Celebrate the Size of your Growing Baby with Recipes for 40 Weeks

Pregnancy is a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and plenty of changes. Each week, as your baby grows and develops, you have an opportunity to celebrate these milestones in a unique and delicious way. This idea is simple yet so fun. It involves creating a recipe each week that reflects the size of your growing baby. These recipes not only provide a sense of joy and celebration, but they also offer essential nutrients needed for both mother and baby, as long as you use a growth chart like this with healthy size comparison foods. This blog post will take you through 40 weeks of pregnancy with recipes inspired by the comparative size of your baby, turning each stage of your pregnancy into a culinary adventure. Weeks one to three of pregnancy you probably didn't know you were pregnant yet and the baby is so small, so we will start at Week four with recipes to celebrate!

4 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Poppy Seed! They are about 0.04 inches and less than 0.04 oz. So small yet such a big change for mom and dad! Congratulations you may have just found out you are pregnant, and joy is everything right now! To celebrate this week, cook up A Sweet and Delicious Recipe for Lemon Poppyseed Bread

Other Delicious Recipes You Can Make:

Bagels with Poppy Seeds on top

All Types of dinner rolls

Poppy Seed Salad Dressing (I have this recipe in my week for kale below)

5 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of an Apple Seed! You made it to 5 weeks and baby has grown. They are working hard on creating the brain, spinal cord, heart and blood vessels. They are about 0.05 inches now and it's time to celebrate! This week we are making A Taste of Heaven: Deliciously Easy Apple Pie!

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Apple Cider Loaf with Brown Butter Glaze

Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Apples, Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans

Homemade Apple Sauce

6 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Pomegranate! They have tripled in size and are fully protected by amniotic fluid. Now the length of .13 inch they are still so small but still should be celebrated. This week we are making The Perfect Pear and Pomegranate Arugula Salad

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Pomegranate Relish

Festive Taste of Tradition: Sparkling Cider Punch for Christmas

Fruit Salad

7 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Blueberry! You may be experiencing some morning sickness now.. which isn't limited to the morning. You also may be experiencing more bathroom trips, as I did, and happened to be my very first symptom of pregnancy. I was waking up every night to use the restroom and that never happened before for me. While you are getting the highs and lows of pregnancy symptoms your baby is growing. Now about .5 inches and still less than 0.04 oz. This week we are celebrating with making Delicious Blueberry Cake with Mascarpone Frosting

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Soft Cream Cheese Lemon Blueberry Scones

Delicious Berry Custard Puff Pastry Tart

Blueberry Crumble Streusel Loaf Recipe

8 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Raspberry! Their hands and feet have webbed fingers and toes. Weighing in still below .04 oz they are still growing at around .63 in. You are still probably able to hide your bump at this point, but your jeans may be feeling a little tighter. Start those belly pictures now because baby will be here in just 32 weeks and growing every day. To celebrate we are making The Ultimate Raspberry Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Delicious Frozen Raspberry Margarita (Skip the tequila)

Raspberry Trifle

Raspberry Crisp or Pie

9 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Green Olive! They have graduated from an embryo to a fetus. The reproductive organs have formed but it is still too early to tell if you are having a boy or girl. They have grown to .9 inches and .07 oz. A small but mighty as the digestive track is also being formed. To celebrate I made Crafting a Herb Christmas Tree Focaccia Bread Masterpiece for the Holidays as you can tell I was pregnant during Christmas.

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Moroccan Chicken

Stuffing your own (I love feta in mine!)

Building A Charcuterie Board (leave out the soft cheese!)

10 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Strawberry! Their eyes and eyelids are more developed, and eyebrows are even beginning to grow. They have made it to 1.22 in and .14 oz. This week marks you at a quarter of the way through your pregnancy. Many things are changing but you probably aren't seeing them or feeling the baby move just yet. Hold on tight because you will soon. This week we are making Chocolate Dipped Strawberries. As you can see it was still Christmas time for us and it took everything, I had to make this recipe with morning sickness. So, a blog post was never made but you can get extra creative this week if you wish!

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Apples, Goat Cheese & Candied Pecans (Strawberries are in the dressing)

Strawberry Cake

Strawberries and Cream

11 weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Lime! Just over 1.5 inches from head to toe your baby is still tiny but they are moving. Kicking and stretching inside of your belly, you should feel it in the next month or two once they grow big enough. Celebrate this week with a Cranberry Key Lime Pie or if it's not the holidays for you Mini Key Lime Pies with Splenda both are delicious!

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Fruit & Goat Cheese Bruschetta ( lime is in the recipe)

Lime Fruit Dip

Fish Tacos with Lime

12 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Plum! Now weighing over 2 oz and over 2 inches long it's a week to celebrate 2's! They are now able to open and close their hands and curl their toes. They are also growing fingernails. It was the last of the holiday season for us at week 12 and I made a "Sugar" Plum Cobbler it was deliciously good!

