November 2011 Moms
slv0606
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Questions from a soon-to-be 02/2012 FTM
slv0606
member
Hello Ladies, and congrats on your preciouse new babies! As a soon-to-be new momma I was hoping I could get your opinions on a few simple things...
-For your hospital bag what did you find to be an absolute must have?
-What could you have done without in the bag? (again RE: hosp bag)
-What do you wish you would have thought of? (again RE: hosp bag)
Also:
-For you first few weeks at home what was an absolute must have to survive the first few weeks?
-And is there anything that you wish you would have had?
Thanks so much for any advice, it is much appreciated 
And a Happy New Year to you!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Questions from a soon-to-be 02/2012 FTM
I agree w kclear - unless you are very particular the hospital has everything you need for you and LO. Even stuff I forgot - like a hairbrush! They gave me a comb.
My DH was also going home to feed our dogs so he brought stuff we needed and hadn 't thought of. You will likely have visitors who can bring things too. Bottom line - don't stress about it.
That being said - here are the thing I was glad I had:
- My own pillows (didn't like hospital ones)
- Bobby breastfeeding pillow (Lactation consultants showed me good ways to use it)
- camera
- laptop
- chargers for camera, cell phone, laptop, etgc
- personal hygiene products
- flip flops for the shower
For the first few weeks at home the things I used the most were: burp cloths, receiving blankets, swaddle blanket, boppy pillow, moby wrap, things for my own entertainment while holding LO (laptop, a kindle, snacks, etc). My LO didn't really like any devices like a swing, bouncer, etc. All he wanted was to be held (and still does). So I have a lot of things that were a waste of money.
-For your hospital bag what did you find to be an absolute must have? Personal items like deodorant hairbrush etc.
-What could you have done without in the bag? (again RE: hosp bag) iPad and other personal entertainment devices
-What do you wish you would have thought of? (again RE: hosp bag) nothing really
Also:
-For you first few weeks at home what was an absolute must have to survive the first few weeks? Swaddled and boppy
-And is there anything that you wish you would have had? More time off from work before baby came. DS came two weeks early. I went to work on Friday and my water broke at 2am Saturday. So I had no time off before he was born
DS born via unplanned C-section at 40w6d
If you plan to BF, definitely bring the boppy to the hospital. It was a lifesaver on learning the different ways you can use it to help position baby.
And I would definitely invest in a RnP (Rock 'N' Play) if you don't have one. My daughter still uses it for naps and to sleep in at night!
Good luck to you!
I hope you have a nice quick delivery! Now, some answers to yoru questions..
-For your hospital bag what did you find to be an absolute must have? Must have was my own pajamas. That made me feel like a human being. And flip flops. I used my flip flops as slippers and they were a lot easier than actually having real slippers, since my feet were so absurdedly swollen.
-What could you have done without in the bag? (again RE: hosp bag) I didn't need to bring my own pads. I thought I would hate the mesh underwear and the pads supplied but they were great. I got a bunch to take home.
-What do you wish you would have thought of? (again RE: hosp bag) A blanket for LO when we went home. We had to have my mom come and bring us one because we didn't pack one and we had a huge snow storm in October when I had the baby, after it was 70 degrees the few days before.
Also:
-For you first few weeks at home what was an absolute must have to survive the first few weeks? Snacks I can eat with one hand and stool softener.
-And is there anything that you wish you would have had? I wish I would have DVR'd some more stuff to watch. Late night feedings were really dull because I went through everything really quickly. But, on the plus side, I've become addicted to Friends as a result.
One more thought - a little unrelated to your questions but still applies
The one thing I didn't plan for at all but wish I would have was the possibility of a c-section. I was in complete denial that I might have one. I know a lot of moms on this board had unplanned c-sections as well. We had to do a lot of re-arranging at my house because we had not considered that I wouldn't be able to go upstairs or drive.
So, have people in your life ready to help you (at least as a back-up). It was also completely awesome when someone would bring us food. I wish I had more of that!
-For your hospital bag what did you find to be an absolute must have?
After LO had arrived I was so, so happy that I had something to wear other than the hospital gowns they provide, I brought a black (to avoid stains) light slip hospital gown that was easy to breastfeed in and felt like heaven (and no, it didn't get ruined). Other things: Lanolin, Notepad (to write down my birth story while it was still fresh in my head), slippers, camera, Chap stick, 2 changes of COMFORTABLE clothes)
-What could you have done without in the bag?
I didn't read the book I brought at all (which surprised me because I'm an avid reader) or listen to my iPod
-What do you wish you would have thought of? (again RE: hosp bag)
Hmm, my hospital really had EVERYTHING I could have needed. So, really nothing.
-For you first few weeks at home what was an absolute must have to survive the first few weeks?
