One of my friends who does not live near me is pregnant and is scheduled to have her (medically necessary) primary C-Section tomorrow! So congratulations to the soon-to-be new parents of their little Halloween baby! Anyway, she posted on Facebook asking what kinds of things to bring to the hospital. So I messaged her and asked her if I could give her the complete low-down. She said yes, and I feel like I typed a novel. Which is also what I'm about to type for you right now. So saddle up.
I've been meaning to write this for a while, as a lot of first-time moms don't know what to bring or what to expect, etc. Before I started working my current job, I had no real idea of what to expect. So if you are pregnant or know someone who is pregnant (and honestly, you probably do), hopefully this post will help you in some way.
DISCLAIMER: These are merely suggestions. They are pretty much specific to the hospital at which I am employed. Every hospital is different, so if you have any questions, I suggest you go to a tour of the unit or call the hospital and ask specifics. None of what is said here is legally binding. Also, if the doctors or nurses taking care of you tell you to do something different, DO IT. They are your primary caregivers and should be respected. Do not be like, "Oh, this blog I read on the internet said (insert my ramblings here...)". Because if one of my patients said that to me, I would not be happy. And happy nurses are important.
ANOTHER DISCLAIMER: I may get a little graphic. I don't mean to, but it's not really graphic to me anymore. So the guys may want to turn back if it gets too gross. I just want you to be fully prepared for what's going to happen. I am a fan of mental preparation.
Let's get started.
Before coming to the hospital:
- Shower.
- Groom yourself however you see fit, if you are able. If you are unable, you can ask the man who impregnated you to do it. Or your sister. Or whomever.
- Brush your teeth.
- Get prepared for an IV, especially if you want an epidural or the labor-inducing medication.
- Bring your toco belts (the pink/blue belts that they use to hold the baby heart-monitor and contraction-monitor to your belly). This may just be a "my-hospital" thing, but our ladies are given a set of belts when they come in for the first time, and if they're sent home, they go with them and need to be brought back on subsequent visits.
- Eat something, unless you're coming for a C-Section. You'll need to not eat before a C-Section because the drugs/anesthesia can react to anything in your stomach. If you're in labor or coming to see if you're in labor, eat something, because once you're admitted and in labor, you normally shouldn't eat anything in the off chance that you'll need a C-Section. You'll get ice chips. And that's pretty much it.
- Alright, here's a graphic part. I keep typing and erasing what I'm trying to say and there's no delicate way to put it. When women are pushing, sometimes more than just a baby comes out. I'm talking about a bowel movement, people. So take that as you will. If you want to try to have a bowel movement before coming in to try to avoid that, you may. Just wanted to warn you.
What to bring to the hospital:
- Insurance card(s), identification card (driver's license) for you and your significant other.
- A list of your current medications and vitamins (please include the dosage)
- A good supportive bra. For real, this is a necessity. It can be a nursing bra or not, just something that supports your breasts well. You need this whether or not you're breastfeeding and we will not supply one for you. You can bring nursing pads if you want them, but breast milk doesn't normally come in for a few days.
- A boppy if you have it/want to bring it. It's not necessary. Pillows work just the same, especially while laying in the bed.
- Extension cord for the ill-placed outlets, cell phone charger.
- If you want to bring the baby clothes, I suggest sleepers, hats, and socks. The baby will need a going-home outfit and a blanket for the ride home.
- Favorite snacks. Our hospital doesn't have a lot in the way of snackage.
- Plenty of change/dollar bills for the vending machiines.
- If your overnight guest drinks caffeinated beverages like soft drinks, they might want to bring some.
- Your own pillows/blankets/towels etc. if desired.
- Necessary toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, face wash, deoderant, etc. Also, take some good, soothing lotion.
What to expect for you:
- Cramping: Your uterus is going to be cramping to get back down to its original size. Motrin works really well on cramps. The cramping usually gets worse with each pregnancy you have. Having a full bladder makes cramps worse, so peeing frequently is important.
