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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

having a bit of a panic!

6 replies

ohjesus · 09/09/2014 16:03

So it seems to have hit me that at the end of dec i will be given a naked little human to look after.
Its our first baby and i really dont have a clue!
I have a buggy, that comes with a cat seat etc.
I have a second hand moses basket. Do i really need to get a new mattress?

We have a few baby grows.
We have gone a bit crazy with clothes, but we have got different ages.

What blankets do we need?
We have some muslins. How many do we need?
What do we need to bring to the hospital for the baby? And what do i need to bring? Im thinking 2 different bags to make it easier.
How long will i have to stay in hospital if it is a nice easy labour?

I am planning on bfing. Do i need to bring bottles and milk just in case?

Oh god! I dont have a clue!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
TwigletFiend · 09/09/2014 16:33

Don't panic! That's plenty of time to sort yourself out.

RE Moses basket, advice is that you should have a new mattress for a new baby as it can reduce the risk of cot death; they published a report called the Richardson Report which explains why, if you wanted to look it up. I believe that the way mattresses are manufactured changed in 2011, but the research into the difference this makes is still underway, so the advice stands currently Smile

If you're having a winter baby, you will want to get a couple of cellular blankets. I'm due November and have gone for 4, assuming that I'll be using them out an about as well as for sleeping, and that allows for a couple of layers and a couple being washed.

Muslins depends on how sicky your baby is! A dozen would probably be fine for babies who don't sick up, probably more for messy babies. Start with a pack of 12 or so maybe, then stock up if you find your baby is very reflux-y!

On the milk front, I personally have decided not to buy any formula as a 'just in case'. I think that BF is going to be hard and I don't want the temptation to give up! However, I have no medical reason to believe that I won't be able to BF. If I did, I'd probably buy a starter pack to be on the safe side.

Hospitals vary - it'll probably depend on what time you give birth as to when they let you out. MY NCT teacher says they tend to like FTMs to stay in at least one night for feeding support, but of course you don't have to. You can discharge yourself if you'd prefer to go home.

Hospital bag essentials are probably maternity pads, big comfy pants, comfy clothes for going home, old t-shirt/nightie or cheapy button-down version for time in hospital/labour. You'll probably want to throw that away if you actually give birth in it though, so nothing you can't bear to part with! Nursing bras and breast pads, just in case. Snacks and water in case you have a long labour - stuff that isn't fiddly and is easy to eat. Anything you want as labour aids, so music/hynobirthing CD etc. Hair bobbles for getting long hair out of the way when you're roasting in labour! Maternity notes too, obviously. This is a pretty comprehensive list if you need more ideas, but I wouldn't have thought you'd want more than that!

All baby needs is boobs, a small pack of nappies, car seat and clothes/blanket for going home.

I probably missed things. I'm also a FTM, so not sure I'm all that qualified to give advice!!

ohjesus · 09/09/2014 16:43

Lovely!

It just seems so scary being handed this little naked thing and having to then keep it alive! It comes with nothing!

I think im going to write a list. Then i can compare it with what i have.

Thank you!

OP posts:
TwigletFiend · 09/09/2014 16:50

I know the feeling! I'm 30 weeks this week and it's all becoming very real all of a sudden. Exciting too though Smile

I made lists. It definitely helped me get my head around things!

haventgotaclue1 · 09/09/2014 17:23

Lists, excel spreadsheets, scribbled notes - I have them all....and am still worried I'm gonna forget something critical Grin! Oh well, I can't mess it up that much...surely....! Like Twiglet am 30 weeks this week and it's all becoming rather real....

Scoobsmam13 · 09/09/2014 20:35

Snap here too, 24 weeks! I already have a DD but she is now 6 and I feel like I have forgotten everything and I have no idea how I did it the first time. So in that I take comfort. I didn't have a clue last time and didn't go too far wrong, I don't have a clue this time but something must have clicked all those years ago, I'll just wait for it to happen again Smile

tomanyanimals · 10/09/2014 10:03

I have bought a few bottles and a breast pump as a just incase after talking to my midwife I was quite poorly last time I had Ds so we thought at least if I am abit poorly I may be able to express which will give me a day or so to come round without having to go for formula but also to remember if I can't breast feed it's not the end of the world and hospital will give me all the help I want.
A nightie is best for whilst in hospital after birth just incase you need a catheter and some gentle shower soap I.e non perfumed as it will hurt like a bugger if u have to have stitches I learnt that one the hard way ouch.

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