Lanolin, my mom (haha, seriously though having her around for the first week and half was SUCH a lifesaver - she cooked, cleaned and just plain made my life so, so much easier), Bouncer, and a stockpile of diapers and wipes
-toiletries are absolute must haves. hair brush, deodorant, chap stick. I was glad to have my own comfie clothes. I wore the hospital gown for about an hour and then was ready for my own clothes
-I think I actually used everything I packed except powdered gatorade and my hypnobabies stuff. that was for laboring at the hospital which I didn't do
-the things dh went back home for were laptops and shampoo. we also forgot the camera, but borrowed my mom's
-for the first few weeks make sure you have lots of easy food on hand
~Working Mom~Breastfeeding Mom~Cloth Diapering Mom~BLW Mom~
Blog - No Longer on the DL ~ The Man Cave
Shawn and Larissa
LO #1 - Took 2 years and 2 IVFs ~ DX - severe MFI mild PCOS homozygous MTHFR (a1298c)
LO #2 - TTC 7 months, surprise spontaneous BFP!
-For your hospital bag what did you find to be an absolute must have?
I had an emergency c-section and was in the hospital for 4 days. During labor the only thing I really had much use for was my iPhone, which I use for everything all day anyway--communication, entertainment, web surfing, etc. I needed the charger for that too because I used it so much. After he was born I was very glad to have my own PJ's/comfy clothes, slippers, chapstick, lotion, shampoo, toothbrush etc.
-What could you have done without in the bag? (again RE: hosp bag)
I actually can't think of anything, but I'm a pretty light packer.
-What do you wish you would have thought of? (again RE: hosp bag)
More clothes for LO. Once he was off the heart monitor (after about a day) I was allowed to dress him in whatever I wanted, and it was fun to do so
I made DH go home and get some of the outfits we had received as gifts so I could dress up LO!
Also:
-For you first few weeks at home what was an absolute must have to survive the first few weeks?
Diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, baby clothes, big comfy clothes for myself, Rock N Play sleeper (easy to move around so I could put LO in whatever room I was in and keep an eye on him), gigantic postpartum pads, remedies for constipation and 'roids (I had them really really bad), Percocet for the c-section pain, books to read on my Kindle while feeding LO, the car seat since we couldn't leave the hospital without it (LO came early and DH had to go out and buy one while we were in the hospital, ack!), well stocked diaper bag which made me less nervous the first few times we took LO out to the pediatrician and to Grandma's house.
Also I thought we had a ridiculous number of receiving blankets, but we use them as burp cloths, under him for quick diaper changes, and various other things so we really have needed a lot of those too.
Before he was born I bought bottles, a bottle drying rack and a bottle brush. Those have gotten a LOT of use and were an excellent purchase. Even if you plan on EBF it wouldn't hurt to have a few bottles on hand (and it turned out my milk never came in and I was unable to BF at all). Get a dishwasher basket for washing them if you have a dishwasher, or a drying rack and bottle brush if you will hand wash.
-And is there anything that you wish you would have had?
There were definitely things I wanted more of. A lot more baby clothes for sure. I was sure we had way more than enough newborn outfits, but actually we had like 10 which is NOT enough unless you do laundry every day, which we can't because we don't have the machines in our apartment. We finally have enough newborn stuff now, probably at least 30 outfits, but he goes through them so fast between spitting up and diaper leaks, it's ridiculous!
I wanted more bottles and more diapers. Those are the only other things I can think of.
Good luck!
-For your hospital bag what did you find to be an absolute must have? A good pajama set, slippers, and robe!
-What could you have done without in the bag? (again RE: hosp bag) All the baby clothes!!!
-What do you wish you would have thought of? (again RE: hosp bag) I had pretty much everything I needed!
Also:
-For you first few weeks at home what was an absolute must have to survive the first few weeks? Stool softeners, Preparation H, Dermoplast Spray, Gripe Water for LO and gas drops, PADS!!!!
-And is there anything that you wish you would have had? A chef, housekeeper, MORE SLEEP!!!!
Thanks so much for any advice, it is much appreciated
And a Happy New Year to you!
-For your hospital bag what did you find to be an absolute must have? My own pillows, my own toiletries
-What could you have done without in the bag? (again RE: hosp bag) I didn't need so many clothes - hospital gowns were all I wanted for a couple of days. I didn't need the underwear or pads - the hospital's work fine. Plus anything for LO - diapers, wipes, clothes, etc - the hospital provides all of this.
-What do you wish you would have thought of? (again RE: hosp bag) I had a ton of trouble breastfeeding starting out, and wish I had brought a My Breast Friend pillow. It straps around you and stays in place so that your LO can eat, rest, eat, etc up against you without exhausting your arms. I didn't have the muscles and was sore from a c-section birth - if I had had the Breast Friend, I believe that the breastfeeding process would have been much less frustrating for me. When I finally bought the pillow was when we really rounded a corner and started having success with BF. (Also, the Boppy never worked for me with LO as a newborn. She was too small and would keep rolling down into the space between the pillow and me).
