Links & Discounts
If you have any specific questions about the products, services, or links I recommend I am happy to chat about my experience with them. Please feel free to email me at vanessa@pregnancy podcast.com or contact me by clicking here. Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. It doesn’t cost you anything extra to go through these links and your purchase helps support the Pregnancy Podcast.
Discounts and Sponsors
40% OFF the Zahler Prenatal +DHA with the code PREPOD40
The Zahler Prenatal +DHA uses high-quality ingredients, like the active form of folate. Zahler also includes nutrients that most other prenatal vitamins don’t, like choline, omega 3s, and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and my #1 recommendation.
Code PREPOD40 must be used with Apex Nutrition as the seller on Amazon. Offer valid through 10/31/2024.
Get 20% off your first month of KiwiCo with code PREGNANCYPODCAST
Unlock brain-building play with KiwiCo Panda Crate! The KiwiCo Panda Crate is a bimonthly subscription for babies ages 0-24 months. KiwiCo baby products are safe and high quality and support your baby’s rapid development with products that support child-led play and encourage open-ended exploration. Get 20% off your first month with code PREGNANCYPODCAST.
Cash back every time you shop – Get $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code PREGNANCYPODCAST
Ibotta is a free app that gives you the most cash back every time you shop on hundreds of items from groceries to beauty supplies to toys. Join the over 50 million users and earn cash back every time you shop from over 2,700 brands and retailers, including all your favorite grocery stores, Lowes, Macy’s, Sephora, Best Buy and more! Right now, Ibotta is offering Pregnancy Podcast listeners $5 just for trying Ibotta by using the code PREGNANCYPODCAST when you register. Just go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app to start earning cash back and use code PREGNANCYPODCAST.
The FamilyAlbum app: Keep family in the loop + get 8 free photo prints delivered each month CLICK HERE.
The FamilyAlbum is a free app that gives parents a private and easy way to share photos and videos of their little ones with family. With FamilyAlbum, you’ll get an easy interface to use with the whole family, unlimited photo storage, automatic organization by month with child’s age, no third-party ads, and 8 photo prints every month-all for free! Click here to download the app and get 1 free month of premium subscription with additional features.
Revolutionize Your Dental Care with a Free AI Dental Scan
Dental.com’s AI Smart Scan is absolutely free, super easy to use, and provides essential information about oral health during pregnancy. Did you know your oral health also plays a vital role in your baby’s well-being? Maintaining good oral health can prevent you from passing the harmful bacteria that cause cavities to your newborn. That’s right, it could mean the difference between your child having a lifetime of battling decay vs. no decay at all. Your baby deserves the best, and so do you. Visit dental.com and try the Smart Scan today. It’s a little effort with a whole lot of reward.
20% off Mommy Steps and Form Insoles with the promo code FEET.
You may have heard that pregnancy can cause your feet to grow. Studies that measure arch height and foot length and width show this is true. In one study, 61% of participants had a measurable increase in foot length, and 22% reported going up a shoe size. Mommy Steps have biomechanically designed support for your feet, preventing your arches from collapsing and your feet from going up a shoe size. Instead of asking whether your feet will grow, be proactive about protecting the structure and size of your feet by wearing Mommy Steps insoles.
VTech V-Hush Pro Baby Sleep Soother
The VTech V-Hush Pro Baby Sleep Soother has every feature you could possibly want to transform any room into a sleep sanctuary. Create ideal sleep patterns and environments for your baby, so your whole family gets better and longer sleep. The V-Hush Pro has built-in sleep programs and sleep tips from WeeSleep experts, over 200 pre-programmed stories, classical music, lullabies, and natural sounds. You can even record and upload your own voice, songs, or stories using the subscription-free app. The VTech V-Hush Pro Baby Sleep Soother is available at Walmart and Amazon.
VTech V-Care Over the Crib Smart Nursery Baby Monitor
VTech is North America’s leading #1 baby monitor brand and the most trusted choice for baby monitors. The VTech V-Care Over the Crib Smart Nursery Baby Monitor is everything you could want in a monitor to keep an eye on your baby and ensure they are safely sleeping. The V-Care has built-in intelligence to alert you if your baby’s face is covered or has rolled over on their stomach, full high-definition video, infrared night vision technology, and even analysis of sleep patterns and quality. The V-Care Over the Crib Smart Nursery Baby Monitor is exclusively available on Amazon.
