Five Top Tips for Packing Your Hospital Bag: Advice from One of Our Mums

Packing your hospital bag—especially for a planned C-section—can feel a bit overwhelming, particularly if you’ve previously experienced an emergency birth. That’s why we’ve asked Lydia, a mum who’s been there before, to share her top tips. She’s refined her packing list to include only the essentials and learned a few clever tricks along the way. Here’s what she had to say…

1. Pack Two Separate Bags – One for You, One for Baby

Lydia’s number one tip? Keep it simple by using two separate bags—one for you and one for baby. This is especially helpful post-surgery when bending or rummaging through one large bag is a challenge. It also makes it easier for your birth partner or a midwife to grab what you need without any fuss.

Bonus tip: Lydia’s partner also brings a small bag with his own essentials (like phone charger and snacks), so the main focus stays on mum and baby.

2. Think Practically for Baby

You don’t need to bring the entire nursery. Focus on what’s truly essential for a 1–2 night hospital stay:

  • 4 sleepsuits and vests (a mix of newborn and tiny baby sizes, just in case)
  • Cotton hat
  • 3 muslin cloths
  • A soft blanket for hospital and a star blanket for the car seat
  • Nappies
  • Qudo soother or dummy if using

Keeping baby’s bag simple but complete will give you peace of mind—and extra space.

3. Comfort is Key for You

After a C-section, your body needs time and space to recover. Lydia found comfort and ease of access were most important when it came to clothes and toiletries. Here’s her go-to list:

  • 3 loose cotton nighties (hospital wards are warm!)
  • Slippers
  • 2 breastfeeding-friendly T-shirts and soft high-waist joggers (though she mostly stuck to comfy pants)
  • Loose dress to go home in—nothing tight around your tummy
  • Maternity disposable briefs and a couple of extra high-waist knickers
  • Maternity pads (yes, even after a C-section, you’ll need them)
  • Breast pads
  • Comfy nursing bra or standard bra if not breastfeeding

4. Create a Simple Wash Bag

Everyone’s version of “essential” toiletries differs, but Lydia recommends packing a compact wash bag with items that help you feel clean and refreshed:

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Face wash and moisturiser
  • Hairbrush and flannel
  • Dry shampoo and your own soap/shampoo if preferred
  • Chewing gum (great for restarting digestion after surgery)

Feeling fresh can make a world of difference in those early hours of recovery.

5. Little Extras that Make a Big Difference

Lydia swears by a few small extras that made her stay that bit more comfortable:

  • Jelly babies for when you feel shaky or need a sugar boost
  • Kindle, book, or headphones for quiet moments
  • Phone charger (essential!)
  • 2 plastic bags for dirty laundry
  • A little toy or gift for older siblings to help them feel involved

Lydia also packed a “big brother” Thomas the Tank Engine bag and a Shrek toy from the new baby for her toddler—such a lovely touch for sibling bonding!

Final Thought

Whether it’s your first baby or your third, packing smartly for a hospital stay can ease anxiety and make the experience smoother. Lydia’s experience proves that thoughtful preparation really pays off. Take what you need, skip the rest, and don’t forget—you’ve got this, mum!

Why it’s OK for your baby to suck a soother

Sucking is one of a baby’s very first reflexes. It begins in the womb and plays a vital role in both feeding and comfort.

While it’s essential for receiving nutrition through breast or bottle feeding, sucking also has powerful calming and regulatory effects on your baby’s body and brain.

More Than Just Feeding

Sucking helps regulate the central nervous system.

It can lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), reduce heart rate, and help stabilize blood pressure — all of which support a baby’s overall sense of calm and well-being.

Some babies have a stronger need to suck than others, even after they’ve finished feeding. This is completely normal. When that extra need arises, a soother like the Qudo™ can offer gentle, non-nutritive comfort — without placing unnecessary pressure on the breast.

Nutritive vs. Non-Nutritive Sucking

  • Nutritive sucking (NS): Sucking for nutrition, such as during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
  • Non-nutritive sucking (NNS): Sucking without feeding — for example, on a soother, a clean finger, or an empty breast.

Non-nutritive sucking supports babies of all ages. In fact, studies show that babies begin practicing this reflex as early as 11 weeks into pregnancy.

