There is always a word on the street — always people giving their opinion on what product is good and what you need for every season of your life.  I really appreciate recommendations and reviews because it helps me make a decision.  Well, the word on my street is that the following is my personal running list of must haves for pregnancy and post-birth.  I relied or am currently relying heavily upon all of them:

Pregnancy Must-Haves:

• red raspberry tea or Mama’s Red Raspberry Brew – I purchased my organic tea in bulk from Bulk Herb Store — it’s something both Greg and I enjoy drinking before bedtime — here are the benefits of red raspberry tea
• calcium pills
• DHA pills
• wheat germ
• evening primrose oil
• belly salve – I use Mama Bee Belly Butter
• rice sock – handmade in my Bradley Method Class
• yogurt – Greek yogurt especially is high in protein

Post-Birth Must-Haves:

for breastfeeding:

• Mama’s Milk Tea – if you plan on breastfeeding, this is a tea that helps in the production of milk — purchased in bulk from Bulk Herb Store
• oatmeal – oatmeal also helps in the production of milk
• cloth breast pads – as a nursing mom, I went through so many disposable pads, that I ended up investing in cloth pads or you can make your own
• Medela nursing stool – this is one of those items that worked out so well for me! it was sooo very helpful with nursing a baby!
• Boppy nursing pillow – this time around I made sure to have 2 — one for home, and one for the car
• breast pump
• Maternity nursing bra – unlined, cotton, soft, so easy

for a comfortable baby:

• pacifier – I know some moms have a problem with pacifiers, but this was so helpful at calming baby and putting her to sleep — after 4-5 months she weaned herself off it
• warm mist humidifier – great for fall + winter months when babies’ noses get too dry
• Aden + Anais OR Luna Lullaby Blankets – these are GREAT swaddle blankets; now that I’ve been using these, the typical sized receiving blankets seem worthless to me — for some reason I’ve noticed the Target brand of Aden + Anais are made of a better quality than the regular Aden + Anais blankets
• kimono onsies + tops – love my kimono onsies from Kate Quinn Organics and Nature Baby
• changing table – as a recommendation from my cousin, I got my Pottery Barn changing table off Craigslist — I LOVE it!  It’s been my most used and loved baby must-have
• changing pad covers – along with a changing table, I LOVE my quilted covers from Land of Nod — I would never go back to any other cover!
• a soft, smooth diaper rash ointment – cooling – Burt’s Bees Diaper Ointment
• pre-bath oil – Burt’s Bees Apricot Oil or jojoba oil
• baby sling and/or baby carrier – we love the Ergo carrier

What is something that you recommend as a must-have for pregnant women, new mommies, or baby?  I would love to hear!