10% off 8 Sheep Organics with the code PREGNANCYPODCAST
The Glow Body Oil by 8 Sheep Organics is specially made to support and strengthen your skin as it stretches throughout pregnancy. It Leaves your skin feeling soft and silky smooth and provides long-lasting relief from dry, itchy skin. The amazing products from 8 Sheep are made with safe ingredients for you and your baby during pregnancy. Every product from 8 Sheep Organics comes with a 100-day Happiness Guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE AG1 travel packs with your first purchase.
AG1 is a Foundational Nutrition supplement that supports your body’s universal needs like gut optimization, stress management, and immune support. Since 2010, AG1 has led the future of Foundational Nutrition — continuously refining their formula to create a smarter, better way to elevate your baseline health.
(As a friendly reminder, pregnant or nursing women should seek professional medical advice before taking this or any other dietary supplement.)
40% OFF Your First Hungryroot Delivery and FREE Veggies for Life
Pregnancy is the perfect time to clean up your diet. Eating healthy whole foods can take a lot of planning, shopping, and preparation, and Hungryroot makes this so easy. Everything that Hungryroot offers follows a simple standard: it has to taste good, be quick to make, and contain whole, trusted ingredients. Hungryroot is the easiest way to get fresh, high-quality food delivered to your door. They’ve got healthy groceries and simple recipes, all in one place.
$15 Off Your Purchase of a Skylight Frame
Skylight allows you to instantly get all of the amazing baby pictures off your phone and display them in a beautiful frame in your home. A Skylight Frame is the best thing to give yourself or a family member to bring constant joy. Skylight has over a million happy customers and thousands of 5-star reviews. They are confident you will love this frame and offer free 120-day returns. As a special, limited-time offer for our listeners, get $15 off your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go to SkylightFrame.com/PREGNANCYPOD.
$10 Off Your First Month’s Subscription to Nutrafol and Free Shipping With the Promo Code PREGNANCYPOD.
Nutrafol is the #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement, clinically shown to improve visible thickness and strength. Nutrafol Postpartum is OBGYN-formulated for postpartum women in the first year after giving birth or breastfeeding. It improves hair growth for visibly thicker, fuller hair and less overall shedding. It is breastfeeding-friendly, reduces feelings of stress, and improves sleep. 91% of women saw less hair shedding after two months. 98% of women saw improvement in their hairline after four months. 100% had visibly thicker hair after six months.
20% Off Dreamland Baby + Free Shipping with the Code PREGNANCYPODCAST
Dreamland Baby makes the most amazing weighted sleep sacks and swaddles to help your baby sleep better. Dreamland Baby’s gently weighted sleep products give babies the sensation of being hugged. When your baby wears the sleep sack, they can calm down, fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer. The sleep sacks are designed for newborns through toddlerhood so your baby can get better sleep no matter what stage they are in.
10% off your first month with Better Help when you Click Here
Pregnancy Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. You are going through a significant life transition during pregnancy and preparing for a baby. Many changes during and after pregnancy put you at risk for baby blues and postpartum depression. You can be proactive in taking care of your mental health now. BetterHelp is convenient and flexible and all online. To get started, complete a short questionnaire to get matched up with a licensed therapist. You can always switch therapists at any time for no additional charge. Let therapy be your map with BetterHelp.
Shop Top-Rated Breast Pumps Covered by Insurance at Aeroflow
Did you know that your health insurance will cover the cost of a breast pump? It’s true! In fact, many health insurance plans also cover milk storage bags, breastfeeding prep courses, and more. At Aeroflow Breastpumps, you can shop top-rated breast pumps from brands like Medela, Spectra, and Motif without ever opening your wallet. Fill out their quick and easy insurance eligibility form, and they’ll take care of the rest! It might just be the easiest thing you do this pregnancy.
Free Welcome Box when you create a baby registry on Amazon.
Amazon is my go-to resource for creating a baby registry. You can have gifts shipped directly to you, which is great for out of town family and friends. You also get a 15% completion discount, anything you buy on your registry after your due date is 15% off. Everything you could possibly need for your little one is on Amazon and the reviews make selecting the right products super easy.
