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Christmas Delivery

Pregnancy is full of myths and social pressures. The date your baby arrives in comparison to when they are supposedly meant to arrive is unfortunately not exempt from discussion and unsolicited advice.  Due dates are determined by 280 days to the first day of our last period, one of mother nature’s mysteries, which is somewhat artificially determined by a simple maths equation. As to be expected, statistics evidence shows a steady birth rate throughout the year; but it is also no surprise that there are typically fewer babies born on and leading up to Christmas day. It seems obvious that doctors avoid induced labours as much as possible during this time, which means most babies born on or close to the 25^th are here just as mother nature intended.

Planning Ahead

I was delighted to be expecting a Christmas baby on the 9^th of December. After experiencing my first pregnancy during a Summer heatwave, there was something about a crisp winter baby, which felt warm and wholesome. My first daughter had arrived on her due date, something I know now is quite unusual. My labour came on naturally, with my waters bursting all over my bedroom floor. So sensibly, I decided this time I wasn’t taking any chances. I was continually told by everyone about the old wife’s tale of second baby’s arriving much quicker and earlier.

I decided to extend my maternity leave, finishing work during the end of October, and preparing our house for the festivities which lay ahead. Every logistic was planned, every present was wrapped, every food delivery was ordered, and meals were cooked and frozen. I even booked a visit to see Santa for 13 days after my due date, (just to be sure I would be up and walking around in time to take my 4-year-old).  By the 1^st of December, I was ready. With enough time to ‘relax’ or repack my hospital bag over and over.

The Waiting Game

My due date came and went, but no baby arrived. My yuletide gift was nowhere to be seen. This was certainly not part of the plan.

A week flew by… then day 9… then day 10...

If you ever meet someone who is overdue, please, be kind. The emotions you feel at this time are nothing short of overwhelming. For me in addition to feeling extremely impatient, the extra days gave me more time to consider labour, which for a second baby is not the most helpful. But even worse, was watching everyone around me enjoy the build-up to Christmas.  

Bittersweet emotions –

Adoring the excitement for my first daughter but distracted by my continuing thoughts of delivering my baby safe earthside. Whilst people discussed their Christmas plans, all I could do was desperately hoping that I would be holding my baby because it felt as though she was never going to come.

I bounced on balls, ate hot curries, took baths, walked miles. I even paid an offensive amount of money for acupuncture. But my little girl was not ready. Everyone who knew me was incredibly sympathetic, but the same advice to rest became tiresome. For anyone who hasn’t been overdue, it is incredibly difficult to rest during this time because your hormones are everywhere.

Desperate Measures

Finally, I was booked in for an induction, something I had been so adamant I did not want to happen. But 13 long days after my due date and 3 days before Christmas my induced baby arrived. All my fears melted away in what was the most incredible labour and just writing about it makes me teary. My partner took our eldest on the Santa trip, on the way to the hospital to meet her new sister. Another arrangement that had certainly not been part of the plan. I spent Christmas day in bed feeding, whilst the chaos descended downstairs. These are some of the fondest memories, that I will never forget.

A strong reminder that not only does birthing rarely ever go to plan, but old wife’s tales about due dates and second babies are definitely not true. Your baby will arrive when they are good and ready.

The best advice I can give is to focus on a birth month, rather than a birth date. If you are overdue this festive season, remind yourself that the best is yet to come and try to soak up your last few days without a newborn in tow.

A Registered Nurse, Midwife & Hypnobirth teacher with over 10 years of post-registration experience. Zoe has worked in a variety of settings from a specialist homebirth team to a high-risk delivery suite and, most recently, at a community birth centre. Zoe is also a Mum to two young daughters, Edith (3) and Dorothy ‘Dot’ (1). She has direct experience of water birth, home birth, breastfeeding, breastfeeding through pregnancy, tandem nursing and weaning.

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Planning Your Birth

When planning a caesarean birth, ultimately all the same rules apply as to any other birth. After all, birth is birth. Over my years of midwifery practice, I have picked up some hints and tips along the way from my experience in caring for mothers who have had a caesarean birth. These easy and simple hacks will help you to have your home ready; your bags packed and your mind at ease. Ready for you to welcome your baby into the world.

