopy + sun shade (UPF 50+!)
• Bumper bar

Dimensions

Stroller Weight: 26.6 lbs (frame + toddler seat)

Weight Limit:  50 lbs (toddler seat)

Stroller Dimensions: 25.7″ x 36″ x 39.5″ (WxLxH)

Fold Dimensions:  25.7″ x 17.3″ x 33″ (WxLxH)

Handlebar Height:  39.5″ – 42.5″

Where to buy

• Nordstrom
• Pottery Barn Kids
• Bloomingdales
• Amazon

Bottom line: Is Uppababy Worth It?

I LOVE this stroller. My husband and I both agree it’s one of the best things we got as first-time parents. We truly love how smooth the ride is, the extending handlebar that allows for both my tall husband and and me to push it with ease, the front wheel lock that makes it easier to steer, and the ability to use it with two kids, God willing we have a second. I truly can’t say better things about this stroller…the hype is indeed real.

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Nursing wasn’t without its challenges though, especially at first (read this post for my breastfeeding must-haves). And the same has been true this go ’round. We’re constantly trying to figure it all out, and I know it takes some time. But one thing has been true of both breastfeeding experiences: the right bra matters.

People have strong opinions on which nursing bras they like best, and I am part of that club. I’m pretty passionate about my finds, both from my first pregnancy and now my second. (If you’re looking for my favorite maternity bra, it’s NEIWAI. I shared all of my NEIWAI favorites in this post. )

Below I’m rounding up my favorite nursing bras, why I love them, and where to buy them. I linked all of my other postpartum must-haves in this blog post too.

The Best Nursing Bras for Every Shape, Size & Activity

Best Nursing bra for large chests: Kindred Bravely

I ordered the Kindred Bravely pumping bra and it’s absolutely my favorite. The fabric is super soft and stretchy (you could even sleep in it), and the front panels allow for hands-free pumping, which is great. While this bra is designed specifically for hands-free pumping, it’s also super easy to pull down for nursing. Since this one works for hands-free pumping AND nursing, it is the winner in my book.

I won’t lie to you and say this gives you amazing shape or lift, but that’s not what we care about the weeks after we bring our babies home. When my friends ask for my favorite nursing bra, this is what I send them. And since I’m wearing mostly cardigans and sweaters right now, shape isn’t as important. Plus, I’m not really going anywhere yet!

There is another Kindred Bravely bra that is designed to work for nursing AND pumping that I purchased, but I find the hooks are a bit difficult to use, so I prefer the one I linked above.

This comes in two sizes, so there’s an option for larger and smaller busts. Size up if you’re on the fence. I first ordered a medium, but with the additional ones I ordered, I found the Large in the Busty cup size was best. I’m rather petite with a usual 32 band size, although my cup size is large right now (at least an E).

Best Nursing Bra for Small Chests: NEIWAI Barely Zero Spaghetti Strap Wireless Bra

While the The Barely Zero Spaghetti Strap Wireless Bra by NEIWAI is not technically a true nursing bra, the straps pull down super easily and it’s wildly comfortable, so I’m deeming it a nursing bra for the sake of this post. I first tried NEWAI when I was pregnant and couldn’t get over how comfortable their bras were. I loved them throughout my entire pregnancy, and now I’m loving them, specifically this Barely There Spaghetti Strap one, for nursing. I can’t wear it now since I’m hovering around an E cup, but if you have a smaller chest, you’ll love this one.

I think of this as a perfect “around the house” bra because while shape and support aren’t the main focus, comfort is. And if you’re wearing something that’s looser fitting, then this is great out-of-the-house bra too. Read my full review of NEIWAI on the blog here.

Best Nursing Bra for sleep: Pink Blush Beige Seamless Wrap Front Maternity/Nursing Bra

I absolutely LOVE this seamless wrap front nursing bra. It’s very comfortable and looks cute! Size up if you’re on the fence. This is the one I packed in my hospital bag since of all the ones I tried on before my son arrived, it was the most comfortable.

Best Underwire Nursing Bra: ThirdLove 24/7® Classic Nursing Bra

If you prefer underwire for a little lift and shape, you’ll love the 24/7® Classic Nursing Bra by ThirdLove. Underwire sounds downright miserable to me right now, but to be fair, I had a baby less than a month ago. If Charles nurses as long as Thomas did, I know I’ll be wearing this ThirdLove bra again down the road since this gives the best lift and shape of all of the nursing bras.

