Maybe this never crossed your mind but trust me there are foods you should absolutely steer clear of and Mama, I want you to be prepared! The main thing to remember is not to eat or drink anything for 8 hours before your cesarean section.

Mentally Preparing for a C-Section 

Let’s discuss other ways to prepare for a c-section because anticipating your C-section experience can help reduce surprises and promote better healing.

Be an active participant in your care and be sure to ask your doctor what to expect from your C-section. Mentally preparing for your birth experience can seem daunting at first, especially in the event of a Cesarean. It’s major surgery, after all—a surgery that is often stigmatized unfairly.

Few things can be more frightening than having to go into surgery without knowing what to expect. Fortunately, you have the power to get the information you need ahead of time.

Ask your OB/GYN to give you the full rundown of what to expect during a C-section. Check in with the hospital you’ll be delivering at as well to understand the basic protocols. If you are planning to deliver at home or a birth center, ask what to expect in the event of having to transfer into the care of a hospital for a C-section. 

Read books and articles from trusted, reputable sources. And don’t forget to ask other parents you know about their own experiences. This knowledge will set the foundation as you begin to mentally prepare for a C-section.

The benefits of meditation have been documented thoroughly for a wide array of applications, including surgery. And while we know meditation can be helpful for pregnancy, delivery, and beyond, it’s important to recognize that there are science-backed reasons to include it in your C-section birth plan as well.

The beauty of meditation is that you can incorporate it into your life in so many different ways. For some, unguided meditations in which you simply sit still in silence and focus on your breath can be helpful. 

5 Tips & Last Meals Ideas Before a Scheduled C-Section

It’s funny. The moment you’re told you can’t eat for like 8-10 hours before your c-section, that last meal is all you can think about! You may even be saving certain foods as a form of satisfaction before you meet your newest family member. 

Ask Des, there were MANY tabs open on my laptop because I was super curious of what the best breakfast before c section may be. Because I love peanut butter, I was very happy to find that is comes highly recommended. YUM! So, you don’t have to fill up your internet with the same question, I’ll make it easier for you. 

Here ya go, Mama! Check out the tips below to help guide your final meal before your c-section experience. 

1. Work in Soft Foods like Yogurt, Bananas, and Peanut Butter
2. Add a High-Fiber Item like Brown Rice, Prunes, or Avocado
3. Enjoy Lean Protein Paired with a Fat
4. Avoid Spicy Foods like Hot Wings and Salsa
5. Soup, Salad, and Sandwich Is Always a Good Option

What to Do the Night Before Your C-Section

The evening before your surgery you may eat and drink normally. You must stop eating eight hours prior to your caesarean section. However, you may continue to drink clear fluids up to two hours before the procedure. If you are on medication and are instructed to take it on the day of your surgery, you may take it with a sip of water only.

Clear fluids include:

1. Water, apple or cranberry juice, clear soda such as ginger ale, clear tea with or without sugar
2. No orange juice or any other juice with pulp
3. No milk, cream, or whitener
4. No gum or candy

Be sure to follow all of your doctor’s instructions for the night before surgery. These typically include bathing and not applying any lotions or powders to the skin, as well as instructions for how long you cannot eat or drink before the surgery.

If you are concerned that the night before c section can’t sleep, talk to your doctor who can prescribe a prescription sleep aid for the evening prior to your surgery. Your doctor may give you other prescription medications to be taken before your surgery as well.

Be sure to have your bags packed and ready to go in the car. You most likely will not need them until after the birth and can send someone down to the car to get them. This plan actually works better for most people, so you don’t have to keep track of the bags as you move from the triage area to surgery to the post-surgical care ward, and then finally, the postpartum area.

What to Pack for a Scheduled C-Section?

If this is your first birth or even first scheduled c-section, you may be wondering what to take to the hospital. Moms undergoing cesarean usually don’t need “time passers” like magazines and Netflix as moms who are having a vaginal birth do.

C-section labor is only as long as the operation, but the hospital stay is longer — typically 3-5 days versus 1-2 following vaginal delivery — because you will be recovering from childbirth and surgery. In the midst of all this packing, don’t forget about dad. He may need a few things in his hospital bag as he awaits baby’s arrival.

Plan on packing at least two hospital bags: one for the procedure and the other for your postpartum
stay. 

Here are some ideas for your C-Section procedure bag checklist:

• Folder or small bag for paperwork
• VIP contact list, including sitters for older children and pets
• Eyeglasses, if needed
• No-skid socks
• Lip balm
• Hair ties
• Phone
• Camera
• Charging cables for all electronics
• Music
• Snacks
• OTC medicine for birth partner

Here are some ideas for your postpartum bag checklist:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soap in a squeeze bottle
• Makeup
• Pillow in a patterned case that won’t be mistaken for hospital laundry
• Nightgown
• Towel, shower shoes, and bathrobe
• Underwear with a high waisted band that sits above your incision
• Bras (2) – nursing bras if you plan to nurse, or sports bras if you don’t
• Breastfeeding pillow to keep baby off your incision
• Slip-on shoes, so you don’t have to bend over
• Going home outfit for mom
• Going home outfit for baby
• Installed car seat
• Extra-long charging cable for devices

I recommend having your bag packed and in the car by 37 weeks. No matter when your c-section is scheduled if your water breaks – sis, it’s time to go!

What to Expect at the Hospital? 

You can use your c-section birth plan to write down anything that is important to you about your pregnancy and the birth. Your healthcare team will try to meet your wishes where possible.

Most hospitals strive to make a cesarean delivery as family friendly as possible, with Mom awake (but appropriately numb), her partner in the room and a chance to meet, greet, cuddle, and possibly breastfeed baby (if you so choose) right after delivery if there’s no medical reason not to.

And because you aren’t preoccupied with pushing or pain, you’re often able to relax and marvel at the birth.  Fortunately, this is a fast operation, with the procedure itself lasting just 10 minutes or less, followed by another 30 minutes or so to stitch you back up.

What will the procedure look like?

A typical C-section is straightforward and follows a tightly scripted game plan. The procedure begins with a routine IV and anesthesia — usually an epidural or spinal block, so the lower half of your body will be numb, but you’ll stay awake.

Then you’ll be prepped by having your abdomen shaved (if necessary) and washed with an antiseptic solution. The operating room staff will insert a catheter into your bladder and place sterile drapes over your tummy. Your birthing coach or partner will be outfitted in sterile garb and allowed to sit near your head and hold your hand.

The emergency room staff will place a short screen blocking your vision of your abdomen, so the field remains sterile and so you don’t have to watch yourself getting cut.

However, you may opt for a “gentle C-section”, so the drape will be clear; otherwise, you can also ask for a mirror to watch. Even if you don’t want to see the cut, you may want to catch a glimpse of your baby as she emerges, so ask your practitioner to lift the little cutie up for a quick peek after delivery!

It’s unlikely that you’ll feel any pain during the procedure, apart from a bit of tugging or pressure as the baby is removed. You’ll be numb from the waist down if you’ve been given a regional anesthetic, which means you’ll be awake during the operation and when your baby emerges.

Do’s and Don’ts After a C-Section

A c-section is a major operation, and you will need time to recover. This can take about 8 weeks but may take longer. Make sure you are stocked up on the essentials you’ll need to recover after your c-section. After having a baby by C-section, it’s normal to experience pain, soreness and even bleeding. After all, you’ve just had major abdominal surgery — your body needs time to recover. It also means you will need to be more aware of what you can’t do as your body heals.

If possible, ask friends and family for help when you come home from the hospital. Ideally, you should
have someone to help you at home day and night for at least the first 2 weeks. Your recovery is going to be harder than if you’d had baby vaginally, so all hands need to be on deck.

If you have older children, prepare them for what they can expect when you come home. You won’t be able to pick them up, but they can climb gently onto your lap while you’re sitting on the sofa, or they could cuddle up next to you.

Recovery after a c section

Your main focus is to rest, Mama. Be still and bond with your new bundle of joy! The biggest change is going to be with your physical activity until you are fully healed.

Walking is permitted and encouraged, it helps to keep your blood flowing and reduce clots as well as constipation. Keeping up with your hygiene routine by showering daily is also very helpful for your incision scar. 

Remember, you are recuperating from a surgery, be aware of the wound! Do not participate in rigorous activity or do core muscle exercises until your doctor clears you for activity. Steer clear of lifting anything heavier than your baby. You may want to refrain from having sex, taking baths, or using tampons until you have your doctor’s okay. 

This may seem quite limiting but I promise you Mama, this moment is only temporary, and your main focus should be to rest and heal. The last thing I want to recommend is please do not be afraid to ask for help. Taking care of yourself after having a c-section is just as important as taking care of your newborn. Allow yourself to take it easy. Rest whenever possible and call your doctor if you have concerns about your health. 

