After we move in a couple weeks, I will be starting to get things ready for baby's arrival. We have done nothing, bought nothing, prepared nothing so far--literally! We just simply didn't want to get a bunch of stuff, have to pile it in our current tiny apartment, and then have to move it all. Hopefully that doesn't mean we'll be caught unawares by baby coming early! So this may be a little premature, but I want to be ready when it's time to get ready for the hospital (installing the car seat, packing a hospital bag, etc.)
I'm sending this question out to all experienced mamas who have done the hospital thing: What should I pack in my/Adam's hospital bag? What things have you found useful, what could you not have lived without during your stay, any tips you have for a new mommy and daddy to make our hospital and delivery experience a little easier would be appreciated. We'll be living over an hour away from our hospital once we move, so we can't exactly be hopping back and forth if we forget something or think of something we want.
Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!
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12 comments:
I used everything the hospital gave me. The only things I really needed out of my huge hospital bag were a tooth brush, hair brush, warm socks with grips on the bottom, eye contact stuff, and chap stick. Adam will probably want anything to entertain himself. Books, ipod, dvd's, and Jared says a pillow.
So excited for you!
Ok my major items are chap-stick, phone charger, batteries/charger for camera, lap top, robe or cute pjs (for when visitors come or taking pictures), cute but small out fit for the baby if you want to take a cute picture at the hospital. These were things that aren't always on the list but were very important. I had a time when my lips were so dry and the only thing the nurse had was Vaseline, also you don't want your phone or camera to die on you! Here are some tips...
1. Find out when the nurses have shift change because they won't be able to help you for a while, so ask for things before that happens
2. Bring snacks for Adam
3. If they offer you a sample bag from a formula company, take it even if you aren't planning on using formula, the bags are really cute!
4. Let the nurses help you! This might be your only chance for a while to get some sleep and you totally need it.
5. Most importantly, do not wait too long before going in, you might end almost giving birth in the car. Don't feel bad about going in even if you aren't sure!
I am sure I have more things but these stick out the most.
Bring snacks! Giving birth makes you hungry!
Also makeup and hair ties to get pretty and take some pictures afterwards (don't forget the camera!)
I brought my own shampoo and stuff for showers too. A boppy pillow also comes in handy for nursing.
Oh! and don't forget a going home outfit for you and bebe (or two in case he pukes!) and put the carseat in the car before you even go!
I think most everything else you can do without.
GOODLUCK!! It was so great to see you Sunday!
I totally agree with the snacks! Luckily we were right near pretty much all of Rexburg for all of the runs for Jamba and such, but snacks are definitely a must. Also, my other piece of advice is a robe. Lucy was in the NICU for a day, and I took my robe out of my bag at the last second and I was so sad that I had to wear the hospital gown down the halls to go see her (again, Ryan could have easily picked it up for me, but we kept forgetting.) Anyways, so that's my advice! :)
Pack you bag early. My first time around I packed my bag 3 weeks early and everyone thought I was crazily over prepared, but I was glad I did when Lexi was born 2 weeks early.
Have the carseat installed before you go to the hospital.
Bring a few outfits for the baby. You just don't know how big he or she (you never know) will be. Pack a newborn and a 0-3 month size. I didn't bring socks for Avery and I wish I would have it. Even though she was born the end of April it was still cold.
I swear EVERYONE forgets the cord to the camera and therefor isn't able to upload pictures. Make sure your camera batteries are charged too.
Also, don't forget you phones or charges.
Bring pillows. For you and for Adam. Before I had Lexi I bought super cheap pillow cases to put on them in the hospital.
The first shower you have after giving birth is AMAZING and well deserved. I have always brought my own soaps and shampoo.
You don't know how long you will be in labor or at the hosptial so bring a few things to entertain yourself- cards, maybe movies, a book or journal.
Bring a pen for all the paperwork.
For your coming home outfit just pick something comfy and not prepregancy. You won't fit it in!
Bring a change of clothes for Adam. Perhaps some lounge clothes to sleep in. Sean has slept in the delivery room twice while I was in labor over night.
Bring snacks for Adam. You aren't gonna want him leaving you in labor to go get food.
Bring a nursing pillow.
With my second pregnancy I hired a doula and she made all the difference. Seriously, I will hire a doula for all my other labors now. I've had a delivery with and without a doula so I know the difference. She is a birthing coach and knows how to help comfort a woman in labor, unlike most husbands. Also she will know the hospital and what things are available to help comfort you. She knows to ask the questions you don't. Seriously, look into hiring a doula!!!
Good luck. I hope this helps. I would also Google list of things to bring the hosptial.
I thought of a few more things:
My first time around I didn't read up at all on nursing. I also excepted a nipple shield from the nurses, which destroyed all my chances of nursing. Lexi got attached to the sheild and I could never nurse without it! DON'T ACCEPT A NIPPLE SHIELD! I'm happy to say my second time around I read up on nurse, I read a book called the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding and that helped a lot.
When I was pregnant the first time I didn't read ANYTHING about c-sections, I thought that would never happen to me and guess what it did. I'm not at all saying that you will have a c-section but I am saying be prepared for anything. Nearly 30% of women have c-sections. The good news is I didn't have a c-section with my second daughter.
