Pregnancy update and Essentials for the Home

Once again I can't believe I am already 35 weeks pregnant although I have to say physically I certainly feel it a bit more now. Keeping active and fit is still very important and we have a few outings planned over the next 2-3 weeks, I just hope we don't run out of time.

It's strange but certainly true that each and every pregnancy is different, this time round I don't have the sciatica that I suffered with Mr A but I do have really bad rib pain as well as leg cramps every now and then. Luckily as with the first time I have managed to stay stretch mark free (fingers crossed) although I do swear by using creams throughout the pregnancy - they certainly do seem to help.

Nesting has certainly set in and making sure we have everything ready. We kept pretty much all of Mr A's clothing and bedding so thats one less thing to worry about, although we did get rid of some things during the two house moves since having him, including a very useful but simple bouncer. The great thing about the second time round is you know what you are actually going to use, what is and is not useful and how little you can actually get away with having, so I thought I would put together a mini list of five useful things you need when expecting a newborn.

5 Must haves for a newborn by laura-sidestreet on Polyvore

1. Consider using reusable nappies - not only are they ethical but also very cost efficient. There are a few different brands although Totsbots is a place to start

2. Unless you live in a very small apartment having a Baby monitor is one of those things you cannot go without but at least by combining it with a nightlight and temperature gauge you are getting a little more for your money - which is why we picked up this Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature monitor  

3. Medela breast pump - you normally have a pretty good idea wether you are going to breast feed or not, although it's not always that straightforward, for me it was only ever the only option so investing in a decent breast pump is a must.

4. Nuna leaf luxx bouncer - I wish we had the budget for this bouncer as it has to be one of the most stylish and well designed ones on the market. Last time we had a very basic model but found it really useful.

5. Cosatto Travel System - I am all about the slings but John likes to use a stroller and Cosatto offer some super stylish and beautiful printed travel systems which grow with your child and have everything you need and we love this Duck Blue Ooba as well as the Giggle 2 which we have gone with.

Reusable breast pads from Earth Conscious 

Another product that you will need in your hospital bag, wether you breastfeed or not is breastfeeding pads and I am so happy to have been sent a pair of these bamboo reusable pads from the lovely people at Earth Conscious to try out, they are incredibly soft and I love that they are so eco friendly.