Donny, I love to watch you:

- Play guitar with Sebastian, blast music (currently: Macklemore, Of Monsters and Men) and dance!
- Rough-house: Play punches, jumping on the beds, chasing and playing monster.
- Devote extra time – play and words and cuddles – to Sebastian now that he is a big brother.
- Encourage learning and always make the time to answer questions and explain new concepts enthusiastically.
- Comfort and play with Zeke, experienced and confident as you get to know our new person.
- Naturally embrace gentle parenting practices.
- Change diapers and wipe ass, because you are a real man.

I loved watching you fall instantly in love with Sebastian – I remember him looking up at you for the first time with instant recognition - and now with little Zeke. I will be forever grateful for your support during their births, especially Ezekiel’s. I never would have made it through med-free without your amazing coaching.

You are a natural father; you were born to do it. You helped make me a mother. I love you. Happy Father’s Day!

The key is to be organised. Use this checklist of the essentials as a packing guide, and factor in time for a shopping trip or two to pick up anything that you don’t already have. The good news is that, when you shop for baby at George at ASDA it’s easy to find all that you need online or while doing your weekly supermarket shop.

Summer Baby Shoes

Keeping little feet cool and comfortable is important while in a sunnier climate, and your baby will also need shoes to protect feet from hot sands. Jelly sandals are ideal for paddling or playing on the beach in. They’re also great for around the pool when the surface can be too slippery for bare feet.

Take a look at the George at ASDA baby shoes range – you’ll find Kermit and Minnie Mouse jelly sandals – the perfect summer holiday footwear whether you have a boy or a girl.

Swimwear and Cover Ups

Cool cover ups are just as important as swimwear, especially if you are taking baby abroad. Hooded towels are great for pulling on after a swim, and be sure to pack plenty of light coloured t-shirts to reflect the sun’s rays and cover delicate shoulders. Pick up multi packs of t.shirts for £5 or less and kitting your little one out for a sun safe holidays doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Cool Clothes

As well a practical t.shirts, cotton sundresses, shorts, and romper suits are all practical warm weather wear. Choose breathable fabrics and light colours, and keep outfits simple. Bows and frills may look cute but can irritate baby in the heat, so stick to simple designs for comfort.

Don’t forget to pack a couple of cardigans or lightweight jackets for evenings, as even hot countries will drop in temperature when the sun goes down.

The Essentials

Depending on your destination, you may need to take your preferred brand of nappies and baby milk with you when you travel. You’ll also need a good supply of swim nappies, as these will need changing frequently to keep baby comfortable.

Of course, you’ll also need to pack your sun safety essentials including suncream for baby’s delicate skin, a hat and sunglasses.  For the pushchair you’ll need a parasol or UV shade.

The Biggies

Depending on your little one’s age, you’re likely to need a pushchair and a car seat to transport her or him around. If this sounds like too much like hard work, particularly if you have other children to consider, ask your travel agent about hiring these items in resort. Highchairs, sterilisers and other baby items may also be available to hire – your tour operator should be able to help you book these items in advance.

While packing for baby’s first break can be a chore, it’ll all be worth it for the amazing photos and memories that you’ll make on this very special family holiday!

For Mother’s Day this year, Donny and Sebastian gave me a homemade organic body scrub! Ingredients include lemon and coconut and it’s amazing! It was the perfect bit of luxury to get me through the end of my pregnancy. Now I have a lot to live up to!  (Father’s Day falls on June 16th this year, so be ready!)

You might think that not receiving gifts on Father’s Day could be cause for poor old dads to feel tragically unappreciated, especially if their kids managed to make the effort for Mother’s Day. According to research carried out by K&Co.com though, it turns out most dads are fairly resigned to their fate, with expectations for this year’s celebrations tellingly subdued.

Father’s Day is our annual chance to celebrate dads and show appreciation of all their sterling work. However, over half of the UK-based dads in the survey said that they didn’t care whether they received a present on Father’s Day, and only 2% said they felt their children made more effort for Father’s Day than Mother’s Day. Despite this, over half the dads in the survey still felt that they were appreciated by their children.

Although the evidence suggests that dads don’t put much importance on Father’s Day, you’re not off the hook yet. Over half the men asked felt that although Father’s Day wasn’t hugely important, it was still a chance for a nice gesture, some small token of affection and appreciation. With paternal expectations generally pretty low, this year could be the perfect chance to surprise your dad with a carefully planned out, thoughtful gift.