1. Organise, organise, organise

Make a note of where essential items are packed in your hospital bag so another person can get them for you. Alternatively, pack these items in the side pockets or in a smaller bag within the main bag. Ask your birth partner to place them within easy reach of you before they return home to prevent you from having to reach and twist.

2. Chill out

Pop some headphones in your hospital bag. These will come in handy if you need something to distract you whilst you are waiting to go to theatre. These are also great during your postnatal recovery. Remember to research mindfulness apps beforehand and work out how to use them; you may turn to these if you need a little peaceful headspace whilst on the ward as these can be noisy and busy places.

3. Neat feet

Pack some easy slip-on shoes; this will prevent you from having to bend down post-operatively. Make sure they stay on your feet securely to prevent any slips.

4. Loungewear-tastic

When deciding what clothes to pack, opt for stretchy, soft and loose loungewear. Ensure that it is comfortable around your tummy, particularly along your bikini line. This includes your knickers, the higher the waist the better! Remember, if you are planning on breastfeeding, you will want to wear something that makes feeding convenient too.

5. Music to my ears

Many hospitals have the facilities for you to play your own music during the caesarean itself. Discuss this with your midwife antenatally to clarify the best format for you to create your own playlist. Remember to choose songs that keep you calm, hold fond memories and make you feel happy.

6. Home Comforts

Pack a pillow from home to help you get comfortable following the birth. If you have one that can double up as a feeding cushion, that will be even better. Remember to put a colourful or patterned pillowcase on it so it does not get mixed up with hospital property.

7. Boredom busters

Plan and prepare for potential times where you may be waiting around and in need of something to pass the time. A book or an e-reader is great; however, on this occasion, you may wish to find an activity that involves your birth partner too, like playing cards.

8. Ready, steady, pose!

Take as many pictures as you can! Remember to use the time where you are waiting to go to theatre to take any last-minute bump pictures. If possible, hand your phone to a member of the theatre team and ask them to capture some of those first moments following your baby’s birth too. Discuss the possibility for this with your midwife during your birth preferences consultation.

9. Refuel and hydrate… mate!

Proper nutrition and hydration following a caesarean birth is a vital aspect of your recovery. It will help to prevent constipation, aid wound healing and support the production of breastmilk. Take a water bottle that has a sports cap; this will come in useful when you are still in bed and movement is restricted. Also, pack plenty of healthy snacks that will boost your energy levels. The chances are you will have had a period of being nil by mouth prior to the procedure and whilst you will be provided with the most delicious tea and toast you have ever had following the birth (if you know, you know), you may be grateful to have something to put your hand on when those middle of the night hunger cravings kick in.   

10. Stock up

Prepare for your return home. Batch cook and freeze some meals to fill your tummies on those busier days and have plenty of snacks readily available in the cupboard. Peppermint tea is another great item to pop in the cupboard as in addition to its soothing flavour, it is also great for relieving painful trapped wind which is something women can experience post caesarean. Consider how you plan to manage any post-operative discomfort and stock up on the relevant medications like paracetamol, for example.

Final Thoughts

These top tips will help you to be the most prepared you can be for the arrival of your little one. They will also ensure that when you return home with your baby, you are able to take care of yourselves as new parents as well as your new housemate. At the heart of these tips, my main message is one of being prepared. Take the time to consider what is important to you and your partner in designing your experience of this wonderful event. Remember to team your hopes and desires with an open-minded and informative chat with your own midwife about the options available to you in your own hospital so that you can create a detailed and flexible plan of your birth preferences.

Should you need reminding… you’ve got this!  

Deciding what to bring in your hospital bag

From MAM

Preparing for your baby’s arrival can be a nerve-wracking time. Deciding what to bring in your hospital bag can be a challenge, as you don’t want to be burdened with lots of things you don’t need but also don’t want to be without either. With so many lists out there we spoke to soon-to-be-mum Natalie, who is going through this dilemma right now, and asked her what is going in her hospital bag based on everything we currently know.