15% OFF DockATot with the Code PREGNANCYPODCAST
DockAtot is a lifestyle brand made for the modern parent and creates functional solutions for feeding, playing, resting, sleeping, lounging, and beyond. DockATot is the best brand you can buy for the precious baby and mom you love most.
DockATot’s Kind Bassinet is Your 4th-trimester solution for keeping your baby safe while sleeping or resting. This is a lightweight, portable bassinet that is easy to move from room to room to keep your precious baby by your side.
La Maman Wedge is a smartly designed nursing pillow in disguise. It is designed to decrease neck and back strain that often goes along with nursing and bottle-feeding. It doesn’t look like a traditional nursing pillow, and you won’t sacrifice style for safety.
15% Off Dogs and Babies Course from Pawsome University
John and Jaime are experts in dog behavior and training. Through Pawsome University, they have worked with expecting and new parents to help them navigate a smooth transition with a dog and a new baby. The Pawsome University Dogs & Babies Course covers everything from before, during, and after your baby arrives. It includes video, over 30 lessons, in-depth troubleshooting, and downloadable resources. I worked with John and Jaime when my family was having issues with our new puppy and our kids, and they are invaluable resources for any family with a dog.
25% off your Pinkblush Maternity & free shipping over $75* with code PREGNANCYPOD
Pinkblush is an amazing resource for on-trend outfits designed to be worn both during pregnancy and after. Whether you need a dress for your baby shower, a great pair of maternity jeans, cozy loungewear, or cute shirts for your bump, Pinkblush Maternity has a fantastic selection at reasonable prices.
15% off Kindred Bravely with the promo code PREGPOD15
Kindred Bravely clothing features ultra-soft fabrics and comfortable styles to carry you through each trimester. Perfect maternity pajamas that you can wear out for the day, pregnancy bras that handle the breast size fluctuations you’ll likely experience, and maternity underwear that you’ll love long after your little bundle of joy arrives. Kindred Bravely is giving listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast an exclusive offer of 15% OFF with the promo code PREGPOD15.
35% off Cozy Earth with the code PREGNANCYPODCAST
Cozy Earth makes luxury bedding and loungewear. The products are made from super soft fabrics that are temperature regulating and moisture wicking to keep you cool all year. Cozy Earth sheets are so luxurious and comfortable that I can’t imagine ever using any other brand of sheets again. They offer a 10-year warranty on all products and a 100-night sleep test. That means you can try it for 100 nights, and if you don’t love it, you can send it back for a full refund. Cozy Earth has thousands of 5-star reviews, and Oprah has featured them on her favorites list four years in a row.
20% OFF Your First Coterie Order Plus FREE Shipping with the promo code PREGNANCYPOD
Coterie diapers use the cleanest ingredients, are as soft as cashmere, and are designed for better sleep. These diapers are made with apparel-grade materials for a cloth-like feel so your baby is more comfortable day and night. Excess moisture can cause diaper rash. Coterie is the highest performing diaper on the market with up to 2x more liquid capacity and up to 4x faster absorbency versus other brands, keeping your baby drier longer.
Bodily is My Go-To for Birth Recovery and Breastfeeding
Bodily is a platform for maternal health and beyond, providing research-backed information and design-led products to help women navigate their changing bodies with confidence. One of my favorite products is The Everything Bra made with a lactation expert to ensure that it is good for lactating breasts, reducing the risk of mastitis and clogged ducts. I also love their Care for Birth Box, a complete care package for new parents, from birth recovery to breastfeeding.
15% off BON CHARGE (formerly BLUblox) blue light blocking glasses with the promo code PREGNANCY
Your exposure to blue light can have a significant impact on your fertility, pregnancy, and overall health. BON CHARGE (formerly BLUblox) glasses block out 100% of the blue and green light between 400-550 nm which is the range you need to block after sunset for better sleep. You know sleep is essential during your pregnancy. You may not know that your sleep and circadian rhythms drive your hormones. Blue light exposure can affect hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin. These are critical hormones for fertility and pregnancy. Blue light even affects testosterone in men, which can affect sperm quality and quantity.
Essential CPR & First Aid for Parents
The Thrive Training Institute has an amazing online course to learn essential CPR, first aid, and choking prevention as a parent. More than 15,000 parents (including myself) have gone through this course. You can complete it in less than an hour, and it is straightforward, easy to follow, and self-paced. The Essential CPR and First Aid for Parents learning experience will give you the confidence to face medical emergencies and potentially save your child’s life.
