4th Trimester Mama Favorites

Perineal Pads

You can prepare your pads in advance in order to have them ready for postpartum. Prepare more than you think you need. I would change mine every time I went to the bathroom as they would defrost and the cold really helps with swelling.

It is critical to keep your bladder empty, therefore go to the bathroom every 2-4 hours. Always go before feeding and changing your baby too. I suggest preparing at least 40 pads for your first 3 days.

Supplies:

For best results make sure to use quality organic products that are non-toxic. For pads, I suggest non bleached pads without wings. The bigger, the better.

To prepare the pads, use 100% aloe vera leaf juice, lavender essential oil and witch hazel. Use therapeutic grade essential oils. Don’t skimp on the good stuff; this is going to sit on your sensitive areas for a few hours. Take care of you as much as your baby. You are important.

Swelling

I used this cream with my third pregnancy and noticed an improvement. I would normally put it on before bed.

To make the cream mix 5 drops each of lemon, lavender and ginger essential oil + 10 drops of cypress essential oil. Blend together with 2oz of fractionated coconut oil. Massage in to legs ankles and feet to assist with swelling.

You can use this blend daily from 40 weeks-42 weeks on lower back and ankles, to minimize bleeding during birth.

Bras

If you plan on breastfeeding or pumping there’s a few things you should be aware of.

We all know how much an underwire hurts but many don’t realize how a regular bra can impact your breastfeeding/pumping journey.

The underwire of a bra digs into the skin and causes unnecessary pressure on the breast. Normally this can even cause cysts but when producing milk, the pain and discomfort can be signals of milk ducts blockage, mastitis and other problems.

In order to minimize this problem, you can wear bralettes. Good bralettes are supportive and will have an easy access to the breast so you can inset your pump or breastfeed easily. I often avoid any bralettes that have thin straps as they dig into my shoulders and cause pain.

Often mommas with larger breast cannot find good bralettes that can support the weight of their breast and feel comfortable all day.

My suggestion is to grab a few of these:

• Amelia
• Logan
• Ella
• Paisley
• Autumn

Why are these my picks?

Davin & Adley is designed by a breastfeeding and pumping momma of three. She is continually improving the styles and listens to her customers to bring new styles and colors.

The brand includes sizes S to 2X (Woohoo!) and are more comfortable than all nursing bras I’ve tried. They are useful during pregnancy to avoid the digging under the breast and adjustable/stretchy enough to grow with your growing body.

Additionally, each Davin&Adley bralette comes in a garment bag that protects them in the washing machine.

I had been a lurker into her work while I breastfed Emi but thinking that we were at the end of our journey and we wouldn’t have another, I never ordered. I used SOMA nursing bras and loved them but I felt like an old lady. How I regret not getting D&A sooner. D&A fits better and I feel beautiful.

The bralettes are absolutely stunning and no one would ever guess they are breastfeeding and pumping bralettes. You gave birth but you are still a woman. You don’t need to wear ugly, misshapen bralettes. You need support.

I honestly think any woman could rock these especially if they have size fluctuations. These bras are adjustable, comfortable and supportive.

My favorite every day bralette is the Logan. It is beautiful, featuring a lace front and supportive enough to workout. It is a breastfeeding friendly sports bra. It features an easy and comfortable slider to adjust the tightness; it takes a second to adjust and have your breast accessible for the baby.

If you want a cami style to avoid wearing a top or for layering, then the Amelia is for you. It features a lace back that levels up your look instantly. There is also a swim version, yes indeed.

The Ella is my husband’s favorite. It will make you feel like a goddess. It features lace edging which looks incredible poking out of tops and looks normal. The magnetic clips for quick release but a strong hold. Say it with me, “I’m sexy and I know it” (you’re welcome, LMFAO, now it’s stuck in your brain – pun intended)

Get back to feeling like yourself!

Snacks

Our first few weeks I relied on constant snacks. Every time baby latched, I had water and a snack. I ate my 3 meals but still felt hungry if I didn’t snack.

My husband also appreciated the snacks as he got hungry with late night changes and keeping an eye on us during the first week.

Our favorite snacks were protein full to help us feel fuller, regain energy quicker and nourish our body. You need protein in your diet to help your body repair cells and make new ones.

