QuoteReplyTopic: Random Questions Posted: 01 April 2009 at 12:49pm
Didn't know what else to call this! I have a few questions, I am sure all you mums out there will laugh, but with some things I just have no idea... so would appreciate any tips.
1. Do you really need maternity pads, or can you get away with regular pads?
2. Breast pads - disposable or cloth/wool? How often do you need to change them?
3. Do babies need to drink water if they are breastfed, and if yes, how much?
4. What do you wear when breastfeeding in the winter? Normally I'd wear layers and layers, and jut thr thought of getting undressed and dressed 10 times a day is a bit
5. If baby sleeps in the same room as you, do you just take them to bed with you to feed (at night I mean)? What about changing?
6. Nappies - I plan on using MCNs, but not sure whether to start as I mean to go on and get straight into cloth or start with disposables and then switch?
7. For those of you who have a moses basket - what did you do with the handles? (On our basket, they kind of fold over the top, really low, and get in the way).
8. Why do you need granny knickers straight after the birth?
9. How do you know how many layers of clothing to put on baby?
Lilfatty here .. (just cant be bothered logging SD off his computer lol)
1. Do you really need maternity pads, or can you get away with regular pads?
Yep you do (or at least really big bulky ones) .. normal pads just wont cut it.
2. Breast pads - disposable or cloth/wool? How often do you need to change them?
This would depend on how much milk you have ... I changed mine often as they soaked. (I used disposables)
3. Do babies need to drink water if they are breastfed, and if yes, how much?
Issy didnt ...(they drink more if they are thirsty)
4. What do you wear when breastfeeding in the winter? Normally I'd wear layers and layers, and jut thr thought of getting undressed and dressed 10 times a day is a bit
I had a summer baby .. but you feed inside, and I would hope the house is warm (for bub)
5. If baby sleeps in the same room as you, do you just take them to bed with you to feed (at night I mean)? What about changing?
I changed Issy each feed .. would you want to sleep in wet undies lol
6. Nappies - I plan on using MCNs, but not sure whether to start as I mean to go on and get straight into cloth or start with disposables and then switch?
We started in disposables until she chunked up abit (about three months)
7. For those of you who have a moses basket - what did you do with the handles? (On our basket, they kind of fold over the top, really low, and get in the way).
We didnt have one.
8. Why do you need granny knickers straight after the birth?
One to hold the gigantic pads .. lol ... also, if you end up having an emergency c .. you want underpants that come up over the scar area.
9. How do you know how many layers of clothing to put on baby?
Babies need one more layer of clothes than you wear. Oh and for a winter baby I would recommend merino.
1. Do you really need maternity pads, or can you get away with regular pads?
Supers are good. Once I'm out of a hospital bed I prefer something with wings. You won't need supers/maternity for long though, regulars are fine from about 2 weeks after baby.
2. Breast pads - disposable or cloth/wool? How often do you need to change them?
I prefer sposies as they have plastic backing and don't wet through like cloth ones.
3. Do babies need to drink water if they are breastfed, and if yes, how much?
Not usually, sometimes in summer or if unwell.
4. What do you wear when breastfeeding in the winter? Normally I'd wear layers and layers, and jut thr thought of getting undressed and dressed 10 times a day is a bit
A t-shirt that can lift up without stretching, cardy is easier than a jersey to lift, belly band (from TM, doesn't matter what type).
5. If baby sleeps in the same room as you, do you just take them to bed with you to feed (at night I mean)? What about changing?
I go to bed when she goes to sleep around 9 or 10pm. Kaela needs changing once a night and I can do this with the night light in the hall - just change her in her bassinette.
6. Nappies - I plan on using MCNs, but not sure whether to start as I mean to go on and get straight into cloth or start with disposables and then switch?
I find that small MCN don't fit until 2mos+ so I use sposies until then - you will get some given to you at baby showers anyway.
8. Why do you need granny knickers straight after the birth?
Anything that will hold your pad in place and doesn't matter if it stains! Although I haven't stained any this time LOL. I usually go with grannies in the third trimester for the sake of cheap undies that can stretch.
9. How do you know how many layers of clothing to put on baby?
You feel their back to see their temperature - usually they need 1 more than adults but not necessarily so if they are wrapped.
