Microsoft word - mums memo rev-1.doc

Mum’s Memo
Welcome to expectancy! As your time for delivery approaches, many things are on your mind. Baby clothes,basinettes and buggies are in your head or already waiting in the nursery. Please don’t forget that this is also the time to pay special attention to yourself and to the needs of your changing body. A few things top the list during your antenatal period: • Vitamin supplements to cater for your body’s growing • Folic acid, as this has proven to decrease the occurrence of • Healthy diet and life style (no alcohol, no smoking); no medication should be taken during pregnancy unless agreed • Tissue oil (preferably natural) for the prevention of stretch • Massage oil to rub the feet and back, which do get tired • Loose-fitting clothing for your growing tummy • Cotton underwear, as the risk of fungal infection increases MUM’S GOODIES
Relax, enjoy your pregnancy and your growing baby; all will
fall into place and you too will be a wonderful mum and dad !
Don’t forget to spoil yourselves and each other!
Things to consider for your home birth:
• Once you have decided on a home birth, try to imagine Other: extra absorbent maternity
where you would like to have your baby and what it is that pads (24), stretch panties (2),
you expect. Speak with your midwife to be sure you are both feeding bra,Breast pads (cotton)
fully aware of each other’s needs and requirements (it is too linnen savers (1 pack), cold pack x
late to reorganise once the contractions set in). Make a birth 3, coarse salt, betadine solution
plan and discuss this with your midwife. Ask questions! 250 ml, Anti inflammatories e.g.
• If at any time before or during labour the midwife should cataflam 10 tablets to relieve
become concerned for the health and safety of the mother or pain,Weeping wound and graze
unborn baby, she will accompany the mother to the hospital and powder by Herbaforce, nipple
the doctor, agreed upon during the antenatal period. If the supporting doctor is unavailable (which is very seldom the case), the midwife will call upon another doctor to assist. • The newborn baby’s requirements are minimal at this stage: cotton wool (make-up removing pads are softest and easiest
to use), nappies for newborns,Wecesin powder for the
umbilical cord, baby blanket, and baby clothes. For your hospital birth:
• The same goodies list as for the homebirth less the maternity pads, linen savers and nipple cream, which are supplied. Should DAD’S “DING”
you wish to have a water birth, certain aromatic oils (lavender, citronella, jasmine, etc.) are nice to add to the water. Other homeopathic remedies are very beneficial for increasing the pliability of the perineum, stimulating contractions, preventing DJ, so check the music. Please bring loads of patience and TLC! complications, healing your body after the birth and for many other reasons. For more on these, speak with your midwife. (we do have homeopathic kits available)

Source: http://www.capemidwife.co.za/resources/Mums%20memo.pdf