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Plum Tart or Galette

Plum Dumplings

Plum Butter or Jam

13 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Lemon! Growing 1/2 an inch and 1/2 an ounce from last week your little one is making leaps and bounds. They have started swallowing amniotic fluid and their bones are beginning to harden. While you can't feel it yet you have started making colostrum, the fluid your baby will drink the first few days of life. You also may be getting some relief from those first trimester symptoms. A reason to celebrate with a new recipe. Zesty Delight: Mastering the Ultimate Cod Piccata Recipe at Home

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Lemon Cheesecake With An Amazing Glaze

Arnold Palmer Popsicle: A Delicious Summer Recipe

Lemon Poppy Seed bread, muffins or cake

14 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of an Orange! Now weighing more than 3 oz and longer than 6 inches they can squint, frown and possibly even suck their thumb by now. Such a big week as baby is getting bigger and bigger and you are in the second trimester. This is, for most moms to be, the best time of their pregnancy. Enjoy and celebrate every minute. Orange Cake with Raspberry Mascarpone Frosting is the perfect recipe to bring in this week.

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Blueberry Orange Glazed Muffins

Orange and Cream Smoothie

15 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a pear! This week could be a big one as an ultrasound can now find out the sex of your baby. Get ready to decorate and plan the nursery, parties, outfits and more once you know the gender. However, if you are wanting to be surprised and wait until birth like we did, get ready to remind them not to spoil the surprise at every doctor's appointment from here on out! This week baby's taste buds and nerves are beginning to connect to the brain. By 20 weeks they will be fully formed. Baby is also looking more like a little person with eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes, nails, hair and defined fingers and toes. Such a cute little one your growing! We sure hope baby likes Pears because this week we are cooking up Delicious, Nutritious Pear & Walnut Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Other Recipes You Can Make:

How to Make the Perfect Pear and Pomegranate Arugula Salad

Indulge in Delicious Personal Pear Tarts

Pear Crisp

16 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of an Avocado! Weighing 5 whole ounces and 7 inches long from head to bottom! Your baby's heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day and will continue to increase as your little one develops. Their hair follicles are forming a pattern they will have for the remainder of their life. Celebrate your little avocado with guac at your favorite restaurant this week or by making a delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe!

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Delicious Sweet & Spicy Salmon Bowls

Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas

Lobster Sheet Pan Nachos

17 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of an Onion! Baby has been hiccupping but this week you might start to actually feel it. Weighing in at almost 5 oz and growing to 5.12 inches in length they are becoming more noticeable and celebrated. This week we are making a Creamy Corn Chowder Soup

Other Recipes You Can Make:

French Onion & Shallot Soup

Blooming Onion or Onion Rings

Green Onion Dip

18 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Bunch of Grapes! Your little one's tiny fingers now have unique fingerprints. Just wait until you feel their hands wrap around your one finger, it's a feeling like no other. This week we are making a delicious Chicken Salad Sandwich that you can actually eat. I missed sandwiches and deli meat so much during pregnancy, so this was a nice treat!

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Roasted Grape Crostini

Balsamic Steak with Red Grape Relish

Concord Grape Onion Jam

19 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Mango! Their legs are now longer than their arms and you might be able to start feeling baby kick if this if your second or third pregnancy. If it's your first, you will most likely be feeling baby in the next few weeks. Celebrate this week's milestone of baby reaching almost 9 oz and 6 inches making Sweet & Spicy Mango Chicken Wings Recipe

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Sparkling Ice Mint Mango Mock-tail

Mango Habanero Salsa

Mango Slaw

20 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Sweet Potato! If you start feeling subtle jerking movements in the womb don't worry baby has just start hiccupping. They also have taste buds and can start to send them to your brain... so if your craving different things that may be why. Some research indicates that what you eat during pregnancy can influence the foods your baby prefers later.

So with that in mind, we are keeping it fun and healthy with Sweet Potatoes being the size of baby we are making 3 Easy & Nourishing Stuffed Sweet Potato Recipes

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Sweet Potato Bisque

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

21 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Banana! Now 10.5 inches and 14 ounces your little one is getting long and will soon start to plump up in the coming weeks. We took an amazing trip to Hawaii for our babymoon, and I loved acai bowls and all the natural fruit while vacationing, so I wanted to come home and make delicious Homemade Acai Bowls. With this week being a banana it worked perfectly because it is in the recipe and can be used on top. Hope your loving fruit this week too because this is a fun one!

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Homemade Delicious Banana Bread

Banana Nut Pancakes

Banana Oat Breakfast Cookies

22 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Carrot! Baby is officially over 1 pound and starting to look like a miniature newborn as their lips, eyelids, and eyebrows become more distinct. This week we are making Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls made with Sourdough Starter if you don't have a sourdough starter you can use yeast or one of the fun recipes below!

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Carrot Sheet Cake with Brown Butter Frosting

Apple Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Brandy Glazed Carrots

23 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Grapefruit! Now more than a foot long they can feel your dancing. So, turn on the music and swing around the house. Grapefruit is the fruit of choice, and we usually aren't the biggest fans of grapefruit at our house, but this Delightful Almond Grapefruit Ice Cream Recipe was such a good one you will love it!

