Nature-inspired newborn hospital necessities

[Penny4Them]

Hi,

What did you bring (other than going home outfit and carseat) for your newborn's hospital stay? My previous birth the hospital advised rubbing alcohol for my baby's umbilical cord, but I don't like the idea of using this on new skin. Do I have to use anything?

Also, I read a previous post about bringing olive oil to help remove merconium more easily. Would coconut oil work as effectively?

Any other tips or suggestions, like essential oils or other nature-inspired solutions for baby?

TIA

[caned & able]

Corn starch for the umbilical stump.

[Rico'sAlice]

I'm pretty sure that the current evidence based recomendation for cord stump care is to leave it alone.

[eko_mom]

Goldenseal powder was recommended to me for the cord.
I cut and pasted this to use myself, from somewhere on this board...a hospital list for people intending to homebirth:

Things from home, such as a comfortable quilt, flower arrangement, pictures
Warm socks
Diffuser with essential oils
Tape Player and music
Olive oil for perineal massage
Crockpot and washcloths
Copy of Birth Plan
Phone Numbers and change
Light snack such as whole grain crackers, fruit
Clear liquids such as apple juice, herbal tea with honey, filtered water
Nightgown, robe, slippers
Unpetroleum jelly to keep your lips from chapping
Tennis ball or rolling pin for massage
Personalized essential oil mixtures for massage
2 Plastic combs for depressing palm pressure points
Goldenseal powder for umbilical cord
Underwear, toilet articles
Bag of activities for older sib
Camera, extra film, batteries
Going home clothes for you and baby
Nursing Bras
Receiving Blankets
Infant Car Seat

[mwherbs]

nothing or I should say skin to skin contact with the baby-
you could use a little breastmilk , keep the diaper down below the cord

things like alcohol, goldenseal and corn starch will change flora and may be something reasonable to try if you have an infection

[durafemina]

yup, coconut oil would be fine - just rub a little on the bum so that the eventual sticky meconium that coats it will be easy to gently wipe off.

cloth diapers if you are using them as well. . . and your own natural/organic baby clothes maybe?