Helping others: how do we get started?

[HereWeGoAgain9]

All the help offered for proudmama has made me really start thinking. This is not a post meant to take ANYthing away from her - Lord knows she deserves the help, needs the help & we all want her children & her to be successful & happy!
But with so many wanting to help, I'm wondering if there's a way to do something of a co-op? One day her baby, just like mine, will grow out of infant clothing, blankets, car seats & strollers. What if we found a way to store those items collaboratively? Obviously one of us cannot store anything, but if those willing had a little storage container of emergency items and whatnot for new moms in need, wouldn't that be incredible?? I know I needed things & in a hurry! I made my decision to parent just a week or so before delivery. Thank goodness I had friends who came to my rescue!!!
Is there anyone who wants to brainstorm ideas with me? I don't have much but what I do have is clean, cared for and ready to be passed on to others who need help. Even a weeks worth of items would be helpful! Babies require far less initially than the baby market would have us think.

I'm here to do all I can.

Thanks!!

Sydney xo

[Southernroots]

I've been thinking about this issue too.  One thing that might be helpful is to have a list of members who have items and/or would be willing to help with their state and/or province. That way when an expectant mom pops up needing help, we will already knew if anyone lives nearby.  That could save some time. The list could also have what people have available too, right?  I would be willing to start a list like that.  

Would it be useful to make a separate group just for this purpose, or is it better to keep it here?  I think Cafemom already has a group of moms helping moms.

[susie703]

I would be willing to be a contact/storage person.  

[Southernroots]

Quoting susie703:

I would be willing to be a contact/storage person.  

Okay, send me where you are if you feel comfortable with that and I will start a list. 

[HereWeGoAgain9]

I'm not sure that it should be a different group. Hmmm... But maybe?? I'm still kinda unfamiliar with the ways of CM. Could it be a locked post in the group - like a welcome letter of sorts?? Idk how that even works. I anticipate having lots of things to pass on, and with a newborn, toddlers, preschoolers & middle school age children, there will be a good variety of things - maybe not tons of things, but a variety nonetheless. Plus, I have boys & girls :)
So, I'll think about this some but would love any & all insight. I dont have much storage room with such a full house but I'd rather these things go to someone who truly benefits.
I think a list of some volunteers to help (now, later, ever) would be great, our general location & the types of items we have or can get would be great! Of course those items can change so being able to update is key!
It reminds me of signing up for a potluck dinner or bringing in school supplies. Like stone soup, if a bunch of us work together, no telling who or how many we may help!!

Thanks!

[doodlebopfan]

Sydney, I like the idea of the week's worth of supplies. A care package so-to-speak. What would you think would be needed for the first weeks. Onesies? Disposable or cloth diapers? 5-6 Bottles, Nipples, bottle brush (unless breast-feeding). Receiving blankets? Thanks, Susie, for coordinating. Thanks, Sydney, for thinking of it. :)

[HereWeGoAgain9]

Here is my necessity list, and I truly mean necessities but obviously some "luxuries" would be great, too!

2 packs of newborn diapers (cloth diapers are certainly better in the long rub, but the start up cost is high, so I'd prefer disposables for that reason)
2 packs of wipes
3 onesies
3 sleepers
2 weather appropriate outfits
1 warm blanket
3-5 swaddling/receiving blankets
1 pack super absorbency maxi-pads
3 burp cloths & possibly bibs
3 five ounce (or the small size) bottles
3 pacifiers (most hospitals use "Soothie" brand and sometimes NUK so I think offering those would be best

Of course there are other things moms need. A car seat is a biggie & obviously more clothes & supplies are important, but one weeks worth of absolute must-haves on hand in a pinch is ideal. We can help with other supplies later. Babies go through a lot clothes but theyre so small they can easily be hand washed & reused initially.
These are the items I've found most needed right from the start. A breast pump would be awesome (even just an inexpensive manual pump). Medicaid covers these almost always. And WIC covers formula.
The hospital will send moms home with diapers, wipes and formula but they'll only last a few days.

If I think of anything else, I'll add to the list :) would love ideas/opinions from others as well!

[ltucutie]

Quoting doodlebopfan:

Sydney, I like the idea of the week's worth of supplies. A care package so-to-speak. What would you think would be needed for the first weeks. Onesies? Disposable or cloth diapers? 5-6 Bottles, Nipples, bottle brush (unless breast-feeding). Receiving blankets? Thanks, Susie, for coordinating. Thanks, Sydney, for thinking of it. :)

I think it is a great idea for us to keep items on hand.  I think that it would be great if we could each have an entire kit made up so that when someone needs help, the closest individual can drop off their kit.  Great idea!  I love all of you.  You are such a great group of women.

[Southernroots]

I made this post sticky too.  That way, we can find it easily.

Printing out your list and will start looking for those items to come on sale, and/or coupons.  What kind of small luxuries would be nice? The idea of a kit is a good one, because we want to be able to act as quickly as possible.  If no one is nearby to deliver, we could use the post office flat rate boxes and keep the mailing charges down.  But, better to have someone local to personally deliver when possible. 

Don't hospitals provide free car-seats?

Here's a link re free car seats

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art46489.asp

[ltucutie]

Quoting Southernroots:

I made this post sticky too.  That way, we can find it easily.

Printing out your list and will start looking for those items to come on sale, and/or coupons.  What kind of small luxuries would be nice? The idea of a kit is a good one, because we want to be able to act as quickly as possible.  If no one is nearby to deliver, we could use the post office flat rate boxes and keep the mailing charges down.  But, better to have someone local to personally deliver when possible. 

Don't hospitals provide free car-seats?

Here's a link re free car seats

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art46489.asp

Most hospital do keep a small supply of carseats, but some use another resource to get them.  We use a non-profit organization to get carseats from.  They will supply the hospital with carseats and we will give them some donations.  I can see if I can find out the name of the organization and see if we could work with them too.

[HereWeGoAgain9]

Small luxuries, in my opinion, would be someplace for baby to sleep. There are tons of swings, gliders, bouncy seats, vibrating seats and more but they're pricey. However, I've seen several basic models (usually those still include vibration & music) for under $30. Consignment shops are totally the way to go!
Another "luxury" would be help for mom. Feel-goods such as a small bottle of motrin or Tylenol, breast pads, ice packs etc. It's hard to take care of a new baby when you're so unsure of everything. The most simple things for mom can feel like being pampered!
As for baby, a cute outfit serves the purpose of dressing baby but also pride for mommy when she brings baby out & about. While Avery sleeps in our bed often, it's extremely nice to know I have alternative, safe places to lay him down. I think every mom deserves that "luxury."
One of my friends made me a mommy basket. I didn't need anything in it, but I sure wanted everything ;)
Scented lotion, body wash, tucks pads for a sore postpartum bottom, breast pads, Vaseline, chap-stick, lip gloss, mascara & a hair brush.
Obviously our goal is to help the mom feel secure in bringing baby home & meeting his/her needs, but a little something for mom likely won't go unnoticed or unappreciated :)

Side note, I've tried about every diaper there is and so far only huggies, luvs, pampers, target up & up brand and Kirkland brand from Costco are worth anything. Cheapo diapers are, well, cheap!! Leaky, messy, icky. Wipes however can be just about any brand!

Thanks again everyone!