New Mummy Care (Baby Stages in general)

Member Name: anrowan

Product:	Baby Stages in general
Date:	15/05/03 (141 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: May help you feel better

Disadvantages: Where to begin?

For the bits they tend to gloss over. Sorry, some bits are a bit icky, but that's life. Hope this category is okay.

As a new mum, you will be a bit shellshocked, probably knackered, but there are physical needs that you need to attend to for yourself as well as the baby.

Basic requirements

Maternity pads
Stock up. You may not have had a period for nine months, but you are making up for it now. I found Always Ultra Night Time fantastic. They are very thin with wings, they are soft, even with stitches. Looking at them you wouldn’t think they are up to much, but they will easily last all night and hold gallons(oh yes). When you’re looking after a new baby, getting a chance to run to the loo to change doesn’t come easily. These really take a load off your mind.

Disposable maternity pants
Saves washing. I used the Mothercare ones and they withstood repeated towel changes. Buy in the largest size, it is more comfortable, especially if you have a c-section.

Lavender oil & Salt
If you have stitches, it’s best not to use any lotions in your bath to start with. Adding two drops of lavender oil makes the water smell lovely, moisturises, has antiseptic properties and is relaxing. Adding several handfuls of salt to the bath water aids wound healing and shouldn’t sting. You will need to keep the area clean, so do try and bathe as much as you can.

I found having a bath easier than a shower as you could run it and leave it while attending baby and then get in while they are asleep (yes, it does happen). You can hear them while in the bath, or take them into the bathroom with you, the shower makes it harder to hear and I was forever on edge in case she cried. With luck, you may even enjoy a leisurely soak.

Make up
If you use it, try and keep doing so, or find something else that makes you feel good. I tried to ensure that I got washed, dressed and made up
everyday, even if it took all day. It’s easy to neglect yourself, but you must take care of yourself or the baby will end up suffering as you stop doing things.

Arnica cream
Good for bruising. Use daily, it feels soothing, can stop your skin drying out by the constant use of absorbent pads.


Preparation H
A delicate subject, but a reality for most mums, if you didn’t get them during pregnancy, you probably got them during labour. Yes, piles. I sent my husband out to buy it (they tend to do anything for you at this point). It’s a clear waterbased gel used daily, externally and it works! By 7-10 days results should be erm, visible. Do use a treatment if you’ve got them, don’t be squeamish, after all you just had your nether regions on display and bottoms and their contents will be playing a major part in your life.

Pelvic Floor Exercises
Yes, I know they go on about them, but they do work. Initially your perineum will resemble a low slung hammock, but doing these as often and as many times as you can really does pull your bits up into finely tuned, taut muscles, unlike your abdomen. Unfortunately, that’s one finely toned bit of body you won’t be putting on general display. Benefits do extend into your sex life. Don’t laugh, it may happen again.

Paracetamol
If you’ve had stitches or a c-section, or just generally sore, these are safe for breasting feeding mums. Please take care to follow the recommended dosage.

Essential

Bottle of favourite or luxury bath lotion
Large box or several of chocolates
Cup of coffee/tea in bed every morning

All of the above should be provided without question. The bath stuff for the leisurely soak when hubby/partner comes in after a hard day a work and you dump the baby on him a soon as his foot is in the door (hopefully with a bottle of wine). The chocs can also be enjoyed at this t
ime, but there are useful for feeding yourself during the day while bubs is feeding (you don’t get a lunch break).

The coffee in bed was started asap and still continues. Since hubby has to get up for work, he brings baby and coffee, or coffee first if baby still asleep. It is a little piece of calm and you time before work begins

Sense of humour
It’s bloody hard work, but those first smiles make it worthwhile and they are the best boss you could ever wish to work for.

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