Do You Have Questions or Concerns?

I have compiled a list of questions you may still be curious about. Undergoing this procedure can be scary and being well informed can ease those nerves! I want you to be prepared and excited to meet your baby. Although this is a surgery, don’t forget this is also a new beginning!

What Is Recovering From A C-Section Like?

After delivering your baby by C-section, your doctor will tell you how to care for your incision. Thus, you will want to keep the area dry and clean. Use warm, soapy water to wash your incision daily (this can be done when you shower). If your doctor used tape strips on your incision, let them fall off on their own. This usually takes about a week.

When Should I Stop Eating Before A C-Section?

Remember, you do not want to eat any solid foods within 8 hours of your arrival time and you may have only clear fluids up until 2 hours before your scheduled cesarean. 

How Should I Sleep After C-Section?

You should get as much rest as possible, especially in the first few weeks after a C- section. Considering that the surgery involves an incision over the abdomen, it can be hard to find a comfortable position that doesn’t place unnecessary pressure on your healing wound.

Likewise, it’s not uncommon to feel discomfort at the incision site for a while, which can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep. With that in mind, you might want to consider a few different sleeping positions that will help reduce pressure on your incision and make it easier to fall asleep. Such as on your back or your side. 

What Should I Eat After Delivery?

Taking care of your body after surgery means getting the right nutrition. You will want to drink enough water and other fluids. Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet. Take a fiber supplement daily. This can help avoid constipation. I know you want your body back ASAP, but Mama, please refrain from any crash diets. Ask your doctor when you
can start trying to lose the baby weight.

Conclusion

Whether you are undergoing a planned or emergency c-section, taking care of yourself after having a c- section is just as important as taking care of your newborn. Allow yourself to take it easy. Rest whenever possible and call your doctor if you have concerns about your health. And most importantly, remember YOU GOT THIS!

The post What Is The Best Last Meal To Eat Before C-Section appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.

Consignment Sales

For the mom-to-be who wants to keep her costs down, but may not want hand me downs consignment sales are the best option. Consignment sales are kind of like yard sales. Groups of moms sell their gently used baby gear, clothes, and toys, but think 30 – 50 moms at a time. And depending on the type, some even have rules / requirements for the items. Must be used but look new, can’t be missing any pieces etc… I’ve visited a few and love the ones that are typically held two to three times a year. These sales are always jammed pack with goodies, last several days, and have discount days towards the end.

Even if there isn’t a consignment sale in your community, chances are there is one within driving distance. The savings you will find definitely make it worth traveling. Don’t know where to find one? Look in your local community Facebook groups and you can also look here. 

Yard Sales and Thrift Stores

Yard sales and thrift stores are wonderful places to find many of the baby items that you will need. Things like cribs, swings, bouncers, and clothes are constantly being donated to local Goodwills. Babies grow out of many of these items (except for the crib) fairly quickly. Which means it’s easy to find gently used items that are still in great condition. Don’t be afraid to make it your own either. For our third child we found a few crib off of Facebook Market place and painted it. While it had some paint chips missing there was lots of life left in it. That crib last until he was ready for his toddler bed.  

Samples

The baby industry is HUGE, which means brands are always looking to win your business. And what better way to do this than with SAMPLES. You can find lots of free baby samples with a quick internet search, and they will mail them directly to your home. You might want to consider setting up an email address just for your sample search to keep your real inbox from being flooded with emails though. 

Another great way to stock up on samples is through your baby registry. A lot of stores (online and brick and mortar) offer goodie bags full of fun stuff for using their registry. Some even offer coupons which help save on items you can’t find elsewhere or have to buy. new. Like diapers.

You can also get free samples for baby products from the hospital and oftentimes your pediatrician’s office. It never hurts to ask! You can get samples for diapers, wipes, formula, diaper rash cream, and other baby essentials like shampoo and baby wash. Many hospitals will even send you home with a free diaper bag stuffed with samples. 

Plan to Breastfeed 

Breastfeeding your baby can save you quite a lot of money because formula can be expensive. Some estimates of formula costs for the first year of your baby’s life exceed $2000. This is not to say that breastfeeding is “free” because there are costs associated with breastfeeding too. You will need nursing bras, nursing covers, flanges for the pump, nipple cream, and breast pads to soak up excess milk. Breastfeeding can definitely be less expensive than formula feeding but you still may have to spend some money. 

Free Breastpump 

If you plan to nurse your baby, then you should definitely take advantage of the free breast pump provided by most insurance companies. There will be times when you will need to pump and breast pumps can be costly. You can learn more about getting a free breast pump and how to qualify for one here. 

If you have problems going through your insurance, there are other agencies out there (such as the one below) who can help. Additionally, it is considered a medical device so if you ever have to fly with it, it does not have to be checked and does not count as a carry on.

Women Infants and Children Supplement Program (WIC)

Regardless of whether you are breastfeeding or not, you should see if you qualify for the Women’s Infant and Children supplement program. Also know as WIC. The program provides formula, baby food, and infant cereal. Once baby is old enough it will also give vouchers for milk, fruit, juice, and vegetables for baby. If you are nursing you would be eligible for some of these same items as well. In addition, they can also help with a breast pump if needed.

Coupons 

Coupons are a great way to save on baby essentials like diapers, wipes, rash cream, and more. And all of the major baby brands will be more than happy to send some directly to your mailbox. 

Luvs, Pampers, Enfamil, Similac, Huggies, and Gerber will all send you coupons a few times a month if you sign up via their sites. And most also offer points programs where you can earn even more coupons, dollar off and other goodies. If you have a willing family member or friend, you could also have them sign up for additional savings. 

Hand-Me- Downs

Hand me down can get a bad rep, but truth be told this is one of the best ways to prepare for baby on a budget. Chances are you know someone who recently had a baby. Check in to see if they have anything baby may have outgrown. Such as clothes, shoes, baby gear, and toys.

This is a great way to get ready for your bundle of joy without spending a dime. And you’re helping them out by getting rid of some clutter in their. home. Remember anything that you don’t have to buy is money that can be put towards other baby needs as they grow. 

Baby Club

If your local grocery store has a baby club make sure that you join it. This can provide significant savings on baby essentials. If they don’t have a baby club, see if they offer a membership club of any kind. These programs will often send you coupons for money off, or even free items that you purchase regularly. 

Cloth Diapers 

Cloth diapers are another great way that new moms can save considerably over the first few years of their baby’s life. Yes, there is an initial cost that comes with acquiring cloth diapers and covers but once you spend that money you won’t have to continue buying diapers. You can also use those cloth diaper covers and inserts for any children you might have down the road. 

Registry

Registering for baby gifts is so much fun, but it can also be overwhelming. You may be tempted to put items on there that aren’t really necessary. Focusing on items that you know you are going to need or items you may not want to buy yourself is a good route. Things like sheets, diapers in a variety of sizes, cloth inserts, and covers (if you are going that route) wipes, baby gates, and pacifiers (if you plan to use them) or even the crib. Don’t worry about registering for items like clothes because you will get plenty of those whether you register for them or not. Everyone loves to buy tiny human clothes!

Consider starting a registry at more than one store. Target will send you a diaper bag packed full of baby goodies if you register with them. And Amazon will give you a discount to buy any items that you don’t receive at your shower.

As you can see there are lots of ways that you can save on baby gear and essentials. It is possible to have a baby and still stay on budget if you use these tips. Don’t be afraid to let your friends and family help out a little. Babies are a gift and most people love to help celebrate them. Do you have any other useful tips for having a baby on a budget? 

The post Preparing for Baby on a Budget  appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.

Some of these helpful apps for new mommas are completely free, others are free but have a premium version available, and others do cost a minimal amount. They all have the potential of making your life as a new mom easier. I’ve separated them based on categories to make it easier:

Best Baby Sleep Apps for New Moms

As a new momma, you may be wondering, when, if ever, you’ll get back to a full nights rest. Thankfully there are some techies who completely understand our sleepless pain. These are some of the best apps to help parents and babies get some much needed rest.

White Noise Baby

Newborns are used to falling asleep to the sounds of our hearts beating. So not having it can make it hard for them to sleep. The White Noise Baby app lets you choose from a variety of different white noise sounds that you can put on to help lull your baby to sleep and to help keep them asleep. 

The white noise sounds that you can choose from include a heartbeat, vacuum cleaner, rain sounds, car ride, a fan, and more. This app is convenient because you can just download it on your phone and use it wherever your baby might need to take a nap. 

Huckleberry: Baby & Child

Alright, where are all my sleep deprived mommas at? New or veteran, this app is for you! Consider it like having a sleep expert right in your pocket. Four month sleep regressions? Day and night time confusion? Huckleberry is perfect no matter the sleep situation. With expert sleep advice, this app puts the answers right at your fingertips.

