Thank you everyone! Ashton is going to stay in a while longer, which I'm very happy about. My BP was/is high but my panels came back normal, fortunately. I have to take at least one more steroid shot to boost Ashton's development because my BP is making things unpredictable and I'm at risk for preterm labor. After this hurricane passes I go in on Monday to get my meds reevaluated and get that shot. For now I just rest--no picking up anything heavier than a towel or my clothes--and continue taking my meds as normal until they are adjusted. They were glad I came in, so I don't feel crazy or anything.
Ashton has been having a great time with all the attention and has been kicking like crazy. So he's great and happy and I'm trying not to be anxious. Heh.
@sourlemon They're not going to keep me overnight because my bloodwork and urinalysis came back normal, but I'd rather go home anyway because of the storm that's about to hit. On Monday I go see my OBGYN and hopefully get on a dose (he'll probably add Labetlol) that keeps things down for at least the rest of October. That would be ideal at this point, although if I can make it to December 12th that would be spectacular. Pregnancy is hard!
So glad he gets to stay in @dmontgo thank goodness you two are okay!
I didn't read all of the replies so hopefully this isn't redundant, but I think it's good advice and wanted to give it. Bring several changes of pajamas! The night sweats after giving birth are out of this world. I wake up every couple of hours completely soaking and want to change. I also ask the nurses for extra sheets so I can layer them and strip off a layer when I wake up soaked. I usually just buy some men's Hanes V necks and lots of black underwear and that's my go to night time attire.
@dmontgo So glad to read your update! Hope you're able to chillax a bit this weekend. I know it's hard to not be anxious, but i'm sending positive thoughts & creepy internet hugs
@dmontgo friend - please make real posts about stuff this serious!!! I'm sorry. I know how scary it is to go through what you're dealing with right now. Happy to see your results came back clear - so at this point it's high BP with no other diagnosis?
Come Monday make sure you push your OB to update meds. I know you are tired of feeling like shit from them, but if they haven't added a beta blocker (usually Labatelol) they should. When that was added for me, it bought me a few weeks.
You know my story, and know I've walked a mile in these very scary footsteps. I am here for you. I know how isolating it can be when nobody understands what it all means, or how scary it can get. Hang in there and please keep us posted.
@DiFazette I will definitely make a separate post next time--everything happened so fast I didn't think about it. Probably will just send you a text next time.
I'm pissed because I brought it up last appointment and they hesitated to increase my dose because the systolic made a big improvement even though my diastolic is still firmly in the 90s and lower 100s. I'm not going to leave the OBGYN without something. Yesterday when I was discharged I was 143/96--DH refused to tell me how high it got when I was there because he didn't want me to worry.
So as of right now my BP is just high and there's no protein spillage, but I am glad that they gave me the steroid shot in case Ashton needs to get out sooner than later. I was really scared I was going to have a stroke because my ears and temples were hurting so bad. Really puts things in perspective. And you are so right--a lot of people don't get it and don't understand the seriousness--it can feel very lonely. Wasn't expecting that.
@dmontgo, sorry you're going through all of this. Hopefully, the new meds they give you on Monday will regulate your BP better, and Ashton will be able to stay put for several more weeks. Hugs, and I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.
I went very light and will plan the same this time! I'd say essentials like you would pack for a weekend away (shower shoes and cleansing stuff, chargers, camera, contracts/glasses... things like that.) Boppy and my own pillow. I did black leggings, but only packed enough for a vaginal birth and I ended with a section and needed a few days more. Also, a zip up for you SO so s/he can do skin to skin too! For babe I did one newborn outfit and one 3 month outfit (they were predicting a 9 pound baby and he was!)
The more I look over this thread...the more I realize I'll probably just throw shit together when I go into labor haha. The hospital isn't very far from us, I think like 10-15 minutes whether we take the freeway or surface streets. Someone can always run to our house if needed. I mean, someone WILL need to probably....Dogs....
@brittnic I would at least "pack" a few things. I just have stuff in one spot in my room, it's not actually packed. I currently have 2 bags.
One is the bag I bring to my appointments but I added a little after my hospital trip last week. It has: hospital paperwork, doctor paperwork, book, spare phone charger (one of those battery pack things), travel toothbrush toothpaste deodorant. That's always packed now.
"Real deal" pile of stuff has more toiletries, fluffy socks with grippers, adult coloring book and pencils, and my warm robe. Obviously I just started and more will be added as we get closer. I also have stuff for the baby set aside in her room that DH can just throw in a bag. DH asked me to do that because he has no idea what to pack for the baby. And we've done this before, he should know.
DH isn't bringing anything for himself because we live 10 minutes from the hospital and he's going to be showering at home and probably "taking a break" 2ce a day. Once in the morning for himself (rest, shower, study for his final) and once on the evening so he can spend time with our 2yo. It's important to me to have them spend time together during that time so that's the solution we've worked out.
