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Safe sleep for your baby
It’s 2am. I should be sleeping but I’m wide awake, my eyes fixed on my baby, who is sound asleep in his cot. I don’t want to a miss a thing! I mean, what if he stops breathing in the middle of the night?! What if the blanket isn’t as secure as I thought it was, and he ends up with a blankey over his face? What if he overheats? Is he warm enough? What if, what if, what if?!
Yep – I’ve been that psycho mom probably all four times, with each of my kids. I would check on them literally every half hour, and (here’s the “psycho mom” part) if they are sound asleep I would rouse them a bit just to make sure that they are still alive and breathing.
Have you been a psycho mom? Join me, friend! I have snacks. We can sit in a semi circle and sing kumbaya while staring at our sleeping babies, simultaneously.
Seriously though I am such a fiend when it comes to sleep safety. Not to be a bummer, but sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) aka cot death usually occurs during sleep, you guys. Although the exact cause of SIDS is unknown, factors that could come into play include baby overheating and accidental suffocation.
I was so excited when one of my fave brands, Tommee Tippee, introduced me to their sleep time products. From sleep bags to comforting toys and night lights, they’ve thought of it all you guys. I want to cry tears of joy! I probably did cry tears of joy. But let’s pretend that I am not still raging with post-birth hormones, shall we?
GrobagThe Grobag baby sleeping bag provides safer sleep and is a better alternative to loose sheets and bedding, in the crib. This product is recommended by The Lullaby Trust – the UK’s leading charity for safe sleep. Here’s why I love it: it keeps Ash warm, without overheating him (choose a grobag weight that will suite the temperature in your room for better sleep). According to a study done in the UK, 71% of babies slept for more than 6 hours at a time, when using the Grobag. It’s made of 100% cotton, is machine washable and the YKK zipper has a chin guard that prevents schaffing on baby’s skin.
These bags come in various weights, keeping baby at a safe sleep temperature. How flippen genius?! They include a nursery thermometer and what to wear guide.
Groegg2Okay, to be honest, when I first learnt of the Groegg2, I was like, “uhhh why would I need a fancy night light?!” And then I learnt that this “fancy night light” is actually a room thermometer and I was floored! You guys, the Groegg2 changes color, letting you know immediately when the temperature in the room has changed. Why is this helpful? Well, remember that you need your baby to be at a safe sleep temperature to, well, ensure safe sleep.
I mean, I too thought that piles of blankets and heat is just what a baby needs to thrive. But nope, studies have shown that high temperatures increase the risk of SIDS.
AND the amazing thing is that you can use your Groegg2 in conjunction with your Grobag, ensuring that baby is in the correct bag for the temperature of the room. I KNOW, RIGHT?! Somebody call Oprah! Also, I’m here for the color changing… hello lava lamp vibes!
Groegg Shell
You can personalise your Groegg2 and give it a bit of personality with this totally adorbs Groegg Shell. Choose between the Oona the Owl, Mikey the Monkey and Percy the Penguin egg shell companions. The shell simply fits on top of the Groegg2 and it gives your room thermometer/night light that little something extra, to make it even more of a cute feature in baby’s room.
GrolightAlso, while on that topic of “fancy night light”… you’d think that you won’t need a night light for your baby. And then you spend a whole night bumping into things, in a dark room, because your baby won’t fall asleep with the light on. (Based on a true story)
The Grolight is genius because it is attached to your light fitting. So yes, this means you can toggle between your normal overhead light or night-light, in one switch! I think it’s amazing because the night light glow then fills my entire room (and not just one little corner, ala traditional night lights). Also, I get to keep a (psycho mom) eye on my little one, without disturbing him with a bright overhead light. Win-win, really.
GrofriendsI was also impressed with the Tommee Tippee Grofriends… plush buddies that help your baby to sleep better by playing music and white noise when they wake up.
I mean, it’s practically a ninja, because your Grofriend can detect and activate when baby cries, soothing them back to sleep. The Grofriend sounds include a heartbeat, rainfall, white noise static and beautiful Brahms lullaby. What’s more, your Grofriend also lights up, acting as a gentle night light! The volume and light are both adjustable.
You can choose between the Ollie the Owl and Percy the Penguin characters (both equally adorable, in my opinion) and you can attach your new buddy to a car seat, crib or stroller thanks to the velcro fastening.
I must admit, I wish we had all these nifty gadgets and contraptions “back in the day” when Kyle was born. These are so helpful and help you to ensure that your child gets a SAFE, good night’s sleep. Also, I get to keep my “psycho mom” tendencies at a minimum. Kinda.Which of these Tommee Tippee Gro products are you keen to try out?
Disclaimer: This post was done in partnership with Tommee Tippee, but the opinions shared are my own.
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Get sun smart with Oh-Lief’s organic sunscreen {Win!}
Guys, we love Summer! We are water babies and would do anything to be in the pool for, like, the whole month of December. I’m hoping that this love of swimming and sun-soaked pool days will rub off on my kids.
To kick start this communal – uh – love affair with Summer, I made sure to get my smallies some funky swimming gear and sun hats. I also knew that I had to stock up on sunscreen because sunburn is no joke. So I was quite keen to try out Oh-Lief’s new range of organic sunscreen.
I mean, this local family business has been around for more than 9 years. If you’re big on earth-friendly product, that boasts 100% natural, raw and organic ingredients, then you need to give Oh-Lief a try. (Plus #proudlysouthafrican – did I mention that yet?)
