We prepared for the arrival of Jeff Junior like we knew the exact date and time of the apocalypse. Everything was ready. We knew – having experienced the triumphs and trials of managing newborn twins in 2013 – that having a new baby in the house will transform this already crazy home into a war zone. As prepared as we were, we still missed out on a few important things. So I put together a list of the essentials we were able to prepare and we wished we prepared before the apocalypse, er, the arrival of a new baby. Trust me, you’ll need them.
1. Food to heat and serve
Jeff and I call these “zombie food” because these are dishes you will just take out of the freezer, pop in the microwave oven, and then eat when you are literally slouching and moaning from lack of sleep brought about by your newborn’s sleeping, eating, pooping/peeing patterns, which you have to follow for now (thankfully children grow up so you won’t be like this forever).
Jeff made lasagna weeks before my delivery. We stored them by portions in microwavable steam bags inside the freezer. Lasagna kept our dinners sane and dignified. I also made adobo and beef caldereta, all of which also became freezer mainstays until such time they were heat up and served for our consumption.
There are ready-to-cook alternatives which you can buy from your supermarkets and grocery stores. We particularly like burgers, nuggets and fries, and chick peas. I’ll still go for homecooked meals but be sure to keep some of those store-bought packages for really desperate times.
2. Diapering essentials
A newborn can use up eight to 12 diapers in a day. When Jeff Junior was born, he was roomed in after all his vitals were checked so I was able to change his diapers on his first days on earth. Ladies and gents, I can’t even begin to describe how crazy it was to make sure my baby’s bottom is clean what with all that meconium – uhm, please don’t let me describe what meconium is. Please just go ahead and Google it; Google exists for words like meconium.
Anyway, make sure you have at least three months worth of diapers, wipes , disposal bags, diaper rash cream/ointment/butter because days will go by fast (although the hours may feel excruciatingly short) and before you know it, you’re down to your last diaper and it’s 11:00 p.m. Driving in the middle of the night to a 24-hour supermarket to buy diapers is not exactly the best idea for a “me” time.
3. Mommy MUST-Haves 1
We’re not just talking about the things your baby needs when he/she poops and pees. Moms need to be taken care of too. If her needs are not met, forget your dream of a loving, nurturing home. At least a month before giving birth, buy your supply of sanitary pads. Always has been my favorite but I was fortunate to receive samples of Equate, TENA, Poise, Playtex, and U by Kotex. Bleeding after giving birth lasts for a month even longer and you can’t use tampons dears. So stock up on those pads. You’ll need feminine wash. My top favorite is still Human Nature’s Feminine Wash Protection for Red Days but Summer’s Eve Cleansing Wash is also okay. If you’re really tight on budget, check out the Assured brand at the Dollar Tree Store.
4. Mommy MUST-Haves 2
After taking care of what’s down there, let’s talk about the ‘twins’ sitting above your waist that will be put in full use if you choose to feed your child the natural way. Make way for your…breasts!
Believe me when I say that my breastfeeding experience was painful. In this second try at breastfeeding, the first two weeks was an excruciating experience. My nipples were sore and at some point, the left one even bled. Thank God for freebies from the hospital namely Lansinoh lanolin cream, my nipples were saved from utter distraction. I never realized how much care my nipples deserve and the lanolin cream gave me the relief I was in dire need of in those first weeks.
A friend later recommended Earth Mama Angel Baby’s nipple butter as an organic choice. I ordered it from a supplier on e-bay and I’ve been using it for more than a month now. It can also be used as a lip balm and as a diaper rash cream. I wrote a full review about it here.
Don’t forget your breast pump. Our insurance provider reimbursed the cost of my breast pump. I got First Years’ double electric breast pump. They’re my breast friends these days. Lansinoh’s TheraPearl 3-in-1 breast therapy (hot and cold packs) helped relieved my breast engorgement. The soothing gel pads provided relief to my nipples. (Note: I will write a full review of the Lansinoh products in a separate post.)
Pair up your breast pump with breastmilk storage bags. I like Lansinoh and Parent’s Choice because they are affordable, comfortable, and durable.
Going back to work soon? Then, get your breast/nursing pads ready. I have Nuk and Lansinoh disposable nursing pads. You really don’t want to feel sticky when you’re working to finish all those reports.
5. Laundry basics
Make sure your washer and dryer are in good shape because you’ll be doing so much laundry, you’ll think you’re capable of running a laundry mat after three days. Again, stocking up on these essentials is the best way to go as you will have very little time to go out and buy detergent powder or liquid, fabric conditioner sheet/liquid, and laundry baskets.
Jeff Junior will be two months old soon. The last weeks have been tough and I was a total mess trying to manage and balance all my responsibilities and duties as a wife and as a mother. I went a little crazy – and still am crazy – but we have slowly established a routine at home and things are a little better. A piece of advice: Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. Ask for help from friends, family members, and churchmates. You have nothing to lose if you do so.
Our fervent prayers and well wishes as you prepare for the arrival of your new baby!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
