@kbduke I wore pj pants or a maternity skirt in the hospital...but I had a c section so after the first lady bit check (because the baby had almost crowned then both our hearts stopped so off to the OR) they didn't bother checking there again, just asked me about bleeding. They needed easy access to my incision though so the pj's and skirt (casual, big, pulled above the incision) allowed that access.
1) What are you packing that is a MUST have? Lanolin nipple cream!
2) What are you packing for yourself/parents to be? Normal clothes and snacks.
3) What are you packing for baby(ies)? Onesies, sleepers, diapers, wipes, and her coming home outfit along with blankies.
4) what are things to consider when packing? (e.g. is your hospital cafeteria 24 hours or will you be starving all night? Things for DH/Partner?) Just pack the basics, leaving the hospital will suck otherwise.
5) Other? Depends, I wish I had something for all the blood besides the hospital pads the first time around!
For packing food for DH - what are other people doing? Last time DH managed to eat only hospital mexican food (after we'd specifically discussed being easy on our digestive systems around labor time to not add additional things to deal with) so I'm resolved to pack him things he'll eat. Last time I packed things like cliff bars and fruit and easy mac but he didn't want that stuff. That said it's gotta be ready to go for a couple weeks... like not super perishable. We do have microwave access @sourlemon 's breakfast burrito kick a while back gave me the idea to make some burritos (out of GOOD ingredients) and freeze them to grab. Any other thoughts?
@slartybartfast I dunno what we're packing, but my husband likes Belvita breakfast bars - the crunchy kind (not the softer more cakey ones) - cinnamon and blueberry flavors. He was surprised by how filling they are... and trust me, that man can EAT. But if your husband is anti-Cliff bars, I dunno how he'd like Belvita. YMMV...
@slartybartfast Beef jerky, dried fruit, Cliff/Kind bars, trail mix, some chips, cookies, carrot sticks, Gatorade, water, and protein shakes are what we are bringing. That's enough snacks for the labor period--then he can go grab breakfast or whatever since our hospital has a cafeteria and is also surrounded by restaurants. Since I'm being induced at night, we're eating a big dinner beforehand.
@kbduke I also had a previous cesarian but yoga pants/pajama pants made me feel more human. DS was in the NICU so I had to go TO my baby once I was able. Walking around for days on end in a hospital gown is not my idea of a good time.
@slartybartfast Beef jerky, dried fruit, Cliff/Kind bars, trail mix, some chips, cookies, carrot sticks, Gatorade, water, and protein shakes are what we are bringing. That's enough snacks for the labor period--then he can go grab breakfast or whatever since our hospital has a cafeteria and is also surrounded by restaurants. Since I'm being induced at night, we're eating a big dinner beforehand.
@dmontgo what time is your induction? I was advised to be NPO for at least 6 hours prior (I was also admitted for days prior to my cesarian so they were controlling my food) due to the BP factor. Just in case I had to get general, and I was thisclose to that being a real option. something to talk to your provider about if you haven't already.
What size bag is everyone packing? Just thinking about all the things I want to bring makes me feel like I'm going to bring luggage to the hospital (only joking...maybe). What size bag is typical to pack? Backpack? Beach bag?
@slartybartfast I am packing for H like he is a toddler. He gets fruit snacks, jerky, granola bars. Then change so he can run to a vending machine if he wants something else. Also he is a huge fan of Maverick burritos, and there is a 'superstore' one about a block away from the hospital, so I can easily kick him out for 'real' food or my sanity.
Formerly known as Kate08young August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Me: 28 H: 24 Married: 7/22/14 Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017. Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
@DiFazetteAs of right now it would be between 6pm-9pm on Monday, December 12th (supposed to know more exactly as it gets closer), and they would give me Cervidil and let me sleep through the night before starting Pitocin in the morning. Initially they said to relax that day and eat a good dinner beforehand. But, my BP is creeping up, so all of this will likely change. Every night this week I've been measuring at 140/90 to 140/100---I am hoping for a peaceful induction, but realistically it is likely not in the cards if my body keeps adapting to the meds. Still hopeful though.
@DiFazetteAs of right now it would be between 6pm-9pm on Monday, December 12th (supposed to know more exactly as it gets closer), and they would give me Cervidil and let me sleep through the night before starting Pitocin in the morning. Initially they said to relax that day and eat a good dinner beforehand.
