New Mom Survival Kit
Soothies, or Pack of Gel Breast Pads
Why? Gel pads sooth sore nipples after nursing and keep nipples from getting dry and cracked, which can make nursing intolerable. If you have aspirations of nursing for any length of time, these are a worthwhile investment. After you get use to nursing, switch to cloth breast pads.
Breast Pump, $20 – $350
Why? If you desire to nurse or pump breast milk, invest in a double, electric breast pump. Manual pumping is for those who stay home and, are truly committed and don’t get out much. If you’re working, or a stay at home mom who needs to pump often for various reasons, the electric pump is the only way to go. In the beginning, pumps can help relieve engorgement, but don’t pump too much or your milk supply will overflow…literally!
Well Fitting Nursing bras
Why? It’s very important to have a well fitting bra in general, but the stakes are higher when you’re nursing. There are multiple issues moms face when nursing, including leakage, showing through and back problems from the extra weight. A good bra can help with most of these issues. Look for a bra with good support, a removable/washable pad to keep you from showing through and to help cover leakage. Also, look for an easy snap on/off enclosure for easy feedings.
Hospital Aspirators, FREE with hospital stay
Why? Siphoning mucous from the nose and extra saliva from the cheeks will keep your child’s breathing passageways free from congestion, which will help both of you sleep a little easier. Make sure you get two of these handy little bulbs, place them in convenient places upstairs and downstairs or in the diaper bag and in the baby’s room. If you lose it, check this website out to buy more!
Comfy, Functional Clothing
Why? Unfortunately, You’ll need to bring a pair of maternity pants or loose-fitting pants with you for your trip home just in case you’re not like a celebrity and you don’t walk out of the hospital with a flat stomach. You’ll want to bring your most comfortable pair because you may be sore from delivering, and make sure you can roll or fold the tummy section down, so if you have a c-section, the waist band doesn’t interfere with the wound. If you’re brave, bring something you’d like to fit into after birth, but bring one size up from your pre-pregnancy weight to be safe.
Baby Layette and Swaddling Blanket
Why? Consider bringing a preemie t-shirt and a 0-3 month t-shirt and a nice, easy swaddling blanket. Cute little outfits may snag on the babies umbilical cord wound. T-shirts may not be fun, but they’re functional. Remember, the first couple of days babies are learning how to self regulate their temperature and will need to be swaddled or dressed in very warm clothing – plan accordingly!
Car Seat
Why? Make sure you bring a car seat to the hospital. They won’t let you take your tot home without one. Check with the fire department if you’re unsure how to safely put it in your vehicle. Every seat is different and firemen are trained how to put each of them in.
Safety First Nail Clippers, $3
Why? These particular nail clippers make the very scary first clipping easy. Pull the skin back from the nail bed, slide the clipper under the nail and clip. Once you get the hang of it, clipping is so much easier than putting on and taking off those little gloves.
Pacifiers
Why? Every baby prefers a different pacifier, some don’t take them at all. But if you plan on using pacifiers, they’re one way to sooth your infant and you may get a little more time between feedings. Bring one latex, one silicone, one orthodontic and try each until you get the right match. Make sure you get the newborn size. Hospitals often provide them, but don’t rely on this!
Staying Sane checklist covers everything you need to dress, bathe, swaddle, entertain, and care for your baby.
Download Printable Checklist - Click here.
What To Look For In A Pediatrician
Don’t just choose the first pediatrician you meet, interview a few candidates. A good pediatrician has more than just the core competencies of disease treatment, which are reactive measures. Your pediatrician should also be knowledgeable in proactive qualities such as disease prevention, and child development. Your pediatrician should also be warm, compassionate, and open minded to your thoughts and feelings, and shares similar views. Make sure your insurance covers the pediatrician you want to choose. Make sure you interview all potential pediatricians, and verify that the pediatrician you interview will actually be the one who sees your child. There should be no charge for this interview consultation.
Questions to Ask A Pediatrician
Print out these questions and take them with you to ask a candidate pediatrician
Pediatrician Background, Credentials, Experience
When and where did the pediatrician complete medical school and residency?
Are they a member of the American Academy Of Pediatrics or any other specialty organization?
How long has the pediatrician been in practice?
Does the pediatrician have any areas of subspecialty?
What hospitals does the pediatrician have privileges at?
How soon after the baby is born will the pediatrician come to see it at the hospital?
How does the pediatrician feel about mothers calling in after hours over “little things”?
Is there a specific time during the day that the doctor will take phone calls?
Office Logistics
Is the office conveniently located for less travel time with a sick child?
Does the practice have multiple offices you can visit?
What are the office hours and are there any early morning or late evening hours for working parents?
How long in advance must you book appointments?
Are there any diagnostic facilities on site such as X-rays, blood work, etc.?
What lab work can be performed at the pediatrician’s office?
Is there a specific time during the day that the doctor will take phone calls, and how does the office handle your phone in questions?
Does the doctor answer any general questions by email?
How does the office deal with after hours emergencies?
Is there a 24 hour answering services that can connect you to a doctor?
Who covers for the doctor when they are on vacation?
Does the office mail out reminders for scheduled immunizations and checkups?
Fees, Methods of Payment
How much are the fees for standard office visits?
Are immunization shots extra, or are they included in the office visit charge?
Does the pediatrician accept your insurance?
How are insurance claims handled, and will the pediatrician bill your insurance company directly.Do they accept checks and credit cards?
Is payment due at the time visit, or will the pediatrician bill you?
What happens if you miss a scheduled visit? Can you easily reschedule?