Looking to see if your newborn has any sleeping patterns? Track their naps and bedtime sleep using the built in tracker. And with customized sleep plans (as a part of their premium subscription) that will actually take your families sleep routine into account, this is one app all new mommies must have.

Cloud Baby Monitor

At this point, buying a baby monitor can be looked at as basically a waste of money. Especially when apps like Cloud Baby Monitor allow you to turn any two devices into a video monitor system. Using a live video feed Cloud Baby Monitor app will notify you when baby moves or makes a noise. It even allows you to talk / sing to baby from anywhere. Perfect for when mommy is on a Target run and dad is having a hard time getting baby to sleep.

The Apps all traveling mommas need

Whether its a quick trip to the park, or you and your newborn are taking their first plane ride, these apps will help you keep your sanity to and from your destination.

Baby Pack & Go 

Packing up your newborn to leave the house even just for a couple of hours takes practice, and leaving for a weekend or vacation almost guarantees that you will leave something important for your baby at home. That’s where the Baby Pack & Go App comes in handy. This app allows you to make lists ahead of time with their templates so that you don’t forget anything at home. 

You can make individualized lists for each child that you have, and even for your pets. This app can really come in handy to make sure that you are prepared with everything you need away from home. 

Baby Tracker

Baby Tracker is a great all-in-one app for new mothers, meaning that it can help you track everything you need to know about your baby. From the last time they ate, to when their diaper was changed, or the last time a medication was administered you can access it all at your fingertips. This app also lets you track the amount of time and milk you last pumped, how long the baby breastfed and on which side, and how long they napped for. You can also enter your baby’s medical history, and track their growth. This app allows multiple caregivers to log in and check on the baby which makes it really convenient. 

Sit or Squat

Sit or Squat is an app by Charmin that helps moms find clean restrooms where they can change their baby when they are out in public. The app can help you find the cleanest restrooms near your current location. A bathroom gets a sit review if it is clean, and a squat review if it could be cleaner. If you find a great clean bathroom make sure that you leave a review for other moms to find it as well. 

fed is best and so are these apps that help you track newborn feeding schedules

Formula or breast, as long as baby is fed and you didn’t lose your sanity in the process, I’d call it a win win. Check out some of the best apps to make that happen for new parents below:

MilkMaid

Designed to help pumping moms build their stash, this app has been featured in New York Times, Parenting and Babytalk Magazine. So how exactly does it help you? By organizing bottles and bags of milk via pump date (so you don’t have to). You can record when, how much, and which bags of milk were used that day, to keep your inventory up to date.

It also allows you to have separate locations for each stash. Storing milk at grandmas, set an expiration date for this bags so you know when to use them by. Same for daycare, work or any customized location you want to add.

Ovia Parenting & Baby tracking app – great for multiple children

This must-have app for new moms is perfect if you’ve been looking for a baby feeding app that can track monthly milestones such as lifting head, bringing hands to face, rolling over, etc. This baby feeding tracker app not only tracks feeding sessions but can also log the progress of multiple children at once. Things such as diaper changes, sleep, milestones photos and more.

The Ovia Parenting & Baby tracking app also happens to house a plethora of articles and education for new parents. Looking to share special moments, synch it to your family calendar for an easy picture and video sharing experience. (FYI: In addition to the parenting app, Ovia Health also offers a fertility app and pregnancy app).

Baby Connect 

The Baby Connect app is another all-in-one baby tracking app that can be shared with your partner, sitter, or daycare provider. Keeping everyone in the loop on the last time baby ate, napped, or was changed. This app can be used across all platforms, and it can be used for multiple children. You can track information from the previous day or week in graph form so that you can see growth spurts happening in real-time, and you can even leave messages for other caregivers within the app. 

Looking for ways to connect with other moms

Motherhood, while one of the most rewarding jobs on the planet, can feel kind of lonely at times. These apps do more than just track baby milestones. They connect you with other parents. Learn and grow with other mothers, even find some in your area. These are some of the best apps for new moms looking to make mommy friends, because we all know how hard that can be.

Peanut App

Sometimes being a new mom can feel a bit lonely. Especially if you don’t have any other mom friends or family nearby. That’s where the Peanut app comes in handy. Think of it as MeetUp for moms. It provides a platform for you to meet with moms in your area or talk to them in a safe online forum. 

Created by one of the designers of Bumble, the dating app, this mom felt disconnected. Looking for a way to meet and talk about the struggles of being a new mom with other moms, Peanut was born.

Tiny Beans

Most new parents want to take and share photos and videos of their new little one. But that thought of sharing them online can be scary. So if you’re hesitant about sharing that’s where the Tiny Beans app comes in. Tiny Beans is a secure place online where you can store your baby’s pictures and videos. Allowing you to share them privately with loved ones. 

You can add stickers, filters, and even captions to your pictures and videos. You can print off photo books and pictures whenever you like. The Tiny Beans app is free but there is a paid option. With either a monthly or yearly subscription, it unlocks additional features. 

Other most have apps for new moms

These apps are some that I recommend no matter the occasion. Need a quick dinner? Don’t feel like going to the store, or maybe your precious bundle of joy isn’t acting so precious anymore. These apps have got you covered.

Instacart

Baby’s need lots of things like diapers, and wipes, and eventually you are going to need groceries. Instacart can help you to get all of the things you need delivered to your door. No need to leave the house with your newborn. That is, unless you want to.

Simply place your order, and have your items delivered to your door within a matter of hours. They even have gift cards available. So if this is an app you think you will use after your baby is born, adding them to your registry is a great option.

The Wonder Weeks

The Wonder Weeks app is another great app for first-time moms that helps you track your baby’s developmental milestones. It breaks down mental leaps, their timelines and even the purpose behind them. Which may even help you figure out why your baby is fussier this week than they were the last. It also helps you track crying, crankiness, and clinginess. All important signs that your baby is learning and growing. One of my favorite features is the way it helps you make the most of each developmental leap. Loaded with suggestions, games, and advice for you and your baby.

Getting used to motherhood can take some time and there is no doubt that you will suffer from brain fog, and sleepless nights during those first few months. Pick a couple of these apps that you think would be helpful to you and give them a try. Having a way to easily track information for your pediatrician and other caregivers will help to make your life easier. Do you have any other apps for new moms to share? 

The post 10 Of The Best Apps For New Moms appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.

Whether you’ve made it here pre or post birth, having your c-section recovery essentials on hand will only make things that much easier. Recovery after a cesarean delivery is a lot different than recovering after a vaginal birth. Which means what is needed for you and baby may also differ. Having a major surgery the same time as bringing new life into the world is no easy feat. Planned or emergent, c-section recovery can come with different challenges than a vaginal birth. Knowing that in advance can help better prepare you for what to expect.

C-section Recovery Essentials From A Mom Of Five

I personally have had three c-sections, two that were an emergency and one planned. While each experience had its own unique challenges here are a few c-section recovery essentials that can helped make the process a little more comfortable. 

Pain relievers

While the hospital typically prescribes pain meds before you even leave, those will only last so long. With time the worst of the pain will subside, but your body may very well still be sore. Having some over-the-counter pain relievers available at home will come in handy.

* Important to note*

If you are breastfeeding/pumping check with your obstetrician or pediatrician before taking any medications. Some medications can be transmitted via breastmilk and may not be safe for baby.

Stool Softeners

Going to the bathroom after major abdominal surgery can be uncomfortable, to say the least. And with most narcotic pain medications causing constipation, things can get even worse. Adding in straining, which can cause abdominal pain and discomfort to the mix, makes for one painful cocktail. But that’s where stool softeners can come in handy. Try to take stool softener each day. That with staying hydrated can make going to the bathroom a lot more comfortable. 

Disposable Underwear

Even though you did not deliver your baby vaginally you will still have postpartum bleeding. This bleeding can be quite heavy at times, so most new moms prefer disposable underwear. Im a fan of the the mesh underwear they provide you with at the hospital until the bleeding subsides. But once you get home, that may be hard to find. But don’t sleep on Depends. Especially at night, when things tend to get extra messy.

I often get crazy looks when I recommend them, but Depends truly are a life saver. They hold more, are super comfy and you don’t have to worry about any leaking. Perfect for postpartum when you have enough on your plate.

Maternity Pads

Maternity pads are larger than traditional maxi pads and they fit well in disposable underwear. These pads are great for those first couple of weeks of postpartum bleeding which can be quite heavy. After the first week or two, your bleeding should become less and darker in color. At this point, you will be able to use overnight or regular maxi pads, if you prefer. I personally used Depends for my entire postpartum bleeding period.

