Special things you're taking to the hospital

[Anonymous]

I literally laughed out loud at that list. I never do that on DCUM, so I salute you, list maker.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I literally laughed out loud at that list. I never do that on DCUM, so I salute you, list maker.

seriously you'd need a sherpa to bing all that to the hospital with you...lol

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I literally laughed out loud at that list. I never do that on DCUM, so I salute you, list maker.

seriously you'd need a sherpa to bing all that to the hospital with you...lol

Agree. I don't know why people post that stuff and think it will help get them more clients. All I could think was "yeah...that poster must never have been given birth before if she thinks a mom in labor is going to pack up that much stuff" (since some of it was refrigerated, freshly made items)
I labored at home for as long as possible and was in no condition to do anything but walk around and try to relax (I went into painful contractions fast with no warning). DH was pretty much pacing back and forth asking when I would finally agree to leave. NEither of us were in a situation to pack anything. Thankfully Kindle was with me, and a bag was packed with clothes and a couple of other things.

[Anonymous]

For my second, I splurged on some nice body wash and lotion (the Violet Blossom scent from Philosophy's Field of Flowers collection), a lightweight new bathrobe (that I've worn constantly since), and a new burt's bees chapstick. Like you, OP, I also baked a treat to bring; in my case it was these amazing molasses ginger cookies. I'd frozen the dough into balls, and baked off several batches when I was in early labor. They were so delicious--I'm very glad I did that!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I literally laughed out loud at that list. I never do that on DCUM, so I salute you, list maker.

seriously you'd need a sherpa to bing all that to the hospital with you...lol

I think it was a list of things to consider, not a list of must haves, obviously. For me, letters of support from friends & family would not get used and my family would feel weird being asked to write them. But I do have a friend who was skyping with her family overseas during labor and it made her feel supported, so for her & others like her - maybe the letters are a good idea.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I literally laughed out loud at that list. I never do that on DCUM, so I salute you, list maker.

seriously you'd need a sherpa to bing all that to the hospital with you...lol

This was my first thought as well! You would need valet service!

[Anonymous]

I had my delivery (C-section) recently, and had just the basic stuff (toothbrush, facial soap, a few others). Not sure why there are such extensive lists of "must haves" on here; truly not all necessary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:i've had 2 c sections and I honestly do not remember taking a shower in the hospital after either one. maybe it's just enough to get to the toilet and do your walking around if you've had a C!

I've learned my lesson though. I'm taking an eye mask and noise blocking headphones. I hate it when they come in and bang around. And a heavy blanket, I have been freezing both times I've been in there.

Haha, I had an unmedicated birth recently which was 99% horribly unenjoyable, and THE best part of the whole experience was taking a shower afterward. It just felt solo good to clean off and get under some hot water after that. Plus the baby and all that.

To the OP: good food is a must, so the cake sounds great, but if you don't get to baking, make sure you send DH out! Also, unless you have a medical reason, stop restricting yourself so much and enjoy some sweets during the next (painful) month...

[Anonymous]

My own toiletries
Flip flops as I hate socks
Some comfy clothes - hate wearing the hospital gown

[Anonymous]

I had a robe and some really loose, knit pants that I wore the while in the hospital. It was nice to not have to wear the gown post-labor. Labor went so fast taht

This time I'll probably pack slippers, a nursing pillow, those gel nipple pads, better snacks, and some better swaddling blankets. Last time as well as this time I'll bring some makeup for pictures. I didn't wash my hair until I got home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dear Expectant Mamas,
Here is my list of What To Bring to the Hospital that I give to my birth clients. Bring anything and everything that makes you feel safe, comfortable, happy, peaceful, loved.

Slippers
Robe
Big t-shirt or loose night gown to labor in
Nursing night gowns

Blah blah blah
Blah blah blah
Blah blah blah

God. No.

Basic toiletries.
Comfy clothes.
Something to do when bored.
Snacks you love to death.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:i've had 2 c sections and I honestly do not remember taking a shower in the hospital after either one. maybe it's just enough to get to the toilet and do your walking around if you've had a C!

I've learned my lesson though. I'm taking an eye mask and noise blocking headphones. I hate it when they come in and bang around. And a heavy blanket, I have been freezing both times I've been in there.

Haha, I had an unmedicated birth recently which was 99% horribly unenjoyable, and THE best part of the whole experience was taking a shower afterward. It just felt solo good to clean off and get under some hot water after that. Plus the baby and all that.

To the OP: good food is a must, so the cake sounds great, but if you don't get to baking, make sure you send DH out! Also, unless you have a medical reason, stop restricting yourself so much and enjoy some sweets during the next (painful) month...

