Stuff

Everything a new baby needs, according to my midwife …

Image: Flickr / Beck Gusher

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“37 weeks – a big milestone,” confirmed our midwife at today’s appointment. It’s official – our little (not so little) bean is full term.

Now the waiting game begins. Will she be early? She’s kindly got herself in a head down, engaged position already but some Googling tells me that doesn’t mean anything. Will she be right on time? Due 2 September, she’s precariously straddling school years. Will she be the baby of one class or the oldest in another? And how important could that be? Will she be late? Just like her Mum, who lounged for an extra 6 days – rudely interrupting Christmas that year – before deciding to making an appearance. Charlie’s office has a book running. His money is on 5 September, meaning a shared Daddy-daughter birthday.

“How do you feel? Ready?,” asked the midwife.

I thought about saying “can you ever feel ready?” but instead went with “we’ve finally bought most of the baby things, so I think so.” It seemed more positive.

“You do know a baby only needs three things,” she replied.

I’ve seen some very long lists of essential kit, so was intrigued.

“Parents, food and love,” she continued. “Everything else is decoration.”

Practically, I know the hospital isn’t going to let us take home a naked, nappy-less baby with no car seat. But it’s quite beautiful to think we’ve had the most important kit in our home the whole time.

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