I was not planning on an epidural at all so I skipped that part of my hospital tour. It was all new to me when I had it done. Some things I didn't know, honestly the local numbing medicine the give you before the epi needle was the most "painful" (that's relatively speaking) part of the experience. You most likely will have a contraction while getting the big needle stuck in your back. You OBVIOUSLY can't move so it helps if you hug a pillow and take slow deep shallow breaths. You will be confined to your bed afterwards with a cath, IV, fetal monitor, and for me O2 because DS was having a little trouble. You will have a push button to administer how much medicine/numbness you want. I went on the low end once I was pushing so I could feel my legs (and other things...basically it took the edge off). I didn't really find it that scary of an experience. Just trust that everything will work out just as it should.
Other things I didn't know. I puked a lot when the contractions got strong. Like a lot!!!! :-&
I turned into a bit of a sailor mouth when I started pushing. I said stuff that was pretty bad. I was one of those girls that apologized to the nurses afterwards, but for very good reason. My husband told me some of the stuff I said afterwards...oh dear god. I was a little ashamed I said that to a helpful and awesome nurses. Which leads me to the next point...
You're not going to remember all of labor. The memory of the pain will fade. If it didn't we'd all be only children. Lol
Some places keep a catheter in, I know we use an intermittent one every 3.5-4 hours which takes about 2 minutes and you can't feel it, I guess research shows an potential for bladder injury with contracting with a catheter in (but it is still commonplace in very many hospitals).
Yikes! That's definitely putting patients at more risk for an infection! I'd be curious to know the UTI rate for your L and D floor.
I know that babies can flip towards the end but I can't wrap my head around it! I see how big a baby is when they are born and haut can't imagine it flipping that big in my stomach....
Has anyone used the new product by Dreft, the smelly laundry bead things? I saw it in babies r us yesterday and was on the fence about buying it. I use Tide Free and Clear so clean clothes smell like literally nothing. It would be nice to have a little scent with those beads, but then I thought well does that just make using free and clear pointless? But it's Dreft so it must be ok for sensitive skin?
Now that the whole bra thing has been brought up I definitely want to go check out Walmart. Fingers crossed they have the same stuff in Canada that the U.S. does cause they don't always. I feel a little guilty sometimes that I was able to get pregnant relatively easily...mainly because my aunt and her wife tried several IVFs and spent $30,000 with no success. But she's my godmother and I was thinking about passing that on to make her my child's godmother too, so I know she'll love that.
For those who feel guilty about getting pregnant easily, just a quick perspective from the other side: we faced infertility for nearly 5 years, so I watched many (most?) of my friends have 1-2 babies during that time. I would never have wanted anyone to feel guilty on my account, but I very much appreciated those who were sensitive to our situation. One of the most loving things friends did during that time, when they got pregnant, was to share the news with me first privately so that I had some time to process the news before reacting to it publically. Occasionally in a one-on-one in person conversation, and occasionally through a thoughtful letter or email. Both were wonderful methods of delivering the news, and I was so, so thankful for the friends who considered us in that way. The WORST was hearing about a pregnancy from a third party long after everyone else knew, because the friend felt guilty about it and didn't want to tell me; I think they meant well, not wanting to hurt my feelings, but those situations always made me feel even more isolated and left out than I already was. And then I also appreciated, as some have already said, when I could still get together with those friends and occasionally talk about or do things that weren't baby-related. Of course, I would never want a friend to avoid the topic completely! A major (and wonderful, exciting) change was happening in their life, and I wanted to celebrate with them. But our friendship was founded on more than just babies, so continuing to cultivate other common interests was a good way to maintain the relationship.
@jesshrou I used to work postpartum and I actually never had a case of a UTI following epidural even though I'd say 80% of patients get an epidural. I'd rather have a UTI any day than damage to my urethra! As for our unit we actually have one of the lowest catheter-acquired UTI rates of the whole hospital considering how often we use intermittent catheters as well as Foley catheters for c-sections -- I know we are incredibly vigilant about sterile insertion!
I got a UTI one time from a catheter inserted by a doc for a sterile procedure so it definitely is possible -- however I still have yet to see it on our unit!
TTC: 1/2014
BFP: 9/24
EDD: 6/8/2015
Sorry for the poor man's siggy...ticker won't load regardless of how many tips I read.