I went in at 7p, started Cervidil at 9p and got Pitocin at 6a, so same basic plan. Just an FYI, the Cervidil started my labor and there was no sleeping through the night ;-)
@jennbaylor12 Nooo! Let me be naive for just a little longer lol
Ask if they will let you eat or have 'clear' liquids. My hospital wouldnt allow food, but I could have all the popsicles and sprite or broth I wanted. It made a huge difference on how I felt going into my induction.
Formerly known as Kate08young August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Me: 28 H: 24 Married: 7/22/14 Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017. Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
@dmontgo on the other side, I had cervidil at 7am and while it caused cramping and minor contractions, nothing really happened for 12 hours that hadn't been happening before (I had been having real (but minor) contractions for 3 weeks). But it also didn't soften my cervix so it probably just wasn't the right med for me. They started pitocin at 7pm and that's a bitch. There was no sleep to be had until my doctor allowed me to get the epi at 4pm the next Flippin day. But...not saying that will be your story. But there's hope you may sleep with cervidil.
So today being sent to l&d I had quickly thrown together: phone, charger, book, sudoku book, water bottle, cookies and chips for DH. That is enough to get most people through a day...like if you have to go for nsts or monitoring. Last pregnancy I had that bag packed at 34 weeks. I didn't expect to need it already this time. So it may be a good idea to have this type of bag packed (or at least items conviently located and charged) just in case.
My hospital bag list I sent DH home with isn't good for post baby...just stuff to keep me entertained for 2-3 days while I'm stuck.
@sourlemon You've struggled with BP issues in the past, right? (I'm sorry if I confused you with someone else) How far along were you when you were induced? My friend who had her baby last week was 38 weeks and her story was similar to yours. The Cervidil softened her but didn't send her into labor, and she was given the choice to sleep or start Pitocin. She went ahead with the Pitocin, although knowing myself if I have that option, I would really like to sleep some if I can. She wasn't induced for BP though. Did you have to have a magnesium sulfate drip? Could you leave the bed at all?
@dmontgo I was induced for high bp which rapidly turned into pre e during labor. I wasn't induced until 39+2 because that's when protein was first detected in my urine. Before that, I had 2ce weekly nst for about 3 weeks as my bp crept up. I did not have the mag drip until after DD was born when things got wonky.
I was on an iv and monitors from the beginning so walking was challenging but not impossible. I was allowed to use the bathroom and to walk for 15 minutes every 4 hours until my heart stopped the first time. Then no more getting up at all until a few hours after my c section.
Keep in mind that you aren't doomed because high bp. My birth story had so much crap in it. So much went wrong. My current doctor is shocked I didn't sue my previous one for malpractice. That's how wrong things were. I was induced because high bp...but that's almost where the bp story ends for labor/delivery. I did/do still have elevated bp. So it's important to watch for that after birth. But please don't read this and think you are doomed.
@sourlemon I'm sorry you had to experience that, and I'm sorry for bringing it up. I didn't realize.
My doctor has been proactive so far and I truly hope it does not reach Pre-E levels, although I am a bit nervous that despite my meds it's creeping back up again. He did warn me that I will likely have BP issues after the birth and said I will probably have to stay on medicine. I hope that is not the case, but I'll worry about that later.
@dmontgo it's no problem! I used to be so upset with how it all went down but in time I've gotten past those feelings. I don't have a hard time talking about it anymore, I just don't want to scare people because it was so abnormal of an experience.
I was on the meds for 8 months after DD was born. But they didn't lower it at all in that time so I got off them. My bp stayed at that level even without the meds so my Dr called it my new normal. Which was very consistent until 3 weeks ago when it started going back to what it used to be before dd. No explanation at all. But my Dr has said basically don't get used to it because it'll probably go back to my new normal before too long.
@dmontgo Here is another side of the BP coin.
I was also induced due to high BP that had turned into Pre-E. I had a foley bulb and 2(i think) hrs of cervidil. I was something like 4cm and 80% so doc was all for the induction as soon as I had protein.
For me the pit wasn't bad until i had to get an internal monitor for both L and I. Then I couldn't walk, water was broken, and the epi guy had surgeries lined up-so I got that while I wasn't wanting to die.
Breech and BM caused my CS, but afterwards is when I was put on a mag drip. That wasn't very fun, as they seriously limited my water intake. Something like 100ml an hour until I had 200ml out put an hour.
So far this round not a single high reading, or any issues between pregnancies.