- Bleeding: You're basically going to have 9 months worth of periods in a few days (the majority of it in the first day), even if you have a C-Section. If you think your bleeding is super heavy, ask the nurse. If you have a C-Section, the nurses/aides will change your pads before you're able to get up and while you still have the catheter in your bladder. The hospital should provide pads and disposable mesh undies, but your own pads and cotton granny panties aren't a bad idea if you want to take them, especially if you're wanting to cut down on the cost of your stay.
- Activity: If you have an epidural, then once it's out and your legs have recovered you will be expected to walk around and do the majority of your own care. You can shower as soon as the nurses/doctors say it is appropriate. If you have a C-Section, it's normally a good idea to get up out of bed as soon as the doctor/nurses say it is okay. The sooner you get up, the easier it is. It might not feel like it at the time, but your recovery will go quicker. Walking is SO important. And not just walking around the room, like walking in the halls. A lot of times after c-sections and epidurals, the bowels are a little sluggish due to anesthesia and walking helps mobilize gas. That, plus the lack of movement that your body is used to, can lead to gas build-up which pushes on your diaphragm and can cause some pretty serious shoulder pain. Oh, and you won't be able to drink from a straw after a C-Section since that leads to gas build-up, too.
- Pain: I already touched on the cramping situation, but you may also have pain in your back at the epidural insertion site, even a few days after the epidural is out. You may also have soreness in your thighs and hips from pushing. Your hoo-hoo may also become swollen and painful. Ice packs help with the swelling and pain immensely, so follow the nurses instructions for that. You may be prescribed stronger painkillers. If you take them too much, it can make you constipated. You will most likely be receiving a stool softener, but that doesn't make you not constipated. Take the stronger pain meds if you need them, though, especially if it helps you keep moving. Just try not to take them willy-nilly.
-Hydration: Be prepared to drink lots of water. Staying hydrated helps your body recover more quickly and if you're breastfeeding, it helps your milk supply come in good and strong.
Breastfeeding:
- Breastfeeding is such a good way to bond with your new little one, it is the best thing for your baby, and it's free! Plus, your body burns several hundred extra calories a day just from making breastmilk, imagine those pounds dropping! But formula feeding is just as acceptable. Personally, as long as your baby is being fed, it's fine with me. Breastfeeding is most likely going to be incredibly frustrating at first, and you may want to throw in the towel, but I encourage you to keep at it. Please make every attempt to take a breastfeeding class, you can ask your OB or the hospital what classes are available. If for some reason you are unable to do so, search some breastfeeding videos on youtube just to have an idea.
- Nipple shields: Some women have flat or inverted nipples. That's just the reality of it. And some women with those nipples want to breastfeed. Nipple shields are not necessary for these women, but may be helpful especially in establishing breastfeeding. Even if you have everted nipples, the IV fluid that you'll get during your hospital stay can make you swollen, breasts included. This might sound strange, but if you cup your breast like a C and squeeze your breast and notice that your nipple either becomes flat or inverted, you may benefit from a nipple shield. Try to breastfeed without it at first, but nipple shields are great to have on hand if you decide you want them and the issue has been discussed with the nurse or lactation specialist.
- Cluster feeding: Warning: at around 24-36 hours of age, most breastfed babies do what's called cluster feeding. They will want to eat every 30 minutes to an hour for several hours. It is exhausting! But the best thing to do is just to keep feeding him if your nipples can handle it. If not, you can try to pacify him another way like swaddling, holding, rocking, putting him skin-to-skin, etc. It usually lasts about 6-8 hours and then he'll get back to a more normal pattern.
- Assistance/determination: If you need help breastfeeding, don't hesitate to ask for it. A lot of people think it's just a magical connection and you put the breast within 100 yards of the infant's mouth and the child just goes to town. Sadly, this is very rarely the case. So if the magic does not happen at first, please know that this is normal and you are not a failure. Just keep trying. It does get easier.