$15 off your first Public Goods purchase with the promo code PREGNANCYPODCAST
Public Goods is the shop for affordable, sustainable, healthy household products. They have everything from home and personal care to premium pantry staples, all in one place. I love that Public Goods develops each of their products to be free of unhealthy ingredients and harmful additives, which I know is important when you are pregnant.
15% off Gruvi with the promo code PREGNANCYPODCAST
Grüvi makes delicious craft alcohol-free beers and wines. Their lineup includes a Prosecco, IPA, sour beer, stout, and a bubbly rosé. All of these are low-calorie beverages that you can enjoy when pregnant or breastfeeding without worrying about alcohol. Cheers!
15% off courses from Jen Lumanlan of Your Parenting Mojo with the code PREGNANCYPODCAST
Jen Lumanlan is my #1 resource for all things parenting. I have taken courses through her, and they have been a lifesaver as a parent.
The Taming Your Triggers course is a 10-week workshop for parents who have big reactions to their child’s (mis)behavior, and who want to change their interactions with their child. Instead of focusing on the child’s behavior, the workshop helps parents to understand the true sources of their triggered feelings (which often lie in the trauma they’ve experienced as children), begin to heal themselves, and learn more effective ways to interact with their children in difficult moments.
The Right from the Start course walks you through everything you need to navigate the first year of your baby’s life. It covers challenges with sleep, attachment, feeding, siblings, your own sense of self as a person – and so much more! You can click here to grab the free roadmap that walks you through the entire framework of this course. If you decide you need more support, take advantage of 15% off the Right from the Start course with the code PREGNANCYPODCAST.
My Favorite Books
Want a complete template you can customize for the birth you want? I created the Your Birth Plan book as a step by step guide that makes creating and writing your birth plan super easy!
Your Birth Plan includes: explanations of everything you can include with all of your options, a complete template you can customize to your preferences, and sample plans for a home birth to a planned cesarean, and everything in between.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding covers everything about breastfeeding! It is a fantastic guide and a great reference tool you will use over and over again. Definitely, a must-read to have a successful breastfeeding relationship with your baby.
Considering an unmedicated birth? Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth is full of encouragement and practical advice to help you be prepared for an unmedicated birth. Ina May Gaskin is an invaluable resource for minimizing medical interventions and having a natural childbirth.
Prefer to listen instead of reading? Try Audible Premium Plus and get up to two free audiobooks.
Helpful Websites & Podcasts
The LactMed database is the best resource if you have any questions about taking medications and breastfeeding.
La Leche League is an excellent resource for breastfeeding information. LLL has support groups worldwide that can be a lifesaver for breastfeeding.
Pawsome University is the perfect resource to troubleshoot some issues that can happen as you prepare your dog for a new baby and bring your baby home to make sure everything goes smoothly. John and Jaime Caponetta are experts in dog behavior and offer virtual professional dog training using only positive and fear-free training methods. They also have a podcast to help you better understand your dog.
The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep website is my go-to to check the safety of products you use for yourself or your baby. This site has easy-to-navigate hazard ratings for over 83,000 products from over 2,400 different brands.
Love listening to podcasts for info on pregnancy and birth? Emily Wills is a doula who blogs about pregnancy and birth podcasts to help you discover more great content. Check out her blog here.
Sisters in Loss is dedicated to replacing silence with storytelling around pregnancy and infant loss and infertility of black women. The stigma and shame that come with sharing loss stories prevent black women from achieving the healing they need to thrive in their new normal. Sisters in Loss holds space to present loss and infertility stories in a resourceful culturally acceptable way to assure black women they are not alone on this journey. Check out the Pregnancy Podcast episode with Erica McAfee about pregnancy loss.
Wolomi is a community of women of color creating an empowering journey for the modern-day aspiring mom and moms-to-be to navigate the health care system for better outcomes. Check out the episode with Layo George, the founder of Wolomi, where we discuss racial disparities in maternity care, building community, and advocating for yourself.
Busy Mom Pumping is a podcast for busy moms who want to continue pumping when they return to their busy lives after maternity leave has ended. This podcast gives you ideas and inspiration through interviews with moms who share the tips and tricks that got them through pumping.