1. Do you really need maternity pads, or can you get away with regular pads? You will need some maternity pads, the hospital should provide them while you are there. I would only buy a pack or 2 for when you get home as you may not bleed much and can then move to normal pads
2. Breast pads - disposable or cloth/wool? How often do you need to change them? I would buy a few disposable to start with, I never needed them and you may be the same so buying cloth may be a waste of money
3. Do babies need to drink water if they are breastfed, and if yes, how much? No, not if you are breastfeeding
4. What do you wear when breastfeeding in the winter? Normally I'd wear layers and layers, and jut thr thought of getting undressed and dressed 10 times a day is a bit I found I liked wearing breastfeeding singlets under my normal clothes when out as I hated exposing my jelly belly! Jackets/cardys that zip up are good and less bulky to pull up
5. If baby sleeps in the same room as you, do you just take them to bed with you to feed (at night I mean)? What about changing? Jack was in our room and I used to just sit up in bed to feed him (lying down feeding worried me too much). Eventually I got smart and wheeled the changing table into our room at night rather than taking him to his room which wasn't heated
6. Nappies - I plan on using MCNs, but not sure whether to start as I mean to go on and get straight into cloth or start with disposables and then switch? It's a personal choice. We used MCNs from the day Jack came home but the washing was a bit much sometimes in the first few weeks. SIL is using MCNs but plans to use sposies for the first few months so she doesn't have to wash. As I will be washing Jack's MCNs I will put this baby in them from day 1
7. For those of you who have a moses basket - what did you do with the handles? (On our basket, they kind of fold over the top, really low, and get in the way).
8. Why do you need granny knickers straight after the birth? I found them easier/comfier when having to use pads. Our AN MW also said that it helps hold your tummy in, she was told by an Italian woman (who apparently have great tummys after birth) that that is their secret
9. How do you know how many layers of clothing to put on baby? The general rule is supposed to be 1 more layer than you
Yup - I second the merino - check out Little Funky Monkey today - Mokopuna merino t shirts for $12! (although selling out fast)
1. Do you really need maternity pads, or can you get away with regular pads?
I think that's an "it depends" answer. I could have gotten away with regular pads as my lochia was quite light, but I understand that's an anomaly. I used less than a packet anyway - I'd say get one.
2. Breast pads - disposable or cloth/wool? How often do you need to change them?
I started with disposables but switched to cloth ones pretty soon, I just prefer the way they feel (and given I'm still using them I would have spent a fortune on disposables by now. Again, it depends on how leaky you are!
3. Do babies need to drink water if they are breastfed, and if yes, how much?
Nope - you give it to them later on just to get them used to it.
4. What do you wear when breastfeeding in the winter?
Breastfeeding singlets all the way! When I needed to wrap up I wore a breastfeeding singlet which covered the tummy, had a loose-ish top that I could lift up over that, and an open front cardy or polar fleece jacket over that. No undressing and redressing required.
5. If baby sleeps in the same room as you, do you just take them to bed with you to feed (at night I mean)? What about changing?
We only lasted one night in the same room, but had a spare bed in his room as well, which I still use to feed him at night. Get a midwife to show you how to feed lying down once bubs is here, it can be a lifesaver for in the middle of the night when you're knackered.
6. Nappies - I plan on using MCNs, but not sure whether to start as I mean to go on and get straight into cloth or start with disposables and then switch?
Like LF we started with disposables then gradually introduced cloth. For any future babies I intend to start in cloth, but that;s just cos I know what I'm doing with it now!
7. For those of you who have a moses basket...
Didn't have one
8. Why do you need granny knickers straight after the birth?
What LF said! And if you leak and stain them you won't want to be wearing nice knickers anyhow.
9. How do you know how many layers of clothing to put on baby?
Again, LF nailed it - one more than you. Don't worry, you will overheat them at least once, everybody does it
Edited for whoopsie on font code, and to say - there are a few threads around here on things like breast pads and breastfeeding clothes
1. Do you really need maternity pads, or can you get away with regular pads?
Yes you will bleed lots and lots, you may even need to wear two maternity pads for the first day. However after 4-7 days you will be able to switch to regular pads.
