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Labor and Delivery

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for #3

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We’re so excited to have a guest post today by our urban mama, Megan – she just delivered her third child and she’s here to tell you all about everything she packed in her hospital bag this time around! You can follow Megan at her hysterically funny Instagram, GirlGoneChildinNYC. 

Hi Gugu Guru Moms! I’m GirlgonechildinNYC and I just returned home from having my third baby in four years. Yes, I do not how it keeps happening. I’m a planner, an expert packer for vacations and a somewhat know-it-all when it comes to new mom products. Some women geek out on fashion and shoes, I geek out on new breast pumps. I work on the Merch Team over at Jetblack and my job is to know all the coolest new products coming on the market for moms and babies. I got a ton of questions about what I was packing in my hospital bag for baby #3 so Gugu Guru was nice enough to let me share all my top must have mom products for your hospital bag here.

The Hospital Bag: The Signature NONA Bag is my go to for everything parenting and as a bonus it’s beautiful. I use it for everyday essentials as a working mom to lugging the kids around the city. It’s even spacious enough for me to use to as my hospital bag for my personal items. You can see more about the NONA bag in our fashion gift guide, too.

A Soft Robe: I love a good soft robe that is also photo worthy and I love the cute designs at Pink Blush. This robe was a hit at the hospital by other moms and even the nursing staff!

A File Folder:  You go to the hospital with a ton of paper and you leave the hospital with a ton of papers. Make it easier on yourself by packing a file folder to store everything so you don’t lose any important information.

Slippers:  Comfy slippers are key to a good hospital stay. Whether you’re pacing the hallways before an epidural or taking your first steps after a C-sections you want to be in something comfy. I’m loving my new Birdies. These indoor/outdoor slippers are perfect for feeling like a Queen after delivery.

Portable Speaker: While I’ve had three C-sections I did do my time in labor with my first son at 57 hours and trust me, it would have been a lot worse if I did not have a portable speaker with me. There is only so much daytime TV one can handle. Also, if you get a cool doctor she may even let you take the speaker into the OR if you have a c-section. My middle child was pulled out of my belly to Billy Joel’s Uptown Girl and my newest daughter was born to Ziggy Stardust blasting in the OR.

Pillow and Eye Pillow: I learned the hard way to bring my own pillow to the hospital. Hospital pillows aren’t known for being super comfortable and you’ll want as much sleep as you can get with a new baby. Luckily my favorite pillow, Night Pillow makes a Compression Travel Case that makes traveling with it super convenient. Also, don’t forget an Eye Pillow to help you get some shut eye.

Comfy PJs: Comfy PJ’s are key to lying around the hospital. I love my pajamas from Bestaroo and the V-neck makes it easy to breastfeed in.

Mom’s Going Home Outfit: When you finally make your escape from the hospital with your new bundle of joy don’t forget something comfy and easy to put on. I love a good cashmere matching sweat suit like the one I have from Design History.

Toiletry Bag: I love my toiletry bag from Hudson+Bleecker!

Under Eye Masks: I swear by a good under eye mask and my favorite is still Baggage Claim by Wander Beauty.

Brightening Essence: After labor or major surgery you’ll need something to brighten up your face and bonus if it’s all natural plus it works, Matrescence.

Dry Shampoo: We all have our favorite brand depending on hair type.

Waterproof Mascara: There will be tears and cameras. Regular mascara isn’t going to cut it.

Towel: Hospital towels are not known for being large and even though you’ll be feeling 10 lbs lighter you’ll still need a bigger towel than they offer.

Compression Sock: When you think compression socks you might think little old lady but Vim&Vigr makes the most stylish compression socks and you’ll need them for that postpartum swelling.

Corset: I’ve slipped a Bellefit on 24 hours after both kids were born even with a C-section. Corsets can help reduce swelling, they can protect and support the c section incision and also help with recovering from Diastiasis Recti which I unfortunately get having big babies. I also recommend purchasing some in several different sizes to help with your waistline as time goes on.

Diapers for Her: Yes we’ve all seen the horrified post by Chrissy Teigen but truth is the hospital underwear is awful and pads just don’t do the trick postpartum.

Stool Softener: Did you know most hospitals won’t let you leave until you’ve had a postpartum poop. The only thing worse about pushing a baby out of you or being split open is being expected to poop 24 hours later. If you don’t like taking pills might I suggest a nice smooth move tea as well.

Lollipops: If you’re in labor and at risk of having a C-section you’ll be cut off from food and water which isn’t pleasant when you’re having contractions. The silver lining? You’re allowed to have Lollipops. Don’t get stuck with Dum-Dums and bring the Yum Organics good stuff.