Hi everyone, some dumb FTM questions about packing for the hospital:
What do I wear TO the hospital? (I'm bringing a robe and PJs for the hospital but is that what I wear on the way as well?)
What's the point of the "coming home" outfit for me - to be comfy, or to feel normal/not-like-a-hobo? So like pj's again, or maternity jeans and t-shirt?
What's the point of the baby's coming home outfit - again, to be comfy, or "celebratory"? So am I aiming for a onesie or a "cute dress" type scenario?
Wear whatever you want to go home in, less to pack. They will put you in a gown right when you get there..(you could pack extra bottoms in case of any soiling)
They will ask you to change into a gown at the hospital. If you want to wear your own nightgown just know it will get amniotic fluid, possible puke, or other things on it. I bought a cheapo tee shirt gown(walmart special) I "might" wear for walking the halls.
I'm not wearing anything nice home. Yoga pants is my uniform yo! My family would think it was actually strange if I dressed up..... It's just not me. You only take one picture before going home by the elevator usually..... No big deal.
Going home outfit...... Just matters if it matters to you, our hospital does web pictures so I want a cute one for that.
Much love, Kasey p.s, it's mad crazy how great of internet service I get here in my van down by the river.
Thanks ladies! I could care less what I look like on a normal day right now, so it sounds like my yoga pants and $4 outlet special t-shirt and cheap robe should be all I need to roam the halls or come home in. I'm trying to pack light! A friend who delivered at the same hospital said it was never worth changing out of the hospital provided gown since there was always someone grabbing or measuring some part of her! And that it was comfy enough.
And I'll prob bring a cute onesie for the baby so cover both bases in case there's pics being taken I do know enough to bring both something NB and 0-3 size since we don't know how big she'll be!
Hi everyone, some dumb FTM questions about packing for the hospital:
What do I wear TO the hospital? (I'm bringing a robe and PJs for the hospital but is that what I wear on the way as well?)
What's the point of the "coming home" outfit for me - to be comfy, or to feel normal/not-like-a-hobo? So like pj's again, or maternity jeans and t-shirt?
What's the point of the baby's coming home outfit - again, to be comfy, or "celebratory"? So am I aiming for a onesie or a "cute dress" type scenario?
I'm bringing a comfy maternity maxi skirt and tank top to wear home as it's bound to be hot as balls at the end of June when this kid gets here. We got a cute, soft polo and shorts for DS to wear home. I don't think I'm going to bring anything special to wear at the hospital except maybe a robe, but I would rather not ruin anything of mine and plan to wear hospital gowns.
Hi everyone, some dumb FTM questions about packing for the hospital:
What do I wear TO the hospital? (I'm bringing a robe and PJs for the hospital but is that what I wear on the way as well?)
What's the point of the "coming home" outfit for me - to be comfy, or to feel normal/not-like-a-hobo? So like pj's again, or maternity jeans and t-shirt?
What's the point of the baby's coming home outfit - again, to be comfy, or "celebratory"? So am I aiming for a onesie or a "cute dress" type scenario?
Well what I'm planning basically goes against what PP have suggested but here it is anyway: I'm wearing yoga pants and a comfy tee to the hospital, since that's probably what I'll be most comfortable in while laboring at home. I fully expect to change into the hospital gown upon arrival, but I figure I can change back into that outfit after delivery - my hospital's policy is that you can change out of the gown once you're able to get to the bathroom without help.
As for going home, I'm going with a cute but still super comfy maxi dress for myself and a simple but cute outfit for LO. Nurses at the prenatal class suggested that we dress LO in pants since she'll be riding in the car seat and I guess they're concerned about the strap between her legs chafing her? Seems kind of silly to me since if we dress her up later on she'll be wearing a dress in the car seat eventually anyway but since I'm a FTM I figure they know better than I do and maybe a 48-hr-old newborn has extra sensitive skin? But I am packing outfits for her in both newborn and 0-3 sizes because I don't know how big she'll be.
I'm going with pj pants and a tank top after my relaxing / clean myself up for the l&d nurses shower to arrive in. For wandering the halls during labor I'll wear the same. For post labor hospital time I have some cheap yet soft Walmart special PJ bottoms that are black so they won't show any bleeding, should there be an accident. I also have a cheap Walmart robe. Going home will either be the stuff I arrived in, the cheap black pants, or if I'm feeling especially chipper - I do have a dress that is princess cut with generous boob space. My wardrobe amounts to the 2 pairs of pj pants, 3 tank tops (I expect one to get really sweaty and nasty and not suitable for further use until laundering) and the dress. For baby I'll bring the ewok onesie and hope it fits in its nb size. If not I'll send DH home to grab one of the 0-3m onesies I picked up. I'm leaving the ewok hat at home, I don't want it to be lost
@dancegurl1118 If I don't sleep at least one night before delivery I'll be wandering around naked and need to be admitted to psych...... Soooo def makes sense to me her dream. It could happen!!!!!
