This week’s organizing has been all about the final push (pun intended) to get everything situated before baby’s debut. I’m less than a week away from my due date and excitedly waiting to see when baby will decide to meet us. I have read and wrote checklist after checklist… supplies for labor and birth, birth plans, breastfeeding dos and don’ts etc. I’ve also had an ongoing list of things to do around the apartment. It seems like every time I check one item off of that list, I think of two more to add.
Chalkboard wall
My two main ways of organizing lists are the chalkboard wall we created in our hallway and the Things app on my computer. The chalkboard wall is great for when my husband needs me to do something or I need him to do something. Rather than nagging asking the other person until they remember, it just gets written on the wall and then crossed off so the other person can see that it was done.
Things app
For my own To Do list, Things is great. I can just dump every little thing I think of to do. I usually group everything by project (eg, some of the projects I have right now are “Getting Ready for Baby” and two website projects I’m finishing up for work). Within those projects, I can drag each item around so the most important things are at the top and I make sure to do them first. There’s a lot more that the app can do, but you can check that out for yourself if you’re interested in learning more.
Nursing area checklist
Here’s one of the lists that I am still working on finishing up. I’m working on setting up a comfortable, quiet place where baby and I can both hopefully figure out the whole breastfeeding thing as quickly as possible. Here’s the list of nursing area supplies I’ve compiled:
- Comfortable rocking chair with low arms
- Ottoman/footrest
- Nursing pillow and washable covers
- Breast pads and olive oil (or should I get this nipple cream?)
- Burp cloths or extra cloth diapers
- Water pitcher and drinking glass
- The Breastfeeding Book (great illustrations and information for reference)
So far everything on the list we’ve either repurposed from other uses or got second hand. I’m surprised and psyched that I was able to pull that off. That being said, I am definitely willing to buy the nipple cream if it’s going to make a big difference. I’m thinking about getting it now so that there’s no lag time if I do end up needing it. Is there anything else you think is indispensable in your nursing area?
Check out more organizing projects at Org Junkie’s 52 Weeks of Organizing!
You may want to hold off on the nipple cream. I nursed my 3 children and found that after about a month the cream really isn’t necessary. Your nipples will, for lack of a better word, toughen up after time. It’s just the first couple of weeks that you will be prone to cracking and irritation. It’s not as bad as some horror story I am sure you have heard/read.
Good luck with your labor & delivery. And just remember through the height of your pain – it is all worth it in the end. Good luck!
Thanks for the advice! Why is it that we always hear the horror stories? I had signed up for a local La Leche League message board but had to stop reading it because only the people with problems write in. I bet the meetings will be much better.
I am a list girl too. That app looks great. Do they have them for PC? As far as your nursing area…. WHAT a fabulous idea/area. The biggest thing is just RELAX (Wisdom from an old lady) But since you have an area maybe a small ipod station to have some calming music.
Thanks for the idea! Things isn’t made for the PC but there is an iPhone/iPod Touch app that is great.
I love my lists…I usually have two – a work list and a combined work/personal list. The work list is a lot more detailed than the combined list…
I didn’t use nipple cream at all – you might want to wait until baby arrives because everyone seems to have a different experience with nursing.
I breastfed my 3 girls, now 31, 30 and 23 (with her own 2.5 year old who was breastfed). The best advice I have is what someone told me. Drink a glass of water for each breast, so 2 glasses of water. Your body needs water to make milk. I told my YD the same thing and she had plenty. Otherwrise relax. It is the most normal/natural thing. Try not to get tense, squish your nipple between your thumb and forefinger make it easier to latch onto. One of those boppy things make holding the baby easier. My daughter used one. They were not around when my babies were little so I just used a pillow to help support my arms/baby. Good luck with everything. We will impatiently await pictures!!
I breastfed my two children – now 9 and 12. I always had a drink, a few pillows (no boppies invented for me either), a magazine or book for those marathon feeds, and a clock, and notebook. The clock let me keep track of how long they nursed (only used when they were newborns) and the notebook let me track which breast I started with last. I also jotted down special memories (or lists of things to do!). But most of all I tried to just enjoy the time with my children. And I would definitely suggest getting the cream! I never had any problems, but it was nice to use it for those times when they would get sore (or when new teeth were coming in and I was used as a pacifier and teething ring!!) Haha!
Oh congratulations! Just reading this makes my breasts tingle. I loved breastfeeding. It is SO special. I’m very glad I hung in there past the difficult first few weeks of learning and soreness, because it is SO worth it. I have three kids and the one I breastfed the longest (18 mo.) hasn’t missed a day of school in two years. Her immunity system is a ROCK. The one I breastfed for only 6 months (3rd child… poor guy) had ear infection after ear infection. I don’t think it is a coincidence. I did have some of that Lanolin cream on hand for the cracking. ENJOY!! And nice chalkboard wall. LOVE THAT.
I haven’t used nipple cream while nursing (going on 4 years straight ~ 3 different children). I’m allergic to lanolin, so it was never really an option. My biggest problem as a first time nurser was not knowing when to ask for help. I waited so long that I was nursing in pain for weeks. If it hurts, ask for help right away, there are lots of great lactation consultants. Also, make sure you let your nipples air dry before covering them back up. I always forget this one and end up with a little cracking when my babies are newborns. My best solution was applying a little breast milk then allowing them to air dry. Also, going bra-less when possible.
Wow, I didn’t mean to fill your comments with breast talk.
I love the chalkboard wall for anti-nagging lists
I second the advice to rub your own milk into your nipples. Breast milk is amazing stuff! Perfect for when baby scratches him/herself or any other skin irritations. I didn’t use any cream and wouldn’t bother to buy any until you need it – if you do, just send hubby out.
9 weeks left until baby #2 for us, so I should have a to do list too but time is going so fast I haven’t realized how close we are!
Not that it will be the same for you, but just to share my experience . . .
Be prepared – the first few times breastfeeding is TENDER. Ouch!
Make sure you have your placement correct – the way the baby takes the nipple is important, so you don’t end up with problems later on. My placement was messed up, so I did end up with a blocked duct.
But even though I needed/ sought/ and did have advice, I was very protective, and really wouldn’t let the lactation consultant touch the baby’s head or body without getting physically defensive – like blocking her arms and putting up my hands, hunching over and turning away . . . LOL poor woman! She was there to help! But when instinct kicks in . . .watch out!
We had a nursing clinic in our community where we could go for the first 6 months – it was a place to go and nurse with other mothers, they weighed/measured the baby and gave all the advice you could take on every aspect – nursing, burbping, diapering, etc.
It is a beautiful experience, but it is like swimming; some mommy/baby couples are naturals, some need coaching, some need to get out of the pool altogether because it just isn’t working for them. Don’t feel bad if things go awry; your health and the baby’s well being are the most important.
God bless, and good luck!
I just found your website today.
I love your green aproach in organiszing your home.
When it comes to breastfeeding, the best adwise I have is to make sure that your baby’s position is right. Your baby’s nose should be level with you nipple when you hold your baby. That way your baby will automatically open its mouth wide open and take the correct feeding position.
My two sons were both breastfed until they were about 2 years old. My first born was a slow eater – he used minimum 1/2 hour to empty one breast. I was very surprised when it turned out that my second som was a real fast eater – he used maximum 10 minutes.
Good luck !
If you