I am currently writing this at 37 weeks pregnant. 37/4 = 9.25 so yes indeed you are pregnant for over 9 months. Who knew…not me lol. If I have one tip in this exact moment… do NOT wait to nest until you are this far along. I am so exhaused and beyond depleated. I carry something up the stairs…BOOM time for a nap. Open a few packages….BOOM time for a nap. Wake up…BOOM time for a nap. Breathe…BOOM time for a nap. You get it. Not trying to be negative or one of those doomsday pregnant ladies but this is defintiley the hardest thing I have ever done. I just felt so unprepared and unaware of all of the things to come to I hope by sharing or oversharing a little this can be helpful to someone.

Here are some things that have been helpful for me while preparing for baby the past 38 weeks!

Physical Therapy – Around 10 weeks my sciatica started. I remember laying at the pool very early on in my pregnancy and not being able to get up. It felt like my lower back stopped working. Sciatica is debilitating and I don’t wish it on my worst enemy! I never had sciatica BP (before pregnancy). I shared this on Instagram and many people recommended Katelyn from Stat Wellness. I had a few sessions of dry needling and cupping… and BOOM. Sciatica is gone after a few weeks. So if you are experiencing pain, I would recommend going immediately! It can be fixed. I had a few friends who lived with it their entire pregnancy and that just sounds awful. Katelyn also referred me to Dr. Samaira for chiropractic care (see more below). 

Pelvic Floor PT at Revelle – OH MY GOD. If you do one thing during your pregnancy, I highly recommend Dr. Amy at Revelle. Everyone should be educated on Pelvic PT BEFORE they give birth. After seeing Dr. Amy a handful of times, I learned that most people don’t learn about her services until after they give birth because there were complications or issues. At Revelle, they empower women to prioritize self-care to ensure they are functioning at their absolute best! 

Something I have found shocking is the amount of information or lack thereof, that your doctor actually provides. Our appointments are so quick…in and out. Nothing against our doctor she is lovely and I would trust her in a medical emergency but our system doesn’t train our doctors to prepare us for birth or at least the doctors I have seen. I was so happy to find Revelle and Dr. Amy because I feel 10000% more prepared for birth and she is worth every penny! 

Birthing Class – We did a private birthing prep class with Dr. Amy at Revelle. Steve really didn’t think we needed to take the class (who on earth knows why)…he was very apprehensive. But after the class was over he admitted that it was worth every single penny. I think Dr. Amy really scared him straight lol. If you are not able to take her private class, I would reccomend downloading her Guide to Your Upcoming Birth. This covers A TON of inofrmation (what to expect in your 3rd trimeester, signs of labor, when to go to the hospital, how to advocate for what you want,

Chiropractor – I started seeing Dr. Samaira at Corrective Chiropractic at 19ish weeks. I have a weekly adjustment and let me tell you it is one of the most favorite 30 minutes of my week! I did see another chiropractor before but they did not specialize in prenatal care. Dr. Samaira specializes in infants, children, and pre and postpartum women. If you are in the office you will see a bunch of pregnant women lined up to see her – she is one of the best! They also have compression boots that you can do for about 10 minutes after you session – I need to order a pair for the house! Of course chiropractic care can help alleviate pain but another reason I wanted to continue was to help with posistioning for baby. So far we are head down so I am very happy with that!

Massages – I am no stranger to a massage. Pre-pregnancy I prob went once a week. Anyone who can rub me is good in my book but prenatal massages have been a game changer… they just hit differently lol. There are a few places I would recommend for a prenatal massage. 

• Revelle – Ursula 
• Corrective Chiro- Monique 
• Sole Spa – I get a 1 hour prenatal and can call an hour ahead of time and usually get in! 
• St. Regis – for something fancy 
• Carly Rose Massage Therapy – she will come to your house and is FABULOUS 

Peanut Ball – Also recommended by Dr. Amy. I got this one and I couldn’t be more in love. I sit on it daily, sometimes I set up my laptop and work from it. I do pelvic tilts on it and the amount of pressure it relieves it astonishing. Who knew a little ball could do so much. I will be brining this to the hospital! 

Pregnancy Pillow – I mentioned this in my first pregnancy blog. Still using every. single. night. Couldn’t live without her! 

Perineal Massage – Dr. Amy recommended I start this at 27 weeks. I have been doing it 2-3x a week. I use this wand and this lube (a little goes a long way and its unscented/no glycerens or parabens) after I take a bath so I am nice and “relaxed”. LOL. 

Infant CPR – We did a private class with Travis Miller – he was recommended to us by our night nurse. You get the certification emailed to you afterward. Email him at travis.miller49@gmail.com.

Schedule Night Nurse – We got a recommendation from a friend who used our night nurse and loved her! We have her booked for 6-8 weeks. Happy to share her information when we are done. Others reccomended going through Moms on Call. They apprently have certified night nurses that they can reccomend in your area.

Find Baby’s Pediatrician – A very important step that I just didn’t think of! We are also taking a recommendation from a friend.

As the countdown continues, these preparations are helping us navigate the final weeks. I know a few of you are on this rollercoaster with me? Share your thoughts and any more tips below!