Our wee boy (first time parents) was born at home 2 weeks ago using only a tens machine, birth pool and hypnobirthing. You can do this mama, but no matter the birth you have it's so worth it at the other side ❤️😍
I birthed two babies naturally, but I have a high pain tolerance, and luckily both labors were short and fairly easy. You’ll go into a fugue state, it’s the weirdest thing-your mind kinda goes numb and your physical body just takes over. Birthing is the most instinctual thing that I’ve ever did. It’s super..animalistic, which sounds weird, but it’s so…automatic. It’ll happen and unfold the way it will. Try not to stress, everything will be just fine!
I loved the muslin blankets. I used them for everything. Blanket on the floor for the baby to lay on or to be changed on when not in the room with the changing table. Light weight cover for the car seat. Burp cloth. Yes as a swaddle though liked the Velcro better. Light weight blanket when in the car seat. Sun cover for the stroller. So many uses!
We used our muslin swaddle blankets for our newborn, they are stretchy enough to keep our baby wrapped tighter but our baby quickly grew out of the velcro/muslin swaddles. He loved sleeping with his arms up so we have been using sleep sacks since he was about a month old. I always keep 1 in our diaper backpack for a nursing cover or if we go somewhere and I want to lay our baby down somewhere I can always lay out the muslin blanket and set our baby on it. It's also always nice to keep one in your diaper bag just due to it being a firmiliar smell for the baby if you leave the baby with your parents, inlaws or friends for whatever reason.
Our baby HATED being swaddled. So she went to sleep sacks at 2 weeks old. We used our swaddles (muslin) as light blankets during the spring and summer instead.
I think the zip ones are just to keep them warm, a swaddle is meant to hold their little limbs down snug so they don’t wake themselves up flailing around. Does that make any sense at all? We used swaddle blankets or the Velcro ones that hold them snug for the first few months until they didn’t like being swaddled any more, then the zip sleep sacks after.
Yes! Swaddles pin babies arms snugly down, basically in the position they were in inside the womb. You’ll not need to swaddle but for a month/6 weeks or so. Zippy onesies are just a little free sack where baby can move more freely. I preferred stretchy swaddles (like jersey)-the fabric holds baby tighter. The muslin will work beautifully as burp cloths.
I use swaddles as an actual swaddle, a blanket, a place for the baby to play or roll around on the floor, a burp rag, a changing table, a car seat cover, a nursing cover, just a cleanup rag, who literally anything and everything.... And we kept them around and now my 5-year-old uses them in her play time and with her little baby dolls😂 one of the best things I ever had when I had babies!!
^ Exactly! Basically, anything you don’t want breastmilk or spit-up on use the blankets to cover… my youngest is 10yo now and we still use them for rags (and even cut flannel ones into washable wipes during COVID TP shortages 😂).
Oh goodness so great seeing you and so happy that your third trimester is so much better than your second. When I was pregnant with my kids, I was sick for exactly 3 months and then felt really great the rest of pregnancy. Oh I really love that wall paper, and wall paper is something that is from the 70's. I had a rocker when I had my kids, and I think that you would really like one, it is so great to sit in the rocker and hold your baby and rock them and my kids loved that. I also had a dresser for them and a baby changing table which is really a good thing to have. Oh gosh and those swaddles are a good thing for babies, you take them and wrap a baby up tightly and they love that because they are all snug and it is so easy to hold them. My 2 kids both were born quickly, my daughter in a little over 4 hours and my son in less than 2 hours, I also had them naturally with no drugs and the only thing that I had was lower back labor, no other pain. Just breath deeply and hopefully you will not have a stressful birth with your daughter. I am so excited for you to be a first time mama, and it is just so wonderful and will really love to see how beautiful she is. Have a wonderful blessed rest of your week, have some good rest, sending love and hugs, bye! 🤗🥰👶🙏👍💜💜
I never used a single receiving blanket 😅 even when I tried to force it, it just didn’t fit into our routine. I had a variety of swaddlers that closed in different ways; zips, velcros, etc. I personally preferred to use swaddlers that I folded myself (blankets, etc) but they didn’t last long because our daughter hated them! Lol You can lay the best plans but she’s going to have her own way, regardless what you expect or prepare for. She’ll show you ❤ I realize that’s not helpful because you’re trying to prep so my best advice is to cover the bases and get rid of what you don’t need as she comes. I found it easier to keep it simple. Devices and gadgets and extras are great but I felt pressure to use these things that I actually didn’t need so often. Edit to add: the BEST thing we had was a bottle warmer! The most sacred item lol I also wish I had started pumping BEFORE baby came