Mom Washer: I don’t have to explain why you need this but Fridababy makes a cutely marketed product called the Fridet so it makes the reality of why you can’t wash yourself a little less painful.

Ice Pack: This particular ice pack is not for your head, it’s for your vagina. I’ve never had natural birth but my girlfriends have told me Vagikool does wonders.

Femme Wipes: Parasol makes the cutest little wipes for women plus they’re flushable and biodegradable.

Nursing Pillow: The nursing pillow at the hospital is key if you’re planning on breastfeeding. The last thing you want to do after labor or a c-section is to get a cramp in your back. The Nook Niche feeding pillow is changing the game for nursing moms everywhere.

Nursing Bra: I first saw the Milx nursing bra a few months ago at mom event at Of Mercer. I love that this bra doesn’t have snaps and I can easily just pull the bra to the side and it also is pump friendly. It’s the most comfortable.

Nipple Balm: I always love the products from Earth Mama Organics and their nipple balm has always helped keep my nipples from cracking.

Nursing Top: Loyal Hana has one of the cutest nursing tanks with the hidden zipper design. You can’t even tell it’s a breastfeeding top. Plus you get a wow factor to other moms when you bust out your boob with  the hidden zipper in a public place.

Nursing Consultant: Boober is an NYC based lactation consultant who can come to you or answer questions over the phone about nursing. Even if you don’t live in the NYC area I recommend you finding a lactation consultant near you to help with breastfeeding. Especially with your first child and you’re new to the whole process. I personally find nursing harder than pregnancy and you had a someone help you throughout pregnancy why not nursing?

Swaddles: ErgoPouch is one of the easiest to use swaddles on the market! Plus they have adorable designs too.

Baby Hats: I always find the cutest newborn hats and mittens on Etsy or Monica & Andy have the best sets too.

Portable Sound Machine: Wavhello Soundbub is a product I will never stop raving about. I love multifunctional products and the Soundbub is a sound machine and portable speaker in one. Inside the womb is noisy so when the baby comes they aren’t used to the silence. The sound machine works wonders for this transition.

Sleepers: I always bring several sleepers for the baby to change into after birth.

Coconut Oil: Coconut Oil is key to putting on the babies butt before they have their first poop. The Coconut oil helps wipe away all that sticky meconium.

Infant Car Seat: Always bring your infant car seat to the hospital for the ride home. A game changer car seat/stroller on the market right now is the Doona. It’s perfect for city living and hopping in and out of a taxi.

Something Instagramable: Even your ex-boyfriend who doesn’t post on Facebook posts a picture of his new baby, right? I always pack a cute swaddle and name tag to make that first picture extra adorable.

Going Home Outfit: Don’t forget to pack an adorable and seasonally appropriate outfit for the baby to wear home. My go to brand for the cold weather is Polarn O Pyret.

Electronics

  • Camera
  • Extra Long Phone Charger (you never know how far away the socket will be)
  • SD Card Adapter
  • Laptop
  • Airpods

Nurses Gifts: I always pack a small gift for the nurses. Truth is: if the hospital catches on fire I want her to like me more than the girl next to me.

  • Coffee Gift Cards
  • Sephora does amazing $15 goodie bags
  • Matcha Sticks
  • Grab a gift card from a manicure place close by the hospital

Sibling Gifts: Becoming a Big Sibling is a lot for kid to adjust to. Sometimes a little gift from the newest addition helps ease the transition.

  • Big Bro/Big Sis Tattoos
  • Baby Doll Carrier
  • Big Bro/Big Sis T-shirt
  • Activity Book

Filed Under: Gear, Labor and Delivery, Mama Wellness, Newborns, Pregnancy, Strollers

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The Last Supper (Before Baby!) : Domino’s

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

If you talk to any mom, she will tell you that the dinner before she goes to deliver the baby has got to be a good one; get off your swollen feet, order some Domino’s and binge watch your favorite show on the couch while indulging in cheesy Domino’s goodness!

cinda b Weekender Bag: Every expectant mom needs a hospital bag so why not make it an adorable cinda b Weekender.  All cinda b travel bags, totes and accessories are proudly made in America and are even stain resistant, water resistant and machine washable — which will come in very handy!

Fuzzy Baba slippers: These airy knit soft slippers are the yummiest combo of cute and cozy. Featuring a sweet pastel owl design, breathable knit outer with just a hint of twinkle, and a cushiony-soft, lightweight inner, they’re the perfect springtime refresh.