2. Breast pads - disposable or cloth/wool? How often do you need to change them?
Depends how much milk you have, I'm still wearing disposable ones now because I leak through cloth ones, to start with I was changing every feed, now I can sometimes change every other feed. My boobs are a little over eager though.
3. Do babies need to drink water if they are breastfed, and if yes, how much?
No they don't, if it is hot then your body makes you milk more watery for them so they don't get thirsty.
4. What do you wear when breastfeeding in the winter? Normally I'd wear layers and layers, and jut thr thought of getting undressed and dressed 10 times a day is a bit
I just wear a jumper and lift it up, or I wear a BF top and put a zip up jacket/jumper over the top so I don't get too cold. You could probably by BF jumpers as well, have a look on the net for BF tops.
5. If baby sleeps in the same room as you, do you just take them to bed with you to feed (at night I mean)? What about changing?
I take Kyle to the lounge but I only have hall light on so the lounge is very dim. I don't change him unless he has done a poo, but as a new born I changed him every feed, our change table is set up in the lounge at the moment, you can just pop them back on the boob after the bum change to help them go back to sleep. I don't feed in the bedroom for two reasons, firstly my milk sprays everywhere so I need to set myself up properly with appropriates cloths and stuff and secondly the sofa is better for back support than sitting in bed.
6. Nappies - I plan on using MCNs, but not sure whether to start as I mean to go on and get straight into cloth or start with disposables and then switch?
You will want sposies in the first couple of days when they do the meconium poos as they are gross and will stain cloth. I didn't put Kyle into cloth until 2 weeks but could have started earlier. Some MCN's don't fit until a certain weight and sometimes you need to wait for their legs to fatten up a bit as well and is always good to have a few sposies around in case you get behind with washing.
7. For those of you who have a moses basket - what did you do with the handles? (On our basket, they kind of fold over the top, really low, and get in the way).
Can't help here.
8. Why do you need granny knickers straight after the birth?
To fit the maternity pads into, plus you don't want to stain your nice knickers and if you have a c/s you will want knickers that don't sit on the wound.
9. How do you know how many layers of clothing to put on baby?
General rule is one more layer than what you are wearing, but you can check the temp at the back of the neck and add or remove layers depending on how hot they feel. Spencer always needed lots of layers but Kyle seems to get hot quite easily so has less so hard to know until you know if you have a hot baby or not.
1. Do you really need maternity pads, or can you get away with regular pads?
I found that super or overnight pads were the best for me, especially the thick ones (for cushioning those tender places)
2. Breast pads - disposable or cloth/wool? How often do you need to change them?
I used disposable and it cost heaps in the long run!! To start with I'd change them as often as I changed a pad.
3. Do babies need to drink water if they are breastfed, and if yes, how much?
While you are BF exclusively they don't need any wat, but when you introduce solids it's time to give them some water in a sippy cup (they will drink as much as they need)
4. What do you wear when breastfeeding in the winter? Normally I'd wear layers and layers, and jut thr thought of getting undressed and dressed 10 times a day is a bit
I wore BF singlets under shirt and woolly jumper,
5. If baby sleeps in the same room as you, do you just take them to bed with you to feed (at night I mean)? What about changing?
I nmormally just sat on the bed while I fed so my bum and legs stayed warm. And I'd change bubs on the bed - just with a blanket down to catch any spills
6. Nappies - I plan on using MCNs, but not sure whether to start as I mean to go on and get straight into cloth or start with disposables and then switch? I used diposables to start with, I was to tired and sore to even think about trying to get the hang of something new for the first little while.
7. For those of you who have a moses basket - what did you do with the handles? (On our basket, they kind of fold over the top, really low, and get in the way).
Pass, don't have one.
8. Why do you need granny knickers straight after the birth?
Untl you have a baby, you will never understand how comfy they are.
9. How do you know how many layers of clothing to put on baby?
What you wear to be comfortable, plus one. So in summer if you're comfy in a t-shirt, bubs should have a singlet on too. If you would rather be naked, bubs wears just a singlet.
