Complete Checklist for New & Nursing Mommies
It is always a good idea to be as prepared as possible for your new baby’s arrival. Sure, take all the classes you can, read all the books and do all the research you want. But when your head starts swimming with all this info, consider the following checklist to simplify things:
Pediatrician
Find a good pediatrician – preferably one that has a lactation consultant or a nurse practitioner who knows breastfeeding – and tape their phone number to your refrigerator. Ask friends and any others in the know for referrals. Interview several and pick one who seems to share your views and temperament. Consider not only your primary care provider but also the practice as a whole, as you will most certainly have visits with other doctors in the practice. Do NOT be afraid to pick up the phone and call them for anything…especially at the beginning.
Lactation Consultant
Ask your pediatrician to recommend a good lactation consultant and tape their number to your fridge. Do a follow up – even if the nursing is going swimmingly – after getting out of the hospital to make you get off on the right foot.
Baby Store
A good baby store with good products, expertise and service can be a great resource. If you only happen to get the first two items checked off you can always send “honey” on endless errand excursions (he’ll appreciate feeling useful).
Swaddling Blanket
A good swaddling blanket is worth its weight in gold. Your sanity depends on it. The Miracle Blanket is your “Swaddling For Dummies” choice and works great. Luna Lullaby has a set of three muslin blankets that require some pre-folding but are great because muslin wicks moisture and regulates body temperature. A good choice in warmer climates and doubles as a receiving blanket and stroller blanket.
Gripewater
A natural ginger/fennel blend (two natural digestive aids that have been used for centuries) that turns fussy babies into angels as it relieves gas build up and stops hiccups dead in their tracks. Babies are by nature little gas bags so this should be in any New Parent’s Survival Kit.
Nursing Bras
Bravado’s Bodysilk Seamless is the clear favorite for expectant mothers as its stretchiness allows for you to be comfortable throughout the many size changes your body will experience from third trimester to weaning. Removable pads a plus. Blue Canoe’s Jane’s Plus Cup bra is a great choice for when you’re sleeping or just lounging about. It just doesn’t get more comfortable than this! Organic cotton is a bonus. Keep in mind that comfort and support are what it’s all about during this stage in your life. Keep those sexy little numbers for when it’s time to contemplate baby #2.
Double Electric Breast Pump
We’d recommend the Medela Freestyle. It’s like an iPod in that you can just strap on and go. You don’t realize just how inconvenient being attached to a wall outlet can be until you pump with a traditional pump. You’ll tense up when the phone or doorbell ring and you can’t answer, or as you just sit there looking at all the things you could be doing around the house but can’t because you’ve got a ball and chain breast pump. Pumping tense is not good for getting those bottles to fill up with milk. If you want a more economical option to the Freestyle, get the Medela Pump in Style Advanced. There are other good pumps made by other companies but the best hospitals trust Medela and we do, too. Nothing beats the Freestyle for convenience. Convenience means sanity, and that means that you’ll probably nurse/pump longer which means a healthier baby and lots of extra cash in your wallet.
A Good Set of Breast Shields
It is imperative to pump with the right size breast shield. A lactation consultant can help you determine what size is best for you. New to the scene are contoured breast shields by Pumpin’ Pal that allow you lean back while pumping.
More Milk Plus
Let’s hope you never need this product, but if you do it’s indispensable. It does an amazing job of boosting a lagging milk supply. It’s also organic and all-natural.
Lickety Split Healing Balm
Heals and soothes dry, cracked nipples, prevents and heals diaper rash and heals just about any non-prescription skin issue in remarkable time. Use on lips, cuts, razor burns, rashes, c-section incisions, etc.
Hooter Hider
Yep, you read that right. This nursing apron comes in snappy patterns, is contoured at the top so you and baby can see each other and allows you to nurse (or even pump) without anyone being able to see what’s going on.
Lily Padz
Non-absorbent bra pads! Just stick them over your nipple and areola. No more leaking, no unwanted friction, no more headlights to announce your arrival. A pair of Lily Padz lasts up to two months, so at just about $24, they are a great investment. Plus Mother Nature will appreciate the lack of waste.
Sling, Wrap or Carrier
A ring sling is good for younger, smaller babies, offers many carrying positions and is pretty user-friendly. A Moby Wrap is an affordable, versatile and more comfortable way to carry baby than a ring sling. But it does take a little more practice to get the hang of it. The Ergo Baby Carrier is what hikers like to use. Extremely comfortable, dad-friendly and great for babies from newborn until 40 lbs. The Mei Tai style of carrier combines features of both the Ergo and the Moby and comes in super stylish patterns. Baby wearing is great for baby’s emotional and psychological development, so a good baby sling, wrap or carrier is a great investment.
Nail Clippers or Nail File
Babies have nails as thin and pliable as paper, which means nasty paper cuts are in store for baby unless you keep their nails trimmed.
Baby Thermometer
Don’t rely on the old palm to the forehead trick – it isn't that reliable!
Sophie the Giraffe
Born in France in 1961, she has made an invasion of the United States that rivals The Beatles’ invasion in 1964 (although we have not seen an appearance by Sophie on the Ed Sullivan show…yet). Babies absolutely love Sophie. They can easily grip her by the neck. She stimulates all five of their senses. She squeaks and is awfully cute. Made of natural rubber and food-grade paint, she is safe for baby to chomp on. Sophie is great fodder for teething babies. Her hooves come in especially handy when your baby’s molars need a good working over.
Cloth Diapers
Look into using them as they are a lot cheaper than disposables, better for the environment, can be used for several babies and are a lot easier to use than you think. Cloth diapers have come a LONG way since your grandma used to get pricked by those pesky diaper pins back in the day.
Belly Bandit
If you breastfeed your baby you will burn so many calories you’ll lose all that unwanted baby fat in no time. Except in the pooch area. Want to kill that pooch? Get a Belly Bandit!
Mommy Hook
A big hook that attaches to your stroller which allows you to bring along the kitchen sink on your much-needed excursions as you transition back from a hermit into a normal person.
Rest
Yep, girls, put that on your checklist and check it off as many times as you can. Peace out! Don’t let your idea of a normal day get in the way of this. You may feel like you should be an on-the-ball productive person but feeding and caring for a new baby is about as on-the-ball and productive as it gets. Sleep whenever you get the chance, be it day, night or even right in the middle of your in-law’s visit. Let dad take over some feedings. Relax. Enjoy things as much as you can. It isn’t easy, but it is the most magical time in your life – you’re making a whole new life here so be darn proud of yourself for doing that (no matter what your hormones and sleep-addled brain keep telling you!)
