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For all you mothers out there- do you have any advice you can send my way for this tail end of the pregnancy? What should I make sure I have in the house/ what do I need?
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Bulking Up
With less than three weeks until my due date (I know, I can hardly believe it myself), I decided it was time to hit my local Costco to stock up on things I could buy before baby comes.
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Continue as you have been, follow your instincts. On the very last day you may have a strange "nesting" burst. If this causes you to go somewhere, be sure you leave a note or message and take your cell phone. I left the house and was gone for 6 hours looking for the perfect toy. This was in the days before cell phones and my family was crazy-worried. Some women clean on that last day. I shopped.
ReplyDeleteKeep that gas tank full! En route to the hospital with my second we had to stop to get gas.
ReplyDeleteDon't be afraid to try Costco diapers! We were brainwashed by the Pampers hype until we actually tried the Costco brand and found they worked better for us.
ReplyDeleteI just had my first child, a son, on September 25th. Everyone is different and have different needs and comforts. Here are some suggestions.
ReplyDeleteBe sure to have your favorite beverages on hand- Breastfeeding (if you are breastfeeding) makes you thirsty! Laundry detergent (free of all the perfumes, etc)- you go through lots of blankets and onesies! Easy meals (such as the pizzas I see in the photo), though you will get some cooked for you by friends. Five things i didnt have and had my friend go get (my son came 12 days early): lubricating eye drops (lack of sleep makes the eyes super dry), a gel eyemask, Nursing bras (the camisoles from targe are awesome), heavy flow sanitary pads, and a "summer" brand newborn swaddler- there are some cozy microfleece ones. My son was a bit too small for the smallest sized swaddler, so I used a receiving blanket then the swaddler. Some Vaseline or salve for the bum to protect from the meconium and constant poos! AND nipple cream- I swear by "mother love" brand.
@Anna
ReplyDeleteWe found the cheapest ones from walmart-Parents Choice- work the best for us until our son grows a little so he can fit into his cloth diapers.
Mylicon drops for baby. Those gas pains can sure cause them to scream!
ReplyDeleteAs for the huggies--if baby FPK is a boy, he's likely to pee out of them. They aren't so absorbant in the front. Pampers work better. Cloth works best!
And wash baby stuff now; at least some of it. My son came 15 days early the beginning of September, and my mom had to wash all the baby stuff. I had planned to do it the day he was born. My dad painted the nursery the same day.
I'm with Michelle. Let someone know where you'll be at all times. I was a shopper for my nesting phase too.
I agree with Liz that Pampers worked best for my two boys. Stock up on diapers and wipes. If you have the energy, cook a few meals and freeze them. Or better yet, arrange for someone to make a few meals for you for the first few days post-partum.
ReplyDeleteI second the gas drops, also maybe the Little Tummy Gripe Water? I actually had to go dairy free for the first 5 months of nursing to keep the gas pains J had at bay. That was the one thing I just wanted to control, J's uncomfortableness really got to me and I just felt awful for him.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I can tell you is that diapers are just trial and error! As you can tell, people have really different opinions of them.
You'll fall into a routine as a Mom and it will be perfect for your baby. Don't worry about all the different opinions, you're the Mom, and you will naturally do what is best for your baby. :)
One thing we didn't have enough of was thermal receiving blankets. They work great for swaddling and I didn't realize how many we would need (spit ups, diaper leaks, etc.). A few days after my son and I were home I sent husband to the store to stock up!