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Grapefruit Meringue Pie

South of the Boarder Citrus Salad

Grapefruit Poppy Seed Bread

24 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of an Ear of Corn! Baby still has thin and translucent skin as well as very thin and long. Don't worry they will start to plump up soon and become nice and round. Their nostrils are opening now for "practice breathing", so they'll go through the same motions of real breathing but inhale amniotic fluid instead of air. Enjoy a Southwestern Chop Salad Recipe with an Ear of Corn cut on top to celebrate this milestone!

Other Recipes You Can Make:

The Most Delicious Homemade Corn Bread Loaf Recipe

Grilled Chicken, Mexican Street Corn & Cucumber Salad

Creamy Corn Chowder Soup

25 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Coconut! This week they may be able to distinguish between your voice and your partner's voice. So, start talking away because it will calm them later on as well to hear both of your voices as you begin to get to know each other. They're developing a firm grasp and may reach out and grab the umbilical cord. They can also stick out their tongue! Decadent Almond Joy Cookies are this weeks recipe and such a delicious treat!

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Coconut Rice

Coconut Curry Soup

Coconut Macaroons

26 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Cantaloupe! They are now about 1 3/4 pounds and roughly 13 1/4 inches long from head to heel. They are also able to open their eyes and blink! We are making a fun Delicious & Refreshing Fruit Salad in a Cantaloupe Bowl where you use the actual cantaloupe for the bowl!

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Melon Burrata Salad Recipe

Perfect Light & Fresh Italian Summer Charcuterie Board

Cantaloupe Salsa

27 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Bunch of Kale! Your baby can hear your voice and may even respond to it with changes in their heartbeat, breathing, and movement. If a noise is particularly loud, your baby may startle, and as they startle you might feel your baby move. Let's move to the kitchen to make a delicious Sweet Kale Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing this is also a good recipe if you plan to breast feed as kale is a great leafy green to have because and after pregnancy helping with supply.

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Italian Sausage, Potato & Kale Soup

Kale Pesto

Kale Smoothie

28 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Head of Lettuce! Weighing in at about 2 1/3 pounds and measuring roughly 14 1/2 inches they are filling in slowly and leafy greens and lots of protein will help them grow even more. Making a Loaded Iceberg Wedge Salad that you can add to the side of a nice steak, salmon or chicken makes for a great dinner.

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Lettuce Wraps

BLT Wraps

Tostada Salad

29 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Cauliflower! Your baby's bones are soaking up lots of calcium as they harden, so be sure to drink your milk or find other ways to get your calcium in.

Cauliflower Bang Bang Cashew Recipe: A Sweet and Spicy Delight

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower Pizza

30 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Zucchini! Your little one's brain is growing rapidly, and their lungs are continuing to develop. Baby is on a regular cycle of sleeping and waking. Every 30 to 90 minutes they will start to move around to let you know they have woken up, enjoy those little feet moving inside you. Soon you will see them dancing away during diaper changes. Zucchini Roll Ups Dinner is this weeks recipe and a great one for leftovers or freezing for meal prep after baby arrives if you want to make a double recipe.

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Mom's Favorite Minestrone Soup Recipe

Fried Zucchini

Walnut Zucchini Muffins

31 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Bunch of Asparagus! From this week on baby will be gaining as much as half a pound per week until they are born!! Still a little one at 3.31lbs they still have a way to go so keep your nutrition up with lots of green veggies like this Baked Ceasar Asparagus Side Dish

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Fontina Asparagus Tart

Radish Asparagus Salad

Feta Asparagus Frittata

32 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Squash! Baby's taste buds have fully developed, and they also may acquire a preference for the food you are eating. This week's meal is a nutritious one packed full of veggies, so we hope you and baby enjoy this Tastes of Classic Ratatouille.

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Yellow Squash Patties

Summer Squash Salad with Shrimp

Sauteed Squash Side Dish

33 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Bunch of Celery! The Lanugo that covered their body to keep them warm is starting to disappear. You are officially 7 weeks to your dude date and 8 months pregnant. You may start preparing for baby soon with meal prepping, classes for birth and breastfeeding, and packing your hospital bags soon. Take a moment from all the preparation and celebrate baby with a delicious Deviled Egg Pasta Salad that you will truly enjoy and is great to have as leftovers too!

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Slow Cooker Braised Short Ribs

Minestrone Soup

Celery Root Soup

34 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Butternut Squash! Their bones are fully developed by now, turning their head and moving their body from side to side. Weighing almost 5 pounds and 17-18 inches long they are growing big and strong! This meal is a delicious dinner you can enjoy while getting in great nutrition for you and baby. Chorizo & Butternut Squash Vegetable Sheet Pan Recipe

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili

Autumn Spiced Butternut Squash Bread

35 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Honeydew! To prepare itself for birth, baby is now making its way upside-down! Their digestive system is almost fully developed this week and now capable of digesting nutrients from your milk once they arrive. Celebrating this week we are making a Perfect Light & Fresh Italian Summer Charcuterie Board. I did include traditional meats on the board that I wasn't able to eat, but my husband had no problem finishing it off for me.