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By Natalie Harrison

I found out I was pregnant in February 2020 just as the world was beginning to realise the severity of what COVID-19 was going to become. My pregnancy, as I’m sure is similar for many of you soon-to-be-new-mums, was definitely not how I had imagined it would be when my partner and I first decided to try for a baby. Cancelled antenatal classes and social distancing from friends and family meant that all our research had to be done online. Preparing for my baby’s arrival was always in the back of my mind and I did extensive research into what to pack into my hospital bag. My hospital bag list is an amalgamation of other mum’s experiences and advice from birth coaches and midwives.

Whilst in the past people would pack separate bags for labour and post-delivery, I believe it is much less stressful to have everything in one bag/mini-suitcase. You can always separate the bag into sections to help keep things organised, packing cubes/bags within your main bag can be key in this. This way I knew I didn’t need to worry about losing anything.

I preferred this strategy as then once baby arrived there was no stress about needing to go get the other bag and my partner could make the most out of the initial bonding time with our baby.

I always think it is easier when lists are separated into For Mum and For Baby sections so that is what I have done with mine

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For Mum

Labour Essentials

This is key, worst case scenario even if you forget everything else make sure you’ve got your maternity notes!

• Maternity notes
• Birth Plan (if you have one – I’m hoping to have a water birth and have included this in my plan)
• TENS Machine

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Toiletries

I included hand sanitiser and Dettol surface wipes in my bag as I think it is better to be more careful than not, the 2020 pandemic has definitely made us all a bit more cautious. Moisturiser and lip balm are essential as the air con in hospital can be quite drying to the skin. Other things to consider are face-wipes to remove any make-up you might be wearing when you go into labour and for me, I decided I wanted to bring makeup and straighteners for little tidy-ups for pictures/leaving hospital.

• Hand Sanitiser & Dettol Wipes (Due to the times)
• Nipple Cream
• Lip Balm (chapped lips are the worst)
• Moisturiser
• Hair Bands/Clips (keep hair out of the way)
• Hair Brush
• Toothpaste/Toothbrush
• Deodorant
• Face Wipes/Eye Make-up Remover pads
• Make-up and face moisturiser
• Hair Straighteners (whilst ideally I do not want to be washing and drying my hair in hospital it’s worth having just in-case you end up staying in a while)
• Dry Shampoo (same as above)
• Travel Sized Shower Gel, Shampoo & Conditioner (just-in-case)

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Misc.

These are all items which should help make a stay in hospital more comfortable, some are for helping during labour and some are key items for post-delivery. Whilst it is important to try and rest as much as possible during labour, it’s also a good idea to have some creature comforts that will help pass the time if you can’t.

• Energy drinks and Snacks (keep energy levels up in labour)
• Diffuser/Essential Oils (help create a calm atmosphere during labour)
• Eye Mask/Ear Plugs
• Nipple Shields (in-case issues with latching)
• 20x Maternity Pads
• 20x Disposable Breast Pads (easier for straight after delivery – save reusable for home)
• 2x Reusable Straws (mine are metal)
• Hand-Held Fan (check to see if your hospital or maternity unit already have some available)
• Earphones
• Phone Charger
• Paracetamol
• Favourite Pillow

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Clothes

Comfort is key! It is very easy to fluctuate in temperature in labour and so it is key to have options for feeling hot and cold.

• Cardigan (I felt more normal walking around in a cardigan, but bring what you will feel most comfortable in – such as a dressing gown)
• Flip Flops (I did not want to be showering bare foot in hospital toilets! My flip flips were 90p from primark!! )
• Warm Socks (apparently you can get cold feet in labour)
• Vest/Crop Top – For Labour (I think good for both in pool or not. Keeps some dignity but won’t get twisted or be in the way, the way a t-shirt would)
• 10x High-Waisted Cotton Knickers
• Nursing bra
• Strappy Night dress  (easy to feed for after)
• Maternity Pyjamas (easy to feed but another option in-case cold or staying in longer, mine were black so as to not look too pyjama-y )

• Going Home Outfit – A Black Baggy Dress – (For me it had to be BLACK, specifically for hiding any leaks, and baggy to hide the big pants!

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For Baby

Misc.

Whilst I always intended to breastfeed, and was fortunate this worked for me, I do think it is key to have a back-up plan in place; so I recommend packing some ready-made formula and bottles in with your baby section of your hospital bag.