10% off 8 Sheep Organics with the code PREGNANCYPODCAST
The Glow Body Oil by 8 Sheep Organics is specially made to support and strengthen your skin as it stretches throughout pregnancy. It Leaves your skin feeling soft and silky smooth and provides long-lasting relief from dry, itchy skin. The amazing products from 8 Sheep are made with safe ingredients for you and your baby during pregnancy. Every product from 8 Sheep Organics comes with a 100-day Happiness Guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE AG1 travel packs with your first purchase.
AG1 is a Foundational Nutrition supplement that supports your body’s universal needs like gut optimization, stress management, and immune support. Since 2010, AG1 has led the future of Foundational Nutrition — continuously refining their formula to create a smarter, better way to elevate your baseline health.
(As a friendly reminder, pregnant or nursing women should seek professional medical advice before taking this or any other dietary supplement.)
40% OFF Your First Hungryroot Delivery and FREE Veggies for Life
Pregnancy is the perfect time to clean up your diet. Eating healthy whole foods can take a lot of planning, shopping, and preparation, and Hungryroot makes this so easy. Everything that Hungryroot offers follows a simple standard: it has to taste good, be quick to make, and contain whole, trusted ingredients. Hungryroot is the easiest way to get fresh, high-quality food delivered to your door. They’ve got healthy groceries and simple recipes, all in one place.
$15 Off Your Purchase of a Skylight Frame
Skylight allows you to instantly get all of the amazing baby pictures off your phone and display them in a beautiful frame in your home. A Skylight Frame is the best thing to give yourself or a family member to bring constant joy. Skylight has over a million happy customers and thousands of 5-star reviews. They are confident you will love this frame and offer free 120-day returns. As a special, limited-time offer for our listeners, get $15 off your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go to SkylightFrame.com/PREGNANCYPOD.
$10 Off Your First Month’s Subscription to Nutrafol and Free Shipping With the Promo Code PREGNANCYPOD.
Nutrafol is the #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement, clinically shown to improve visible thickness and strength. Nutrafol Postpartum is OBGYN-formulated for postpartum women in the first year after giving birth or breastfeeding. It improves hair growth for visibly thicker, fuller hair and less overall shedding. It is breastfeeding-friendly, reduces feelings of stress, and improves sleep. 91% of women saw less hair shedding after two months. 98% of women saw improvement in their hairline after four months. 100% had visibly thicker hair after six months.
20% Off Dreamland Baby + Free Shipping with the Code PREGNANCYPODCAST
Dreamland Baby makes the most amazing weighted sleep sacks and swaddles to help your baby sleep better. Dreamland Baby’s gently weighted sleep products give babies the sensation of being hugged. When your baby wears the sleep sack, they can calm down, fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer. The sleep sacks are designed for newborns through toddlerhood so your baby can get better sleep no matter what stage they are in.
10% off your first month with Better Help when you Click Here
Pregnancy Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. You are going through a significant life transition during pregnancy and preparing for a baby. Many changes during and after pregnancy put you at risk for baby blues and postpartum depression. You can be proactive in taking care of your mental health now. BetterHelp is convenient and flexible and all online. To get started, complete a short questionnaire to get matched up with a licensed therapist. You can always switch therapists at any time for no additional charge. Let therapy be your map with BetterHelp.
Shop Top-Rated Breast Pumps Covered by Insurance at Aeroflow
Did you know that your health insurance will cover the cost of a breast pump? It’s true! In fact, many health insurance plans also cover milk storage bags, breastfeeding prep courses, and more. At Aeroflow Breastpumps, you can shop top-rated breast pumps from brands like Medela, Spectra, and Motif without ever opening your wallet. Fill out their quick and easy insurance eligibility form, and they’ll take care of the rest! It might just be the easiest thing you do this pregnancy.
Free Welcome Box when you create a baby registry on Amazon.
Amazon is my go-to resource for creating a baby registry. You can have gifts shipped directly to you, which is great for out of town family and friends. You also get a 15% completion discount, anything you buy on your registry after your due date is 15% off. Everything you could possibly need for your little one is on Amazon and the reviews make selecting the right products super easy.
