Lauren's Pregnancy and Baby Picks: Stuff for Mom

After 1 3/4 pregnancies, I somehow became the resident expert on pregnancy among my friends.  Not really, but my newly pregnant friends have lots of questions about maternity clothing, pregnancy, essential baby items, etc.  So I figured I would share my knowledge in a blog post.  Five, actually.

This is post two of five. 

Stuff for Mom:
In the three years between the births of my babies, there are a lot of new things on the market, and also a lot of things that I didn't know about the first time around.  Here are some of the things that I plan on using for myself when Baby Losavio arrives.

Udder Covers nursing covers.  Get a free one (plus shipping) with a coupon code from RetailMeNot.  I didn't use a nursing cover with Joey -- just receiving blankets -- but one sure would have come in handy.

Lily Padz reusable nursing pads.  I didn't have these when I was nursing Joey, but I've heard wonderful things about these.  Rather than absorbing leaking milk like other nursing pads, these stop leaks.  While on the subject of nursing pads, know that washable cloth nursing pads are an alternative to disposables.

Gel nursing pads.  When I was first nursing Joey it was extremely painful and I had no idea that these even existed.  I have not tried these, but plan to use them with Baby Losavio if I have pain from nursing.

Belly Wrap.  During pregnancy your abdominal muscles stretch and might tear.  Belly wraps help to tighten your muscles and get all of your parts back to where they're supposed to be.  While I would obviously love a top of the line Wink Belly Compressor, there are many others on the market that will get the job done.  I plan on using something like this in an attempt to heal faster, since I do have a two-almost-three-year-old to chase.  There is a little vanity involved, as well.

Breast Pump.  Even if you are a SAHM like me and plan to breastfeed exclusively, you'll need a pump.  Otherwise you will never be able to be away from the baby for more than a few hours.  I had two: a manual pump and a single electric pump.  Both of those worked great for me for occasional pumping.  If you plan on pumping a lot, the Rolls Royce of pumps is the Medela Pump in Style.  Pumps are often available for rent from the hospital.

Under-eye concealer.  I spent about $20 for Dermablend after Joey was born, and it was the best thing I could have spent our money on.  While you might be sleep-deprived, you don't have to look it.

Diaper bag.  Babies need lots of stuff when you're on the go:  diapers, wipes, bottles/milk/formula, pacifiers, blankets, spare clothes, etc.  You'll need a cute bag to tote all of this stuff around in.  And don't forget about the man in your life.  Do you think your baby-daddy really wants to carry your diaper bag?  Get him the Diaper Dude.  He'll thank you.  As your baby grows, you won't need to tote so much stuff around.  I liked using a diaper clutch when I only needed diapers and wipes.

Also see:
Maternity Clothing

Coming soon:
Stuff for Baby
What to Bring to the Hospital
Where to Find a Deal