- If you plan on pumping your breasts and have a breast pump, please bring it. We have a breast pump or two at our hospital, but they are used only in the case where the infant is medically unable to breastfeed. If you don't like the feeling of the baby on the breast but still want your baby to get breast milk, that does not count as the infant medically unable to breastfeed.
Nursery:
Our hospital practices couplet care (as do most of them, I think), where the parents are responsible for the care of the baby. It's important that you learn how to soothe the baby and sleep in the same room with him/her because you'll have to do it when you get home. Ask your hospital the policy for the baby going to the nursery. But you shouldn't expect the baby to stay in the nursery all night unless medically necessary, especially if you're breastfeeding.
Miscellaneous info:
- Call light etiquette: If you need someone to bring you something or a general question, ask for it over the call system. Also, try to ask for everything in one go if you can help it. We will bring patients one thing they asked for and then they'll say, "Oh, and can I have some more pads?" So we bring them the pads and they say, "Oh, I need some pain medicine." So we bring the pain medicine and they say, "Can I have some more juice, too?" It gets tiring. Plus it's wasted time and energy for us. We know sometimes you honestly just think of something else as we're walking in the door, but please do try. If you have intimate questions or a more personal request, by all means call us to the room and ask. Asking for more pads, or panties, or an ice pack for your hoo-hoo does not count as a personal request to the staff, by the way.
- Be pleasant, polite, and use common sense. I know that sounds elementary, but you'd be surprised at how many people just expect us to do everything for them. It is our job to help you recover, keep you comfortable, and make sure you can appropriately care for your baby. "Please"s and "thank you"s go such a long way. We understand that you're exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed, but we are much more willing to do everything we possibly can for you when you're pleasant and polite.
- A boppy if you have it/want to bring it. It's not necessary. Pillows work just the same, especially while laying in the bed.
- Extension cord for the ill-placed outlets, cell phone charger.
- If you want to bring the baby clothes, I suggest sleepers, hats, and socks. The baby will need a going-home outfit and a blanket for the ride home.
- Favorite snacks. Our hospital doesn't have a lot in the way of snackage.
- Plenty of change/dollar bills for the vending machiines.
- If your overnight guest drinks caffeinated beverages like soft drinks, they might want to bring some.
- Your own pillows/blankets/towels etc. if desired.
- Necessary toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, face wash, deoderant, etc. Also, take some good, soothing lotion.
- Glasses. If you wear contacts, bring your glasses as well, and contacts-related items.
- Unnecessary toiletries you may want include: chapstick, hair ties, headbands, bobby pins, hair dryer, straightener, etc.
- A mini hand-sanitizer for the bedside.
- Door decorations if desired.
- Some of those little Colgate Wisps for when you want a fresh mouth (especially after a C-Section) but aren't able to get up yet. These should not be a cop out for getting up to the sink for actual teeth-brushing when you're able, though.
- PJs and a robe if desired, but don't take any clothes that you aren't prepared to get blood, baby vomit, or baby poop/urine on.
- Any kind of medicine that your overnight guest might want/need. Cold medicine, allergy medicine, Advil, etc.
- Be sure to bring Tums, like a little travel pack. Trust me on this.
- Appropriate clothing for your overnight. You might enjoy seeing your significant other in his boxers, but I do not. Also, you will most likely be either burning up or freezing cold after you have the baby (those crazy hormones), so make sure your visitor brings a sweatshirt and pants, as well as t-shirt and shorts.
- The carseat. It will be needed in order for the baby to be discharged from the hospital.
- Footwear. Flip flops, non-skid socks, slippers, etc.
- Unnecessary toiletries you may want include: chapstick, hair ties, headbands, bobby pins, hair dryer, straightener, etc.
- A mini hand-sanitizer for the bedside.
- Door decorations if desired.
