Pregnancy Week 33 PART 1 *Birth Kit*

[ymeika8]

OMG that is a huge list! It would be good to have that list at least a couple of months in advance so you can start buying things each week! I so admire you for having a home birth :)

[lunarain19]

They put that witch hazel on the pads and freeze them to help with swelling..When I had my daughter they put witch hazel on the pads and then put ice in them.

[sonnysmybaby]

Where are you gonna put the birthing tub in your house?

[dolphinflipper1]

Also use oliv oil can be used on your baby after bath. It works wonders for protecting the skin. I use it for my daughter. Also it's natural, I would recommend it for after a baby's bath instead of using baby oil which tends to dry the skin. I used baby oil on my daughter and she broke out in rashes. I don't know why?

[SandraHart858]

What is the garlic for? I'm still reading the comments.......I love the name River. If we had a boy we wanted to name him Lake...so thoughts and prayers are with you ALL

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

I'm not sure. I know garlic can be used to treat/prevent/cure GBS before L&D, but not sure what the garlic is for FOR L&D?

[jcning]

wow! I applaud you for having a home birth! I also heard the same thing about massaging the perineum while pregnant and to kind of "stretch" it to prevent tearing. Since this is your 2nd birth, would you recommend the depends over regular pads?

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

Depends for the first week, especially if your a heavy bleeder, big clot passer. W/ my daughter I brought home the mesh panties and giant pads they give u at the hospital and wore them for the first 2 weeks at home, as store bought pads weren't enough but for one clot. Plus I don't think anyone owns panties big enough for the giant hospital pads, lol. But regular pads still come in handy once ur pass the initial first stage or two of the bleeding.

[whiteedk]

the depends i think is 1 kind elastic and 1 kind with tape. we use something simular in the eldercare where i come from

[legacylady]

hi there,

i felt id reply to this blog, just to say WOW thats alot of stuff for a home birth.. im currently 21 weeks pregnant with no.5 our first girl after 4 lil boys! ANyways.. we had an unplanned homebirth with son 3 (delivered him alone with hubby on the bathroom floor) and had a planned homebirth with son 4!

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

So I'm guessing u liked #3s birth enough to do it again w/ #4? lol How is #5 being born, home again? Congratulations!

[xNyanPanx]

It is amazing how quickly all that stuff adds up.. but at the same time... it's so much cheaper than doing it at the hospital... and you're going to have a much better experience at home. I'm so excited for you.

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

Exactly! I couldn't have said it better my self.

[xxxxjunebugmamaxxxx]

The papertowels are for the baby to clean him off right after birth I would think and the crock pot is what my midwife used for the oliv oil to warm it for the peri message!!! I am actually due on the 12 of June and we are having a boy too!!

[TabMcgee]

That was very interesting~! Thanks for sharing....And with the olive oil....Do you do that like before you get into the shower or just leave it on??

[caracara62]

I never thought you would need ALL that stuff to give birth at home!! what an amazing experience though! I wish I could do it too but where we live (south of France) this is unfortunately not an option... oh well. and it won't be cheap for us either! anyway hope the home birth goes well as I am sure it will. Thanks for all the videos. I am due a few days before you are and as this is my first baby (a boy) I enjoyed hearing about your experience!

[caracara62]

I never thought you would need ALL that stuff to give birth at home!! what an amazing experience though! I wish I could do it too but where we live (south of France) this is unfortunately not an option... and it's not going to be cheap for us either! could you tell me what the large garlic bulb will be used for? Hope the birth goes well as I am sure it will!! thanks for all the videos! we fell pregnant almost at the same time &I enjoyed following your updates and see our bellies grow together!

[trishy015]

God you are so close to labor... It didn't seem to long on my end.. but I'm sure it was a lot longer for you. lol

[ccjkk1]

There is a ton of stuff on the list!! Oh my! Interesting.