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Melon Burrata Salad

Minted Honeydew Salad

Fruit Skewers

36 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Papaya! Their wrinkly skin is starting to fill in and get more plump. Average baby size is now 18.66 inches and 5.78 pounds. They are growing big and getting ready to make their big entrance. This week we are making the Tropical Creamsicle Smoothie and if you are eating dates to help soften your cervix this is a double win! I ate these daily the last month of pregnancy.

Other Recipe You Can Make:

Papaya Boat

Papaya Cheesecake

Papaya Salsa

37 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of Romain Lettuce! By now you are starting to run out of room for baby in your uterus and they are almost about to make their big arrival! Because of this they are mostly stretching and wiggling instead of giving out big kicks. A nutritious recipe this week is the Italian Chopped Salad Jar Recipe and can be made into mini jars to enjoy throughout the week as a meal prep.

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Delicious Buttery Italian Croissant Sandwich

Caesar Salad

Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps

38 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Pineapple! Baby is growing week by week and preparing for their own arrival as you are too! Their brain is forming connections this week that will help them swallow and even sleep better once they are born. A Virgin Pina Colada Coconut & Pineapple Ice Pops are the recipe this week and the perfect treat if you are trying to eat pineapple to help soften your cervix.

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Pineapple Glazed Chicken Thighs

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Pineapple Pancakes

39 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of Spaghetti Squash! This stage is characterized by the final preparations for birth, with fully developed organs and a rapidly growing brain. Your baby’s lung development is typically complete, enabling their first breaths outside the womb. Your baby's 39 week baby weight is 7.25 pounds and they are almost 20 inches long. This week we are celebrating with Easy & Delicious Italian Sausage Spaghetti Squash Dinner

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash Lo Mein

40 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is the size of a Watermelon! Reaching 40 weeks of pregnancy is a monumental milestone, marking your baby's imminent arrival. At this point, your baby, now about the size of a watermelon, is fully developed and ready to be born. Celebrate the soon to be bundle of joy this week with Sip into Summer: The Ultimate Sparkling Watermelon Punch

Other Recipes You Can Make:

Melon Burrata Salad Recipe

Grilled Watermelon

Watermelon Sorbet

Each week brings about a new recipe that not only symbolically represents your baby's growth but also incorporates nutrient-dense ingredients. These recipes are designed to be a fun way to support a healthy pregnancy, providing essential vitamins and minerals that nourish both you and your developing baby. Weeks 1-12: Think of small yet nutrient-rich foods such as poppy seed muffins or blueberry smoothies. Weeks 13-26: As your baby grows to the size of a lemon, peach, or mango, enjoy dishes like peach cobbler or mango salsa. Weeks 27-40: Celebrate larger milestones with meals that feature butternut squash, pineapple, or even a small watermelon. This 40-week journey transforms the ordinary act of eating into a celebration of life and growth.

Embracing the growth of your baby through weekly recipes not only makes the journey to motherhood fun and engaging but also ensures that you’re providing essential nutrients for both you and your baby. Each dish, inspired by the size of your little one, serves as a delicious reminder of the incredible transformation happening within you. Parents-to-be celebrate these moments, prepare nourishing meals, and share your experiences with a community of expectant mothers. Thus, with every bite, you are not just feeding your body but also cherishing the remarkable journey of bringing new life into the world.

Other Pregnancy Blog Posts:

Sail into Style: Nautical Maternity Looks for this Summer

My Must-Have Essentials for the First Two Months Postpartum as a First-Time Mom

Dresses Worn In Photos

My Must-Have Essentials for the First Two Months Postpartum as a First-Time Mom

Entering motherhood is a joyous and overwhelming experience, marked by a whirlwind of new responsibilities and emotions. As a first-time mom, navigating the initial postpartum period can be challenging, requiring a mix of preparation, patience, and support. To make this transition as easy as possible, having the right postpartum essentials is vital. I wanted to put together this blog post to share the things I personally found most essential for the fourth trimester for both me and for baby. With so many products on the market to choose from, there really is something for everyone. These are my favorites that I will be using again with my next pregnancy and found essential to this postpartum period.

Silverette Nursing Cups and Nursing Pads

Investing in supportive and comfortable products and pads is a game-changer for new moms learning to breast feed and preparing your body for it. With so many products on the market the big deciding factor for me was to use all things with natural products. Being I would be breastfeeding, I didn't want any ingredients or chemicals that could possibly affect the baby. These essentials are not only about physical comfort but also about proper breastfeeding management. Comfortable silverette nursing cups provide the necessary support to ease some of the discomforts associated with breastfeeding. Dealing with milk leaks and sore nipples is a common challenge for new breastfeeding moms and this is where I found a mix of disposable and reusable pads both came in clutch for me.