- Some of those little Colgate Wisps for when you want a fresh mouth (especially after a C-Section) but aren't able to get up yet. These should not be a cop out for getting up to the sink for actual teeth-brushing when you're able, though.
- PJs and a robe if desired, but don't take any clothes that you aren't prepared to get blood, baby vomit, or baby poop/urine on.
- Any kind of medicine that your overnight guest might want/need. Cold medicine, allergy medicine, Advil, etc.
- Be sure to bring Tums, like a little travel pack. Trust me on this.
- Appropriate clothing for your overnight. You might enjoy seeing your significant other in his boxers, but I do not. Also, you will most likely be either burning up or freezing cold after you have the baby (those crazy hormones), so make sure your visitor brings a sweatshirt and pants, as well as t-shirt and shorts.
- The carseat. It will be needed in order for the baby to be discharged from the hospital.
- Footwear. Flip flops, non-skid socks, slippers, etc.
- Your camera!!
- A laptop if you want to skype with family members, but the hospital is not responsible if anything bad happens to it.
What to expect for you:
- Cramping: Your uterus is going to be cramping to get back down to its original size. Motrin works really well on cramps. The cramping usually gets worse with each pregnancy you have. Having a full bladder makes cramps worse, so peeing frequently is important.
- Bleeding: You're basically going to have 9 months worth of periods in a few days (the majority of it in the first day), even if you have a C-Section. If you think your bleeding is super heavy, ask the nurse. If you have a C-Section, the nurses/aides will change your pads before you're able to get up and while you still have the catheter in your bladder. The hospital should provide pads and disposable mesh undies, but your own pads and cotton granny panties aren't a bad idea if you want to take them, especially if you're wanting to cut down on the cost of your stay.
- Activity: If you have an epidural, then once it's out and your legs have recovered you will be expected to walk around and do the majority of your own care. You can shower as soon as the nurses/doctors say it is appropriate. If you have a C-Section, it's normally a good idea to get up out of bed as soon as the doctor/nurses say it is okay. The sooner you get up, the easier it is. It might not feel like it at the time, but your recovery will go quicker. Walking is SO important. And not just walking around the room, like walking in the halls. A lot of times after c-sections and epidurals, the bowels are a little sluggish due to anesthesia and walking helps mobilize gas. That, plus the lack of movement that your body is used to, can lead to gas build-up which pushes on your diaphragm and can cause some pretty serious shoulder pain. Oh, and you won't be able to drink from a straw after a C-Section since that leads to gas build-up, too.
- Pain: I already touched on the cramping situation, but you may also have pain in your back at the epidural insertion site, even a few days after the epidural is out. You may also have soreness in your thighs and hips from pushing. Your hoo-hoo may also become swollen and painful. Ice packs help with the swelling and pain immensely, so follow the nurses instructions for that. You may be prescribed stronger painkillers. If you take them too much, it can make you constipated. You will most likely be receiving a stool softener, but that doesn't make you not constipated. Take the stronger pain meds if you need them, though, especially if it helps you keep moving. Just try not to take them willy-nilly.
-Hydration: Be prepared to drink lots of water. Staying hydrated helps your body recover more quickly and if you're breastfeeding, it helps your milk supply come in good and strong.
Breastfeeding:
- Breastfeeding is such a good way to bond with your new little one, it is the best thing for your baby, and it's free! Plus, your body burns several hundred extra calories a day just from making breastmilk, imagine those pounds dropping! But formula feeding is just as acceptable. Personally, as long as your baby is being fed, it's fine with me. Breastfeeding is most likely going to be incredibly frustrating at first, and you may want to throw in the towel, but I encourage you to keep at it. Please make every attempt to take a breastfeeding class, you can ask your OB or the hospital what classes are available. If for some reason you are unable to do so, search some breastfeeding videos on youtube just to have an idea.
