PREGNANCY Q&A | symptoms, cravings, birth plan, name hints, & reading list!

Let's talk all things pregnancy (so far)! We are over half way through & truly in awe of this whole experience. Trying to keep a humble & grateful heart as we get closer to meeting our sweet BABY! 💛☀️
Pregnancy resources:
+ Prenatal vitamins: amzn.to/3U3x9fi
+ Nausea mints: amzn.to/3Wb7KDa
+ Body butter: rstyle.me/+c-YAtpIMdv0uNJZC3P...
+ Pregnancy pillow: amzn.to/3xWoSSN (I like this one for now but will probably invest in a bigger one soon)
+ Other products: www.amazon.com/shop/allisonbi...
READING LIST:
Pre-pregnancy:
- Awakening Fertility amzn.to/49Os6VO
- It Starts with the Egg amzn.to/4b7UzqU
- Real Food for Pregnancy amzn.to/49UVwl3
Pregnancy:
- Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood―and Trusting Yourself and Your Body amzn.to/4aCW2pb
- The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby & Child amzn.to/3UdsgjF
- Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth amzn.to/4aOBaLK
- The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother amzn.to/3xKSItz
Parenting:
- Good Inside amzn.to/4aOBmdW
- Raising Bébé amzn.to/3JsfMA1
- Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles amzn.to/3UtELcn
- Hunt, Gather, Parent amzn.to/3QakANV
- Balanced & Barefoot amzn.to/3Qf8iEm
- Simplicity Parenting amzn.to/4aNUjxg
IN THIS VIDEO:
+ Yellow dress: rstyle.me/+PZV4_iKwNrHu3tXAoe...
+ Gold heart locket: rstyle.me/+BqiKIqT5-psqNKIZBD...
LET’S BE FRIENDS!
+ INSTAGRAM: / allisonbickerstaff
+ MY WEBSITE: www.allisonbickerstaff.co
+ PINTEREST: / allisonbickerstaff
+ SHOP MERCH: bit.ly/2YACbWN
VIDEO EQUIPMENT:
+ Where I get my music: share.epidemicsound.com/allison
+ Vlog camera: go.magik.ly/ml/1v2zq/
+ DSLR camera: go.magik.ly/ml/1mxab/
+ Editing software I use: Final Cut Pro
Let's create something incredible!💡 Be truly glad...there is wonderful joy ahead. ♡ 1 Peter 1:6

[@lianeabeyta4515]

When you said you love this human inside of you so much, I smiled, knowing you have no idea how deep that love will get and grow when you hold this little one. The joys that await you cannot even be described. To watch your heart walking around outside of your body is beyond belief. The journey awaits. BTW... I am a 73 year old mom and grandma. And just today I was speaking to a friend and totally lost my train of thought.... so its not just old people. haha

[@devynsmith143]

As a mama who has experienced loss and birth all I have to say is KEEP THE MINDSET OF normalizing changing your mind! I wanted to have a natural birth but LOVED my epidural! Go with the flow girl! The pain of birth feels so much different because of the gratification of your beautiful baby! You’re getting something out of it and it almost makes birth so much more tolerable

[@mckennadoane6323]

This is so true!! I thought I wanted a natural birth because of how peaceful and sweet they looked, but for me an epidural really calmed my body and mind and made it such a peaceful and just joyful experience!! My nurses all laughed I was going to laugh my baby out-I was just so happy and excited haha!!🤍

[@briannak3740]

I just found out that I’m 5 weeks + 3 days pregnant and just am in heaven!!! Prayers for you and your little one 🩵🫶🏼

[@michiganiania]

Thank you for protecting your baby on social media. I think it's great your content isn't going to change. I personally don't post my child online at all. Privacy is so important. So many scary people out there. My only unsolicited advice is keep your routine after birth the best you can. I dissolved my business right after my child was born, my husband got a new job, and we moved houses and suddenly my days were totally different and I was a full time stay at home mom and I really lost myself as well as having really bad postpartum depression and anxiety. Two years later I feel the most me I've ever felt but it took so long to get here. I hope you have the absolute best postpartum experience.