With my second pregnancy I used Evening Prim Rose Oil. I started at about 36 weeks. You can Google it or message me on Facebook if you want more details.
While in labor I put Clary Sage Oil on my stomach. I'm not sure if you remember Jessica Prebble but she swears by it. Google that too.
While I was in labor my second time I brought a play list of calming music and that helped a ton. I also used a rice sock on my back and sat on the birthing ball (these were are ideas from my doula).
And don't forget a rubber band for your hair and chapstick.
Really I would just leave a suitcase out now and put stuff in everytime you think of something.
Also, both times when I went into labor I ate something before I went to the hospital. Labor is a lot of work and once you're at the hospital they WILL NOT feed you.
Extra batteries for our camera - our batteries totally died right after I had Porter and it was such a bust! We had to call around for people to bring their cameras. And I know this sounds weird but - chapstick. We forgot to bring any and for some reason I felt like I needed some all during labor and then the rest of the stay. We ended up buying some at the gift shop. So yes, those are two things that I can't go without :) PS - Staying at the hospital was so fun - eat as much food as you can! Yes...leave it to me to remind you about food!
you should bring a wii or a ps3 so that you're not bored while you're waiting!! also- lots of snacks for Adam so he doesn't starve. make sure you get a good dinner or lunch before heading in there! good luck!!!
I'm about to sound like the biggest Molly ever, but that's too bad. :)
Just like a wedding, the birth of your baby is surrounded by hype of all kinds. There are pre-parties and showers and gifts and confetti and squeals of excitement from every corner, which is just the way it should be.
However, I've found that sometimes all that pre-natal glitz combined with a healthy dose of paralyzing fear makes it difficult to concentrate on the spiritual aspect of childbirth.
You are about to stand at the literal veil and welcome a spirit to his mortal experience. Just like you would prepare yourself spiritually to go to the temple, I would suggest preparing yourself spiritually for childbirth. Read scriptures about mothers, motherhood, and parenting. Ask Adam to give you a blessing as soon as you know you're in labor. Some of my most powerful spiritual experiences came while Eric's hands were on my head and I could feel the baby preparing to be born inside me. Say a prayer together before you leave for the hospital. As you're in labor, think about the endowment ceremony and the things said there about children and parenting, especially the words we say right before going into the celestial room.
Don't forget to say a prayer of gratitude with Adam and the baby as soon as the three of you are alone. It will be your first family prayer. What better way to begin your life as a family?
I love you both and I'm thrilled for the divine love that will surround you during every step of this new world you're entering!
Tonya,
I found your blog off of Melinda Page's. How do you know her? That is so crazy! I found my first pregnancy I took too many things that I didn't need because all you will do when your baby is not in the room is sleep! I agree with everyone: Chapstick, stuff for your hubby, and an outfit to go home in. The second time around I took my own clothes and changed into them shortly after I had the baby. A little makeup and travel shampoo/conditioner and you will be set! Also a blanket for baby to get home. Good luck! You will be an awesome mom!
Ton, you are probably overloaded with everything but I just wanted to let you know one more thing. I am a certified doula. I noticed a few people commented about their doula and I wasn't sure if you knew that I was one. If you have any question about the whole labor/delivery/post-pardum/nursing/anything call me!!
I know u already have like 11 comments but it was good for me to make this list for when i need it next time too so thx! :)
I agree with what most have said but this is what I brought to the hospital that I actually used...LOL...
cell phones & cameras (+ chargers just in case)
snacks + water bottles for hubs
laptop for hubs
extra pillows and 2 soft blankets
change of clothes + lounge clothes + toiletries for hubs
lollipops to suck on :)
birthing ball
easy & comfy nursing dress/robe to change into (for when you get sick of wearing the hospital gown and/or visitors come)
clothes (5 months pregnant size) & comfy shoes to change into to go home in (I wore comfy velour pants + jacket to the hospital and to go home in)
fuzzy warm socks :)
hair ties/bobby pins/headband
toothbrush/paste, deodorant, hair brush, chap stick, face wash, travels soaps and shampoo, basic makeup, lotion
flip flops for the shower
lanolin
antibac for hands
my brest friend and/or boppy pillow!!! (Wish I had my breast friend in the hospital...they make a serious difference!)
baby going home outfit & swaddling blanket
carseat installed in car
nursing pads
I think most everything else you can do without...or the hospital will provide :) make sure to take advantage of the free stuff & to ask for more pads, wipes, diapers, vaseline tubes (for baby's circumcision), & pain medication for you before you leave! (Maybe don't ask for all of it all at the same time haha...but just saying :) Oh and don't be afraid to ask for a different nurse if the one you have is not very helpful, knowledgeable or nice! & yes recovery can be a bust...I sat on a pillow for the first 1 1/2 weeks after! Just remember that every day it gets a little better! Promise :)
I am so excited for you! It is the most amazing thing ever to bring a baby into this world! You are going to do great I just know it! I can't wait to see your baby!!!
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