Second-time mom here, a few weeks postpartum. Here’s a quick honest breakdown of what actually helped my pregnancy (and what was a waste of money)
Hey everyone! Sitting here nursing my newborn while my toddler is (thankfully) napping, so I finally have a hot second to write this. Since this was my second rodeo, I was determined not to fall for all the Instagram/TikTok aesthetic hype and only stick to what actually works. I’m a few weeks postpartum now, so while everything is still fresh, here’s my lowkey, unfiltered review of the pregnancy gear that got me through the last 9 months.
- The Lifesavers (Absolute Must-Haves)
Frida Mom Postpartum Kit: I used this for my first and bought it again without hesitation. The upside-down peri bottle alone is worth every penny. Don’t use the crappy hospital ones, just get the Frida one.
Momcozy Maternity Belly Band: Ngl, around week 24, my pelvic girdle pain and lower back were absolutely killing me (toddler chasing didn't help). I tried a super cheap Amazon one first, but it kept rolling down. Switched to the Momcozy belly band. It’s super supportive but soft enough that it didn't dig into my skin when sitting. If you’re carrying heavy or chasing a kid, this can give for your back a support.
Bio-Oil: My skin got SO itchy and dry this time. I slathered this on every night. Did I still get a few stretch marks? Yeah, but it’s genetic tbh. It stopped the intense belly itch though, which is a win in my book.
- The "They're Okay, But Overpriced"
Hatch Collection Maternity Leggings: Okay, they are super buttery soft, I’ll give them that. But for the price tag? Eh. Honestly, my old Lululemon Align leggings (just sized up by one) did the exact same job and lasted longer without pilling. Save your coins here.
Pharmedoc Pregnancy Pillow: It’s huge, it takes up half the bed, and my husband hated it lmao. It does help with side sleeping, but by month 8, I felt like I was trapped in a fortress. If you have a small bed, just use regular pillows between your knees tbh.
- The Skip-It (Total Waste of Money for Me)
Belly Buds (Baby Belly Speakers): Someone gifted me these because they thought it'd be cute to play music to the bump. I used them exactly twice. It’s a cute concept but totally impractical when you’re already tired and bloated.
P.S. English isn't my first language so I used a translator to help put this together. Apologies if any of the phrasing sounds a bit clunky, but hopefully it all makes sense!