@brittnic86 I had no bag packed until the day I went in for induction...at 42 weeks! Good thing I didn't have to experience going into labor or I would have been very under prepared!
@brittnic86 I'm right with you. I kind of have a mental list of things I need. Maybe I'll put some essential stuff together when we get closer. We live close enough FI or anyone else can bring anything forgotten. And doula will have her marry poppins bag of goodies for actual labor (most of which we're going to try and stay at home for anyways).
I actually don't think not packing a bag is a bad move if where you are delivering covers your basics. Then you aren't expecting anything or wishing you had packed other things.
i would recommend sticking a towel in the car in case your water breaks and making sure you have a camera.
My water broke first and there was not a rush to the hospital cos labor had yet to start. Even so, the realization I would not come home again without a child had me in mental comatose. We had written out all the " on the way out the door" items (phone, charger, food, feed dog, etc) which was essential. Do not expect yourself to be able to think clearly then!
@slartybartfast I think I'll make a list, I'm good at lists. I just use stuff daily. I made a list of stuff to grab before we left for our wedding lol.
Oh man, when I miss a chunk of thread I miss what's going on! @dmontgo so glad you went in and made it through that scare!!!! I'm so behind the times.
I just started packing a hospital bag, and realized I'll want my prenatal vitamins too! Don't forget those ladies, we will need everything we can to recover, no matter how your baby is coming out.
I went shopping this weekend for some supplies for my to-pack hospital bag. I got a button up night gown from Kohl's that I thought would be good to have for BF and to wear after I change out of my hospital gown. I will either it wear it without pants, or with some sweat pants depending on how I am feeling. It's loose and soft. Thought it would be good for maternity leave too. I also got some slip on slippers with a good grip for walking around the hospital.
Still have a ton more to get and to pack, but I made the first steps!!
How did you determine nursing bra sizes? I was wanting to get the non-padded ones for on maternity leave, but have heard that once your milk comes in that your breasts grow...
I went shopping this weekend for some supplies for my to-pack hospital bag. I got a button up night gown from Kohl's that I thought would be good to have for BF and to wear after I change out of my hospital gown. I will either it wear it without pants, or with some sweat pants depending on how I am feeling. It's loose and soft. Thought it would be good for maternity leave too. I also got some slip on slippers with a good grip for walking around the hospital.
Still have a ton more to get and to pack, but I made the first steps!!
How did you determine nursing bra sizes? I was wanting to get the non-padded ones for on maternity leave, but have heard that once your milk comes in that your breasts grow...
I don't know if this has been mentioned or not, so sorry if it has. I found it easier to pack my own prescription meds, and tell the nurses what I have with me, instead of relying on them to make sure I get the right meds at the right time. Also, if you or DH has any special equipment you use to sleep, make sure to pack that. I have a c-pap mschine that will have to be packed.
@AbriannaO your bra size will change once your milk comes in and then again once your supply regulates. If your band size went up during pregnancy (you know from your organs being shoved up in your ribs) it should go back to normal but your boobs will be huge. Get a couple cheap sleep bras or nursing tanks for the first week or so to live in before your size settles. Look for nursing bras with stretch and 6 rows of hooks instead of the standard three.
@AbriannaO your bra size will change once your milk comes in and then again once your supply regulates. If your band size went up during pregnancy (you know from your organs being shoved up in your ribs) it should go back to normal but your boobs will be huge. Get a couple cheap sleep bras or nursing tanks for the first week or so to live in before your size settles. Look for nursing bras with stretch and 6 rows of hooks instead of the standard three.
Not necessarily. My bra size stayed the same from 6 months pregnant until after I weaned.
Edit: pregnant not pregmanmt.
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.
I don't know if this has been mentioned or not, so sorry if it has. I found it easier to pack my own prescription meds, and tell the nurses what I have with me, instead of relying on them to make sure I get the right meds at the right time. Also, if you or DH has any special equipment you use to sleep, make sure to pack that. I have a c-pap mschine that will have to be packed.
Just want to mention to anyone who is thinking of doing this.... is to check with your hospital's policy on outside medications. My hospital WILL NOT let you take anything, even tylenol, that you brought from home. They want everything that they give you to be scanned and put in the system for safety/liability reasons.
@yellingbanana I totally forgot my prenatal when I was in the hospital. So I don't know about vitamins. But I assume if they know about them or see them they would at least note it. But I didn't ask cuz that was not on my list for dh to grab lol.
@yellingbanana I have prescription vitamins that I get at the hospitals in house pharmacy. When I had my cerclage put in, H was not allowed to give me my unopened bag that he got from downstairs.
