Wednesday, 11 June 2008

• What to bring to the hospital?

  I had a great question from a mom-to-be wondering if I had any thoughts on things to pack in that ever-important bag.  You know the one—the one that waits by the door that is eagerly awaiting for you to call “Honey, it’s time!”  You packed your robe, your slippers, maybe you even have your birthing ball sitting in the corner ready to go (and how will it fit in the car??) 

  But what will you really be wishing you had with you while you are trying to breathe through those contractions?  Let me tell you about some of the small things you don’t want to leave behind.  I will update further on things to bring for hubbie, or other family that will be there for the long haul.  And of course those things to bring for baby (and it is less than you think).

  My suggestion, though hard as it may be, is to pack light.  Remember, someone has to carry this stuff from the car to triage, from triage to your labor room, and then from your labor room to your postpartum room.  You don’t want anyone suffering from any back injuries.  It is indeed true though:  pillows are like gold in the hospital.  Plan on getting ONE supplied to you.  Any extras are like icing on the cake.  Bring your own if you want more.  Same with a snuggly blanket.  There are blankets—they aren’t snuggly.

  Now that we covered pillowed and blankets, let’s talk small, but very important--Lip balm.  Maybe two in case you lose one.  Same goes for ponytail holders if you have long hair.  You have not known a bad hair day until after giving birth. 

  Plan on taking off everything that belongs to you when you get there.  If you love the socks you are wearing—don’t wear them. They will end up with blood on them.  As will anything else on the bed (same goes for pillow cases and blankets, plan accordingly for those you are bringing).  Cheap plastic flip-flops are good if you want to walk around, for walking to the bathroom, or for wearing in the shower.  Even better, if weather permits, wear flip-flops to the hospital.  Your feet probably aren’t fitting so well in shoes anyway. 

  And finally, though it may seem obvious, bring whatever toiletries you want.  The hospital has virtually nothing.  Your facewash, shampoo, lotion…. Bring whatever you like to use.  I would especially suggest mouthwash.  Often you don’t feel like brushing your teeth, but you do feel like freshening up your mouth. 

  Hope this is enough to get you started.  Like I said, I will follow-up later with things to bring for dad and baby.  Does anyone else have thoughts on things they wish they had had with them or things they were glad they brought?

   

   

  • 8:33 PM
  • 119 Views
  • 2 eProps
  • 2 Comments