Regarding rockers: I've actually heard tons of good things about IKEA's POANG rocking chair. Can't vouch for it personally but I was surprised how many rave reviews I've read for it
The clothes are so cute! I used a hand towel on my shoulder to burp my 2babies,however this days I know mums do use the swaddle in many ways? Shoulder,bed cover, on the floor,wrap baby ,etc.. Sounds like ur very prepared,👍and looking well! 💚🌱☘️🌵💚
I used the tiny blankets and swaddles when my baby girl was really tiny maybe till about 3 months and then switched it up to the zipper ones and Velcro. She started to roll and sleep on her side like I do so pretty much right away I had to switch it up. I didn't want to use the Velcro ones cause I heard they wake them up in the middle of the night during diaper changes and feeding but my baby girl would wake up anyway so it didn't matter. I'd have to start the whole getting her back to sleep process all over again anyway haha. We also use an old long dresser for her changing table (she's a year old now 4/22) it's been great to just use the drawers for clothes/ diapers etc. I heard the chasing tables have a weight limit so we didn't want to spend more $$ on something temporary. I'm so excited for you Becka!! I remember watching all the birth vlogs when I was pregnant and now we're trying for baby#2. ❤❤ Can't wait for you to feel that feeling when your baby girl is on your chest. It's the most crazy, amazing feeling in the world. The whole OMG she's real haha
I would Muslim swaddles as burp cloths and if you’re breastfeeding the leaking is crazyyyyy. I would put them in my bra at home. But you really don’t need a lot. I don’t like keeping excess around. You can wait until after she’s here and you will know what works and what you can pass on
I used blankets for everything 😅 I had a boy and he would pee on you a lot lol your body knows what to do when giving birth, just listen to your body. Going in with an open mind is key! Ask for stool softeners right after giving birth! Colace didn't work for me. This might be TMI but that 1st poop after birth is worse than giving birth 😅
I used the swaddle blankets for burb cloth and during the day I just swaddled the newborn. I liked the zip up ones for night sleeping. My first born was spitting up a ton and I didn’t realize she was sensitive to the dairy in my diet. Luckily, I didn’t need as many burp cloths with the second two babies.
Don’t listen to those stories saying you can’t be relaxed during birth. No bad vibes lol. I had my first 6 months ago naturally and I was super calm. I think trying not to think too much about anything other than that moment and deep breathing was the key for me. I preferred swaddling my newborn with a muslin swaddle until she started breaking free then we switched to a velcro one and now just use the muslin ones as big burp cloths and blankets. Good luck mama!
I used those muslin cloth blankets for swaddles and to cover up the stroller when it was sunny, covered up her carrier when she was sleeping. I also used them for burp cloths etc. I only had on of the zip swaddles and only used the muslin blankets for swaddles. My daughter was born in June so it was already getting super hot..so the light , airiness of those blankets we game changers.
Oh! I also saw that you have a boppy back there. We have one as well but it was difficult to breastfeed with it. I had a lot more luck with the my brest friend pillow. The boppy has still been useful for sitting my baby up or using it for tummy time.
I had 4. Had all the studies all the plans and then nature came and ended up having csections. All 4. And that’s ok. Just go with the flow it’ll happen don’t put pressure on yourself if certain aspects don’t pan out. If you want the meds at that time you say yesss give um to me now if u don’t than don’t. ❤
this was so fun to watch, I'm so excited for you! I used those blankets for tummy/floor time, to cover them when they were in the stroller or carseat (like tucked over them buckled), and basically laid it down anywhere I laid them down. :)
Swaddle are good to use from newborn until 2 or 3 months. I find it helps them to sleep, reduce crying, comfort for them and keep there hands from scratching there faces until you cut there nails. Then you can start using a grow bags for sleeping. Some parents even use big swaddles to wrap yourself with them like a baby carrier. Also a burp cloth too. Have you guys trained your dogs before the arrival of the baby? Also i feel sorry for the pets when a baby comes some times they get ignored. Attention is more focus on the baby. Is nice to have time with the dogs too when the baby is down for naps. I always cut hair when having a baby easier to manage. Also some customs you cannot wash hair for a month and have a shower and bath. Just a wipe down. For Asian cultures.
