What kit do I need for my new baby?

clairec79

esio_trot wrote: »

Alternatively, to give you the flip side of that coin, you could end up like me, both of us crying for hours through the night, unable to get things to work, before queuing outside Tesco at 6am on a Saturday morning. Just because they're there, doesn't mean you'll cave, that can happen anyway.

I'd really recommend even just having 1 small carton of ready made formula - means if you get stuck like that in the middle of the night, you can feed baby, get some sleep then try again in the morning when you've had a rest and you're both less frustrated. Just my opinion but I really wish I'd done that myself, might have given me the patience and energy to try BF again.

I'm going by my experience with my other children where I did give in and give formula as it was there and regreted it, whereas with the other two when I didn't have it in the house that feeling of wanting to give them a bottle to shut them up went away within an hour or so of getting to that stage, and afterwards I was pleased.

I'm glad things worked out for you but I know *me* and having it there is too much of a temptation for *me* and it made me feel so low afterwards that I don't feel the 'back up' was worth it to my mental state, each person is different of course and there is no way of knowing which the OP is.

I don't know anyone who had formula 'in case' who didn't end up giving it within the first fortnight

esio_trot

gratefulforhelp wrote: »

The NCT offer fantastic b/f support, so you never need to be in the position of needing to formula feed if you don't want to.

Not strictly true. I'm FF and I don't want to be - no one was available to help me BF in hospital, let alone at 3am on a Saturday morning at home as a scared first time mum with no sleep.

Anyway, not the point of the OPs post, just my opinion/experience of what may or may not suit her.

Glamazon

hermanmunster wrote: »

Have worked both on GP side as GP and PCT side as a commissioner - I reckon the GP commissioners will need some PCT people but not all by any means. Mainly they will need the dually experienced / qualified. Many of the PCT staff had not got a clue what went on at the coal face.

<

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is experienced as a Practice Manager and Data Quality Manager :j so has also seen it from both sides.
I was reading an article the other day that was saying the consortia will need to keep a close eye on their data so I'm 99% my job will still be needed.

(If you need a DQ person for your Consortium, give me a shout )

esio_trot wrote: »

Alternatively, to give you the flip side of that coin, you could end up like me, both of us crying for hours through the night, unable to get things to work, before queuing outside Tesco at 6am on a Saturday morning. Just because they're there, doesn't mean you'll cave, that can happen anyway.

I'd really recommend even just having 1 small carton of ready made formula - means if you get stuck like that in the middle of the night, you can feed baby, get some sleep then try again in the morning when you've had a rest and you're both less frustrated. Just my opinion but I really wish I'd done that myself, might have given me the patience and energy to try BF again.

Ditto! 6am at ASDA on Day 2!
Was determined to breastfeed despite having 2 breast operations and having a very slim chance of BF but didn't get the Formula in. Eventually went and bought it, MW came a few hours later and we got admitted because LO was Jaundice due to not getting any milk from me
Obviously this wouldn't happen to most people but I would recommend a carton or 2 of ready made just in case.

starjumper

Thanks everyone for your brilliant replies, I've sat and jotted down a list of essentials, we're having a John Lewis nursery list so hopefully kind freinds and family will be kind enough to get most of what we need, to be honest lots of people have been really great and we've already got boxes of clothes and other bits and pieces ready for baby. Can't tell you how much I've appreciated your input, thank you.

Re: my job, I do work for the PCT but in an unusual position, I work in a community hospital (very much the coal face of the NHS) owned and run by the PCT, it's a great place to work but even if we got bought up by one of the local acute trusts we'd likely not keep our jobs for long as they are cutting jobs left, right and centre too. No NHS employee round these parts is safe and secure. Am so fed up of being re-organised (my third in 3 years) I'd happily be made redundant now. Oh well, whatever happens it's obviously for the good of the country, or so they say.

Thanks for the tips about bf too, I'm planning on giving it a good go but will get a few very basic essentials in just in case.

Thanks everyone x

slummymummyof3

Make sure you have a savoy cabbage in your fridge for when you have just had the baby - peel of a couple of leaves at a time and stick them inside your bra! Incredibly soothing for rock hard boobs! Although you will smell like a cabbage!!!

Sainsburys have their half price baby event on at the moment so you could get your baby toiletries - wipes, creams etc all half price.

Moomin

I found this list on the mothercare baby&me section quite useful....
you may have to register beforehand though to access the content
it's in the mums-to-be -> getting ready section - click on the ultimate shopping planner


http://www.mothercarebabyandmeclub.com/viewarticle/mum-to-be/getting-ready/ultimate-shopping-planner

I'm halfway through my pregnancy and I have got most of my stuff off ebay, tkmaxx and quite a few useful bits and bobs off my local freecyclers. And with the baby promotions currently on at the moment, I haven't spent a great deal just yet and have most of the items on the list except for the cot and bedding. I think I've ended up spending more on my maternity clothes for work and formal occasions

gratefulforhelp_2

esio_trot wrote: »

Not strictly true. I'm FF and I don't want to be - no one was available to help me BF in hospital, let alone at 3am on a Saturday morning at home as a scared first time mum with no sleep.

Well it isn't the NCT who help you breastfeed in hospital. Did you contact them at all?

starjumper

Am keen to bf and have contacted NCT to see if they run a purely bf course, not interested in the others they do really as I go to antenatal yoga and feel 100% ready for the birth. BF on the other hand, slightly less informed about.

gratefulforhelp_2

Sorry, starjumper that was really aimed at esio trot who said they weren't helpful. Don't worry about b/f some people get it first off, others struggle but get there in the end. As long as you have the right support you will be fine. NCT will send out a counsellor if you need one (not to head-shrink you, but to give practical help) make sure babe is latched on right et.c.

Indie_Kid

With wet wipes, you may find that you don't like certain brands. I use them instead of toilet roll due to a stomach problem. The Johnson ones were awful I thought.

You don't really need a bottle warmer - a jug of boiled water will do.