How much to spend? Well, the expectations aren’t high! Nearly half the men in the survey said they only expected their children to spend between £0-£5 on Father’s Day gifts. The usual suspects are mugs, ties and socks, so try and think more personally. Look for books he might read, or films he might enjoy – extra points for any old favourites you can reunite him with on DVD.

A homemade card is always appreciated too, so get crafty and inject a bit of personality into your contribution. Over half of men in the survey confirmed that they interpreted the gifts they received as revealing how well their children knew them, so a card or present with an in-joke or link to his favourite hobby might be the best way to his heart.

With 9% of the questioned dads stating that their kids forgot dates like Father’s Day, make sure you get on his right side and save the date by writing a memo in your diary the week before Father’s Day. It’s on the third Sunday of June each year, which is the 16th this month, so there’s no excuse for being unprepared! Even if your dad doesn’t care too much about the occasion, it’s still the perfect time to prove just how much you care about him.

Since delivering my new baby Zeke last week (Birth story coming soon!), I’ve been excitedly reviewing lots of new-baby and new-mama products, including Mrs. Patel’s lactation treats. Mrs. Patel’s Munch Crunch can be sprinkled onto your meals or taken by the spoonful to aid in lactation and digestion. The toasted seeds are a mix of sweet and savory, and I’ve found that I love them on oats. Steel cut oats are super filling – perfect for those first few days after giving birth – and oatmeal is said to boost your milk supply.

For oatmeal with a milk-making boost: Prepare oats to your liking. I like heaps of brown sugar, raisins when I have them, and whole milk. Mix in one tablespoon of coconut oil. Top with a spoonful of Mrs. Patel’s Munch Crunch & enjoy!

24 Savvy: 4 Easy Ways to Tell if Clothes are Made Well

Natural Parents Network: 20 Ways To Use Coconut Oil On Infants and Children We have many uses for coconut oil over here. Recently I’ve been using it to clean and moisturize my pregnant skin. We also spoon a small amount into Sebastian’s baths for a silky smooth toddler.

The Alpha Parent: Breastfeeding Versus Formula: Should the state step in? LOVE THIS.

Penn & Teller did a Bullshit! episode on circumcision. WATCH:

And I must say, I’m getting frustrated.

Technically, I’m only 2 days past my Estimated Due Date, but Sebastian arrived four days ‘early’ and I never really expected to make it all the way to 40 weeks this time.

I tapered off work clients awhile ago, so I’m basically just cleaning my apartment over and over, and of course spending quality time with my family. — I just thought that we’d be relaxing as a family of FOUR by now!

I am trying to fund my maternity break (not so much a leave, as I do work from home), so up until this baby is born, I am offering 1/2 off on ad space in my sidebar. Message me here to get set up!

There is also a donate button in the sidebar if you’re feeling generous. Some of my readers have gone above and beyond before, and I’m always sure to pay it forward. ♥

Any guesses on when this guy will be born? If you’re in the mood, leave me a comment with your guess at his birthday and birth weight! If I get enough responses, maybe I’ll send out a prize to the closest guess.

(Sebastian arrived at 10:46am on September 23rd, 4 days before his due date. He weighed 7lbs 2 oz.)

As always, thanks for following Alternative Housewife! If you’re interested, I may or may not be live tweeting during labor. And keep checking back here for updates as well as for lots of product reviews and a few giveaways coming soon!

I’m also still open to suggestions to naturally induce labor!

Oh! And a congrats/shoutout to my girl Sofia, who just welcomed her baby girl! ♥♥

It is officially one day after my due date and I’m not in labor yet. I do have my (cute new vintage Samsonite!) bag packed though, and everything is ready to go.

I didn’t really know what I was doing when I packed my hospital bag and otherwise planned for Sebastian’s birth. I wasn’t prepared with nursing wear or, really, anything else to wear after delivery. When it came to post-partum healing, the hospital provided a lot, but I did have to send my husband out for supplies once we got home. This time around, I’m more prepared. This post is a peek into what I recommend packing and what is inside my birth bag.

(I’d like to add that while we’re doing another hospital birth, I also love the idea of a home birth. For me, the main draw of birthing outside the home is the hotel effect: a self-cleaning room, room service, and getting to enjoy a homecoming to a clean apartment!)

