Doing it Over

Things I'd do differently the second time around. After being quite particular about having e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g with the first baby, I think I could scale the products down this time around, however I seem to be upping the amount of crazy on certain things like vaccines.

Birth Plan:

Last time I didn't even have a birth plan because I didn't want to stir at the hospital, but this time I'm better informed and so my birth plan will most definitely include:

• Exclusive breastfeeding (on demand)
• Delay bathing in order to get more skin on skin time as soon as possible, bathing may be delayed until day 2. Plus the vernix exhibits antioxidant, skin cleansing, temperature-regulating and antibacterial properties.
• No Hepatitis B vaccine
• No Oral Polio (OPV) vaccine
• No BCG vaccine
• If I cant be present for whatever reason then my husband should be present and even provide skin on skin contact
• No continuous electronic fetal monitoring
• I'm still in two minds on whether to attempt a VBAC. Found this VBAC calculator here: https://mfmu.bsc.gwu.edu/PublicBSC/MFMU/VGBirthCalc/vagbirth.html
• Predicted chance of vaginal birth after cesarean:  68.8% 

Products I'd buy this time around:

• A decent waterproof baby bag
• A double stroller? Still pondering about this one. 
• Fold up baby bath
• Humidifier - you never know when you'll need it. But  I've learnt it's best to plan ahead. 
• I already have a breast pump - but if I did it over from scratch I'd make sure I had one from the start and make it a double breast pump.
• Baby Sling
• Maternity Clothes - last time everyone said maternity clothes were such a waste - well I think it's worse feeling like a piggy while you're already feeling like a cow. :P
• New baby bottles - preferably the Tommee Tippee glass ones that unfortunately we can only find in Singapore?!

Products I wouldn't buy or use again:

• Walking Ring
• Bouncing chair
• Cheap baby grows or vests - these stretch badly, I'd rather have fewer decent ones this time. 
• Talc Powder e.g. Johnson and Johnsons - rather use cornstarch powder
• Bumbo seat