Friday, January 11, 2013

What kinds off things do I need to do in order to prepare for my new baby?

Q. I am a first time mom, and my baby girl is due at any time...I just want to make sure that I have done everything I need to do, and I have gotten everything I need...

I don�t want to bring her home then figure out that I left something out....

A. First time mom here too! I've been asking people that recently and here are some of the things I've been told. A lot of the stuff that you buy for a first baby never gets used. Not in the way of clothes and stuff, but when you buy special pacifier holders and $100 play mats you'll end up putting the pacifiers on a counter and laying a blanket on the floor instead :P

Unless you want to be one of those super regimented people, you probably won't even use the changing table after a few weeks. A blanket or a towel on the floor works just as well. You can throw it in the wash if it gets dirty, and there's no possible way the baby can fall when it's already on the ground.

Clothes-wise:

Onesies, sleepsuits, singlets, mittens (if your baby will leave them on), baby hats and socks are the basics. For winter you'll need jackets too of course.

Bibs, soft blankets, burp cloths and baby towels will also be used every day.

If you're breast feeding you'll need good maternity bras, some button-up shirts or cami's depending on the season where you're living, nipple cream, a strong will, and breast pads.

If you're bottle feeding then you'll need the bottles (obviously), a sterilizer, newborn formula, a bottle warmer (if you don't want to be heating on the stove at two am) and those little travel containers to put portions of formula in while you're out.

Then you'll need things for when you go out. Diaper bag with space for extra clothes and all the change equipment--sometimes you may even need to bag up a dirty diaper and keep it with you if there's nowhere to dispose of it--, a pram/sling/pouch or whatever you prefer, and a car seat to get there if you drive or get driven.

Other items from obvious to not so obvious might include: a bassinet or cot, bedding, baby bath, rocker or bouncer, a high chair (again, if you're the super regimented type that won't end up with the baby sitting in your lap on the couch), a walker when the time comes, a diaper stacker, a chest of draws and/or wardrobe to store all the mini clothes in, a toy box for the million and one toys that somehow turn up even when you don't buy them (damn relatives :P), baby monitor, wipes (I know a girl who bought like a thousand diapers, and then forgot the wipes...), baby bath, rash cream and powder (certain kids respond better to one rather than the other or both). A bulb syringe in case of mucus build up in the throat.

And finally, the number one thing you must remember to have before the baby arrives is the acceptance that no matter how much you might prepare or plan, things will still come up that you're not equipt for. You'll do your best, mess up at some point, but make it through to know better tomorrow.

Good luck!


What suggestions on exercises during pregnancy?
Q. I am about 5 weeks pregnant and am not in good shape. However, I would like to start getting in shape. Any suggestions on exercises I should do, equipment I should use, or DVDs that I should use? Thank you in advance for your assistance.

A. SUGGESTIONS: If you have not been formerly active, they recommend that you ease into activity gradually. Do not take up strenuous exercise (eg Tai Bo) because your body will tend to move blood to the exercising muscles and away from your uterus. General recommendations are not to let your body heat above 100 F and not to let your heart rate get above 140 beats per minute. Until you know what that feels like, try using exercise machines that let you monitor it. Start with vigorous walking that gets your heart rate up to about 130 beats per minute. Early in pregnancy before you have balance issues, stationary bikes are also great. You may also want to look into prenatal yoga classes. Learning yoga before you are showing can be easier, and the practice will help with your bodily aches as the pregnancy develops. Later in pregnancy swimming is the most recommended exercise for a great combination of cardiovascular benefits, strength of muscles, minimum stress on your frame, and it even reduces swelling!

BENEFITS: Recent research suggests that babies born to active mothers have stronger fetal heart rates during and after birth. Your activeness can help keep your muscles and cardiovascular system in shape to ease your labor process, which in turn benefits your baby (because labor itself can be stressful on babies if prolonged). Moreover, keeping yourself healthy by eating great foods and exercising makes it more likely that you will deliver a baby at a healthy weight, and reduces your risk of a C-section because the baby is unhealthfully large or because your muscles tired out during delivery.