I’ve had a ton of bras from ThirdLove and they’re all flattering and the fit is great. The only downside about the 24/7 Classic Nursing Bra is that it’s pricey. But again, if you’re nursing for a while, invest in a bra that you LOVE.

Best Sports Bra for Running: SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra

I love the SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra for nursing and pregnancy. It’s by far the most supportive sports bra I’ve ever worn (too supportive to wear when I’m not nursing or pregnant). You can adjust the fit from the straps and band in the back, and the bra zips from the front which makes it nursing-friendly and easier to put on. I have a full SheFit sports bra review on the blog.

(You can read about my my experience running while breastfeeding here.)

I ordered mine directly from the SheFit website, but Amazon also carries it.

Best Affordable Sports Bra for Nursing: SYROKAN from Amazon

While the SheFit Ultimate Bra is the best in terms of support, it’s also pricey. And if you’re not doing high impact workouts like running, you may not need something as supportive as the SheFit. In that case, I love this SYROKAN sports bra from Amazon. The straps are adjustable which makes the support customizable and makes nursing easy. I wore this for months before I found the SheFit bra and loved it.

That’s all I have today. If I find another nursing bra that I love, I’ll be sure to add it to this post!

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As someone who LOVES to get fully dressed and ready (yes, even though I work from home as a full-time blogger), finding a cute nursing wardrobe that made me feel good was essential after I had Thomas. I loved breastfeeding Thomas, but I didn’t want to wear a button down shirt every single day–and I especially didn’t want to have to take my entire top off every few hours to feed Thomas. And I’m about to be back in that boat again soon. Except this time I’ll have a toddler in tow, which means we’ll be busy and leaving the house much more often, so cute nursing-friendly dresses are even more important this time around!

Not all dresses are nursing friendly — in fact, they can be the opposite of nursing-friendly if you have to pull the entire thing off! So I want dresses that make breastfeeding comfortable and convenient while still looking and feeling put together.

Aside from nursing tanks and bras, I never purchase nursing-specific clothing. I find that they are usually unflattering (way too boxy), and the nursing panels weren’t really that convenient–or they just added more bulk. So this round-up is full of non-nursing-specific dresses that just work really well for nursing! I always look for button-front dresses, smocking (stretch is key!) or straps that can untie. Some nursing dresses have a built in double layer over your breasts to help with leaks and modesty, but I just make sure my bras provide enough coverage.

Alright, let’s jump in. I know it can be hard to find cute nursing clothes, so I hope you find something below that fits your feeds and style. And while we’re on the topic, I shared the rest of my postpartum essentials in this post.

10 Nursing Friendly Dresses

Before we jump right into dresses, I wanted to mention that my current favorite nursing bra is the Kindred Bravely Sublime Wireless Comfort Sleep Pumping Bra. Granted, I’m in the early weeks of breastfeeding my second, so I may find another that I like best for dresses and such, but for now, that’s my go-to. I shared the rest of my breastfeeding and pumping essentials in this LTK folder.

When I was breastfeeding Thomas (in the later months, not directly after he was born), I loved the Spanx Nursing Bra and I found it gave good shape underneath clothing. Unfortunately it looks like it’s being discontinued, so I’m linking the colors and sizes that are left on Amazon. I would order it just to try since it may not be available if you wait.

Below you’ll see a few things I’m wearing now, plus a handful of warm weather options since that’s what I’m starting to shop for. I can’t justify ordering much more cold weather clothing since 1. I don’t want it to be winter anymore, and 2. I’m wearing cozy sweats while I recover these days. I imagine that by the time I’m starting to get out and wear more “real” clothes, March will be well on it’s way!

Okay, enough chit chat. Here are the nursing-friendly dresses I’m eyeing (or already own).

1. Amazon Midi Button Front Sweater Dress

I ordered this midi button front sweater dress from Amazon only a few weeks ago as a “going home” outfit option for the hospital, but I’ve gotten much more wear out of it than that. It’s nursing friendly (yes, even though the buttons don’t go super far down), easy to clean (I’ve already cleaned it multiple times), and it also works great for skin to skin.

I have a size small in the light pink colorway, which I believe isn’t available right now. They have a ton of other color options though.