• 6x Cartons Ready-Made Milk (as back up to breastfeeding)
• 2x Comfort Soothers
• 3x MAM Easy Start Bottles
• 1x Baby Towel
• 24x Newborn Nappies
• Pack of Sensitive Wipes
• 30x Nappy bags
• Cotton wool (small bag)

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Clothes

I was due in September so you may need to adjust slightly depending on what the weather forecast is going to be around your due date. Always consider the season in which you’re giving birth and add on pram-suits etc. as necessary.

• 3x cellular blankets
• 2x hats (one for getting dirty right after birth)
• 2x pairs of socks
• 2x Muslins
• 2x Mittens
• 3x All in one Baby grows
• 4x Baby short sleeve suits
• 4x baby vest

• Going Home Outfit – keep it comfy!

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For Partner

We were very lucky as our hospital allowed my partner to stay with me right through labour. Thankfully the world has now returned to normal and partners can be with you the whole time. However, I’m also a firm believer that you have enough to worry about and they are perfectly capable of packing their own bag. Some of the helpful items we included for my partners’ bag included:

• swim trunks (in-case we ended up in the pool)
• A change of clothes (again in-case we ended up in the pool)
• His own drink and snacks
• His phone charger and phone

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Finally

I also planned a bag of extra clothes for me and baby which we kept at home (as we live very close to the hospital, this can also live in your boot if you live further away), which my partner was able to pop home and get if as we ended up staying in longer, but I didn’t have that many maternity clothes and the ones I did have I wore constantly. So, rather than them sitting in a bag useless for 6 weeks, I continued to wear them and only added them last minute.

If nothing else, I hope this list will help give you some ideas about what you want to pack in your own hospital bag. As new mums, it is so important to share as much information with each other as possible.

I wish you all safe pregnancies and births.

Good Luck x

By Katie Hilton

Katie Hilton is a dual qualified nurse, midwife and health visitor and the expert adviser for MAM UK. She is also a mu’ma herself to one cheeky little man.

The top 10 essential feeding items new parents should have to hand.

The first few months with a new baby can seem like a blur of constant feeding, burping, changing, settling your baby and repeat. Some days, you don’t even manage to take a shower until lunchtime and you often forget what day of the week it is. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding or combination feeding, having the right feeding equipment there when you need it can make life a whole lot easier.

1. Breastpump

If you’re intending on breastfeeding, then you will in all likelihood need a breastpump. Which pump you choose will be very much based on how often you intend to pump. In the first 6-8 weeks after your baby is born you might need to use your pump to increase your milk supply by pumping after each feed, for this purpose either an electric or a manual pump will work just fine. If you’re wanting to combination feed and will need to pump for a couple of bottles each day then you might want to invest in the 2-in-1 single electric pump, if however you will be returning to work when your baby is six months old, you’re expecting twins or you want to exclusively pump then you’ll likely need the 2-in-1 double electric pump to enable you to pump double the amount of breast milk in a half the time. Remember both of the 2-in-1 pumps enable you to use as both a manual and electric pump and the double pump can be used for both single or double electric pumping.

2. Storage Pots

Once you’ve pumped all that fabulous liquid gold, you’re going to need somewhere to store it! The MAM Storage Pots are stack-able and can be stored in either the fridge or freezer. They feature a screw lid so no chance of any leaks and will come in very helpful as your little one gets ready for weaning and beyond!

3. Nipple Shields

The number one reason most women stop breastfeeding is sore cracked nipples. Most likely to occur in the first few weeks whilst both you and baby are learning and mastering breastfeeding, it can definitely stop you in your tracks. To enable you to continue to breastfeed whilst understanding what is actually causing the sore nipples you can use nipple shields. Made with a super soft, thin, flexible silicone, they are shaped to allow your baby to continue to feed easily and comfortably. Available in 2 sizes and complete with a sterilisable case. If you do develop sore nipples, it’s important to speak to your health visitor to ascertain the cause and correct any issues with positioning and development to ensure you don’t continue to experience sore nipples.

