Sonoma County Recommendations: Eating, Walking & Pampering at the End of Pregnancy

I thought for sure my baby boy was going to be born before his due date. My family has a history of birthing before 39 weeks, so I assumed I would, too. But alas, yesterday was my due date and this little guy is still tucked inside, as content as ever. With a super blue blood moon just a day away, and my husband's birthday the day after that, it feels inevitable that the baby will be here by the end of the week. But for the last week, I've done just about everything I can to try and coax him out. And, because I know my solo-time is limited, I've enjoyed a few days of pampering and relaxing—this has been one piece of advice I've heard time and time again from other moms, in addition to enjoying my sleep while I still can.
 
At 40 weeks pregnant, I feel like a rock-star foodie, because eating is one thing I can still do really well. Second to eating has been walking; it’s been really good for me to stay active and I'm proud to still be able to do it in such an uncomfortable state! Third is relaxing, in any way that feels right at this stage in the game—for me, that's mostly been mani/pedis, sleep and Netflix while laying on my left side (for ideal baby positioning prior to labor). So, I took it upon myself to get out of the house on different days and enjoy some lunches out, in addition to some girly pampering—that is, when I wasn't sleeping or watching Netflix.
 
Here are a few of my Sonoma County recommendations for ways to get in your eating, walking and pampering at the end of pregnancy!

Enjoy the quaint Healdsburg square and get some exercise by window-shopping as you walk around several times. Once you've worked up an appetite, enjoy a tasty al fresco lunch at the  Costeaux French Bakery. And if you want to do something special for your husband, be sure to grab some treats from the bakery case to bring home!

Close to downtown Santa Rosa, Brew has some tasty lunch options and excellent coffee for when you want to splurge and enjoy some good tunes while dining—they always have a great music playlist going.

In an attempt to satisfy my recent craving for chicken and waffles—and I highly recommend that if you do have any cravings, don't hold back in satisfying them!—my husband sought out a local spot, knowing I wouldn't want to be stuck in the car for 45 minutes to get all the way down to the Freemont Diner. (Don't worry Freemont Diner, I promise I'll make the trek your way once I get this baby out.) We discovered the newly-opened Sonoma Crust Bakery, located on North Dutton in Santa Rosa. Their chicken and waffle sandwich was delicious and I will certainly be going back! And if you're serious about getting your baby out like I am, order the spicy version—it will light your mouth on fire and get your baby wiggling.

Get outside and enjoy the trails of Ragle Park in Sebastopol. The trails are just the right length for pregnant women and very easygoing—and by that I mean no hills! Just be sure to pee before you arrive, because their portapotties are not friendly.

When it's a bit of relaxing and pampering you're looking for, I highly recommend booking the Spa Pedicure at Avalon Nails on Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa—ask for Kana, because she's the best! This pedicure comes  complete with a foot soak, salt scrub, wax treatment, hot stone massage and polish—totally worth the splurge for those swollen, achy  feet.

If you're looking for a full-body prenatal massage, Me Spa in Montgomery Village (Santa Rosa) is at the top of the list. This is a full-on spa experience, complete with a comfy robe, hot tea and a foot soak before going in for your treatment. They do an excellent job at accommodating pregnancy, propping you up on your side like a queen with a half dozen pillows to keep you comfortable during your prenatal massage. You'll walk away feeling totally rejuvenated!

And last but not least, when you are getting to the point where you can no longer take being pregnant—like once you pass your due date like me—you can always turn to natural ways to help activate labor. The Intimate Skin Spa on 4th Street in Santa Rosa offers a 30-minute Reflexology Foot Massage that women in the area swear by! Reflexology is said to help activate labor by working with pressure points in your feet that are connected to your uterus. I had this relaxing massage done this morning, so now it's time to wait and see what happens!