Final bits?

[Stargazer87]

I've got just under 8 weeks to go now and feeling fairly on top of things. Just wondering if there's anything I've forgotten? Were there any things you wish you'd bought? Bought more of? Done in your final few weeks? Prepared? Let me know, there's bound to be lots of useful tips! Xx

The only things I wish I bought more of was maternity pads, wasn’t prepared for quite how much and how long you bleed. The only other thing I wish I’d done more of was relax before the birth.

Ive heard so many people say you need way more maternity pads than you think...but how many is that? 🤷🏻‍♀️Roughly how many packs would you say is good to have in?

Also I completely agree on the relaxing front, I almost want to get everything sorted now so I can spend the last few weeks just chilling...hopefully!

Make sure you really know how to fit your car seat, and how to fix baby in the car seat.

Make sure you really know how to open/collapse your buggy etc - especially with one hand.

Have some meals in the freezer.

Maternity pads (maxi and slim ones), dry shampoo, good concealer. Think I bought some nice shower gel too so those quick showers in the first few weeks felt like more of a treat.

Following! @Stargazer87 when is your due date? I’m 30 Nov.

@peachypetite I'm due 28th Nov, not long now!

@stellaaaaaa Good concealer is a good shout, any recommendations?

I have a very good under eye concealer from Bobbi brown

@Stargazer87 I rate the Collection Lasting Perfection one, loads of coverage and it's mega cheap. A friend gave me a YSL Touché Eclat after my last baby which was a lovely treat, if you're feeling spendy.

I personally found I didn't need a crazy amount maternity pads, I bought two large packs and had sooooo many left over. My due date this time is 25/11/2020 so I'll be using the rest of them then but I wouldn't go too crazy, you can always buy more if needed.

If you're planning on breastfeeding, lanolin and nipples shields are great if you are unfortunate enough to suffer temporarily with cracked nipples, they were a great source of relief when needed!

www.lookfantastic.com/bobbi-brown-intensive-skin-serum-concealer-various-shades/12462163.html?affil=thggpsad&switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&variation=12462169&thg_ppc_campaign=71700000026979856&adtype=pla&product_id=12462169&gclid=CjwKCAjwzvX7BRAeEiwAsXExow5dM868DAqsPEsnwqneqaKZRbpEydnFMf3myEuBo4pKzrzN7J7BRhoCvJEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I bled for 6 weeks with the first 2 being particularly heavy and the midwives recommended changing pads every time you go to the toilet at least so you need a reasonable amount to start with. I have 3 packs for heavy and 3 packs of lighter ones for now.

I'll second the lansinoh nipple cream if you're thinking of breastfeeding, good to have on hand.
I'd just buy a few packs of maternity pads and a load of always night or similar. Theyre more comfortable once bleeding eases a little.

Good luck!

Thanks for all the tips so far, keep them coming!

Think I used about 8 packs of the big green maternity pads. Definitely stock up the freezer with dinners and get a few packets of biscuits to hide for visitors if you have any. Also a water bottle with a built in straw that you can drink from one handed.
I found lanolin very heavy but my expert midwife does a nipple cream which is a lanolin mix and it cleared my cracked nipples right up!

Batch cook tasty, healthy meals for freezer and make soup to freeze into batches for lunch.

Hello, I'm due around the same time. I've been told you can never have enough muslins.

What maternity pads does everyone recommend?

Another vote for the nipple cream by My Expert Midwife. It’s so much easier to put on than Lanolin.

Yes also to freezer meals and also get some quick cupboard meals too eg. Those packet rice things can be added to a can of tuna and some salad and you’ve got a meal in about 10 seconds of prep.

I also needed about 3 packs of maternity pads and then I also used the night time (extra long) sanitary towels for a couple of weeks so I’d get both maternity and sanitary towels as I found the latter more comfortable. Maternity ones are only needed for the heavier bleeding at the start.

This may sound weird but depending on how your lounge is set out, make sure you have either a little side table or a basket where you can put all your bits and pieces for the day. Once your DP is back at work you will spend ages stuck under a sleeping/feeding baby and there’s lots of things you’ll want to keep to hand like the remote, snacks, water, muslins, phone, book, etc. It’s better to have somewhere to put them rather than always ending up with stuff all over the sofa.

The basket idea sounds great, that's now on my list!

@rainbows20

Hello, I'm due around the same time. I've been told you can never have enough muslins.

What maternity pads does everyone recommend?

Recommend these ones - they're widely available online and also in pharmacy. They're not sticky on the bag like normal sanitary pads but that means they let the air circulate better and my midwife said stitches are less likely to get infected. Also, they're very comfortable to wear, especially when sitting down which is important when healing https://www.pregnancyandbaby.ie/bv-maternity-pads-10-x-30cm-10s/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3LrGjdqi7AIVCIBQBh32JQb1EAQYAiABEgJNgDD_BwE

@bananallamas no the basket is inspired! Your spot on, it's so useful to just have everything in there, essential even 😊

@Stargazer87 there are some good natural, organic cotton maternity pads out there too. Natrecare do some I used last time

www.ethicalsuperstore.com/products/natracare/natracare-organic-cotton-new-mother-maternity-pads---10/?PCode=DSGPESS15&gclid=CjwKCAjwzvX7BRAeEiwAsXExo6HreaOKuyZdzgDayfCJNIgZFvNcBBNXagFm4xQnmuCBpOGBJRosfhoCjlkQAvD_BwE

Other places sell them too online

Thank you @dumpling123 and @ChampooPapi I will take a look at both