Recovering from labor/delivery--things you need at home

[InvitroMom]

I do agree 100% to getting the name and number of a lactaction consultant! If breastfeeding is not going well it takes away from motherhood and makes everything else that much more difficult. Unless you have a happy well fed baby you aren't going to have a happy Mommy. :>)

[tarasue]

Ditto to consulting a lactation consultant! My ds just couldn't seem to latch on, and I would have given up on b/f without my lactation consultant. She also gave me the best advice for easing the pain of engorged breasts: USE DIAPERS. Seriously. Take two small diapers, moisten them, and then microwave about 30 seconds. Place one over each breast, pressing VERY slightly if you need to. Helped with milk letdown and general discomfort.

[Djen]

This thread should be a "Sticky",such good advices on here.

[DrAussieMom]

I guess I am the most confused about breastfeeding. I am signed up for the class, but it seems to be so natural, what could be difficult?? I know once I get there, I will be laughing at my ignorance, but I will be breastfeeding, so will know in about 7 more months!

[sarahp]

great thread! reminded me of some things that i'll need when i come home - but i will second that after a c-section (i'll have a repeat c-section this time around) the bleeding isn't as bad as it sounds like it is after a vaginal delivery!

one tip a friend gave me (but she told me this AFTER i had the baby, and she was a month old) was to get some silky/satin pj's to wear, so that you can slide in and out of bed easily. with the c-section healing, that tip would have been VERY helpful!

and one other note, on the nursing topic - it took a while for my milk to come in (5 days!) so, i had to supplement my dd with formula. but, i didn't want to give her a bottle, and affect her latch and everything. one of the nurses at the hospital had a great alternative. i latched her onto my breast, and then slid a tiny tube that was connected to a big syringe of 2 oz of formula into her mouth. as she nursed, i slowly squirted formula down the tube into her mouth. that way, i got the nipple stimulation i needed for my milk to come in, and the baby got the food she needed. she ended up being a GREAT breastfeeder, too!

[Minnie2]

Sarah, Great BF'ing advise. Did they hospital give you teh tube and syringe ?


Can we pin this thread ?

[LouHoo]

Sarah,

I also had to use the tube and syringe for several days. My dh and MIL did it. I used it because I was so sore from improper latching that I needed a few days to heal before we tried again. The syringe worked well and my dh was an excellent breastfeeder! They did not give me the syringe and tube at the hospital, but my lactation consultant gave them to me after hearing about the problems I was having. Once I was healed, she came over and taught us how to do it properly.

[Kylie]

Frozen maxi pads! I'd buy the biggest I could find (I think stayfree originals or classic?) and I'd add a little water to them and pop them in the freezer. Felt really good on my episiotomy! Also another must have is TAKE OUT FOOD!!!

[JJ2]

Toilet paper from home!!! The hospital brand is not too comfy after childbirth
Also, the ointment for nursing mommies, I think it's called "Lansinoh" or something like that. It helps with the discomfort, even in the shower!

Joanna

[sarahp]

they did give me the tube and the syringe, and really, it was SO helpful. i'll love that nurse (whatever her name was! ) forever for helping me figure that out!