Halo Innovations Sleepsack Wearable Blanket
The Halo Innovations Sleepsack wearable blanket is a must have for all mothers.
You may be wondering what is a sleep sack and why do I need one? Here’s the story-when you get home from the hospital, your baby is going to want to be swaddled. Hopefully, someone in the hospital taught you how to do that.
However, after a week or so, your baby will learn how to kick off the blankets. As you may know, you are never to put a blanket on a sleeping baby. It’s just not safe. The baby could kick their feet up and the blanket could land on his/her face.
Your baby doesn’t have the strength or knowledge to take it off which could lead to a horrible scenario. This is why the sleep sack was invented.
When putting your baby to bed, you can put them in a onesie, a pajama and then the sleep sack.
They come in different fabrics, like cotton and polyester. They are machine washable and flame retardant.
The sleep sack comes in a variety of colors and sizes. Your baby can start wearing one as soon as you come home from the hospital and they go up to 24 months. That may seem old to be wearing the sleep sack, but apparently that is what they are recommending. No blankets, until they go into a toddler bed.
Another great feature is that they zipper from the bottom. This is great for when you have to change the baby’s diaper and the zipper won’t get snagged up in the chest area.
So, I highly recommend it. It’s a great gift. Get a couple for yourself and a couple for a friend. They are awesome!
Boppy Pillow
The Boppy Pillow is a half moon pillow that you use for nursing your baby. It’s also great for bottle feeding as well because it gives you great support while feeding your baby.
You put the pillow around your waist, place your baby at the level you want and bring the baby to your breast. You may wonder why you need the Boppy and why you can’t just use a regular pillow.
Regular pillows are too soft and won’t support your baby’s head. The Boppy is the perfect weight and firmness.
The Boppy is an amazing shower gift. I used it with all four of my kids and I couldn’t have lived without it. I’ve given it as a gift and I think you’ll really see that it is fabulous.
So, go by yourself a Boppy or buy one for a friend who just had a baby. I think you’ll really see that you love it! Happy nursing!
The Nursing Mother’s Companion
The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins is the book you want to get if you are going to be nursing your baby.
The book is written really well and in an organized manner, and it includes everything you need, such as how to survive the first week and what kind of breast pump you should get.
There are different breast pumps, depending on your situation, so the advice is really helpful if you’re staying at home and pumping once a month vs. a working mom who needs a heavy duty pump, since it will be used more frequently.
The Nursing Mother’s Companion also provides information that is helpful to recognize signs of engorgement, a plugged duct, mastitis, and when you should call your doctor.
At the end of the book, there is an entire section about medicine, and which are safe to take while nursing.
I would definitely recommend that you speak with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant when it comes to medicines. But this is so helpful in cases where it’s 3 a.m., you have a horrible headache, and you want to know which over-the-counter drugs are safe to use.
I got the Nursing Mother’s Companion in 1999 when I was pregnant with my first child. It was a gift from my Godmother.
At this point, the book is pretty beat up, but it has been an invaluable guide for me as I’ve nursed my four children.
Every baby brings new concerns and issues, so I’d urge you to buy a copy of the Nursing Mother’s Companion for yourself.
Lansinoh Lanolin for Nursing Mothers
Lansinoh is an ointment for breastfeeding mothers. The great thing about Lansinoh is that you just need a pea-sized amount.
Just squeeze out a small amount and rub it between your thumb and finger, and then rub it on your breast.
The Lansinoh is a little thick, so it goes on a bit smoother if you rub it with your thumb and finger first.
I recommend that you purchase Lansinoh before you go to the hospital to give birth, and start using it right away.
Many mothers end up with discomfort and cracking when they first breastfeed, an Lansinoh goes a long way towards healing those areas and bringing you comfort.
In addition to providing long-term healing, Lansinoh also brings immediate pain relief.
The La Leche League endorses Lansinoh, and as you may know, they are the leading authority on breastfeeding.
Also, you don’t have to rub off Lansinoh before nursing your baby.
So, use it as often as you like and you should see positive results.
Happy breastfeeding!