Swaddles were mainly used when really little, then had to transition into sleep sacks (Canada). Not sure if they are required there. Blankets aren’t recommended once baby moves around - this is where sleep sacks come in until 1 - 2 years. The swaddles can be used for burping baby or if she spits up. Keep them on hand…just in case. 😊. Do what will work for you and Daniel. Don’t listen to all of us. What works for one person, may not work for someone else. All the best.
Becca when you said" I can't wait to dress her like a little doll" I LOL! I hope that comes to be but my babies (they are boys) had on sleepers for the longest time because they needed to be changed alot 😉 .. And my oldest loved to sleep with a blanket to rub on his face so I had a few, so if 1 got lost or forgotten at someones house or needed washing, he wouldn't be without. Enjoy your birth and delivery.. It's going to be unique to you. ❤
I basically never used muslin swaddles. I prerred jersey fabric swaddled in the early weeks when he was tiny and then used zip up sleep sacks. I reckon it would be good to have one or two muslin ones to use in the pram, or just as a blanket to lay down on the ground if you're at the park or something. Also, I did hypnobirthing and it was so invaluable! it really helped me go into birth with a positive mindset and helped me make peace with whatever would happen. I listened to hypnobirthing tracks on headphones during the first half of labour and then listened to the twinkly relaxing music once I got into hospital. Birth was 100% the hardest, most intense thing I have EVER done, but I DID it (and without drugs), and that makes me feel super proud. Things did go a bit unexpected toward the end, but I felt informed and empowered and ultimately made the choices that had to happen to get him here safely. You can do it and it will be utterly LIFE CHANGING!
The zip up stuff was not really a thing when mine was little, so we used blankets. The zips are more for sleeping at night when older???? For the first month or so my son loved the snuggly tightness of the blanket you can't get from the zip ups. Even though you only use the blankets for a couple weeks to a month or two....I found them hand for years.
First… Congrats! I just had my first in March. We got gifted a ton of muslin swaddles and honestly had way more than we could ever use. We did swaddle him some in them, but mostly used the Velcro swaddles. We did use the swaddles for light blankets in the car and also to swaddle him during some of his first pediatrician appointments since he had to be in his diaper for the exam portions. I also thought that I would want to be more mobile during labor but since I was hooked up to so many machines and generally uncomfortable, I actually stayed in bed most of the time anyway. I had a very positive epidural experience in the end. (I know there are lots of horror stories about epidurals)
I had the same thought regarding the swaddle blankets versus the “cheater swaddles” with the velcro or zippers. We only bought one of the Velcro ones and got a couple swaddle blankets from the hospital because they taught us how to swaddle. I preferred the swaddle blankets better in opinion. A lot of the Velcro ones lose their stickiness and they’re like 20 bucks. We needed multiple because of like accidents and you don’t want to always have to run a laundry load every time that happens. I’d say at least 5 swaddle blankets and a ton of burp cloths because there’s a lot of spit up that happens in the early months, maybe like 10-20
That sweet little angel will spit up on everything and i mean everything so you can never have enough burp rags, blackets swaddels all of the above . You will use them all, also wash them alot. I remember having to do laundry daily just for a baby.
We used swaddle blankets for basically everything... I kept like 2-3 in the bag at all times. Towels for cleaning my hands or after nursing, cleaning up ... fluids 😅, put it on surfaces where I was going to lay the baby, help block the sun (although watch out for heat being held in... which is why the light weight ones are better than a regular blanket because they allow some air flow). My temperature fluctuated a lot during the first few months, so I would use the swaddle blanket for myself 😅 Now my daughter likes to use them for lots of different things (she is 5). They are good doll blankets and little tents, aprons, super cape, to carry toys around the house, etc.
