13 Self-Care Moments to Squeeze in Before Baby Tick tock, mama.
By Danielle Halibey | Photo by HATCH
Self-care is a huge thing for every person, but if you’re a mom-to-be, you deserve a bit more. You’ll be in the trenches with a real, live human soon enough, so for right now, treat yourself in a big effin’ way. And when we say that, we mean lean into “me time” hard, because finding it when you’re glued to your new baby apps, logging every pee and poop, covered in spit up, and racking up days since you last took a shower (no judgment, I hit a week more than a few times with my babes) is a lost cause.
We’ve rounded up a ton of amazing and mama-safe self-care items for anyone who needs it in the last few weeks/months leading up to baby’s arrival. From dreamy silk pillowcases and delectable mini doses [of chocolate] to alcohol-free bottles of cabernet and a pair of super cute compression socks, this is the self-care stuff we’ve been loving lately.
We’ve tried a lot of silk pillowcases, and this one is especially indulgent. The premium 22 momme 100% silk fabric is crafted using 6A grade mulberry silk (soft and luxe, that’s all you need to know!), and when you’ve got it wrapped around your pillow, sleep is dreamy and beautifying—hello shiny, soft, and frizz-free hair + deepy hydrated skin in the AM! Once you’re sufficiently hooked, bookmark the coco beans brand for your babe.
Now, abouuut that sleep struggle that pregnant mamas have to contend with. It’s the worst, and we wish we could say it gets better later on in pregnancy, but that would be a lie. Unless you’re sipping on this nice little nightcap from Natalist. The Hydration and Energy Electrolyte Drink Mix does exactly what it sounds like: supports hydration and energy levels through each trimester. While the Magnesium Plus Drink Mix helps with relaxation, calcium absorption, and bone health. Oh, and it tastes like liquified raspberries. Delish.
For those who’ve experienced that much-awaited pregnancy glow, get it. Own it. And for those who have been waiting for it to show up, but getting disappointed every time you look in the mirror, getcha some HATCH Mama Brighten Up Serum. Apply 2-3 drops to your skin after cleansing and toning and let the magic of wrinkle + melasma-fighting bakuchiol, nourishing oils, and smoothing fruit extracts go to work on dark spots, fine lines, and other hormonal skin annoyances.
Not having to think about what to make for breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout your pregnancy is the best gift you can give yourself. With a Chiyo-curated meal plan (delivered locally in NYC), you’ll get a nutrient-rich, well-rounded, and vibrant diet delivered to your doorstep 3 to 7 times a week. The best part? You literally don’t have to think about a thing. The Chiyo co-founders and their awesome chef keep track of where you are in your pregnancy and make sure you’re receiving what you and baby need.
You can still indulge a little bit throughout those nine long months, especially if it’s in mini doses (think: hotel pillow chocolate, but 9105 times better and cuter). Pick your fave or try a mixed box of the six flavors. We’re big fans of the Pink Sea Salt, Oat Milk, and 60% Cacao.
Things get a whole lot better when those gestational scent aversions calm down. You might actually get to light a candle and not immediately want/feel compelled to puke all over the floor. A win if there ever was one. We say go with this vibey six-candle set to match every pregnancy mood you have: Bubbly, Lucky, Mellow, Groovy, Gloomy, or Nostalgic. And don’t worry, you can feel safe about that combined 300 hours of burn time, because the candles are vegan, artificial-dye-free, paraben-free and made with 100% natural wax, cotton wicks, and phthalate-free fragrance oils.
Okay, so a Joanna Vargas facial might not be on tap until you’re well into postpartum, but you can still treat your bump to a rejuvenating facial. This 4-pack of hydrating and biodegradable sheet masks is specifically designed to love on the belly—minimizing the appearance of stretch marks and scars with active ingredients including aloe vera and propolis (a honeybee-made antioxidant that smoothes out wrinkles)—while you’re still bumping and once you no longer have an en-womb sidekick.
You’re going to need something to do while that belly sheet mask goes to work, right? This zany parenting book tailored to each unique child and their Zodiac sign (and yours, as the parent!) is such a fun read while you’re counting down the days till baby makes their debut. You can use their due date and corresponding astrological sign as a guide to decode their personality, character traits, communication style, likes and dislikes, inspiration for happiness, and triggers for fussiness, even the books, toys, and activities that will fit them best.
Stress and anxiety are business as usual for non-pregnant people, so when you’re pregnant and jamming through everything that comes with (doctors visits, scans, body changes, diet changes, mood swings, all of it), stress hits on the daily. It might seem like a ‘little thing,’ but we’re bananas about this quirky stress ball dupe a la Andy Warhol. Throw it into your go bag and whip it out whenever you’re feeling angsty. You might just find it improves your focus, increases your strength, and soothes your mind. 🤞
Your nails go through it when you’re pregnant—raging hormones = insane growth coupled with brittleness, peeling, and cracks. Yikes. But you can keep your digits in good shape with a manicure kit that’s clean and non-toxic. This one’s filled with elevated essentials like The Cuticle Eraser, The Eco File, and The Rose Oil, plus The Foundation and Shield polishes. Our favorite item inside has to be the iconic Rose Wipes packettes, though. Buhbye acetone, moms-to-be won’t miss ya.
Nah, you really shouldn’t be drinking when you’re pregnant, but cozying up to a bottle of non-alcoholic red is definitely tempting. Break out this Jøyus Cab when you’re having big cravings; it tastes like the real thing with well-balanced tannins, notes of ripe dark berries, aged oak, and undertones of vanilla, but doesn’t pose a single threat to you and that growing bump of yours.
What might pose a threat to your mom bod, though? Swelling. In your legs, feet and ankles, because water retention is a b*tch. But this compression sock and soothing cream duo will be your best friend. Smooth on the therapeutic ginger and mint cooling cream to wake up your tired tootsies, let your gams air for a few (on your fave couch, in your fave AC-cooled room), and then slide on your just-slightly-squeezing compression socks to start bringing down that swell. If we could pin-point one amazing preggo self-care moment, it would be this one.
K, so granted you’re still days if not months away from Blake Lively-rivaling breast-pumping-in-the-bathroom selfies, but if it’s a Met Gala mom footnote you want, you can chase it with this Papier x The Met wellness journal from the stationer’s latest trendy design collab. 12 weeks worth of daily overview pages, with space for logging intentions, sleep, water intake, self-care ideas, meals, thoughts, feelings, and things you’re thankful for is ripe for pregnancy reflection.