*Important to note*

If bleeding becomes heavier, or a brighter red in color, content your OBGYN. This could be a sign that you need to reduce your activity a little bit. Which I know is easier said than done. But please remember, you are taking care of a newborn AND recovering from major surgery. 

Scar Prevention

If you would like to keep your c-section scar as small and light as possible, adding some scar prevention strips or cream to your postpartum c-section recovery is essential. The scar may be tender, tingling, numb, or itch for up to a year after your surgery. While all of these things are normal, these strips help alleviate some of that. If your incision causes pain after the initial healing period, you will need to let your obstetrician check it. 

Abdominal Binder

An abdominal binder is an essential for c-section recovery because it can help you be a LOT more comfortable. The binder helps to provide you with support and compression on your abdomen and around the incision site. The compression and support can help you to move around. Making it easier for you to care for your newborn as you recover. In my experience some hospitals will provide one prior to your discharge. However one of my cesarean births I did not receive one.

Boppy Nursing Pillow

There are several nursing pillows out there to choose from and they all have their pros and cons. The Boppy pillow tends to be the favorite of new moms who are recovering from a c-section. And a favorite of mine. It doesn’t matter if you are breastfeeding or not, the Boppy pillow fits comfortably around your waist. It can provide support to your abdomen and your baby during any kind of feeding.

Loose Fitting Clothing

Any clothing that presses tightly against your abdomen is going to be uncomfortable. Stretchy, loose-fitting clothing will be your best bet for the first few months after your delivery. Many new moms choose to skip pants completely when they are at home and instead wear a soft, loose nursing gown and a robe. 

Freezer Meals Are Essential For Recovery

C-section or not, having pre-made meals after birth is a God spend. Filling your freezer with meals that you enjoy before delivery will make mealtime much smoother. You can create some of your own using some freezer safe containers. Or you can request friends and family drop by with their favorite frozen meals once baby arrives. This way you know that you have meals that you love to eat that are quick and easy to heated up. Which ever method you choose, consider having a double batch of a few of your favorite soups, stews, or casseroles. 

Co-sleeper

Getting in and out of the bed after a c-section can be quite uncomfortable. Having a place for your new baby to sleep right beside your bed can be quite helpful. Newborns need to eat every couple of hours so having them safe and cozy right next to your bed can make things easier on you for feedings. And it helps with being able to keep a close eye on them. To lessen some of those momma worries we all get.

Feeding/Changing Station

Moving around a lot after a c-section is uncomfortable, and your body needs to heal. Stairs are not recommended more than once per day during the first few weeks of a c-section recovery. So if you have some in your home, consider setting up a central feeding / changing station. Something as simple as a rolling cart would be perfect. It’s portable and has lots of shelves to hold everything you and baby need.

Your feeding and changing station should have diapers, wipes, extra clothes for you and baby, diaper rash cream, and burp cloths. If you are breastfeeding you will want to include some breast pads and some nipple cream. You will be doing a lot of feeding and changing so a bottle of water and snacks are not a bad idea either! 

Help From Family And Friends Is The Perfect C-Section Recovery Essential

Taking care of a newborn baby while recovering from major surgery is a LOT. It’s a lot physically and emotionally and you will need the help, love, and support of your partner, friends, and family. You will not be able to do everything on your own so accept help when/if people offer it. Your friend comes over to see the baby, asks if they can load or unload the dishwasher for you. Your mother-in-law asks if she can drop some groceries off or watch the baby while you take a nap? Say yes! 

Many of these c-section recovery essentials are the same as they are for a vaginal delivery, but some of them are specifically for moms who are recovering after a c-section. Even if you’ve had a c-section before, things can change so knowing what you may need and what to expect can make the experience ten times better. C-section recovery essentials can also differ from person to person. Based on personal experience. If you have any suggestion leave them in the comments below!

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Whether this is your first or your fourth, preparing for a baby can oftentimes be costly. That is, unless of course you’re like me and prefer to get ready for baby the frugal way. 

If you’re a first-time Mom, frugal may not be part of your new baby vocabulary, but if you plan on adding to your tribe over the years to come…I’m willing to bet the tables will turn and frugal will become your favorite new word, lol. 

With us having five children people often assume they come with a huge financial burden. And while it definitely isn’t cheap to raise a family of seven, I’ve been on the hunt for bargains well before my fifth (or fourth for that matter) child arrived. No matter how much money we have, I’ve always been one to try and shop wisely.  But how do you do that when you’re getting ready for a baby? 

Well with each new kiddo, there is definitely some type of preparation that takes place. And while some things may need to be bought brand new, this preparation can still be budget friendly. Preparing the frugal way doesn’t necessarily have to be bad or frowned upon. For me, it’s a game of chess. I’m the lonely pawn whose ultimate goal is to get everything my newborn needs without breaking the bank. Or as I like to call it, a checkmate!  

Before getting to my frugal list, as I mentioned there are a few things that are better off new. I would like to list a few of those things and a give why:

Diapers and Wipes

If you don’t plan to cloth diapers, disposable diapers are something you’ll want to stack up on. I’ve used almost every brand there is. From Honest, Huggies, Target’s Up and Up, to Millie Moon, and Hello Bello. My top two are Honest Co and Millie Moon. However, depending on what you like in diapers (or not in them) and your child’s skin, your preference may differ from mine. I personally love any diaper company that has a mission to lower the amount of waste in our landfills. 

Breast Milk Storage Bags

Something else that will be up to your preference, as there are disposable and reusable ones. The reusable ones are a newer product and something I haven’t been able to comfortably wrap my head around it. Call it stuck in my ways, but I prefer the disposable breast milk storage bags for ease of use. 

Breast Pads 

Another thing that is up to your personal preference regarding reusable or disposable. I have a pair of reusable ones that I absolutely love. And while I typically only buy reusable, when baby and I are first starting out I opt for the disposable breast pads. For me, it boils down to the sheer amount of breast milk I’m leaking. Keeping up with laundry is not a top priority for me at that stage. So anything that means less clothes pilling up the better for me. Once we’ve settling into a routine (about 12 weeks or so) I opt for the reusable again. 

Now on to my frugal list for getting ready for baby

Clothing 

Outside of keeping clothes from your older child, something I did was swap clothes with family and friends. Almost like clock work, there was always someone pregnant when I was. And sure enough, we typically were having children of the opposite sex. 

So what does that mean? I’d give them my child’s bags of clothes in exchange for theirs. Since we  had one of each gender, it always worked out great. But what happens if you don’t know anyone pregnant? With the hundreds of Facebook yard sale groups, Facebook resale groups, and places like Once Upon a Child, deals are just waiting to be found. And we can’t forget Goodwill or Salvation Army. I love shopping there for simple play pieces (think tons of onesies and soft pants for baby). 

Baby Tub 

Now this is something I swore I needed with my first time around. I mean it’s on all the baby must have lis, right. And while we lucked up and got two different kinds with our first, I barely ever used either. It was so much easier for me to wash my babies up in the sink until they could sit up and then bathe them in a tub. 

But if you are a fan of baby tubs, even if you’re not sure about having more children, this is one of those worth holding on to. They are easy to store away and one less expense to worry about if/when a new bun starts in the oven. Consider investing in a newborn to toddler tub too as those last longer and get more dang for your buck! 

Crib 

Cribs, like clothes, are something I am happy to buy used. Or be gifted by a family / friends who no longer need theirs. As I’ve found out, they barely get used anyway. I was blessed to be given a super awesome crib for our youngest. But before moving to California, my older three all used the same crib. One that we found at a neighborhood garage sale. With most cribs able to transition to toddler and some even to full beds, keeping your crib (no matter how much use you get out of it in the first couple of months) is a great frugal way to get ready for baby. 

Bottles 

NEVER throw away bottles. Invest in some good ones in the beginning and you won’t have to worry about doing anything except changing the nipple size/flow. There are hundreds of different ones to pick from but I am particularly drawn to the Comotomo brand. My second favorite is Avent. All of my breastfed babies have loved these bottles.

Toys 

This is another area where I spend practically no money. For some reason, the older kiddos get a kick out of playing with the young’ns toys. Because of this, I have held on to a nice stash of toys that baby can enjoy once he or she is old enough. Lovely makes some amazing toys that last for years. Not to mention, the first few weeks/months are spent eating, sleeping, and pooping – right? Psst… bundles and sets are the way to go! 

Hygiene 

Picking a good baby body wash and lotion is a pretty big deal. If having a baby shower, pick a few different “starter packs” to put on your registry. This will allow you to try a few different products until you find what works best. Once you’ve found it, buy in bulk whenever possible. 

Bedding, Blankets, etc. 