ReplyDeletefor feeding (breast or bottle, but esp breast), a small notebook... hard to remember when they last peed/pooped/ate when you are sleep deprived
ReplyDeletebe sure to ask for extra gel pads at the hospital if breastfeeding, they are hard to find once you get home & really make a difference in comfort
eye cream & tinted lip balm (I recommend "eye slept" by Trish Sawyer & Fresh plum tint)... counteracts the bad lighting in hospitals & no sleep
If you are breastfeeding, nipple cream and nipple shield. Not everybody agrees on the nipple shields, but if after a couple of weeks you are still suffering, you'll be happy to have them (especially if the latch is good, etc)
ReplyDeleteMind you, it is completely possible that breastfeeding will be very easy for you and your baby! :)
Plenty of drinks and snacks to have by your side for those middle of the night feedings. You will be hungry and thirsty. :)
The biggest difference we found in diapers is the expensive ones remain soft and pliable when dirty, and the cheaper ones get a hard spot. Since we try to change our children ASAP, we buy the cheap ones. We found the cheapest diaper were the Target brand UP diapers. They have cute polka dots and are reliable.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite baby product recommendation is: for when the baby gets its first cold, get a NoseFrida nasal aspirator: http://www.nosefrida.com/
*Pre-cook chicken and ground beef and freeze in ziplock bags for quick(er) meals after the meals from friends and family stop coming.
ReplyDelete*Pre-wash some of the baby clothes (they outgrow them SO fast so you may end up taking some back) and all of your burp cloths (they come in handy!)...and make sure you yourself have plenty of comfy clothes washed too.
*Like other said: keep the gas tank full, plenty of diapers/wipes, and have a notebook handy for keeping track of feedings, etc.
USE SENSITIVE BABY WIPES...newborn skin is as sensitive as ever.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, relax, enjoy your last few weeks of freedom, and go out for dinner with your husband.
Everything on Assila's list, she took the words right out of my mouth... and make sure the hospital gives you extra of the cold pack pads, they are a life saver in those first few days. good luck!
ReplyDeleteCROCK POT. seriously. that and a baby swing were the absolute best gifts I received after my daughter was born. I cannot believe it's almost time to meet Baby FPK! I hope you are feeling good and would love to see a pic of you "almost cooked!" xo
ReplyDeleteMake some soups and freeze them. Make a lasagna or two and freeze them. It will help a lot to have some warm dinners waiting for you in those first weeks and months.
ReplyDeleteSnacks and water in a basket next to your favorite chair... along with a small blanky or "diaper" rag so you don't have to get up when they fall asleep on you in the chair - catch a few more minutes of sleep that way too.
ReplyDeleteDon't overstock on newborn diapers. Many babies grow out of the smallest ones very very fast and I know more people who have been left with many diapers that they never get to use!
ReplyDeleteBuy a pack or two to get started and spend any money up front now on a larger size. If you have to go back and buy a few more newborn diapers after the fact...its better to do it then than to have spent the money on diapers you will never use!
My hubby got my an ipod touch for Mother's day shortly after the birth of our little girl. Loved it. I could check my email and breastfeed at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI just had a baby 3 weeks ago and here are the things we find we need:
ReplyDelete- wash cloths/burp cloths. We go through a zillion of these a day!
- FOOD! Stock up on as much food as you can (either pre-made by yourself or frozen). We still haven't made one real meal yet!
- on the same line, put your favorite take out place (or 2 or 3...) on speed dial
- Lanolin for those sore nipples if your breast feeding and/or pumping
- I second having nipple shields on hand. You might not have to use them, but they can really help if a) your nipples get really sore or b) your baby has a hard time learning how to latch (we're still working on getting breast feeding going over here).
- have lots of snacks on hand. You might not have time to have full meals!
That's all I can think of for now. Good luck!
If you are tired, REST! I hated this part, as I wanted to do stuff and am not good at sitting still, but try to rest as much as you can! You'll need every ounce of energy for that little when s/he gets here!
ReplyDeletePampers all the way.. I agree with most of what Assila said and the sanitary napkins were the things we forgot and my poor hubby had to run out and buy. I never used any nipple cream or shields and had a rough time of it,my doctor kept telling me to rub my breast milk on my nipples and that did seem to help, whatever works is awesome. Make sure you have lots of healthy snacks on hand, I seemed to go through lots of cottage cheese and cans of fruit as it was so fast. If people want to cook for you, let them and freeze lots of leftovers. Rest as much as you can, the housework can wait sleep can't. Good luck and enjoy ever moment, they are all precious.