One of my favorite things about the Oh-Lief range of sunscreens is that it’s made using non-nano zinc oxide… which sounds like a bunch of clever words to say. But what this actually means is that the natural soft mineral sits on the skin and isn’t easily absorbed. So it acts like a real sun BLOCK, protecting your skin, without absorbing into your bloodstream. Super important, especially when you consider the fact that your tiny humans will be wearing this cream on their skin.
The Oh-Lief sun care range contains body sunscreen, face sunscreen and a face stick.
Oh-Lief Natural Body SunscreenThe body sunscreen is lightweight on the skin and is fragrance free. I like that it is SPF30 and water resistant… I mean, we plan to never be out of the water! It provides UVA and UVB protection (which means it a broad spectrum sunblock) and won’t irritate your skin, dry it out or clog your pores. This is perfect if your kid has sensitive skin.
Oh-Lief Natural Face Sunscreen
A special sunscreen for your face is a thing and yep, it’s so important, you guys. This one contains green Rooibos which is a powerful anti-oxidant that is apparently 200 times more effective than vitamin E. This means its super good at protecting the skin and it even repairs existing damage! You can wear it directly on your skin or under make-up.
Can you believe it took about two years for them to formulate this special sunscreen? They’ve put only the best stuff in here… including non-toxic ingredients such as beeswax, carrot, zinc oxide and pomegranate extracts.
Oh-Lief Natural Face Stick
And while we’re on that topic of the face, the Oh-Lief natural face stick is such a must have! The compact tube is perfect for your beach bag or handbag. The unique formula, containing beeswax and coconut oil is so beneficial for your skin and contains an SPF30.
Win with Oh-Lief and Mom Says!You can win the entire Oh-Lief baby range (including the entire sunscreen range) and R500 cash compliments of Mom Says. The prize is valued at a whopping R1479!
To enter, simply pop into your nearest Dischem and purchase any Oh-Lief product. Share a pic of your product on social media and tag @momsaysa and the hashtag #MomSaysOhLief. Competition closes 10 November at midnight. Opened to South Africans only.
Hot tip! You get a special 20% Oh-Lief products (all except the sun care range) if you shop at Dischem before 8 November!
(This competition is not endorsed or sponsored by Instagram or Facebook. Winner is chosen randomly by
MomSays.) -
A swallowed coin and a trip to the operating room
There are few things in life that challenge me the way that parenting does. I mean, if you think about it, you’re responsible for keeping a whole human being alive. Easier said than done, sometimes. Well, this is what I learnt on Friday night when I heard my 2 year old gagging.
Now, disclaimer: Thanks for saying my family is beautiful but here’s the (hard, ugly) truth about having three kids under the age of five… you often have to put one kid’s needs on hold, while you’re seeing to the other one. I mean, it’s not exactly ideal. So when the baby made the biggest poo of his life (you know, the type that goes practically everywhere), I had to leave Jo alone with Moana (thanks Disney) while I quickly changed baby. In those few minutes, my Jo managed to find a 10 cent coin (I mean, who even has coins these days?! I have NO IDEA where he got it from!) and he decided to find out what the coin tastes like.
And that’s when he accidentally swallowed it.
Even though I didn’t see him swallow anything, I know my child. The gagging and coughing totally freaked me out and I could immediately tell that something was wrong. He started crying and I noticed that he was drooling a lot and his chest was wheezing. Since I watch Grey’s Anatomy (I’m practically a doctor), I knew that the drooling and sudden wheezing could mean that something is lodged in his throat/airway. He also said that it’s eina, pointing to his throat.
We rushed him to the ER, where a very polite doctor looked at me as if I need to keep my drama in check, telling me TWICE that the kid has tonsillitis and that’s it. I mean, as the doctor pointed out, I didn’t exactly see the kid put a foreign object into his mouth. I had no proof. But at this point, I just knew.
Now, my friends, if I’ve learnt anything it’s that the spirit of God speaks to us – if we care to listen! And so, because of this, when I get a “feeling”… a surety… I trust that instinct. Needless to say, our facial expressions told the doctor that he can point out the kids tonsils to us as many times as he wants, but we still want an x-ray to prove that nothing is lodged in his throat.
A trip to the radiology department later and yup, a whole 10 cent coin was stuck in my baby’s esophagus. The feelings that ran through my body were a mix of: Ha! Take that doctor!/Oh my gosh I’m a terrible mother!/Thank you God, it didn’t constrict his breathing!
There is nothing that comes close to the feeling of sheer terror when you realise that you could lose your baby. And even though the doctor said that the coin is essentially in the “right” pipe (not blocking his airway), I needed it to be removed like PRONTO! The surgeon suggested a bronchoscopy procedure, where they put him to sleep and then use a device, inserted down his throat, to try to grab the foreign object. This could only be done the next day though, so he had to overnight at the hospital. It was quite an experience. I mean, a whole 18 hours with a foreign object stuck in your throat is not a fun time for a bouncy toddler. And, as a parent, not being able to do anything to relieve the pain and discomfort, well, that totally sucked.
I’m so thankful to say that the procedure (which took all of 20 minutes) was successful and our boy was back to his usual ball-of-energy self, as soon as the anesthetic wore off.
My biggest takeaway from this experience was the reminder that God’s hand is on my children’s lives. I mean, Jonah was a promise birthed in our hearts before we were married!
