Q2: Feelings + Favorites from The Second Trimester

Written By Alyssa Brieloff

As I am writing this, I can't believe I just entered my 3rd trimester.

During the early stages of my pregnancy, I was eager to get past the first trimester, with its uncertainties and doctor appointments, so I could feel reassured about my baby's safety and health. As each week passed, I felt more relief. However, as I moved into the second trimester, I realized how fast everything was progressing. I am now determined to cherish every moment and savor my pregnancy before my baby girl is born.

I am lucky to say I have had a very easy pregnancy thus far. From the moment I found out, I haven't suffered from morning sickness or had any weird food aversions, my appetite has been strong, and I have even been able to tolerate cheese daily after being dairy-free for 5+ years. My friends joke that they love me pregnant because I haven’t complained about stomach pains and I truly feel so good. But despite all of that and some random emergency doctor visits, which turned out to be nothing, I am noticing the overwhelm creep up. I spent most of my 2nd trimester researching various ingredients, looking for a doula, scheduling a baby moon and maternity shoot, organizing the nursery and registry, and trying to prepare myself for what to expect. Even with all of my research, I have had this overwhelming feeling that I am not doing enough. This is a reoccurring limiting belief I am always working on in my spiritual healing journey as a recovering perfectionist. I feel like I haven’t read enough baby books, I randomly will wake up in the middle of the night fearful of the sleep I am about to lose when the baby comes, and I constantly am questioning how long I can take off from work as a Soulpreneur and what my work will look like when I get back.

It has been a lot of unknowns and emotions that I am working on, especially as we are in the middle of Cancer season when emotions are high. I know that this is all teaching me a lesson and that I will grow from this, I know that no matter how much I prepare, I will learn as I go, and that’s okay.

When experiencing significant changes, it's important to unlearn and relearn, accept the unknown and messy parts, and give ourselves patience as we navigate new territory. Although I hadn't intended on being so emotional, I needed to get my thoughts out. As I approach the 7th month of pregnancy and prepare to become a new mom in just 12 weeks, I've gathered some tips and resources that may be helpful for others feeling overwhelmed on this journey. *I also want to acknowledge that I understand everyone’s TTC and fertility journey is different, this is just my experience that I wanted to share.

HOLISTIC PRODUCTS

I am all about natural and clean beauty and skincare, but I have to say pregnancy has made my routine more challenging. A lot of the items I was using aren’t pregnancy safe and I’ve had to do a lot of research.

BEAUTY

SKINCARE

WELLNESS

  • Prenatals - I switched from Ritual to Perelel and love them. Even though it’s more supplements, I have personally heard the backing and benefits of this from the Founder and why it’s needed.

  • Clean Market Prenatal Lymphatic Drainage - truly has helped my soreness and round ligament pain. Can’t recommend this enough. Use code ALYSSABRIELOFF for 20% off.

  • Acupuncture - another tool I have been using for pregnancy pains and symptoms like reflux and constipation. Use code ALYSSABRIELOFF for 15% off your WTHN acupuncture session.

  • The Lotus Method - a great space in NYC for private 1:1 sessions to support your pelvic floor and pregnancy-safe workouts. They have an amazing virtual 8-week program with private and group classes for prenatal and postnatal. Originally $199, now $99.

RESOURCES

APPS/SITES

  • 15-minute beauty - great site for checking your current beauty/skincare products curated by a Dr.

  • What to expect - tells you week by week what to expect

  • Ovia - daily updates on your baby and tips

BOOKS

  • Spirit Babies - before even trying to conceive, I read this book and it opened my eyes to the concept of spirit babies and our connection to our children. This book goes into amazing stories of women connecting with their baby’s spirit before they come to earth side, as well as meditations and tips for connecting with your spirit baby/consciously conceiving. Ever since I read this book, I felt extremely connected to my spirit baby’s energy. Sadly the author has passed, but his teaching lives on.

  • A Cosmic Bond - another book with a very similar concept to Spirit Babies. I was kismet connected to the author, Emily Greene, AKA @emilythemedium a few months ago. I was able to not only receive her amazing book, but I was able to actually get a special reading with her (which happened to be 1:11 long) at 31 weeks pregnant.

PLATFORMS

CLOTHES

  • Hatch - some pieces are definitely worth the hype. I love their maternity jeans, dresses, and bodysuits. Use code ALYSSA15 for 15% off.

  • FP Movement X Hatch - great body suits and onesies that can carry you through pregnancy and postpartum

  • Bumpsuit - can’t get over how soft their pieces are, it’s like butter

  • Nuuly - I have always been a FashionPass ride-or-die, but I have to say that Nuuly has great maternity brands to rent if you don’t want to invest in pieces

  • Waverles - is one of my favorite sustainable brands, which is not maternity but they are stretchy and fit the bump + beyond. I love their pleat sets, and their new jumpsuits, and I live in their bamboo pants. Use code ALYSSA15 for 15% off.

  • XCVI - is another non-maternity brand but has great stretchy options.

*Always consult with your doctor to make sure these products are a good fit for you.

Alyssa Brieloff
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