ReplyDeleteline up sitters for the occasional date night with hubby. the early weeks of being a mom are mind numbing, and i really looked forward to going out with hubby, even if it was for an hour at our favorite restaurant.
ReplyDeletegood luck momma! you're in the home stretch!
Pack yourself a Lunch with the leftovers from dinner. Its so handy in the first few weeks and very easy to not eat regularly while you are coming to terms with lack of sleep and understanding your baby.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the iTouch/iPhone... not even gonna lie my phone really saved me that first month. I was on kellymom.com all the time in the beginning, just looking up stuff. So if you can swing it, or already have one, it's really a blessing.
ReplyDeleteHave a couple meals in the freezer to pop in the oven when the meals stop coming from friends and family. Have lots of fruit and veggie snacks for those super hungry moments so you'll snack healthy. I had a pack of piddle pads on hand and kept one under my fitted bed sheet and on the seat of the car a bit before my due date (and on the way to the hospital) just in case my water broke. Never needed it, but was always worried about making a huge mess.
ReplyDeleteI will take the plunge: when you leave the hospital, grab as many of the blue protective bed pads, disposable mesh panties, and giant maxi pads as they will let you carry with you. Nothing in the stores work quite as well. Trust me.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a while (my son is now 24), however I still remember my mother laughing at me when I stocked up on non-perishables (TP, detergent, dry goods basics), telling me I would still be shopping. My point was that I would not have to spend so much time in the store with a baby. I am glad I did all that pre-shopping as it made life easier for a while.
ReplyDeleteI second everything above and want to add one more item: unlike many, I had a rough delivery and had trouble getting rest afterwards. I was also older (35) so everyone wanted to see this child I had finally birthed. We finally hung a sign on our door that we were not accepting visitors for a week. That was the best thing we did for our little family!
Nursing pads. I never considered needing them until I had to send my husband out to buy them.
ReplyDeleteAs a mother of three and aunt of 21, I suggest
ReplyDelete1) Believe in yourself. New parents often seek 'expert' advice. With a little time, you will be the expert on your child.
2)Yet, they also change so very fast, so as soon as you're getting comfortable, it's all new again as they are at a different stage.
3) You look great in all your posts, but don't expect your body to go back to pre-baby state overnight. It took nine months to grow your bundle of joy, it might take that long to get back.
4)Everyone says it, but few actually do it: Sleep When Baby Does. There will always be more work to be done, but one can never have enough sleep. The best thing my husband ever said was 'if I get home and the place is clean, then I know you haven't been taking care of yourself and the baby' He's brilliant!
5) Don't compare yourself, baby to others (easier said that done.
6) You know more than you think you do, trust yourself.
7) this too shall pass, beit the long hectic days, or the most amazing smile that you ever laid eyes on.
Can't wait to this is WIP
ReplyDeleteThe phone number for your nearest La Leche League Leader (or Leaders). Also, going to a local meeting is a great thing to do in your last few weeks of pregnancy - you can get your "baby fix" looking at the happy, healthy breastfed babies and make some contacts that might be valuable to you later on.
ReplyDeleteAnd practice saying "yes, I'd love it if you could bring over dinner" when someone asks if there's anything they can do after the baby's born. Don't try to do it all - you take care of the baby and let other people take care of you.
Cook now, you will not have time later! Seriously, make a lot of meals for the freezer, you will be thankful! It's one of the best things I did before my babies were born. I second the La Leche League meetings! Many Blessings to you! ~ Angela
ReplyDeleteWhen I had my Little Bit nine months ago I wanted to nurse. I had a nursing bra that fit me well WHILE I was pregnant. After he came my perfect fitting bra was suddenly way to small. My advice if you plan to nurse is get a bra one size bigger than the one your wearing. Having a great bra from the start will make you much less stressed. I was trying to wear one of my Moms non nursing bras which was way to big. No fun. Get a bra and be a happy Mama <3 Good luck! Cant wait to see pictures :D
ReplyDeleteYour baby is sure going to be using a lot of toilet paper, eh?
ReplyDeleteDesitin. I used it as a preventative.