Soothers and Digestion

Using a soother (or a clean, upside-down finger) between feeds can aid digestion. When babies suck, they naturally swallow more saliva — which contains important digestive enzymes that help break down milk.

Research also suggests that sucking can benefit babies with reflux. It stimulates the production of saliva and helps trigger the downward contractions of the oesophagus, moving acid back into the stomach where it belongs. This can result in fewer and shorter episodes of gastroesophageal reflux.

Protecting Breastfeeding and Comfort

If your baby wants to continue sucking after a feed, they may turn to the breast — even when no milk is available. While this can be comforting for them, it may lead to nipple soreness and discomfort for you. Offering a soother or finger can help redirect that need in a gentle and effective way, especially for “sucky” babies.

Non-nutritive sucking also supports the coordination of suck-swallow-breathe, an important developmental milestone. It helps promote better neurobehavioural organisation and maturation in newborns and preemies.

When to Introduce a Soother

  • Bottle-fed babies: A soother can be introduced from birth.
  • Breastfed babies: It’s best to wait until breastfeeding is established before offering a soother, to avoid any confusion or latch issues.

Soothers and SIDS

Research indicates that sucking a soother during sleep may lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While the exact reason remains unknown, there is strong evidence supporting its protective effect. As The Lullaby Trust explains:

“We do not know exactly what it is about a dummy that may help reduce the chance of a baby dying of SIDS… we only know that there is good evidence to show what you can do to reduce the chance of SIDS.”You can read more at The Lullaby Trust website.

Why Qudo™?

The Qudo Soother was developed to offer a natural, medically backed solution for babies who need extra comfort. It’s designed to:

  • Reduce persistent crying
  • Soothe feeding upset
  • Support healthy suck-swallow-breathe reflex development.

Whether your baby needs extra comfort between feeds or help settling to sleep, Qudo provides a gentle and effective alternative.

See other blogs on our website for more on how Qudo™ can support your baby’s feeding and comfort journey.

Mindfulness for Mums: Looking After Your Mental Health Without Adding More to Your Plate

Becoming a mum is a beautiful, life-changing experience – but it can also be overwhelming, exhausting, and lonely at times. Between sleepless nights, constant feeding, and adjusting to a new rhythm of life, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost touch with yourself. The last thing you need is one more thing on your to-do list.

This is where mindfulness can gently step in – not as another task, but as a way to bring more ease, clarity, and kindness into your day.

Mindfulness simply means paying attention to the present moment with openness and without judgement. And the best part? You can practise it while doing what you’re already doing.

Here are a few ways to bring mindfulness into your daily routine as a new mum:

  • Nappy changes as a moment of connection: Instead of rushing through it, take a moment to notice your baby’s expressions, the feel of their skin, the sound of their breath. Let this become a mini check-in with your baby – and yourself.
  • Mindful feeding (bottle or breast): Use this time to focus on your breath, your body, and the feeling of holding your baby. You might notice your mind racing – that’s normal. Just gently bring it back to the present.
  • Breathe while you rock or walk: Whether you’re pacing the hallway at 3am or out with the pram, tune into your breath. Feel the sensations of each inhale and exhale. This simple act can calm your nervous system and give your mind a break.
  • Use The Qudo for a check in: Whenever you use the Qudo, just notice the feel of it in your hand. The way your baby takes the soother, the rhythm of sucking, the temperature and texture of the Qudo. Whenever you notice something you would normally do habitually, that’s a moment of mindfulness.

Research shows that mindfulness can significantly improve mental health in new mothers, reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Practicing mindfulness also helps build emotional resilience – something every mum needs in abundance.

And remember, mindfulness isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about being present, with kindness – especially towards yourself. Some days you’ll forget. That’s OK. Every moment is a new chance to begin again.

So as you care for your little one, don’t forget to care for yourself too. Not by doing more – but by being more present in what’s already here.

You’re doing better than you think.

With love

The Qudo Team

The healthcare professionals’ tale

How the Qudo helped two parents through a medical emergency

You can have all the knowledge you need, and be on your second or more child, and still find things do not go smoothly. 

That was the experience of a chiropractor and her GP husband when their second child, a baby girl, was only three weeks old. 