2. Chambray Callahan Shirt Dress

I LOVE the Chambray Callahan Shirt Dress and I’m so excited to wear it again this spring. It’s a thin, lightweight material (the other colors look a bit thicker), and it easily unbuttons for nursing. The fit is relaxed and fun which pairs perfectly with flat or heeled sandals (and platform sneakers). I hang this to dry when I wash, so keep that in mind when purchasing. I have an XS.

3. Annie Smocked Dress

Another one of my favorite nursing-friendly dresses is by Tuckernuck: The Annie Smocked Dress. It comes in 3 colors, and I have the white version. The puff sleeves are SO cute, even on a super petite frame. The smocking on the bodice makes it incredibly breastfeeding friendly since you can pull down the sleeve and bodice as needed. I like having a long sleeved dress option as well for days cooler days.

The material is 100% linen which feels AMAZING in the warmer months. I have owned this for years, and plan to wear it again this summer with sandals. However heels can totally dress this up for a nicer dinner! It’s final sale, but don’t fret. You will love this. I have an xs.

For a more budget-friendly option from Amazon, try this white smocked puff sleeve dress by Anrabess. found a VERY similar option on Amazon at a much lower price point, if you’re interested!

4. The Ellie Nap Dress

I’ve never tried the Nap Dress from Hill House, but every time I see them on someone else I LOVE them so I plan to order one this spring. Hill House is known for making SUPER comfortable day dresses that you could easily dress up for the evening too. I love that these Nap Dresses are machine washable (great for nursing mamas, IYKYK) and they have pockets. Since you can easily pull the dress down and the stretch has so much comfort, this is perfect for maternity and nursing moms.

You can get the Nap dress in tons of prints and colors, but for the late winter/early spring, I’d go for a darker color like black, navy, or the Petite Fleur In Navy Cotton Sateen. For everyday wear, I’d pair with slide sandals, but dress it up with heeled sandals for a night out.

Amazon has a similar option in some different colorways. This smocked dress from Amazon would be a good look for less.

5. Staud Vincent Stretch Cotton Mini Shirtdress

I’m definitely ordering this Vincent Stretch Cotton Mini Shirtdress from Staud for this spring. The key work for me is “stretch”! I love the full button front for easy nursing, but I’m especially excited that this dress has stretch to it since I find that makes a dress so much easier to wear around a toddler. It’s not fitted as-is, but knowing it won’t wrinkle as badly when I sit is a big green flag!

6. Chambray Crosby Dress

I ordered this Chambray Crosby Dress from Tuckernuck in the late summer last year and ended up returning since I ordered the wrong size. I’m planning to order again (in my correct size this time) for the spring since it’s so perfect for nursing. I love the thicker weighted fabric for a more polished feel, especially since the majority of my clothes have been stretchy for so long during the last trimester of pregnancy. This runs true to size.

7. Amazon Denim Shirt Dress

I got this denim shirt dress from Amazon while I was pregnant and it was the perfect maternity-friendly dress. I have a size xs, and it’s super roomy. I’m excited to wear it again this spring since it’ll be perfect for nursing. The length is great (not too short but still a mini dress) and 3/4 length sleeves with little ruffles add a feminine touch.

8. GAP Tiered Mini Shirtdress

This Tiered Mini Shirtdress from GAP is a great nursing-friendly dress. I love the purple and blue striped colorways, the drop skirt, and the long sleeves. I’d cuff the sleeves and pop the color for a chicer look.

9. Amazon Pink Denim Romper

I wore this pink denim jumpsuit into the ground this past fall. It is super roomy and comfortable, zips all the way down for easy nursing and restroom-using, and has pockets. There are two buttons on the sides that allow you to adjust the fit a bit, but both leave the romper extra comfortable and roomy. I have a small.

10. Collared Sleeveless Amazon Shirt Dress

Another dress I wore into the ground last year that I’ll be wearing all spring! This Amazon shirt dress has such a fun drop skirt design, pockets, and buttons all the way down for easy nursing. I have a size small and it comes in a TON of colors.

I hope this roundup helped you find a few dresses to wear while you’re breastfeeding. There are SO many cute options that make nursing easy, you just have to know what to look for. I’ll continue to update this post with dresses I find as I’m shopping, so feel free to bookmark this post and check back later.

If you have an all-time favorite nursing-friendly dress that isn’t included – let me know in the comments! I want to know what it is.