Silverette nursing pads are a mama’s secret weapon for pain-free breastfeeding and pumping. The original 925 silver nursing pads are designed and handmade in Italy, Silverette® are FDA-registered, and designed with your comfort in mind. They are easy to use and made of high-quality, natural materials, so you can feel confident that Silverette pads are the safest choice for you and your baby. I used these immediately and still do today. They help calm my nipples after feeding and protect them from sticking to clothes and nursing pads.

Nursing pads, on the other hand, are also crucial for managing milk leaks. Without them, you might find yourself dealing with embarrassing milk stains at inconvenient times. I have been very blessed in having an abundance of milk, and the ability to work from home, but that had led to a lot of leaks around the house. Disposable nursing pads are there for convenience while reusable nursing pads are great for an eco-friendly option. They both help absorb leaks and keep your clothes dry, while silverette's provide relief from soreness. Nursing pads come in various materials, catering to different preferences and sensitivities, while silverette's help soothe and heal cracked or irritated nipples. Reusable nursing pads are great for an eco-friendly option and can be used again and again. I use these often and love that I can wash them and use again, and that they are soft and hold lots of milk. The downside of these are they can tend to smell a little if you use them for a full day from the milk absorbing in them and they move around if you are wearing them in a nursing friendly top or dress or if your bra isn't fitted tightly enough. I like these but if I am wanting something that stays in place for when going out in public, I opt for the disposable nursing pads for convenience, placement and lack of smell. They absorb the liquid milk into them and form a gel like consistency inside the pads. Both are great options, and I would recommend keeping both on hand if you plan to nurse. Combining nursing pads and silverette's keeps you prepared and comfortable, ultimately making the breastfeeding experience more enjoyable.

Essential nursing supplies can make a significant difference in your breastfeeding journey. Nursing pads manage leaks, while a good-quality nursing pillow provides support during feeding. I will link the two products I have below. I found a nursing pillow as a good product to have, especially to better bear the weight of the baby, however, with having a c-section I didn't find it comfortable in my incision area withing the first month. Stocking up on nipple cream helps alleviate soreness and prevent cracked nipples, ensuring a more comfortable experience. I personally only used a lanolin nipple cream the first few days while in the hospital that they gave me, however, I felt more comfortable with just using the silverette's being baby boy was nursing and I didn't want him taking in anything. The nurses in the hospital did assure me that the cream was safe, but it's my opinion that sometimes one person's view on what is safe isn't always another person's.

Disposable Underwear & Pads

Postpartum bleeding can be heavier than a normal period, making high-absorbency pads essential and underwear you are comfortable in a necessity. You'll need underwear that is specifically designed to manage the unique postpartum flow when adding a pad, providing both comfort with a high waste line with a snuggly fit to help you feel secure while also giving a wide area to add large pads that are very much needed to new moms. By having a stock of high-absorbency pads, you can confidently manage postpartum bleeding, keeping you focused on recovery and your newborn. This disposable underwear allows for you to stay focused on recovery and on your newborn, and to not have to keep up with the constant laundry you would have. I went through 2 boxes of these and my maternity underwear in between to help give me the added support on my tummy for the first 6 weeks. I still am using my maternity underwear as they feel more comfortable around my c-section and when I wear my waist trainer.

Heavy absorbency pads are necessary for managing the heavy postpartum bleeding that many new moms experience. These pads provide ample coverage and security, helping you feel more comfortable and less concerned about leaks. The variety in sizes aligns with changing flow levels, allowing you to choose the right pad for each stage of your postpartum recovery. Heavy absorbency pads ensure you are well-equipped to handle postpartum bleeding with confidence and ease. Comfort and protection in pads are crucial for new moms, as postpartum bleeding is often heavier and different from a regular period. These pads offer a combination of softness and high absorbency, ensuring they provide comfort while preventing leaks. Having a variety of pad sizes on hand helps accommodate the changing flow levels typical during postpartum recovery. From heavy flow in the initial days to lighter flow as weeks go by, having the right size pad ensures you stay comfortable and protected. Postpartum bleeding was much longer than I ever thought, as I was almost 6 weeks to the day which is normal and expected. Having these pads and disposable underwear helped me feel secure, clean and are definitely on my necessity list as a first-time mom. Whether you have a vaginal or c-section birth you will need these, and you will bleed. You are bleeding because your placenta was delivered as well as the baby and that is an open wound inside of you that is healing for quite some time.

Choosing hypoallergenic options can make a significant difference in your comfort level during the postpartum period. I always choose pads made from organic cotton and that are fragrance-free to avoid irritation, but I especially use them now when my body is going through so much change, and because I may be more sensitive.