Did I feel guilty that I wasn’t around to prevent my two year old from sampling a shiny 10 cent coin? Uhhh, yeah. Honestly, you guys, I had to move away from the feelings of guilt and fear that threatened to consume me. It is overwhelming to realise that you can’t protect your child from everything. You aren’t able to be around them every second of their day. And even so, eventually they grow up to live their own lives and you have even less control over them then!
So this experience reminded me that all I can do is pray and partner with God. All I can do is trust that He will equip me to be the best parent I can be, and that the “still small voice” will continue to instruct and empower me to make the best decisions concerning my family.
So yeah, this parenting gig is quite a challenge. The hours are crazy and the pay is terrible. But the perks? Well, that makes it all worth it.
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C-Section tips: 10 things you want to know before
If you’re a soon-to-be mom preparing for the arrival of your baby, and you’re freaking out just a little bit, know that you are safe here. This is a safe space. I mean, this here blog is where I “freak out just a little bit”, like, ALL the time. So welcome, friend! I come with c-section tips! I know, I’m SUCH a good friend, right?
Now, if your “pre-birth freak outs” are anything like mine was, you’re probably finding yourself scouring the internet for every drop of information that would give you some insight into your possible birthing experience. I mean it’s practically science: you always feel a bit better when you know what to expect.
In fact, knowing what to expect has helped me through the birth of my boy via c-section. After reading numerous online articles and chatting to a few fellow moms who have been there (done that, got the bikini line scar?), I found myself more at ease and a lot more in control of my mental state.
And now that I’ve experienced it for myself, I thought to share my c-section tips with you! (My toddler says that “sharing is caring”, so theresit.) Here are 10 c-section tips that you might want to know before going for the cut:
1. Going in mentally ready is the best gift that you can give yourself. (Well, that and the sushi post-op, once baby is out.) Some of the things that I mentally prepared my mind for was the spinal block injection and the insertion of the catheter. Here’s what you need to know about those:Catheter: This is a soft hollow tube, inserted into your vagina, and passed into the bladder to drain your urine. It’s not eina, but the insertion can be uncomfy. The trick is to take a deep breathe, as the nurse inserts, and don’t clench! The catheter is inserted before you’re wheeled into theater and is removed a few hours post-op.
Spinal block/Epidural: A spinal block or epidural is administered, via your spine, when you’re in theater. The purpose of this is to numb the lower part of your body so that you are fully awake during the birth of your baby. Yes, I did say “spine”. And yes, it’s an injection. But, again, not necessarily eina (it’s a pin prick). The key is to NOT FLINCH. You flinching means they may have to redo it… which is a lot worse than just inhaling and exhaling for like, 2 seconds, so that they can get it right the first time.
2. Even though you’re aware that a c-section is actually major surgery, one can’t help but feel daunted as you lay on the operating table, draped and ready for action (so to speak). Again, make sure you’re in a positive mental space (having a fat chat with my Hubstopher, during the procedure, helped to distract me). Expect to feel tugging and pulling, during the surgery. Don’t panic – this doesn’t mean that you’re going to feel pain. Your pain sensors are deadened/numbed. But you probably will feel your doctor doing his thing, as he removes your baby from your body. It’s a weird sensation, but not uncomfortable (well, for me, atleast) and very short lived.
3. Once baby is born, you are told to remain laying flat on your back for a few hours. Do not try to sit up at all! This will cause excessive headaches which is a side affect of spinal anesthesia. No jokes guys, I’ve been told that these headaches are worse than someone hammering a golf tee into your eyeballs. Exactly. Trust me. Stay down until the nurse tells you to sit up. No worries though, you’re still able to hold your baby, which is all that matters anyways.
4. If you plan to breastfeed, remember that you will need to latch your baby to your breast immediately after birth, while you are in “flat down” position. This may making latching a tad bit trickier… BUT make sure that you get baby to latch correctly from the get go. Tip: because you’re laying down, you may need to sandwich your nipples and “feed” it to baby, to ensure that they scoop enough nipple. Rather do this and avoid possible incorrect latch which could result eina nips. (Eina nipples is probably worse than having a golf tee hammered into your eyeball.)
5. Your first walk is the pits. There, I said it. No sugar coating here. Expect: dizziness, cold sweats, ears ringing. This lasts for a few minutes only but it can feel overwhelming. The trick is to sit up in bed for a couple of minutes BEFORE getting out of bed. Then put your legs over the edge of the bed and remain seated that way for a while BEFORE standing. Once you’re ready, get onto your feet and remain in that position for a while etc. (You may need to sit down again, if the dizzy spell is intense).
My point is that easing into that first walk is the best advice I can give you. Oh and don’t wait until you need to pee, before getting up for the first time. You might not make it to the loo on time. Do your first prance BEFORE you need the loo, so that you’re an experienced walker by the time you need the toilet.
6. Placing pressure against your wound (some people use a pillow, I just held it with my hands), as you walk, will greatly assist you to move around those first few times. The pressure offers support and helps you to not feel as if your insides are falling out. You might want to do this when you cough/sneeze/laugh too.
7. At this point you’ll want to opt for comfy oversized underwear that covers your wound. Full coverage underpants, that does not rest on your incision is a must! Most women also reach for a belly wrap or under garments that provide tummy support which helps to reduce swelling and makes you feel a bit more held together.