ReplyDeleteAnd bought it by the pound! No lie. I used it EVERYTIME I changed my daughter's diaper and she never EVER had any problems with diaper rash. I found this to be especially helpful with cloth diapers.
I learned this from my daughter's grandmother. I am now an advocate.
There have been lots of good suggestions for baby supplies.
ReplyDeleteBe sure you have a few good books, lots of your favorite comfort foods, some easy knitting, and a comfy spot to snuggle the baby.
Babies sleep a lot at first and hopefully you'll have people offering you food and other help. Set up base camp in your favorite spot and just enjoy the first few weeks doing as little as possible other than enjoying your baby and resting.
My kids haven't been babies for a long time- they are 13 and 16 now- and I didn't read through all the comments, so I may be repeating some things, but in my experience this is my advice:
ReplyDelete1. Nap when the baby naps for the next 3 years if you can. And don't feel guilty about it.
2. Don't feel guilty if things don't go the way you imagined they would. I really beat myself up when I failed to live up to my preconceived and idealistic expectations.
3. Elizabeth Arden's Eight hour cream (it is like an ointment more than a cream) is the BEST diaper rash treatment/ preventative. It is expensive, but a little goes a loooonnnggg way. And IT WORKS. I used it with every diaper change.
4.Have an arsenal of easy to prepare recipes on hand, let friends bring you dinner if they offer, and have prepare some meals NOW that you can freeze for later. A good way to do this is to double the recipes of meals you make over the next few weeks- things that will tolerate the freezer- and save the leftovers.
Being a mom is hard and scary and exciting and wonderful and the best thing that will ever happen to you all at the same time. You are about to experience a love so strong and overwhelming that it is hard to believe you can contain it without bursting!
kim
Lots of really great comments. As someone else said, don't buy too many newborn diapers. They grow out of em fast. And have a pack of the next size up on hand. And yes take a vunch of the blue pads, mesh panties, and maxim pads from the hospital. You've paid for them, might as well take them with you. Ask your nurse for them.
ReplyDeleteWomen have been doing this forever. Most with no comfy hospitals, disposable diapers, or instruction manuals. You can, too!
But above all, remember, that baby is just little. They are going to cry, make a mess and generally make your life pretty miserable. That's okay. Be patient. After all there will always be tons of work to do. But those nights when its just you and your wee one last only a moment.
If you don't already, have your hospital bag 100% ready. I had a surprise induction almost two weeks before my due date and made my husband stop at the house so I could gather all my stuff (pregnancy freak out!!) on the way to the hospital even though my doctor said do not stop anywhere (he was not happy with me when I arrived at the hospital an hour later lol!!).
ReplyDeleteIf you feel that you need something/need to do something before baby's arrival, do it. Your body knows!
Accept help and DO NOT be afraid to ask for it no matter how silly you feel. I am a literal control freak and have a hard time letting people do things for me or accepting help (and I never, ever ask for it). In hindsight life would've been so very much easier if I'd asked for help.
Remember everything will be wonderful and just keep thinking about that beautiful baby you will have very soon.
Rest!
ReplyDeleteA copy of "The Happiest Baby on the Block" by Harvey Karp, saved our bacon too many times to remember :) best of luck!
ReplyDeleteJOIN A MOTHER'S GROUP. I cannot tell you how I cherish the time I spent with my mamas (if any of you are in minnapolis, I was at Amma Maternity). I was really prepared for and confident about the birth of my son but had no idea what kind of hormone rollercoaster Mother Nature had in store for me. If it's La Leche or even mommy and me yoga, do something regularly and make friends with other new moms.
ReplyDeleteI kept making the NYTIMES chocolate chip cookies (the ones you sprinkle with salt), because you can make them in stages (you'll find you can do things in 20 minute intervals) and because you can eat them while nursing. A cookie and a big glass of milk was a nice "meal."
Also:
>The Dr Sears Baby Book was my bible for nearly a year, bring it to the hospital.
>Bravado Nursing Tanks (!!!) If your hospital has a baby boutique, get measured and buy at least two there. I went from 34B to 38Ridiculous, so get measured.