[venus28139]

you soak the napkins in witch hazel and freeze for after you give birth. The frozen pads will help with swelling and the witch hazel will help relive the pain and treet at the same time hemorrroids

[morgankenzienichole]

Y do u need a crockpot and chapstick well get back to me i'm curious LOL

[jannabanna]

Also, the witch hazel is if you get hemorrhoids. The cool witch hazel is soothing to them.

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

Does it HELP w/ the hemorrhoids? like treat them. or just help w/ the pain?

[jannabanna]

Both. The cold soothes it and the witch hazel shrinks the blood vessels.

[jannabanna]

I haven't looked through all your comments, so I'm not sure if anyone's said these things yet, so I apologize if they have! With my two kids, we actually just threw the placenta away, in the regular trash can at the street. Just have to make sure it's wrapped up good, so dogs don't get to it. That's if you want to just throw it out, but I know you can just put it in the freezer if you want to put it under a tree or something like that. I can't believe some people do go as far as eating it!

[Karengoble]

Im sure that they ask for more stuff than you will actually need, just to make sure they have it in case. The good thing about it is that MOST of that stuff is household items that will get used eventually. Except maybe the depends, lol.

[ashleejo06]

I have my CNA license and have worked in a nursing home and the adjustble ones will be difficult for you to use on your own we used those for ppl would couldnt get out of bed and rolled them side to side, we used the others ones for ppl who could stand because you just pull them right up like under wear.

[JenNTim509]

Lucy hun you are so informative, I love it!! I'm not even pregnant yet but I love the idea of home births so this video is awesome, glad you made it!!

[JenLC262]

Someone may have already commented on this but....my cousin had a home birth and they buried the placenta under a tree.

[chall1011]

is jace going to be in the room watching the birth of the baby?

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

We have no set plans... She's constantly changing month to month, so it really depends on where she is on the attachment level to us when this baby decides to arrive. We'll just have to wing it and worse case senerio HOPE N PRAY he comes at night when she's asleep.

[mindy573]

Witch hazel is the main ingredient in Tucks hemorrhoid pads, so I'm guessing they have you get it to sooth your vagina pre and post birth. I think it also helps with swelling.

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

OH wow!!! I really wished I would have known all this w/ my daughter, I would have used those and probably would have felt so cruddy postpartum.

[Humbily]

i was told that the placenta goes in the freezer bags to freeze until you decide what you want to do w/ it. you can plant it w/ a tree and all of the nutrients can help the tree grow, you can eat it (!), or you can always throw it away. but you have to put it in the trash like riiiight before they come to pick it up because dogs go CRAZY over it!

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

I JUST recently heard about the tree ordeal (don't remember from who) I've known that you could eat it... Guess in due time we'll find out!

[dueaug132007]

Do you think you might like to plant it?

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

Possibly, but I'd rather plant it back home on my family land, and I"m not sure if I could it from here to there and it still be good/usable to plant for a tree? It's a bit of a drive.

[dueaug132007]

I would think youd have to freeze it? Dry ice or just plain old, put it in the freezer? Transport it in an esky with lots of ice/ice packs... Or you could buy one of those little freezers that plug into the car cigarette lighter?

[junebabyxoxo]

You're almost prepared! Thanks for posting this, gives a different look on birth since I didn't know anything about home births before your videos

[CrazyCoolShorty]

It was me that asked about the placenta ..

My guess is that they will put it in the bag and dispose of it at the hospital.

Looks like your getting prepared. I am VERY excited for you!!!

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

Ohhh. Well looks like quite a few people asked then, I guess I just remembered the most recent one.

[CrazyCoolShorty]

No probs hunny ..

I think its a common question. With a hospital birth its not something you would even have to think of.

HUGS .. I cannot wait to see your little boy

[dueaug132007]

Were you referring to me as the Chantelle who asked bout the placenta? Yeah, i did ask. I wonder if they leave you to dispose of it? Surely the midwives would tak it- its boihazardous waste of something isnt it?

It does all add up pretty quickly doesnt it? But in the end, when your holding that little guy and youve experienced the most natural, comfortable and rewarding birth just like you want, you will be so pleased you did it!