8. Unlike natural birth – which affects the constitution of your lady parts – giving birth via c-section is thankfully kind to your vagina. Because of this, using the loo was way easier after c-section, compared to natural birth. So don’t let fear stop you from “going”… it may feel a bit weird the first time around, but trust me, you won’t be ripping out any stitches by going to the toilet. Also, the longer you wait, the more uncomfy it will be the first time around.
9. Pain meds are your best friends. You should be receiving pain medication every 4 hours. And hey, even if you don’t feel pain, make sure you pop dem pills every 4 hours! Don’t wait for the pain to kick in, girl. Making sure you take your medication on time will dramatically increase your quality of life, those first few days.
10. My least favorite thing to do, post-op, is move around. But going for short walks helps to shorten your recovery time! In fact, it’s important to walk around within 24 hours after your c-section. Tip: don’t lift anything heavier than your baby and avoid bending and stretching.
Have you given birth via c-section? Please share your c-section tips in the comments section below!
P.S. Find another interesting read on the topic here.
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My birth story: an unplanned C-Sec that changed everything
You know I’m always joking around about the fact that I’m a (self-acclaimed) preggy expert since I’ve been pregnant very many times in my life. And when it comes to birthing my babies, I’ve always opted for natural labour (unmedicated for the most part) because I know my body and I understand the birthing process and what needs to happen.
But when I was admitted to hospital on Monday afternoon, for an induced labour, I had absolutely no peace about it at all. In fact, I ended up crying (no jokes) because something did not feel right. But let’s start at the beginning:
“Imma push this baby out!”
We visited our OBGYN on Monday morning and he confirmed what we already knew: Asher was a big baby and if I wanted to birth him naturally, I would need to be induced. I mean, that wasn’t exactly what I had hoped for (you can read Jonah’s induction story here) and I wasn’t exactly thrilled at the prospect but I was just so darn eager to see my little bebe and I knew that if he were too big, there might be complications.
Anyways, fast forward to Monday evening. By this point they had already initiated induction, but they were going easy on my body (for many reasons, but I think it’s because I’m old haha) and were taking it slowly. By Tuesday morning nothing was happening you guys. And if you know my insides (which you don’t, also that’s gross, sorry) you would know that I usually labor very quickly and easily… especially after an induction.
It was at this point, that I lay in my hospital bed, sobbing… literally sobbing… because I did not have peace. I phoned Hubstopher a few times at this point begging him to convince my OBGYN to “cut me”. I gave him a gazillion reasons why I needed to have a C-Sec… none of them absolutely, like viable. But I was ready to announce that there was an alien growing in my belly, if it meant that they would rather opt for a C-Sec, over pushing the induction.
This, in itself, is absolutely a shocker… I mean, hello, spreadsheet brain here. The spreadsheet brained Luchae would never beg for a C-Sec (especially if I could labour naturally). But, you guys, I prayed. I asked God for peace. I cancelled this feeling of fear (or what I thought was fear). I pep talked myself and listed the very many reasons why I was probably being silly and why I needed to suck it up and give birth naturally, as I usually would.
But alas, no peace. Just an overbearing feeling of “something isn’t right” and “I can’t do this!”
My lovely doctor eventually made his rounds and after a brief chat, he was absolutely convinced that I know my body and I know what’s up and he is going to go with what I suggest: A C-sec. My very first one, ever in my life.
“Cut me, doctor!”
Joy to the world! Right? (Hahaha tell that to my tummy muscles right now). Anyways, the prep for the op went smoothly (albeit I was a bit freaked out, having watched enough episodes of Grey’s Anatomy to score me a doctor’s license) and I lay on the operating table literally still crying you guys. In hindsight, I must have looked like a damn fool, laying and crying while the other occupants in the room were cheerily chatting and going about their business.
A few seconds into “opening me up” (is mos), my OBGYN calls Hubstopher and says, you need to see this! The umbilical cord was wrapped around my little baby’s neck, not just once, but TWICE! The doc was in shock – we certainly had not picked this up via the ultrasounds. Doc reckons that if they had induced labor and tried to get me to push, baby would have been strangled, without a doubt.
My ‘feelings’ (now known as God who spoke to me) were correct… natural labor would have harmed my baby. Having that unplanned C-Sec saved his life. You can imagine the waterworks, after I heard that. I literally lay on the operating table, in a pool of my own snot and tears as the entire room erupted with laughter, as our boy, Asher, was born. A whopping 4,29kg of absolute gorgeousness!
Everyone knew that we did not know his gender, so it was kinda quirky and cool that when doc pulled him out, he immediately started peeing everywhere, as doc announced “it’s a boy!”… I mean, how like a boy, right?Anyways, we are currently recovering (and by “we” I do mean me and all my feelings) and yep, healing after a C-Sec is totally different when compared to natural labor. Guys, I have new found respect for moms who have done this more than once.
But more than that, I am so thankful that God’s hand was on Asher’s life on the day he was born. It could have ended a lot differently. He is so faithful! And I am so very thankful.
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Baby drop safes: are they really saving our newborns?
South Africa, we have a problem. Well, we have a few problems, but I’m not here to nitpick the state of the nation. I’m here to ask you guys how we are still finding newborn babies in rubbish bins when we’re (supposedly) putting all the preventative measures in place to make sure that this doesn’t happen?!
Now, teenage pregnancy rates and the sexual promiscuity of our young people aside (that is another topic for another day, when the very thought of not preserving innocence for as long as possible doesn’t infuriate me), I realise that our current problem of finding dead babies in rubbish heaps have become a shocking norm.