Mum already had a Qudo, which her daughter had been using from one week old. “It was very useful in those first weeks for if I needed a little break from the constant sucking like young babies do. I wouldn’t have used a soother at this point if it wasn’t for knowing that the Qudo Soother doesn’t give nipple confusion.”

Concerns about the impact of soothers paled when the daughter caught a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and was admitted to hospital. “To reduce the strain on her lungs, she wasn’t allowed any milk for the first few days. It was a very difficult time and she was very upset not being allowed to breast feed. The soother made a big difference as at least she was able to suck on something. After those first days she was allowed breast milk through an NGtube so she still missed the sucking. Again, having the soother made all the difference as having something to suck made her calm down.”

While their daughter is now recovered, the Qudo is still in regular use.  “When witching hour hits, it is an unmissable item. She goes in the carrier with the soother in and the crying soon calms. 

“As a chiropractor I’m so grateful for Nicky and her team to have designed this particular soother. It is amazing to know it is beneficial in reducing cranial strain by the pressure that gets applied to the palate. With my older child I avoided soothers altogether, knowing how they can potentially cause nipple confusion and dental problems. I feel confident that the design of this soother has been created in a way to minimise these problems. I see it as a ‘mini treatment’ every time my baby uses it and I recommend it for the baby patients I treat.”

And what does Dad think?

“As a GP and dad who is heavily invested in the development of my child, I appreciate how this particular pacifier has been designed with great thought to minimise the potential side effects of traditional pacifiers. Although my daughter took a week to get used to it, it soon became easy to use. 

“We didn’t realise how much of an indispensable item the pacifier had become until we lost it for a couple of days. All panic ensued until we found it again underneath the car seat.”

My recommendation is babies who are crying, persistently or struggling should seek the help of an expert in this field. Nicky, who has designed the Qudo from our conversations with her, demonstrates a very high level of specialised knowledge in this field and I’m pretty confident that the product, she has produced, does exactly what it claims to do – I trust her expert opinion on these matters.

The Qudo has been designed with your baby’s health and development in mind. Giving professionals and parents the peace of mind you need that you are doing the best for your baby. 

With much love 

The Qudo Team

Meditation improves the healing properties of breast milk

Nature’s Super food gets even better

We all know breast milk is good for babies. Rich in antibodies to protect against childhood illness, it also provides all the energy and nutrients an infant needs in the first few months of life. 

However the latest research tells us human breast milk is more than a food. According to Dr Hemal, breast milk: ‘Is a sophisticated biological fluid that nourishes, protects, and supports an infant in a way that science is only just beginning to understand.

‘It constantly adapts and changes to a baby’s changing nutritional and immune needs.’

And now there’s a way to boost the power of your milk, with meditation. 

New research shows that pre- and post-meditation the composition of breast milk is favourably influenced, generating additional wound healing proteins.

If you don’t already meditate, don’t worry. 

You might start by just noticing your breathing – not changing it in any way, just being aware. This act alone can soothe any sense of overwhelm, giving you a literal ‘breathing space’ to respond to events rather than reacting to them. 

Agreeing with yourself to do this repeatedly throughout the day – perhaps linking your breath to things you are doing anyway – can be all you need to reduce stress hormone levels and rebalance your nervous system.

A conscious breath when you open your car door, when you put your feet on the floor in the morning, before you make a phone call or send an email. You get the picture. Tie the practice into something you are doing anyway and it doesn’t become another tick on the to do list. 

When you are a busy mum with a new baby, finding time for your own self care still matters. 

It is not a selfish thing to do but incredibly wise and health building not only to yourself but your little one too. The adage about putting on your own oxygen mask first holds true – if you are not caring for yourself, it’s hard to do so for anyone else. 

And what if you can’t breastfeed, for whatever reason? There’s still good evidence to suggest that practicing meditation will help you calm your own nervous system. And that is good for you and your baby. 

We developed the Qudo to support babies in calming and relaxing their nervous systems, to help address root causes of crying and distress. 

And it’s a virtuous circle – the more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your baby will be, too. 

Take time for yourself today. 

With much love,

The Qudo Team

Dem Tongue Tissues are connected to Dem Toes

What have tongues got to do with bones? More than you might imagine – especially when it comes to connections.