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

Yes, then I guess so... I couldn't remember for sure who had asked. I don't think it's biohazardous as it's nothing but full of very good nuturients, and in a lot of cultures the birthing mother/family will eat the placenta b/c it's so healthy.

[dueaug132007]

I know that it consists of good stuff but if its not disposed of correctly it would turn bad and therefore be biohazardous (i think thats the right term...).

Yeah, ive heard of it being eaten before too. But you guys wont will you?

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

Nope not eating it...

[dueaug132007]

LOL

[xoxoLoveToReadxoxo]

Sorry I should have done this in my other comment, but when you say water birth do you mean like in the tub? Or are you having a little pool brought in or something? Sorry I have no clue about home births and its really interesting IMO anyways!

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

We will be using a 'birthing tub/pool' ... If u have one of those big garden tubs u could use that (but we don't)... Some people have even used a pool from Walmart b4... But we'll be doing a birthing pool

[xoxoLoveToReadxoxo]

This may sound a bit nosey but how the heck do you drain that? lol, because its going to be in your home and I dunno..... Anyways thanks, your very helpful. :)

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

haha leave to ya'll to come up with the questions I would never think of... GOOD ONE! I dunno??? Heck I'm not even sure how u fill it up!!!!!

[xoxoLoveToReadxoxo]

lol, well I guess you'll have some great questions for your mid wife next visit!

[xoxoLoveToReadxoxo]

Wow, I totally understand why you want a home birth but it sounds scary...... I don't know if I'd be able to be that brave. I do have a question, what's the crock pot for?

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

I'm not sure, but some above mentioned to keep hot moist towels, and that makes sense.

[dueaug132007]

Oh, hey hun! I jus came off of Face, didnt expect to see any vids on here from you cuz ur so sick :(

Do you know how early you can start the olive oil? If you start right from the bieginning, do you know if it makes a bigger difference? Or does it only help out if you start in the 3rd trimester? Because, knowing me, id start ASAP! I mean, i started on the Bio Oil before i even got pregnant! LOL

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

Well the olive oil CANT HURT, so it doesn't matter when u start.

[dueaug132007]

No, i kno it cant hurt but i was just wondering if its more effective at a later stage in pregnancy than it is if you would start ASAP.

[Amenakin]

Hey... you're allowed to start whenever, although advised not to start in 1st tri as things are a bit delicate at that time. They recommend 3rd tri as it only takes a few weeks for the skin to reach maximum elasticity so there's not much point in starting earlier (you might get bored and not carry on when it matters most!) HTH

[cyannsky]

You are real organized :). Everything seems preped and ready. for him to go. Goodluck with this, its going to go sooooo well. I just had 2 of my friends from xanga homebirth and everything went supper well.

[Amenakin]

At what point in labour is the olive oil used for perineal massage? When the head starts to crown/ just before the pushing stage/ all the while, from the first stage?

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

Just b/c we were instructed to start using it now, I would think the entire time... ? I'm not sure if that's b/c I have had an epi and massaging now will help w/ that scar tissue?

[Amenakin]

Yeh, massaging now will help to reduce chances of tearing again, not necessarily help with scar tissue. FYI: I've noticed a difference in elasticity within a couple of days! I was just curious about using it during labour as I hadn't heard of that. If your midwife elaborates on when exactly to do it, please do let us know.

Apparently, placing a damp, warm washcloth on the perineum during crowning also helps the tissue to stretch, hence preventing tearing. *Shrug* it's gotta be worth a shot...

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

Oh I agree, def. worth a shot! lol The aftermath of dealing w/ it again is what scares the beejigbees out of me. I couldn't sit up right for ever. And in the hospital they had those rocking chairs w/ nursing stools, I tried sitting on that thing and was like OUUUUUCH what the hell?? Can anyone ever sit in this thing after giving birth? lol

[XxMoMmYoFbOySxX]

awesome video lucy! thanks for sharing.. some very interesting stuff.. :D i cant believe u are almost due soon.. then its my turn hehehe..hope all is well, sonja

[FlowingGeisha]

You should really shitty and I bet you feel shitty. That sucks. I use the Always maxi pads all the time for my menstrual cycle. I like them so good choice. You're all set and I can't wait to see it used. Let's hope you'll deliver naturally and not by cesarean or else the stuff get's returned. For tossing out the bloody shit stuff and the placenta and all the unwanted shit. Expensive but worth it for the mother and the midwife and assistants.

