From a March mom....fave baby items and C-section must haves

rac20585

I loved reading lists like these when I was expecting, and now that LO is over 3 weeks old I am still finding them to be very helpful!  Just thought I would share mine...

My Favorite General Baby Items

1.  Halo Sleep Sack Swaddle Newborn size....LO loves to be swaddled and this makes it much quicker and easier after midnight feedings!

2.  A soft blanket monogrammed with LO's name (so cute for those first pics)

3.  Baby monitor with video (mine is Summer brand and I love it)

4.  Breathable bumper for crib

5.  Arm & Hammer diaper pail (great at keeping odor under control)

6.  Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive diapers (they fit better and do not leak as much as the others)

7.  Huggies wipes (they are thicker and seem to clean better)

8.  The First Years Close & Secure Sleeper (we do not co-sleep but we put it in the bassinett, crib, pack n play, or wherever LO needs to nap)

9.  Triple Paste

10.  Gerber zip up sleep and play outfits (so much easier than snaps at 2 am)

11.  Gerber burp cloths (cuter and softer than cloth diapers and good at soaking up spit up!)

My C-Section Must-Haves

1.  Gownie for the hospital (more comfy than pajamas but way cuter than a hospital gown....I wore mine the day after the surgery when I had lots of visitors)

2.  Cute nightgown and robe for hospital (I wore this on day three)

3.  Loose, drawstring pajama pants (a couple pairs for the hospital and the ride home and a few more for when you get home)

4.  No-slip socks or slippers (those first couple of days it is hard enough to get around, you don't need to worry about slipping on those hospital floors!)

5.  Favorite "soft" snacks (mine were Jello pudding and apple sauce)

6.  Sleep mask to help you nap during the day

7.  Assets body shaper (one size larger than pre-pregnancy size).  This helps support the belly and manage the pain once you get home.  Way more comfy than the binder they give you at the hospital!  I wore one every day for 2 1/2 weeks, and it really helped me to get around more easily.  I also had Spanx but did not like them because of the seam that runs up the front--it would irritate my incision.

8.  Laxatives....yes, you will need them.  The stool softeners I received at the hospital did nothing to "get things moving."  I found that I needed just one of the Dulcolax tablets each night until I stopped using the painkillers.  Sorry if that is TMI but I sure wish someone would have warned me!

9.  Tylenol extra strength or Ibuprofen....for when you are ready to stop taking the prescription painkillers.

10.  My Brest Friend nursing pillow.  I really liked this one because of the back support, the way I could position it above my incision where it wasn't sore, and the firmness of the pillow.  It also has a nice little pocket where you can store things like nipple cream, a burp cloth, etc.  This was a lifesaver in the hospital where the bed was so uncomfortable and it was impossible to get into a good position.  I hated the "football hold" and this allowed me to feed in a way that felt more natural.

11.  The book "The Essential C-section Guide."  Whether you read it before or after your C-section, it can really help you understand why the surgery may be necessary, what happens during the surgery, and what to expect afterward.  I was planning for a natural birth and ended up with an emergency C-section, and I know I was still kind of in shock even a couple of weeks later.  This book helped me come to terms with my surgery and move forward.

GL to everyone on this board!  A month ago I was anxiously awaiting LO and now I'm a proud mommy!  It will be here before you know it...

nugget0411

Thank you

bluedahlia

Great list. Thanks!

stephanie_shoe

I had a C-section and didn't need any of this stuff.  I agree with having a cute robe to wear over your hospital gown (if only to improve your morale and bring some color to your cheeks).

My "post C-section" saviors have been Vicodin and zip up sweatshirts/ shirts (makes breast feeding easier when you can just zip your shirt down), and comfy pants.

rac20585

stephanie_shoe:

I had a C-section and didn't need any of this stuff.  I agree with having a cute robe to wear over your hospital gown (if only to improve your morale and bring some color to your cheeks).

My "post C-section" saviors have been Vicodin and zip up sweatshirts/ shirts (makes breast feeding easier when you can just zip your shirt down), and comfy pants.

I'm glad you didn't need everything I have listed here!  I guess I could have technically survived without some of these things, like the "Gownie," but my C-section was unexpected and I was feeling so rotten at the time that I was so grateful for some of these small comforts.  I guess everyone's preferences are different though...