August due dates?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's funny the different between the first and second. With the first I had the nursery set up, all the gear ready, clothes washed, hospital bag packed, etc. at this point (a month to go) and still felt terrified. This time, I haven't done any of that. We recently moved houses so the nursery is a disaster -- needs to be painted, furniture still in boxes, etc. Haven't even thought about a hospital bag, either. But, I don't feel nervous. I know the baby will be in the pack and play in our room at first so I'm not that concerned about the nursery. And as for everything else, well, having been through it before it's just not that stressful...

+1. I'm due with my second in a few weeks and still have no crib, haven't painted and need a stroller (have a snap and go). Second time around I'm just not stressed about it. It will all get done even if its after her arrival.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One more thing (Petunia again). I was reading about what to pack, and saw a recommendation to bring two bags - one for labor and one for after delivery. I like this idea - anyone doing this? I plan to bring a smaller labor bag into the hospital and leave my bigger post delivery bag in the car for my husband to get once we are settled in our room.

2nd time mom here and I definitely wouldn't do that. Just more stuff for you to haul around. You really don't need much in the hospital. Hell one of my friends got to the hospital with the clothes she was in and an umbrella. She laughs because she says she didn't really even need that. Just Brian some PJ's, a toothbrush and outfits to wear home. It's all you'll need...and all you'll want to carry home.

[Anonymous]

Vee here. This is also my second and I feel like I'm prepared enough... Maybe? Crib's set up, clothes washed, but we still have a list of things to buy (diapers, swaddles, etc). DS #1 was born in March, so all of his newborn supplies are for cooler weather.

I'd heard about the two bag suggestion as well, and I think we did end up taking two small bags, but it wasn't really worth it, like others have said. One thing we are going to throw in the trunk this time (and this is going to sound weird) is a twin sized aerobed for my husband. He has chronic back issues and sleeping in the recliner for two days was really hard on him.

[Anonymous]

Petunia again. Thanks for letting me know two bags may be too much. Did you just check in while in labor with your bag or did your husband get it from the car once you were in your room? I was thinking for the labor part, I just need chapstick and a robe (in case I get cold or want to walk around without showing the buns out of the back of my gown). Make sense? Bad idea? I appreciate the feedback.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Petunia again. Thanks for letting me know two bags may be too much. Did you just check in while in labor with your bag or did your husband get it from the car once you were in your room? I was thinking for the labor part, I just need chapstick and a robe (in case I get cold or want to walk around without showing the buns out of the back of my gown). Make sense? Bad idea? I appreciate the feedback.

I wouldn't have your husband go back to the car to get your bag. Once you arrive and L&D, he should be prepared to stay with you. Things change very quickly--for better or worse. You can be plodding along for hours, and then in minutes, everything changes.

2nd timer here--I packed a suitcase last time and didn't use anything we brought. This time around, I am bringing a robe, some socks, flipflops, some toiletries, phone charger, and a dress to go home in.

Don't you have chapstick in your purse?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Petunia again. Thanks for letting me know two bags may be too much. Did you just check in while in labor with your bag or did your husband get it from the car once you were in your room? I was thinking for the labor part, I just need chapstick and a robe (in case I get cold or want to walk around without showing the buns out of the back of my gown). Make sense? Bad idea? I appreciate the feedback.

I wouldn't have your husband go back to the car to get your bag. Once you arrive and L&D, he should be prepared to stay with you. Things change very quickly--for better or worse. You can be plodding along for hours, and then in minutes, everything changes.

2nd timer here--I packed a suitcase last time and didn't use anything we brought. This time around, I am bringing a robe, some socks, flipflops, some toiletries, phone charger, and a dress to go home in.

Don't you have chapstick in your purse?

Thanks for your input. I was thinking my husband could get the post-delivery bag once the baby arrived and we were settled in our room. I would just bring a robe, chapstick (yes, it's in my purse - just reminding myself to not run out before L&D), phone charger and any other essentials for L&D. I think it may be a pain to cart around my main bag with clothes and toiletries during L&D since we may be bouncing around to multiple rooms before settling into our post-delivery room with the baby.

[Anonymous]

You do not need any bag for L&D. They will give you a gown and you'll be good to go. Bring one small bag for your stay. The lighter the load the better. Just bring the bag in with you when you get there. Robe/PJ's, slippers, toiletries and one outfit to leave in. Don't over think it. It took me about five minutes to throw a bag together. Your bag will be the least of your worries!!

[Anonymous]

Vee again. Agree with points made about what you need during labor. It varies from person to person - you might be in there for hours and want to have your creature comforts. My first experience though, was that we arrived at 10am and DS was born at 10:45. DH had the nurses wheel me into the ER (it was a weekend) while he parked the car. He didn't bring in anything except my purse, which I honestly did not need. We got along just fine. You won't want to wear any of your own clothing at that point, because it would likely get wet/bloody. Wear the hospital gown/socks before the baby comes and save your robe for post-delivery

[Anonymous]

But over thinking things is my specialty

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I'll definitely scale back. One more question about things to bring...snacks? For me and my husband. I know there are vending machines, but I figured easy stuff that we can have handy. I also read you are very hungry after delivery, and sometimes the food service does not come for a while. Considering my appetite now, I would be miserable without food for a while after delivery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But over thinking things is my specialty

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I'll definitely scale back. One more question about things to bring...snacks? For me and my husband. I know there are vending machines, but I figured easy stuff that we can have handy. I also read you are very hungry after delivery, and sometimes the food service does not come for a while. Considering my appetite now, I would be miserable without food for a while after delivery.

You will not be allowed to eat during labor and if you have a c-section at least, you won't be allowed to eat until they give you the go ahead. I had 20 hours of labor and then after an emergency C still wasn't allowed to eat until the following day. I really wouldn't worry so much about what you need to bring. Just the stuff mentioned above and then you can easily find food when ready. Trust me you'll be fine even if you brought nothing

[Anonymous]

I brought a bag of tootsie pops that I ate throughout labor

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I brought a bag of tootsie pops that I ate throughout labor

Yum!

[Anonymous]

Not expecting in August, but I delivered my second DC last August 4th. Just wanted to wish you all the best. Looks like it is supposed to cool down this weekend! In the meantime, put those feet up and enjoy a cold lemonade. You are almost there!!! And, the fall was the best time for maternity leave! Good luck!! Enjoy!

[Anonymous]

Vee again.

Regarding snacks, I packed a bunch the first time around and we did end up digging in throughout our stay. I was at Fair Oaks and they had meal service only at certain times so we had to be on their schedule. My friend recently delivered at Reston though, and they apparently have a whole "Refreshment Center" in L&D (or maybe in recovery) where you can just go grab free snacks whenever you want!

[Anonymous]

Elle here. My practice encourages eating and drinking during labor. I plan to bring drinks and snacks, but I'm thinking since it's common to throw up during transition, I want to bring things that will be less uncomfortable coming back up. Any advice?