1. Do you really need maternity pads, or can you get away with regular pads?
Maternity pads. I find not only for the bleeding, but because they're a lot bigger they cushion more (I was very bruised down there). I think I used 4 or 5 packs.
2. Breast pads - disposable or cloth/wool? How often do you need to change them?
Cotton ones are way more comfortable. Unfortunately I keep leaking through them (and then through my bra and my top), so I've just switched to disposable.
3. Do babies need to drink water if they are breastfed, and if yes, how much?
No, they get their fluids from your milk.
4. What do you wear when breastfeeding in the winter? Normally I'd wear layers and layers, and jut thr thought of getting undressed and dressed 10 times a day is a bit
I'm wearing BF tops, and a vest/jacket (anything that zips all the way down) on cold days
5. If baby sleeps in the same room as you, do you just take them to bed with you to feed (at night I mean)? What about changing?
I often do, we both go back to sleep quicker that way. I usually change her once at night, I just do it on a towel on our bed.
6. Nappies - I plan on using MCNs, but not sure whether to start as I mean to go on and get straight into cloth or start with disposables and then switch?
sorry, Mika's still in disposables, haven't quite made my mind up about cloth.
7. For those of you who have a moses basket - what did you do with the handles? (On our basket, they kind of fold over the top, really low, and get in the way).
don't have one
8. Why do you need granny knickers straight after the birth?
Actually, I didn't. I bought a whole pack, but I never wore them, so a waste of money in my case.
9. How do you know how many layers of clothing to put on baby?
I had a winter baby , (and will again ) and wore winter pjs, those nice warm flannel ones , that button at the front , and I got one of those really thick plush dressing gowns .
How many layers
1 more than yourself , and if your'e still in doubt feel back of neck to see if its hot and clammy , if it is , take an item of clothing off
Re the moses basket, I found the handles were annoying so put it against a wall so at least 1 handle could be tucked under. You might have to keep pushing the handles down to get them into shape.
Turns out Ava doesn't much like sleeping in it as she was always wriggling around and prefers the pram which is her new bed.
1. Do you really need maternity pads, or can you get away with regular pads? I used Libra Maternity ones. Alot thinner (sort of like the super pads) Seem to soak better than the Stayfree ones. (+ you get the little oddspots to read!) Used 2 to 3 packs for each baby (They are also great for the heavy points when AF returns as they are longer than normal pads!
2. Breast pads - disposable or cloth/wool? How often do you need to change them? I used cloth ones. Got given some & found the soaked better than disposables. Bought some online too (I think from breastmates if I remember right.
3. Do babies need to drink water if they are breastfed, and if yes, how much? Nope. When hot, breastmilk changes consistency so baby gets all the liquid necessary
4. What do you wear when breastfeeding in the winter? Normally I'd wear layers and layers, and jut thr thought of getting undressed and dressed 10 times a day is a bit Had 2 winter babies. Had some long sleeve t shirts, & cardies or polar fleece jacket (much easier than a jersey or sweatshirt) Also for no.2 had 2 woolen hideaways tops which were fantastic cause didn't have to bare anything except the boob! Night, wore winter jammies with button up top. On colder night, had a winter spencer thing on.
Plus in case you are wondering too, you do need to wear you bra to bed until you milk settles down, so make sure you have one that the clips don't dig into your shoulder when sleeping.
5. If baby sleeps in the same room as you, do you just take them to bed with you to feed (at night I mean)? What about changing? Not sure sorry - all 3 of ours straight into own room. Changed every feed.
6. Nappies - I plan on using MCNs, but not sure whether to start as I mean to go on and get straight into cloth or start with disposables and then switch? I used dispaosbles until started solids when the runny BF poos stopped (really didn't want to clean all that off especially when going every change!) Then went to cloth.
7. For those of you who have a moses basket - what did you do with the handles? (On our basket, they kind of fold over the top, really low, and get in the way). Used the family cradle from when DH was born
8. Why do you need granny knickers straight after the birth? Comfort
9. How do you know how many layers of clothing to put on baby? Generally one more than you. As baby will most likely be wrapped most of the time, doesn't need any more than that. If you want to make sure not too hot, just slide you hand down their back. (My problem was no.3 was a summer baby - kept giving her heat rash!)
