Laurens Antenatal Essentials
A LIST OF THINGS ON CURRENT ROTATION: PREGNANCY EDITION
Nettle and Red Raspberry Leaf Infusions
A trusty old and faithful, its no secret that I love my herbal infusions. I mix 3-4 tablespoons of nettle and red raspberry leaf to one quart of boiling water and let steep for 2-4 hours before straining and refrigerating. You can have it warm, however at the moment I’m preferring beverages to be ice-cold (even as winter fast approaches)!
IPECAC
During my first trimester, and still in my second, morning sickness has been a constant throughout my pregnancy. In addition to needing to take Ondansetron to help keep some fluids and even the smallest amount of food down, my functional Dr & Naturopath prescribed me IPCAC and it helped immensely during some of the worst weeks I’ve experienced (morning sickness wise).Fluid Form At Home Antenatal Pilates Program
During my first trimester, movement and exercise was out of the question. Now that the morning sickness has started to subside (a little!) I can’t tell you how much I’m enjoying being able to gently move my body when I can. Kirsten King’s Antenatal Pilates Program is the perfect way to commit to a little but not a lot. Each day that I can, I do one of here 15-20 minute pre-recorded sessions that target key areas and I’m just obsessed.
Weleda Skin Food Lip Balm
Maybe its the colder weather, maybe its the cocktail of pregnancy hormones, but my lips have never felt so dry and cracked! I’ve been slathering Weleda’s Skin Food Lip Balm on my lips multiple times a day and it helps immensely.
Workbook 01
During our pre-conception and conception journey, journalling saved me. I’ve always (obviously!) loved journalling as a mindfulness practice, but in the early stages of my pregnancy and even now, my love and need for it has grown. I find it so important to log my experiences, fears, ideas and insights during this pivotal time in my life. The pages of my Workbook have held me through so much, and through this chapter, it’s no different.
Nurture, by Erica Chidi Cohen
Months and month before we conceived, Lucy brought us this book, and Its one I return to, daily. Erica is such a wealth of knowledge and I’ve since gifted this book to a few friends also on their journey to parenthood. Readers are given an in depth run down of all that occurs during each moth of pregnancy, and then through the stages of labour. I also particularly love the reflective prompts and mindfulness exercises. They’ve been powerful tools to check in as time goes by.
Birth Space Birth and Parenting Classes
Our dear friend and collaborator, Sunni Hart (Doula) is one half of Birth Space, along with Romy Renzow (Midwife). Lucy and I have been blown away by their wealth of knowledge and support during their inclusive pregnancy, birth and postpartum curriculum. As a queer family, we felt held, supported and validated in our unique journey and I cant recommend Birth Space classes for any birthing person enough!
Australian Birth Stories Podcast
I’ve been listening to this podcast long before we fell pregnant. Hearing other birth stories is such an invaluable privilege, especially in the lead up to my own labour.
Butterfly Maternity Pillow
As bump grows, as expected, sleeping is getting more and more challenging. This pillow has been fantastic for offering support whilst not taking over our entire bed! (Sorry Lucy!)Stretch Mark Oil
I’ve also been using the stretch mark oil from Weleda and have lathering it on my breasts, belly and thighs, morning and night. I’m not too fussed about stretch marks, already having a number of them before pregnancy, but the self-massage and time spent taking extra care fresh out of the shower feels really nice.
Image: Phillip Riches
27 - 05 - 21