Unless you just want to get new bedding and blankets for your new baby, there’s really no need. We always manage to get a new blanket or two for each new baby but it’s not something that we have gone out of our way to purchase. Bedding and blankets can be reused over and over…. except for the sentimental blankets. My son has a blanket that he will NOT share (LOL)! Consider shopping on those same Facebook groups I mentioned above to save some money.  Amazon is great too! 

Car seats and Strollers 

We’ve been blessed to be given these as gifts; however, this is one of those things that if you invest smartly in the beginning, you’ll save yourself  in the long run. Consider purchasing a car seat and stroller that grows with your baby. That way you are not having to buy two to three car seats/booster seats over the course of the first few years! Most convertibles will get you there. But keep in mind, the pros of saving money over time (by purchasing a convertible) means having to take the baby out of the seat every time you exit the vehicle. 

Pack-N-Play vs Bassinet

While I do not consider a bassinet a necessarily I would say pack n plays are. You’ll be surprised at how handy these folding contraptions come in handy. We usually use the top parts for baby the first few weeks, but before you know it, he or she will be using the bottom for sleep, play and everything else. Since they are super portable, they are amazing to have on trips too! 

Snuggle Me Organic 

One of my favorite things about this company is their Thursday afternoon Imperfects sale. The infant lounges and other items in this sale are cosmetically flawed items or like-new returns sold at a deep discount. I’ve owned two, and I promise I couldn’t tell them apart from my original full priced one. 

Online places that you can shop for cheap, discounted, and clearanced baby stuff:

• Buy Buy Baby
• Toys R Us
• Target
• Overstock
• Kmart
• Walmart
• Carters
• Swap (free shipping for your first order of $10)
• Amazon 

That pretty much wraps up my frugal list. Anything else beyond this point may be purchased but I will always check with new-to-me resources first. The sales and deals you can find online and/or in your community can be amazing and pocketbook saving!

Again, if it’s your first baby, it’s totally understandable why everything will be in-the-package new… but trust me when I say that as you have more children, you’ll begin to see that purchasing every single thing brand spankin’ new may not always be necessary!

The post How to Get Ready for Baby the Frugal Way appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.

It may seem comical as you read through the points I share. But just know, there is also a level of appreciation for those on this journey. Enjoy!

Birthing At Home IS NOT Abuse

This is something that I seriously cannot believe people actually say about mothers who choose to have their children at home. I don’t know of any mother who would willingly do something to cause harm or abuse to their unborn child. And it’s somewhat hypocritical, if you ask me. On one hand the home is supposed to be seen as a safe haven. A place of refuge, and a place of utmost comfort for children.

However, when embracing that same home as a reliable place to bring a child into the world, all of a sudden it is seen as abuse. In all of my birthing experiences I can confidently say that I felt more abused (or like my children weren’t treated properly) elsewhere. .  However, when I chose to birth my youngest in a birthing center. Having my midwife, older children and husband by my side, the entire experience was the furthest thing from abuse. 

Home birthing IS NOT Neglect

It’s quite the opposite actually. I don’t want to talk about the cases of neglect that have happened in those places considered “more safe for childbirth”. But what I will say is this, neglect can happen anywhere. It’s more about the people than the location. Having a child in the comfort of your own home is far from neglect. 

From my own experience (and from stories of other homebirthing mamas), the child has always been welcomed into a loving, joyful, and beautiful environment. The baby is typically greeted by excited siblings, and shortly after by extended family. The comfort of the baby is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. They typically wait to do any test until after you’ve had a chance to bond with and feed your baby. And even with those test you are completely involved to maintain the safety and comfort of your infant. At our birth, my husband caught our youngest, cut his umbilical cord once the placenta stopped beating and then weigh him after he had a full belly. That doesn’t sound like neglect to me!

Birthing of any kind should NOT be looked at as Prideful

Although there are different philosophies, methods, and styles floating around the natural birthing community – and one may try to elevate itself as being better than another – overall, homebirthing is not prideful.

I’ve seen the experiences of homebirthers be made to seem like pride. “Oh, you think you’re better than me because you birthed at home?” And while that mindset does exist. For most of us, it’s simply not true. But we have to be careful to not let others project their insecurities on us, and vice versa. The confidence of a mother who chooses to birth at home should never be made to seem like she is exalting herself.

It takes a lot of courage to birth a human being into this world. No matter where a mother chooses to do so at, one should never be considered better than the other. 

Home birthing IS NOT a New Trend

While I do not come from a line of homebirthing women, My mother did have my sister at home, accidentally, but I still think it was pretty amazing story. She was home hanging drywall and doing some “work” around the house, as she put it. When she began to feel the contractions. Thinking she still had time she went on about her day, until she realized my oldest sister’s head was basically out as she walked down the hall to go to the bathroom. She said she remembered thinking she had to pee really bad, lol. 

The rest of her children were born in a hospital… and yes, with each child her experience was one that was not pleasant in some sort of way. With my birth being the worst. The doctor on call didn’t believe my mom when she said she was in labor. After trying to convince him she was in actual active labor  he still kept telling her to go home. Eventually they gave her a bed, and I was born shortly there after. Like within minutes. No medications or assistance of any kind. And that doctor, the one who refused to believe her, was in the other room watching the Superbowl. I can’t even understand how he felt like he knew my mom’s body better then she did.  

Needless to say, she expressed that she’d never do it like that again… and drove an hour away to a different hospital for the birth of my youngest brother. 

sadly she ISN’T the only mother who’s experienced this

Funny enough, something similar happened to me with my first born. I was told for over a day that I was not in active labor. Then when I finally arrived at the hospital 8.5cm dilated, everyone was confused why I hadn’t came sooner. It’s these repeat issues, with doctors, nurses, and whomever pregnancy after pregnancy, that made me give birthing at a birthing center a try. And sadly, I’m sure a lot of moms have similar stories. 

Having children at home (shucks, even in the wild) is not a new thing. Scripture even speaks of having midwives, nurses, and maidens. What has made this seem like a trend, or a new movement, is the rise in modern medicine convincing people that without a hospital, nothing health and wellness wise can be accomplished.

Home birthing IS NOT a Force to be Reckoned With

I’m ending with this one because it’s both true and powerful and encompasses all the previous points made. Some women will never understand why others choose to give birth at home. They may forever think we’re crazy. The truth of the matter is regardless of what others think, homebirthing is truly a force that cannot be reckoned with.

The way our bodies have been created to conceive, create/grow, and birth another human being goes far beyond what any science can prove. Like anything in life, history repeats itself. And when it comes to birthing we have what is observable and repeatable. All throughout history we can see that having children naturally (and at home) has withstood the test of time.

If you’re a homebirthing mama, you are awesome, amazing, and wonderful. If you’re not a homebirthing mama, you are awesome, amazing, and wonderful! Regardless of how you choose to bring your child into this world, the fact that you are a mother – YOU ROCK!!!

The post 5 Things Home Birthing Is Not appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.

How to Prepare for a Hospital Birth 

I would like to point out how important preparation is! Whether you’re packing for a scheduled c-section, a vaginal birth or plan to birth at a birthing center, using a hospital bag packing list and packing your bag in advance will save a whole lot of trouble. You don’t want to be unprepared when your baby makes their grand entrance. Because it will be GRAND lol. Choosing to have a hospital birth means you will have to travel, and, in this case, you do not want to pull an all-nighter packing!

If your baby chooses to keep baking until his or her actual due date, count yourself lucky. But for some, I know they may choose to come early, so in the weeks leading up there are a few other things in addition to the hospital bag to keep prepared for a hospital birth! 

I recommend keeping your gas tank on full! The last thing you want is to be heading to the hospital, and the gas light comes on. I’m sure Dad can be trusted to be responsible for that role! It would also be best to plan the route from home to the hospital. Know what to do in case traffic finds you. Energy is going to be raging, anything you do not want to happen just might… Car seat! Do not forget the car seat; go ahead and have that installed so you can bring the baby home safely. The idea is to have little to nothing on your to-do list when the baby arrives, you want to be able to give all of your attention to them. Because you will! Trust me.

What Dads Can Expect

When you look online, there is a wide variety of information on what to expect when you are expecting. For mamas-to-be. But what about dads-to-be? How can Dad be better prepared when Mama goes into labor? 

Well Dad, one of the best ways to prepare for childbirth is to accompany your partner to a childbirth education class. Almost all hospitals and birth centers hold classes, and parents-to-be are usually given the option of attending two or three short evening sessions or one long daytime session. Some really important information that you will be given is how to recognize the onset of true labor, what are Braxton Hicks contractions, how to time contractions and the phases of labor. Dad, these are things you will want to be aware of so Mama does not feel alone in this process. Just because she can do it all does not mean she has to!

