It can be overwhelming know what items are good and what is actually needed for you and your baby. As a first time mom I was really wasn't sure what was actually needed. I quickly learned that, that wipe warmer that I thought I needed was totally unnecessary for my summer babies. But instead for keeping this tried and tested info to myself, I'm sharing it with you! Please talk to your care provider before starting any new supplements or products.
Books I LOVE
The Mama Natural Pregnancy & Childbirth book is great new approach to the token pregnancy book. If you have that other book that shall remain unnamed, please burn it and get this one.
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The Birth Partner is one of the most recommended books for a good reason. This book is an excellent tool for dads or any support person.
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If you are turning into a birth nerd, this is a great read. Tons of wonderful birth stories that are helpful in setting a healthy mindset on birth as you follow the journey of Peggy Vincent from new nurse to seasoned California seasoned CNM in Baby Catcher.
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I'm a birth nerd and I love stats and history. This is truly a wonderful read. Learn about how we arrived at our current obstetrical model of maternity care. I highly recommend Birth Matter - A midwife Manifesto
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Pregnancy
Another great tea I enjoyed in pregnancy starting in my second trimester.
Great for massages and castor packs. NOT FOR INGESTION.
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I loved this tea starting in my second trimester and continuing on into my third. Please do your research on Red Raspberry Leaf Tea and decide if its a good fit for you and your pregnancy.
Great bottle to stay hydrated. I take mine with me to every birth.
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I choose this prenatal because it was whole food and raw.
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Great for relaxing baths.
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Baby
These bamboo swaddles are seriously heavenly soft. I loved them so much!
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These classic muslin swaddles are amazing. Not only can you actually swaddle a baby, because they are big enough, but they are great for spit up rags and nursing covers ( if that is your thing). An they are made well, so they last. My 3 year loves to sleep with hers.
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In picking out a pack and pack I really wanted a raised bed option. Instead of a basinet we choose to use a pack and play for the baby to sleep in our room. It was the perfect height for next bed, making midnight feeds easy. It was also great for traveling.
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I discovered the Solly wrap at a Cattlemen's dinner when I was pregnant with my second. I eyed the adorable turquoise wrap from the across the room and asked the mom about it. They have a variety of colors and they are light weight and so comfortable.
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The ERGO is another great carrier, that we loved. We started with the infant insert and used it up until about age 2.
Vicks Germ-Free Humidifier is our favorite in kids rooms. Its quite and I have peace of mind its not just circulating germy air.
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The Lenny Lamb Toddler Carrier is AMAZING. I can comfortably carry my 3 year old. This is amazing when we are in big crowds, traveling or are out hiking.
I LOVE this hand sanitizer! Its something that is part of my go to kit I put together for expectant moms. It smells so amazing and doesn't kill your hands.
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We really like the California Baby products. They are easy on our sensitive skin and smell wonderful too.
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Labor & Birth
It can be hard to know what all is important to pack for labor and birth, so here is a list that is based on the 90+ births that I have attended. Happy Packing!
- Self confidence - Your body knew how to grow your baby, it knows how to birth it too
- Snacks - Perfect bar, dried fruit, honey, nuts, crackers, watermelon, cucumbers and jerky are a few ideas.
- Fluids - Coconut water, labor aide and water
- Toiletries - brush, hair tie, lotion, chapstick, tooth brush, tooth paste, contact lens supplies, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and shaving supplies.
- Comfort measures - Essential Oils, massage oil, rebozo, music, battery powered candles and birth affirmations
- Nursing tank top and comfy pants for afterwards.
- Clothes, snacks and drinks for dad
- Phone chargers
Postpartum
Mother's Milk Tea is a great tool to support lactation. I recommend moms first look at how much water they are drinking ( shoot for a gallon), eating enough good calories (don't forget good fats) and has a good latch. If you are unsure about your latch, you can find an IBCLC on my resource page.
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Tucks provide cooling relief in the beginning of the postpartum period.
Happy Ducts is a nice tool to have on hand to support healthy lactation. It is best to use when you are experiencing a clogged duct in combination to massage, hydration and dangle feeding. Contact your provider if you thing you may have mastitis.
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Girl... these are so nice in postpartum. I also recommend them for labor, because they are nice to have on hand if you water breaks. You don't have to worry about a pad or mesh panties. Rock them girl, because your are a rock star that just birth a baby!
AfterEase is a great alternitive for afterpains. Afterpains are typically last longer and are stronger after each delivery as your uterus involutes back to it's original size.
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I love Earth Mama's Peri Spray! Something that people don't normally talk about is how rough things might be postpartum. This spray is perfect for those rough days!
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Parenthood
MORE TO COME