[@a.e.s.n.]

I agree with this comment 100%. My daughter is almost 13 months old now, I too suffered from extreme PPD and PPA. I fully understand you.❤

[@mariamangion21]

The vibe, the music, the editing & your sweet voice makes me so at peace just watching how you move your day 🦋 You are just the most precious soul, and an amazing person to watch. Thanks for sharing your passion with us! I’m so thankful for you 🤍 So excited for tomorrow 🩷

[@ALLISONBICKERSTAFF]

Thank you so so much, sweetest Maria 🌸 I'm forever so grateful for you & your sweetness. Excited for the gender reveal tomorrow YAY!

[@cristireyes8301]

Totally agree ✨💗🌸💕

[@Sbs6393]

6 month old mom here. Highly recommend looking into an in person prenatal yoga and postpartum yoga class! It is really nice being able to connect with other women who are in your same stage of pregnancy and postpartum. Being able to do yoga with your baby is such a fun experience! :)

[@rebecahawley9026]

agreed!

[@jesspratt3763]

One practice I am excited to do when i have kids is say blessings over them before they go to bed or leave the house, and at the beginning of the day. To protect them spiritually, mentally, and physically ❤

[@katemarie60]

Aw for nature-inspired names I could see the baby being named like Lily or Willow or Juniper or River or Skye. Super cute 💖🩵

[@skyefisher482]

Love these! My name is Skye and I have a Forrest and Meadow 🤣💙💕 earthy name lover over here! Haha

[@Crismsu11]

Love those names! So pretty! 🌸

[@kahsenyah]

I just wanted to say; I've been watching since right before you and Brandon got married and to see you now, in this season of life - you seem so happy, and I am so happy for you Ally. May God continue to bless you and your family. ❤

[@jessicaa.m.harper1727]

Positive birth story here! I went into birth with an open heart and mind. My goal was to have a peaceful experience, and that meant trusting my medical team and being flexible. I didn't want to white knuckle onto a very specific dream plan and then stress if it didn't come true. My water broke at about 10:30 am with no contractions. We headed to the hospital, and I was ultimately induced because my little one was in no hurry. I got the epidural at 5 centimeters. Once they dialed it back per my request, it was perfect - without pain, but I could still move. Pushed my daughter out in a half hour a little over 24 hrs after my water broke. The nurses were incredible. My ob was incredible. And it was peaceful, just like I had hoped. ❤ And now I have my perfect baby girl. ❤

[@NikkiScatch84]

You have the perfect pregnancy glow! ❤

[@ALLISONBICKERSTAFF]

So so kind. Thank you so much! 🌤

[@jessiezsings]

I think you’re having a girl, but I want you to have a boy because we need beautiful boys raised by beautiful souls like you and Brandon. Sweet, tender moms and dads that raise children with healthy emotional examples and in partnership with the Lord. Either gender will be SO blessed to call you their momma and dad!

[@Hattyrue32]

Awww this is the sweetest Q&A!💗 Can’t wait for tomorrow!🫶

[@megancox9549]

So excited for you and appreciate you sharing your honest experience. Your positivity is so inspiring.

[@JulNZ92]

Thank you for reminding us to be joyful and grateful!

[@marlycecartie7032]

Thank you for sharing this journey with us 🥰 I cannot wait to see the parents you become! Enjoy every moment♥️

[@beHappy_today]

Oh nice! Love this chatty videos. It feels like we are really there with you😊❤

[@danielleboodram4485]

Love the ending when Brandon say bye 👋🏻💕

[@judytombaugh2990]

So precious to hear you talk about your experiences - the growth I have seen in you over the years is truly beautiful and I so look forward to watching how you will continue to grow and change in all the years ahead on your journey of motherhood. 💜

[@graceluke_]

No one deserves this joy more than you! I couldn’t be more ecstatic for your little family to grow. Prayers and blessings to you guys 🤍🤍🤍

[@m_a_r]

I got a smile while I was listening to you because I am a mamma and I know you're excitement. My younger years are now a thing of the past, but I want you to enjoy every day because this phase of life will pass as well. I am só happy for you two to experience this miracle by God, our Father.