The Birth Deck: The Birth Deck is a birth prep course in the palm of your hand, your cheat sheet for labor; it’s your saving grace in the final hour when the pregnancy books were too dry and the classes too long. The Birth Deck gives you 50 easy ways to comfort a woman in labor, do NOT leave home without it.

Lifestyle photos via Alexandria Mooney Photography 

Filed Under: Dominos, Labor and Delivery Tagged With: pregnancy

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{Sponsored} Bloomlife Smart Pregnancy Tracker

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We are so excited to be introducing the Bloomlife Smart Pregnancy Tracker to Gugu Guru’s audience! Bloomlife is a smart little sensor that displays, times, and counts contractions during pregnancy.  Check out Gugu Guru founder Monica’s video overview here, plus use our special discount code GG10 at check out for 10% OFF the weekly rental:

View more of our video overviews here:

  • Baby Merlin Magic Sleep Suit
  • nanobébé Feeding System
  • Gugu Pick: MAM Perfect Pacifier

Thank you to our partners at Bloomlife for making this sponsored video possible.

 

Filed Under: Labor and Delivery, Mama Wellness, Pregnancy, Technology Tagged With: pregnancy

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Christmas Baby Hospital Bag Checklist

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

If your due date is within a week of December 25th, and you think there’s a good chance you’ll be listening to newborn coos instead of reindeer on rooftops, you’ll want to keep this Christmas Baby Hospital Bag Checklist handy. Let’s face it, spending Christmas in the hospital – even with your new bundle of joy – could be a little bit dull. This checklist will help to make your fa la la labor and delivery a bit more festive. (See what we did there?)

Christmas Baby Hospital Bag Checklist

  1. Topping our Christmas Baby Hospital Bag Checklist is the fundamental item and that would be your weekender or duffle bag itself.  We like this Unisex Cooper Duffel from Preferred Nation. It’s roomy, with tons of storage and comes in a bright, cheerful red.
  2. Tis the season for photo opps with baby so every mama should bring some comfortable, stylish and functional nursing pajamas. This Starlit Nursing Cami & Pant Set from Belabumbum is made with dreamily soft pima cotton and, while the chance of a “silent night” in the hospital might be slim, these pajamas will definitely keep you cozy. (And you may as well add the matching Starlit Baby Set to your Christmas Baby Hospital Bag Checklist for some mommy & me shots!)
  3. Muslin swaddles are also a definite must-have for any hospital bag. For Christmas babies, we like the aden + anais classic swaddles in twinkle or the even more festive flip side.
  4. Every hospital bag needs slippers for mom and you may as well have some fun with seasonal styles. We love these MUK LUKS Women’s Bootie Slippers that look like they came straight from the North Pole.
  5. May as well go the extra mile and pack up one or two Santa hats for yourself. We like this light up Santa hat bringing some jolly to your ho-ho-hospital experience. Get one for baby too!
  6. Ambiance is everything and since you can’t have candles in the maternity ward, we recommend adding this Thymes Gingerbread Reed Diffuser to your Christmas Baby Hospital Bag Checklist. It emits delectable layers of cardamom, crystallized ginger, golden amber and fresh-ground cinnamon.
  7. Of course, an adorable coming home outfit for baby is a must-have. You just can’t top the cute-ness of these Hanna Andersson pure organic sleepers. Be sure to pick up a pair of their Best Ever First Socks in what more fitting color than Hanna Red?

Looking for holiday gift guides for the expectant or new mom in your life? Be sure to check these out:

Best Holiday Gifts for Pregnant or New Moms 

New Mom Gifts – Buying Guide

Caregiver Holiday Gift Idea: Tiny Tags

Gift Guide: Baby’s First Gifts

Filed Under: Labor and Delivery

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Cord Blood Banking 101

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

In the last few years, there has been a lot of chatter in the parent world about “cord blood banking.” While it seems like a smart idea on the surface, many parents can be overwhelmed by the concept, all the steps involved, the scary “what if’s” that are at the premise of cord blood banking and, the price tag. The team at Gugu Guru knows that when you’re expecting a baby, you’re likely already feeling “decision fatigue” and a high sense of skepticism around what is necessary for your family versus just a nice to have, so we wanted to break cord blood banking down to help you understand if it’s right for you. Below find our Cord Blood Banking 101 overview in an easy to digest Q&A format, including the pros and cons of this offering.  Read on to learn more about cord blood banking for your new baby from LifeBankUSA.

So, what is cord blood banking?

In a nutshell, cord blood banking is the act of saving your baby’s umbilical cord blood and its stem cells at birth in case you may need them in the future. The stem cells are harvested, processed and then “cryopreserved” (a fancy word for freezing) at a bank for your potential future medical use. A baby’s umbilical cord is rich in stem cells that can be used to treat a variety of life threatening disorders and diseases. The idea is that when you store your baby’s cord blood, you are investing in your baby’s future in the event that he or she may need his or her own stem cells. And, not necessarily just that particular child of yours, but often siblings are a match for each other too – though not always.

