8 yrs, 5 mths ago

Must – have’s for new moms!

HI!
Im about 8 months pregnant now. To all the mums out there.. What were your holy grail must have products to make recovery easier after giving birth? 🙂

4 comments 32 voices

Replies

  • 8 yrs, 5 mths ago

    Oh and afterwards, when you get home. I took a trick to Costco with my hubby and bought loads of fruit, muffins and yoghurt.

    Wrap the muffins with glad wrap and freeze them.

    In the morning, or the night before…get a muffin out of the fridge to defrost. When it’s time to feed Bub, chances are you’ll be juggling a hungry baby with one hand, and something to eat with the other.

    Have a comfy chair with a bottle of water (keep filling it up during the day…as soon as you have finished it), and a table to have your snacks on so you can eat whilst feeding. Breastfeeding is thirsty/hungry work!

    I used to cut my fruit up into bite sized pieces, or keep small containers of fruit salad on hand ready to grab and go.

  • 8 yrs, 5 mths ago

    Congratulations, and all the best with everything happening with you at this time!

    I had my third baby just over a year ago (time really does fly!). The most helpful things I took were/was:-

    • Money for hubby to get lunch whilst I was in labour. I know – why does he get to eat?! I was induced but it didn’t go the way I was hoping it would. Knowing that we had some time, and knowing my husband probably wouldn’t get to eat later because I would really need him, I sent him off to get himself some lunch, which he brought back with him to keep me company.
    • Chocolate. Oh boy did I need that on day three when the hormones kicked in for producing milk. You may get teary or feel like yelling at everyone around you. It’s normal. Don’t be alarmed by it but be aware that hormones are needed, but they’re not fun.
    • Some movies on your I-device if you can. There’s not much on late night, and I’m sorry to say it, but you may be up ALL night on that third night/day when your hormones are kicking in, because babies are usually VERY hungry by then. They will want to feed constantly. Again, all normal because their sucking causes the milk ducts in your breasts to open. Which leads to more milk.
    • lip balm
    • A small bottle of Cordial. Yup, I was thirsty and all that water just didn’t cut it for me, but I could have lots of very watered down cordial. You might just want water…each to their own ;D
    • dummies/pacifiers. Even if your significant other can bring them to hospital when/if you need them.
    • Nursing tank tops. I LIVED in these, with a dressing gown over the top. So comfortable on sore breasts

    I love the idea of a scented shower gel or body cream but I was advised not to wear perfume, or products that were heavily scented, as your baby may not settle. They like the scent of YOU, and will nuzzle up to you. They’ll be confused little people if you don’t smell like you. Once your milk comes in, that’s usually what they can smell. Husbands were also advised not to wear cologne or aftershave as well. Fascinating stuff!

    The only thing I wish I had brought to hospital was a muslin cloth to wrap my baby in. The receiving blankets they have at hospitals don’t keep little escapees wrapped for long. Certainly made my bub very unsettled until I wrapped her at home and wow, what a difference!

    All the best!!!

  • 8 yrs, 5 mths ago

    Those little protein balls you find in the supermarket health food section (Bounce – I think they’re called). Stuff a couple in your hospital bag and when you come home, keep them (or similar snack) on hand to keep up your energy. With my first 3 babies, I was so busy that I missed a lot of meals. Big mistake! But with baby #4, I was/have been especially mindful to keep snacks on hand for myself and it has made a world of difference. Especially when you’re breastfeeding because it’s very hunger-inducing work!

    I had my 4th baby in December and in hospital they gave me what looked like a huge tube sock with the foot cut out. It went around my waist and created just a bit of compression. I had never seen or heard of one with my first 3 babies, but it really helped a lot with posture and retraining those abdominal muscles. I think it also helped with those postpartum uterine pains that can be a real b!tch!

    Those microwaveable wheat bags are really good too. You can pick them up at Priceline for around $20 and they are so helpful for the variety of aches and pains you’ll likely be having.

    A beautifully scented shower gel or body cream to make you feel human again! 🙂

  • 8 yrs, 5 mths ago

    Flushable wipes – for you, not the baby lol! Makes it so much more comfortable when going to the toilet.

    Lanolin if you plan on breastfeeding.

    Ural – I’d advise taking even if you don’t feel like you will need it. Plus lots and lots of water.

    This time I’ve packed hydrogel breast pads in my hospital bag but I never tried them with my first. My sisters both have newborns and said they were so soothing (even for the sister that didn’t breast feed she felt it helped with the initial engorgement).

    Good luck with the last stage of your pregnancy and labour. It’s such an amazing (&crazy) time x

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