STOCKING UP ON BABY'S FIRST DELIGHTS

A layette is a collection of essential items parents need to care for their newborn baby during the first few weeks and months of life. It encompasses everything from clothing and bedding to feeding and hygiene supplies. Creating a wellprepared layette ensures you have all the necessary tools to provide a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment for your new arrival.

Tips for Going Through Your Layette Checklist: Start Early: Prepare your layette before your due date to avoid any last-minute stress or oversights.

Prioritise Essentials: Focus on the must-have items first, such as clothing, diapers, and a safe sleeping space. You can gradually add nonessential items as needed (as your budget allows).

Consider Seasonal Needs: Babies grow quickly, so consider the season your baby will be born in when selecting clothing sizes and types of clothing to have on hand.

Think About Feeding Options: Whether you plan to breastfeed or use formula, ensure you have the necessary supplies, including bottles, breast pumps, or formula, ready in advance.

Quality Over Quantity: Babies outgrow clothing and gear rapidly. Having a few high-quality, versatile items can be more practical than an excessive number of outfits.

Safety First: Check that all items, especially cribs and car seats, meet current safety standards. Install and familiarise yourself with car seats and other equipment beforehand.

Stay Organised: Use storage solutions and label containers to keep your layette items neatly organised and easily accessible.

Seek Practicality: Opt for easy-to-clean and functional items. Consider choosing clothes with snaps instead of buttons for quicker diaper changes.

Remember Personal Preferences: Every family's needs are unique. Tailor your layette checklist based on your lifestyle, preferences, and cultural considerations.

Accept Help: If friends or family offer assistance in preparing your layette, don›t hesitate to accept. Their advice and support can be invaluable.

Regularly Reassess: Adjust your layette accordingly as your baby grows and their needs change.

So, what's on the list?

on the body and mind. Make yourself a playlist before your due date so that you have a good assortment of tunes to play during your labour and birth, so that you can play whatever you’re in the mood for on the day. Dimming the lights or lighting some candles can create an inviting atmosphere.

Taking along your favourite pillow or blanket can help make the hospital room seem less clinical and more homely.

Hot and cold compresses are very useful during the birth process. A bean bag warmer or a hot water bottle relaxes muscles and eases pain. This can be used on the lower back or neck and shoulders and be extremely soothing. A cold, wet facecloth with a drop of your favourite essential oil can revitalise and cool you down, particularly during our hot summer months.

Massage is a wonderful way to ease pain, whether it be for lower backache or tense shoulders. Using a base oil like grapeseed or sweet almond oil can be very relaxing and soothe the pain or spasm you may be experiencing. You can even put a drop of aromatherapy oil, like Neroli, with your base oil to help calm you during your contractions.

Water is probably one of the best pain management tools during labour and birth. Think about a time when you’ve had a long day and you want to unwind – what do you do? Many of us, particularly women, run a warm bath, perhaps light some candles and pour ourselves our favourite drink, then enjoy a soak in the tub. The same principle is true for labouring. The warm water soothes a tired, aching body and relaxes the muscles, making labour less painful.

Relaxation is key! You may wonder how one can relax during a time of pain and the unknown, but the truth is that it is vital to ensure a less painful and more positive birth experience. Scientifically, this is because anxiety promotes the release of adrenaline, a hormone produced to initiate the fight or flight response. During highly stressful situations, our bodies produce adrenaline to help us cope, but over-exposure can be harmful. Adrenaline increases your heart rate, increases blood pressure and alters the body’s metabolism, to name a few.

The biggest concern with the overproduction of adrenaline during the birth process is that it inhibits the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for uterine contractions.

Too much adrenaline can cause problems in labour by:

 Triggering distress to the baby before birth.

 Inhibiting the release of oxytocin, causing contractions to slow down or have an erratic pattern, lengthening labour. In some cases, it can even stop labour completely. This was originally so women could make their way to a place of safety if she felt threatened or danger was imminent.

 Creating a sense of panic and therefore increasing pain in the mother.

However, prevention is possible and can be achieved by:

 Staying calm, comfortable and relaxed.

 Being informed and prepared. Trusting your body and having confidence in your capabilities as a woman.

 Having only intermittent monitoring, providing it is safe to do so.

 Placing trust in your caregivers, especially those providing comfort measures and positive support.

Continuous support provides moms with a feeling of safety and confidence, knowing that they are being well cared for. Having your partner or someone you’re close to nearby can prove to be invaluable. However, there are times when your partner may also feel overwhelmed and afraid. A wonderful solution to avoid this is employing a doula. Not only will you have continuous support, but you will have a professional who understands the birth process and can help you manage your pain and achieve your goals. There are statistics available to show the benefits of doula support (see The Cochrane Review at cochranelibrary.com).

Ultimately, I recommend attending childbirth education classes. Not only will you have the opportunity to meet other expectant couples, but it will give you an understanding of the birth process and what to expect on the day, giving you a feeling of empowerment and confidence.