After the Birth: Our Recommended Supply List

You’ve made it through the first and second fetal scans, your belly has grown and with it - excitement ahead of the impending birth. You’ve already picked out a crib, changing table, weekday and special occasion clothing (don’t go crazy with the amounts, your infant will quickly grow out of them, maybe before they’ve even been worn), and now all that’s left is prepare for the birth. It is important to remember that immediately following the birth, you’ll find yourself caring for your newborn for most hours of the day. As such, it is recommended to prepare your home to meet your infant’s needs, as well as your own as a new mother, during those first months after the birth.

Cracked nipples: Products to make nursing easier

Nursing may be the most natural way to feed your infant, but it takes time to acquire the skills needed to do so seamlessly. The first weeks following childbirth can be challenging for nursing mothers, as those initial attempts at breastfeeding can result in sore and cracked nipples. It is recommended to consult with a lactation consultant before you even leave the hospital. A lactation consultant can teach you to hold your infant properly, demonstrate suitable nursing positions and shed light on infant gas relief techniques.

Always good to have at home:
● Nipple cream - Many nursing-safe creams are available on the market. When applied after feeding, these creams help prevent cracked and dry nipples.
● Nursing pads -  These pads help prevent embarrassing stains from appearing on your shirt as a result of unintentional breast milk leaks.
● Nursing bra - A useful solution for the quick release of your breast, to satisfy your little one’s hunger.
● Breast pump - While this is not a must-have, many women use a breast pump in the early days, to stimulate milk production. There is no need to buy a new pump; you can rent one from organizations like Yad Sarah.
● Green cabbage leaves - Some women experience breast engorgement during the first days following childbirth, before nursing has been established and the infant starts feeding properly. To relieve the uncomfortable sensation, you can place fresh cabbage leaves on your breasts for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Protecting your infant’s skin
Your infant’s gentle skin is vulnerable to various skin problems during their first months of life, including: infant acne, rashes and diaper rash. To prevent your infant’s skin from being harmed, it is recommended to keep it as dry and aired out as possible. You should also avoid using scented wipes and creams, instead cleaning their bottom with cotton balls dipped in water.

Always good to have at home:
● Diaper cream - There are different kinds of creams, most based on the same idea. The cream creates a thin, fatty layer between the infant’s skin and diaper, preventing too much moisture from the diaper from being absorbed by the skin.
● Wet wipes - It is recommended that you select wet wipes that are unscented and do not contain alcohol. Some wipes are enriched with aloe vera or vitamins, to help relieve irritated skin.
● Moisturizers for infant skin - To prevent dryness, you can apply moisturizer to your infant’s skin and use infant bath oil instead of soap.
Relieving stomach aches and gas
During the first months of life, many infants suffer from varying degrees of stomach aches, as a result of gas in their digestive systems. These infants tend to display restlessness, lengthy periods of crying, body contortion and difficulty falling asleep. While infant gas tends to disappear on its own within a few months, if your infant is truly suffering, you can provide some pain relief.

Always good to have at home:

● An infant carrier, hammock or physio ball - Cradling and rocking your infant can help relieve gas-related stomach pains. You can cradle your infant in your arms and lightly rock them, but standing and rocking an infant for lengthy periods of time can sometimes be hard for women post birth, especially post c-section.
● The phone number of a lactation consultant or Tipat Chalav (well baby check-up center) nurse - If your infant is nursing and suffering from gas, it is possible that a change in positioning can lead to gas relief. It is recommended to consult with a nurse or lactation consultant about foods you might want to eliminate from your diet while you nurse.
● Medication designed for infant use from birth: There are many medications that offer relief from gas pain. It is recommended to select a medication that has been scientifically proven and approved by the Health Ministry as safe for newborns.

Clothes for infants
It is recommended that you purchase a small amount of clothing for your infant before they arrive. This will save you on running around searching for suitable clothing when you’re already short on time (major understatement). Even better - shop online. Today, there are tons of boutique e-shops that sell infant clothing.
Toys and activities for infants
Newborns need quiet and a calm environment. Too many stimuli are likely to make their transition to life outside the womb all the more difficult. As such, it is recommended to wait a few months before purchasing toys that make noises, giant plush dolls and rattles.

Always good to have at home:
● Cards with clear black and white shapes - You can place these cards in the stroller, crib, or on an activity mat and let you infant gaze at them. Newborns don’t distinguish colors clearly, so it is easier for them to see shapes in black and white, due to their high contrast levels.
● An activity mat or carpet - It is important to lay your infant on their belly, from as early on as possible. Tummy time helps infants strengthen their shoulder muscles, which, in turn, helps with all developmental stages, from sitting and crawling to writing and holding a pencil.

Congratulations!