I mean, you guys, 65% of abandoned kids in South Africa are newborns. According to IOL, 90% of abandoned children are under the age of one years old. Read this and squirm: “The findings suggested that a child born in South Africa is at the highest risk of being killed during its first six days of life.”
What are we doing wrong? And, if the answer is “uhhh nothing, it’s not OUR fault, cheenie” then my next question is: Are we doing enough to stop this behavior?
I was mildly thrilled to read articles about new “baby drop safes” that had been installed across our metro. Yes, I used the words “mildly thrilled” because, honestly, it’s a great idea, but I don’t know how effective it’s going to be. (Well, judging by the fact that we’re still finding babies in dirt bins, I’m going to go on a gander and say “not very”)
Now, I know, gasp, how dare I say that the baby drop safe idea is not effective?! Surely it’s better than nothing, right?
But guys, hear me out, I’m not totally blind sided here. I’ve been a teenage mom. I know what it’s like to be the bearer of an unwanted pregnancy and wonder how the heck you can “get rid” of the problem. I mean, if I didn’t have a loving support system and a boyfriend who actually loved me and my baby, I’m not sure how our story would have ended.
But I do know that if I were a scared teenager, having just given unassisted birth in an undisclosed location, with no witnesses/help close by, the last thing I would want to do is take a walk/public transport with my “unwanted” newborn in my arms, hoping that no one sees as I drop him off in a baby safe.
There are just too many factors that will work against this. For starters, you’re bleeding, probably lactating already and surely you’re in pain. Secondly, you want to try to keep the baby quiet (because, yes even though it’s a precious life, at that point you are not in your right state of mind and the baby is evidence that you need to dispose of), so travelling with the child may seem like a really bad idea. And lastly, you might not even have the means to transport the child to safety… your clothes may be bloodied… your emotions all over the place. Suddenly dropping your baby off, at a baby safe, feels like the most difficult thing to do.
I mean, honestly, not that we want to make these things easy but, we kinda DO want to make these things easy. And as wonderful as a baby safe may sound (you know, like in Danielle Steel books and on Hallmark movies etc), when you’re a frantic new mother, not sure of what to do to dispose of the “evidence” of just having a kid, finding transport (and strength) to travel to another location, with baby, is the last thing on your mind.
We are often outraged by the very thought that a mother would want to dispose of her baby. And rightly so… it goes against our very nature, as human beings. But as I lay in bed last night, reading about another new life, snuffed out, before it even had a fighting chance, I couldn’t help but wonder what would have made it easier for the mother to get that baby to safety. What could we have done to help that
motherbaby?Perhaps an SMS/Whatsapp line, offering a veil of anonymity, where the mom could send a simple message to let authorities know where she left her baby? Perhaps a team of “baby collectors” who would be on high alert at all times, ready to find these abandoned babies, once they’ve received a message? Perhaps the opportunity for the mother to find help, should she be faced with guilt and regret a few days later… I mean, the SMS line could save a lot more than the baby’s life, yo.
I don’t know. I don’t have all the answers. But I do know that we need to start coming up with some, because our babies are dying before they’ve even had the opportunity to be loved, and that breaks my heart.
Disclaimer: Yes, Martha, I know, it is inhumane and cruel to abandon your baby and surely you could have enough decency to get it to a baby safe and blah blah blah. But this post isn’t here to solve the moral dilemma of moms who abandon their kids. This post is here to encourage conversation around how we can help to save those babies before it’s too late.
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What you really need in your hospital bag
Now, given the fact that I’ve been pregnant thrice in under five years, I’m kinda immune to the over-catering of things, when it comes to preparing for my pending birth. I mean, call it what you want (efficiency, wisdom, “she has two small kids and no time”), I’ve just decided to not be extra this time around and it’s giving me life.
With that said, when I started packing my hospital bags the other day, I realised just how much nonsense I packed when I gave birth to my other
minionschildren. I mean, have you tried rummaging through a bag filled with stuff, while trying to care for your freshly squeezed out (haha) newborn? Let’s just say I learnt a hard lesson in keeping my bags light and filled with necessities.Anyways, needless to say, I’m keeping things easy this time around and I thought that maybe you guys would want to know about it. (How presumptuous of me). So here are my mommy and baby hospital bag check lists… please, hold the applause:
What you really need in your hospital bag (for mommy):
Practical pajamas (because calm down Sophia Loren).
Seriously though, chances are you’ll be messing on your pretty silky pj’s anyways, so keep it practical and if you’re choosing to breastfeed, opt for button down tops, for easy access. You usually labour in a hospital robe, so your PJ’s are for afterwards, just fyi.You definitely want to take along a comfy gown as well.
Maternity undies and pads
Bless the person who was like “you know what, these maternity pads cannot fit into our teeny tiny delicate undergarments, so I’m going to create underwear that is big enough to accomodate it AND make it disposable too because aint nobody got time to wash that.”Seriously though, stock up on disposable maternity undies (The Carriwell brand is top notch, but the Clicks brand also does the job and is much more affordable) and maternity pads. You would need more than one pack. Just saying.
Socks and slippers
You want to take along your favorite comfy pair of slippers (again, let’s not get too fancy) and for some reason, your feet always gets cold during labour (I don’t understand it, but I embrace it) so take along a pair just in case you’re a weirdo like I am.
