Mama You've Got This...

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• Stuff for your baby: Not surprisingly your baby doesn’t come
out of your belly in clothing. Be prepared for your little one
to go through a ridiculous amount of wardrobe changes over
the next few months. Pack at least three babygrows so your
new bundle of joy doesn’t have to lay around in soiled clothing
and bring a baby blanket if it’s cold outside. Don’t forget a
bottle and some nappies too and have at least a dozen of
each at home.
• Your favourite snacks and drinks: Your labour could possibly
drag on for hours and you’ll need some fuel. Rather than
trust whatever possibly dodgy items are in the hospital
vending machine, do a trip to the supermarket and stock up on
non-perishable treats to bring with you to snack on. Also make
sure daddy-to-be has his favourites stocked up too as well as
magazines or a book.
• Phone and charger: It should go without saying to bring your
phone and/or tablet and laptop. Don’t forget your charger!
• Shower shoes/flip-flops: I never like to take showers in shared
bathrooms without properly safeguarding my feet from whatever
nasties could possibly be lurking on the shower floor.
• Toiletries: Bring the essentials of a toothbrush, toothpaste,
shampoo, conditioner, face wash and moisturiser. Don’t go to
the hospital expecting to have much time to do a full face of
makeup. ™ is ideal to throw in too, it
contains a light, refreshing face mist and a multi-balm, as well
as a nourishing massage oil and flannel.
Whatever you do, do not forget to bring lip balm. There’s something
about the combination of dry hospital air plus extricating a baby
from your body that produces the worst chapped lips you’ve had in
your life. that
comes in the Push Pack is a dream. It’s a multi-purpose luxurious
wonder balm made with baobab oil, beeswax, almond, coconut
and olive oils to soothe and heal dry, cracked lips. This stuff is
amazing.You can also dab a little to tame your brows before posing
for that post-delivery money shot with your new nugget nestled in
your arms.
• Hair ties : An absolute must unless you want to be eating hair
while you’re in labour.
• Ear plugs and eye mask: Hospitals are noisy and bright places
that don’t shut down at bedtime. A new mama needs her rest.
• Clothing for the stay: Loose and comfy are the key words here.
A nightgown or a long dress are ideal since you may not feel
like putting any pants on. Your entire lady region will either
be sore or you’ll have had a C-section, which means nothing
rubbing against your stitches. If you are going to bring trousers,
make sure they’re super loose at the waist or have drawstrings.
• Email and call list: You’ll probably have two lists here. One
will be your inner circle of friends and family that will receive
a good old-fashioned phone call the day of the birth, while
the other list will be of friends to email/text when you or your
partner are ready to share the news. Either way, you’ll want to
prepare this before you go to the hospital.
LIFESTYLE 181