Becca as a mom of three embrace the birth even when u think you cant .. also take a comb with you use it during contractions squeeze it helps teeth of comb into thw palm of hand u got this i loved giving birth but i had quick deliverys
Muslin swaddles are so versatile! We used ours as a light blanket (still do and baby is 2!) car seat cover, compact blanket to take around with us for baby to play on the floor, stroller cover at Disneyland… the list goes on! 😂 love them!
Swaddle blanket uses: mostly mentioned in other comments already, + I roll two up into the size of baby bolster pillows, and put them on either sides of the baby in the cot. To secure her in place plus she look so snug in between em 🥰
Have you listened to the birth hour podcast? It’s so good and helpful! I just had my first baby last month and we use the Velcro swaddles (Nanit and halo) for sleep, but use receiving blankets to swaddle if we are holding him and he is getting fussy. We didn’t need many, just a main one and backup of each. Good luck!
When I had babies swaddles were not a thing, we used receiving blankets to wrap the baby in and for extra warmth during the winters. But they are essentially the same thing. I think how many will end up depending on if she just spits up or if she projectile vomits which can be a thing. Not to scare you at all but it does happen.
We used swaddles for the first couple of weeks, but noticed early on that our daughter hated having her arms restricted. Now she's two, they get used for when every single doll and teddy have to have a nap hahaha. 😅
We used the swaddle/receiving blankets as swaddles for the first 3 months then switched to the sleep sack. It's great to have options because every baby is different. We also did hypnobirthing and it helped during labour, but you do actually have to push the baby out, which I think hypnobirthing misleads you on :). Wishing you all the best!
It's good to have all the various swaddling options. You will find your (and your baby's) preferred method through trial and error. The Velcro ones didn't work great for us because the sound startled her, but we used the traditional wrap and the zipper swaddles equally often.
I had 4 babies and only had an episiotomy which was to mainly avoid tares. I think alot depends on if you are stressed and scared or if you are more relaxed and ready to just let things flow.
I am about ten weeks behind you with our first so while I have no first hand advice, I love hearing about your journey and plans for organization, etc as this is what I’m starting to work on now! Thanks for the great content ❤
As a mom of four, I recommend keeping a few of each. Three of my kids LOVED being swaddled. I use the muslin blanket to swaddle, and then the zippered swaddle to keep them from escaping. And by only using them at night, it's a great way to help them distinguish between night time sleep, and day time naps.
Also, when people start telling you their horror stories, feel free to ask them to stop. Surround yourself with people who support you and lift you up positively. When you're confident, you do better. Trust me.
Going unmedicated is so the way to go Becca. My advice if you’re having a hospital birth is to labor at home as long as possible! I have home births so this isn’t a problem for me, but my first child was born in the hospital and I feel like there was more interventions than I wanted. Just stay home until you NEED to go in 💕🥰
About the “fear” about delivery: God made our bodies to give birth to babies so when it’s time, your body will re-adjust and bones will move how they need to for the delivery. Just make sure you remember to breathe. Sweet Baby girl needs you to be strong.
Our wee boy (first time parents) was born at home 2 weeks ago using only a tens machine, birth pool and hypnobirthing. You can do this mama, but no matter the birth you have it's so worth it at the other side ❤️😍
21:21 watering instead of washes😂 classic plant person
I birthed two babies naturally, but I have a high pain tolerance, and luckily both labors were short and fairly easy. You’ll go into a fugue state, it’s the weirdest thing-your mind kinda goes numb and your physical body just takes over. Birthing is the most instinctual thing that I’ve ever did. It’s super..animalistic, which sounds weird, but it’s so…automatic. It’ll happen and unfold the way it will. Try not to stress, everything will be just fine!
I loved the muslin blankets. I used them for everything. Blanket on the floor for the baby to lay on or to be changed on when not in the room with the changing table. Light weight cover for the car seat. Burp cloth. Yes as a swaddle though liked the Velcro better. Light weight blanket when in the car seat. Sun cover for the stroller. So many uses!