Can you wear a heart event monitor vest on a plane?
Q. My mother in law wants to come help me with our new baby and she will be flying out to where we live. She is going to be on a heart monitor event vest and she needs to fly. Does anyone know if its ok to fly with the monitor on?

A. The TSA is pretty lenient with medical equipment, but I do not see any specific mention of this kind of device - they mostly talk about pacemakers and other implanted devices - not external ones.

It might be a good idea to contact TSA directly for clarification:
E-mail - tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov
Phone - 1-866-289-9673


What things do i pack in my hospital bag?
Q. So what thins to pack for me and baby? So many sites say lots of different things, but what things did you actually use, or find u wanted and didn't have, 37 weeks so thought i better get packing. Thanks in advance

A. For labor

�Your birth plan
�A watch that counts seconds for timing contractions (Hospitals usually have clocks and monitors nearby.)
�A bathrobe, nightgown, slippers or socks, and whatever other clothing you'll want so that you will be warm and comfortable. Wear something you won't mind getting blood-stained during the delivery or postpartum. Nightgowns that open in the front make examinations or breastfeeding easier.
�Eyeglasses if you wear them. (Contacts may become uncomfortable -- they also would be removed during any surgery.)
�Toothbrush and toothpaste (Hospitals usually supply this, if necessary.)
�Hair ties or barrettes if your hair is long enough to get into your eyes or face
�Lip balm for dry lips
�A colored washcloth to wipe down with (A white one might get mixed up with the hospital laundry.)
�Any birth book you may want to refer to
�Favorite music and a CD player if the hospital doesn't provide one
�Camera and/or camcorder with charged batteries and accessories. Check with the hospital ahead of time to be sure they allow camcorders in the delivery room, and be sure to have extra film and tapes on hand.
�Massage equipment like oils, lotions, and tennis balls or a plastic rolling pin to roll across your lower back
�Suckers, hard candy, or honey sticks, unless you have a medical condition that precludes them. Sugarless candies may not make you as thirsty as sugared candies.
�Special snacks or drinks you may want during labor (Noncitrus juices, sports drinks, and fruit popsicles are good options.)
�A pad and pencil to write down any questions you may have for your health care provider
�Anything else you want to put in your room to make you comfortable -- like photos or your favorite pillow
�Snacks for your labor coach, as well as money for the vending machines and parking
�A phone card for keeping in touch with out of town family and friends. (You often can't use a cell phone in a hospital.)

After the baby is born

For you



�Nursing bras and pads
�Sanitary napkins (Hospitals also have them on hand.)
�Clean nightgown and maternity underwear. Although the hospital or birthing center will usually supply you with something, you may find your own to be more comfortable.
�Slippers
�Clothes to wear home. Remember that now isn't the time to try to fit into your favorite pre-pregnancy jeans. Bring something that fit comfortably when you were about six months pregnant.
�Favorite toiletries (including lotion, since your skin may be a bit dry from a loss of fluids)
�List of people to call after the baby is born
�Extra film or videotapes
�A book or magazine for both you and your partner
�More snacks! Having a baby is hard work and you might be hungry afterward. If the hospital kitchen is closed (or if you don't want to rely on hospital fare), you'll be glad to have your own food on hand.

If you don't have anything on hand, you can always recruit a family member or friend to go out for something. Healthy snacks like raisins, nuts, and whole-wheat crackers can help keep you regular, too.



For baby



�Car seat. You will need one to bring the baby home. Some hospitals can also loan new parents a car seat.
�Going-home outfit. Make sure to bring a sleeper with legs -- rather than a gown -- so that the baby will be warm and comfortable in the car seat.
�Receiving blanket appropriate to the outdoor temperature
�Diapers (Hospitals may provide these.)
�Socks or booties
�Cap


Don't forget your hairbrush and your own shampoo. I hated the stuff they had at the hospital.





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