If your partner has a birth plan, you may need to let the labor and delivery nurses know about it, you should have already discussed it with the doctor. During early labor at home, remind your partner to drink plenty of liquids. Pour her a glass of nonacidic juice such as apple juice, an herbal tea, or just plain water to stay hydrated. Offer her a bagel, yogurt, or something bland, unless her doctor has asked her not to eat during labor – she might not get anything solid to eat at the hospital while she’s giving birth.

When you head to the hospital, drive carefully. This isn’t the time to take unnecessary chances. 

In the labor room, stick around to provide comfort and support. You have a big role in advocating for your partner to be comfortable and communicating her wishes.

In the days and weeks before your baby’s due date, make sure both of you are packed for the hospital, remember: we want to have little to nothing on the to-do-list when the baby is born. 

What to Pack in the Hospital Bag for Dad? 

Dad, you are going to want to pack a bag that contains all the things you need to successfully get through the labor and delivery process. It is like a survival kit! With the right packing list, you and your partner can be prepared for any situation during labor and delivery. I’ve checked out a host of hospital packing guides for partners, so I have created a list for you! This is not an exhaustive list, but from experience, this is a sufficient list to get you all through:

1. Snacks
   • Many hospitals do not provide hospital snacks for dad, and even if they do, it’s always a good idea to bring along easy, healthy snacks. You never know if hunger will strike in the middle of the night when the kitchen is closed. By the way, nobody really gets a full night of sleep while they’re in the hospital. Having you and mama’s favorite snack on hand will be a good call, trust me!
2. Watch or Phone App to Time Contractions
   • I know, we all use our phones to check the time, but that’s going to be a little clumsy while your wife is squeezing your hand and clutching on to you for dear life. Having a watch on your wrist, leaving your hands free, can be super-helpful when timing contractions. It doesn’t need to be fancy or even have a stopwatch as long as it has a seconds-hand, and you can easily time contractions.
3. Music
   • A playlist can be a real boost during labor. Discuss what kind of music your partner wants and download it on a music player so it’s all ready to play on the big day. A portable speaker may be a nice idea if you think your phone or tablet volume might not be enough.
4. Some Comforts from Home
   • Each hospital is going to have a very different setup for you in the delivery room. Some have a full pullout couch; others expect you to sleep on a recliner chair. When you take your hospital tour before baby’s arrival, make sure you get clear idea of the space you will be given to sleep. This way you’ll know if you should bring a few things from home to make yourself more comfortable on the big day.
5. Toiletries
   • Pack a toothbrush, floss, mouthwash, mints, and breath-freshening gum. Keeping your teeth clean and breath fresh will make a big difference and make you feel better overall. You also should consider packing deodorant, facial cleansing wipes, hand sanitizer, and spare contacts or contact lens solution—anything you think you might need when you are unable to shower but want to freshen up.
6. Medications 
   • You will want to pack antacids and your own pain relievers just in case you end up with a headache, a sore back, or an upset stomach. You also should include any medications that you take daily.
7. Birth Plan
   • Print out your birth plan, throw it in the aforementioned backpack or duffel and you’re set. You might want to have a backup on your phone, too, so just e-mail it to yourself and your partner after you’ve printed it out.
8. Insurance Info & I.D.
   • Dad MUST have his I.D. on him when he arrives to the hospital. Your I.D./Driver’s license will be used to register when you arrive at Labor and Delivery’s triage. If your labor and hospital stay will be covered by your insurance, don’t forget to take the necessary documents. 
9. iPad, Kindle, or eReader
   • Some magazines. Delivery day may be a panicked rush to the delivery room, but the day will be long. Before and after the birth, your partner might have some downtime. You should bring whatever light distraction will help pass the hours.
10. Earbuds 
    • Bring headphones for your partner or yourself. After childbirth, while your partner sleeps, you might want to list to some music without disturbing anyone.
11. Phone Charger
    • Although you cannot pack your phone ahead of time, you can pack extra charging cables and power banks you can plug your phone into. You can opt to share chargers so is one less item to remember to pack in your hospital bag.
12. Favorite Pillow
    • Many partners report that a good, comfortable pillow makes all the difference when spending the night on a cot or just dozing in a rocker or recliner in the room. Some partners even put a lightweight sleeping bag in the car just in case the room is really cold, and they need something warmer.
13. Loose Change for Vending Machines
    • It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, but in this case, you may appreciate it more than you might realize. You should also be sure to pack small bills and change for parking and/or vending machines.
14. Reusable Water Bottle
    • The hospital will provide you with a water and ice filled pitcher and a small plastic cup to drink from. It is a much better idea to have an insulated water bottle with you at all times that not only keeps the water cold but that you don’t have to refill every 2 seconds. 
15. Comfortable Face Masks
    • In today’s climate, there is a good chance that face masks will still be protocol. It’s a smart idea to throw a few extras in your bag, just in case you leave one somewhere in the hospital. 
16. Push Present
    • Give this gift to Mama right after the baby is born. Push presents can include jewelry, an art object, a gift certificate, an electronic reader, or anything your partner would appreciate to mark the occasion. You know your partner best, so pick something that will communicate your love and appreciation.
17. Massage Oil
    • Labor and delivery will cause Mama to become sore from laying on an uncomfortable bed for hours. You’ll be so glad you packed some massage oil! Her back will thank you.
18. Extra Clothes
    • If your partner will be staying with you throughout your hospital stay, he will likely need a change of clothes. Most birthing hospitals will provide you with your own recovery room and adjacent bathroom with a shower.
19. List of People to Notify 
    • You also may want to bring a list of phone numbers as a back-up to your contact list on your smartphone. There will be grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends waiting for news of the baby’s arrival and Mom’s status.

What Should Dad Do During Labor?

This may seem crazy, but if you are a visual person, watch videos about vaginal birthing and c-sections. Read up on what labor feels like, do your best to empathize and ensure that Mama has a good experience when giving birth! You and she have a big say in personalizing the room. Think about your typical day-to-day routine. Like when it’s time to rest, soften the lighting. Freshen the smell by taking along aromatherapy diffuser, bring pictures, movies, and your own music.

After having five children, you get a bit of an understanding of what to expect for the next go round. So, I asked Des what he did for me during labor that he thought would help other expectant fathers. He recommends that you provide lots of verbal encouragement. Tell her how amazing she is doing. How proud of her you are. And of course, how excited you are to meet your new bundle of joy! Be attentive, focus all your attention on your partner. This means no staring at the TV screen, your phone or anything else that might make her feel like she’s not the most important thing in the room.

Also, do not be easily offended. Sometimes Mama will say (or scream) things in the heat of the moment that she does not mean. I know I did lol! Trust that she will go back to her usual self after delivery — we promise. Actually, she will for sure go back to herself if you remember to give her a Push gift! You know your lady, give her a present to show gratitude for carrying your baby and for going through labor and delivery.

Lastly, there will be blood, prepare yourself! Do not be scared or surprised by the sight.

When Should We Pack Our Hospital Bags?

Though it might sound extreme, packing your bag at least a month in advance is a great way to make sure you have everything you need for the big day. It is recommended to begin packing your hospital bag essentials around the 28-week mark, or at the start of your 3rd trimester. You should have your hospital bag ready to go between weeks 32 and 35 of your pregnancy in case your baby comes a bit earlier than expected. This eliminates the concern of possibly forgetting something!

Printable Hospital Bag Checklist for Dad

Keep in mind starting sooner than later will give you more time to purchase any missing items and allow attention to be all on Mama when labor comes. Getting out of the house will be as simple as grab-and-go. Sound like a plan? 

I have created a packing list for you to download and print. Think of this checklist as your own personal “Dad Hospital Survival Kit”. On the checklist you will find everything divided by categories, making packing super easy! Cross each item out after you’ve packed it and check mark the category box when it is all complete! 

The post 15+ Things to Pack in a Hospital Bag for Dad appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.

Hey girl hey! Are you planning a water birth? “What to wear” and “how to prepare” are the two questions I get asked the most. These are great questions, because let’s be real, giving birth is messy and deciding to go the natural route is scary. Stress should be as low as possible during pregnancy, and worrying about what to wear for your birth plan should be the last thing on your mind. You have so many options ranging from your birthday suit to a t-shirt. Mama, it’s really up to you to choose whatever makes you feel the most comfortable! So, you know how much I love to share and help where I can, and my water birth experience is not off limits. So, let’s have a quick chat about why I decided to go through with a water birth. 

The Benefits of a Water Birth 

Choosing to give birth in water has a wide array of benefits for you and the baby. I can attest the fact that being in warm water is a source of pain relief during labor, it certainly helped me relax! This happens by reducing adrenalin and promoting the release of the body’s natural hormones to cope with labor pains. Also, being in water can help to support your weight, making it much easier when switching positions allowing more control during labor.