> Gerber's baby washcloths and birds eye diapers (not prefold) My Uncle gave my mom some advice on washing up babies, get a turkish towel (not necessary) and use the hottest water you can stand. Early on, I used a washcloth and hot water instead of wipes most of the time, and to wipe baby's hands and face.
>Aquaphor
>Vick's rectal thermometer (you'll use this often)
>My husband put a schlage keyless lock on the door. Mommy brain makes you forget, this was a Godsend.
>Diapers.com, diapers.com, diapers.com
>Lilypadz nipple thingys
Best wishes to you!
If you are an iphone, ipad, or ipod (touch) user I highly recommend a baby tracking app called Baby Connect (http://www.baby-connect.com/). It was the best $5 we spent. I could enter information like feeding times (works for bottle and breastfeeding), diaper changes (including consistency and colors), sleep duration etc with the ipod and my husband did the same with the ipad. Our information would sync together, it was brilliant!! So much better than using paper and pencil like we did with the first one. It even produces charts to show your pediatrician.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter just turned 24 but I remember like it was yesterday. If you start getting this crazy desire to be cleaning everything and organizing, that's normal. I would just say make sure you have plenty of diapers and wipes. And if the hospital gives you a SITZ bath while you're there, remember to take it home! The first few days after you have the baby are kind of uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteMy mom has been with me for a week after the first two and will be with us again after we have this one (I'm 17 weeks). I highly recommend stocking your freezer with food, however you want to do it (cook, buy, whatever) because you and hubby will NOT want to cook or even think about what to order in. You also won't have any dishes to clean up from cooking after :D
ReplyDeleteHave your hospital bag packed and sitting beside the door, or better yet in the car. Line up some friends to come clean for you! When my mom had left and my husband went back to work, I felt like a slob for not cleaning for my newborn baby and ended up having a break-down around 5 weeks from trying to do it all.
Take other mom's advice, but also follow your heart. It's your baby and you will know what to do. Mother's instinct is a powerful thing!!
Good luck honey, you'll be amazing and amazed!
Never had a baby, but I'm sure you are very well prepared! Get some good rest ;-)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I can't believe how close it's getting! I'm so excited for you :)
ReplyDeleteBest tip I ever got: When baby sleeps you sleep!
ReplyDeleteWow - lots of great tips here!
ReplyDeleteOne thing I wanted to add is I have to say I loved my Itz Been timer. Seriously, gave you a few less things to try to remember!
Stock up on all the sleep you can and pamper yourself! Seattle mother of 8 year old twins and a 3 yo.
ReplyDeleteIf you end up with one of those babies that just NEEDS to be held a lot-see if you can't get a subscription to Netflix and get it connected directly to your TV via a laptop/newfangled DVD player. It's rather nice to have lots of movies you can watch on demand. Sometimes it's just too hard to juggle a book or knitting while holding a little one. In the end, you really don't need anything more than boobs, diapers and patience. The rest is just window dressing.
ReplyDeleteSpend as much time as you can mentally preparing yourself for labor. Don't believe for a second that humans have any more trouble birthing than any other animal out there. Your body was MADE to do this. Trust it. It's one of the wildest, most primal experiences you'll ever have-so sit back and let your instincts take over. They'll take good care of you if you just let them. Oh- and if you can, try not to lay flat on your back-it can reduce your pelvic opening by as much as 30%! Sit, squat, stand-but don't lay down!!
Sit on an exercise ball all day, every day till baby comes <3
ReplyDeleteMy favorite item, hands down, was the dimmer switch for the light in my baby's room. Easy to install (for my father-in-law!) and easy to buy (any hardware store). In the middle of the night, when you are rocking and feeding sweet baby, you will love the quiet light. (note: they usually only work with traditional light bulbs, not the energy efficient ones, so pick up one of those too).
ReplyDeleteArrange to have dinner prepared and/or brought to your house for a week (preferrably from 7 friends). You could use the break.
ReplyDeleteA baby wipe warmer! My daughter was really sensitive to the cold wipes and once we got the warmer, there were no more tears during diaper changes!
