I am currently 8 weeks post-partum and being a first time mum, this has been one of the most overwhelming, challenging yet amazingly fulfilling time of my life. Before my son was born, I did tons of research on what to prepare, spoke with medical mums about what works best and what doesn’t. I thought it might be worth sharing what I found helpful by consolidating everything into one blogpost for all future mums out there. So sit back , relax with a cuppa and enjoy this post!
Diaper bag
This is a no-brainer. You just need one for the hospital and everyday use. I got my Jujube diaper bag here from Amazon Au . I like the different compartments in it , the simple design and the fact that it is waterproof. So easy to wipe down any dirt or “spillage”.
Comfortable sleepwear/loungewear
There will a lot of hours spent at home , like a lot. If you opted for an elective Caesarean or end up having an emergency Caeseran like me , you will be in hospital for 5-6 days . You gotta have clothes with easy access for breastfeeding. So it is worth investing in some nice comfy clothes such as button down tops , long boyfriend t -shirts or nighties (less interference with Caesarean scar area)
Homebodii Grace Short Piping Pyjama Set
Peter Alexander Emerald Floral Slinky
Personal hygiene
This incontinence underwear is a life saver after birth . Not the most flattering thing in the world but it helps for the first 4 weeks post partum (especially if you had a Caesarean) when there will be ongoing lochia or blood loss.
Breastfeeding bras
Love these easy comfortable options for nursing and sleeping. They are wireless and provide easy access for breastfeeding. My favourite is this one here from Mamaway
Mammaway Far Infrared Thermal Crossover Sleeping and Nursing Bra
Breast pads for nursing
Essential to prevent breast milk leakage ! You really do not want a milk soaked bra overnight . Here are my favourites from Pigeon and New Beginnings .
Breastfeeding pillow
Hands down the best pillow to help support your wrists and arms while breastfeeding your little one. I developed carpal tunnel syndrome (weakness and numbness of wrists and hands) post Caesarean and this helped me through breastfeeding a lot. Bought mine here from Amazon AU .
Breastfeeding camis
This is also a great option for breastfeeding . Easy to remove straps for easy access.
Newborn essentials
Pure baby organics is one of my fav go to baby outfits. Beautifully organic (as the brand says so ) and also oh so soft! .To make life easier, just get the newborn hospital pack and you are good to go.
PureBaby Organics Hospital Pack
Nappy rash is something you do not want your baby to have. I find Water Wipes the best and most gentle on my baby’s skin
Sudrocrem
It is also a great idea to pack a small sample size of sudocrem which is basically a barrier cream to help with nappy rash and to help heal your baby’s skin if it starts looking a little inflammed. You really do not need too much of it as it is pretty thick and goes on white and gooey
Another brand favourite is Aden & Anais . They have the softest material for bibs and muslin swaddles. I got about 3 of the burpy bibs. I suggest getting as many as you can because you are gonna need it especially when you get home from the hospital. When babies burp or after a feed, they tend to regurgitate small amounts of milk due to a floppy lower oesophageal sphincter ( connects between the food pipe and stomach). Use a bip to keep your top nice and dry and reduce your laundry load ! There is a wider selection of Aden & Anais burpy bibs here.
Swaddling
Babies tend to have the startle reflex in the first few months of life , so it is important to swaddle them in a safe and comfortable way. I do prefer the love to dream swaddle suit more than the muslin cloth as it is so much easier and quicker to use and provides a huge relief for my upper back . My baby is going through a transitional phase where he dislikes the medium size for the love to dream suit ; so I am back to swaddling..oh my poor back! For Love to Dream, check out here for more information on how to choose the right material and sizing (which is based on your baby’s weight). I started with the original 1.0 Tog in size small.
Aden & Anais Muslin Silky Soft Bamboo Swaddle
Nipple care
Breastfeeding is the best gift you can give your baby. However it also comes with a lot of hard work and care to maintain the skin integrity of your nipple against cracks and bleeding. I find these combo the best : Lanolin and Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs
Rite Aid Hydrogel Breast Discs
Lip care
Drink plenty of water during breastfeeding and moisturise those lips. Breastfeeding makes you so thirsty and dehydrated . The dry air environment in the hospital also adds to dry chapped lips. Love this 8 hour cream from Elizabeth Arden.
Stretch marks care
Finally , you did all the hard work of labour or endured the stress of a Caesarean, you deserve to pamper yourself . Love the almond line from L’occitane.
L’occitane Almond Milk Concentrate
Other tips
1) Hairties ( gets your hair off your face and your baby’s while breastfeeding)
2) Non-slip rubber slippers (great for those with swollen feet and while wearing knee high TED stockings)
3) Get your baby car seat installed
4) Pram +/- baby carrier ( I use the BabyBjorn Carrier One Air-link here)
Hope this post helps all you mums-to-be out there. Do share some useful tips and things in your hospital bag in the comments down below
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