4. Feeding Cushion

A feeding cushion comes in very handy whilst feeding, regardless of whether you’ve chosen to breast or bottle feed. Feeding your baby can take anywhere from 10-40 minutes, so it’s important both of you are comfortable. Chose a cushion that offers both back and arm support and enables your baby to fully lay across you if you’re planning on breastfeeding. If you’re expecting twins, select a cushion which forms a full donut around your body.

5. Feeding Bottles

The bottles you choose for your baby are one of the most important considerations when selecting feeding items. How your baby feeds from their bottle can have an impact on their general mood, how well they sleep and their growth and development. If you’re combination feeding with both breast and bottle it will also be important to select a bottle which allows your baby to use the same feeding technique as at the breast to reduce the risk of confusion, the MAM Easy Start Bottle has an amazing 94% acceptance rate. How your baby’s bottle vents air will be vital to reducing their risk of developing colic, base vented bottles such as the MAM Easy Start Bottle have been shown to reduce the risk of colic like symptoms by up to 80%. Finally, how easy the bottles are to clean and sterilise after each feed will also be something important to consider, the self-sterilising functions of the MAM Easy Start makes this bottle not only high-quality, but also super-efficient, quick and easy to use.

The MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle has been chosen as Mumsnet’s Best Bottle 2020

6. Milk Powder Box

Planning on going out and about with your baby and don’t want the hassle of taking out a tin of formula? Simply measure out the number of scoops you need for your feed and place in the MAM Milk Powder Box. With capacity for three feeds you’ll never run short and it will make venturing out the house much easier!

7. Soft Brush

Once you’ve finished feeding it’s important to fully clean your feeding equipment in hot soapy water prior to sterilising. Use a soft brush to clean all parts, including inside the teats.

8. Steriliser

After you’ve thoroughly cleaned all your baby’s feeding equipment it will need to be sterilised before being used again. If you choose to use the MAM 6-in-1 Steriliser then you’ll have the ability to switch between multiple methods of sterilisation including microwave, electric and cold-water sterilisation, which makes this the perfect item for travelling away from home. With an integrated bottle and baby food warmer it means you don’t have to buy these items separately, saving both money and time!

9. Trainer Bottles

Transitioning your baby and bottle to cup can be a particularly stressful time for both you and your baby. However, it doesn’t need to be! If you’ve been bottle or combination feeding with the MAM Easy Start Bottles you can easily make the transition using the MAM Trainer Bottles. Initially start by using the bottle with a regular teat, the same as your baby has been used to and then gradually switch over to the spout. The spout is made of the same super-soft silicone as MAM teats, which means it offers the same reassuring texture to your baby with a reduced risk of refusal.

10. Oral Care Rabbit

Very few people realise the importance of cleaning their baby’s gums after a feed. Just as with adults, a little baby’s mouth can carry and develop bacteria. Obviously at such a young age there won’t be any teeth to clean, but it’s still important to clean the gums after each feed to remove any bacteria. Simple use something such as the Oral Care Rabbit to gently wipe around the gums to remove any milk residue. The Oral Care Rabbit will also be very helpful once your baby starts to teethe, simple place teething gel on the rabbit’s ears and massage into the gums!

In these uncertain times with many retailers closing their doors, we wanted to take the time to reassure you that we are still here, to help you get the products you need to take care of your precious bundles of joy. The MAM Baby UK Official Shop has no queues and is fully stocked. 

Production of MAM products at our own factory in Europe is still in full progress, and we have taken strict safety precautions to protect our team there. This together with our usual stock buffer should ensure continuity of supply of MAM products. Please be assured that we are following official Government directives and advice and as it stands our UK warehouse is remaining open and still fulfilling customer orders, albeit with a reduced amount of staff. We are also reliant on Royal Mail Services to deliver your orders to you. We ask for your patience and understanding; and to please bear with us, our warehouse and Royal Mail in the speed of which your order arrives as delivery times may be slightly longer than usual.

Click here to visit the Official MAM UK Online Shop.

We Love Babies

For over 40 years, we’ve been developing products that are unique in design and function. Our products are the result of intensive teamwork between experts from medicine, research and technology.  This means MAM products support the individual development of every child and make every day baby life easier.  Every MAM innovation follows this principle so parents can feel confident and babies can feel good.