What To Take With You At Maternity

Today we live a life full of duties and demands that our parents did not have (it is true that they also had theirs!). In this whirlwind of change, it seems that the most important moment remains an old world, the one in which we are waiting for the birth of our child.

It is a feverish, happy, and uncertain time, in which we often face social difficulties (inadequate housing, interruption of service), material (everything is so expensive!) And even cultural (mixed marriages, which are becoming more common).

Even if one or both future grandparents will vehemently oppose buying things for the baby before birth, they may still be convinced that it is necessary to prepare a small piece of luggage, which you can call the "stork bag".

The main argument for its existence is that sometimes the birth can start unexpectedly, in the middle of the night, and out of haste or emotion important things can be forgotten. The "stork bag" must, first of all, be light and comfortable to carry, and secondly, it must contain everything that is strictly necessary for you and your baby.

Remember that the newborn is hungry immediately after birth, so it is important that his first meal is offered quickly and in the best possible conditions of hygiene.

What are the things you need in your luggage?

1. The notebook in which all the prenatal consultations, the evolution of the pregnancy, and the laboratory analyzes that were performed were recorded. If you do not have such a notebook, take an agenda and paste in it all the tickets with medical consultations, exit tickets, tests, etc., that you have; however, such an agenda will still be needed for the pediatrician who will care for the child at home.

2. Special breastfeeding shirt or blouse, which has two openings at the bust; if you can't find something like this or you can't afford to buy it, a nightgown that can be opened wide with a button or zipper is enough.

3. Special breastfeeding bra, made of cotton, with wide straps that support the weight of the breasts and prevent them from being left after breastfeeding, as well as changing the shape of the breasts in the future (falling); this bra will have a side or front opening to allow wide and comfortable access for the child. It is also a good idea to buy absorbent breast discs that absorb excess milk between the baby's meals and keep the breast clean and dry.

4. Milk pump for excess milk, which can be very important because it protects you from "milk fever" and the unpleasant sensation of tension in the breasts while preventing the appearance of painful inflammation of the breast (mastitis). We will talk about breastfeeding in the next "episode", but for now, it's good to know that this pump must have a bottle attached, which will allow you to squeeze the excess milk and then give it some use.

5. Nipple silicone prostheses (so-called "tips") are necessary for the unlikely event that your nipples do not "form", ie remain clogged, or the baby can not grasp the mammary areola with the mouth and therefore can not feed in good conditions. However, these little silicone devices will be very useful for you later, after the baby will grow his first teeth, and your breast will be his favorite toy.

In addition to these items, of course, the "stork bag" will contain things you need anyway: pajamas, slippers, cutlery, towels (soft, cotton), a new razor blade (for the genital area toilet before birth), and do not forget the panties for pregnant women, which cover the abdomen and back, prevent the appearance of back pain after birth and help you restore your "figure".

You can add, either before or after birth, the clothes with which you will bring the baby home, suitable for the season. Easy birth.