Question for New Moms

[DMS721]

First, Congrats on all your new arrivals!

My baby is due in 8 weeks, and I have a few questions I was hoping you new moms could answer for me. I'm having a c-section, so I want to try and have as much stuff at home and ready as possible, so I don't have to make trips to the store.

How many packages of newborn sized diapers would you suggest? Everyone keeps telling me to not get many and just get size 1 instead. Should I follow that advise?

Also not sure if anyone here is formula feeding only. If so, how much formula should I have on hand when I come home from the hospital? I know which brand my hospital uses, so I was going to get that brand, but not sure how much to get.

Also for those of you that had c-sections, my hubby will be home with me for the whole 8 weeks, since he is also a teacher and will be off of work for the summer. My mom will be here for the first week and a half. Will that be enough help? After a week and a half, will I be able to get around the house okay?

Thank you for your help!

Dawn

[about2bmom3]

*barge*

congrats on the upcoming birth! First of all, it is wonderful that you will have so much help! I had my twins in December via c sec and a 5 year old at home and DH went back to work after 3 weeks, and i was fine. You will be sore for a while, but you should do great! As for the diapers, all my kids were teeny at birth
DD- 6lb 110z
DS-6lb 4oz
DS-5lb 2 oz
so they wore NB diapers for a while. You will find though that all diapers run kinda small. NB says that it goes to 10 lbs, but my boys were in size 1 before that. All my kids were (are) formula fed. At the hosp, you should be sent home with some samples. I dont really recommed stocking up on that until after the baby is born because you dont know what you will need. One of my twins needed soy, the other didnt etc......that is something DH or someone else might have to run out for. We switched brands after a week home to a cheaper version anyway and the boys did fine. Good luck with all that mommyhood has to offer!

[DMS721]

Thanks!

And another (stupid) question. Provided no complication, my hospital has the baby room in with you, and with the c-section that is 72-96 hrs of a hospital stay. Will the hospital provide something for him to wear all that time, or should I bring some onesies or gowns with me? I don't want him stuck in the same shirt for 4 days if he gets sweaty or spits up. I'm assuming they will also provide diapers and anything else I may need for him?

Dawn

[about2bmom3]

There are no stupid questions! Yes, they keep them in a diaper and "onesie" type shirt. This allows them to do vitals, belly button checks etc. All you need to worry about is a car seat and clothes to bring him home in. And a piece of advice- when you can take the stuff ( diapers, suction ball, formula etc) that they keep in his bassient. That is yours that your insurance is paying for...oh and the blankets and shirts! They will restock it when he goes back to the nursery. make sure you clean it out when you go home!

[SC-Sherb]

**barge**

You are very lucky to have all that help. It will definitely allow you to heal faster. Just a couple of suggestions. I've had 2 c-sections and I found that the first couple of weeks it was easier to be on one floor of the house. If you have stairs, it's very very hard going up and down and not good for you. So, if you can set up one spot in the house that would really benefit you. If not, try not to go up and down the stairs. I kept the stroller and pnp/bassinet downstairs for the first few weeks and also a basket with diapers, onesies, pj's, creams, etc.... so that I didn't have to get up and go get stuff.

Try not to do too much once you get home. Walking is good but you will find yourself getting tired if you are doing too much. Drink lots of water afterwards as you will have alot of swelling for a few days. Also, for pain management, it's good to take Tylenol or Advil or something every 4 hrs for the 1st 2 weeks to keep on top of it. That's what my OB told me and it really helped.

The hospital usually use these nightshirts that tie up in the back for the baby as it gives them easy access for blood tests and such and they swaddle them in receiving blankets. I had to bring my own diapers this go around as our hospitals don't provide diapers anymore beyond the first one or 2. Pathetic I know.

I also agree about the formula. I wouldn't buy any as they will send you home with enough for a few days and your DH can run out and get some. Every baby is different and my first 2 ended up on soy formula and my last little guy is on Similac Sensitive after going through about 1/2 dozen different kinds.

Diapers, I would only get maybe 1 or 2 packs of newborn and the rest I would get size 1. My little guy was 9lbs 1oz and didn't last very long in the newborn sizes.

Best of luck to you and congrats on your pregnant and I wish you all the best.

[DMS721]

Good to know!

Sherb- we decided this past week, that we will "camp out" on our sofa bed in our main level living room for at least the first week or so. At first I was reluctant as I know we will be having company, but I finally caved as everyone has warned me climbing stiars is pretty difficult at first. The guests will just have to tolerate the mess. Plus the bathroom on our main level has a "walk-in" shower, vs the ones upstairs that are part of a tub, so you have climb over the ledge which I think will be easier. I know this whole process will be a big adjustment for me as I am a independent and "do it myself" kind of person.

Thanks again for all of the help and information!

Dawn