Due December 2018

Stellasmurf · 24-10-2018 2:14pm

Has anyone started packing bags for the hospital yet? I plan to get them together this weekend. Would anyone have a list they could share of essentials for baby and mom?

Oops Dec 2018 · 24-10-2018 9:22pm

Hi Stella, yup I've started to pack. The Coombe website has a good one and so does Pippa o Connor website. Both say pretty much the same thing.
I've started washing all my onesies here too and vests etc. I forgot what all the clothes my others had.
Oh I'm beginning to panic now as I've soooooo much to do. Sort out Christmas for the other kids, get rooms in the house decluttered. And I've zero energy to do them all.
X

VickySkywalker · 26-10-2018 10:01am

Stellasmurf wrote: »

Has anyone started packing bags for the hospital yet? I plan to get them together this weekend. Would anyone have a list they could share of essentials for baby and mom?

Hi! Holles St. also has a very good list http://www.nmh.ie/labour-delivery/your-hospital-bag.13615.html

I'm 33w5d and I finished packing mine last week (started 2 weeks ago with the essentials incase something happened), I'm only missing one towel for me (I'll need to get another dark one), the snacks and a couple of power banks (apart from the charger) just in case

There are a couple of things I've added that are not on that list:

1. Bepanthene in case baby has sensitive skin like my husband and I.
2. Nipple balm in case I need it. Though my sister uses her own colostrum/breast milk after she's done feeding and she never had need for balms! That was recommended by her OB. So in case the colostrum method fails, I'll have the Weleda nipple balm (it has to be safe for baby to eat). I suppose this one is a moot point if you are not breastfeeding, though.
3. Sports cap water bottle (suggested by women with childbirth experience) to help wash after using the toilet if you get stitches. It's far gentler than toilet roll and more hygienic!
4. I'll also add the almond oil used for perineal massage (something midwives recommend to help lower the chances of tearing) to help clean up the meconium.
5. I've packed everything in clearly labeled ziplock bags. Specially complete outfits for baby so that we don't have to faff about in the bag looking for spare bits. But I've also put nappies (15 in one and 10 in another one) and breast pads in those bags to make it easy to distribute stuff instead of being stuck with a box of breast pads and a huge bag of nappies! The only thing I've left in it's original boxes are the maternity pads. They are so big they don't fit into the ziplock bags (though I tried!)
6. Eye mask and ear plugs in case there are no private rooms available.
7. Loads of snacks because I'm coeliac, so I've learnt to be prepared to avoid surprises.
8. a pair of shorts (the hospital can be very warm), T-shirt and toothbrush for my husband.
9. A spare asthma inhaler in case I need it and forget my main one at home in the rush.
10. Lip balm for labour ward (apparently your lips can get very dry and chapped)

I've washed and ironed all my baby's clothes because I've studied fashion and have first-hand experience in what chemicals go into clothes and the hygiene standards even in clean warehouses. My husband and I do that with our own clothes every time we get something new (we both have eczema and atopic dermatitis) so I'm used to it. We use an unscented laundry wash and some baby things I had to wash twice to get rid of the smell of chemicals (you might not be able to notice if you use a scented one). The ironing is to kill any virus, bacteria o parasite that might have stuck around even after washing.

I also have a small pile of things that now live on the entry table that I use every day but I'd like to bring with me: some meds, headphones, a basic make up kit (I wear very little make up so it's only 5 items) and my Kindle.

I must come across as a very obsessive person,

but I really am not. I just like things to be organised beforehand to save work when we'll be busy learning how to be parents! And the washing and ironing is a hygiene thing. But I know it's a bit of a luxury... I'm pretty sure that those of you who are not first-time mothers have no time to do all this stuff!

Ok, I think that's all the advice I have :P Does anybody have any other suggestions?

VickySkywalker · 26-10-2018 10:12am

Would anyone be interested if I created a Facebook group for those of us here?

