Gift Registry


First Month Party Details


Prayer Requests

Pictures


Resources (for preggers & mums)
Useful resources for preggers & moms (page 2)

Shopping for baby
Shopping for mother
Forums and support groups
Essential items - what goes in the 'daddy bag'?

Essential items - what goes in the 'daddy bag'?
(The 'daddy bag' is the term my husband and I came for the bag that needs to be packed and ready to go when I go into labour and need to rush to the hospital. It contains all the essential items that he, the newborn & myself will require during my stay in the hospital.)

Item Quantity & description
FOR MOMMY:  
Comfortable sleepwear 1.
The hospital provides sleeping gowns for you to wear. And I found that I preferred to wear the gowns provided because I was bleeding immediately after the birth (the blood flow is natural, called lochia) and didn't want to stain my own sleepwear.
Nevertheless, for those who prefer the comfort of something familiar, you might still want to pack your own sleepwear, just in case.
Preferably with front opening for easy breastfeeding. I bought a 100% cotton one, which was very comfortable.
Disposable panties 1 dozen.
Following the birth, there will be bleeding (called lochia) from the vagina for a period of 2 - 6 weeks. Better for the mommy to have disposable panties to wear while in the hospital as they are more convenient.
Sanitary pads

15 of your favourite most comfortable maxi pads.
Though the hospital should provide you with pads, I found the ones provided (Kotex) very rough and they eventually gave me a "sore butt", because of the stitches (episotomy) that were present in the vagina area.
So, to avoid encountering the same problem, bring you own thin, comfortable maxi pads and enough to change once every 2-3 hours. Yes, the flow of lochia CAN be THAT HEAVY!

Nursing bra

1.
If you plan to breast feed, you should put the baby to the breast starting immediately after birth and thereafter, preferably every 3 hours or so.
HINT: If you are keen to breastfeed, and don't mind being woken up every 3 hours or so, pl remember to do the following:

a. Tell the hospital nursing staff you want the baby to be on FULL breastfeeding. If you just say "breastfeeding", they will supplement with additional formula milk! Weird, I know...
b. Be prepared that full breastfeeding is tiring. We were woken up every 3 hours or so, even on the first night, and it was definitely straining, BUT WORTH IT. Husband & I found the experience very bonding indeed and now, Daniel is a very obedient & calm boy, feeding regularly on a schedule already!
c. Regarding what size of maternity bra to buy, I basically bought the same size I was wearing in my 8th month of pregnancy. However, since then, engorgement has set in and my breasts have grown once again - so, I would recommend buying 1 bra the size of the 8th month of pregnancy first, to get you going. And then waiting till engorgement sets in and so on, before buying more bras. This is so that you don't end up buying a dozen bras, all the wrong size.
d. We found that getting advice & tips from the hospital lactation consultant really helped us breastfeed more successfully. So, don't be afraid to ask for help.

Baby wipes (alcohol free) 1 packet.
These are meant for you, not the baby! One great tip I received was that these should be used to wipe your bottom whenever you pee or pass motion in the hospital - because using regular toilet paper really HURTS because of the stitches (episotomy) and the possible "sore butt" feeling that you'll develop. Take it from me - this is a GOOD TIP.
Aloe vera gel If you can get a hold of this, I'm told it really helps with pain relief from the stitches (episotomy). It's a gel that you swave on and it forms a nice layer that protects the stitches from being rubbed against. There is no need to wash it off.
Sweater/pullover 1.
To prevent mommy from feeling chilled.
Socks 1.
To keep mommy's feet warm in a chilled room.
Slippers 1.
To walk about in.
Snacks Bring a variety of your favourite snacks to munch on, in case you really hate the hospital food!
Inflatable tire or water pillow Once again, this is for your comfort when you sit down, because your stitches (episotomy) WILL hurt, especially after the painkillers like epidural wear off. TRUST ME.
Clothes For the trip home, best to pack loose-fitting clothes
Manual breast pump 1.
You might need this if your baby is separated from you (e.g., under intensive care) and you want to stimulate your breasts and prevent engorgement (which can be quite painful)
FOR DADDY:  
Digicam/Camcorder Does this need explanation? Jus make sure batteries have been charged, or you have spare.
Toiletries Daddy should pack his basic toiletries too, just in case labour extends over the night or several hours.
Clothes Bring 1 change of clothes for daddy, just in case labour is long.
Books, magazines, iPOD :)
FOR BABY:  
  The hospital will provide diapers, baby wipes & tissue for your kid. But if you want, you can bring extra just in case.
1st outfit for baby

The hospital will provide outfits for the kid, but some parents like to buy & dress up their kid for the time when they discharge and take the kid back home.
Something comfortable and easy to wear - 100% cotton, with opening at the front or crotch. Not too tight-fitting.

Receiving blanket We actually forgot this and begged to hospital to give us their swaddling cloth!
Mittens + booties

Mittens are very important as newborns tend to have little control over their limbs and can easily scratch themselves on the face, eyes, body, everywhere.

Booties are more to keep the newborn warm.

 

Recent Comments