I’ve shared all of these tips over the course of my pregnancy on my Instagram posts/stories but I still get DMs to this day asking for various bits and pieces of info mentioned below.
So, here it is. The list I wish I had had when we first found out we were pregnant.
To Read
I read a lot of books to calm my nerves but here are my top 4 recommendations.
- Hypnobirthing by Maie Mongan
- Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
- A Mindful Pregnancy by Andy Puddicombe
- Brain Rules for Baby by John Medina
My #1 tip: don’t feel pressured to finish a book – I didn’t finish any of these. They all sat on my nightstand and I’d read bits and pieces from all of them on different days. I used these books as therapists – whenever I felt anxious about labour and delivery, I’d read an Ina May birth story or a chapter from Hypnobirthing. Whenever I’d feel anxious about raising our baby, I’d read Brain Rules. If you view these books as tools you can use to serve you instead of a checklist of must dos, you’ll feel a lot more calm and prepared – both of which can only mean good things for you and baby!
To Watch
Holiday Tyson Prenatal Classes
We didn’t take prenatal classes and instead opted to do it on YouTube in the comfort of our family room – in our pjs. The class is in three parts so you could watch it over multiple days – each part is 40-50 minutes . When I shared it on Instagram, I had so many message to say that the video was far easier to understand and much more comprehensive vs prenatal classes that they paid for!
Tony and I paused the video at times to “practice” the labour pain management tips and I’m so happy we did. The pressing on the lower back trick is what singlehandedly got me through 6 hours of labour! Highly highly recommend watching this with your partner or whoever will be with you during labour and delivery.
Dunstan Baby Language – on Oprah
My cousin who has two beautiful daughters first sent me a link to his google drive and the actual Dunstan Baby Langauge DVDs when I was pregnant. But then so many of my followers sent me this link to Priscilla Dunstan’s segment on Oprah. It’s a lot shorter but covers pretty much the same info – how to understand your baby. This was a GODSEND especially in the early days when we had no idea what we were doing. Xavi definitely speaks this language and I’m grateful we knew how to understand him.
To Do
Headspace 30 Day Pregnancy Pack
Whether you meditate daily or have never meditated before, I highly recommend the Headspace app – specifically the 30 day pregnancy pack. I did this in my 3rd trimester when stress levels were high and all kinds of unsettling thoughts would float around in my head. Even if you don’t decide to do this particular program, I recommend taking up some kind of meditation practice – not just for pregnancy but for labour and delivery too. The Mindful Pregnancy book I mentioned above is by Andy (the creator and the voice of the Headspace app) so it’s a good place to start if you’re new to meditation!
I had grand plans of doing yoga throughout my pregnancy – that didn’t happen. I only started doing yoga in my 36th week and Sara Beth’s prenatal videos were amazing. Both for stretching and for prepping for labour. I now do her postnatal videos, which are equally amazing. I love her entire YouTube channel for a great yoga practice in the comfort of home! As always, please consult your OB and/or midwife before taking up any kind of exercise especially while pregnant!
If you’re pregnant and/or a mom and feel I’ve missed anything, please share in the comments below! Or, if you know someone who is pregnant, feel free to send her this post!
with Love,
Tia
with love, Tia 
Love.love.love
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Thank you ❤❤
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Loved all the tips!
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Thank you ❤❤
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Very nice post! I’m a big fan of yours!!
Please also do a post on dos and donts of pregnancy.. Simple tips like how to lie down, what to eat, what to avoid etc.
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Thank you Rajsmita! I will be doing one on what I ate BUT biggest disclaimer is that I ate things some people said I shouldn’t and stayed away from others just because it’s what I felt like eating. My biggest advice to you would be to consult with your doc especially when it comes to food!
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I am in my 2nd trimster right now & i was looking for good books to read. I will definitely read the books you have recommended, & definitely give you the feedback on the tips you shared.
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Congratulations Hinal! I hope these tips help and yes please! I’d love to hear what you think ❤
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Thank you for this post! I’m currently going into my third trimester and I’ve already saved all the links you’ve provided. Thank you for going out of your way to help us and I can’t wait to watch these videos and head to the library for these books!
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Congratulations Abby! Thank you so much for the words of encouragement – I hope these tips help you in the final stretch ❤
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Thanks, Tia! Bookmarking this post!
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<3<3<3
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Wish I had all these tips when I had my babies. I’m done with having kids but still read thru throw article. Haha. Thanks for helping other women.
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Aw thank you so much Evangeline! Let me know if there is anything in particular you’d like me to cover in this blog ❤ Thank you for your support as always!
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Thank you for this! Was trying to search all my many screenshots to find your prenatal classes.
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Aw! You’re very welcome ❤
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Love seeing you continue to create all that brings you joy, including this blog Tia ❤
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Thank you Thurka ❤
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That was very useful 😊 waiting for the upcoming posts ☺️
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Thank you for the support – it means so much to me!
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I’m not even pregnant but I read this anyway, just to support you.❤️ I’ll definitely keep all the things you’ve mentioned in mind though!
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Thank you so much for the love and support Kristen! ❤
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Hey, great post and really useful tips. I’m in my first trimester right, on the verge of entering the second. 😊 Could you also share pregnancy friendly products that can be used and are effective? That might help many making decisions! Much love ❤️
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Congratulations Ankita! Working on a post of my most used pregnancy products… will post soon!
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I love all this and definitely bookmarking this page for next time. There is one Sensitive topic I wanted to touch on… Pregnancy after loss? Is this something you are willing to talk about? About how you were able to stay calm and not stress out when pregnant again. I know it’s not something people usually talk about so I completely understand if you chose not to. Thank you for all the recommendations. I will def pick up the mindful book. Love your page/blog 🙂
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Hi! The books I mentioned in this post definitely helped with that – and meditation. Its really hard not to worry especially after having experienced a loss but whenever I’d find myself going down a rabbit hole of negative/worrying thoughts, I’d just pick up one of the books and start reading. My therapy is reading – I’d recommend doing whatever works for you!
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