What you could not do without!! First time MOM - Page 3

LindsayB · 01-01-2008, 02:26 AM

Are you having a planned c-section? I ended up having an unplanned c/s. The one thing that I made my mom go and buy was light control underwear. I had to have some underwear with some support for my tummy. I was sore without it, until my tummy got smaller. I even used a tensor bandage to help hold the belly
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My maternity pants weren't doing the job!

Oh - I asked DH and he said the wiper warmer. DS hated cold wipes!!! The warmer made diaper changes a whole lot easier!!

kolourkube · 01-01-2008, 12:10 PM

This is a great thread
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nf2318 · 01-01-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarah23
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One other thing. Just noticed that you have a large pack of size "N' diapers. Depending on the size of your baby, they probably won't fit for long. My ds was nearly 10lbs @ birth, and started out wearing size 1 right away.
You'll probably use what you have, but I wouldn't buy anymore than that. If you're going to buy more, get some size 1's.
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~Sarah~

I totally agree my 2nd son was 9lbs 6oz and never fit in newborn diapers or clothes..It was so depressing..LOL

~*Heart*~ · 01-01-2008, 03:35 PM

I agree on the diapers as well. DS was almost 9lbs and was in newborn size for like a week...DD was 8lbs 4 oz and was in them a bit longer. You never can tell how big your baby will be, especially if it's your first. DD did fit in preemie sizes for about a week, though. Once the week was over, the 2 outfits she had in P size were useless. I have ONE P size for DS#2...we'll see if he fits it. I might end up buying that size in his homecoming outfit. DS#1 was in size NB in his homecoming outfit and he wasn't floating in it too badly lol.

Tiara51 · 01-01-2008, 03:52 PM

Great tips ladies.

Lea cyster · 01-01-2008, 04:17 PM

I know this is personal choice, and perhaps contrversial to some people, but I always make sure I bring a pacifier to the hospital with me. With DD1 I did not bring one, and of course was going by the "rule" that you should not introduce one until breastfeeding was well established etc........

However, with DS, first night in the hospital, he would not sleep at all!!! AT ALL!! He would only sleep on my breast, He would not eat much, just suck to sleep!, and after a long delivery and labour, I was VERY TIRED and a bit weak!! The nurses tried to help me get him down in his bassinet, but to no avail, I went through 3 nurses, no sleep, and finally a nurse took him for about an hour so I could try and get some sleep. I never did sleep, becasue I could hear him screaming from teh ahllways where the nurses were walking him around! LOL!

Finally the nurse cam e back in and said are you okay if we give him a pacifier, I said yes at that point, just to get some rest, and voila, he slept!!

She did warn me though, that not all hospitals "stock" soothers, so that next time I should bring one just in case!

So that is one thing I will bring for sure!!

stark tjej · 01-01-2008, 05:55 PM

I suggest having plenty of easy foods for you on hand, especially ones that are high in fiber. Going #2 after can be uncomfortable/scary, but more fiber helps with that.

Also, it never really hurts to have a diaper a little too big, but too small and you get blowouts. Too big and you just have to fasten it tight.

If you plan to breastfeed, it is really helpful to be very informed about it - it isn't easy and natural for everyone, and there is a lot of bad advice out there. I've seen a lot of people online here (and one in real life) pressured to supplement in the first couple of days, when it's totally normal for milk not to be in yet, and then they struggle with supply issues and confidence when they could have had better support from the beginning and done much better. There are tons of good books out there, there are also meetings (although I've never been to one), and there is the breastfeeding thread on the mommy board here with lots of info and links.

I've liked having a soft carrier from day 1, so we can go shopping and on walks with baby happily snuggled next to me. There are a lot of brands and styles, a person has to decide what they want.

Washable breast pads are nice, as are cloth diapers, but a person has to want to do a little more laundry. It isn't as hard to CD as it used to be.

Oh, and I'd have a pacifier. I love them. DD loved it from the start, and DS tolerates it at times so far. It can be so helpful for them to have something to suck on besides you. Especially in the beginning with newborn nipple pain...