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Our baby has arrived and we‘re totally in love! Below I’m sharing what I packed for our hospital stay. I ended up having a C-section, so while I’m leaving the labor-specific things in this post since I still packed them (and loved them for my first delivery), I am also including a list of C-section essentials, now that I have that experience too. And if you want to read my C-section specific packing list blog post, you’ll find it here.

Packing for the hospital this time around was much less chaotic. As a first time mom with Thomas, I had no idea what I’d need and so I consulted as many people as possible. I ended up mostly referencing the hospital bag packing list from my doula since she has been along for thousands of births and it was SUPER helpful.

For this go ’round, I felt more equipped and had a better idea of what I wanted to have with me. My list didn’t change a ton, but there were a few additions which I’ve noted below. I have a video of packing below or if you prefer, you can also watch the hospital bag packing video on YouTube itself.

I shared my postpartum essentials in this post too, if you’re interested.

Hospital bag checklist for mom, dad and baby

Something I learned from my doula last time was to pack two bags: one for things I’d want during labor and one for things I’d use after delivery. That way, if/when you move rooms, it’s less to pack up. This time, instead of two separate bags, everything went into one bag, but I used two different packing cubes to keep things separate. The weekender bag I brought is bigger than my bag last time, so I just didn’t need two full bags. I also knew I was going to use some things for both labor (or in my case, C-section) and post-delivery, so one bag was a little easier.

All of my thing for the baby went in another separate bag, but I didn’t bring a lot for baby boy #2 since I knew I’ve have a lot of hospital supplies to take home (postpartum things). Tommy packed a bag as well, so we had 3 bags in total.

Okay, here’s what I packed in our hospital bag for baby #2! If you’d like a PDF checklist that you can print emailed directly to you, click here!

Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom

Weekender Bag

I brought my favorite Weekender bag from ShortyLove as my duffle. It’s VERY big – like actually big enough to fit things you’d need for a few nights away. The quality is top notch too.

Here’s what went in it. Some of these things the hospital does provide (like a labor gown or peri bottle), but I learned last time that I preferred mine over what the hospital had.

What I packed for Labor

• Fuzzy socks with grippers
• Oofos sandals
• Labor Gown
• Comfy bra (will also wear post delivery) – I love all of the NEIWAI bras I have.

What I packed for my C-section

• LAKE Cotton Tank Night Gown – This was my favorite by FAR post C-section. It made nursing so much easier (just pull the straps down), and didn’t put any pressure on my incision. I wish I had 2-3 of these. I love LAKE Pajamas – I shared all of the sets I have and sizing details in this post.
• Wedge Pillow – A MUST. Maybe bring two.
• Water bottle without a straw
• Frida C-section disposable undies – I used the hospital undies for the first few days, then switched to these.
• Baobei Undies – After wearing the Frida C-section underwear for a few days, I switched to these.

Post-Delivery

• Joy Street Button front Pajamas – Button front makes nursing and skin-to-skin easier, but you’ll only like these for a vaginal delivery since the waistband isn’t great post C-section.
• Robe or cozy cardigan 
• This sweater set from Amazon as a going home outfit for a vaginal birth.
• This LAKE lounge dress as my going home outfit for post C-section since high waistbands didn’t feel great on my incision yet.
• Nursing tanks from Amazon
• Vuori joggers

Toiletries

All of these items are going in my beloved Amazon Toiletry bag. It holds SO MUCH STUFF.

• Nipple butter
• Colleen Rothschild Vitamin E Lip Balm
• Prenatal vitamins 
• Hair brush
• travel-sized shampoo & conditioner, body wash & body lotion – I was SO happy to shower after having Charles. 
• Glasses
• Frida foam
• Peri bottle
• Ursa Major face wipes
• Face wash, facial oil and moisturizer 
• Contacts + contact solution
• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Scrunchies + claw clips 
• Deodorant 
• Makeup

Some of this (e.g. makeup and dry shampoo) is for post-delivery, but I want all my toiletries in one place in my toiletry bag.