Sadly, there is, so I'm off sugar for the duration.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dear Expectant Mamas,
Here is my list of What To Bring to the Hospital that I give to my birth clients. Bring anything and everything that makes you feel safe, comfortable, happy, peaceful, loved.
Many blessings on your beautiful births!
Allison Harris NCTMB,LMT.CD
www.kairosdoulas.com

What To Take To The Hospital



Slippers
Robe
Big t-shirt or loose night gown to labor in
Nursing night gowns
Nursing bras
Sleep mask, satin or gel
Socks, panties
Hair ties, or terry cloth headband
Hair brush
Shampoo, conditioner ,etc.
Facial scrub, toner, lotion
Body lotion
Toothbrush, toothpaste
Deodorant
Makeup
hair ties and hair clips
Chap stick, lip balm
Mints, hard candies, breath mints,
Tylenol, Advil
Tums,
Ziploc with Echinacea, vitamin C, goldenseal, B complex vitamins
Change of clothes
Sweater or sweat shirt
Bathing suit, or shorts for the shower, a pair for dad too
Contacts, case, solutions, eye glasses
Any prescription meds you take
Inhaler if you have asthma
Photos of loved ones or beloved pets
Photos of honeymoon, or wherever you went together where you felt loved, safe, and happy
favorite blanket
mindfulness meditation or guided imagery scripts to read aloud, and also cd’s to listen to
movies – comedy and laughter help
travel posters of favorite or dream destinations
Ask family and friends to mail you letters of support, love, well wishes, encouragement, prayers, during pregnancy. Don’t read them. Put them in a box and bring them with you to the hospital to read in labor.
battery operated camping lantern for mood lighting
Hang a big sheet of poster board at your baby shower and ask everyone to write something on it for your labor. Take it to the hospital and hang it up as a reminder of all the love and prayers coming your way.



Outfit to bring baby home in
Birth Preference Outline
Baby book
Birth Announcements & addresses
Calling card, cell phone and charger
Phone number list of friends and family to call
Books, magazines to read
Books to read aloud during early labor
Games to play
Playing cards
Pens
Blank notebook
Camera, extra film, batteries
Box of Kleenex, ( hospital Kleenex is like sand paper)
Music, for labor, both calm and soothing for relaxation and something with something more upbeat, in case you need to raise the energy in the room, and get labor going
Hand held fan
Birth Ball and pump ( Kairos doulasbring one)
Pillows
Massage oil or lotion
Rice pack ( Kairos doulas make one for each of our clients)
Gel cold pack (or doula will make a diaper filled with ice)
Lower back cold wrap ( this is like a wide belt sort of thing you can wrap around your waist, or low back and it fastens with velcrow. There is a pocket on the inside and you can put a cold pack or a doubled Ziploc of crushed ice. It feels wonderful!
Yoga mat for hands and knees on floor ( also good to bring with a sleeping bag if dad will spend the night, and does not want to sleep in a chair)

Labor ease tea, and labor ease kit
Bottled water, Coconut water ,or Smart Water
Juice popsicles or homemade frozen smoothie pops,
Or Labourade

In blender mix :
5 fresh squeezed lemons, 1/2 cup honey, ¼ tsp. salt, 3 calcium/magnesium tablets crushed, 4 cups water. Mix well and freeze for labor.
Labourade has rejuvenating effects in labor. The electrolyte balance combined with natural energy (honey), natural fluids (lemon and water) and calcium and magnesium which are essential in effective muscle contraction is an excellent, natural way to boost energy levels. If this is not to your liking, you can use Gatorade or Smart Water as an alternative.
Bach’s Rescue Remedy
Herbal tea bags
Snacks for dad
Dried fruit, nuts, soy nuts, raisins, craisins,dried apricots,trail mix,
Granola bars, power bars,
Cheese and crackers
Fresh fruit, apples, bananas, Clementine oranges
Peanut butter sandwiches
Yogurt
Cottage cheese with fruit and granola
Cut up carrots, celery, green peppers, cucumbers, etc, with salad dressing to dip them in
Bagels and cream cheese
Avocado, tomatoe, cheese sandwiches
Leftovers from dinners, in small Tupperware containers, that can be reheated in microwave
Rice cakes, or mini rice cakes, and peanut butter for dipping them in
Anything rolled in a tortilla
Miso soup

To Have at Home when You Return:

Sanitary pads soaked in witch hazel and frozen, to soothe sore perineal area
Lanolin cream for nipple care
Traditional Medicinal’s Mothers Milk Tea, to help milk come in
Fenugreek to help increase milk supply
Traditional Medicinal’s Smooth Move Tea, to encourage normal bowel movements after the birth
Breastfeeding products, Earth Mama Angel Baby
Pospartum products, Earth Mama Angel Baby – They make a great herbal sitz bath
Angel Baby Products, Earth mama Angel Baby
Nursing pillow
Sling or Maya Wrap

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dear Expectant Mamas,
Here is my list of What To Bring to the Hospital that I give to my birth clients. Bring anything and everything that makes you feel safe, comfortable, happy, peaceful, loved.

Slippers
Robe
Big t-shirt or loose night gown to labor in
Nursing night gowns

Blah blah blah
Blah blah blah
Blah blah blah

God. No.

Basic toiletries.
Comfy clothes.
Something to do when bored.
Snacks you love to death.

I NEEDS my honeymoon photos and travel posters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dear Expectant Mamas,
Here is my list of What To Bring to the Hospital that I give to my birth clients. Bring anything and everything that makes you feel safe, comfortable, happy, peaceful, loved.

Slippers
Robe
Big t-shirt or loose night gown to labor in
Nursing night gowns

Blah blah blah
Blah blah blah
Blah blah blah

God. No.

Basic toiletries.
Comfy clothes.
Something to do when bored.
Snacks you love to death.

I NEEDS my honeymoon photos and travel posters.

Can you imagine setting all of that stuff up in your hospital room? I imagine the nurses would call for a psych consult stat.