You are now on the final Part of your pregnancy journey! Weeks 29 – 40 of your pregnancy represent the third trimester period. It’s the last stage, so hang in there, you have done so well so far. There are probably so many mixed emotions going through your mind but you have done your homework, practiced your breathing exercises and crushed it in yoga / Pilates. Hopefully you read our first and second trimester articles and you got all the essentials you need and pampered yourself along the way too. All the necessary ultrasounds are done, you got your check-ups, and now you’re just anxious and excited to meet your little bundle of joy that has been tapping away on the walls of your tummy and sitting heavy on your bladder. I get it, I have three little ones myself and I love and adore all 3. When they say they change your life forever they really do mean it.
If any of you are having twins or more – I salute you!!! I can still remember all too clearly my second pregnancy with the twins 😉
Covering all the bases
Ok so one thing you may have noticed is that baby brain has kicked in…sadly it is here to stay so creating lists and writing things down will become second nature. If you have questions for your doctor or Doula then write down your questions in your journal so you don’t forget at your next meeting. Maybe you want to learn more about what the hell a sweep is, being in labour or getting a Cesarean section (C-section). Here are a couple of other questions you may want to ask:
- Can I have my birth partner in the delivery room with me and how many people am I allowed? (On this note I took in my mother and husband which I thoroughly recommend where as my brothers wife decided only to take my mother as my brother is prone to fainting and that’s no use to anyone!)
- What position is best suitable for me during labour? If you have a bad back or other health Issues make sure everyone is aware.
- Which kind of pain relief is best for me to take and will it harm my baby?
- What are my options for delivering my placenta?
- How will I know if my baby is hungry?
- Can I bring items such as a camera or have music played during the process?
- Will I get a room of my own or can I book one and how much is it?
You can also ask them if there is anything else you need to know before hand or what to expect on the day. Remember to pack an overnight bag well in advance and keep it by the door so that anyone can grab it on the day – you never know where or when you are going to go into labour so leave it in a nice obvious place.
Preparing the nursery:
We have pulled together a quick list of the top items we think you need in your nursery to get you started and then a few that you really don’t need too:
- Cot / crib. We would suggest one in the bedroom and a travel cot downstairs with two levels in case you can’t bend over easily at the start.
- Mattress
- 3 x Waterproof Mattress Covers. One in the wash, one drying and one on the mattress
- 3 x Crib Sheet for the same reasons as above.
- Nursing Chair and Pillow
- Drawers and Dressers. ...
- Diapers, Wipes, and Clothes.
- Video camera monitor – I found this was a godsend as it prevented me going into the room when it really wasn’t necessary
- Sterilizing Kit
- Bottles - just in case.
- Formula – Just in case
- Hospital / Changing bag
- Baby socks
- Healthcare kit (thermometer, nail clips, etc.)
- Breast pump
- Bath tub
- Lansinoh Breast pads
- Lansinoh Lotion for sore nipples
- Barrier cream ointment (rashes)
- Organic coconut oil or olive oil is great for their skin if it gets dry
- Towels – I loved this one by cuddledry
- Non bio Laundry detergent
- Soft hair brush
- Baby soap, shampoo
- Maternity pads – sorry but you need loads more than you think!
A Few things you really don’t need:
- Blankets, Bumpers, and Dolls
According to NPR, the number of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) rose due to hazardous materials in the crib such as blankets, bumpers, and dolls. Just because retailers sell them does not mean that they are safe. If your baby is in a grow bag or a baby grow they will be fine.
2. Changing Tables
As noted above, it is unnecessary to purchase a separate changing table especially when we provided a gorgeous padded mat to match your bag. You can place this on your dresser although we would suggest popping it on the floor as this is much safer as they can’t roll off.
3. Mobiles and White Noise Makers
Some babies may require this to soothe themselves. However, most mums like myself found that their babies never needed them. They simply collected dust. Babies tend to be soothed from motion like rocking and swinging but if you can try to let them self sooth to sleep. It is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and your baby.
