Laura here! I got really lazy at some point mid-pandemic and stopped posting our episodes here. We are still going strong and show notes are in the episode descriptions. Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts.
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#FamiliesBelongTogether – Ways to Help
Here at Hey Mama Podcast, we’re a little stunned that we have to say this: children, regardless of their immigration status, belong with their parents. This country cannot purport to have family values at its core and continue to separate already scared and traumatized children from their main source of comfort and familiarity. That’s not even addressing the questions around who is caring for them and what level of danger they are being put in when they are placed with temporary care.
There is a lot of amazing work being done and resources being offered to those interested in helping. Here are a few round-ups/lists of ways to help and explanations on what’s happening:
Hospital Bag Checklist
In honor of its being Caitlin’s due date week, here’s our definitive Hospital Bag Checklist. If you haven’t already, check out Caitlin’s hospital bag video.
Below, we share our list with some color commentary where needed. If you just want the plain list to copy and paste, click here.
Clothes: Yes, you will have access to hospital gowns galore. But most folks feel better in their own gear. Bring your favorite clothes for lounging around the house on a rainy day. Comfort, comfort, comfort. This list will slightly differ, depending on your preferences. If you plan to nurse, all tops should be nursing friendly. Pants should be loose-fitting or maternity.
- Robe (if you’re a robe person)
- Pajamas
- Sweatpants/leggings/yoga pants
- T-shirts/nursing tanks
- Sweatshirts/cardigans
- Underwear (dark colors!)
- Socks (optional; hospital will provide)
- Nursing bras (regular if you don’t plan to breastfeed)
Toiletries and Makeup: Many hospitals provide the basic essentials (toothpaste, mouthwash), but don’t count on those unless you know for certain. Take this opportunity to go to Target and get a bunch of travel size goodies. You can use them in the future for vacation. That way, you can pack your bag in advance. If you’re a makeup person, bring your makeup!
- Makeup
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Dry shampoo
- Deodorant
- Face Wash
- Face moisturizer
- Body moisturizer
- ACNE PRODUCTS (YAY)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Lip Balm
- Hair dryer/straighter
- Hair brush
- Hair ties
Miscellany:
- Ear plugs: Hospitals are LOUD. You need some sleep.
- Chargers: Enough said.
- iPad/Kindle: I didn’t really use mine either time, but on the off chance you have some down time…
- Nipple cream: Apply it every time you nurse.
- A pen: You fill out a billion forms.
- Nursing pads: Your milk probably won’t come in while you’re there, but just in case.
- Nursing pillow: You nurse A LOT at first. Might as well be comfortable.
- Baby going home outfit: Something cute!
- Vitamins: Keep taking them, especially if you’re nursing.
Instruction sheet: I know this sounds crazy, but you might not be the one getting your bag together at the last minute. You might be too far along in active labor or (like me with Charlie) admitted to the hospital, with your partner running home to grab your stuff. OR! you might be too distracted/excited/nervous/frantic to think clearly. Leave a sheet of paper with last minute instructions on how to finalize the bag. For instance, you might not be able to pack your hair dryer, bath robe, make up, or iPhone charger in advance. This sheet should list items like that and where they are located. This sounds like overkill, but you’ll be glad you did it on the off chance you need it.
Good luck!
Photo by Lauren Roberts on Unsplash
Shopping for Activewear – The #FitMom Edition
by Kerry O’Grady, Fitness Blogger
Before you read any further, I need to tell you something.
I do not have children.
Therefore, I am not a mother.
If A, then B, therefore C: I know nothing about kids.
In fact, the only things I know about kids is from the three and a half years I spent working at Parents, American Baby, and FamilyFun magazines. And, in complete transparency, I didn’t even write for those brands; I just tried to get moms to buy stuff (I worked in the marketing department).
6 tips on protecting your family’s digital presence
by Henry Kravchenko, Information Technology Expert
In early 2017 the credit tracking agency Equifax was breached, which resulted in the theft of approximately 143 Million SSNs and additional personally identifiable information (PII). The global cost of cyber crime is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2019, a threefold increase from the 2015 estimate of $500 billion. Cyber crime is real, you’ve been impacted and someone has at least one of your super duper secret passwords. Don’t believe me? Please navigate to https://haveibeenpwned.com/ and look up your email address.
I apologize for scaring you, but I need your attention. Below are 6 things you can do to mitigate the effect (you can never prevent) of cyber crime on your family.
Baby Registry Checklist
Congratulations! You’re pregnant. Hopefully you’ve made it out of the first trimester with your dignity intact, and you’re starting to feel better.
So, your registry. Do you need one? Well, most people do. Loved ones and friends are going to buy you stuff, whether you have a shower or not. So it’s best to have a list for them to buy from, instead of having them go rouge (this is also my advice re: wedding registries).
Keep reading to find out what you do and don’t need on your registry. We’ve also compiled all this information into a spreadsheet, so head over there to see our advice in all its tabulated glory. This post will summarize the essential items, but the spreadsheet has the whole kit and caboodle. Please feel free to download the spreadsheet and make it your own!
Children’s Apparel Retailer Run-Down
The world of children’s clothes is vast and fun. But like most things in new parenthood, it is overwhelming. I created this list as I realized it might be fun to have this stuff in one handy list, maybe something you show your loved ones who like getting your kiddo clothes, inspiration for the next time your little needs new shoes, etc. When it comes to sizing,
Books About Difficult Topics
Here’s a list I sincerely hope you never have to use. We would all love to insulate our children from life’s tragedies, but unfortunately, we can’t always. If tough stuff hits your family, reading about it can help kids process. It also gives you an important intro into discussing things that can be hard to bring up.
The books are geared towards kids ages 2-5. Thanks again to Cara Aloisio, LCSW for compiling this list!
Pride T-Shirts from Etsy For Kids!
It’s Gay Pride Month! Whether you just want to show solidarity, are a member of the LGBTQ community, plan on marching or just want family to know you’re an ally, there’s a cute shirt to help you on Etsy! Target has some good stuff too, which Cool Mom Picks just posted about, but since I am currently obsessed with Etsy for kid clothes, I scoured the site a bit for options (man there are some stinkers out there). Take a look at our faves below!
JamJamsJam – T-Shirt
JamJamsJam – Playsuit
Support independent creators while simultaneously showing solidarity!
Books About Transitions
Transitions! They happen all the time. One of the best ways to prepare kids for transitions to is read books about the situation, before it happens. Below is a list of books for specific types of transitions. They are geared towards kids ages 2-5. Thanks to Cara Aloisio, LCSW for compiling this list!