Reflecting On My Pregnancy Journey
What I learned, advice, and more!!
As my due date approaches and I look back on my pregnancy journey, I wanted to take a second to reflect before life gets even more crazy with a newborn! It truly feels like just yesterday that I was announcing my pregnancy to the social media world, and now we are just SEVEN days from baby’s due date. The anticipation and excitement of becoming a new mom has been starting to really build up over the past couple of months, and now I can hardly contain my excitement. I am so eager to meet him.
One of my favorite parts about this whole journey is that I have been able to share it with all of you beautiful people. The support and encouragement I have received from you over the past nine months has been unreal and even more excited for this next chapter of our lives. I now know, first-hand, how hard pregnancy can be not only physically but mentally as well, and so being able to share my story and personal experience and help even one other mama out there brings me more joy than I could ever explain.
Although my pregnancy journey is ending shortly, I know many of you are still in the middle of yours or just beginning. So today I thought I would share some more details about my own pregnancy experience in hopes that you can feel more prepared for your journey! I will share some of the valuable lessons I learned over the past nine months, advice for new moms-to-be, and then will give you a final rundown on my absolute favorite pregnancy products! I hope you enjoy!
What I Have Learned Through Pregnancy
Women are strong af. Seriously I have gained an even higher level of respect for women (especially moms) during this pregnancy! It is hard work growing a human and still having to go through daily tasks like normal. A man could never!!… kidding ☺️😏
Slow down. This journey has forced me to slow down in so many ways. Whether I was sick on the couch, low energy during my workouts, or just my body simply telling me to chill out, it’s really helped me stay present in the moment a LOT more.
The bond with your partner will grow. Steve and I have been together for 12 years now… since high school! And there is no other journey in our lives that has brought us closer like pregnancy.
Trust in God’s timing. It’s funny because we try to control every aspect of our lives when in reality, we don’t have much control at all. For example: when we meet the right person, when we settle down, when we get pregnant, when doors open and close for us, the list goes on and on. Your journey is your own, so stop looking outward and comparing yours to everyone else’s. Trust in Him that things will happen just the way they are supposed to.
Advice For New Moms-To-Be
Document as much of your pregnancy as you can (finding out, gender reveal, check-ups, bump photos, etc.)! This is such a special time in your life and you will want to have photos/videos to look back on one day.
Always have sour candy around!! Sour candy was always my go to when I was feeling nauseous.
Adopt the “comfort over everything” mindset when it comes to getting dressed. Your body will change, but feeling comfortable in your clothes will help that change feel less scary.
Keep working out. I know, I know… it’s the LAST thing you want to do. You’re exhausted, you feel weaker, and you’re probably nauseous AF. You don’t need to go in there and crush it, but remaining active will help you not only recover quicker but have a better labor and delivery experience. And sometimes all you can do is go on a walk which is ok! Give yourself grace, pop in some mint gum, and get moving even if it’s just minimally.
(You can read about my personal workout journey while pregnant here)
My Must-Have Pregnancy Products
Lush Sleepy Lotion - I’m telling you… I’ve tried every belly oil out there and NOTHING tops Lush’s sleepy lotion. The way it moisturizes your skin is like none other. I swear it is one of the reasons I have little to no stretch marks!!
Pregnancy Pillow - Invest in a good pregnancy pillow…you will thank yourself later! I tried out a couple different pillows but the only comfortable one was this one from Yana.
Preggie Planner - If you’re planning to get pregnant this year you have to get yourself a Preggie Planner! It is the perfect one-stop-shop to keep track of all things pregnancy and daily life.
Polaroid Camera - Polaroid photos are the best keepsakes during pregnancy. Take a photo of your growing bump every week so you can hold onto those memories forever.
Belly Band - You’ll eventually get to a point where even walking around is uncomfy. This band will relieve soooo much pressure and hold your little babe up to relieve some of that discomfort! I am to the point now, at 39 weeks, that I won’t leave the house without it on if I know I’m going to be walking around lol. Also good to use for your workouts.
Prenatal Supplement Stack - I get sooo nauseous with any multivitamin or any vitamin in general. This is the only one that I don’t get nauseous from, and I’ve used it my whole pregnancy.
Best Maternity Joggers - I wore these joggers for 90% of my third trimester lol. They are so dang comfy!!
That covers everything! I cannot believe this journey is coming to an end, but I am so excited because that means I get to meet our baby boy (and drink wine again lol). I am feeling such a mix of emotions about becoming a new mom. For example, I found myself crying last night because I was sad that Zoey (my dog) and I’s relationship is about to change (lol). BUT!!! Mostly I am excited to learn and grow from this next chapter of life. I’m sure it will be filled with some of the lowest lows, but it will also be the highest highs and those will make it all worth it. I cannot wait to share more with you all!! Thank you for being here.
XOXO, TAY
