Preparation for the newborn
Pregnancy is always the honeymoon period prior to the arrival of a new life, a prelude to embarking on a new journey into motherhood.
During this period, most mothers to be are experiencing both joy, hope and wonders of what to expect, prepare and expect in the new experience.
I have put together a list which I hope would be sufficiently comprehensive for your considerations. Definitely, items required and preparations differ for various cultural beliefs and practices. The list enclosed maybe adjusted in accordance to your needs and requirements.
- Letter of admission
For mother:
- Two changes of clothing for mother
- Sanitary paddings
- Body lotion
- Basic self grooming items ( Such as tooth brushes, facial cleanser and lotion)
For the Baby:
- Three sets of clothing for newborn, including cap
- 1-2 sets of swaddling blanket
- 1 set of new born diapers
Do expect also to be showered with gifts of newborn clothing and diapers during the first few weeks, therefore you should not need to stock up on too many newborn diapers as baby outgrow the newborn sizes fast.
For the mother:
You may prefer to garner as many help in the first month as possible, as mother tends to be weak and requires sufficient rest. In Asian context, some of the mothers may seek help from parents or in laws to help tend to the baby and mother during the first month of recuperation. Otherwise, confinement ladies could be hired for similar purpose. In western context, they are known as doula.
In preparation of the first month, you may consider to ensure some of these items are sourced:
- Breast pump (Very essential especially for mothers preparing to nurse the baby, as well as critical during engorgements). Some of the most popular and adopted brands of pumps would be
- Health supplements : During this period doctors may prescribe some health supplements such as iron pills and folic acids for the mother, else do ensure at least two glasses of milk in your daily diet. Otherwise, ensure a healthy diet rich in iron, calcium and vitamin C. For nursing mothers, sufficient fluid will also help boost your milk supply during this period.
- Dry shampoo : This may not be a required item but definitely a good to have, especially in colder climate where daily shampooing may not be encouraged. In Asian context, mothers are discouraged to wash their hair daily, so as to avoid catching rheumatism during this period.
- Warm herbal bath (大风艾 ): In conjunction to the point of avoiding rheumatism, Asians practice introducing herbal bags to daily shower during the first month of recovery. The formula sells in the form of a teabag which can be brewed or simply add a tub of warm bath water. This formula warms up the entire body during and after shower, and serves of rid of any wind and promotes recovery. Enclosed a link for a sample and further details : http://www.hockhuatonic.com/chinese/special/tonic-products-cpm-10.html
Note*: There maybe instances that the mother may experience minor post natal depressions, due to hormonal changes as well as adjustments to receiving a newborn. During these period, a little indulgence in chocolates may help boost.
For the Baby:
Note* : Some babies may be colicky during the first months, for newborns that fuss during these period, you may consider to standby some colic drops. To name a few brands to consider, Infacol or Colimix.
During this period, most mothers to be are experiencing both joy, hope and wonders of what to expect, prepare and expect in the new experience.
I have put together a list which I hope would be sufficiently comprehensive for your considerations. Definitely, items required and preparations differ for various cultural beliefs and practices. The list enclosed maybe adjusted in accordance to your needs and requirements.
Preparation for the delivery:
For most deliveries (With exception of multiples) you should start preparing for the delivery admission around week 35-36. Note* : Some of the items however may not apply for situations of planned delivery at home.- Letter of admission
For mother:
- Two changes of clothing for mother
- Sanitary paddings
- Body lotion
- Basic self grooming items ( Such as tooth brushes, facial cleanser and lotion)
For the Baby:
- Three sets of clothing for newborn, including cap
- 1-2 sets of swaddling blanket
- 1 set of new born diapers
Do expect also to be showered with gifts of newborn clothing and diapers during the first few weeks, therefore you should not need to stock up on too many newborn diapers as baby outgrow the newborn sizes fast.
Preparation for first month:
For the mother:
You may prefer to garner as many help in the first month as possible, as mother tends to be weak and requires sufficient rest. In Asian context, some of the mothers may seek help from parents or in laws to help tend to the baby and mother during the first month of recuperation. Otherwise, confinement ladies could be hired for similar purpose. In western context, they are known as doula.
In preparation of the first month, you may consider to ensure some of these items are sourced:
- Breast pump (Very essential especially for mothers preparing to nurse the baby, as well as critical during engorgements). Some of the most popular and adopted brands of pumps would be
Avent and Medela. For mothers intending to nurse over a longer period, consider investing in a double pump, as they safes half the time of a single pump.
- Health supplements : During this period doctors may prescribe some health supplements such as iron pills and folic acids for the mother, else do ensure at least two glasses of milk in your daily diet. Otherwise, ensure a healthy diet rich in iron, calcium and vitamin C. For nursing mothers, sufficient fluid will also help boost your milk supply during this period.
- Dry shampoo : This may not be a required item but definitely a good to have, especially in colder climate where daily shampooing may not be encouraged. In Asian context, mothers are discouraged to wash their hair daily, so as to avoid catching rheumatism during this period.
- Warm herbal bath (大风艾 ): In conjunction to the point of avoiding rheumatism, Asians practice introducing herbal bags to daily shower during the first month of recovery. The formula sells in the form of a teabag which can be brewed or simply add a tub of warm bath water. This formula warms up the entire body during and after shower, and serves of rid of any wind and promotes recovery. Enclosed a link for a sample and further details : http://www.hockhuatonic.com/chinese/special/tonic-products-cpm-10.htmlNote*: There maybe instances that the mother may experience minor post natal depressions, due to hormonal changes as well as adjustments to receiving a newborn. During these period, a little indulgence in chocolates may help boost.
For the Baby:
- Clothing: 10 to 12 sets of clothing (With mittens and booties) would be good for a start, as babies tend to soil or create little mess during feeding. Also, ensuring ample supplies reduces worries of insufficient clothing of laundries do not dry in time.
- Diapers : 2 to 3 packs of new born should provide sufficient supplies for the first few weeks. Besides, newborns tend to outgrow their diapers in the first few weeks as they "fluff up" pretty fast.
- Formula and bottle supplies: If you are not nursing the baby, standby 1-2 tins of formula for the first1-2 weeks. Also, ensure there are about 3-4 milk bottles to rotate, in addition to a bottle sterilizer.
- Baby bath and shampoo, and cotton balls for showering
- A little bath tub with anti slip mats
- Baby towels
Note* : Some babies may be colicky during the first months, for newborns that fuss during these period, you may consider to standby some colic drops. To name a few brands to consider, Infacol or Colimix.
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