Stellasmurf · 26-10-2018 12:01pm

This is fantastic Vicky! Thanks so much. I am going to get mine done I think this week. Better to be organised than caught short at last minute, even if just for peace of mind anyway. I had quite a few cramps/pains this week (more IBS/Bowel related I think) and my Braxton Hicks have upped their game lately too. The midwife was not concerned so while the baby might not be coming it has given me enough of a fright to get my act together.

I'd be interested in joining a facebook group

Stellasmurf · 27-10-2018 10:43am

Just wondering are people planing on bottle or breast feeding? This is my first and I really want to breast feed but I'm a little confused on whether I should but bottles, sterilizer, a pump (hand or mechanic?)... Anyone have any advise or what brands they have found to be good?

calgary bound · 27-10-2018 10:52am

I would really be interested in joining a Facebook group. I'm due no.2 on January 1st but the latest the consultant is gonna let me go is December 21st so hopefully I'll be having a December baby. I'm going to bottle feed; breast feeding didn't work first time round.

tiggerific · 27-10-2018 6:26pm

Hi all. Hope everyone is well.
I’d be interested in a facebook group. I’m part of one called ‘Pregnant in Ireland’ on Facebook but I like this thread because everyone is at the same stage as me.

I’m feeling very unprepared at the minute. Still undecided on the big stuff like pram and crib so haven’t got either yet. And have only a few bits packed in the hospital bag and I’ve only 7 weeks left ðŸ™ˆ I think I’m afraid that I’ll end up picking the wrong thing or brand so I’m putting it off. It’s so hard to know when there’s so many conflicting reviews! ðŸ˜‚

VickySkywalker · 28-10-2018 11:12am

Stellasmurf wrote: »

Just wondering are people planing on bottle or breast feeding? This is my first and I really want to breast feed but I'm a little confused on whether I should but bottles, sterilizer, a pump (hand or mechanic?)... Anyone have any advise or what brands they have found to be good?

I'm going to breastfeed. I bought 1 Medela Calma bottle in case I need to hand express for some reason at first. After breastfeeding is established, I'll buy an electric Medela pump and the kit. https://www.medela.com/breastfeeding/products/breast-pumps/swing-maxi

I already bought a steriliser because I found a very good deal

I'm going with this brand because I've done some research and it seems like the best. Another big reason is that other mothers recommended it.

Apparently the Calma bottles are the best to avoid interference with breastfeeding because the baby has to drink as they do from the breast.

VickySkywalker · 28-10-2018 11:15am

I'm creating the Facebook group, ladies

Please PM me so that I can add you. I'll make it a secret group in case you're not telling people

bovril · 29-10-2018 3:25am

Stellasmurf wrote: »

Just wondering are people planing on bottle or breast feeding? This is my first and I really want to breast feed but I'm a little confused on whether I should but bottles, sterilizer, a pump (hand or mechanic?)... Anyone have any advise or what brands they have found to be good?

I've only ever breastfed my babies and will do so again this time. I didn't get bottles or a pump first time around. It's generally not advised to express before 6 weeks anyway until your milk is established. I'd recommend doing any breastfeeding ante natal classes that your hospital organises. I'd also recommend attending your local breastfeeding support group before you have your baby. You'll get lots of advise and it's less daunting arriving with your baby the first time if you've already been. There is a dedicated thread on boards for breastfeeding which is a brilliant source of info. The most important thing you can do is prepare yourself with knowledge of what is normal. It's also important to know where to seek help and support should you need it.

I'd advise getting some lanolin cream and the multimam compresses and breastpads for the first few days and see how you go. Worst case scenario you can pick up some of the ready made formula cartons if it doesn't work out and you haven't wasted money on a pump.

As for pumps in the future I'd recommend reading about open and closed systems. Most of the medala pumps are open meaning it's only recommended you use it for one baby as milk can get into the mechanism and cause mould.

Bottles can also be difficult to settle on too as some babies only take to certain types and sometimes. Some people if they plan on expressing sometimes have to try many different types. With breastfeeding and introducing a bottle paced bottle feeding and recommended.

From the beginning though technically all you'll need is yourself, access to lots of drinking water and snacks, plenty of cushions to prop yourself up and something like Netflix!