Why harvest from the umbilical cord blood?

While the umbilical cord blood is not the only source of stem cells in your body, it is very quick and easy to collect and bank stem cells from cord blood.  On the other hand, it currently requires lengthy, invasive procedures to tap into the body’s other sources (e.g., bone marrow) if you were to need your stem cells – and this is why it is recommended by many experts and physicians to harvest from the umbilical cord at birth.

Is there an expiration date on stem cells and how long they can be frozen for?

According to AABB, there is not enough scientific data to quantify the shelf life of frozen stem cells since the act of cord blood banking hasn’t been around that long. However, researchers and scientists say that stem cells frozen over 20 years ago are still as fresh today as they were when harvested.

What can cord blood or stem cells be used for in the future?

From cancers to blood disorders to genetic diseases – cord blood stem cells can be used in the treatment of nearly 80 diseases today such as leukemia, sickle-cell anemia, and some metabolic disorders (source: Moise K Jr. Umbilical cord stem cells. Obstet Gynecol. 2005;106(6):1393-1407.) Privately storing your baby’s cord blood is a way to ensure that this resource is available for your family if ever needed for current applications, experimental uses and for any treatments that may arise in the future. Cord blood is also being used experimentally right now in clinical trials to treat children with cerebral palsy and autism through Duke University Medical Center.

When do you actually “bank” the cells?

Cord blood banking can only be done at birth with the help of a doctor or midwife, using the kit provided through the cord blood banking company the parents have selected. It is important to remember that cord blood banking can only be performed by a doctor or midwife, and only at the moments of birth – you cannot go back and bank cord blood later. Therefore, we highly recommend researching cord blood banking companies while pregnant and having a plan in place well beforehand. Here’s a helpful resource from Parents.com on Comparing Cord Blood Banking Companies.

What is the biggest benefit to cord blood banking?

Perhaps the greatest benefit is that storing your child’s stem cells is a once in a lifetime opportunity and an investment in the safety and security of your family’s future.  By storing your baby’s stem cells privately, it means they will be available if you should ever need them. Without stem cells privately stored, your family would need to undergo other procedures (e.g., harvesting from bone marrow) to extract stem cells or search through public registries which can be extremely time consuming if a viable unit is even found. The long term investment of making sure your baby has his or her own stem cells banked can be considered priceless by many.

OK, so what is the biggest risk with cord blood banking?

Think of cord blood banking like any voluntary insurance plan you might carry. You may never need to use life insurance, for example, and if not – then you are out that investment. That is a financial risk and one that may need to be considered heavily if the cost would qualify as a large investment for your family.  However, some of the payment plans that are offered by private cord blood banks may help to mitigate that risk by allowing you to pay over time versus in one lump sum. Of course, even if the stem cells are not used for treatment you will still have the added piece of mind that they are there for your family.

I am giving birth soon! How do I bank my baby’s cord blood? What if I am giving birth at home?

When you work with a cord blood banking company, the company sends you a compact collection kit that contains all of the necessary materials for the collection to be performed. Simply bring this kit to the hospital in your labor and delivery bag.  The cord blood banking company will subsequently send a medical courier that will come to the hospital to get the kit from you after delivery. If you’re giving birth at home, the process is the same – you would receive a kit and your midwife would perform the collection, and a courier comes to pick up the cells. It’s all a very quick and simple process.

How much does it cost normally? Is there a payment plan?

According to Babycenter, cord blood banks can charge a first-year processing fee that ranges from about $1,500 to $3,000, plus annual storage costs of about $90 to $175. The banks typically offer payment plans, ranging from no-interest installments paid over a few months to longer-term financing with interest.

Thank you to LifebankUSA  for making this sponsored post possible.  A little on LifebankUSA: 

LifebankUSA is a stem cell banking company that is truly committed to research to advance the field of stem cell uses, ultimately helping to increase the value of your family’s investment.  LifebankUSA is able to provide the most comprehensive stem cell banking options for new parents and is an expert in not just storing your baby’s precious stem cells but also in guiding your family in the use of them. After your baby’s stem cells are stored your relationship with LifebankUSA does not end. LifebankUSA is all about research and advancements; so, they will continue to update you on treatment advances using stem cells. Plus, LifebankUSA prides itself on their customer relationships and are always available to support to your family with any questions. Furthermore, if the case happens where you do need the cells, LifebankUSA will assist and support you in ensuring all pre-release testing and documentation is completed and coordinating the release of the stem cells.