ReplyDeleteSaw someone mention Desitin and just thought I'd point out that some babies can have an allergic reaction to the zinc oxide in Desitin and similar products. If that happens some alternatives that work great are A&D Ointment and Aquaphor.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had a kid but my friend just did and I remember her saying something about putting maxi pads in the freezer.
ReplyDeleteI had used Desitin but found that when I washed the cloth diapers it balled up in my washing machine (called the manufacturer and they said it was in the nature of the product to resist breakdown) so I switched to vit A & D - very successful and even with a baby who had supersensitive skin.) Used it with my own kids and now the grandbabies.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteEven if you plan to breastfeed, make make sure you have some bottles, sterilising equipment and formula *just in case* you have problems getting going. With my first feeding in the first week was troublesome and we were glad of the backup whilst we waited for my milk to come in properly and for her to get the hang of what she was doing!!
ReplyDeleteJust sit back and enjoy your new little bundle. You will be just fine and a great Mom. Relax, the world will not stop if you forget something. Mom of 4
ReplyDeleteI had three babies in a year. My son was 13 months old when I had twins. I went through EVERYTHING so quickly. Food, clothes, laundry, diapers, their stages. I might be repeating somethings other people said, but I wanted to share some of my discoveries.
ReplyDeleteSleep now before the baby. As much as you can. Don't be afraid of naps.
If you're nursing, invest in a large stainless steel waterbottle to keep by your bed. The worst thing is waking up to nurse and knocking your glass of water over. And I very often found that one glass of water wasn't enough.
Body Shop has an amazing baby line. My boy twin has super sensitive skin, and I still use their baby line on him. A tiny bit goes a super long way. Plus their products don't have chemicals, aren't tested on animals, and are made with fair/community trade ingredients.
Make a schedule, get a white board and write it all down, so that if anyone helps out they can mark what they did, your husband can see if there's something he can do to help if he comes home and you are sleeping, and you can actually remember what you planned on doing.
DO NOT follow the schedule that you made. It's mostly a tool to keep track of what you HAVE done. You'll drive yourself crazy otherwise.
I think someone else said it, but keep a little baby log the first weeks. When and how long the baby feeds, (or volume if bottle fed), keep track of diapers, and nap/sleep times. You'll get a sense of what your baby needs, and as he/she gets a little older, of when you have time to go out and do the shopping, visit a friend, or just get out of the house with baby, without having a baby melt down.
Always take that moment you want to enjoy your baby and forget about the chores. In ten years, you wont remember the chore that didn't get done, and you'll still be doing it. But you'll never have the chance to have that moment again.
And last but not least, don't try to decide your babies schedule. Don't let the Dr. tell you what the schedule should be. Dr.'s work with statistics and averages, everything they tell you is for the "average" baby. But NO baby is average.
Amelia, mom to 3 wild monkeys.
Oh, one last thing, practice your fake smile in the mirror while saying "Yes that's a fabulous idea." It's a much nicer way to handle unwelcome advice than the deadpan stare, and sometimes dropped jaw you'll feel like giving at times.
Men and women lifters are always hunting for the perfect web site to assemble. Some have never believed being online with others who have wide knowledge about which drugs and pills to buy in order to explode with results. This is because weightlifting is a game, and with any sport you go where the fanatics are to learn about it! To learn more about Female Weight Training
ReplyDeleteTo push the point a level further, you might be able to go on and take advice from a personal trainer about precise techniques but their knowledge will be only be so vast and abundant. In order to get information you must go where others educate unitedly to learn about one thing. cause a lone bad raise or protein can wipeout everything you have worked so hard for already. Even more so, there are very few groups
and places you can go in order to comment about steroids and new drugs used in lifting.
But even if weightlifting and increasing muscle ins't what you are digging for, many Weight Loss Programs are around solely for people to learn the secret on how to regress those spare five pounds, and with the culture of today it seems everyone is going to be larger and fatter. So no matter who you are in the end, obliging to a good diet and the appropriate exercises can make all the difference!