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.
Hey ladies! I know many of y'all aren't first timers so my feedback here isn't exactly breaking news HAHA but since I just had my baby & hospital stay last week I thought it would be helpful to let y'all know what I actually used. Also, my son is still in NICU, so this list is exclusively items I used during my week and nothing for baby.
- I stayed exclusively in a nursing (pumping) hospital-issued gown. It was just easier, end of story. I didn't change into street clothes until I was discharged & at that time I wore very loose cotton pajama pants to be gentle against my csection incision, a large tshirt that belongs to my husband, and slip on sketchers tennis shoes. - I also stayed in mesh panties and used hospital pads. Again, easier and, honestly, they are amazing. - I had brought my own hard bottom slippers but ended up scuffling around in the no-slip hospital socks anyway. - I didn't even bother with nursing tanks or bras. There's ZERO modesty allowed in this situation so I wasn't even thinking one bit about it. Let 'em free. - I did bring a cotton robe from home. It was comfortable and warm and the pockets made for excellent use. - Hair ties and cloth head bands. I didn't bother to wash my hair until I got home, so that mess was pulled up and out of the way the entire time. Have your brush too. - Sleep mask. I use one at home and it was critical at the hospital with so many machine lights, visitors in and out to administer meds and check vitals, keeping odd hours, etc. It allows for total darkness when you need it. - Chapstick and lotion. Hospitals are dry as flip. - Glasses, if you wear them. I didn't put my contact lenses in even once. Not worth the bother. - All of your typical toiletries: Toothbrush & toothpaste, deo, face wash, body wash, shampoo if you plan to wash unlike me, whatever else you use to feel clean and human. - My own toilet paper and charmin toilet paper wipes. I didn't want to use their rough sandpaper and the wipes made me feel that much more clean down yonder. - Room spray. It starts to get a little ripe in there. My hospital provided some but if you think to bring your own you'll thank yourself later. - Some way to jot down notes/questions/etc. - Electronics. We had our phones and a laptop. Consider an extension cord because you want your phone nearby but most outlets aren't that close to the bed. - Books, magazines, journals, whatever you use to preoccupy yourself if you need time fillers. Honestly for me there wasn't a lot of down time at all from start to finish. - Snacks, unless you're sure to have good vending options. Check on what they have and go from there. - Prenatal vitamins. I had to have mine brought to me a few days in because I totally forgot them. If you're BFing or pumping, you'll want to keep taking them. - Nipple cream of choice. Although, keep in mind your colostrum is kind of awesome for this too. I had no idea. I didn't need breast pads but consider them just in case. - Your own pillow(s) with a cover that isn't white. Seriously. Hospital pillows are useless. - Flip flops to wear in the shower. Because EW.
Thats all folks. There's way more if you have the baby with you of course (and your SO's may have their own list of needs) but maybe this mama-centered list will be helpful!
Re: Hospital Bag Thread
Ashton has been having a great time with all the attention and has been kicking like crazy. So he's great and happy and I'm trying not to be anxious. Heh.
It's funny my DD has been pretty chill while I'm in here...except for when I'm on monitors. Crazy kiddo!
I hope you are feeling better today!
I didn't read all of the replies so
hopefully this isn't redundant, but I think it's good advice and wanted to give it. Bring several changes of pajamas! The night sweats after giving birth are out of this world. I wake up every couple of hours completely soaking and want to change. I also ask the nurses for extra sheets so I can layer them and strip off a layer when I wake up soaked. I usually just buy some men's Hanes V necks and lots of black underwear and that's my go to night time attire.
BFP#1 & MC:August 2015 BFP: #2 10/01/2015 MC: 10/09/2015 BFP #3: 12/22/2015 @ 5 weeks MC/CP: 12-23-2015
Fertility Appointment: Feb 23/16, Hysteroscopy 03/02/2016,
BFP #4: 03/31/16 EDD 12/01/2016
Come Monday make sure you push your OB to update meds. I know you are tired of feeling like shit from them, but if they haven't added a beta blocker (usually Labatelol) they should. When that was added for me, it bought me a few weeks.
You know my story, and know I've walked a mile in these very scary footsteps. I am here for you. I know how isolating it can be when nobody understands what it all means, or how scary it can get. Hang in there and please keep us posted.
I'm pissed because I brought it up last appointment and they hesitated to increase my dose because the systolic made a big improvement even though my diastolic is still firmly in the 90s and lower 100s. I'm not going to leave the OBGYN without something. Yesterday when I was discharged I was 143/96--DH refused to tell me how high it got when I was there because he didn't want me to worry.
