ESSENTIALS FOR YOU
MATERNITY PADS You’ll be bleeding for a few weeks (usually up to about six) after your baby is born as your womb recovers. You will need to get big, thick pads.
GRANNY PANTIES The big kind with extra stomach support is great to disguise your wobbly tummy and help your uterus get back to its pre baby shape.
BREAST PADS If you’re breastfeeding you don’t want to leak and get wet patches on your top. You can get disposable breast pads or re-usable, washable cloth ones. A mix of both is a good idea.
NURSING BRAS If breastfeeding, ensure you have comfortable, unstructured bras for night-time feeding and structured, non-wired ones for the day.
CABBAGE LEAVES Ifyouare breastfeeding, a cold cabbage leaf from the fridge really does help full, painful and engorged breasts.
PAIN RELIEF You can dissolve coarse salt or aromatherapy salts in a shallow bath of warm water, or use ice packs or warm compresses. Many moms also swear by Natura’s Rescue Remedy to help with emotional upheaval.
READY MEALS Cook some meals in bulk, and freeze them before your baby is born, so you don’t have to worry about cooking.
GOOD BASIC FOODSTUFFS Stock up on good basic foods to keep you going: low GI bread, eggs, cheese, milk and fruit juice, yoghurt, easy protein like ham and chicken breasts, fruit and vegetables. Don’t forget the vitamins or tonics. If you’re breastfeeding, the product must be compatible – try Weleda Schlehen Blackthorn Berry Elixir.
OTHER GROCERIES Make sure you have sufficient household essentials before the birth.
GOOD THINGS Stock up on books, magazines and invest in some nice candles and bubble bath to take a long, relaxing soak daily.
YOU’LL ALSO NEED
AS MUCH HELP AS POSSIBLE
When friends and family offer help, accept it!
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO NURSE
Arrange this before your baby is born. Is your chair comfortable and in a peaceful spot? Is there a table nearby to put baby stuff on? Is the area a comfortable temperature night and day?
PEACE AND QUIET Do you have noisy neighbours, who might impact on your or your baby’s sleep? If so, try to rearrange where your bedroom is and perhaps invest in sponge ear plugs. (You’ll still hear your baby through the plugs, if you’re sleeping in the same room or if you have a baby monitor.)
TO KEEP SIBLINGS OCCUPIED
Do you have a firstborn who is about to become a big brother or sister? Organise ways to look after your toddler before the birth, and remember to give them special oneon-one time every day.
TIP
Use a car seat every time your baby is in the car. Babies’ necks and backs are very weak, so they are at risk of head and spine injuries in even a small collision.
As challenging as it is to adjust to parenthood, it does get easier. Enjoy this time: it will go by so much faster than you’d dream possible.