We used our muslin swaddle blankets for our newborn, they are stretchy enough to keep our baby wrapped tighter but our baby quickly grew out of the velcro/muslin swaddles. He loved sleeping with his arms up so we have been using sleep sacks since he was about a month old.
I always keep 1 in our diaper backpack for a nursing cover or if we go somewhere and I want to lay our baby down somewhere I can always lay out the muslin blanket and set our baby on it.
It's also always nice to keep one in your diaper bag just due to it being a firmiliar smell for the baby if you leave the baby with your parents, inlaws or friends for whatever reason.
Our baby HATED being swaddled. So she went to sleep sacks at 2 weeks old. We used our swaddles (muslin) as light blankets during the spring and summer instead.
Those sleep sacks were golden when our kids were young. We used them until they started to walk.
I think the zip ones are just to keep them warm, a swaddle is meant to hold their little limbs down snug so they don’t wake themselves up flailing around. Does that make any sense at all? We used swaddle blankets or the Velcro ones that hold them snug for the first few months until they didn’t like being swaddled any more, then the zip sleep sacks after.
Yes! Swaddles pin babies arms snugly down, basically in the position they were in inside the womb. You’ll not need to swaddle but for a month/6 weeks or so. Zippy onesies are just a little free sack where baby can move more freely. I preferred stretchy swaddles (like jersey)-the fabric holds baby tighter. The muslin will work beautifully as burp cloths.
I use swaddles as an actual swaddle, a blanket, a place for the baby to play or roll around on the floor, a burp rag, a changing table, a car seat cover, a nursing cover, just a cleanup rag, who literally anything and everything.... And we kept them around and now my 5-year-old uses them in her play time and with her little baby dolls😂 one of the best things I ever had when I had babies!!
^ Exactly! Basically, anything you don’t want breastmilk or spit-up on use the blankets to cover… my youngest is 10yo now and we still use them for rags (and even cut flannel ones into washable wipes during COVID TP shortages 😂).
Oh goodness so great seeing you and so happy that your third trimester is so much better than your second. When I was pregnant with my kids, I was sick for exactly 3 months and then felt really great the rest of pregnancy. Oh I really love that wall paper, and wall paper is something that is from the 70's. I had a rocker when I had my kids, and I think that you would really like one, it is so great to sit in the rocker and hold your baby and rock them and my kids loved that. I also had a dresser for them and a baby changing table which is really a good thing to have. Oh gosh and those swaddles are a good thing for babies, you take them and wrap a baby up tightly and they love that because they are all snug and it is so easy to hold them. My 2 kids both were born quickly, my daughter in a little over 4 hours and my son in less than 2 hours, I also had them naturally with no drugs and the only thing that I had was lower back labor, no other pain. Just breath deeply and hopefully you will not have a stressful birth with your daughter. I am so excited for you to be a first time mama, and it is just so wonderful and will really love to see how beautiful she is. Have a wonderful blessed rest of your week, have some good rest, sending love and hugs, bye! 🤗🥰👶🙏👍💜💜
I never used a single receiving blanket 😅 even when I tried to force it, it just didn’t fit into our routine. I had a variety of swaddlers that closed in different ways; zips, velcros, etc. I personally preferred to use swaddlers that I folded myself (blankets, etc) but they didn’t last long because our daughter hated them! Lol
You can lay the best plans but she’s going to have her own way, regardless what you expect or prepare for. She’ll show you ❤ I realize that’s not helpful because you’re trying to prep so my best advice is to cover the bases and get rid of what you don’t need as she comes. I found it easier to keep it simple. Devices and gadgets and extras are great but I felt pressure to use these things that I actually didn’t need so often.
Edit to add: the BEST thing we had was a bottle warmer! The most sacred item lol
I also wish I had started pumping BEFORE baby came
Regarding rockers: I've actually heard tons of good things about IKEA's POANG rocking chair. Can't vouch for it personally but I was surprised how many rave reviews I've read for it
The clothes are so cute! I used a hand towel on my shoulder to burp my 2babies,however this days I know mums do use the swaddle in many ways? Shoulder,bed cover, on the floor,wrap baby ,etc..
Sounds like ur very prepared,👍and looking well!