Note: This post contains affiliate links to Amazon and brands I support.

For labor:

- Ambiance - Flameless candles, music or hypnobirthing tapes, scents. I am packing anti-anxiety aromatherapy lotion and (lavender-lemon-rose-peppermint) calming oil.

- Swimwear (optional) if you plan to use the birthing tub

- Comfy clothing for your stay – Sweat pants, tank tops, robe, perhaps socks & slippers – and something cute & comfy to wear home

Breastfeeding:

- Nursing clothes - At least one comfy nursing bra or a couple of nursing tanks- I recommend Bravado or Leading Lady brands, but you can also find very affordable options at Walmart or Target.

- Nipple Butter

Post-partum care:

- Coconut oil - Works as a moisturizer for you, moisturizer + diaper cream for baby. (This could also work in place of nipple butter.)

- Mrs. Patel’s nursing bars - While I’ve never had problems with supply, a little boost can’t hurt. These lactation treats aren’t safe during pregnancy but look delicious… So I’m packing them as an after-labor reward. Mrs. Patel’s products are also recommended to help with post-partum healing.

- Personal care items - Hair bands, face wash, tweezers, deodorant, etc.

- New Mama Bottom Spray & Mama Bottom Balm – I’ll be packing these this time!

For baby:

- Cloth diapers, if you plan to start using them in the hospital

- Newborn clothes I don’t really care about the “coming home outfit” but did pack something comfortable to bring Baby Z home in. During the stay I intend on keeping him in just a diaper, skin-to-skin with me or Daddy (or Sebastian!)

- Soft, lightweight blanket – Something more comfortable than the hospital receiving blanket

Waiting at home:

- Cute comfy clothes for when visitors stop by. Friends and family will want to meet Baby, and you’ll probably end up in photos. Shop for new loungewear or dig out the clothing you were wearing at around 5 months pregnant. Above all, you want to be comfortable. Keep in mind that you will be packing a giant maxi pad for awhile – This is not the time for lululemon!

- Lactation tea – Products to help with your supply may or may not be needed, but they help me get into a confident nursing mindset. Shop Earth Mama Angel Baby or Mrs. Patel’s, or buy a box of Traditional Medicinals Organic Mother’s Milk Tea online or at your local grocery store.

- Pads. You will want a package of overnight maxi pads – I prefer Seventh Generation brand.

- Witch hazel, which you can use to soak and freeze pads to soothe swelling, stitches, etc. I also have a package of EMAB Postpartum Bath Herbs.

// Feel free to comment with anything I may have left out! What were the must-haves for your birth bag?

I am expecting my newborn any day now, and gearing up for a brand new breastfeeding experience. I’m so curious how my new nursling’s habits will compare with Sebastian’s!

One of the biggest perks to nursing is that it’s free, although there are a few products that can help new moms with both comfort and confidence. I suggest that all expecting mothers purchase a couple of nursing bras a few weeks before Baby’s arrival. Breast pads (I like wool) and Nipple Butter are also essential, especially in the early days. Your first weeks with Baby will primarily be spent breastfeeding, and it’s important to have a comfy space to do so. Keep snacks – and lots of water – handy near your favorite spot on the couch or in a glider. An infant nursing pillow like the unique mombo will help support Baby and save you from back pain. (Remember, bring Baby to the breast and not the other way around!)

The mombo nursing pillow has a firmer side for nursing and a softer side for baby to lounge. It also boasts a vibration feature. I like that the mombo does double duty, making it a more economical purchase. A quality nursing pillow will hold up long after you’re done using it for breastfeeding… Especially if it vibrates!

The mombo is available in a variety of designs. Most are a little too cutesy for me but there are some more neutral patterns as well.

The Mombo is available at Toys R Us or Babies R Us and would make a great shower gift!

Be sure to follow Comfort & Harmony (makers of the mombo): Comfort & Harmony on Facebook, Comfort & Harmony on Twitter

I will be adding my own product review once this new little babe is born! While Mrs. Patel’s products are wonderful for lactation, digestion and post-partum healing, they aren’t safe during pregnancy. I have a box of bars in my fridge that are going straight into my hospital bag once labor starts!

Check out the video review by Alexis — If you like it, be sure to subscribe to her channel and leave her a YouTube comment!