[poolgod396]

wow! do they tell you it's that expensive? i guess it would be more expensive to have a home birth?

[Humbily]

depending on how you pay for it. w/o insurance a hospital birth can cost 10,000 +..home births are around 2500-4000. so it's actually a fraction of the cost.

[mollybcutie2000]

HP does get out blood for sure ive been using it for that for a long time... Crockpot could be used to keep hot moist towels not sure..

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

that makes sense

[xjerseysxpoisonx]

Good luck with everything you seem really prepared and ready to go. I personally would never attempt a home birth for fear of serious complications. I'm all for hospitals they have saved a lot of babies and mothers that otherwise may have died if not in a hospital at the time of birth. I hope for the best for you guys and again my hats off to you because I could never do what your about to do. I can't wait to see your son I bet he will be adorable:)

[IvnTee07]

Are you sure you are going to be birthing a child or cooking a meal... I mean a crock pot, olive oil, sandwich bags, paper towels and herbal mixture.LOL just kidding! Good Luck with everything

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

Hey... I wondered the same thing! The herbal mixture is for the bath though. It's the "FIRST BATH" for baby & me to get cleaned up after the birth together as well as bonding, I'll bathe him with him, then hand him over to get weighed, measured, so forth.. While that is taking place NEXT TO ME I will bathe my self and get cleaned up.

[Skydancer1971]

Lol, I was wondering the same thing about all the herbs too. I ask I may have said am starting college in the fall to become a Midwife, if memory serves from what I read in one book the Witch Hazel and the pads in the freezer Hon are for soothing your hiney hole andas and may help with the VA JAY JAY too ;) think about the tucks pads in the hospital & the Epi foam if they still make that magical stuff to help with himroids!!! and I wanted a glove full of ice rite on both areas too!

[LYDISANC21]

great tip on the olive oil! Thnx! I never knew that!

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

No problem! :) I didn't either until a few weeks ago. ha

[melkingcat]

Lucy, you sound terrible, hope you feel better soon!

The garbage bags will probably be for putting on the floor around the pool/bed to protect the floor from water, blood and any other "spills".

The frozen witch hazel soaked pads are fantastic for helping to heal bruising and any tearing that you suffer. I used them like mad after the birth of my daughter, its very soothing.

Errr...whats the crock pot for? In case the midwife gets the munchies half way through? Lol.

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

Bags are not for that, I know that much... The birth pool comes w/ a plastic sheet for the floor, and we were instructed to buy like more plastic sheets (like what a painter would use) to protect the carpet.)

I figured that's what it was for... (Hazel Pads) but didn't know? That's great!!!! I'm glad we bought two of those witch hazel things then. Is that enough?

I'm not sure on the crock pot???? Thought it was an odd request though. Luckily we already had one from our wedding registry.

[melkingcat]

I suppose the bags could just be for the obvious then....throwing away the used paper towels, pads, underpads etc?

I'd be very careful putting hydrogen peroxide on the carpet...wouldn't it bleach it white? Test it in a cupboard first.

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

ummm not sure (bleach)??? Im like a total dummy in that aspect. grrreat ? though, i will make sure 2 ask.

[TMAcquin]

HP does not bleach.....My MIL swears by it for getting out stains (she is a big thrift store shopper) and I saw her use it on a pair of blue jeans to get out a stain and no bleaching. But I would still test it on the carpet just as you would test anything you might stain remove.

[edhill1988]

Do you know why you would need a garlic bulb?

[xxxjoelpolexxx]

I'm not sure why it's needed for the birth? But I do know u can treat/cure/prevent GBS w/ garlic cloves....

[Jae0o0]

Thank you for this! Its very helpful.