We live close to the hospital too and DH went home a couple times to take care of the dog and grab food. I did pack but mainly because DH doesn't know where anything is lol. It wouldn't have been a big deal if I didn't pack though, he could have gotten stuff if I really needed him to!
Married 6/1/13
BFP #1 7/2013 MMC 9/17/13
BFP #2 5/2014 MC 6/15/14
BFP #3 11/13/14 (Found in ER with ruptured cyst) Diagnosed MC 11/15/14
BFP #4 4/2015 MC 7/1/15
BFP #5 10/21/15 EDD 7/3/16 Praying for our rainbow!
I have a general idea what I'll pack, but I have a feeling most won't be used. Looking back to my homebirths, outside the supplies used for and after birth, everything was pretty much creature confronts. I had a little nest in my room with everything easily accessible. We're only a mile from the hospital, so H can head home at any point if I needed anything. I used adult diapers 'cause mesh underwear suck.
Because I procrastinate like it's a true talent, I didn't have anything packed with my first. My mom had to pack my bag. The hospital was also only a five minute drive, so pretty convenient for needing to get anything extra.
G 12.04 | E 11.06 | D 11.08 | H 12.09 | R 11.14 | Expecting #6 2.16.18.
@psm2462 thanks for sharing the hospital bag essentials. I'll be 32 weeks on Saturday but I still haven't packed my bag. By when would you suggest I have the bag packed and car seat installed? I'm a FTM
FTM, so this might be a silly question, but @babymnsmomma got me thinking: I keep hearing about getting the car seat "fitted" or professionally installed. Is this essential? Where does one go to do this? TIA
@psm2462 thanks for sharing the hospital bag essentials. I'll be 32 weeks on Saturday but I still haven't packed my bag. By when would you suggest I have the bag packed and car seat installed? I'm a FTM
I wouldn’t install it till later. But this is because God forbid if you got in an accident the seat would need replacing. Maybe practice installing so you know how to do it, but I didn’t leave it in car with DS1 till 38 weeks, and DD it wasn’t installed at all till we left the hospital. EDIT: DH went home and installed it
FTM, so this might be a silly question, but @babymnsmomma got me thinking: I keep hearing about getting the car seat "fitted" or professionally installed. Is this essential? Where does one go to do this? TIA
Stuck in the box ***
Since you are a first time mom I would definitely recommend it. 80% of Carseats are used incorrectly so it is easy to mess up if you've never done it before. Look for a car seat technician in your area. The Facebook page car seats for the littles may have a lead on that if Google doesn't. Many people assume that firestations and police station have people trained in this but in most cases that is not true
DD born Oct 2011 - DS#1 born Jan 2014 - DS#2 born Apr 2015 - DS#3 born Sept 2016 - LO#5 due Feb 7, 2018
FTM, so this might be a silly question, but @babymnsmomma got me thinking: I keep hearing about getting the car seat "fitted" or professionally installed. Is this essential? Where does one go to do this? TIA
There is a great fb group called car seats for the littles that helps with this! They have trained specialists as admin that tell you what needs fixing in your car seat and why (upload pictures to the site)
@babymnsmomma I would make a packing list now, and maybe start packing the things that are easy to pack now (i.e., things you won't need around the house so they can just sit in your bag). As a FTM, you could probably safely pack at 36-37 weeks, and if god forbid anything happened before then, at least you would have the list handy so you would just be in "find it and put in the bag" mode.
On the car seat, if you have the kind that clicks into the base, you could install the base (and have a car seat specialist check the installation, if you're inclined to do so) but not leave the car seat actually in the car. That way if you were to be in an accident you wouldn't have to replace the seat, as @Starynightsky24 mentioned above.
I second everything @sabriel1 said. You want someone is a CPST, which police/fire dept do not generally have.
read your manual beforehand. Car seats for the Little’s is a great website to educate yourself. Know what you need for a proper install ( proper recline, strapes at or below the shoulders, chest clip placement) nurses and DR are notoriously poorly educated on car seats and may give you incorrect info when you leave.
make sure your car seat is one that fits newborns well. Not all convertible car seats fit newborns well, especially small newborns even though the weight limit goes down to 5lb. For exampl me the baby trend infant carriers without the new foam wedge is generally to high for an average size newborn.
Car seat for the littles and the car seat lady have car seat reviews.
Our provincial health care gave us a birthing book and in it was a list of things they want us to bring to the hospital. After our little scare last week we came home and packed and are leaving the bag by the front door. It feels super early but it’s nice to know it’s done. I feel super over packed but we went strictly by what the health system recommended so I guess they want us to be over prepared?! (They also don’t provide baby essentials so on their list was diapers,wipes, burp clothes etc which take up room)
My hospital has a packing "suggestion" checklist online. They also have listed what the hospital provides--so that was nice to look at.