Breastfeeding gear
Comfy cotton breastfeeding bras are a must, if you plan to breastfeed. I know you get the cool, semi-padded clip ones. That’s nice. But when you’re introduced to your newborn, while trying to navigate your new body sans child, from a hospital bed, the last thing you want to worry about is clipping your bra. I love these cotton crossover bras for those early days. Simply pull down, to feed your kid. Ta daaaah! (BTW you could probably pick these up at a fraction of the price, in sports shops)You also want to take along your breast pads and nipple cream (remember, I swear by Lansinoh! Yes, it’s safe for baby.)
A towel
Some hospitals will usually provide a towel, but if you like your own stuff, you would want to take your own towel along with you.Toiletries
Most hospital’s also provide hospital-grade soap, in their showers, for you to use. To be honest, with my previous births, I found myself opting to use that instead of the fancy body wash I brought along with me. (Mainly because I’m not standing in the shower, lathering myself up, ala TV Advert moment. It’s an “in and out” kinda vibe, when you know your baby is waiting for you).Oh and you definitely need to pack your own toothpaste and toothbrush, Harriet.
Things I don’t take with: shampoo and conditioner, lotions and potions (unless you really need it), bucket loads of make up (if you must, maybe just the bare necessities?)
Frivolities
I use the word “frivolties” but these are the (often forgotten) little things that kept me sane:
– A set of earphones (if you are wanting to watch TV)
– A cellphone charger AND a 2 point plug (tip of the day: your plug point could be at an awkward spot, so consider taking along a portable charger and extra cable as well, so that you can toggle between the two)
– A few hair bands and grips to pin that hair back
– A packet of tissues
– Chapstick is a must
– Extra snacks… so very important! I’m not even joking. I’m always SUPER hungry after giving birth. Remember: breastfeeding requires that you stock up on resources (food) since your body has to create milk.Going home outfit
Now, I know that we see something else when we watch The Bold and The Beautiful. Our friend, Brooke Forrester, is selling us lies, ladies. Your body does NOT bounce back to it’s original state a day or two post-birth. So I usually take along a comfy pair of maternity pants and tshirt along, for my going home trip. Also, one year I forgot my shoes and exited the hospital wearing slippers. Don’t be like me. Do the right thing. Shoes are important.Important documents
Did you know that you can register your baby’s birth at the hospital? No jokes! This definitely helps with not having to stand in those long Home Affair’s ques! So don’t forget to have you and hubby’s ID cards on hand.
What you really need in your hospital bag (for baby):My baby bag is usually a lot less involved, but it looks a little something like this:
3 little onesies and vests
A hat and socks
A receiving blanket and a warmer blanket
Newborn nappies (I like the Huggies brand because it accomodates the belly button area)
Wet wipes and a gentle bum cream
Surgical spirits and cotton buds
Top to toe baby wash
Baby towelI don’t take along any other baby toiletries because, honestly, I just don’t feel that they need it.
Most hospital’s provide you with a baby bag filled with goodies. I usually send that home with Hubstopher, because everything that I need is in my perfectly curated bag that I brought along with me. I’m not going to give myself a headache trying to juggle between a gazillion different bags.So that’s it you guys. How efficient am I? (Read: Tired)
What other necessities did you add to your hospital bags? Please pop me a comment below, to let me know if I’ve forgotten anything. -
My favorite baby brands (and they didn’t even pay me to say so)
So being a blogger and a mama, all at the same time, means that I often get to test and try out new products and services in a bid to, you know, let you guys know if the product/service is worth your while. When it comes to raising tiny human beings, I love checking out new things that can help to make my parenting journey easier/better. (Call me the Debora Patta of the baby world.)
BUT this is my fourth baby and I kinda know which products work (for me) by now. Also, I’m tired, you guys and I have the added pleasure of raising a 4 year old and a 2 year old as well. Time is not a luxury right now.
So I made the decision to not try anything new with our next baby, unless I’m not 100% convinced that the product I currently use is doing the job that I need it to do. (Or if I didn’t even know that you get a product that can do that! Like, if someone designed a machine that made me coffee and fed my child all at the same time, I’m totally not going to say no to that.)
So yes, when it comes to baby products, I have a bunch of favorites. They are pretty stock standard, and by that I mean that they are tried and trusted household faves! (I mean, I’m not going to win a Millennial Mom of the Year award for this.) But I’m here to be totally transparent, and in all honesty, these are the things you’ll find my Hubstopher searching the aisles for, when I send him on a frantic shopping expedition at 19:50 on a Sunday night.
These are the brands and products that I spend money on… the stuff that I reach for, no questions asked, without me needing to do Debora Patta styled research on them first. Can I share them with you? It’s a rhetorical question, Susan, I’m totally going to share my list with you. Here it is:
My favorite baby brands (and they didn’t even pay me to say so)
Bath time
When it comes to bath time, I have a whole series on this here blog, and I often try out new products on my other kids. But when it comes to my newborn I’m a little more fussy and I prefer to stick to what I know and love and that, without a doubt, has to be Johnson’s Baby! The Johnson’s Baby Newborn Top-To-Toe range was my go-to product when Jo was born. It made his (and my) skin so soft and I was inlove with the gorgeous scent. So I’m very keen on the new Johnson’s Baby Newborn Cotton Touch range. I mean, get this, the wash and lotion are made with real cotton, purposeful ingredients, and no parabens, phthalates or sulfates. And again, the scent: heavenly!
