It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year since I gave birth to my baby girl. As I reflect on this incredible journey, I can’t help but go back to where it all started—my pregnancy. It came with its share of challenges and fears, but it also held so many beautiful moments and quiet triumphs. Looking back, there are a handful of decisions I’m truly grateful for—choices I made and products I invested in that supported my health and wellness, created memorable moments, and helped me prepare for my baby’s arrival. I wanted to share them here, in hopes they’ll inspire or support another mama-to-be on her own journey.
Self-Care & Wellness
The Belle Method – More than Pregnancy Fitness
Staying active throughout my pregnancy was a priority for me. I knew the benefits—for both my baby and me—and I wanted to set myself up for an easier postpartum recovery. The first trimester, however, hit me with nonstop nausea, making movement feel impossible. But once I pushed through those grueling weeks, I was determined to find a routine that worked. That’s when I discovered The Belle Method on Instagram. Initially, I expected simple, pregnancy-safe Pilates workouts, but the program delivered so much more. It was packed with invaluable education on strengthening the pelvic floor to reduce tearing and prolapse, as well as targeted training to help prevent excessive diastasis recti. Pairing Nikki Bergen’s Push Prep Course with plenty of walking and a balanced diet made all the difference. I truly believe it’s why I felt so strong throughout my pregnancy.
Mama Mio: My Go-To for Stretch Mark Prevention
As my belly grew during pregnancy, so did my concern about stretch marks. While I wholeheartedly believe that these marks are a beautiful testament to the incredible journey of carrying a baby, I also wanted to see if I could minimize them—despite research suggesting they’re largely hereditary. When a fellow mom raved about her success with Mama Mio, I didn’t hesitate to give it a try. I committed to applying it every night, and I’m so glad I did. Today, there’s no visible evidence that my belly once stretched nearly a foot in front of me. I’m sure many oils and lotions offer similar results, but for me, Mama Mio remains my tried-and-true favorite.
Memorable Experiences
Maternity Photoshoot
At first, I was hesitant about doing a maternity photoshoot. It felt a little too flashy—something you’d expect to see on an influencer’s Instagram feed. But then my best friend convinced me otherwise. She reminded me that once the baby arrives and my belly fades, there would be no visible proof of the beautiful season I was in. She warned me that I might one day wish I had captured those moments—when my body was busy growing a tiny human, when life was on the verge of changing forever. And she was right. Now, those photos sit proudly on my fireplace mantel. I’m draped in a flowing black dress, standing tall and feeling empowered, with my belly beautifully on display. When I look at them, then glance over at my baby, I’m still in awe—I can’t believe you were once small enough to fit inside me.
Babymoon
The idea of a babymoon was something I had to lightly convince my husband about. At first, he thought I made it up—some excuse for a vacation while pregnant. That is, until we arrived on Marco Island beach in FL and spotted more than a few other glowing moms-to-be lounging in the sun. It ended up being the perfect way to relax and reconnect before our two became three. We sipped on mocktails, indulged in pistachio gelato, and soaked in those quiet, sweet moments of just us. I don’t think a baby moon has to be on some remote tropical island. It can be right in your own backyard. What really matters is intentionally carving out time to enjoy each other, to slow down, and to breathe before life changes forever. Now, a year into parenthood and struggling to find time for even a simple date night, I can say with full confidence: that babymoon was absolutely necessary.
Pregnancy Journal
As you’ve probably gathered by now, I’m someone who finds comfort in writing and reflecting on life’s special moments. So, it’s no surprise that a pregnancy journal made its way onto this list. But this particular journal stood out (Linked Here)—and I couldn’t help but rave about it, especially for first-time moms. It wasn’t just a place to jot down thoughts; it was truly functional. I loved how it helped me stay on top of important tasks like prenatal education, self-care routines, and even relationship check-ins. It also included helpful cheat sheets—like hospital bag checklists, nursery essentials, and more. I’m so grateful I took the time to fill it out as things happened, because honestly, I wouldn’t remember half of that info now. As for any future pregnancies… I’m not counting on having that same luxury of time!
Preparation for Birth & Baby
Pain-free Birth Class
During my pregnancy, I was deeply motivated to prepare for an unmedicated birth. If you’ve read My Birth Story (Read Here), you’ll know that things didn’t quite unfold the way I had envisioned. Still, in preparation for that possibility, I took Karen Welton’s Pain Free Birth course—I know the name alone might make some people roll their eyes. I get it— “There’s no way birth can be pain-free.” Honestly, I wish it had been called something like the “Pain-Bearable Birth Course”. From what I took away, Karen teaches that our beliefs, environment, and mindset can either intensify the pain or help make it bearable enough to avoid medical intervention. Beyond the conversation around pain, though, this course is a powerful and comprehensive guide to all things labor and delivery. It covers everything from understanding your birth options, to knowing how to advocate for yourself in a medical setting, to practical tips that help you feel informed and empowered. What truly sets it apart for me, though, was that it was faith based. It’s full of reminders that God designed our bodies for this—reassuring us that we are capable, even when the journey feels overwhelming. That message alone was something I clung to, especially as a first-time mom. And while I ultimately embraced the support of modern medicine during my labor, I know I wouldn’t have had the same confidence, peace, and high spirits throughout my pregnancy without this course.
Taking Cara Babies
I only wish I had known about this course before my baby arrived. Instead, I stumbled upon it one evening while standing outside my house, chatting with two of our neighbors, both moms of young kids. It was about three weeks into the newborn haze of sleepless nights, and I’m sure I looked like I was on the verge of tears. I remember venting, half-joking but fully serious, about how shocking it is that humans continue to procreate under such brutal conditions. That’s when they both mentioned the Taking Cara Babies course, saying it had helped them get more hours of sleep. That very night, I purchased the newborn stage course—and we felt the benefits almost immediately. It’s not a sleep-training program, but rather an incredibly helpful guide to baby sleep science, with practical advice on how to navigate those unpredictable newborn rhythms. Beyond sleep, it offered insight into feeding schedules, nap routines, and soothing techniques for those dreaded witching hours. No, it didn’t magically grant me eight hours of uninterrupted rest—but it gave me something just as valuable: tools, understanding, and a sense of control during an otherwise chaotic time. I often think back to that night with so much gratitude. In many ways, it felt like God answering a desperate prayer from a tired new mom.
Pregnancy is such a unique, sacred journey, especially the first time around. It’s a mix of anticipation, anxiety, joy, and so many unknowns. Looking back, I’m truly grateful for those memorable experiences and the resources I discovered along the way. They helped me feel more empowered, informed, and supported as I stepped into motherhood. If you’re reading this as a first-time mom, my hope is that something here encourages you or gives you a sense of direction. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to pregnancy or parenting, but leaning into what works for you, trusting your instincts, and seeking wisdom where you can find it—that’s a powerful place to start.
You’ve got this, mama. And remember, you’re not alone on this journey.
To my fellow moms, do you have something you did during your pregnancy that you can’t help but rave about? Share them below in the comments!