Miscellaneous Items

• Drivers license and insurance card 
• Birth plan 
• TENS machine + extra battery 
• Charging block + long changing cord – I used the charging block more.
• Blanket and pillow from home (not white so it doesn’t get mixed up with hospital laundry)
• Brestfriend pillows for breastfeeding
• Snacks 
• My favorite electrolytes
• BabyBub pillow
• Eye mask
• Mouth guard 
• Simple Modern water bottle 
• “Thank you” baskets for the nurses filled with goodies
• Portable fan
• Ear plugs

Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby

• Diaper bag 
• Portable sound machine
• Going home outfit (two different sizes)
• Mittens
• Pacifiers 
• Pump 
• Cozy blanket 
• Car seat 

Hospital Bag Checklist for Dad

• Toiletries + toothbrush
• PJs
• Pillow with non-white pillow case
• Change of clothes
• Slippers
• Wallet

I hope this helps if you’re planning for your upcoming delivery and your newborn’s arrival! And if you have any questions, leave a comment and I’m happy to share my experience!

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I’d argue that most pregnant women feel the same way. The idea of pulling a pair of jeans over my bump just sounded miserable for the last few months, even though I did find a handful of GREAT maternity jeans that I rounded up in this post. Thankfully, I discovered three different pairs of leggings on Amazon that carried me through my entire pregnancy. I feel passionately that these three brands are the only ones you need, so I’m sharing the best Amazon maternity leggings below.

And if you’re looking for more maternity clothes, I linked all of my most-worn non-maternity maternity clothes in this post.

The 3 Best Maternity Leggings on Amazon

Best leggings for 1st and 2nd trimester

HeyNuts Essential 7/8 Leggings

I wore my favorite pre-pregnancy Amazon leggings for the entirety of my first and second trimester. In fact, I wore them all the way up until 35 weeks when the waist band finally started to slip down. And get this– I was wearing the exact same size as pre-pregnancy until then too! The HeyNuts Essential 7/8 Leggings are SO comfortable and stretchy that you don’t even need to size up. They feel 90% as good as the Lululemon Align leggings that everyone loves, but the price tag is much, much better. I found that these didn’t fade in the wash, either.

In my third trimester these started to slip and that’s when I knew I should switch to a true maternity legging. I tried sizing up in the HeyNuts Essential 7/8 Leggings first, but even two sizes up slid down. I wear an XS in these.

Best leggings for 3rd trimester

POSHDIVAH Maternity Leggings Over The Belly

When the HeyNuts leggings stopped staying up in my third trimester, I pivoted to true maternity leggings. The best pair I found was the POSHDIVAH Over The Belly Maternity Leggings. The fit was true to size (I got my typical, pre-pregnancy size), and the belly band is super stretchy and comfortable to wear all day, but it does not fall down. They have slightly more compression than the CRZ pair I’m sharing below. I wore these for both athleisure and working out.

I wear an XS in this style.

Best Maternity Leggings for Workouts

CRZ YOGA Womens Butterluxe Maternity Leggings 25″

For just working out, I also loved the CRZ YOGA Women’s Butterluxe Maternity Leggings 25″. The pair I have is magenta, so it wasn’t something I wore often as athleisure (I like black leggings for day-to-day wear), but I loved working out in them. I wore my pre-pregnancy size in these well. These are a bit stretchier and a little more “relaxed” in terms of compression compared to the Poshdivah pair above. And since the color was so fun, I made sure to get the matching CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Y Back Maternity Tank Top so that I could wear them as a workout set. The top also fits true to size. I wear an XS in both.

Best Maternity Biker Shorts

POSHDIVAH Over The Belly Bump Shorts

While these don’t technically fall under leggings, I wanted to include them because they are my warm weather alternative! These Poshdivah Over The Belly Bump Shorts are my favorite compression/biker short for the third trimester. I didn’t wear them often since the last few months of my pregnancy were throughout the winter, but if you’ll be in your third trimester in the spring, go ahead and snag this pair of biker shorts. They run true to size and I have an XS.

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That said, one of the things I pride myself on is that I don’t spend a ton of money on maternity clothes. Since this season of life is so short in the grand scheme of things, I don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on clothes I won’t wear again. And even though I saved a bunch of maternity clothes from my first pregnancy, I didn’t want to wear most of them since I was over the styles.

So instead, I wore things I already owned (stretchy workout gear, oversized pullovers, relaxed dresses, etc), or I bought non-maternity clothes that worked for a bump and can be worn long after. Of course, there are things like maternity jeans that are simply necessary, but in general, I didn’t buy a lot of true maternity clothes.