Stark

lilalouise · 01-01-2008, 06:00 PM

Well, we adopted DS #1 and had 4 days notice over a holiday weekend (Easter) to prepare. His shower was a few weeks later, so we borrowed a few things or just made due without. Here is what we had for the first few weeks and survived quite well (keping in mind he was 1 month old and I was not bf'ing):
CAMERA
Bouncy Seat (borrowed)
Infant car seat (borrowed, but knew that it was NEVER in an accident and we got our own at the shower)
basinet
diapers
wipes
a couple of outfits (ds still fit in a few newborn outfits at 1 month old!)
bottles and formula (I know this doesn't apply to OP, but might for someone)

To get by for a few days/weeks, that is really all that is needed, but there are extra things that DEFINITELY made life easier once we had them! Here is the "other stuff" that was very nice to have, but we survived until our shower without:
swing
travel system
pack n play
receiving blakets (we used them as burp cloths)

I know there is other stuff, but I can't think right now. I am glad that I am thinking about this now though!!
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AriaLane · 01-02-2008, 04:21 PM

This is so great moms! It is nice to see I'm on the right track for some things and awesome to have those, 'holy crap I didn't even think of that!' suggestions. Keep 'em coming.

StormsDreams · 01-02-2008, 05:12 PM

Thanks Ladies~
Lyndsay~ I am having a c-section and will make sure i bring something with a little control. I had abdominal surgery so i know that pain of being cut open!! I am soo not looking forward to that but at least i will have my baby!!!

I am going to try and venture out tomorrow and see if I can return these wipes...i purchased the wrong kind (scented)...

~*Heart*~ · 01-02-2008, 08:30 PM

Don't worry about returning the wipes just yet. You can still use them! I was all freaked out about making sure I had "sensitive" wipes or "unscented" with DS, but with DD, I just used what I had and she was fine. Like I said before, even nurses in the NICU tell parents that any kind of wipe is fine...and those babies should have SUPER sensitive skin! Besides...you'll use wipes for a lot more than just butts!

StormsDreams · 01-02-2008, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leosbabygurl
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Don't worry about returning the wipes just yet. You can still use them! I was all freaked out about making sure I had "sensitive" wipes or "unscented" with DS, but with DD, I just used what I had and she was fine. Like I said before, even nurses in the NICU tell parents that any kind of wipe is fine...and those babies should have SUPER sensitive skin! Besides...you'll use wipes for a lot more than just butts!

LOL...ok i will hold out for a while...
I think they say use a washcloth the first few weeks anyway...does that sound about right?

SweetMe · 01-02-2008, 10:17 PM

cotton wool balls and warm water is cheaper than wipes and a wipe warmer and definatley doesn't have anything in it that might upset sensitive skin.

i'm just starting to get stuff so far i have
1 cardigan
1 t-shirt
1 daysuit
1 sleepsuit
1 hat
1 pair of hand mitts
1 pair of trousers with feet
(all newborn upto 10pounds)
2 long maternity nightdresses (i hate pyjamas)
1 fluffy dressing gown
1 pair of slippers

and that's about it lol!
I have a cot that is used but in good condition just up the road.
I have a travel system in mind that someone is buying as a present.
Oh, my mum bought 'bump' a teddy bear for Christmas lol!

mand x

~*Heart*~ · 01-02-2008, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StormsDreams
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LOL...ok i will hold out for a while...
I think they say use a washcloth the first few weeks anyway...does that sound about right?

I think it all depends on where you are. I know in Vermont and here in Maine, the hospital supplied actual wipes for us while we were there. No washcloths. 11 years ago when my niece was born, they gave my SIL gauze pads and water. I think as time goes on, people realize that extreme measures really aren't necessary (like with the umbilical cord care thing). The newborn isn't as fragile as once thought.

advising_lady · 01-04-2008, 05:32 PM

oh...to add have a bunch of thank you notes on hand. we received so mant packages and things for Miles and I went through about 30 cards in the first 2 weeks.

I don't know what you're doing regardung the sleeping situation for the first litt;e while but we bought an Arm's reach co-sleeper and it's such a blessing. It's like a pack n play but the side folds down and you push it right next to your bed. It's nice especially those first couple of weeks when you just need to watch them sleep because of all those initial fears. My DS is almost 7 weeks and we;re still using it nightly.