as my pregnancy keeps on rollin’ on, i thought i’d share a few of my favorite products that have made life just plain better 😉  

#1  Kinesiology Tape

oh my, i love this stuff.  it has almost totally relieved the pain associated with my umbilical hernia.  ( yes, on baby #5, your body starts to fall apart )  i’ll spare you a photo, but i basically just apply it in an “x” over my belly, and viola!  almost instant relief.
here’s an article about other ways to use kino tape in pregnancy if you’re interested in more info, but as a warning, some of the images do show a bit of skin

#2  Compression Leggings

would you believe it that varicose veins have begun to make an appearance this round?  it’s cruel, i know.  with a rapidly growing belly, thighs, and other body parts, you’d think that the lesson in humility would just stop there……
what i love about this brand is that they stay up ( no constant hiking required) and yet fit snuggly and comfortably.  score

#3 Barre Amped Exercise DVD

while during most of my pregnancy, i simply modify my current exercise program, i have enjoyed adding this dvd to the mix.  i’ve tried quite a few pre-natal dvd’s, and honestly, they’re usually way to0 easy and bore me to death.  this one on the other hand, is a challenge.   the first time i did the full workout, i felt like it wasn’t very advanced, but then was sore for the next two days.  i like when i can feel a workout – makes me think that i really accomplished something!  

#4 Mama’s Red Raspberry Tea

ok, i’ll be honest, this stuff isn’t delicious, but i drink it (starting in the second trimester) for the health benefits;  strengthens the uterus, reduces water retention, boost iron…. you get the picture

#5 Natures Sunshine 5W

maybe i should have listed this as #1 …. it’s like my secret weapon, except it’s not a secret.  take this stuff 5 weeks before your due date ( i start a little sooner ) and let it do it’s thing preparing your body for labor.  i’m not a big or wide girl, but i’ve taken this herbal blend with all my pregnancy’s and never needed cut or stitches.
’nuff said

#6  Spoonflower

i just had to add this one on for fun.
spoon flower is a site where you can purchase custom fabric;  you cN upload your own design or purchase someone else’s.  you get to choose the type of fabric that you want it printed on, and then start sewing away to your hearts content.

burp rags – check
baby blankets – check   i’ve gotten a little smarter over time, and made 2 small security size blanket and 2 regular size ones out of the exact same fabric as we always manage to leave or loose blankies )
hats – check
knot bottom sleepers – check
swaddle wraps – check

ahhhh – this nesting thing is really quite productive – and a little pricey