4. Toys
When it comes to toys, more isn’t better. In fact, the less they have, the more focused they are on each toy. Babies and toddlers get bored of the same toy rather quickly, so you can rotate their toys by storing half. When your child seems to no longer be interested in the items in front of them (about two weeks), rotate them with new ones. In the beginning, there is no need to possess enough toys to rotate. It will just be clutter for when you have to clean the nursery.
There are plenty of items to be purchased once your baby is born, and it all begins with your baby changing and maternity bag that you brought to the hospital when your water broke. So here is a list of what you need to pack in it:
Hospital bag Checklist:
- Diapers, Wipes, and baby onesyClothes.
- Hand sanitiser
- Baby hat
- Breast pump
- Lansinoh Breast pads
- Lansinoh Lotion for sore nipples
- Organic coconut oil or olive oil is great for their skin if it gets dry
- Maternity pads – sorry but you need loads more than you think!
- Disposable diapers or nappies
- Disposable wipes
- Nightie (pyjamas might aggravate a scar)
- Slippers
- A warm wrap for you as it often gets cold
- Dressing gown
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Fresh fruit
- Liquids to keep you hydrated
- Music and speakers if you want to play it during your labour.
- Magazines to take your mind off things as sometimes if you are induced it can take a while for things to get going.
Don’t forget to keep hydrated during your pregnancy. Drinking lots of fluids helps decrease constipation, as well as lessens morning sickness, heartburn, and indigestion.
Check out these shopping sites for your baby supplies:
Snuzpod SocksOns Little Baby Company
Labour preparation
Do a practice run to the hospital so you know how long the journey takes during rush hour and make sure both family and partner are clear on where your hospital bag is and who is getting what. Practice your breathing exercises to keep calm and focused. Bear in mind that the length of your trimester depends on how soon the baby is born, it could be by the 38th week or as late as 42 weeks, so keep aware of any signs of labour. During this time, it is advised that you rest more frequently and slow down. You can do light walking outdoors to get some fresh air if the weather permits.
There is no one way to indicate that you are in labour. Some indications may include a change in your energy level, easier breathing as your baby drops lower into your pelvis, a bloody show, which is the mucus plug that sealed your cervix during pregnancy. Please note this is not always noticeable and it is likely to happen several days before you go into labour. If you are not sure if you are in early labour, it’s best to speak with your OBGYN to ask about early signs of labour. However, if you are experiencing it, try walking while practicing your breathing exercises, bouncing on a ball or take a shower or bath. If the contractions are getting stronger, call your OBGYN. You can also check how far apart each contractions are to inform your doctor when you make that call.
Cesarean Section (C – Section) preparation
This procedure involves delivering the baby surgically through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. It is usually done in advance of your due date. Keep in mind that this procedure is major abdominal surgery, therefore, you are required a longer recovery time to heal which may result in a longer stay at the hospital. For this stay, a larger baby changing / maternity bag or two for you and your baby is required with more night gowns and under garments as well as baby necessities and other essentials you might need.
You can find out the cost to have baby here.
Heading to the after birth
Whether you went through labour or did a C – section, nothing beats meeting your little bundle of joy for the very first time and all the emotions you felt during your pregnancy will swell over you like a flood as you experience the euphoria of your baby coming into the world.
Get the tissues ready as you will probably all experience tears of joy, laughter, a sense of relief but overall just pure unconditional love for your baby.
depending on the form of delivery you are doing. For an overnight stay, a medium bag will do, for a longer stay to help with recovery a large bag will be the perfect option instead of carrying two bags with you. Ask questions in your Mummy groups that we mentioned in our first trimester blog to keep abreast of things. In our second trimester blog, we mentioned some great shopping sites you can browse if you need to do some baby shopping, as well as to check out our very own KeriKit bags that are not only stylish but are functional mummy bags.
Congratulations in advance on your little bundle of joy.
Love always,
Keri
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