One of my coworkers had a dream that I was running around naked and refused to put a gown on ...I was like hey ya never know...
I heard that's like a thing, that the closer you get to delivery the less you care! My friend said she was totally ready to head to the hospital in really not appropriate clothing (just like bra only, and a skirt with no underwear or something) and her husband had to convince her to get dressed. She was just like, "I'm ready, let's go!" \:D/
I have my birthing class next week so I'll get the details but for skin to skin, do you have to be totally naked? Or does it count if you're wearing like a sports bra or regular bra?
Also, does anyone plan on delivering totally naked? I've seen birth videos where the women are top to bottom naked. I was in the room when my niece was born and my sister was definitely not naked. But she also didn't get to do skin to skin since my niece had to be seen by a peds doctor right away.
I am kind of shy about my body. Not insecure, just shy. Being naked in front of so many people makes me anxious but maybe like @frogger5 said, the closer to delivery the less I'll care
@mvargas12 I never ever planned to give birth naked, but it totally happened. I was so freaking hot and uncomfortable that I seriously didn't care one bit. I'm not really planning on the naked thing again, but u never know.
Am also wondering about the naked thing. Gonna try for a water birth but bringing a bikini top just in case.
FF(Monday)Q: is it true your body only produces so much colostrum before birth? And so if it's gone before baby arrives, it's just gone? Google is all doomsday about it, but I feel like it can't be true... Pardon my stoopid
Does anybody else feel totally unprepared/instinct will not kick in once baby is born? I have never been around newborn babies. Ever. The youngest I've been around was like 4 months.
Packing my hospital bag kind of set in that I have no idea what I'm doing and hoping *instinct* will kick in.. I read somewhere that whilst baby is in hospital only use singlets because there poked and prodded and to me the hospital feels pretty freakin warm. Apparently not. They need onesies and mittens and hats(which I have but didn't think we needed at the hospital)
It's winter here, babies room is freezing but Apparently perfect temp for a baby but I have no idea how to dress baby to stay warm etc.. Argh it feels so overwhelming. I know people say 1 extra layer compared to us. Ahh I hope I do okay at this..
@mishmardhiono Yes, I told DH last night I was worried that once we get home I'll forget everything I've ever learned! Since he is not pregnant and has a much clearer head, he reminded me that we're smart people and mostly what you need is love. I thought that was sweet, and it's true. I think you really will know what to do in most cases and when you don't that's what your pediatrician, family/friends and message boards are for. It takes a village!
Am also wondering about the naked thing. Gonna try for a water birth but bringing a bikini top just in case.
FF(Monday)Q: is it true your body only produces so much colostrum before birth? And so if it's gone before baby arrives, it's just gone? Google is all doomsday about it, but I feel like it can't be true... Pardon my stoopid
Given the amount that I've been leaking - and the amount of time that I've been leaking - I'm thinking no limit. Either that or I've just had like the biggest supply ever and I don't think that's the case!
@amark11 I hope that colostrum thing isn't true! I've got to stop fiddling with my boobs then!
This is vain but since pictures will be taken in the hospital I would recommend you wear something that makes you look "put together" for you. For me that includes a little light make up. I've known some moms who have pictures they hate of them a hot mess post birth that feel guilty because they are embarrassed when they should have been celebrating a special time
I have my birthing class next week so I'll get the details but for skin to skin, do you have to be totally naked? Or does it count if you're wearing like a sports bra or regular bra?
Also, does anyone plan on delivering totally naked? I've seen birth videos where the women are top to bottom naked. I was in the room when my niece was born and my sister was definitely not naked. But she also didn't get to do skin to skin since my niece had to be seen by a peds doctor right away.