Also, I don't know if this has been mentioned or not, but we were surprised that our hospital did not do any sort of car seat check when we came home with DS. It was fine, but that was something many parents with older children had told me-- "When leaving the hospital, they will check your car seat to make sure it's all done right".
Thanks for the car seat websites you gals listed. I will be checking those out!
I am officially signed up for birthing class. I have never taken them before as my 1st came before they started. At my hospital it is 3 - 2 and a half hour classes. Anyone else going?
I am officially signed up for birthing class. I have never taken them before as my 1st came before they started. At my hospital it is 3 - 2 and a half hour classes. Anyone else going?
I booked myself into prenatal classes early because I didn’t want to risk missing any so I’ve already done 5 of the 6 classes. My last is on Monday. I found them very helpful in giving ideas and things I wouldn’t have thought about as well as dispelling some myths that I had thought were real. As well as giving me access to more information so I feel comfortable making informed choices about my options during labour.
DS woke up at 4:30 this morning and wouldn’t go back to sleep until 8 (at least he went back to sleep). I’m tired.
This was me, but with my cat. She’s super sick right now, but at least I prevented her from falling off the bed again. Woke up around 730 and then I made cookies. Hopefully you can maybe get a nap in at some point today.
@jenniferjoy37 Now I want to make cookies. I did go back to bed when he did for a couple hours, thankfully I could, but it threw me all off and I still feel like I barely slept. I need to toughen up for newborn schedule again...eep
eta: sorry about your sick cat! That’s no fun!
Married 6/1/13
BFP #1 7/2013 MMC 9/17/13
BFP #2 5/2014 MC 6/15/14
BFP #3 11/13/14 (Found in ER with ruptured cyst) Diagnosed MC 11/15/14
BFP #4 4/2015 MC 7/1/15
BFP #5 10/21/15 EDD 7/3/16 Praying for our rainbow!
@mamaof5already we did a 5 hour birthing class last month and it definitely eased my anxiety. I did a short breastfeeding class at the hospital last week and we're doing child and infant CPR at the hospital next week. I want to do an infant care basics class, too, but the only one DH and I can both get to is at 38 weeks. I'm a little nervous I won't make it that far!
So here's a bizarre thing that really happened yesterday - major traffic caused by a crazy naked dude. (link) Thank god it was on the day I did NOT have to take this road home! I still find it kinda funny.
RE: Classes -- loving the input from everyone. Was debating taking a birthing class. But they have 2 classes - one for birthing and one for c-section. I have no idea how it's going to go so I'm hesitant to sign up. We're also signed up for infant CPR and I want to sign up for a breastfeeding class.
@babybro218 I took a infant care basics class and it was very informative and a great time to ask questions. There was one girl who gave birth way before her due date but she showed up still for info.
@psm2462 thank you for such a thorough and prompt response. We will install the bases in my car and DH's and we can go get them checked out for proper installation at the local fire station. Also thanks for the tip about not leaving the car seat in the car. I started on the list last night and I will just add on to it as need be. I will also start packing the items that we won't miss around the house.Thanks again!!
@Starynightsky24 thanks for the tips. We will practice installing and get them checked out right around 38wks.
@babybro218 I think if you got to your local fire station they will gladly check it for proper installation
@mamaof5already DH and I already took a breastfeeding class and we also took a meet the midwives class. The breastfeeding class was 2 hours but it flew by because it was so insightful. The meet the midwives was also great because we got questions answered about labor, perineum massage, birth plans and labor pain relief options. Our next class is childbirth and I'm looking forward to it
Just to reiterate what most people said about car seats: please do your best to find a local car seat technician! We are certified through a pretty extensive course and have experience with multiple seats and vehicles as well as great community of other techs to reach out to. Most firehalls/ hospitals do not have properly trained techs so this is not the best option. Also help from a tech or not always read you car seat and the car seat section of your car manual thoroughly! -CPST
@jenniferjoy37 I'm so sorry to hear! I know how much my cats are a part of my family and I can only imagine the heartbreak of having to say goodbye. Hugs!
I'm doing a birthing class at a doula place Jan 20, baby is due feb 5. Nothing like cutting it close lol. We didn't do one with my first and my DH and I both felt under prepared for dealing with my pain and I ended up with an epidural at 3cm, I'd like to avoid it this time (I pushed for 3 hours and ended up with a huge episiotomy). Plus baby is breach and I would really like to deliever vaginally still so I'm hoping it will be helpful.
