What to Expect When You’re Expecting GIFT BASKET

Every mom-to-be needs a What to Expect When You’re Expecting gift basket! The perfect baby shower gift. Thank you Workman Publishing, for sponsoring this post.

Are you a first-time mom or know someone who is expecting? Or are you like me and have been around the block a few times, but still find yourself needing a refresher course? I’ve put together a fun care package for any expecting mommy! Brimming with some of my favorite products and the latest edition of What to Expect® When You’re Expecting. An absolute must read!

What to Expect When You’re Expecting Gift Basket

1 water bottle: pg. 99: “You’re not only eating for two, but drinking for two. Your baby’s body, like yours, is composed of mostly fluids. As that little body grows, so does the demand for fluids.”  So a water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated wherever you go. It is something that my doctor reminds me of at each visit.

sour candies: pg. 136: “Many women find both the smell and taste of lemons comforting. Sour or peppermint flavored sucking candies spell relief for others.” This was the case for me. I always kept sour candies on hand for those first 3 months when I was feeling especially sick.

snacks: pg. 131: “Keeping your blood sugar on an even keel will help you keep your energy steady, too- so resist meal skipping, and opt for frequent mini-meals and snacks.” This is one area I had a hard time with while dealing with morning sickness. Nothing sounded good so I’d find myself not eating, getting shaky, and feeling worse. Even if it wasn’t the most nutritious snack, a handful of gummy candies and pretzels were better than not eating.

journal: This is something I started with my first and kept up with each additional baby. I went out and bought a small journal to record doctor’s visits, milestones, and other aspects of my pregnancy in. A journal for my baby. Once our baby was born, I’d write about his/her first smile, words, funny things they did or said. My kids LOVE when I read to them out of their journals.

cozy socks: pg. 388: “It’s smart to think ahead about what you’ll want to take to the hospital or birthing center. But it’s also smart to thin about traveling on the light side, packing only what you think you’ll need.” One item mentioned: Heavy socks, in case your feet get cold and comfortable slippers. These are both handy during pregnancy too to stay cozy while getting rest.

lotion: pg. 166: “Feeling a bit reptilian these days? You can blame your hormones for your dry, often itchy, skin. Hormonal changes can sometimes rob your skin of oil and elasticity…” I’ve had extremely dry skin, and have noticed my stomach itching as well as my skin has stretched. So a small bottle of lotion was added to my basket to help with that.

lip gloss: also to aid in the lack of oils in your skin.

What to Expect® When You’re Expecting 5th Edition: I received this book when I was expecting my first baby, 13 years ago. I read it cover to cover and then went back, marking and highlighting areas to remember and used it as a constant reference throughout my entire pregnancy! The information was invaluable. I found myself returning to it with each pregnancy when I’d find myself questioning “Is this normal?” with whatever symptom I was having. And yes, everything was just fine. Even that metallic taste in my mouth that I NEVER had until my 5th pregnancy. It’s funny how whether it’s your first or your fifth, each pregnancy is unique and makes you feel like a new mom all over again.

5 More Gifts for Moms to Be

Emergency Diaper Kit for Mom and Dad

Diaper Changing Clutch Tutorial

Diaper Change and Play Mat Sewing Tutorial

Fabric Nursery Basket Tutorial

How to Make a Nursery Storage Tote out of a Diaper Box

 

A lot has changed since I had Ruby, 5 years ago. And a lot has changed since the first edition of What to Expect® When You’re Expecting hit the shelves. When it comes to birth options, birth plans, water births, delayed cord clamping, and postpartum options, I feel a bit in the dark! This edition has entirely new chapters and sections that expand on all of those topics, plus other important topics like cord blood banking, coping with miscarriage and other pregnancy loss, birth control choices and even medications during pregnancy.

What would you add to this what to expect when you’re expecting gift basket?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.