So as of right now my BP is just high and there's no protein spillage, but I am glad that they gave me the steroid shot in case Ashton needs to get out sooner than later. I was really scared I was going to have a stroke because my ears and temples were hurting so bad. Really puts things in perspective. And you are so right--a lot of people don't get it and don't understand the seriousness--it can feel very lonely. Wasn't expecting that.
DH: 36⎹ Me: 36
One is the bag I bring to my appointments but I added a little after my hospital trip last week. It has: hospital paperwork, doctor paperwork, book, spare phone charger (one of those battery pack things), travel toothbrush toothpaste deodorant. That's always packed now.
"Real deal" pile of stuff has more toiletries, fluffy socks with grippers, adult coloring book and pencils, and my warm robe. Obviously I just started and more will be added as we get closer. I also have stuff for the baby set aside in her room that DH can just throw in a bag. DH asked me to do that because he has no idea what to pack for the baby. And we've done this before, he should know.
DH isn't bringing anything for himself because we live 10 minutes from the hospital and he's going to be showering at home and probably "taking a break" 2ce a day. Once in the morning for himself (rest, shower, study for his final) and once on the evening so he can spend time with our 2yo. It's important to me to have them spend time together during that time so that's the solution we've worked out.
i would recommend sticking a towel in the car in case your water breaks and making sure you have a camera.
My water broke first and there was not a rush to the hospital cos labor had yet to start. Even so, the realization I would not come home again without a child had me in mental comatose. We had written out all the " on the way out the door" items (phone, charger, food, feed dog, etc) which was essential. Do not expect yourself to be able to think clearly then!
I just started packing a hospital bag, and realized I'll want my prenatal vitamins too! Don't forget those ladies, we will need everything we can to recover, no matter how your baby is coming out.
Still have a ton more to get and to pack, but I made the first steps!!
How did you determine nursing bra sizes? I was wanting to get the non-padded ones for on maternity leave, but have heard that once your milk comes in that your breasts grow...
Still have a ton more to get and to pack, but I made the first steps!!
How did you determine nursing bra sizes? I was wanting to get the non-padded ones for on maternity leave, but have heard that once your milk comes in that your breasts grow...
My Wedding Bio!
Edit: pregnant not pregmanmt.
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.
- I stayed exclusively in a nursing (pumping) hospital-issued gown. It was just easier, end of story. I didn't change into street clothes until I was discharged & at that time I wore very loose cotton pajama pants to be gentle against my csection incision, a large tshirt that belongs to my husband, and slip on sketchers tennis shoes.
- I also stayed in mesh panties and used hospital pads. Again, easier and, honestly, they are amazing.
- I had brought my own hard bottom slippers but ended up scuffling around in the no-slip hospital socks anyway.
- I didn't even bother with nursing tanks or bras. There's ZERO modesty allowed in this situation so I wasn't even thinking one bit about it. Let 'em free.
- I did bring a cotton robe from home. It was comfortable and warm and the pockets made for excellent use.
- Hair ties and cloth head bands. I didn't bother to wash my hair until I got home, so that mess was pulled up and out of the way the entire time. Have your brush too.
- Sleep mask. I use one at home and it was critical at the hospital with so many machine lights, visitors in and out to administer meds and check vitals, keeping odd hours, etc. It allows for total darkness when you need it.
- Chapstick and lotion. Hospitals are dry as flip.
- Glasses, if you wear them. I didn't put my contact lenses in even once. Not worth the bother.
- All of your typical toiletries: Toothbrush & toothpaste, deo, face wash, body wash, shampoo if you plan to wash unlike me, whatever else you use to feel clean and human.
- My own toilet paper and charmin toilet paper wipes. I didn't want to use their rough sandpaper and the wipes made me feel that much more clean down yonder.
- Room spray. It starts to get a little ripe in there. My hospital provided some but if you think to bring your own you'll thank yourself later.
- Some way to jot down notes/questions/etc.
- Electronics. We had our phones and a laptop. Consider an extension cord because you want your phone nearby but most outlets aren't that close to the bed.
- Books, magazines, journals, whatever you use to preoccupy yourself if you need time fillers. Honestly for me there wasn't a lot of down time at all from start to finish.
- Snacks, unless you're sure to have good vending options. Check on what they have and go from there.
- Prenatal vitamins. I had to have mine brought to me a few days in because I totally forgot them. If you're BFing or pumping, you'll want to keep taking them.
- Nipple cream of choice. Although, keep in mind your colostrum is kind of awesome for this too. I had no idea. I didn't need breast pads but consider them just in case.
- Your own pillow(s) with a cover that isn't white. Seriously. Hospital pillows are useless.
- Flip flops to wear in the shower. Because EW.
Thats all folks. There's way more if you have the baby with you of course (and your SO's may have their own list of needs) but maybe this mama-centered list will be helpful!
https://bestcarseats.org/hospital-bag-checklist/
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