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Recovering After Hurricane Melissa

Devastation Struck  On October 28, 2025 , Jamaica experienced the most devastating Hurricane known as Melissa. As a teenager, I experienced Ivan but I was now ready to face a new Category 5 contender known as Melissa. Her only counterpart I knew about was " Wild Gilbert " which crippled the island in 1988.  When I heard that it would severely impact the Western part of the island , I went on an online prayer vigil on October 27, 2025 and I repented on behalf of my household. Melissa visited my home at approximately 1:30 pm in the afternoon on October 28 in all her rage and fury. She tried to take the awnings on the verandah but my family and I wrestled with her to lose her hold. By the grace of God when she passed, we escaped with only a pear tree uprooted and 1 of the awnings falling off which we were able to secure. There was a bit of water that came in one of the rooms but to God be the glory, everything else was in tact. It will be an experience that my daughter and I ...

Baby Essentials to Buy Before Your Baby Arrives: Tips & Recommendations for New Mom



Hello everyone, and welcome back to my blog! I know it’s been a while, but today I’m excited to share the things I bought for my daughter before her arrival, along with helpful tips and recommendations for new moms navigating this beautiful journey.

Baby Essentials Before Arrival


Bath & Hygiene

  • Baby bath for bath time

  • Grooming kit & aspirator

  • Baby shampoo & baby lotion

  • Sudocrem or Destin cream (to prevent rashes)

  • Finger brush/manicure set

Clothing & Bedding

  • Clothes (0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months)

  • Sleepers

  • Crib sheets & bumper

  • Heavy blankets

  • Receiving blankets

  • Baby caps

Feeding

  • Breast pump (optional)

  • Bottles in various sizes + nipples

  • Pacifiers or soothers

  • Infant feeding bowl & spoon

  • Formula (Infamil recommended by nurses)

  • Burp cloth

Diapers & Wipes

  • Pampers newborn (buy 2 packs; babies grow fast!)

  • Size 1 & 2 diapers in bulk

  • Wipes (Huggies are affordable)

Mobility & Comfort

  • Stroller

  • Baby walker

  • Moby wrap for carrying baby

  • Bouncer seat, swing, or rocker

Protection & Health

  • Mosquito net & mosquito repellent

  • Diaper bag

  • Teething rings

Laundry & Cleaning

  • Plastic wash basin for clothes

  • Fabric softener

  • Clothes pins

  • Laundry basket

Nursery & Sleep

  • Crib or infant sleep & play

  • Pro tip: Start small and stock up as you learn what works best for your baby

Hospital Bag Essentials

I shopped at SimplyHalal in Kingston, Jamaica. Essentials I packed:

  • Rubbing alcohol & olive oil

  • Savlon or Dettol

  • 4 nightgowns, maternity bras & 6 underwear

  • Belly band

  • Maternity napkins (large maxi pads)

  • Shampoo & body wash, comb & brush

  • Receiving blanket

  • 2 baby caps & 2 onesies for arrival

  • Nipple cream (lanolin-based)

  • 1 pack newborn diapers

  • Bathing rag

My Pointers for New Moms


Stretch Marks & Body Care

  • Apply Palmer’s stretch mark remover daily (mine appeared at 32 weeks)

Support System

  • Have a plan for housecleaning & feeding, especially the first 2 months

Labor & Delivery Tips

  • Walk the floor and breathe during contractions

  • Wear a pad if your water breaks at home

  • Watch for your mucus plug—it looks like a nose booger!

  • Pray and stay positive; God is in control

Postpartum Tips

  • Postpartum depression is real; seek help and pray for healing

  • Trust your instincts; you know your baby best

  • Don’t worry about opinions—take advice but do what works for your baby

  • Babies feed off your energy, so stay positive

Feeding & Health Tips

  • Drink lots of water and cornmeal porridge while breastfeeding

  • Introduce water early and wipe baby’s tongue after feeds

  • Monitor for thrush and trust your instincts

Self-Care & Memories

  • Document your journey with photos, maternity shoots, and keepsakes

  • Enjoy a “baby moon” before birth—do things you love

  • Continue exercising and eat healthily postpartum

  • Embrace the challenges—they’re temporary!

In the end, you’ll have someone who calls you “Super Hero Mommy.” You got this!

Where to Shop

  • SimplyHalal, Kingston: Hospital bag essentials

  • Bashco: Affordable crib, infant sleep & play, and baby furniture

  • Online/Local Stores: Amazon, BabiesRUs, The Children’s Place for clothes, toys, and accessories

  • Trusted Brands: Huggies, Pampers, Destin, Sudocrem, Infamil

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