must haves for mommies

there are hundreds of lists of things to have for new baby, but nowhere in my many books or checklists did i find things that new mommy needs to survive the first few weeks at home. because of that, there were lots of things i didn't have that, luckily, my mom went out and bought for me so i could deal with healing. therefore, i feel it is my duty to inform you of things that are "must haves" for the new mommy - especially the breastfeeding mom.

1. forget the boppy, the best breastfeeding pillow is the "my brest friend" deluxe positioner. it fastens around your waist with a clip so that it doesn't keep sliding off your lap (the way the boppy does), it is made of foam with two lumps in it for correct positioning of baby, as well as wrist support, which is a must-have when you are trying to support baby's head and when you have your post-pregnancy tendonitis flaring up (as i do). the cover is soft, removable, and washable. it even has a pocket for your breastfeeding accessories.

2. next, to put IN your accessory pouch, the lansinoh brand lanolin for your nipples. "they" don't warn you, but HOLY COW does breastfeeding hurt when you start. i was using mostly the medela brand lanolin, but we bough the lansinoh because it was all walmart had for the diaper bag, and i found it to be much thicker and better for soreness. you MUST have some form of lanolin if you want to be able to breastfeed without crying. just one warning: the lanolin has stained my clothes. there is no warning on the bottle, so i must assume there is some way to get it out, but i wouldn't wear anything you like without covering your nipples somehow.

3. also for nipple care, i recommend getting a set of breast shields. the medela soft shells are the ones that i got. they fit over the nipple and under the bra to keep your nipples from touching your bra or shirt. they have holes for ventilation and foam for milk-leak absorption, and they were a lifesaver during the first week or so when the feeling of my bra or shirt on my nipples was agony.

4. additionally, i would recommend cabbage for engorgement issues. yes, plain old green-leaf cabbage. you put it in your bra, and the coolness feels wonderful on swollen breasts. just be sure to get the green leaf (red will apparently turn your milk pink), and make sure to wash the leaves before putting them in your bra. i did not do this on one occasion, and i had sand on the side of my boob - not what i was going for. i keep the cabbage in the fridge, and it did more good than fancy gel-pads or ice packs.

5. you will also need several different nursing bras. i have 3 that i'm currently rotating through. one of them is very elastic-y, and it's great for going out in because it offers good support and looks nice under shirts. it's an elle macpherson brand bra with the click-y breast cover part that unsnaps to allow nursing. the second is much softer, and is great for sleeping in, and it has the same click mechanism. the third is more of a sports bra style with a crossed front to allow for access for nursing. this one is the least supportive, but when my chest needs a break, it is nice to be able to wear something that's not too restrictive.

6. along with comforts for your top half, there are issues to be addressed for your "undercarriage" as well. "they" don't make much out of the pain that happens "down there" but there are several things to think about. even if you don't have an episiotomy, you will most likely end up with stitches, which need some attention, and i recommend taking ANYTHING they leave in the hospital bathroom home with you (they will have granny panties, ice packs, pads, numbing spray, a squeeze bottle, wipes without alcohol, etc. and anything disposable is up for grabs for you to take home).

7. in addition to stitches, as your uterus goes back to its normal size, you will continue to bleed like a heavy day on your period for a while (they say up to a month i think), and they will have some pads in the bathroom pack as well, however, i would recommend buying a pack of soft-topped pads, NOT the kind with plastic and an anti-leak core, but the kotex kind your mom used to use. the plastic is uncomfortable and can make you sweat.

8. also, i recommend buying a refill of the numbing spray. in addition to the stitches and bleeding, you may end up with hemorrhoids either from pregnancy or labor, or even from post labor pooping, and the numbing spray can be used for all three.

9. lastly, because of the poop issue, i would recommend having a stool softener (not a laxative, but just a softener) on hand as soon as you get home. they will probably give you a regular dose in the hospital, but having it at home is a must, as there can be pain with pooping until everything's back in order "down there".

10. most importantly, have a support system. i have a wonderful one in andrew, my family and friends, and God, but you MUST have people you can call on when you're losing it, or haven't slept, or wonder what the heck you're doing with a baby of your own. i'm so blessed, and i hope if you don't have any of 1-9, you can find a 10 before you come home from the hospital with your bundle of joy.

this list is probably incomplete and partially incoherent, but i'm a new mommy, and new babies eat every 2 hours or more... and my little baby has gone from 5lbs 15oz to 6 lbs 10.5oz in two weeks (usually they're just making birthweight by now)... oh and tomorrow's her due date. what can i say, we're good eaters, and she's an overachiever :-)