what supplies for UC/HB??

[corban's mum]

just wondering if anyone has a list of essentials for a uc? or a link that may help? im planning an HBAC but im confident that all will go well and i'll end up UBAC hehe as i will only call mw/doula if things aren't going as easily as i plan them to, but I have no clue what i should have on hand and feel like im missing loads of vital stuff haha

i have birth ball, birth pool, hypnobirthing cd's, towels/blankets/flannels/clothes for baby, sterilizing solution for scissors (after cord shrivels up)

i'm only 24-25 weeks but planning ahead

thank you

[UCmamaToMany]

MY personal essentials for my UC's are:
Old towels
Chux pads
Adult diapers
Non-lube condoms
disposable diaper liners
Goldenseal
Cord Tie (usually some crocheted yarn)
Scissors (sterilized and sealed in a sterile bag)
Birth Pool
Air Pump
Mini Skimmer
Nasal Aspirator (JIC)
Bowl for Placenta

I think that's all I "need" for a birth. The rest is for nursing and what not.

[corrio]

okay I have to ask what these would be used for

"Non-lub condoms"

thanks

[UCmamaToMany]

Originally Posted by corrio

okay I have to ask what these would be used for

"Non-lube condoms"

thanks

Ice packs!!

I fill them with water and freeze them a few weeks before I am due. Then with the disposable diaper liners, I wrap those around the condom ice packs and plae it on my bottom after the birth when I need one.

I like the adult diapers for the post partum bleeding AND if (which rarely happens) the ice pack leaks it catchs the water.

My 1st was a c/s and I didn't need an ice pack. My 2nd ws a hospital VBAC and that is what they used for ice packs. When I did my 3rd as a home birth I just repeated what they did and I love how well it works!

(And no I don't put them "up" the vagina". I just place it down there. )

[corban's mum]

hahahahaha oh thank goodness i had some funny images then

that sounds like a great idea, also great to hear from another VBAC momma

ok i know it's really silly but what are chux pads?? are they those giant square things like the ones you put on LO's bed when going thru the night without a diaper for the first time??? absorbant things??

what is goldenseal used for? and where can these herbs be bought? im in the uk the only place i can think of might be the chinese herbal medicine shop in the fashionable quarter ofour shopping district lollllll

also what helps soften and dialate??

i like to over prepare hehe so hopefully it'll be a waste of money and things go smoothly with none of my fancy bits and peices being needed, i like to tempt fate like that haha

[corrio]

hahaha I had many ideas floating around in my head..

great list by the way

[Illiana]

I was always told Evening Primrose oil to put on the cervix to help soften it.

My question is how soon should I start stocking up on supplies? I'm only 25 weeks and went late with DD so I'm starting to think more about the birth but not too concerned yet. I just prefer to be prepared earlier rather than later.

ETA: how do you weigh baby at birth? I doubt everyone buys a baby scale or whatever they use in hospitals/doc offices.

[UCmamaToMany]

ok i know it's really silly but what are chux pads?? are they those giant square things like the ones you put on LO's bed when going thru the night without a diaper for the first time??? absorbant things?? http://www.babybirthandbeyond.com/co...197a686f19.jpg They are water proof disposable pads/sheets. I use them after my water breaks, and post partum in case of "leaks". You can find reusable water proof pads/sheets as well if you want to wash things.

what is goldenseal used for? and where can these herbs be bought? I use Goldenseal on the umbilical cord stump. It dries it out faster than alcohol. I've used it since my 2nd or 3rd birth and I have never looked back. I've had stumps fall off within 2-3 days. My one sister kept using the alcohol on her one baby and it took over 3 weeks for it to fall off. YIKES!

DO NOT but goldenseal in open bulk form, it isn't as "clean" and "sanitary". Get it in capsules as it is more sanitary. I bought a little make-up container where I cut open the golden seal capsules and put the powder in there. Then you use a clean Q-tip or cotton swab to dust the cord with the powder. DO NOT double dip with the Q-tip or cotton swab either, to avoid cross contamination.

I've gotten my golden seal at local stores like Walmart and Target, and you can get it at health food stores too. I don't know where you'd be able to get it in the UK though.

also what helps soften and dialate?? Like the PP said - Evening Primrose Oil. You can take it orally and vaginally.

[UCmamaToMany]

My question is how soon should I start stocking up on supplies? Since I knew we wanted a lot of kids I bought a plastic tote (Those plastic storage boxes with a lid) and it's my dedicated "Birth Box". I just buy things slowly over time and add it in, or replace things.

I don't think it matters "when" you start stocking up, it matters that you have it all by the time you give birth, LOL

How do you weigh baby at birth? I actually got lucky one trip to the thrift store and there was an old baby scale for sale there. So I use that. I've had it since my 4th baby.

Some people use the fishing scale or "Spring Scale" http://www.babybirthandbeyond.com/co...021436eafb.jpg

Most MW's I know use these and have a sling type device that they put the baby in and weigh the baby.

Some people I know don't worry about it too much and just take baby to the supermarket with them and weigh them on the veggie scales there.

You can look on e-bay and other places for either the baby scales, fishing scales, or spring scales.

[smpayne]

Originally Posted by UCmamaToMany

Ice packs!!

I fill them with water and freeze them a few weeks before I am due. Then with the disposable diaper liners, I wrap those around the condom ice packs and plae it on my bottom after the birth when I need one.

This sounds like a great idea - However, I can't get the picture out of my head of my 15 & 11 yr old diggin through the freezer looking for ice cream and finding the frozen condoms. I would probably have to put them in a container and label them "Lima Beans" or something.

[UCmamaToMany]

I guess I'm not shy about it, LOL I'd rather my kids know what a condom is and how to use one for sex and even "alternatively", LMAO.

My kids have found condoms from time to time (DH leaves his wallet around) and they ask what it is and depending on the age, the younger they are we just say it helps prevent babies. Of course frozen with water I doubt they'd think about the real purpose of them, LOL, because obviously they look like ice packs.

[corban's mum]

thank youuu

When do you start taking the evening primrose oil?? during labour or when you reach 37 weeks etc? like - is it fast acting or does it take a while lol

[UCmamaToMany]

I usually don't need to take it. I usually start dilating on my own around 32-34 weeks. At last check I was 3cm and 40% at 34 weeks. I've delivered as early as 37 weeks too.

Normally women start taking it around 36 weeks, either orally or vaginally or both.

[smpayne]

Originally Posted by UCmamaToMany

I guess I'm not shy about it, LOL I'd rather my kids know what a condom is and how to use one for sex and even "alternatively", LMAO.

My boys know what they are and what they are for and the image of them finding them as ice packs in the freezer has me ROFLOL.

[Illiana]

I was always told not to take the EPO before term so not before 37 weeks, but I suppose others have different experiences.