Staying home also gives me the chance to finish packing up the bag for the hospital...which brings me to you. What am I missing? What are the things that you are so glad that you brought, or do wish that you had remembered to bring? Or what have your heard from recent moms who just returned from the hospital?
I feel like I have the "essentials", including:
- Robe
- Slippers
- Socks
- Nursing bras
- Pajamas (I'm just a shorts/t-shirt type...no nightgowns for me)
- Coming home outfit for me and Baby Girl
- Change of clothes for my husband
- Toiletries
- Camera
- Laptop (we'll have wifi...and I think it's a bit of a "security blanket" for my computer-nerd husband)
- Carseat
Aside from the chance to stay home and relax, today's blessing is the birthday of two women who I really appreciate and admire. The first is a colleague who has been an amazing mentor and friend to me, and the second is the wife of our Associate Pastor at church. Both women have survived loss, and have been amazing listeners and supporters of me throughout our journey. It would be really special if our Baby Girl shared the same birthday as these two amazing women--but it doesn't look like that is going to happen (unless I'm blessed with a really quick labor, given that it's already almost 2:30 pm). That's okay--I'm still really blessed to have these women in my life.
Thank you for the sweet birthday wishes and I sincerely hope I did not cause your sickness! I pray you get well soon before Baby Girl arrives (which still could be today) :)
ReplyDeleteI think you have all the necessities in your bag - I was in desperate need of a hairbrush and bobby pin/hair tie when I had Tanner!
You might also want to bring your nursing pillow (Boppy or the like) if you have one. Otherwise, I think you sound good to go! :)
ReplyDeleteTwo things that were, thankfully, mentioned to me by a very experienced woman were lipgloss (my favorite during both labors was the C.O. Bigelow mint infused gloss - freshens your breath and tastes good - instead of goopy) and snacks for my husband. Jerky, granola bars, candy, powerade, etc. You never know how long it's going to take - and you won't want him to leave to go in search of food.
ReplyDeleteThe lipgloss is because ice chips suck. And your lips dry out so easily. It's clutch. Promise.
Glad you can get some prepping done! Hope the cold goes away soon.
ReplyDeleteHope you get to feeling better soon. Take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteMaybe some hard candies since once you are in labor all you get are ice chips. Helps to keep your energy up a little. It helped me. Your breastfeeding pillow also. And your baby book so you can get her hands and feet stamped into it. Most hospitals do that.
ReplyDeleteYes, nursing pillow as one person mentioned. I didn't wear any pajamas, just the hospital gown even though I hate them. Whatever you wear will get blood on it so don't wear something you'll be sad to ruin. Good luck!! Otherwise you have all the things I found essential.
ReplyDeleteThis will probably sound crazy but the thing I couldn't live without was honey. I couldn't even contemplate eating but had absolutely no energy as a result. I probably had 10-12 teaspoons throughput my labor & it was always such a boost of energy.
ReplyDeletePraying you feel better soon.
It's El - Definetly the Bobby. I was also really glad to have my own underwear. I went to the clearence section in Target and got some big but snug granny panties for about two dollars (in black). They also have really good and cheap nursing tanks. I wore those at the hospital and it was nice not to have my belly show whenever I lifted up my shirt to nurse. And it feels good to have something snug around your belly after giving birth. Hope that helps! Lots of love!
ReplyDeleteThis is the best idea I've heard. Prep the passenger seat in your car like this: big towel, large garbage bag, big towel. That way if your water breaks on the way to the hospital it doesn't ruin your seats/isn't a huge mess to clean up!
ReplyDeleteI've also heard to bring photos of things that make you happy. For me, I'm going to bring two huge pictures of my puppies that make me smile every time I look at them!
The honey is a GREAT idea, though I fully plan on making Jason sneak me food, because any anesthesiologist worth his or her salt (i.e. has good anesthetic technique at all) can handle a bit of throw up if you go under general (which you usually throw up bile anyway under general, which you can aspirate just as easily on)! Just sayin'! My doc (30+ yrs of delivering babies under his belt) says SNEAK IT!
I second the boppy pillow and maybe even your own pillows for sleeping (esp for hubby - who knows what he'll have to sleep on).
ReplyDeleteAnd I hope you feel better. I was sick during labor and it was awful. I should have gotten the epidural earlier because the coughing + contractions made me cry. If you are planning on meds - don't put them off if you are sick! I'll feep my fingers crossed that you get better quick!!!