💚🌱☘️🌵💚
I used the tiny blankets and swaddles when my baby girl was really tiny maybe till about 3 months and then switched it up to the zipper ones and Velcro. She started to roll and sleep on her side like I do so pretty much right away I had to switch it up. I didn't want to use the Velcro ones cause I heard they wake them up in the middle of the night during diaper changes and feeding but my baby girl would wake up anyway so it didn't matter. I'd have to start the whole getting her back to sleep process all over again anyway haha. We also use an old long dresser for her changing table (she's a year old now 4/22) it's been great to just use the drawers for clothes/ diapers etc. I heard the chasing tables have a weight limit so we didn't want to spend more $$ on something temporary.
I'm so excited for you Becka!! I remember watching all the birth vlogs when I was pregnant and now we're trying for baby#2. ❤❤ Can't wait for you to feel that feeling when your baby girl is on your chest. It's the most crazy, amazing feeling in the world. The whole OMG she's real haha
I would Muslim swaddles as burp cloths and if you’re breastfeeding the leaking is crazyyyyy. I would put them in my bra at home.
But you really don’t need a lot. I don’t like keeping excess around. You can wait until after she’s here and you will know what works and what you can pass on
I used blankets for everything 😅 I had a boy and he would pee on you a lot lol your body knows what to do when giving birth, just listen to your body. Going in with an open mind is key! Ask for stool softeners right after giving birth! Colace didn't work for me. This might be TMI but that 1st poop after birth is worse than giving birth 😅
I used the swaddle blankets for burb cloth and during the day I just swaddled the newborn. I liked the zip up ones for night sleeping. My first born was spitting up a ton and I didn’t realize she was sensitive to the dairy in my diet. Luckily, I didn’t need as many burp cloths with the second two babies.
Don’t listen to those stories saying you can’t be relaxed during birth. No bad vibes lol. I had my first 6 months ago naturally and I was super calm. I think trying not to think too much about anything other than that moment and deep breathing was the key for me.
I preferred swaddling my newborn with a muslin swaddle until she started breaking free then we switched to a velcro one and now just use the muslin ones as big burp cloths and blankets.
Good luck mama!
I used those muslin cloth blankets for swaddles and to cover up the stroller when it was sunny, covered up her carrier when she was sleeping. I also used them for burp cloths etc. I only had on of the zip swaddles and only used the muslin blankets for swaddles. My daughter was born in June so it was already getting super hot..so the light , airiness of those blankets we game changers.
Oh! I also saw that you have a boppy back there. We have one as well but it was difficult to breastfeed with it. I had a lot more luck with the my brest friend pillow. The boppy has still been useful for sitting my baby up or using it for tummy time.
Something you can use for burp cloths are necessary. I never used swaddles with my 3 kids, so I can’t speak to that.
The Muslim blankets are great to cover things with and protect it from baby drool, throw up, etc.
I had 4. Had all the studies all the plans and then nature came and ended up having csections. All 4. And that’s ok. Just go with the flow it’ll happen don’t put pressure on yourself if certain aspects don’t pan out. If you want the meds at that time you say yesss give um to me now if u don’t than don’t. ❤
this was so fun to watch, I'm so excited for you! I used those blankets for tummy/floor time, to cover them when they were in the stroller or carseat (like tucked over them buckled), and basically laid it down anywhere I laid them down. :)
Swaddle are good to use from newborn until 2 or 3 months. I find it helps them to sleep, reduce crying, comfort for them and keep there hands from scratching there faces until you cut there nails. Then you can start using a grow bags for sleeping. Some parents even use big swaddles to wrap yourself with them like a baby carrier. Also a burp cloth too. Have you guys trained your dogs before the arrival of the baby? Also i feel sorry for the pets when a baby comes some times they get ignored. Attention is more focus on the baby. Is nice to have time with the dogs too when the baby is down for naps. I always cut hair when having a baby easier to manage. Also some customs you cannot wash hair for a month and have a shower and bath. Just a wipe down. For Asian cultures.
Do they have Once Upon a Child’s near you? I’ve seen amazing deals on secondhand chairs there
Yes swaddles great for burpong swaddling just laying on the floor lots of things
We really didn’t use too many of those blankets just short term very new born that’s about it and never had any Velcro ones.