Hydration and Nutrition

Keeping well-hydrated and nourished is essential during the postpartum period. Your body needs adequate water and nutrients to recover and produce breast milk. Having water, healthy snacks, and easy-to-prepare meals within reach can help maintain your energy levels and overall well-being. Nutritious snacks can come in handy during middle-of-the-night feedings, ensuring you have the energy to care for your newborn. Always keep a large water bottle nearby to remind you to drink fluids. I would try and drink a glass of water at each feeding and refill, so it was ready for the next time and in between. This kept me plenty hydrated and set a goal for me. Have healthy snacks like almond or oat bars, fresh fruit, or yogurt at hand. Nuts and seeds are great for a quick protein boost. Fresh fruits like bananas and apples are also quick grabs and are great fruits to have when breast feeding (research this, not all fruit and veggies are as beneficial). Whole grain crackers and cheese also give a satisfying snack. Add in salami or other delicious deli meats you had to do without for nine months to help give you additional protein. These are all great for easy snacking, and once again I linked my favorites below.

It is also important to prepare or purchase easy-to-heat meals for quick but nutritious eating. During my third trimester I prepared breakfast casseroles, soups, enchiladas, stews and pastas and froze them. These were all meals that were easy to make and freeze and I made sure to add in additional veggies where I could to help with healing and milk supply. I highly recommend having foods on hand ready to heat especially the first few weeks after having baby. You will be tired and adjusting to this whole new life the last thing you want to do it cook, but you'll still need to be eating nutritious meals to heal your body. I also recommend hot meals like soup and stews. I felt these meals healed me from the inside and soothed my body even though it was a hot summer in Texas. Proper hydration and nutrition set the foundation for a smoother and more energized postpartum recovery for me, and I know it will for you as well.

Comfortable Clothing

Comfort is paramount when it comes to postpartum clothing. Loose-fitting, soft fabrics like cotton or bamboo are highly recommended for maximum comfort. Easy-access clothing options, such as button-down shirts or nursing tops, make breastfeeding simpler and more convenient when out in public. Additionally, stretchy leggings or maternity pants with supportive waistbands provide a comfy yet supportive fit for your changing body. Having a cozy robe or lounge outfits can be a great addition for easy, comfortable wear at home. Opting for comfortable clothing can greatly enhance your postpartum experience, making it easier to focus on yourself and your newborn.

My personal favorites for recovery are comfortable nursing sleep dresses. These are a lifesaver during the postpartum recovery period, especially the first few weeks when I was healing from a c-section and preeclampsia. These dresses are designed with easy-access openings and clips for hassle-free breastfeeding, making feeding sessions convenient and stress-free. They also have a flowy bottom, so I didn't have to worry about anything around my incision being too tight. The dresses I have been wearing on repeat still today are all linked below. I also added in some pajamas I personally added into my rotation after the first month when I was more healed. These pj's were nice because they were still able to hold my Hakka into place when feeding.

Support System

Having extra help and support during the first two months postpartum is invaluable. An extra pair of hands, whether from a partner, family member, or professional caregiver, can provide much-needed assistance with various tasks. Additional support can help with household chores, baby care, and providing the mother time to rest and recuperate. Planning and organizing help in advance will ensure a smoother and more manageable postpartum experience. I was blessed enough to have my husband home for 4 weeks and my mom stayed with us 8 weeks. My mom flew in and arrived 2 weeks before our baby boy was born to help prepare the house and 6 weeks after to continue helping clean, cook, do the laundry and take her turn holding her first grandchild. Having them both with me was so essential in my recovery especially ending up back in the hospital a second time a week after birth with complications from preeclampsia. If you don't have family or friend support, I highly suggest hiring a doula to help with that support. I know the Doula we hired for our predelivery classes offers this service. They sometimes help with the household chores to reduce stress, assistance in baby care to give mom breaks, and many other things. This may not provide the emotional support and companionship like a family member would, but it will still help with reduced stress allowing for focus and bonding with your new bundle of joy. By having extra help on hand, you can navigate the challenges of the postpartum period with more ease and peace of mind.

Breastfeeding Cups

While some essentials are critical, there are also nice-to-have items that can further enhance your postpartum experience. There were 2 types of "cuppies" as I call them that I used to assist in my breastfeeding and store up milk supply. The first I used was Medela Therashell's for the first 4 weeks of breastfeeding when your body is regulating your milk supply and you don't want to over produce (or if you do want to so you can stock up for going back to work maybe then disregard this). I loved these because they caught the milk on one breast while baby fed on the other. They also had little air holes on the top to provide air to your nipples for added healing. After 4 weeks I changed to this shell Hakka, and I also have the regular silicone one, but for me it slips off and baby has also kicked it off a time or two as well. For less milk spill the shell nicely slips into my bra or nursing top/dress and stayed in place while also suctioning to retrieve more for me to freeze for a backup supply.

Items I Found Useful for Baby

Coterie Diapers & Wipes

Finding diapers that both your baby likes and have all the chemicals or lack of chemicals you're looking for is important. I knew I wanted the cleanest, most natural ingredients before baby ever arrived and so I started looking for the best diapers and wipes I could find that also didn't cause any discomfort for baby. Coterie's products when looking at reviews were once referred to as the Roll's Royce of diapers, and for great reason! They have the cleanest ingredients while also absorbing more for longer between diaper changes. This means that those critical longer night sleeps for you and baby are made more possible! All of their materials that come in contact with your baby's skin are dermatologist tested, proven hypoallergenic, and free of 200+ irritants. The Apex technology they use is softer, while the elastic leg cuffs help protect against blowouts and chaffing. The diaper is free of fragrance, lotion, latex, rubber, dyes, alcohol, heavy metals, parabens, phthalates, chlorine bleaching, VOCs, optical brighteners, and 200+ other potentially harmful chemicals. It’s hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, and third-party tested by independent labs making them a one of our must-haves. For more on coterie diapers and a discount on your first purchase use code WARREN20.