Out of all the healthier snacks, these are in constant resupply in our home:

1. Fig bars – I don’t even like figs but I’m obsessed with these.
2. White Chocolate Bar – Now this felt plain wrong – white chocolate?! but it’s actually good for you.
3. Dark chocolate covered almonds – need I say more?
4. Berries – Raspberry, Strawberries, Blueberries
5. Non-fat & Protein-Rich Yogurt
6. Hummus & Veggie Chips
7. Tomato with Mozzarella, sprinkled with lemon juice, salt & pepper
8. Pistachios

Laboraide Tea

This tea is recommended during the last weeks of pregnancy but I really enjoyed it after labor as well. It is refreshing, hydrating and helps tone your uterus.

In my case we purchased a 60oz Mason Jar with lid. The lid is important as you can keep the tea prepared in your fridge for a week. The tea won’t trigger labor so feel free to enjoy this in your third trimester as well.

Ingredients:

• 32oz coconut water
• 32oz of red raspberry leaf tea
• Juice from 2 lemons
• 1/2 cup of raw honey (modify to your taste)
• Big pinch of sea salt

You can modify the quantities to fit your container, just try to keep the proportions.

1. Prepare your red raspberry tea to double strength.
2. Add the honey to the warm tea to dissolve.
3. Fill container with tea.
4. Add lemon juice and salt to container.
5. Close the lid and Shake.
6. Shake
7. Shake
8. Open the container and add coconut water
9. Close the lid and Shake.
10. Enjoy!

Prenatal

Don’t stop drinking your prenatal vitamins during this time. You will need the vitamins and minerals to help your body recover from pregnancy and labor.

The prenatal will help with cell regrowth and reduce hair loss. You should continue to take them as long as you produce milk as the quality of your breastmilk will improve. If you aren’t producing milk consider continuing prenatal for 6 weeks to 6 months to help you recover.

Make sure your prenatal includes:

• DHA : Reduces depression and helps baby’s brain development
• VITAMIN C : Boosts immune system
• VITAMIN D : Boosts immune system, reduces depression and strengthens bones
• VITAMIN B : Improves mom’s energy
• CHOLINE :Improves cognition and memory in baby

If your prenatal does not include these, you can supplement them separately.

Baby Wrap

First let me start by saying this: Every baby is different.

I like wearing a baby wrap because it keeps me hands free to play with my toddler, clean, work, eat, etc.

My favorite baby wrap is a cotton long woven wrap. The wrap is more complicated than a ring sling but it is more supportive and distributes the weight evenly. The baby’s weight limit is often higher on woven wraps than knit wraps.

I also like that the woven wraps have multiple carrying positions from front carry to back carry which helps accommodate the child as they feel more comfortable. I can also nurse easily and I don’t need to take if off or change my knot.

Given I have herniated discs, I feel more comfortable with this type of wrap because I can carry the baby longer in a day and I feel more secure.

In my experience jersey/modal wraps aren’t as breathable and my girls tend to overheat. With woven wraps often being cotton, it is much more comfortable. Additionally, I experience less sagging and shifting with cotton than knit.

I used the same wrap with Emi and Eppie and it still looks like new. Machine washable and durable is the name of the game.

I also own a ring sling for short carries. The ring sling is easier to setup but my girls complain after an hour. I usually use it when I need to be hands free for a couple of minutes opposed to a few hours. I personally experience back pains even after a short period of time.

Clothing

I am not a fan of buying exclusive pregnancy and nursing clothing which is why I added this into the list. There are some exceptions:

I already talked about underwear, so lets talk leggings

After labor, I didn’t want any pressure in my pelvis area. Pants just scared me even the third time around.

My one and only go to after many many tries, was SOMA. I lived in these until it got too warm. They aren’t great for the summer temperatures of 70 degrees +

They are so soft and not super tight. It is comfortable to lounge, looks good for work and can be used under/over belly. It doesn’t rub which is perfect for sensitive skin. They are not see-through and they went on sale for $10!

The only cons is that it comes in black and only black. They are sold out at the moment but hopefully they will be back and with more color options.

Aside from these leggings I wore dresses. Wrap dresses being my favorite due to the breast access. I also recommend, knit dresses with a low neckline as they stretch well and it will be easier to pump/nurse.

Pants with a drawstring waistband work well too as you can adjust the pressure. I avoided elastic waistbands entirely.

After 3 months, I ventured into jeans; It was okay. I still live in dresses and soft jumpsuits.