15% OFF DockATot with the Code PREGNANCYPODCAST
DockAtot is a lifestyle brand made for the modern parent and creates functional solutions for feeding, playing, resting, sleeping, lounging, and beyond. DockATot is the best brand you can buy for the precious baby and mom you love most.
DockATot’s Kind Bassinet is Your 4th-trimester solution for keeping your baby safe while sleeping or resting. This is a lightweight, portable bassinet that is easy to move from room to room to keep your precious baby by your side.
La Maman Wedge is a smartly designed nursing pillow in disguise. It is designed to decrease neck and back strain that often goes along with nursing and bottle-feeding. It doesn’t look like a traditional nursing pillow, and you won’t sacrifice style for safety.
15% Off Dogs and Babies Course from Pawsome University
John and Jaime are experts in dog behavior and training. Through Pawsome University, they have worked with expecting and new parents to help them navigate a smooth transition with a dog and a new baby. The Pawsome University Dogs & Babies Course covers everything from before, during, and after your baby arrives. It includes video, over 30 lessons, in-depth troubleshooting, and downloadable resources. I worked with John and Jaime when my family was having issues with our new puppy and our kids, and they are invaluable resources for any family with a dog.
25% off your Pinkblush Maternity & free shipping over $75* with code PREGNANCYPOD
Pinkblush is an amazing resource for on-trend outfits designed to be worn both during pregnancy and after. Whether you need a dress for your baby shower, a great pair of maternity jeans, cozy loungewear, or cute shirts for your bump, Pinkblush Maternity has a fantastic selection at reasonable prices.
15% off Kindred Bravely with the promo code PREGPOD15
Kindred Bravely clothing features ultra-soft fabrics and comfortable styles to carry you through each trimester. Perfect maternity pajamas that you can wear out for the day, pregnancy bras that handle the breast size fluctuations you’ll likely experience, and maternity underwear that you’ll love long after your little bundle of joy arrives. Kindred Bravely is giving listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast an exclusive offer of 15% OFF with the promo code PREGPOD15.
35% off Cozy Earth with the code PREGNANCYPODCAST
Cozy Earth makes luxury bedding and loungewear. The products are made from super soft fabrics that are temperature regulating and moisture wicking to keep you cool all year. Cozy Earth sheets are so luxurious and comfortable that I can’t imagine ever using any other brand of sheets again. They offer a 10-year warranty on all products and a 100-night sleep test. That means you can try it for 100 nights, and if you don’t love it, you can send it back for a full refund. Cozy Earth has thousands of 5-star reviews, and Oprah has featured them on her favorites list four years in a row.
20% OFF Your First Coterie Order Plus FREE Shipping with the promo code PREGNANCYPOD
Coterie diapers use the cleanest ingredients, are as soft as cashmere, and are designed for better sleep. These diapers are made with apparel-grade materials for a cloth-like feel so your baby is more comfortable day and night. Excess moisture can cause diaper rash. Coterie is the highest performing diaper on the market with up to 2x more liquid capacity and up to 4x faster absorbency versus other brands, keeping your baby drier longer.
Bodily is My Go-To for Birth Recovery and Breastfeeding
Bodily is a platform for maternal health and beyond, providing research-backed information and design-led products to help women navigate their changing bodies with confidence. One of my favorite products is The Everything Bra made with a lactation expert to ensure that it is good for lactating breasts, reducing the risk of mastitis and clogged ducts. I also love their Care for Birth Box, a complete care package for new parents, from birth recovery to breastfeeding.
15% off BON CHARGE (formerly BLUblox) blue light blocking glasses with the promo code PREGNANCY
Your exposure to blue light can have a significant impact on your fertility, pregnancy, and overall health. BON CHARGE (formerly BLUblox) glasses block out 100% of the blue and green light between 400-550 nm which is the range you need to block after sunset for better sleep. You know sleep is essential during your pregnancy. You may not know that your sleep and circadian rhythms drive your hormones. Blue light exposure can affect hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin. These are critical hormones for fertility and pregnancy. Blue light even affects testosterone in men, which can affect sperm quality and quantity.
Essential CPR & First Aid for Parents
The Thrive Training Institute has an amazing online course to learn essential CPR, first aid, and choking prevention as a parent. More than 15,000 parents (including myself) have gone through this course. You can complete it in less than an hour, and it is straightforward, easy to follow, and self-paced. The Essential CPR and First Aid for Parents learning experience will give you the confidence to face medical emergencies and potentially save your child’s life.