My Favorite Non-Maternity Maternity Clothes

Below, I shared a handful of my favorite non-maternity maternity clothes. These are things that I wore before my pregnancy (and plan to after) that worked well for my growing bump. I hope this round-up inspires you if you also don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on clothes you can only wear right now.

Alrighty, let’s get into it.

Dresses

Amazon Turtleneck Sweater Dress

It’s hard to beat an affordable sweater dress when you’re pregnant. Sweater dresses are usually stretchy and comfortable, and this specific turtleneck dress from Amazon has a relaxed fit, so I had no problem with my bump. However, it’s worth noting that I’m 5’1″, and it’s been just the right length on me until about 35 weeks. If you’re taller than 5’5″ish, it may be too short sooner than that.

Amazon Denim Dress

One of my favorite dresses from this entire pregnancy was this button front relaxed denim mini dress. Again, not true maternity, but very loose and relaxed for a bump. It would also be a great nursing-friendly option for the spring or fall because of the buttons.

Tuckernuck Kenzo Dress

I ordered this Tuckernuck Kenzo dress in a Blackwatch pattern in my pre-pregnancy size and it worked perfectly, even in my third trimester! It’s perfectly relaxed in the skirt which gives you lots of room for a bump. I can’t wait to wear this next year with both my babies in tow! The colorway I have is no longer available, but the same style comes in a TON of colors.

Tuckernuck Nightly Organza Palmerston Dress

This Nightly Organza Palmerston Dress is another Tuckernuck dress that I bought in my pre-pregnancy size. I was so happy to have a cocktail style dress that could also work for less dressy occasions, and I love that I can wear it next year or later into this winter. It comes in a few different colorways as well, and the red/pink combo is calling my name.

Tuckernuck Callahan Shirt Dress

I had this Callahan Shirt Dress from Tuckernuck before I got pregnant but wore it all throughout the summer. The version I have is linen, so I couldn’t wear it towards the end of this pregnancy while it’s cold, but it does come in other colorways and fabrics that are more appropriate for cooler weather. Get your true size in this since it’s naturally very relaxed and oversized.

Tuckernuck Nior Vivianne Dress

Lastly, another Tuckernuck find. This turtleneck sweater dress from Tuckernuck is the best blend of casual and chic. You can dress it down with loafers or clogs and then dress it up with boots or booties. Get your true size in this. I have the black AND the hazelwood color because I love this dress so much. Now that I’m 38 weeks, the black one is a tad bit short, so I paired it with opaque tights for church. (The Hazelwood color is a bit longer…perhaps because I haven’t dried it.)

Jeans

Like I mentioned in the intro, I did buy maternity-specific jeans. And that’s because I wear jeans multiple times a week, and my pre-pregnancy jeans stopped fitting. I learned throughout this second pregnancy that I preferred a belly band for pregnancy jeans. It made my outfits feel more polished since I wasn’t concerned about my belly peaking through if my shirt wasn’t long enough.

I have a separate blog post with my favorite maternity jeans linked here. You can read about each pair in detail there, but I’ll also link them below for easy reference. All of the brands below carry different styles and washes, and I shared the ones I own in the post linked above. I bought my pre-pregnancy size in each brand and all of them ran true to size.

• Abercrombie Maternity Jeans
• Madewell Maternity Jeans
• Pink Blush Maternity Jeans

Leggings/Joggers

I have a blog post coming about this specific topic because it felt like I wore leggings for the majority of my pregnancy. They’re just the best. However, there is only one pair of non-maternity leggings from Amazon that wore until 35 weeks.

HeyNuts Essential 7/8 Leggings

The leggings I love the most are HeyNuts and I’ve shared them hundreds of times. They are 90% as good as Lululemon Align leggings, they don’t fade at all, and they come in a ton of fun colors. The waistband worked on my bump until about 35 weeks ago where it started to slip. Pretty impressive. I recommend these to everyone: pregnant or not.

Athleta Venice Joggers

I ordered the Athleta Venice Joggers over two years ago, obviously long before I was pregnant, and believe it or not, they have fit my bump for the entirety of my pregnancy. The waistband is so stretchy and comfortable that I’m able to roll it down under my bump, and it doesn’t bother me at all!