The children’s song ‘dem bones, dem bones’ is a fun way to teach children how the bones of the skeleton are connected (try this version for size)

Similarly, when we think about a baby’s tongue, it also has an amazing network of connections, which is one reason why careful assessment of tongue tie restrictions is important to help improve feeding and general function in a little one.

Correct tongue movement is important not just in infancy, but throughout life. 

From birth, your tongue is connected to your toes through a network of connective tissue known as fascia (see the picture for illustration).

If your tongue is not resting correctly in your mouth, for example due to mouth breathing, structures can get out of alignment in your mouth and impact the rest of your body.

Tongue posture can lead to a foot imbalance and vice versa because the tongue guides all myofascial structures that run from the inner arch of the foot up through the middle of the body to the tongue and jaw muscles.

When the tongue sits on top of the palate, it seals the oral cavity and holds the throat open like a tent. These muscles support the neck, keep your posture straight, help you breathe, and maintain your posture upright.

Your tongue also acts as a rudder and support system through a fascial line, and when the tongue is down, you breathe through your mouth, and the head falls forward due to lack of support, which leads to poor posture and increased energy expenditure. Without support we can develop ‘snoring’ and potentially have symptoms of sleep apnea.

So, getting a tongue tie check in a baby is important for infant feeding, and long term structural health.

For further help and details about babies and tongue ties, refer to our blog Has your baby been checked for tongue tie?

The Qudo soother helps babies to strengthen and coordinate their suck, swallow and breathing reflex. The density of the teat encourages strong and effective sucking which in turn helps babies pre and post tongue tie revision – reported benefits include improved feeding and contentment when a baby wants to suck but is not hungry.

Here’s to tongue movement and balanced posture.

With much love,

The Qudo Team

What if I have problems breastfeeding?

Consultant Midwife Michelle Knight talks about the importance of breastfeeding and why mums and babies struggle sometimes

When it comes to promoting the health of infants under six months old, breastfeeding is one of the most effective routes. 

Breast milk is ideal nutrition for babies. It’s safe, clean and rich in antibodies that help protect against many common childhood illnesses. Breast milk provides all the energy and nutrients an infant needs during the first few months of life.

Around two thirds of mothers start breastfeeding, but this falls to less than 50% by weeks six to eight. The reasons for this decrease are complex, but can include:

  • Practical problems establishing breastfeeding
  • Failure to access or to receive support
  • Concerns about whether the infant is getting enough milk
  • Societal and family attitudes leaving the mum uncomfortable breastfeeding in public or in front of family members or peers.

Some babies may struggle with latching onto the breast due to issues such as tongue tie, colic symptoms, or poor structural alignment. 

To support your baby, the Qudo has been tested and specifically designed to help ease feeding challenges. It can also help you understand the challenges you may be facing while feeding your baby. 

Gaining understanding and knowledge will enable you to identify the right solutions for you and seek appropriate products and help without worrying about what to do next. Feeding your baby should be a straightforward and enjoyable experience, not a source of stress. 

It’s essential to recognise that professional help is available to support you along the way.

There are several support groups available to assist parents with infant feeding:

How to clean and care for your Qudo

One of the questions we most often get asked is how to sterilise the Qudo. 

You can sterilise it using whatever is your preferred method, including:

  • Sterilising liquid
  • Microwave sterilisation devises
  • Electric sterilising devices
  • Place the Qudo in boiling water for five minutes.

When using any heat sterilisation method, ensure the teat and shield are cool before giving to your baby. 

Dishwasher sterilising is not recommended, for the Qudo or other baby products. Dishwashers don’t sterilise their contents as the wash temperature is generally 45 degrees. There are also chemicals in dishwasher tablets/granules and repeated use of dishwashers for baby products, including the Qudo, may lead to deterioration.

It’s also best not to leave the Qudo in direct sunlight, near a source of heat, or in the sterilising solution for longer than recommended. Any of these can weaken the teat. 


Before first use, place the Qudo in boiling water for 5 minutes, allow it to cool, and squeeze out any trapped water from the soother. This is to ensure hygiene.


Clean before every use. And avoid dipping the teat in sweet substances or medication, as this may encourage tooth decay if your child is already teething.


Replace the soother between one and two months of use, for safety and hygiene reasons. Buy your next one here.