Also:
-For you first few weeks at home what was an absolute must have to survive the first few weeks? Comfy clothes. Netflix/DVR to keep me awake during the middle of the night feedings.
-And is there anything that you wish you would have had?
Thanks so much for any advice, it is much appreciated
And a Happy New Year to you!
Good luck!!!!
I would say that the PP mommies covered just about everything.
The best thing I took to the hospital were comfy slippers. I don't like to wear socks and I was not about to walk around with out anything on my feet.
A must to take to the hospital would be personal toiletries. I would highly recommend a travel pack of face wipes. I took one with me and used almost the entire package. After napping in the hospital I just felt icky and it was nice to be able to get a quick clean face.
What I took that I didn't need were so many clothes for myself. The day I delivered I wore the hospital gown for the rest of the day and the rest of my stay I wore yoga pants and a nursing shirt from Old Navy. It was great to be comfy and not have to struggle when visitors were there to nurse DS.
In the first few weeks I wish I would have had a moby wrap baby carrier. I got one for Christmas and I've used it every day since. It is awesome and DS loves it, emphasis on loves!
Best of luck for a easy labor and delivery!!!
)
Everything pp said. For hospital I made sure and have two types of pjs, pants and a gown in case of a csection. I bought the tanks from Target and live in them so great for BF. make sure you have socks or house shoes with rubber bottoms the floor gave me the willies. Nursing cover for when you have guests.
I only packed what I needed and one outfit for me and baby. Don't pack anything else.
At home make sure you have mom or a friend stay with you it was so very helpful. We took care of baby and mom took care of house and food.
Also make sure you have a nail file for those little nails or onsies that have the hand covers. We bought tons of those.
Best advise I wish I had was not to stock pile on anything because you don't know if you LO will like/use it. I bought tons of Huggies and now I can't use them because they didn't work for him.
-For your hospital bag what did you find to be an absolute must have? Honestly I didn't even touch it until it was time to go home so just clothes for me and baby. I would've worn the hospital gown home if I could have.
-What could you have done without in the bag? (again RE: hosp bag) Everything else.
-What do you wish you would have thought of? (again RE: hosp bag) Nothing.
Also:
-For you first few weeks at home what was an absolute must have to survive the first few weeks? Family to help lol. I don't think we would have made it without them.
-And is there anything that you wish you would have had? More pain meds. I broke my tailbone and had two second degree tears so I had quite a bit of pain but I thought I'd be okay with just ibuprofen but I wish I'd gotten prescription pain meds.
-For your hospital bag what did you find to be an absolute must have? I loved having my robe and warm slippers. I also am glad I brought my own shower toiletries, as the bathroom didn't have anything but a cheap bar of soap. It felt sooo good to shower with nice bath products. Also, make sure to bring your camera and charger and a computer if you want something to entertain yourself.
-What could you have done without in the bag? (again RE: hosp bag) I didn't need most of what I packed for DD's bag... extra outfits, paci's, blankets, since the hospital had everything we needed.
-What do you wish you would have thought of? (again RE: hosp bag) I didn't have any nursing tops or tanks, and I really would have liked to have that.
Also:
-For you first few weeks at home what was an absolute must have to survive the first few weeks? Swaddle blankets. I still can't live without them. Also, have lots of snacks and meals that are easy for you to eat/cook on your own.
-And is there anything that you wish you would have had? One thing I did before the baby came was stock up on toiletries, paper towels, TP, dish soap, etc. which was great because I didn't have to worry about running out of anything and having to go to the store. There isn't really anything I wish I would have had.
Good luck with your new baby!!
Wow, you have received a lot of great advice already. I didn't' read every response, so I hope this isn't repeditive.
-For your hospital bag what did you find to be an absolute must have?
My own pillows. This was absolute must for me since I didn't have any pain meds to help me manage the pain and labor in different positions. If you are going straight for the epi, you may not need this.
-What could you have done without in the bag?
All of my extra clothes. I basically only needed an outfit to go home in since I wore the hospital gowns for my entire stay.
-What do you wish you would have thought of? (again RE: hosp bag)
Nothing. I ended up needing a lot less than I thought. Mostly nursing tanks and toiletries.
-For you first few weeks at home what was an absolute must have to survive the first few weeks?
Sleep! My parents were lifesavers in terms of doing dishes and cooking. DH and I were absoutely wiped out just taking care of her in that first week. Also, pads, tucks pads and 800mg motrin were lifesavers in those first 2 weeks post delivery.
Baby Turtle - November 2014