[@LauraP2501]

I am so happy for you guys! 😊🎉

[@greetingsfrombella]

So happy for your little family 🤍 you are gonna be an amazing mom and I'm excited to see you flourish in that role 🪻

[@ThisIsMyHabitat]

You’re glowing! You’re such an amazing mama! Feeling my daughter move around was the most exciting thing I have ever felt, too! It’s so miraculous!

[@Gulfcoastgirl22]

You’re just so lovely. Your baby is so blessed to have you as their mom! ❤️

[@lesaochsenbine]

Allison so happy for you both. I totally agree with you stay calm happy and joyful. What you are is what your baby will be. Love every minute of the journey it’s a blessing for heaven.

[@caitlinfrancisco22]

I’ve loved watching you for sooo many years but love this chapter especially more 🌸 I was pregnant this time last year and had our baby girl in September and it’s so crazy the things you plan for and then implement later. we also just experienced it as it all happened since we never had our baby before! didn’t plan on an epidural but ended up getting one and was sooo thankful for it because I was able to rest my mind and body more to prepare for active labor. thankful you can choose and control your level of epidural too! but also thankful you want to preserve your baby’s presence on social media because we share a ton with close friends but never post naked/vulnerable photos of her to protect her 🫶🏻 you’ve got this mama and whatever you choose is best!

[@hayliemiller1004]

I feel so inspired by the way you talk about life. Honestly, every time that you share something personal or big feels so complete. You are articulate, confident, thoughtful, and so respectful. I seriously try to be like this, thank you for the example.

[@MartaVitto]

I've been following you for years and I'm glad to hear your content won't change too much💜 btw, congratulations, cheers to your new addition to the family✨ love from Italy🇮🇹

[@dianebaker5243]

Thank you for this chat.so lovely to hear how you are doing in your pregnancy . You are looking beautiful.🥰💕

[@xokelseyxo9238]

Hi sweetest, Allison! I am just overjoyed for you and Brandon. I have been subscribed to your beautiful, inspiring channel since 2016. I am now 31 years old and I honestly feel like I have virtually grown up alongside you. Watching you step into motherhood is truly such an honor. Thank you for sharing this beautiful season of life with all of us. I can't wait to meet your baby soon. 🌼💛

[@justinarome]

I am so grateful to be experiencing pregnancy alongside you! I’m 25 weeks and it’s been such a joy to watch your videos 💗🫶 it can feel lonely but it’s nice to be connected to someone going through the same thing, even if I don’t know you in real life haha I can’t explain it but thank you for being such an uplifting presence!

[@shinedalafberg]

Can’t for the gender reveal tomorrow 😭🫧👶 my heart is saying a girl but, either way, you and Brandon will be wonderful parents ❤️

[@HarryThomasPictures]

You've done brilliantly with your 1st trimester Allison, you were born to be a mother. That's lovely you love your bump, proud of you💛!

[@debbiekotch6006]

It is such a special time. 👶 Its just an incredible experience. Enjoy every minute !

[@indiefolk.coffee3032]

The pregnancy glow on you 🥹✨💛

[@connienelson5057]

I think your plans, for post baby videos, is perfect. Lucky baby to have such nice parents!

[@artsyivy]

I’m loving all of these videos because I’m due at the end of August with my first so definitely resonating. Thank you for sharing your experiences and posting this type of content! 🥹🫶🏽✨

[@kathrynh778]

Allison I am so happy for you, I love how you’re choosing to focus on the joy and anticipation of motherhood! I’m due with my 2nd this summer as well so it’s so fun seeing another woman’s pregnancy journey unfold at the same time!

