if you will not have me as myself, perhaps as someone else

[canadianchia]

Hello, lj. Didn't mean to disappear on you, though I guess a week isn't really that long. This week just felt rough, is probably the best way to describe it. It was long, for one, every day seeming to take forever to get through, but it also felt like it took work to get through each day. It's hard to explain, but basically I was feeling pretty

Comments

[thejoysofjess]

Do you know if the mom is breastfeeding or not? If she is, then something like a breastfeeding survival kit maybe. A book about it (The womanly art of breastfeeding is a big hit), lanolin or coconut oil for her nips, breast pads, and a water bottle with a straw. In fact, water bottle with a straw no matter what. It's amazing how often you will get stuck under a baby and be SO DAMN THIRSTY.

Beyond that, the only other must haves I can think of are pretty pricey. Like I LOVE my half-buckle tai baby carrier, but it is definitely $70 and that's a lot for a baby gift when you aren't a mom or grandmother, you know?

[canadianchia]

Hmm, I don't know if she is, but I can ask her. She's been pretty open about sharing pregnancy details with me, because she knows I'm curious, and we also share the same philosophy on not judging other women for their choices, so I don't think she'd have a problem telling me if I asked.
I have so never even heard of breast pads. Are they like . . . period pads for your boobs? Like if your boobs are leaking? Hahahaha. I have so much to learn about having babies. But okay, these things, would I be able to find them at any of the maternity stores pretty much? Thanks for your suggestions, btw!

[thejoysofjess]

Yep, like period pads for your boobs. They sell paper-y ones at babies r us or wherever, but you can also get nice cloth ones on etsy. Coconut oil you'd probably have to find a health food store or a place like Whole Foods. Not sure what stores you have access to.

[canadianchia]

Huh, I would never have thought of that. I swear, when I get pregnant in a couple years, I'm so going to have to come to you and be like JESS TEACH ME EVERYTHING WHAT IS ALL OF THIS I DON'T EVEN. But cool, thanks! I will do some investigating and see what I can find.

[kadenza]

I actually had some reusable silicone ones that stick right on called LilyPads. They basically seal your boobs rather than absorb the leaks. Unfortunately (well, I guess fortunately) I never did leak so I gave them away to someone else still in the package. But they ~seemed~ like a great idea.

[canadianchia]

Hahaha, okay, cool. Good to know they exist. Maybe I could try to find both kinds and let her choose what works for her. Do you remember where you got them from?

[kadenza]

Pretty sure I got them at Diaper-Eez on Bloor W. Even if you don't go for that (I mean, it's kind of weird) they have tons of cool stuff in there. One thing that I can't say enough good things about is the Miracle Blanket, a super stretchy and awesome swaddling blanket that literally makes a smiling baby out of a screaming baby. We kept Nat wrapped up tight like a burrito for the first 5 months.

[canadianchia]

Oh cool, I'll definitely have to check that store out, then! :D Thank you! haha, and the image of Nat wrapped up like a burrito made me chuckle. :)

[kadenza]

It really was quite precious:

[canadianchia]

Ahahahaha, I love it! :D