Lifebank also has amazing discounts for veterans; contact Lifebank to learn more about their Veteran’s Discount!

Photos by Pics and Paws Photography

Filed Under: Health & Fitness, Health & Wellness, Labor and Delivery, Newborns, Nutrition and Health, Safety Tagged With: baby essentials, newborn

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Video Overview: NewGel+ Scar Management Solutions

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

-Sponsored Video-

Check out Gugu Guru founder Monica’s video overview of NewGel+ Scar Management Solutions and why this is a must-have for parents, especially moms who have had c-section surgery.

Check out more of our c-section must have posts here and here.

 

Filed Under: Health & Fitness, Health & Wellness, Labor and Delivery, Mama Wellness

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UpSpring Baby: Health & Wellness Improvement for Mom

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

This is more of a momprenuers (plural) feature. We speak with Lisa Williamson Rowe, co-founder and CEO of UpSpring Baby – a brand that creates first-of-their-kind products for today’s modern family. UpSpring’s mission is to improve the lives of moms and babies alike and create products that promote health, wellness, and safety. With Mother’s Day around the corner, it seemed like the perfect time to sit down and speak with Lisa about UpSpring’s dedication to health and wellness improvement for mom.

Lisa Rowe of UpSpring

GG: How did you decide to launch your business? Tell us a little more about UpSpring.
LR: We [along with fellow co-founders Julie Jumonville and Dede Woodman] were three mom entrepreneurs that saw unmet needs in the mom & baby market. In 2005, we decided to partner up and create products that met those needs. Our first two products were Milkscreen, an at-home alcohol detection kit for breast milk, and Walking Wings, a unique tool for babies learning to take their first steps.

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GG: How do you balance work and family?

LR: In my home, we definitely have family focus time, like dinner time.  However, UpSpring has really just become part of our daily life and my family is likewise so much a part of UpSpring. My children and family life have inspired the UpSpring brand in many ways, and have given input and feedback all along the way as we’ve built the company.

Milkscreen
GG: What’s the best part of being a mompreneur?
LR: It is just so rewarding partnering with other mom entrepreneurs and sharing products.  We are now a village and that village includes other mom inventors, pediatricians and medical experts all sharing our dedication to promote wellness.

Some of Gugu Guru’s favorite products from the UpSpring catalog:

  • Milkscreen is an easy-to-use at home test that detects alcohol in breast milk. Because everyone metabolizes alcohol differently, the amount of time it takes for alcohol to leave your breast milk also varies. Now you may never have to pump and dump breast milk again.
  • Milkflow is a concentrated blend of natural herbal extracts including fenugreek and blessed thistle. This powdered drink mix helps you stay hydrated, promotes a healthy breast milk supply and is far more exciting to take than pills.
  • The Wellmom Breast Pillow is designed specifically to support the mother’s breast while breastfeeding. UpSpring’s new pillow is the first of its kind to provide optimal breast placement while nursing, which resolves the tiresome and painful-to-the-wrist act of physically holding the breast. The pillow lifts and comfortably supports the breast, and its stay-in-place cover holds the breast in position for hands-free nursing.
  • C-Panty: C Section Recovery Underwear: C-Panty after cesarean-section panty speeds recovery and slims post baby belly. Compression reduces pain and increases mobility. C-Panty takes care of you so you can take care of baby in comfort.
  • MS Panty: Postpartum Recovery Underwear: Designed for vaginal deliveries, MS-Panty is an after baby panty to speed up getting your pre-body back with just the right amount of compression.
  • Wellmom’s Organic Coconut Nipple Balm expedites healing and moisturizes tender skin with all natural ingredients that are okay for baby to ingest. Wellmom Coconut Nipple Balm does not contain lanolin, petrolatum, or parabens so you don’t have to remove the balm before breastfeeding baby.
  • Shrinkx Hips Ultra is the first and only wrap clinically proven to narrow hips after delivery. Shrinkx Hips works thanks to the hormone Relaxin which loosens pelvic joints and ligaments for childbirth. Relaxin stays in your system up to 8 weeks after delivery. Wearing Shrinkx Hips during this time gently guides hips back to their pre-pregnancy position, or smaller.
  • Shrinkx Belly Postpartum Belly Wrap helps you lose inches faster off your belly and waist after delivery. Triple compression customizes fit so you can look and feel better sooner.

Filed Under: Baby Registry, Breastfeeding, Health & Fitness, Health & Wellness, Labor and Delivery, Nutrition and Health Tagged With: baby, breastfeeding, health, registry

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