[@michellewissler3013]

Allison you are so precious and have such a beautiful heart! You and Brandon are going to be the best parents! Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful journey with us! May God bless you and your family. You glow with the love you have for your precious baby. 💖 I can't wait for the reveal tomorrow! Sending you much love, hugs and lovely thoughts💕🤗🙏🦋

[@wildwomanroots3704]

Yeasss to steady , peaceful, calm honoring of ur sweet baby . Amazing you are so mindful about the environment you are holding for ur babe . ❤

[@malindashumpert7956]

Wow, Allison! You’re absolutely glowing, and the dress matches the whole vibe of your pregnancy! Happy Tuesday, Allison! 🥰🩵

[@LynnAbroad]

Allisonn you're such a joy to this world, and I can already see your child spending a very joyful and cozy childhood with such loving parents, I don't think I've ever been excited for a pregnancy like this before 😅 been here since 2019, always praying for you and always rooting for you 💖

[@shannonrumpf5705]

Amazing Mama all ready! So Happy for you sweet lady. ❤

[@ThreesCompany22]

So so excited for you and your family ❤

[@sarahbek81]

Im so happy for you and so glad that you're savoring each and every moment. It's s so important to focus on all the sweet moments like feeling the baby moving. I wish I had savored more! God's blessings on you and your family. ❤

[@elysiadesire]

God bless you and your family Allison !! Love ya 🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵

[@SavvySmiles11]

There were multiple times in this video when I teared up a bit. Just seeing the joy on you face 💕 I am so incredibly happy for you! I recently had a miscarriage but I also have a living child. My son changed my life for the better 💕 You have so many precious moments ahead of you 🥹

[@mckennadoane6323]

We really like the balance, birthing couples birthing class!! I really like that it focused on preparing for and giving birth as a couple, and it also give you enough information without overwhelming. You are stressing you out. It goes over natural birth, medicated, birth, and C-section

[@anncoccaro5222]

A midwife delivered my two children 43 and 39 years ago. It was a wonderful experience! Wishing you a blessed and easy delivery.❤️

[@ImaniBrooksimb]

Just stopping by to show my support! Hi mommy Allison!🌈❤️ we love you and to baby; we can’t wait to meet you!

[@lisarobbinson8835]

Lol Brandon saying "bye" at the end of the video, cute. You and Brandon are such calm, caring, compassionate, loving people. This baby is so very loved already. No doubt in my mind you two will be the best parents. I love nature names as well. I'm so happy and excited for you both 🤭🐣👣🙏 You look absolutely beautiful pregnant 💛

[@hisloveiseternal1]

You're reading some great books!!!! Those books have prepared me so much for thos journey ❤

[@jucxox]

So happy for you Allison ❤ God bless.

[@suecorrigan1216]

You do what you feel best with!! Only look to the good for you! You are so right when you say every one's story is different!! I pray for your baby's birth a lot!! Praying it goes beautifully!! 🙏❤️🙏 ❤️🙏❤️

[@BakeChic98]

I am SO EXCITED for the gender reveal😭🩷🩵 it is so special to see you getting to experience the joy of pregnancy after such a hard season. Also LOVE those nausea mints lol. I still use them 5.5 months postpartum!

[@lenazein8091]

You are too cute. It’s lovely to see you in this season of life. Spoiler alert, you kinda slipped and I wanted to comment before your gender reveal to see later if I got it correct. A little baby girl (mini Allison) is your joining your lovely family- that’s what my instinct tells me 🥰

[@alexisowensby7486]

I just wanted to give you some encouragement. I just had my baby 3 weeks ago and his birth was a dream come true! Highly recommend no induction unless absolutely medically necessary. It was honestly my dream birth, everything panned out so perfectly. I know you will do great! Just remember, our bodies are made for this!!💕💕💕

[@EricaKing1093]

Hi Allison, I have a six month old so I was in your shoes last year! I can’t recommend the McMoyler Method enough for a virtual birth class for you and your husband. It’s centered on a healthy baby and healthy mama outcome (no matter how you give birth) and the idea that your partner has a role to play every step of the way. My husband and I both found it incredibly valuable! Wishing you a healthy pregnancy and birth ❤️

[@dianejohnson7235]

You look so beautiful and so happy!!!! Your child is so lucky to have you and Brandon and of course your fur baby to love him/her!!!!