And here’s a fun fact regarding water births, because I know you’re curious about the possibility of your baby drowning; Newborn babies do not need to use their lungs to breathe when they are in the womb because they get oxygen from the blood that comes from you through the placenta. The birthing pool is kept at a regulated temperature ( the same as or close to your body temperature) and will not stimulate your baby to breathe. Your baby will not take their first breath until he or she senses a change in temperature and has the feeling of air on their skin. So, Mama, you have nothing to worry about. Delivering your baby in water poses little to no risk of your baby drowning from giving birth in water. 

Are There Any Disadvantages of Water Birth?

To every pro, there is a con. So here are the possible disadvantages of having a water birth; please note that this is not an exhaustive list of what may be of your concern when choosing to have a water birth. I do encourage you to research further. The first thing I want to make clear is that the water is your pain relief. So, depending on your pain tolerance this can be a shocker. In case you need further clarification, you are will not have pain meds. The pain relief options a hospital would be able to provide, such as an epidural will not be available.

What to do in place of pain meds

Also, you can’t have opioids for at least six hours before you get into the pool. However, there is this cool concoction of gas and air called Entonox. Gas and air during labor are a mild, fast-acting way of relieving your pain. It is completely safe for your baby and the extra oxygen you breathe in can be good for you and your baby, but it can also cause you to feel drowsy and sick.

Some have experienced slowed labor while in water, but I wouldn’t worry too much about this because if this happens, your Midwife will escort you out of the water to return at a later stage of labor. The last thing I would like to mention is that if under any circumstance there is a complication, you may need to leave the pool. It is important to be mindful that even if it is in your birth plan, getting in the birthing pool does not mean you cannot get out. This is your birth, and your midwife will do their best to accommodate your needs. Even if those change. Your midwife will carry out observations on you and your baby to ensure you remain well and safe.

How to Prepare for a Water Birth 

If you are like me and the birthing pool is most appealing to your birth experience, then I’m sure you’re also curious about how to prepare for such a moment. Going into this, I knew my previous births could affect my ability to have a water birth. Having had three c-sections and a VBAC in between two of them there could be complications. Between my husband and my midwife, Jade, we really made it happen!

Have a trained professional to help during pregnancy, labor & delivery and after is vital. Midwives are that and more. I began research early because it can be hard to get a Midwife, so I recommend you do the same! The continuous support I received, especially in the moments where I wanted to give up, I am so grateful for. Having a Midwife is certainly your first step to preparing for a water birth. Seriously, Jade made this entire experience flow so easily. Things I am most appreciative to have had and you may also need are a jug to pour water over my belly and back, something to pad the floor with; because girl, water was dripping everywhere, peaceful music and massage aids. Oh, and of course my family! I am so glad that we all were able to experience such intimacy together. 

Ideas for What to Wear During a Water Birth 

Now, yall know how much I love my body and I have no problem showing her off. And I know you love yours, because she has brought you so far and gives life to those beautiful babies I get to see on Instagram! For my water birth outfit, I decided that no clothes were the best clothes to wear while giving birth. But even if you love your body, which I know you do, choosing which clothes to wear during your water birth is completely up to you! Whatever you choose, Mama, just make sure it is what is most comfortable for you! Below, I have provided a list full of options for you to choose from for your birth plan:

A wrap labor top

this soft and drapey top is made of a bathing suit material and designed to be used in place of a hospital gown. Something similar to this top I found on Etsy would work well!

A sports bra

is a great way to keep the girls in control! Especially while you are trying to concentrate on labor. There are a few that I’ve tried and loved and even one I worn during my third c-section.

An actual bathing suit top

another great option as a water birth outfit, perfect for summer mamas-to-be. Especially for someone who may not like the feeling of wet clothes. Me, it’s me who hates the feeling of wet clothes on her body.

A comfy tee

can be worn but keep in mind that when baby is born, it is encouraged that you put the baby on your naked body for skin-to-skin, so this could mean taking off the t-shirt at that point. Or at least pulling it up. Which after so many hours of labor could be a lot of work.

A crop top,

like the comfy tee but shorter making skin-to-skin that much easier!

A nursing bralette

has been highly rated as a birthing pool outfit and it was I ultimately ended up choosing. Although by the time my son was born I had stripped down to nothing (see below) lol. These come in so many different styles, with a wire, without one, and ultimately can help make you feel even more pretty while giving birth. Because let’s get real, giving birth is a beautiful thing, why not feel amazing while doing it.

Absolutely nothing!

Think about it, you’re in water, who really wants to be bothered with wet clothing? And I for one got really hot and having on clothes was more of a nuance than anything. But this is up to your level of comfort.

What I Wish I Knew About Water Birth

Other than being sure to have the right tools for the actual birth and having those readily available there’s no real way to plan for a water birth at home. Once those labor signs start, call the midwife and fill up the pool!

You may be wondering “is a water birth less painful?”

I say this because everyone’s experience is going to look different. Overall, I’d rate the pain differently for different points in the birth. At one point I was 8 cm dilated and didn’t know. However towards the end (when the baby is descending and getting close to coming out) that pain was a lot less tolerable for me. If I had to give it an average I’d say an 7/10, but again my pain tolerance is pretty high. The warm water really did relax my body, so I’d highly recommend this method. Check out my YouTube video of the birth to see how my midwife also massaged my back during contractions, which was another life saver! I also don’t want to complain because I’d for sure do it again in lieu of my emergency c-sections! I would say pain is expected and so is a little mess.

Which brings me to my next point “What should you expect after water birth?”

Fortunately, this wasn’t my Midwife’s first rodeo, so she provided an entire easy clean-up kit for after birth. In this kit were things such as gauze, gloves, pads, a pool liner, everything found in the hospital. So, Mama, I wouldn’t worry too much about the state of your home, it’ll look just like it did before you deliver your little angel. After giving birth, next comes the placenta. I opted to remain in the birting pool after giving birth to Kaleb. This allowed me to deliver my placenta the same way I delivered my son. Some women may feel faint during this final stage, so changing locations to deliver the placenta is common.

Ultimately, the best thing to wear for water birth is something you feel the most comfortable in because when it is all said and done, you are here to deliver a happy and healthy baby! I am glad to share my experience and shed light on a topic you may have been curious about. I expect that after our chat you now find yourself feeling more prepared to make a knowledgeable decision for your very own birthing experience.

As with everything else, there are pros and there are cons to every decisions.

Which of these sides have the most bullet points for you? Comment and let me know! There is no better choice. Water births can be done at home, in a birthing center or in the hospital. Just be sure you contact and secure a Midwife sooner than later! They are hard to come by and so worth your time; I am still thanking Jade to this day and that was almost a year ago!

I am almost contemplating giving Des another! Lol. Also, now that I have made it through, I can confidently say there is nothing to be afraid of. Save your stress for something else, Mama. I beat the odds and had a very successful at home water birth even after the complications experienced during my other pregnancies. Our bodies know what to do, it truly was made for this. And with the help of your Midwife, you will feel confident in your decision to go through with an at home water birth. Lastly, choosing to have a water birth is not a contract. You are not stuck. Even if it is the day of delivery and you decide you no longer wish to continue with your previous decision, that is your right, and you will be treated accordingly. 

Let me know if you have any other questions and which birthing outfit you decide is best for you. Oh! Congratulations Mama, on your journey. You will do great; I just know it!

The post How to Prepare for a Water Birth Plus What to Wear appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.

The first few days and weeks after having a child can be some of the hardest, especially if you’ve had cesarean. Recovery after c-section can be tricky and may leave you feeling overwhelmed. Let’s not forget about the very horrible mom guilt that can came up as well.

With all of this, recovery after c-section can seem almost impossible, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are my top five tips for recovery after a c-section for anyone who recently had one or is anticipating this as a possibility.

What Will Recovery After C-Section Look Like?

While recovery after cesarean may look different for everyone, there are a few things what will be the same. The scar will hurt, like a lot. This is completely normal so do not be afraid to mention it to your doctor or loved ones. If you are like me, you may not want to take may medication for said pain, but if you need to, take it mama. No reason to be in more pain then you need to. With that being said, it is important to get as much rest as you can the days following your surgery.

Tip 1 For Recovery After C-Section: Rest.

I know, everyone is going to tell you to sleep when baby sleeps, and while I whole heartedly agree with this, getting rest does not necessary mean sleep. Rest for recovery after c-section can mean taking it slow. Laying it down when your body tells you to. Or just mentally resting (which is a whole other conversation in itself).

It’s important for you to realize that your body just went through a major surgery. It may not seem like it, but that’s exactly what happened. The lower half of your abdomen was cut open and now it needs to heal. Which, means lots and lots of rest. So listen to your body. If you’re in pain, sit down. If you feel exhausted, lay down. If you can’t seem to get your words together and it’s hard to think straight (it happens)  lay down. Doesn’t mean you have to sleep, although sleeping would be good, but it does mean you need to rest. So prop your feet up and binge watch The Office on Netflix.

