i am a list maker and, perhaps, an over-thinker. so here is my list of what i bring with me to the hospital. i've seen several online. they're everywhere. and everyone has their own ideas of what's needed and not. but, from my previous experiences, i seem to bring less each time. there is so much that you "need" that you truly do not need at all... unless you just want to give your spouse a work out from hauling your crap all over the hospital for you. =)
for the drive there, you may want to grab a plastic garbage bag and/or a towel to put under you. if your water is broken, this is sorta obvious. but, if it's not yet, you might thank yourself later, if it breaks en route.
for the actual birth, from check-in to that last push, you and/or your partner will want to have:
- your ID
- your insurance card
- any registration paperwork/test results that you were told to bring with you
- several copies of your birth plan- hand them out to any new nurses/doctors who come into the room. it's far easier than explaining your preferences to everyone over and over again. trust me, they'll thank you!
- cameras (both video and still) fully charged with spare batteries, chargers, memory cards, tapes, etc.
- short sleeved or sleeveless pajamas/nightgown (although i just skip this one, get naked and slip a hospital gown on myself.)
- change for the vending machine- mom can't eat/drink, but dad might get hungry, if this takes a while
- the baby book- so you can get those tiny footprints right after birth, when the hospital will have baby all inked up anyways
- a book, word search, board game, etc. labor can take a while and, especially if you have an epidural to help keep that pain at bay, you might be sitting around more or less "bored" while you wait for those contractions to work their magic. you and/or your spouse may need some entertainment.
(even if you end up not using these during the labor, you might be glad you brought them some time over the next couple days, while you're waiting on discharge from the hospital.) - cell phone and charger to keep those friends and family updated
- your contacts case and solution (if worn, you might wanna take them out during labor)
after baby makes his/her appearance, you'll likely be moved into another room for the rest of your stay. now is when you'll realize just how awful all that hard work has made you look and you'll want these things to freshen up and stay a while:
- toiletries: hair brush, hair elastics/clips, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, soap, a razor, deodorant, lip balm, lotion, q-tips, make-up, etc.
- glasses or contacts (if worn)
- loose fitting pajamas/nightgown- sleeveless or short sleeved since they'll be bugging you every hour for your blood pressure
- nursing bra or a comfortable regular bra
- nursing pads- some hospitals provide these, but i just bring my own. better safe than spraying all over.
- a robe
- your own towel- although the hospital will provide you with one, if you don't bring your own.
- your own pillow
- slippers/comfy socks/flip flops- something to walk around in that's easy on and off and can easily fit your possibly swollen feet
- pen and paper- for taking notes on what drs and nurses say, keeping track of feedings/diaper changes, etc.
- snacks- now that you had baby, you're allowed to eat again!
- a nursing pillow- i breastfeed, so that's an obvious one, but i've talked to formula feeding moms who just love using a Boppy or similar pillow to help support their newborns as well.
- baby nail clippers and/or emery boards- all my kids came out with Freddy Krueger claws that i had to clip to keep them from causing bodily harm. those little mittens never stayed on, so clipping/filing was the best i could do.
when it's finally time to go home, you'll need just a few things more:
- granny panties- yep. those mesh undies they give you in the hospital are FABULOUS, but when it's time to go home, you might want something a little more solid covering your rear. even if you're used to only wearing thongs, trust me here, you want granny panties. for one, you'll be wearing a giant pad and, if you had a rough go at labor, you may be stitched together down there and a thong just sounds straight torturous.
- did i mention giant pads? yeah, you'll need those now too. the hospital will provide even larger pads during your stay, but once you leave, you'll want some heavy duty pads (i prefer the ones w/wings).
- NOW is when you'll finally have to get dressed in "real" clothes. i always opt for elastic (think yoga pants) or adjustable waists (like a wrap skirt), since there's no telling what size you'll be after delivery.
- baby needs clothes too. but, honestly, you only need to bring this ONE outfit. the hospital has little onesies/tees for use while baby's a patient. so just bring that one "going home outfit" and break it out now.
- blanket for baby- same story, the hospital lets you use theirs during your stay, but you'll want something comfy and cute for that ride home.
- the car seat (of course!)
things you just DON'T need, in my opinion:
- diapers- the hospital provides these
- wipes- same as above
- clothes for baby (hats included)- same as above
- blankets for baby- yep... also provided.
- several changes of clothes- unless something goes wrong and you end up staying longer than expected, you only need a few sets of pjs and a change of clothes to go home in. unless you feel you must get dressed everyday, which is up to you. personally, i prefer the pjs. much more comfortable for all the sitting in bed you'll be doing.
- a breast pump- the hospital can rent you one, if needed
- fancy pajamas- you will likely leak fluids and/or bleed on whatever you bring to wear during and after delivery. don't get your recovery apparel from victoria's secret.
and there you have it. i'm sure i'll think of more to add to this, but for now, that'll do. feel free to leave comments on what you take and don't take with you!
No comments:
Post a Comment