Hey!!

It's been some time since I, Roxanne, popped into the newsletter to give some life updates!

I have been working as a Certified Nurse Midwife at a local birth center for now 5 months and have been loving it so much, but don't you worry, my imposter syndrome still sneaks in there to keep me humble. I just took our first trip to Disney World with Harvey AND without my husband to help...I did bring my dad with me to help, which is my biggest parenting hack if you have the option! He was super helpful in getting my kids loaded up and around the park!

Don't stop reading, but this email is sponsored...

This newsletter is sponsored by Momcozy, which offers a wide range of products, from breast pumps and baby gear to pregnancy and postpartum supplies! Both Gina and I have used Momcozy products in some way during all our pregnancies, from their pregnancy pillow and cooling blanket to their bottle washer! They sent us a few of their pregnancy and postpartum items to give our honest thoughts on.

We are often asked, "What do I need to buy to prep for pregnancy or birth?? or " What do I need to pack in my bag?"

So it was truly fitting that the four items they wanted us to review fit into these two categories! These are all my honest reviews and takes on these items, and they are things I have personally used!

Birth Ball: Don't wait, get it now

If you have attended or watched any of our birth videos, you know we love a good birth ball to help support you in labor (and postpartum). Some will try to wait till closer to birth to get one, but honestly, get it earlier because it is really the most comfortable replacement chair in pregnancy you can get!

That is exactly what Momcozy's BirthEase Pregnancy Ball Set is, a fancy or luxury birth ball because it's a 2-for-1 deal with their birth ball and all its safety features in mind, and their app that comes with education and fitness videos!

It's 65 cm, which is best suited for someone who is 5'4" to 5'9". I am 5'6", and it fits me great. But it can even be a good fit for you if you're above or below because of your torso-to-leg ratio! BPA-free PVC WITH any-burst technology, so if it's punctured, it will slowly deflate instead of popping like a balloon! We are pregnant and do not need any surprise falls!

• Supports up to 330lbs
• Comes with a foot pump for inflating and deflating - it took me 646 pumps to fill the ball, and 56 pumps for the ring base...Yes, I counted because I was curious.
• The Ring base is so nice for keeping you more supported when sitting on it and keeping it from rolling across the living room when not in use.
• Biggest feature: app access to stage-based video courses from preconception to postpartum! *Once you redeem the app access code the order becomes non-refundable - worth noting before buying and accessing!

I have personally liked this ball with the ring so much that I switched it for my desk chair because it is just more comfortable... although my kids do keep stealing it from me!

Full Review Here

"I don't need a belly band, I am too strong for that"

The famous last words I have said to myself in my first pregnancy...until I put one on before my 12-hour shift, and by lunch time, I was kicking myself for not getting one sooner.

I recommend belly bands to almost every patient, but especially when someone brings up any sort of pain from the round ligament, SPD, SI joint, or sciatic. Not everyone will need one, or even want one (like me in my first pregnancy), but it can be a great addition to our toolkit to help us stay active and comfortable during pregnancy! I tested the Momcozy Ergonest Belly Band they sent me, using the same checklist I use with patients to find what will work for them, and it held up pretty well!

Read Full Review Here

It is $60, which is on the mid-to-high end for belly bands. I couldn't confirm whether insurance would cover it or if any DME had it in stock, but HSA/FSA funds should be applicable to this purchase.

Wire-Free Nursing Bra...

There are A LOT of nursing bras on the market, and if you have followed us for some time, you know we have a favorite among them, so I was skeptical about trying out Momcozy's Jelly Strip Nursing Bra... because my other one hasn't failed me yet after 5 years. But I am open-minded.

We need a good, supportive bra that's not too rigid or compressive...and cute!

At first glance, this bra is: Wire-free, so no added pressure on the breast that could increase clogged duct risk and be uncomfortable An easy one-handed nursing clasp that lets you hold the baby and unclasp without putting the baby down Can be used during pregnancy, pumping, sleeping, and maybe even a workout! I love a bra that can do it all

After wearing it for a few days. I will add this to my lineup of bras to wear because it was very comfortable and would make me feel fancier thanks to the fabric and scalloped edge details.

Finally, what should I pack in my hospital bag???

Everyone asks this, even me. Even when I gave birth at home, I worried about what I would put in my emergency hospital bag?!?!?

My answer is the bare minimum; you don't need much!

The hospital will give you most things like pads, mesh underwear, a normal peri-bottle, ice packs that last 15 minutes, and some numbing sprays.

I recommend very few items to this list with clothes, chargers, and for me a few nicer items, which I break down more in this blog. Some of the items I add include that the hospital does provide a different version of our disposable underwear and an angled Peribottle!

I like Momcozy's hospital bag essentials lines because they have created a bag you can just drop into your hospital suitcase, with all the items I would add. Normally, I would have to buy them all separately, like disposable underwear, an angled peri-bottle, perineal spray foam, and a nicer ice pack that stays cold longer. All I would recommend adding is your hygiene kit (toiletries... what do we call this), the bra above, and some clothes, and you're good to go!

This is not a super-involved kit; it's pretty basic stuff, but it's everything you need and will use within 2-3 days of having a baby every time, and my patients are also using it quickly!

Thank you for your trust

In us to share products and the brand with you all! If you want to grab or browse any of these items, click the links above!

Let me know if you have tried any of these out and what your personal feedback is! I am just one person who tried out these products and feel they could be beneficial, but we are all individuals with different opinions.

Now back to unpacking and laundry!

-Roxanne