1. Do you really need maternity pads, or can you get away with regular pads? They were my life saver after having Arianne use the hospital ones and get another 2 packs for at home...it really depends on how your bleeding is
2. Breast pads - disposable or cloth/wool? How often do you need to change them? Use disposables, I found them so much more easier, with everything else you have to wash I wouldnt add more to it
3. Do babies need to drink water if they are breastfed, and if yes, how much? I havent given my baby any water, the foremilk is what quenches their thrist
4. What do you wear when breastfeeding in the winter? Normally I'd wear layers and layers, and jut thr thought of getting undressed and dressed 10 times a day is a bit Find tops that are easy to open especially at night
5. If baby sleeps in the same room as you, do you just take them to bed with you to feed (at night I mean)? What about changing?I always feed Arianne in bed, must be lazyness but it keeps her tired and knows that its sleep time, I only change her if her nappy is really full
6. Nappies - I plan on using MCNs, but not sure whether to start as I mean to go on and get straight into cloth or start with disposables and then switch? Newborns do lots of runny poos so maybe waiting till they are in infant will be a good idea, I waited and use MCN's a few times
7. For those of you who have a moses basket - what did you do with the handles? (On our basket, they kind of fold over the top, really low, and get in the way). Sorry dont have a moses basket
8. Why do you need granny knickers straight after the birth? Yes they are granny knickers but they are the only thing that will hold the maternity pads in and yes they are comfy
9. How do you know how many layers of clothing to put on baby? Feel the their back and if its cold they need another layer if its warm then they are just fine
1. Do you really need maternity pads, or can you get away with regular pads?
I needed them for the first two or three days and then went to normal pads. You could also try Tena adult diapers. They are nice and absorbent and you don't have a pad to fiddle with. I used a couple on the first day, they weren't as bad as they sound.
2. Breast pads - disposable or cloth/wool? How often do you need to change them?
I only used disposable and because I was leaking so much I'm glad I did. I preferred the Nuk ones, they looked nice and discreet under my top and didn't bunch up like others. I found the Avent ones the worst, too obvious under my tops and they didn't hold in place well at all.
3. Do babies need to drink water if they are breastfed, and if yes, how much?
No, Harper hasn't had any water yet.
4. What do you wear when breastfeeding in the winter? Normally I'd wear layers and layers, and jut thr thought of getting undressed and dressed 10 times a day is a bit
Haven't got to winter yet but plan to have the fire going so the house will stay nice and warm
5. If baby sleeps in the same room as you, do you just take them to bed with you to feed (at night I mean)? What about changing?
We bought a breastfeeding chair to put in our room aswell. DH doesn't get disturbed as much. When Harper was waking for night feeds I used to change him
6. Nappies - I plan on using MCNs, but not sure whether to start as I mean to go on and get straight into cloth or start with disposables and then switch?
7. For those of you who have a moses basket - what did you do with the handles? (On our basket, they kind of fold over the top, really low, and get in the way).
8. Why do you need granny knickers straight after the birth?
Coz you want to wear something super comfy for your wah-wah. And you need to be able to hold the pad in place.
9. How do you know how many layers of clothing to put on baby?
The midwife told me to put my finger in against the fold at the back of his neck to check how warm or cold he is.
You'll be surprised how quickly you'll take to it. You're the mum so just follow your instincts.
I think most of your questions have been answered, but in regards to the moses basket, I just tucked the handles underneath the sides/bottom of the basket while it was on a flat surface which kept them out of the way. After a while they sort of hung down anyway
And don't worry about being a Mum, you will muddle through for the first week or so and then suddenly realise you haven't damaged your child by not knowing anything and start to go with the flow
Re the granny knickers:
I had a ceasarian and they were great! Anythign that even remotely touched the area hurt so they were really, I also ended up pulling my pants up high so they woudn't touch the incision either.
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(although selling out fast)
Had 2 winter babies. Had some long sleeve t shirts, & cardies or polar fleece jacket (much easier than a jersey or sweatshirt) Also for no.2 had 2 woolen hideaways tops which were fantastic cause didn't have to bare anything except the boob! Night, wore winter jammies with button up top. On colder night, had a winter spencer thing on. 