I’m incredibly picky when it comes to joggers, and this Athleta pair of joggers along with a pair from Vuori are the only ones I wear. The Vuori pair is more of a sweatpants material, which I like, but I’d recommend the Athleta Venice Joggers to ANYONE. I tried 3-4 pairs of Amazon joggers and didn’t like the fit on any of them so I think it’s worth investing in the Athleta pair, especially if you are petite. I have an XS Petite in the Venice Joggers and a Small in the Vuori ones.

Tops

For any tops I bought, I just ordered a size or two up from my regular size. I was gifted a few true maternity tops from Pink Blush Maternity and shared my favorites in this post, but other than that, I just ordered a few sizes up in non-maternity tops and sweaters. I’m sharing a few of my most-worn tops below.

J.Crew Relaxed Fit Button Down

Make sure you buy a good white button down for pregnancy. I got this relaxed-fit button down from J.Crew and it worked perfectly with all of my maternity jeans. I didn’t tuck it into my pants for obvious reasons, but I will style it with a front tuck when I’m not pregnant.

Relaxed Open Front Cardigan

Relaxed cardigans will also be your best friend. Thankfully, cardigans are super popular these days, and you can find them in a ton of fits/colors/and patterns. Not only do they work well as a top on their own when buttoned up, but if your bump begins to outgrow them, you can still style them unbuttoned with a tank or tee underneath. I wore this striped cardigan from Amazon most often.

Oversized Open Front Cardigan

The other cardigan I wore non-stop throughout the end of this pregnancy was this oversized open front cardigan from Amazon. The quality feels MUCH better than a typical Amazon find, the price is great at just under $30, and it comes in a ton of colors. I wore a size XS and it fit perfectly. It’s so easy to throw on with jeans and definitely long enough + cute with Vejas, clogs or loafers.

Stretchy Black Turtleneck

The other top I wore often towards the end of my pregnancy was a stretchy black turtleneck. The exact brand of mine is sold out, but this black turtleneck from SPANX is a great option since it has zero compression and lots of stretch. I wore my black turtleneck with jeans most often.

Sweatshirts and Pullovers

On the days that I wore leggings, I typically always wore an oversized pullover or sweatshirt. I didn’t order a size up for them since they were already oversized, which ended up working seamlessly with a growing bump.

Here are my favorites:

Amazon Oversized Half Zip Pullover

This oversized half zip pullover is one of my sportier pullovers. I have the beige in a size small, and I wear it with black leggings and sneakers.

Mockneck Sweatshirt

This grey mockneck sweatshirt feels more chic than a regular sweatshirt because of the neckline. Something about the mockneck feels cool and sporty, and it looks a lot like this Isabel Marant sweatshirt that’s close to $500.

Knit Quarter Zip Sweater

When I want to feel a little more cute than sporty, I opted for this knit quarter zip with leggings and fashion sneakers. It’s similar to the beige pullover above, but this is a little more polished while the other is more athletic.

Amazon Scuba Lookalike Pullover

This cropped pullover from Amazon is one that I did order in a size up. I had read to size up in general for a more Lululemon like fit, so I went up a full two sizes to work with my 36 week bump. A small would have worked well for the majority of the fall, though. At 38 1/2 weeks, it’s a tiny bit short but with a black tank underneath and paired with black leggings, you can’t tell.

Outerwear

I needed to order a new jacket for the end of my pregnancy because none of mine would zip. And thank goodness I did! The temperatures dropped pretty low recently and I was so glad I had a coat that would zip over my bump. Again, in the name of not spending a ton of money, I ordered a puffer coat from Amazon and just sized up.

I got this white quilted oversized puffer with a hood for under $100. I sized up to a small and it zipped over my bump just perfectly.

More Pregnancy Resources

• If you want more inspiration for what to wear during your pregnancy, follow me on LTK. I share my outfits on LTK every single day, and you can search for different looks/products easily right in the LTK app. This folder on LTK has even more of my maternity outfits. And I shared how to use the LTK in this dedicated blog post.
• My Amazon storefront has more of my favorites for pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding.
• This reel shows my favorite Amazon maternity leggings.
• This blog post lists all my pregnancy must-haves!
• I have two blog posts about my baby registry – one is more extensive with my baby registry must-haves and one is smaller with my Target registry for baby #2.
• My Hospital Bag Packing List is in this blog post.
• I shared my breastfeeding essentials in this blog post.
• This blog post has my postpartum essentials.

I hope this is all helpful! If you need recommendations on anything else, let me know!

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