Stellasmurf · 29-10-2018 10:26am

Thank you so much Bovril. This is exactly the info and advice I was looking for. I might just hold off on buying bottles and pumps until after baby is born so and hopefully he will take to the boob! Do you have any advice on where to buy the lanolin cream and Mam compresses? They are quite pricey in the pharmacy so was wondering if buying online would be cheaper? Also has anyone used breast angels before? Again quite pricey but wondering if they would be worth it to help establish BF?

bovril · 29-10-2018 10:52am

Stellasmurf wrote: »

Thank you so much Bovril. This is exactly the info and advice I was looking for. I might just hold off on buying bottles and pumps until after baby is born so and hopefully he will take to the boob! Do you have any advice on where to buy the lanolin cream and Mam compresses? They are quite pricey in the pharmacy so was wondering if buying online would be cheaper? Also has anyone used breast angels before? Again quite pricey but wondering if they would be worth it to help establish BF?

You can get lanolin in a little tub in the pharmacy for about 7e think. Boots sell it too. There is a branded version by lansinoh in a purple tube that can be priced at 20e. Tesco sell it for 15e. Try get the little tub. The compresses are probably cheapest in boots. You can cut each compress in half to make them last longer as they run at about 15e too.

I've never used the breast angels myself. Never needed them. I've heard a few ladies in my local support group use them if they had cracked nipples and they were a god send. I'd say hold off for now and you can always pick them up if you need them.

Anne_cordelia · 29-10-2018 6:31pm

Skip lanolin and multimam compresses and just buy the silver breast angels. They have saved many breastfeeding journeys and are completely 100% worth the €50 odd.

unknowngirl!! · 30-10-2018 12:37am

Just for info, there is an existing group for Dec births with over 100 of us chatting, it's very active. I've been mostly on that so haven't been here too much, sorry. Check out RC to find a way to message one of the admins of the page for access.

I'll be BFing again once everything works out. I had to express to start last time as I had a sick baby who was born with no suck and he had an NG tube for feeding. Definitely recommend not buying a pump until you have 100% decided to BF. Worst case scenario you can rent a hospital grade one to start.

I personally think the multimam compresses are great and have stocked up.

The best advice I could give for BFing is to do as much research as possible. It isn't always as easy as just whipping out your boob. I really think you need to stick with in 14 days before deciding whether it works for you or not. You need to give yourself and baby a chance to find your way. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out and you can easily pick up formula

Stellasmurf · 30-10-2018 9:47am

Thanks Unknown - sorry if I missed in your post but what social media is that Dec babies group on?

unknowngirl!! · 05-11-2018 2:24pm

Stellasmurf wrote: »

Thanks Unknown - sorry if I missed in your post but what social media is that Dec babies group on?

If you go on RollerCoaster and search the Dec 18 Mums2Be group there is a thread for joining the FB group, you'll have to search a bit because I can't remember which one now. There are 136 of us chatting daily and it's a really great resource

Stellasmurf · 08-11-2018 12:22am

My partner is starting a new job next month and just informed me he would tell his new boss he would be unavailable to travel from 5 days before my due date.
I feel really annoyed that he is even considering travelling from week 37 but perhaps I am being unreasonable?

I wouldn’t have anyone else nearby to help me should I go early and as this is my first I’ve no idea when I could expect to go.

What would you ladies think if your partner went traveling up to 5 days before your due date? Would anyone consider labouribg without a birth partner?
It is a short flight and would be maybe 2 days. If I had someone here with me I guess I’d feel a bit more confident.

shesty · 08-11-2018 2:35pm

I'd consider a close family member or maybe a doula.

unknowngirl!! · 08-11-2018 11:00pm

Hey Stella, was that you added to the group today? It might be closing soon as babies start to arrive so if you want to join be sure to request ASAP

VickySkywalker · 09-11-2018 11:54am

Hi guys! Sorry I disappeared! I had a complex couple of weeks and boards doesn't seem to be working properly so I can't PM you. I'll be back with news regarding the group soon!

Due December 2018

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