Pregnant Ashley Tisdale Spills Her Hospital Bag for Second Baby

“Finding out that I was pregnant was a really exciting surprise,” Ashley Tisdale tells Mini.

When the Being Frenshe founder and mom to Jupiter, 3, last graced our Mini cover, she shared all about her blissful birth with daughter Jupiter, 3, and finding her footing in motherhood. Now, currently pregnant with her second baby arriving this fall, we caught back up to talk how she’s preparing to experience it all once more.

“Honestly, it took Chris and I a minute to realize that we were going to have another baby. We had JUST decided that we were open to having a second child, taking a ‘let’s see what happens’ attitude. We didn’t imagine that it would happen so quickly!”

Did you always imagine yourself with two kids?

Not strictly speaking. I’ve always felt that if something is meant to be, it will be, and that’s how I’ve thought about our family. Life as a family of three already feels full and wonderful, and having another child is just going to add to that. I have a sister and we’re really close, so I know how special the sibling bond can be. I’m really looking forward to our children having the opportunity to grow up together.

How does this pregnancy compare to your first?

It’s funny because I’ve learned that every pregnancy really is different. I had so much more morning sickness, acid reflux, and first trimester fatigue this time around. That was challenging during the weeks when nobody but Chris knew that I was pregnant, because I didn’t feel like my usual self, but wasn’t ready to explain why. I started showing earlier with this pregnancy, so I couldn’t keep things under wraps for too long.

Fortunately, after the first trimester, I started to feel a lot better. Aside from physical changes, the biggest difference is simply being able to go out and do things. I was pregnant with Jupiter in 2020, so because of the pandemic, I didn’t do things like prenatal yoga and Pilates. I didn’t look at strollers and baby clothes in stores, only online. It has been so much fun to be out and about during this pregnancy.

As the self care queen, how are you caring for yourself right now?

Pregnant or not, I love a bath before bed. It’s a cue for me to slow down and start shifting into rest mode. I make sure the water isn’t too warm, light a candle, and put a Being Frenshe Milky Bath Bomb in the tub. That ritual is so relaxing.

If I have any tightness in my legs or back, the tension just melts away. I’ve also been spending a lot of time at the beach during this pregnancy. It’s a good place to take a morning walk and clear my thoughts while getting a little movement in. It’s really beneficial for my mood, too. Being by the ocean, breathing in the salty air, and feeling the waves hit my toes always gives me a sense of clarity.

You shared with us before how you created a zen-like birth with Jupiter. What do you plan to do for this birth?

Giving birth to Jupiter has made me feel pretty confident for this birth. Now I have a better sense of how labor might go, so there aren’t as many unknowns. Like last time, I’m hoping to create a peaceful atmosphere. I’m super lucky because Chris has a calming energy— he always makes me feel secure and supported even if he’s not saying anything.

At the hospital, I do a few things to set a mood. I’m packing some flameless candles and planning to keep the lights dim. I’m a huge believer in the power of scent, so I’m bringing Being Frenshe Hair, Body, and Linen Mist in Palo Santo Sage to help me feel centered. I’m also planning to put my phone on Do Not Disturb mode, so if anyone texts or calls me… I’ll get back to you after the baby is born!

What else are you packing in your hospital bag this time around?

My doula, Lori Bregman, won’t fit in a bag but I’m definitely not going to the hospital without her! She’s been a huge source of knowledge and support throughout this pregnancy. I’m packing some AirPods so I can listen to a guided meditation. I love our Being Frenshe Glow On Perfume Oil in Palo Santo Sage because the scent helps me feel present and grounded. Finally, a comfy robe and some coconut water for hydration.

What baby gear do you plan to use for this baby? Anything you loved with Jupiter?

I loved the wooden Kalon crib that we had in Jupiter’s room, so we’re putting it in the new baby’s nursery. It goes with everything and converts into a toddler bed.

We’re also going with another Naturepedic crib mattress. It’s organic and non-toxic and you can flip it to become a toddler mattress. Jupiter loved her BabyBjorn Balance Bouncer and I picked up a second one, so we won’t constantly be moving it from one place to the next. I’m also bringing Baeo Bare Butter and Tubby Todd lotion back because they are so gentle on skin.

How are you preparing Jupiter for the new baby?

She’s looking forward to becoming a big sister! Chris and I talk with her about how our family will have one more person to love, and we’ve incorporated some books about siblings into her bedtime routine. I’m also trying to explain that while some things will be new, like us sometimes needing to change the baby’s diaper ASAP, other things like our bedtime snuggles will stay the same. We reassure her that she will always have her own special times with us, both before and after the baby is born.

How do you feel your newborn and postpartum experience will differ this time around?

I’m going to actively appreciate the first few weeks because now I know how quickly they go! When you’re in the middle of those newborn weeks and months, it’s really hard. You’re sleep-deprived, you’re doing 3 a.m. feedings, your body is continuing to change, you’re trying to figure out what your baby’s cries mean— it can be a lot. I do remember those challenges, but I look back so fondly at those early days holding Jupiter and watching her sleep. That bonding time is magical and I’m looking forward to it.

I’m also going to make my postpartum mental health a top priority. After giving birth to Jupiter, I had pretty intense anxiety, and it took a while for me to realize that it wasn’t normal. In time and with support, I got to a better place, but I’ve talked with so many other moms who went through postpartum depression or anxiety. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, but it is something to be aware of.

I really want to normalize the idea that the Fourth Trimester can bring up all kinds of feelings, and that if you’re struggling with your mental health, there is help available.

This article appeared in the Summer 2024 Issue of Mini Magazine. All images courtesy of Ashley Tisdale.