4Mom's Bassinet

There really are many options for bassinets and as a first-time parent picking one is very overwhelming. You don't know your little one yet, and aren't sure what they will take to best in their brand new environment. We knew we needed a small bassinet near our bedside as baby's room is upstairs and we wanted him right near us once he arrived. I found 4mom's bassinet highly recommended online and noticed that it has a lot of features others didn't. Some of those feature that are included are 5 speeds, and 4 white noise options. This will help you find the ultimate soothing combination to help comfort and support your baby through every nap and night. They also have an app so you can set them for a period of time, and it will turn off on its own. This comes in handy at night especially when baby has just barely drifted off to sleep, but you don't want the movement to immediately stop to wake them. I normally set ours for 30 minutes, because they say it takes them 20 minutes to fall into a deep sleep so the extra 10 ensures they are asleep and gives an opening in case they woke back up. This allows us to go to sleep right away and not stay up to turn off the movement. You can of course keep the movement on all night, but I don't want our little one to get totally used to the fact that he will always be rocked to sleep 24 hours a day.

Kyte Sleep Sacks

Another essential for us during sleep time was a sleep sack. Swaddling wasn't a favorite for our little one. After the first few days home we realized he was spending the first 30 minutes of being in his bassinet trying to get his hands free to help sooth himself to sleep. Once we took the swaddle part off of the sleep sack/swaddle from Kyte Baby he slept right away and for much longer. If you aren't sure what your baby will like I recommend the sleep bag swaddlers, because they give you the option to remove the swaddle part right away or as baby uses their hands to sooth themselves. Once you know baby likes a sleep sack better or is ready to transition, they have this option as well. The best part about Kyte sleep sacks and sleep bag swaddlers is they come in 3 TOG (or Thermal Overall Grade), which is a rating system that measures warmth and calculates how quickly a fabric uses heat. It is the standard when choosing the appropriate sleeping bag for your baby, depending on the ambient temperature in your nursery. They recommend a heavier TOG during cooler months and a lighter one during warmer months. you can find more on their website as well as appropriate sizing for your little one.

Incorporating these nice-to-have items can elevate your postpartum comfort and overall experience and were all essential for me. I hope these wonderful products have also helped you in your journey, or in your future journeys. Becoming a mom is the most rewarding and beautiful experience but can also be overwhelming. Learning as you go and finding support from other mom friends that provide suggestions on what has worked for them is so important. So, from one new mom friend to another, I truly hope this blog helps and congratulations on your new little one. Remember, you're a great mama!!

Charleston Photoshoot

It’s been just about a year since we went to Charleston, South Carolina and I’m still obsessing over the photos we had done! Which reminds me… I never shared them for inspiration! Maybe one day I’ll get better and get my blog posts up right away once we get them! Until then.. here are the photos we took with links to what we are wearing, or similar looks if they are sold out that I loved as well.

This Charleston couples photoshoot was a super last minute booking, in fact the whole trip was! So, I was so excited that Rebecca was able to get us in the day we landed (before we ate our way around every restaurant in Charleston. LOL!) The best part of having photos done while on vacation is the photographer will bring you to parts of the city you may not have otherwise seen. In my opinion, you have one of the best souvenirs that you will have for a lifetime, to look back on, and in this case it worked for our Christmas cards too!

How did I find Rebecca to shoot our photos? Hashtags! Just lookup wherever you are going and photographers. So in this case I looked up #CharlestonPhotographer and there she was! Look through all the hashtags and see who has your style and fit is and basically just slide in their DM’s to contact them! In this case Rebecca was perfect. Her photos were light, airy, and really highlighted all of the downtown Charleston charm and beautiful homes. She was exactly what I was looking for to create these lifestyle images in this photo session.

Now that I had found our photographer I had to pick outfits. We had booked this trip just 2 weeks before we went, so I didn’t have all the time in the world. I first found an adorable blue floral dress on ShopLovestitch.com that I knew would standout against all the gorgeous colors of Charleston and found Scotty a blue linen shirt that matched perfectly. Of course for another look I needed something pink because its just on brand for me haha.. I had a hard time finding anything that would come on time if ordered online, so I looked in my closet. I found a pink long dress that I had gotten from Revolve and hadn’t actually worn yet. It was perfect! Next, I needed to find something for Scotty. I wanted him to have a little more formal for this but also layers. So I grabbed a pink button down with a print at our local Banana Republic and a blue jacket in his closet. The 2 outfits we wore complimented each other so well. The whole shoot went so nice and it was once again great to use for our yearly Christmas card, but also for any photo collages we may want to frame in our home.