I am kind of shy about my body. Not insecure, just shy. Being naked in front of so many people makes me anxious but maybe like @frogger5 said, the closer to delivery the less I'll care
@mvargas12 , for skin to skin with baby, its just the part of your body that will touch baby. From what I've heard and seen, basically you'll open up your gown to have him/her lay on your naked chest (you can still cover up over baby and you then I think). That will also help them begin their nursing instinct (in some time of laying there they begin to move around to search for the nipples). So if you had a bra on, probably plan to remove it for skin to skin unless you don't plan to breastfeed.
I may be able to give a little insight on the what to bring to the hospital conversation. We just got home with little dude yesterday. I only used two pairs of socks, a pair of sweatpants and a shirt to wear home. The baby only used one little outfit to wear home. I know my situation isn't typical, but I bled A LOT during delivery. I went into shock after he came out and don't actually remember much. I was still guuuuushing blood when I was taken to post partum. I bought some nice new pajamas and a robe for the stay but I didn't want them ruined so I ended up just staying in the hospital gown the whole time. I also had 9 stitches, so every time the nurses switched shifts I had to be rechecked in my downstairs every eight hours. I don't know how you'd do that with any sort of bottoms on. I haven't regained my core or hip strength yet, so that seems like an extra chore anyways.
I brought a couple of little outfits for the baby because I wasn't sure what the hospital would have. Well that was all well and good, except they put two security bands on his ankle that needed checked any time he left the room. Well what I brought were light sleepers with feet attached. Didn't work at all. I had to change him back into their garb so they could read his tag.
All I'm saying is don't overpack. It's just annoying lugging all that crap in when you may not use any of it or want it ruined. Keep it simple:)
I may be able to give a little insight on the what to bring to the hospital conversation. We just got home with little dude yesterday. I only used two pairs of socks, a pair of sweatpants and a shirt to wear home. The baby only used one little outfit to wear home. I know my situation isn't typical, but I bled A LOT during delivery. I went into shock after he came out and don't actually remember much. I was still guuuuushing blood when I was taken to post partum. I bought some nice new pajamas and a robe for the stay but I didn't want them ruined so I ended up just staying in the hospital gown the whole time. I also had 9 stitches, so every time the nurses switched shifts I had to be rechecked in my downstairs every eight hours. I don't know how you'd do that with any sort of bottoms on. I haven't regained my core or hip strength yet, so that seems like an extra chore anyways.
I brought a couple of little outfits for the baby because I wasn't sure what the hospital would have. Well that was all well and good, except they put two security bands on his ankle that needed checked any time he left the room. Well what I brought were light sleepers with feet attached. Didn't work at all. I had to change him back into their garb so they could read his tag.
All I'm saying is don't overpack. It's just annoying lugging all that crap in when you may not use any of it or want it ruined. Keep it simple:)
I think we should start a new post with a new Moms perspective!
Yes.. Remember the hospital will have everything you need to take care of baby.. All you need is a going home outfit and a blanket because they ask you don't take their linens.. Not only will they provide you, most will send you home with a bunch of things too.. No need to waste or pack your own diapers, wipes, etc
so as we've learned.. every water breaking is different some are like popping a water balloon, others are like youre slowly peeing yourself. my question is.. if youre not dealing with Niagara Falls between your legs.. how do you deal with the wetness? especially if you dont live close to the hospital(i live an hour away and will have to go to the next town to even get checked to see if i need to go to the actual hospita) so do you just throw a heavy flow pad on a not wet pair of undies? or like.. should i just stand in my bathtub till it stops?
kidding about the 2nd option.. unless its really bad..
@JessHeppell .. Not sure I understand your ?...if you think your water has broke you need to go to hospital.. Regardless. And standing in a tub won't help.. As it won't "stop" ... Slap a pad on and head to hospital if you think it's your bag of water leaking..Good luck
@HayesRN13 i was joking about the stopping thing. :P if only it was that easy. my sister just had a baby recently and due to the small town we live in the baby doctor is in the next town over and the good hospital is in the one past that. so she said you call him when you think your water breaks, you go into his office 20 minutes away and he checks for how youre doing cervix wise, if its good enough he tells you to go to the actual hospital for delivery. (to avoid the whole driving an hour and being sent home when you live in a different town) and honestly cant say i miss pads.
Re: FFFQ - Flame Free Friday QUESTIONS!
Other things I didn't know. I puked a lot when the contractions got strong. Like a lot!!!! :-&
I turned into a bit of a sailor mouth when I started pushing. I said stuff that was pretty bad. I was one of those girls that apologized to the nurses afterwards, but for very good reason. My husband told me some of the stuff I said afterwards...oh dear god. I was a little ashamed I said that to a helpful and awesome nurses. Which leads me to the next point...