[@CloeCorpse]

im glad you say you want to keep your channel the same. this is NOT a dig or anythig, simply feedback. but i have genuinely UNSUBSCRIBED people i have subscribed for YEARS after they had a baby, because the channel went from their normal content to a baby channel. i dont seek baby related content as i dont have kids and dont really want kids. so i ended up unsubscribing. i love your channel so i am glad to hear it wont turn into a baby channel. i think a lot of us come to your channel as we are also young females who enjoy doing things like gardening, shopping, closet clear outs etc. not all of those females are seeking baby content 😊

[@saracarr3962]

I wanted kids and couldn't have them. I'm over 40 and love her crafting, hauls, decorating and organizing and such. Agreed though I can't relate to channels that are only mom related. Some of us, way more recently, can't or don't have children. It's just a fact of life. And we're all women and all beautiful. Some of these comments really hurt to read. So so happy for her though and it makes sense she is going to have that as her priority as she should. My cats are mine! Lol lbvs

[@LindsayD228]

Same here!!!

[@rukhfeshannisar683]

Hi Allison praying for you and your baby❤👶

[@ALLISONBICKERSTAFF]

Cannot thank you enough for the prayers 💫

[@Kty4419]

So so happy for you both ☀️🧸🤍🤗🦋🥰and I loved Brandon’s bye🤣at the end of the video 🥰😂✨☀️🤍😘xox

[@gailrubin9029]

I can’t stop smiling !

[@user-dw8nk6lt3c]

Allison, I recommend listening or reading a baby led weaning/ feeding baby book now before the baby arrives! I learned sooooo much and was prepared when baby was ready for solids. Do it now before the baby arrives since you will be so busy!

[@lauramurphy4021]

Congratulations!!!🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵

[@kendallannette]

The way I immediately clicked this video 🥰🩵 happy Tuesday, Allison!

[@ALLISONBICKERSTAFF]

Eeeep! Hope you enjoy & have a beautiful Tuesday 💌

[@karlavedder3139]

You look adorable. I'm so happy for you guys !

[@curtwild86]

Your truly seem to be a very peaceful and graceful person :)

[@Alicia-K]

Motherhood is beautiful on you ❤🥰

[@leilarefea6846]

Hi Allison, Congrats again on your pregnancy! 💕you mentioned that you dont want to hear negative birthstorys. I felt the same. But now after two babies I would think about „negative birthstorys“ differnetly. I would not want to hear the story but more so what the mother learned from this experiance. As for my „negative experiance“ I would say my learning was deff. To listen to my body and to understand that nomatter the way baby comes or I give birth to, I am a good mother and if something doesnt go the way it should, I would stand up to it. Lots of love Leila 🧚🏻‍♀️

[@marendajudkins1262]

Your so sweet and enjoyable. I love and look forward to watching your videos. So happy for your pregnancy. God bless you so much 💕

[@truebelieversallarewelcome7876]

blessings 😅 I'm so happy for you and Brandon 🍼🍼🍼🍼

[@alyssascalise8200]

I gave birth naturally at home 6 weeks ago to my sweet baby girl as a first time mama 💗 It’s truly such a beautiful experience, and definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, but worth every second.

[@tabbysaige]

you are so radiant!!

[@teresabenjamin3997]

Very excited for you! My tips would be prepare your body for delivery with light exercise, walking and weight lifting. Not everyone may experience this, but I was surprised how much I used my upper body and legs to push. Be open to the epidural (make it part of your birth plan so that the hospital has it on order for you - I know some ladies who thought they would go all natural and by the time they changed their minds, the hospital had to put in the order and get the anesthesiologist and it ended up being too late. Also, if you end up unable to breastfeed, do not beat yourself up. I pumped for 9 months with both children (no breastfeeding) and also included formula and it worked fantastic for me. Others got to hold and feed my children and I got more rest. I also heard from a nurse to keep the baby in light, long sleeve or long pants instead of just a onsie so they do not expend a lot of energy keeping their body temperature up and will put on weight. Anyways, you will be a great Mom! Congratulations!

