Mum
You’re almost there. Here’s a checklist for your labour bag, and a list for your baby layette (fancy word for a set of clothing).
Renting baby gear makes a lot of sense because of money and storage space. Babies grow fast and their needs change accordingly. Consider hiring the following:
- Baby capsule
- Bassinet
- Sling
- Front-pack (kangaroo pouch)
- Breast pump
- Baby toys and books.
Once your baby is born, you’ll find out what they like and what to buy (e.g., if baby likes motion, get a hammock or electric swing or a stroller; if they like to be held close, buy a papoose). And before you know it, you’ll be buying a toy every week!
Dad
Your partner may be experiencing “pregnancy brain” or “pregnancy amnesia” caused by hormones, as well as restless nights and the resultant lack of sleep. These are common complaints, and ones that cannot be cured at the moment. Remind her about her appointments, make lists, and offer to take on more chores. Not long now!
Baby
You are still growing (approximately to the size of a cantaloupe this week), still putting on precious fat that will insulate you when you leave the cosy warmth of mum’s tum. As you stretch, your little body parts, like your hands and feet, might make impressions on mum’s belly. Your skin is looking fabulous and the cheesy coating (vernix) is thickening. If you are born now, you may need a short stay in the neonatal unit, but you will most likely do as well as a full-term baby in the long run.
Things to keep in mind
- If you haven’t already, ask your doctor about cord clamping and do some research on what you’d like to do with the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth – there are so many great traditional practices you might want to consider.
- Try to create a bedtime ritual to prepare you for better sleep. A few gentle prenatal yoga stretches, avoiding food just before bed, keeping screen-time to a minimum, and reading a book can help get your mind and body ready for sleep.
- Treat haemorrhoids with TLC – a warm sitz bath and witch hazel pads may also make them more bearable.
- Drink lots and lots of water. This is great for your overall health, but can also prevent or relieve constipation, and some research shows that dehydration may be a significant contributing factor to Braxton Hicks contractions, therefore drinking plenty of water may help.
Photos in the bumpandbaby.co.nz/week-by-week/ are by Lenart Nilsson. Lenart's series was bought to fame when his photo, considered the greatest photo of the 20th century, appeared on the cover of Life magazine in 1965. “Everyone interprets images differently, depending on their social, cultural and religious background. In the digital era, I believe it is more important than ever to go back and take a look inside ourselves. What better way of doing that than with these photos?” ~ Jane Stene, art gallery director and curator of Lenart's definitive black and white series, told the The Guardian in 2019. It is Lenart Nilsson's wish that his images are never used for political debate about pro-life.