We used swaddle blankets until our baby figured out how to free himself. Then we used sleep sacks, which worked great for all of us!
Swaddles were mainly used when really little, then had to transition into sleep sacks (Canada). Not sure if they are required there. Blankets aren’t recommended once baby moves around - this is where sleep sacks come in until 1 - 2 years. The swaddles can be used for burping baby or if she spits up. Keep them on hand…just in case. 😊. Do what will work for you and Daniel. Don’t listen to all of us. What works for one person, may not work for someone else. All the best.
"i could go a few days between waterings" 😂
I'm not sure that I ever want to have kids, but I find pregnancy, birth, and motherhood so fascinating! I'm sending you good vibes!!
So so excited for you 😁😁😁
I love the baby content!
🤗💖😊
Becca when you said" I can't wait to dress her like a little doll" I LOL! I hope that comes to be but my babies (they are boys) had on sleepers for the longest time because they needed to be changed alot 😉 .. And my oldest loved to sleep with a blanket to rub on his face so I had a few, so if 1 got lost or forgotten at someones house or needed washing, he wouldn't be without. Enjoy your birth and delivery.. It's going to be unique to you. ❤
I basically never used muslin swaddles. I prerred jersey fabric swaddled in the early weeks when he was tiny and then used zip up sleep sacks. I reckon it would be good to have one or two muslin ones to use in the pram, or just as a blanket to lay down on the ground if you're at the park or something.
Also, I did hypnobirthing and it was so invaluable! it really helped me go into birth with a positive mindset and helped me make peace with whatever would happen. I listened to hypnobirthing tracks on headphones during the first half of labour and then listened to the twinkly relaxing music once I got into hospital.
Birth was 100% the hardest, most intense thing I have EVER done, but I DID it (and without drugs), and that makes me feel super proud. Things did go a bit unexpected toward the end, but I felt informed and empowered and ultimately made the choices that had to happen to get him here safely.
You can do it and it will be utterly LIFE CHANGING!
The zip up stuff was not really a thing when mine was little, so we used blankets. The zips are more for sleeping at night when older???? For the first month or so my son loved the snuggly tightness of the blanket you can't get from the zip ups. Even though you only use the blankets for a couple weeks to a month or two....I found them hand for years.
First… Congrats! I just had my first in March. We got gifted a ton of muslin swaddles and honestly had way more than we could ever use. We did swaddle him some in them, but mostly used the Velcro swaddles. We did use the swaddles for light blankets in the car and also to swaddle him during some of his first pediatrician appointments since he had to be in his diaper for the exam portions.
I also thought that I would want to be more mobile during labor but since I was hooked up to so many machines and generally uncomfortable, I actually stayed in bed most of the time anyway. I had a very positive epidural experience in the end. (I know there are lots of horror stories about epidurals)
I had the same thought regarding the swaddle blankets versus the “cheater swaddles” with the velcro or zippers. We only bought one of the Velcro ones and got a couple swaddle blankets from the hospital because they taught us how to swaddle. I preferred the swaddle blankets better in opinion. A lot of the Velcro ones lose their stickiness and they’re like 20 bucks. We needed multiple because of like accidents and you don’t want to always have to run a laundry load every time that happens. I’d say at least 5 swaddle blankets and a ton of burp cloths because there’s a lot of spit up that happens in the early months, maybe like 10-20
That sweet little angel will spit up on everything and i mean everything so you can never have enough burp rags, blackets swaddels all of the above . You will use them all, also wash them alot. I remember having to do laundry daily just for a baby.
We used swaddle blankets for basically everything... I kept like 2-3 in the bag at all times. Towels for cleaning my hands or after nursing, cleaning up ... fluids 😅, put it on surfaces where I was going to lay the baby, help block the sun (although watch out for heat being held in... which is why the light weight ones are better than a regular blanket because they allow some air flow). My temperature fluctuated a lot during the first few months, so I would use the swaddle blanket for myself 😅 Now my daughter likes to use them for lots of different things (she is 5). They are good doll blankets and little tents, aprons, super cape, to carry toys around the house, etc.