[@Briluci12]

I can hear it in your breathlessness that you are in the throws of pregnancy! 😅❤❤ so happy for you!

[@annettelaterra3908]

That’s pretty normal for her though if you watched her past videos before pregnancy 😊

[@1407BowBow]

Your hair is so beautiful ❤the curls can you do a quick hair tutorial love the bangs the way they curl! I need help with mine?

[@dejahblue96]

Aww you answered my question 🫶🏾congratulations on the baby boy! I knew it 🩵🩵🩵

[@thestripelessbee713]

There is an amazing book called Like A Mother that everyone should read! It is so informative both physically and emotionally and a great balance of science and love!

[@haylemarcano1904]

congrats to you and handsome husband. i am so proud of you. happy Tuesday to you both. you are wonderful friend.

[@Melanie-xx1fc]

I had acid reflux with my youngest daughter, and everyone told me she'd be born with a head full of hair. Old wives' tale, my family said. She was born with a big bushel of dark hair, much different from my first daughter. You will be a steady mom on unsteady and calm waters ❤

[@spunkrok13]

I had the WORST acid reflux when I was pregnant. The chewy cherry flavored Tums REALLY helped on the bad days! I hope this helps ❤ Can't wait for the gender reveal!!!!🎉

[@ellmararts]

I’m so excited for you both 🎉 and for a positive podcast to listen to I recommend Built To Birth by Bridget Teyler. Loved the podcast and I also love the other work she does do. ❤

[@edenbell2459]

Hi! So excited for you! Where did you get this yellow dress?

[@amberkearney3011]

Congratulations 🎉

[@Alicia-K]

Are the pink candles a nod to having a baby girl? I'm on team pink! 😁💕🎀 So excited for you, whether you have a boy or a girl!!

[@justasmalltowngirl_lynne5089]

You are just to dang cute being pregnant 🤰💙🧸🎈🍼🩵

[@briiiinauen1443]

I had a natural birth and it was so amazing and peaceful!

[@maya7637]

Sending love from Sweden!! 🍋

[@amillemejia]

Built to birth birthing class is amazing!!!

[@MrPauu]

The names are prophetic, they have a lot of meaning.

[@TheEmpressgoth]

Thanking you for sharing ❤❤❤❤

[@wildwomanroots3704]

I truly enjoy your channel . Your thought and care. In reverence to ur care and caring about you .. If you welcome something that has helped me along my motherhood journey of 3 boys… Welcome fear and sadness vs “pushing “away worries .. I have done both and have found .. Theae fears are traumas from ur little girls .. they are concerns asking to be seen and comforted My understanding is .. 🌺 They want to be Be heard and felt Breathed through And dissolved Back into infinite possibilities. To truly witness, feel , breathe under those fears , up and lifted back into your own power . 🙏💕

[@janismartinez6233]

Fo all expectant mamas, I highly recommend reading about hormone shifts such as the book - The Hormone Shift by Dr Tasneem Bhatia (I am sure there are others out there) and if possible find a functional/integrative Dr who can help navigate the hormone shifts that occur birth. So important and yet not discussed much. Consider it as part of birth plan.

[@simplyelle2104]

Im glad you made this video. I had a miscarriage 5 months ago and 2 weeks ago I was diagnosed with a heart shaped uterus. I have to do IVF but your video made me motivated & hopeful’ ❤️

[@lisamurawske4168]

Wishing you nothing but the best...❤

[@TaylorParnell]

LOVE THIS ❤❤❤❤ IM 6 WEEKS WITH MY FIRST SO EXCITED TO DOCUMENT IT ON MY CHANNEL LIKE YOU ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ JUST EDITED FINDING OUT IM PREGNANT ❤❤❤❤❤

[@neyrarendon7145]

Será un bebé muy hermoso.!! 💕

[@angelamarcinkevich9202]

That's me if domeone has a cold or is sick .if I hear it , it will happen .Allison I get that you couldn't hear it to not think it would be .Many blessings ❤

[@lotimol3288]

Blessings to you both. Maybe trying a matcha latte instead of the coffee 😊