- Nipple shields: Some women have flat or inverted nipples. That's just the reality of it. And some women with those nipples want to breastfeed. Nipple shields are not necessary for these women, but may be helpful especially in establishing breastfeeding. Even if you have everted nipples, the IV fluid that you'll get during your hospital stay can make you swollen, breasts included. This might sound strange, but if you cup your breast like a C and squeeze your breast and notice that your nipple either becomes flat or inverted, you may benefit from a nipple shield. Try to breastfeed without it at first, but nipple shields are great to have on hand if you decide you want them and the issue has been discussed with the nurse or lactation specialist.
- Cluster feeding: Warning: at around 24-36 hours of age, most breastfed babies do what's called cluster feeding. They will want to eat every 30 minutes to an hour for several hours. It is exhausting! But the best thing to do is just to keep feeding him if your nipples can handle it. If not, you can try to pacify him another way like swaddling, holding, rocking, putting him skin-to-skin, etc. It usually lasts about 6-8 hours and then he'll get back to a more normal pattern.
- Assistance/determination: If you need help breastfeeding, don't hesitate to ask for it. A lot of people think it's just a magical connection and you put the breast within 100 yards of the infant's mouth and the child just goes to town. Sadly, this is very rarely the case. So if the magic does not happen at first, please know that this is normal and you are not a failure. Just keep trying. It does get easier.
- If you plan on pumping your breasts and have a breast pump, please bring it. We have a breast pump or two at our hospital, but they are used only in the case where the infant is medically unable to breastfeed. If you don't like the feeling of the baby on the breast but still want your baby to get breast milk, that does not count as the infant medically unable to breastfeed.
Nursery:
Our hospital practices couplet care (as do most of them, I think), where the parents are responsible for the care of the baby. It's important that you learn how to soothe the baby and sleep in the same room with him/her because you'll have to do it when you get home. Ask your hospital the policy for the baby going to the nursery. But you shouldn't expect the baby to stay in the nursery all night unless medically necessary, especially if you're breastfeeding.
Miscellaneous info:
- Call light etiquette: If you need someone to bring you something or a general question, ask for it over the call system. Also, try to ask for everything in one go if you can help it. We will bring patients one thing they asked for and then they'll say, "Oh, and can I have some more pads?" So we bring them the pads and they say, "Oh, I need some pain medicine." So we bring the pain medicine and they say, "Can I have some more juice, too?" It gets tiring. Plus it's wasted time and energy for us. We know sometimes you honestly just think of something else as we're walking in the door, but please do try. If you have intimate questions or a more personal request, by all means call us to the room and ask. Asking for more pads, or panties, or an ice pack for your hoo-hoo does not count as a personal request to the staff, by the way.
- Be pleasant, polite, and use common sense. I know that sounds elementary, but you'd be surprised at how many people just expect us to do everything for them. It is our job to help you recover, keep you comfortable, and make sure you can appropriately care for your baby. "Please"s and "thank you"s go such a long way. We understand that you're exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed, but we are much more willing to do everything we possibly can for you when you're pleasant and polite.
- Last name: In most hospitals, the infant's last name will be the mother's last name throughout the length of their stay. That is so the infant and mother are easily identified as belonging to each other. The baby's last name may be changed to the father's last name on the birth certificate paperwork. There will most likely be a card on the baby's bed saying "Last name, Baby Girl/Boy". Please do not scratch this out or change anything on it. Your infant will not have an identity crisis, I promise.
Whew! I think I'm finished. I know that was long and tiring for you, but aren't you more knowledgeable and prepared now? I hope so, because that's my intention.
Happy baby-having!
Whew! I think I'm finished. I know that was long and tiring for you, but aren't you more knowledgeable and prepared now? I hope so, because that's my intention.
Happy baby-having!
Brandon is much impressed with the list! We need one in every room...like the Bible in cheqp motels!
ReplyDeleteWow, I just stumbled upon your blog; this is very informative. I wish a maternity staffer from every hospital system would post the scoop on their way of doing things. I would be easier to narrow down the options ;)
ReplyDelete