Formerly known as Kate08young August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Me: 28 H: 24 Married: 7/22/14 Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017. Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
My BP is a cause for concern and DH is taking me in. I woke up complaining about my ears hurting so he took my BP before I even got out of bed--140/110. Not sure what will happen now, but good vibes and thoughts would be appreciated. I'll keep everyone updated as I'm able.
I'm in the L&D. Just got a shot to mature Ashton's lungs and will be getting an IV. They are waiting for my blood work and urinalysis to come back before they tell me exactly what will happen. As of right now I can't eat or drink in case he has to come out today. Hopefully I can keep him in there a little longer without endangering myself further. Thanks for the encouragement ladies.
Re: Hospital Bag Thread
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
Lanolin nipple cream!
2) What are you packing for yourself/parents to be?
Normal clothes and snacks.
3) What are you packing for baby(ies)?
Onesies, sleepers, diapers, wipes, and her coming home outfit along with blankies.
4) what are things to consider when packing? (e.g. is your hospital cafeteria 24 hours or will you be starving all night? Things for DH/Partner?)
Just pack the basics, leaving the hospital will suck otherwise.
5) Other?
Depends, I wish I had something for all the blood besides the hospital pads the first time around!
@sourlemon 's breakfast burrito kick a while back gave me the idea to make some burritos (out of GOOD ingredients) and freeze them to grab. Any other thoughts?
@dmontgo what time is your induction? I was advised to be NPO for at least 6 hours prior (I was also admitted for days prior to my cesarian so they were controlling my food) due to the BP factor. Just in case I had to get general, and I was thisclose to that being a real option. something to talk to your provider about if you haven't already.
What size bag is typical to pack? Backpack? Beach bag?
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
My hospital bag list I sent DH home with isn't good for post baby...just stuff to keep me entertained for 2-3 days while I'm stuck.
How far along were you when you were induced? My friend who had her baby last week was 38 weeks and her story was similar to yours. The Cervidil softened her but didn't send her into labor, and she was given the choice to sleep or start Pitocin. She went ahead with the Pitocin, although knowing myself if I have that option, I would really like to sleep some if I can. She wasn't induced for BP though. Did you have to have a magnesium sulfate drip? Could you leave the bed at all?
I was on an iv and monitors from the beginning so walking was challenging but not impossible. I was allowed to use the bathroom and to walk for 15 minutes every 4 hours until my heart stopped the first time. Then no more getting up at all until a few hours after my c section.
Keep in mind that you aren't doomed because high bp. My birth story had so much crap in it. So much went wrong. My current doctor is shocked I didn't sue my previous one for malpractice. That's how wrong things were. I was induced because high bp...but that's almost where the bp story ends for labor/delivery. I did/do still have elevated bp. So it's important to watch for that after birth. But please don't read this and think you are doomed.
My doctor has been proactive so far and I truly hope it does not reach Pre-E levels, although I am a bit nervous that despite my meds it's creeping back up again. He did warn me that I will likely have BP issues after the birth and said I will probably have to stay on medicine. I hope that is not the case, but I'll worry about that later.
Thank you again for being candid with me.
I was on the meds for 8 months after DD was born. But they didn't lower it at all in that time so I got off them. My bp stayed at that level even without the meds so my Dr called it my new normal. Which was very consistent until 3 weeks ago when it started going back to what it used to be before dd. No explanation at all. But my Dr has said basically don't get used to it because it'll probably go back to my new normal before too long.
For me the pit wasn't bad until i had to get an internal monitor for both L and I. Then I couldn't walk, water was broken, and the epi guy had surgeries lined up-so I got that while I wasn't wanting to die.
Breech and BM caused my CS, but afterwards is when I was put on a mag drip. That wasn't very fun, as they seriously limited my water intake. Something like 100ml an hour until I had 200ml out put an hour.
So far this round not a single high reading, or any issues between pregnancies.
Formerly known as Kate08young
August '18 Siggy April Showers:
Married: 7/22/14
Baby L: 8/4/2015 August 2015 Moms
Baby E: 11/18/2016 December 2016 Moms
TTC #3 08/2017 BFP 11/27/2017.
Twin B lost 11/22/2017, Twin A doing well.
My BP is a cause for concern and DH is taking me in. I woke up complaining about my ears hurting so he took my BP before I even got out of bed--140/110. Not sure what will happen now, but good vibes and thoughts would be appreciated. I'll keep everyone updated as I'm able.
Me: 39 DH: 36
Married: Sept 2018
DS: December 2016
#2 EDD Feb 2020
DS: 12/20/16
EDD: 11/29/18