Disposable diapers
I’ve tried out a bunch of different disposable diapers over the past few years. Mind you, as my kids have grown, I’ve often opted for the cheaper options! (But that’s another blog post for another day). But when it comes to my newborn’s bum-bums, Huggies is my diaper of choice. You guys, I don’t know if I’m doing it wrong but the other big name in disposable diapers leaked a lot, when I tried it out on Kari and Jo. When we eventually transitioned to Huggies, we had a lot less leakages and we felt it to be a better fit. We also prefer the Huggies pull ups, compared to, well all the other pull ups. It’s a brand that just works for us. Oh and guys, the Huggies Gold New Baby diaper is designed to accommodate the umbilical chord and (get this) also has a special runny poo pocket at the back of the nappy, to help prevent little accidents.
Wet wipes
So you know the saying “wet wipes make the world go ’round”? Well, you probably don’t because I made it up, but that’s not my point. My point is that wet wipes make the world go ’round… AND a lot less stickier. If you take a stroll down the baby aisle in your local shopping center you’ll probably find a ton of wet wipes brands all promising to do the same thing. But, for price (because we go through the stuff like coffee at the office) and value, I’ve always preferred Cherubs. The value packs are really so cheap and I love that the newborn range has a clip-lid, is pH balanced and is alcohol and paraben free. Unlike other more cost-effective wet wipes, this wipe is still considerably thick and is soft enough to remove the make up from your face on a lazy night.
Bum creams
If you’re a mom and you don’t know about the wonder that is Sudocream, then come a little closer my sister, let me fill you in! This antiseptic healing cream soothes sore skin, treats nappy rash, eczema and acne. In fact, when Kari suffered from that terrible teething dribble that caused a rash on her chin and lower cheeks, good ol’ Sudocream (spread lightly) cleared it up after one application! When my baby’s bums are red, one application of Sudocream is enough to speed up healing. I keep a small tub of the stuff in my hand bag… it’s just that good! And don’t let the price scare you my friend. The beauty of it is that you’re not lathering it on… a thin layer of the cream is enough to immediately promote healing. I know!
Breast pumps
So we all know that Medela is like GOLD when you’re on that breastfeeding journey. Well, I’m just here to reiterate that yes, my Medela harmony manual and mini electric pumps are the only things that kept me sane when I had to pump in a locked bathroom stall the size of Harry Potter’s room under the stairs. Investing in a solid breast pump is a definite must if you plan to take this breastfeeding journey seriously. (BTW, did you know that you can actually hire one from Breastpumps and Beyond?) I doubt I would ever change my mind about the rewards of owning a Medela pump!
Nipple ointment
So, with the beautiful, wonderful miracle of breastfeeding, comes the toe-curling pain of cracked nipples. I mean, your nipps go through something similar to a World War, during those first few latches. My nipple ointment of choice has always been Lansinoh. I’ve often applied one pea sized dollop of Lansinoh to eina nipps and (I kid you not) felt immediate relief! That’s how good this stuff is. Also, I totally use it as a lip cream, for sore winter lips, as well. By the way the cream is 100% natural, with no additives, preservatives or parabens.
Baby feeding
As I’ve said over and over and over again (you know, like a 7de Laan Omnibus on a Sunday arvie) I’ve only ever used the Tommee Tippee brand on my kids. That’s because I choose to combine feed them (boob and bottle) and I’ve found that the Closer to Nature bottles are the best for this. The original extra wide teat is very “breast like”, which makes it easy for baby to latch on, as if he were breastfeeding. Tommee Tippee also has an excellent range of soothers, toddler safe cups and even tableware. It’s pretty much a one stop shop and I’m very much devoted to the brand and it’s products.So that’s my list of faves, and some of the stuff I’ll be stocking up on, while preparing for baby Williams to arrive. Do you have a list of faves? Share them in the comments section below!
Disclaimer: I’ve received press drops from a few if these AND other baby brands, in the past. But the ones mentioned in this article are the baby brands that I prefer when caring for my newborn. This post is not sponsored.
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Most quirky and popular baby names 2019
So I’m giving birth, like, tomorrow(ish), and we still haven’t decided on a name for baby. I mean, okay, we don’t even know what baby’s gender is, but even if we did, choosing a name has become the internal struggle within my marriage. We each have our favorites and both of us are not willing to budge. I mean, it’s pretty fun being stubborn right now.
While Googling name options the other day, I remembered a blog post that I had written in 2017, when I was preggers with Jo. In the post, I listed the hottest and weirdest baby name ideas of that season and kinda explained how we ended up naming our Jonah.
So, to motivate
meus, I thought to put together a similar list, hoping that one of the names will kindle a flame in both of our hearts, that will burn eternal. (I mean, I sound like an 80’s pop track, so surely you can smell my desperation right now.)Check out 2018/9’s most quirky and popular baby names:
Keeping it Kardashian
Apparently pop-fanatics are thankful to Mama Kris for starting the K-name trend. Fans of the hit reality show are opting for names that begin with the letter K, when choosing a name for their newborns. I mean, I could totally see myself doing this if both Hubstopher and I’s names had the same first letter. It’s a cool family tradition/trend, me thinks. But I’m not planning to keep it Kardashian, if you know what I mean.
Zoning in on the Zen
Because of the growing trend of, you know, being “super spiritual” and “enlightened” and stuff, people are now choosing names related to Eastern spirituality, ancient mythology and even natural world practices. Names like Peace, Rainbow and Sky are top on the list. The more deeply spiritual have opted for names such as Zen, Jupiter and Freya. Hmm… Kumbaya my Lord, Kumbaya.