$15 off your first Public Goods purchase with the promo code PREGNANCYPODCAST
Public Goods is the shop for affordable, sustainable, healthy household products. They have everything from home and personal care to premium pantry staples, all in one place. I love that Public Goods develops each of their products to be free of unhealthy ingredients and harmful additives, which I know is important when you are pregnant.
15% off Gruvi with the promo code PREGNANCYPODCAST
Grüvi makes delicious craft alcohol-free beers and wines. Their lineup includes a Prosecco, IPA, sour beer, stout, and a bubbly rosé. All of these are low-calorie beverages that you can enjoy when pregnant or breastfeeding without worrying about alcohol. Cheers!
15% off courses from Jen Lumanlan of Your Parenting Mojo with the code PREGNANCYPODCAST
Jen Lumanlan is my #1 resource for all things parenting. I have taken courses through her, and they have been a lifesaver as a parent.
The Taming Your Triggers course is a 10-week workshop for parents who have big reactions to their child’s (mis)behavior, and who want to change their interactions with their child. Instead of focusing on the child’s behavior, the workshop helps parents to understand the true sources of their triggered feelings (which often lie in the trauma they’ve experienced as children), begin to heal themselves, and learn more effective ways to interact with their children in difficult moments.
The Right from the Start course walks you through everything you need to navigate the first year of your baby’s life. It covers challenges with sleep, attachment, feeding, siblings, your own sense of self as a person – and so much more! You can click here to grab the free roadmap that walks you through the entire framework of this course. If you decide you need more support, take advantage of 15% off the Right from the Start course with the code PREGNANCYPODCAST.
My Favorite Books
Want a complete template you can customize for the birth you want? I created the Your Birth Plan book as a step by step guide that makes creating and writing your birth plan super easy!
Your Birth Plan includes: explanations of everything you can include with all of your options, a complete template you can customize to your preferences, and sample plans for a home birth to a planned cesarean, and everything in between.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding covers everything about breastfeeding! It is a fantastic guide and a great reference tool you will use over and over again. Definitely, a must-read to have a successful breastfeeding relationship with your baby.
Considering an unmedicated birth? Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth is full of encouragement and practical advice to help you be prepared for an unmedicated birth. Ina May Gaskin is an invaluable resource for minimizing medical interventions and having a natural childbirth.
Prefer to listen instead of reading? Try Audible Premium Plus and get up to two free audiobooks.
Helpful Websites & Podcasts
The LactMed database is the best resource if you have any questions about taking medications and breastfeeding.
La Leche League is an excellent resource for breastfeeding information. LLL has support groups worldwide that can be a lifesaver for breastfeeding.
Pawsome University is the perfect resource to troubleshoot some issues that can happen as you prepare your dog for a new baby and bring your baby home to make sure everything goes smoothly. John and Jaime Caponetta are experts in dog behavior and offer virtual professional dog training using only positive and fear-free training methods. They also have a podcast to help you better understand your dog.
The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep website is my go-to to check the safety of products you use for yourself or your baby. This site has easy-to-navigate hazard ratings for over 83,000 products from over 2,400 different brands.
Love listening to podcasts for info on pregnancy and birth? Emily Wills is a doula who blogs about pregnancy and birth podcasts to help you discover more great content. Check out her blog here.
Sisters in Loss is dedicated to replacing silence with storytelling around pregnancy and infant loss and infertility of black women. The stigma and shame that come with sharing loss stories prevent black women from achieving the healing they need to thrive in their new normal. Sisters in Loss holds space to present loss and infertility stories in a resourceful culturally acceptable way to assure black women they are not alone on this journey. Check out the Pregnancy Podcast episode with Erica McAfee about pregnancy loss.
Wolomi is a community of women of color creating an empowering journey for the modern-day aspiring mom and moms-to-be to navigate the health care system for better outcomes. Check out the episode with Layo George, the founder of Wolomi, where we discuss racial disparities in maternity care, building community, and advocating for yourself.
Busy Mom Pumping is a podcast for busy moms who want to continue pumping when they return to their busy lives after maternity leave has ended. This podcast gives you ideas and inspiration through interviews with moms who share the tips and tricks that got them through pumping.