Last tip I have for you… On this shoot Scotty wore the same pants and shoes in both outfits. His two looks were completely different and you wouldn’t really focus on that but it made it so much easier for changing outfits! Let’s be real, husbands and kids don’t love taking these photos, they just do it for us. So its important to make things easier for them when you can being they don't enjoy it. So something like using the same bottom half of outfits really helps! Also mentioning its a gift or in this case my "souvenir" from our trip!

Here are more from our Charleston Photoshoot:

Shop Pink Dress Inspo

Shop Blue Dress Inspo

To book your own appointment with our Charleston Photographer Rebecca click -here-. She is also an amazing wedding and engagement photographer if you are looking!!

Capture the Romance of Paris with Paris Couples Photos

If you’re looking for the perfect way to commemorate your time in the beautiful city of Paris with your loved one, consider having a couple's photoshoot. A couple's photoshoot in Paris is an ideal way to capture the beauty, romance, and adventure of your time in the City of Lights. From the iconic landmarks Eiffel Tower to the stunning architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris provides stunning background locations for any couple’s romantic photoshoot. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best spots to have a couple's photoshoot in Paris, as well as tips for making the most of the experience. Whether you are taking these for a big event like an anniversary, engagement, honeymoon, maternity, proposal or to just remember your once in a lifetime trip to Paris here are some great examples of how you can get creative with Pinterest worthy photoshoots! So, grab your cameras and get ready for a romantic day of capturing memories in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

One of the first things I did when we knew we were going to Europe was book a photographer! I already had one planned out that I had found online at Whatlolalike’s website! She had posted a blog post with photos from her trip and I loved them! So, naturally, I saved her post incase we were ever in the area. I actually have an entire folder of photographer’s I come across on Instagram that I save for inspiration. Whenever I see photos I like I’ll research the photographer’s page and see if they have the type of aesthetic I enjoy. Light and airy.. bonus points if I see pink on their feed!! This prep work makes is easy if we ever travel somewhere and we wanted photos I already have someone good in mind and I’m not searching last minute. Another way to find photographer’s when traveling is searching # (hashtags). That’s what they are for, to easily find places. So lets say I didn’t have this photographer already in mind.. I would search #parisphotographer and see what pops up, and go from there.

This shoot is probably one of my all time favorites we have ever done! It showed our trip and gave us a way to explore the city in a whole new light! We actually had a horrible time getting to Paris because of flight issues and were only left with less then 24 hours in the city. The only sighting of the Eiffel Tower was when we took these photos in the morning other than a quick taxi drive by the night before from the airport to our hotel. Sadly that was it! The city is so beautiful! So I am so glad we got to do these and capture this moment before we headed to Italy. I cannot wait to go back and explore Paris with more time to soak in all the beauty!

For this shoot I wanted a really romantic look! Soft and elegant! Once I found my looks I found Scotty’s suit from Banana Republic for our first look and came across the Coat on the second on Zara. Sometimes I’ll just share with him the colors I want and he will shop himself online for his favorite brands to find things that we can get to match. This time he hadn’t found anything so I helped. Most of his suits are all from Banana Republic already so that was an easy one! I used to actually work for them when we first got together so he had lots of clothes from Banana and always loved the fit. The coat was just a lucky google and the perfect one came up! (I really wanted a velvet one but he quickly shot that down hahah!)

Photos below by:

Our outfits are old from: Revolve Clothing & Zara (I will link similar looks below)

Other Photoshoot Ideas:

Charleston Couples Photoshoot

Morro Bay, CA Couples Photoshoot

Morro Bay Couples Photos

Every year it’s our tradition to do our annual Christmas Card photos. I love to obsess over them! Outfits, Location, Props.. you name it and I have it all thought out and prepped for the hour long shoot. I have loved doing this ever year since we got married… and that might be why I prepare so well for campaign shoots as well. They’re so fun for me, however I know that is not the case for everyone. So I’m going to share different ideas and shoots we have done in the past and ones we do from here on out. This will help with inspiration, but also for me to have a place to look back at each one we have done!

This first shoot I want to share is from our 2020 pictures with Ellie Koleen. Ellie is such a sweet person and a talented amazing photographer. If you are looking for someone in the California area and beyond (because I know she loves to travel) I highly suggest her!

These were taken in Morro Bay. This year we had purchased a new beach house in Morro Bay and it felt like the perfect time to do a shoot in our new town! I wanted it to be classic, simple and timeless. Which meant to be clean, no colors, no prints just creams, just whites and neutrals only..with maybe a few spots ;)! I also added in a bottle of Champagne mostly so I had some content photos for NYE. The champagne also made a cute element to finish a shoot right out of the ice cold ocean water! This was considered my only “prop” in these photos and I loved the suppleness of it and the one color that pops in those photos!

I hope this gives you a fun idea for your next shoot and let me know below if you want to see more of these! You can also shop our looks and similar styles below:)

Xo, Amanda