Animal names
So the animal name trend is fairly new, and definitely unusual, but it’s a thing, you guys. I mean, how wild (pun intended) would it be to name your kid Bear, Birdie, Wren, Hawk, Drake, Fox or Otter. I can so picture me doing this and then telling people that kids are “a bunch of animals!” *ba dum dish!* You could be ‘Mama Bear’ literally.
N is for Neutral
With the rise of the non-binary trend, we find that millennial’s are opting for a more gender-neutral, un-stereotypical name, when naming their kids. Pretty much anything can be a name now a days… Story, Royal and Justice are top of the list! I personally love the names Gray or Riley. Other (more normal sounding) non-binary names include Finley, Parker and Bailey.
Netflix and chill?
For the most part we’ve all been hooked on some or other series or sitcom. Well, some people take their binge-watching commitment to the next level, by naming their kids after their favorite series character. I kid you not, Khaleesi! Grey’s Anatomy fans love the names Arizona, Amelia, Bailey and Zola. Game of Throne’s fans are naming their kids Tyrion, Daenerys and Arya. Other faves includes Luke (Modern Family), Axl (The Middle), Cyrus (Scandal) and Penny (The Big Bang Theory).
Gaming and naming
Video game names have opened up a whole new dimension of name ideas. Fortnite fans are naming their kids Garrison, Fable, Maverick, Rogue and even Bunny! Another fave is Xayah (League of Legends) and Noctis (Final Fantasy). I mean, how cool would it be to walk into Comic Con and introduce yourself as Kratos (God of War) or Corvo (Dishonoured).
Three letter names
Give your kid a head start by keeping his name down to three letters! Yup, the minimalist three-letter name is fast on the rise, with parents opting for ‘short and sweet’ first names such as Ida, Kit, Liv and Hal. I mean, it would totally be awesome (and easy) to teach a “Rex” how to spell his name, right? How’s that for efficiency!
So there you have it folks, some of the quirky and cool baby name trends for 2019. Which are your favorites? To be honest, none of these have struck a chord with me. And friends, at this point, we’re probably going to end up calling our child “Baby” for the rest of his/her life! (Which is actually very retro-meets-Dirty-Dancing.)
So will you help a sister out? Please share some baby name suggestions in the comments section below.
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Turning a breech baby – is it possible?
Now, I would never claim to be an expert of anything (expert chicken pops eater – is that a thing?) but when it comes to giving birth, I kinda know what’s up. And with this being my fourth pregnancy, I had planned to give natural birth once again, as I had with all my other kids. I was mentally and emotionally prepared for it.
Until a trip to my OBGYN revealed that baby is most definitely still breech, and at 34 weeks we kinda have a 3 week window period to ensure that he/she moves into position for birth.
Freaking out? Nay, not I, kind Sir. (I mean, I usually speak like a Shakespearean character, nothing out of the ordinary here).
But I would obviously prefer to give birth the only way I know how, as opposed to a C-Sec. Also, given the lengthy healing period and the fact that I have many other children to care for, I would say that a C-Sec (though manageable, I’m sure) would throw a spanner in the works for me.
Anyways, so with that said, baby needs to get his/her little butt into position, so to speak. After talking it out with Hubstopher (who is chilled about it all, as per usual) I did what any normal, sane pregnant woman would do: I Googled (because who are you evens if you aren’t using the Internet to find the solution to your medical problems).
I found a few interesting tips on the interwebs and were more drawn to the ones that did not sound as if it would put my unborn child in danger (because duh). And then I thought, hey I should share these with my readers because even though some of it sounds ridiculous I’m sure there is another pregnant mom with a breech baby situation, scouring the internet for a blog post of this very nature. I’m here to serve. You’re welcome.
Anyways, here are 7 (naturalish) ways to possibly get your breech baby to turn:
1. All about the music
You guys, no jokes, but some websites say that you must put headphones on your pelvis (toward your pubic bone), while playing classical music, and baby will naturally gravitate towards it. Apparently 10 minutes, six to eight times per day will do the trick.2. The breech tilt
So apparently, if you lie on your back with hips slightly elevated and knees bent, you create more room in your belly and naturally coax baby to move into position. You should try this up to three times a day for atleast 10 minutes.3. Just keep swimming
So there are no hard facts but some say that swimming can be quite relaxing and therapeutic and can help to get baby to move into position, naturally.4. Be the light
You could use an amber or red light, moving it slowly from the top down towards your pubic bone, while you’re in a tilt position. This also supposedly coaxes baby into position for labour, since baby will follow the light.5. Forward-leaning inversion
So I read that rocking back and forth on your hands and knees or even doing some gentle pelvic rotations, for about 10 minutes before bedtime, can help to relax the pelvic muscles and increase the gravitational pull inside your uterus.6. Sweeten it up
Eat or drink something sweet (fruit included) and lie on your side with your hips positioned higher than your feet. The sugar rush will get baby moving and your body’s position will coax baby to get into that birthing position.7. Using cold
They say that placing something cold on your belly will encourage baby to move into the correct position. The cold will cause them to react and move and you could basically coax your little one into position, as they try to move away from the cold.So what do you think, friends? Interesting, right? Have you tried any of this at home? I’ve heard of other (more invasive) methods, which I am a bit wary about. Have you tried any of those? Please do share your experiences down below.
Resources:
Today’s Parents
Baby Centre
Parent24
Very Well Family