You're not going to remember all of labor. The memory of the pain will fade. If it didn't we'd all be only children. Lol
I feel a little guilty sometimes that I was able to get pregnant relatively easily...mainly because my aunt and her wife tried several IVFs and spent $30,000 with no success. But she's my godmother and I was thinking about passing that on to make her my child's godmother too, so I know she'll love that.
I got a UTI one time from a catheter inserted by a doc for a sterile procedure so it definitely is possible -- however I still have yet to see it on our unit!
They will ask you to change into a gown at the hospital. If you want to wear your own nightgown just know it will get amniotic fluid, possible puke, or other things on it. I bought a cheapo tee shirt gown(walmart special) I "might" wear for walking the halls.
I'm not wearing anything nice home. Yoga pants is my uniform yo!
My family would think it was actually strange if I dressed up..... It's just not me. You only take one picture before going home by the elevator usually.....
No big deal.
Going home outfit...... Just matters if it matters to you, our hospital does web pictures so I want a cute one for that.
Much love,
Kasey p.s, it's mad crazy how great of internet service I get here in my van down by the river.
I have a cute sleeper that LO will wear home.
And I'll prob bring a cute onesie for the baby so cover both bases in case there's pics being taken
As for going home, I'm going with a cute but still super comfy maxi dress for myself and a simple but cute outfit for LO. Nurses at the prenatal class suggested that we dress LO in pants since she'll be riding in the car seat and I guess they're concerned about the strap between her legs chafing her? Seems kind of silly to me since if we dress her up later on she'll be wearing a dress in the car seat eventually anyway but since I'm a FTM I figure they know better than I do and maybe a 48-hr-old newborn has extra sensitive skin? But I am packing outfits for her in both newborn and 0-3 sizes because I don't know how big she'll be.
Good luck!
Also, does anyone plan on delivering totally naked? I've seen birth videos where the women are top to bottom naked. I was in the room when my niece was born and my sister was definitely not naked. But she also didn't get to do skin to skin since my niece had to be seen by a peds doctor right away.
I am kind of shy about my body. Not insecure, just shy. Being naked in front of so many people makes me anxious but maybe like @frogger5 said, the closer to delivery the less I'll care
FF(Monday)Q: is it true your body only produces so much colostrum before birth? And so if it's gone before baby arrives, it's just gone? Google is all doomsday about it, but I feel like it can't be true... Pardon my stoopid
Packing my hospital bag kind of set in that I have no idea what I'm doing and hoping *instinct* will kick in.. I read somewhere that whilst baby is in hospital only use singlets because there poked and prodded and to me the hospital feels pretty freakin warm. Apparently not. They need onesies and mittens and hats(which I have but didn't think we needed at the hospital)
It's winter here, babies room is freezing but Apparently perfect temp for a baby but I have no idea how to dress baby to stay warm etc.. Argh it feels so overwhelming. I know people say 1 extra layer compared to us. Ahh I hope I do okay at this..
This is vain but since pictures will be taken in the hospital I would recommend you wear something that makes you look "put together" for you. For me that includes a little light make up. I've known some moms who have pictures they hate of them a hot mess post birth that feel guilty because they are embarrassed when they should have been celebrating a special time
Currently doing my hair and makeup as we speak. Pretty sure we're about to head to the hospital! Yikes!
I know some ladies do it before, but I think I'm waiting until afterwards to try to look presentable.
Lol I know! I can't help it! I hope after will just require touch ups
I brought a couple of little outfits for the baby because I wasn't sure what the hospital would have. Well that was all well and good, except they put two security bands on his ankle that needed checked any time he left the room. Well what I brought were light sleepers with feet attached. Didn't work at all. I had to change him back into their garb so they could read his tag.
All I'm saying is don't overpack. It's just annoying lugging all that crap in when you may not use any of it or want it ruined. Keep it simple:)
kidding about the 2nd option.. unless its really bad..
my sister just had a baby recently and due to the small town we live in the baby doctor is in the next town over and the good hospital is in the one past that. so she said you call him when you think your water breaks, you go into his office 20 minutes away and he checks for how youre doing cervix wise, if its good enough he tells you to go to the actual hospital for delivery. (to avoid the whole driving an hour and being sent home when you live in a different town) and honestly cant say i miss pads.