Thank you for supporting the Qudo

Dear Friends,

As 2024 starts to come to an end, we want to celebrate the fact that we have
launched the Qudo this year, and to thank you for your amazing support – it means
the world to us.

The feedback we are getting from customers and Health Professionals is great and
we are so happy the Qudo is making a difference to the babies and their carers.

Our intention was to provide a new and novel solution which did not
involve medication but could help babies relax and recover from the mechanics of
birth.

Our product is completely unique, the teat is designed specifically and shown to aid
babies reorganise their structure. This is felt by observing an enhanced cranial
rhythm and seeing how babies relax and feel comforted once they are using a Qudo.

If you know of any struggling parents and babies – the Qudo could be just what they need.

A mother recently commented: “We have used the dummy when necessary, when my
baby has been crying and can’t be settled any other way and usually she will take it.

“Occasionally she has gagged and refused it but most of the time she will take it for a
little while to settle her. This is my first baby and the Qudo is the only dummy we
have tried with her but we don’t seem to have any problems with it which is good so
thank you!”

This is what a GP Dad has to say about the Qudo.

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and abundant new year in every way.

With much love,

The Qudo Team

Baby Massage

Baby Massage is a unique way to bond with your baby, while also benefiting your baby’s physical and mental well-being. Parents should physically connect with their baby through touch as soon after baby is born as possible. 

Skin-to-skin contact, otherwise known as kangaroo care, is vital to establishing the parent-baby bond and building confidence in handling your baby. It is recommended that you introduce baby massage roughly one month after birth. 

What are the benefits?

  • Regular touch by a parent or carer is crucial for a baby’s growth, development and communication. Parental confidence is also enhanced through close contact by learning to read and respond to their baby. 
  • Baby massage can help promote the functioning of the circulatory and digestive systems, helping relieve discomfort from ailments such as colic, constipation, trapped wind, and stomach cramps. 
  • Massage helps to relieve and relax muscle tensions and growing pains.
  • Massage is deeply soothing for babies and can help reduce crying and irritation. 
  • Massages before bedtime can aid in a deeper sleep
  • Massage helps enhance your baby’s body and sensory awareness. 

Baby massage is commonly used in neonatal wards to help the development of premature babies in the ICU and is recommended by many health professionals for parents to do at home. 

Baby massage preparation:

  • Use a specific baby massage oil. We recommend using a perfume-free baby oil. Always do a patch test on your baby’s skin first.  
  • Take off any jewellery that may interfere with the massage. 
  • Gradually introduce massage to your baby until they recognise it as a soothing experience. If your baby gets upset or falls asleep, stop the massage. However, don’t let this discourage you! As with anything, new experiences can take a little while to get used to. 
  • Choose a time when you are relaxed and the baby is quiet, alert, and wakeful between feeds—wait at least 45 minutes after a feed. 
  • Initially just hold the baby fully clothed, talk gently, sing, and establish eye contact.
  • Perhaps start with gently stroking the baby’s head, or back, gently stroking their fingers and toes. Notice what they like, and talk to them about what you are doing.
  • When you’re ready, place the baby on a soft towel or blanket in a comfortable position in a warm room with no overhead lighting and make sure the baby is warm. The atmosphere is key, try playing soothing background music to help enhance the experience.
  • Loosen or remove the nappy for a tummy massage.

How to start baby massage:

We recommend starting with a leg massage:

  • Always make sure to communicate with your baby during the massage. 
  • Hold your baby’s ankle in one hand, while with the other hand, hold the top of your baby’s thigh and slide downwards toward the ankle. Always support the ankle or wrist with one hand when massaging your child’s arms or legs. 
  • Next, support your baby’s foot and use your thumbs to stroke over the sole from the heel to the toes, one thumb after the other. Then, gently rub each toe between the thumb and finger
  • Then, gently rub your thumbs across the middle third of the foot, from one side to the other.
  • Repeat the stroking action in the opposite direction (from ankle to thigh).
  • Do circles on the palms of their hands and do gentle finger rubs.

If you are unsure or nervous about getting started, going to a baby massage group is the perfect way to learn how to massage your baby safely. Baby massage courses are available in most towns and cities, and your health visitor or midwife may be able to recommend one locally. You can also find a course here.