Which brings me to my next tip: pillows!

You Will Want All The Pillows For Your Recover After C-Section.

Pillows, pillows and even more pillows. Like I mentioned above your scar will likely hurt. And even if you have the best mattress money can buy, laying on a flat surface for hours on end will do a number on not only your back but your c-section scar as well. So just like when you were pregnant, gather up all the pillows in the house and stuff them wherever you see fit. Under legs, behind your back, shoot even sit on some if it makes you feel better. And don’t be ashamed, I take my title as the Pillow Monster very seriously whenever I’ve had a baby.

Moving Around Helps With Recovery After C-Section.

I know it may sound counter productive, especially since i just told you to get as much rest as you can, but hear me out.  I’m going to assume your nurses/ doctors had you get up and move around in the hospital, and there was a reason for that. Besides that fact that it helps with constipation (something I cover below) it also helps with the healing processes. The key here is to take it slow.

Getting up and going on short walks are good for you, but whatever you do, do not do so until you’re ready. And even then, take it slow. The first few days home will seem like a whirlwind of feeding, changing, and just getting your mind wrapped around having a newborn. Perfectly normal. But once that has passed, an important step in recovery after c-section is movement.

Walk to the the door from your bed a few times a day. Walk to the kitchen and back. And if you’re up for it, walk to the mailbox and back. Whatever you choose to do, it’s important to take your time. Move slow and increase in distance and speed as your body begins to heal. This isn’t a race, no one is going to steal your mail, it’s okay if it’s there for a few days, promise.

Constipation Is Bad For Recovery After C-Section

Okay, so I hope I didn’t scare you with that headline, but this is important. You do not want to be constipated after having a c-section. Trust me. And as scary as it may seem to have to push anything out after being cut open, it is important that you keep things “flowing” so to speak down there. How can I put this???

Imagine being constipated, now multiple that uncomfortable feeling by 1,000. That is what it will feel like if you don’t go often enough for recovery after c-section. Gross, put it needs to be said.

Eat lots of fiber and drink plenty of water during your recovery after c-section and things should go smoothly, literally. Okay, bad joke, sorry about that.

My last tip for recovery after c-section is a two-parter, first;

Understand that you gave birth. Period!

If recovering from a c-section was not your ideal birth, believe me, you are not alone. But at no point should you feel less them, not as good as, or like you didn’t give birth. Do you have a baby? Yes, okay then. You’re a mother and you gave birth. End of discussion.

However, if you are having a difficult time processing everything, again you are not alone, my final tip would be to journal.

Journaling During Recovery After C-Section

Writing down your thoughts and emotions is a good way to process everything. It can be hard to understand why it happened that way it did, and it can lead to us blaming ourselves. I know for me, once I started writing down my thoughts I was able to work through them which eventually helped me moved past it.

Accepting when something doesn’t go the way we planned can be hard, devastating even. So having a notebook to write things out can help a lot. In the earlier days after my c-section I also used my notebook to write out the good things. Things I enjoyed or was grateful for. And now when I need a pick me up, not only does this journal help me see how far I’ve come but it brings me back down to earth if I’m feeling less then lucky or like I’m a horrible mom. Because let’s face it, it happens.

Having a child is hard, having a c-section is hard. Dealing with everything in between is a new level of hard, but you go this mama!

With All My Love,

Jazmyne

The post Five Tips For Recovery After C-Section appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.

Well, as you can see, I came, I went, I conquered (or however the saying goes) and I am here to tell you all about it. Well, not exactly all about it, just what I wish I knew before my scheduled cesarean. If you’ve come over from Instagram, hi! Nice to see you!

If not, make sure you check out my Instagram (linked at the bottom of this page) for my top five things I wish I knew before my scheduled cesarean. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, lol.

Let’s get into it. First, walking into the hospital just felt weird. I don’t know if it was because every other time before I had been in active labor, like 8.5 centimeters dilated active labor, or what. But just casually walking in, going through registration and being walked upstairs was weird for me. There was no excitement behind it. No sense of urgency and that really killed the mood for me. Now, I might be being extra, ( I am known for being extra) but hey thought I’d mention it.

After being taken up to labor and delivery I got a room and basically waited. My doctor had been called to assist on an emergency cesarean himself so I had to wait. Having had three children prior, any time I was in labor my doctor was basically right there. Now of course, I always waited quite some time before I got to the hospital so that may of been why, but still something to note. When you go in for a scheduled cesarean you may end up waiting a few.

While I was waiting, the nurse shaved down there. Not exactly sure what that spot is right above your vagina but below your actual stomach, but it got shaved. This was new for me too. I mean, I had shaved a few days prior so it wasn’t like it was bushy or anything, but she shaved it. Which was a little uncomfortable for me. Not that she did anything wrong, guess I didn’t think I would need to be shaved for a cesarean.

After being shaved and waiting for a few hours (literally) it was time. My nerves were through the roof too. I had no idea what to expect and no idea if I’d make it out alive. Remember my other two experiences with c-sections involved me being put to sleep and waking up to a baby, so um yeah, this was a whole new playing field for me.

First thing to know, you get a spinal tap or a epidural, shoot I don’t know what its called. The doctor puts a needle in your back so he can then place a catheter in your back. This was newer for me since each time prior a mask had just been put over my face and I counted backwards from twenty and drifted off to sleep. This experience actually wasn’t bad. I had heard other moms say things like “don’t move or you an get paralyzed” or, “It hurts like hell and you’ll be sore for weeks after.” I didn’t have this experience. It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t horrible. Holding a pillow between your legs while you are hunched over isn’t the most comfortable part of your day, but it doesn’t last long.

Now, this is where things got scary for me. First off, you can vomit. Like throw up. You’re probably like, of course you can, your stomach isn’t detached from your body. Which I know, it makes sense, but I didn’t think of that. I was like, omg, I am going to choke and die. I didn’t realize my body still works like regular cut open or not, lol. I just thought I’d vomit and it would’t come all the way up, I mean you are literally strapped down to a table and your entire body is numb, so you can’t move. How in the heck are you going to turn over so the vomit doesn’t go back down your throat? I have no idea how but I didn’t choke or die for that matter. You may vomit and if you do, the nurses will clean you up and then you’ll be good to go, no biggie really.

Although you are numb you can still feel stuff. Not like a pain but more like a pressure. It’s like having someone push down on your stomach hard but not hard enough to hurt, if that makes sense. You feel it and you know something is going on but you don’t know what.

Once the pressure starts it takes forever for them to get the baby. Or at least I felt like it did. Probably because I spent the entirety of the cesarean procedure praying I didn’t bleed out and my anxiety was at an all time high, who knows for sure. Which may be way I was also counting the seconds until I heard my baby cry.

I think with a cesarean, scheduled or not, there’s so much out of your control. You are basically helpless. You can’t see, neither can your partner really. All you can do is sit and wait. Those seconds from when Desmond told me they had pulled Koehn out until I heard him cry were excruciating for me. I wasn’t sure what was going on and that made me even more nervous. But my nurse was pretty awesome. She walked me through as much as she could, which helped some.

After baby is born, they put him to your face, you take a few pictures and that’s it. This part sucked for me. I wanted to hold him and kiss him or something. And I couldn’t do either. Instead I had to wait while my doctor and nurses counted the number of sponges they had used to ensure they hadn’t left any inside me. Which was also a little nerve wrecking. I mean, its nice to know they do these things to ensure I don’t die later of some crazy infection after the cesarean, but still. I was like omg, what if they did leave one and just don’t say anything. I know dramatic.

Something I didn’t expect, Desmond left me. Like, left the room left me. Koehn was being taking to the nursery while my doctor finished putting me back together, which again felt like it took forever, so someone had to go with. For someone who was already afraid of dying this only worsened the experience for me. What if I died and Des wasn’t there. He wouldn’t know, I thought. I tell you having a scheduled cesarean is not for the faint of heart. Or maybe just my heart, lol.

One thing, I forgot to mention, having your stomach burned back together stinks. Like seriously smells so bad. I can’t even describe it but be prepared.

All in all, having a scheduled cesarean was one of the scariest moments in motherhood for me. I wasn’t sure at any point if I was going to make it out alive or not. This had nothing to do with my doctors, nurses, or Desmond. It had everything to do with me not knowing what to expect. So I hope this helps you out a little if you’re expecting to have a scheduled cesarean.

If you’ve already had one, let me know in the comments below how yours went? Were you as scared as me?

Love Always,

Jazmyne

The post What I Wish I Knew Before My Scheduled Cesarean appeared first on Not So Perfect Momma.