Becca as a mom of three embrace the birth even when u think you cant .. also take a comb with you use it during contractions squeeze it helps teeth of comb into thw palm of hand u got this i loved giving birth but i had quick deliverys
Muslin swaddles are so versatile! We used ours as a light blanket (still do and baby is 2!) car seat cover, compact blanket to take around with us for baby to play on the floor, stroller cover at Disneyland… the list goes on! 😂 love them!
Swaddle blanket uses: mostly mentioned in other comments already, + I roll two up into the size of baby bolster pillows, and put them on either sides of the baby in the cot. To secure her in place plus she look so snug in between em 🥰
Have you listened to the birth hour podcast? It’s so good and helpful!
I just had my first baby last month and we use the Velcro swaddles (Nanit and halo) for sleep, but use receiving blankets to swaddle if we are holding him and he is getting fussy. We didn’t need many, just a main one and backup of each. Good luck!
When I had babies swaddles were not a thing, we used receiving blankets to wrap the baby in and for extra warmth during the winters. But they are essentially the same thing. I think how many will end up depending on if she just spits up or if she projectile vomits which can be a thing. Not to scare you at all but it does happen.
Lots of diapers, baby wipes,burp rags, pj's and gowns for nights so diaper changes are much easier during the night.
Those are the must haves.
I watch hgtvd quite a bit, they have peel and stick wallpaper now which would be so easier, especially when you want to change it.
You will end up using that wallpaper later. It's so pretty! But I love the Woodland theme. Go mama!
We used swaddles for the first couple of weeks, but noticed early on that our daughter hated having her arms restricted.
Now she's two, they get used for when every single doll and teddy have to have a nap hahaha. 😅
We used the swaddle/receiving blankets as swaddles for the first 3 months then switched to the sleep sack. It's great to have options because every baby is different. We also did hypnobirthing and it helped during labour, but you do actually have to push the baby out, which I think hypnobirthing misleads you on :). Wishing you all the best!
It's good to have all the various swaddling options. You will find your (and your baby's) preferred method through trial and error. The Velcro ones didn't work great for us because the sound startled her, but we used the traditional wrap and the zipper swaddles equally often.
I had 4 babies and only had an episiotomy which was to mainly avoid tares. I think alot depends on if you are stressed and scared or if you are more relaxed and ready to just let things flow.
I am about ten weeks behind you with our first so while I have no first hand advice, I love hearing about your journey and plans for organization, etc as this is what I’m starting to work on now! Thanks for the great content ❤
Thank you Becca, it’s sounds as if you have a great plan. 🌸💚🙃
I loved the muslin blankets! We had a lot of them, and we used them to swaddle our boys.
Becca you are very sensible in your plans and all the best to you and Daniel! Baby girl will be a sweet addition to your family.
As a mom of four, I recommend keeping a few of each. Three of my kids LOVED being swaddled. I use the muslin blanket to swaddle, and then the zippered swaddle to keep them from escaping. And by only using them at night, it's a great way to help them distinguish between night time sleep, and day time naps.
Also, when people start telling you their horror stories, feel free to ask them to stop. Surround yourself with people who support you and lift you up positively. When you're confident, you do better. Trust me.
Make sure and ask your doctor about possible epidural headaches.
I had those and didn’t know they could do anything about it. Wish I’d have known my options and asked for a blood patch treatment. Good advice.
Going unmedicated is so the way to go Becca. My advice if you’re having a hospital birth is to labor at home as long as possible! I have home births so this isn’t a problem for me, but my first child was born in the hospital and I feel like there was more interventions than I wanted. Just stay home until you NEED to go in 💕🥰
You can have babies without a epidural. I had three, and the first one was a 47.5 hour long labor so i know you can do it.
I had 4 kids and never wanted or needed an epidural. It's different for every woman. Becca you will do what's best for you and your baby girl.
About the “fear” about delivery: God made our bodies to give birth to babies so when it’s time, your body will re-adjust and bones will move how they need to for the delivery. Just make sure you remember to breathe. Sweet Baby girl needs you to be strong.
As a childless person I just want to let you know that I have no idea what swaddles are for. Hope that helps. :p