I have an OB appt in the am and I'm asking to be written off work. I can't handle the 12 hours anymore and I have sick time and short term disablity to take before my year mat leave starts so I'm looking forward to enjoying our last Christmas as a family of 3 without the stress of work
Andrea (31), married Aaron (36) September 2012
Parents to fur babies Tiki and Gizzmo and 2yr old Georgia IF veterans; #1 conceived on second clomid+HCG+IUI, #2 conceived on 1st Letrozole+HCG+IUI EDD: Feb 5, 2018
We had our hospital tour last night. Our hospital is awesome. 24 hour cafe on site, private rooms and an environment that encourages skin to skin bonding even after c-section.
My only disappointment is that I more than likely won't be able to do delayed cord clamping with my c-section and they said not to bring your breast pump. If you want help with the pump, they want you to sign up for their $60 breast feeding class. Eh...I'll figure it out and use the lactation consultants for BF help while in the hospital.
****TW Signature****
DD born 04/28/2002 Married DH 03/25/2017 1st MMC 08/13/2016 2nd MMC 02/14/2017 BFP 06/16/17 Rainbow DS Born 02/05/2018
@jenniferjoy37 I'm sorry about your cat, it's so hard to lose a loved one. [hugs]
Me: late 30s | H: early 30s TTC #1 since April 2015 RE Dx: Fibroids, surgery Jan 2016 IUI #1 and #2, Nov/Dec 2016, BFN IVF March 2017: ER - 5R/3M/3F, 1 PGS normal Polyp removed May 2017 FET May 2017 - BFP! Baby boy born 2/2/18
@rainafire77 I just signed up for a hospital tour, and the earliest they have in January is the 21st! I asked H if he wanted to come and here's the convo:
H: Why would I go? Me: To learn where everything is. H: But you're going? Me: Yes H: And I'll be with you the whole time while you give birth, right? Me: Likely, yes. H: So why can't you just tell me where things are?
Touche, husband.
Me: late 30s | H: early 30s TTC #1 since April 2015 RE Dx: Fibroids, surgery Jan 2016 IUI #1 and #2, Nov/Dec 2016, BFN IVF March 2017: ER - 5R/3M/3F, 1 PGS normal Polyp removed May 2017 FET May 2017 - BFP! Baby boy born 2/2/18
Random sad thought for the day: we had to send our kitty to heaven tonight. I’m devastated. Which probably isn’t good for the growing baby inside me.
I'm sorry for your loss. As a pet mom my heart breaks.. Did you have her cremated so she can be with you forever? For me, I have my two dogs in the kitchen cupboard ( in urns). And it let's me know they are still with me.
@rainafire77 I just signed up for a hospital tour, and the earliest they have in January is the 21st! I asked H if he wanted to come and here's the convo:
H: Why would I go? Me: To learn where everything is. H: But you're going? Me: Yes H: And I'll be with you the whole time while you give birth, right? Me: Likely, yes. H: So why can't you just tell me where things are?
Touche, husband.
If he went, then he could lead you while in labor and get you things though, right?
My dh initial didn't want to go, but i think the whole community guilted him into going.
We have been so busy this past week that almost nothing has gotten done at home.
Random celebration: I have a load of laundry in the washer and one in the dryer, then when they are done, that is every bit of laundry clean! 2 adults, 3 kids, and all the baby clothes from newborn-18months!
@rainafire77 I just signed up for a hospital tour, and the earliest they have in January is the 21st! I asked H if he wanted to come and here's the convo:
H: Why would I go? Me: To learn where everything is. H: But you're going? Me: Yes H: And I'll be with you the whole time while you give birth, right? Me: Likely, yes. H: So why can't you just tell me where things are?
Touche, husband.
Because YOU will be too busy birthing a Human to direct him to things. Not to mention it is nice to go and see where the nicu is (just in case), whatbthe standard procedures are, where the food is (our hospital has a room stocked with munchies for the mother and immediate family that you are told about during the tour.
Re: Weekly randoms 12.11
Because I procrastinate like it's a true talent, I didn't have anything packed with my first. My mom had to pack my bag. The hospital was also only a five minute drive, so pretty convenient for needing to get anything extra.
On the car seat, if you have the kind that clicks into the base, you could install the base (and have a car seat specialist check the installation, if you're inclined to do so) but not leave the car seat actually in the car. That way if you were to be in an accident you wouldn't have to replace the seat, as @Starynightsky24 mentioned above.
read your manual beforehand. Car seats for the Little’s is a great website to educate yourself. Know what you need for a proper install ( proper recline, strapes at or below the shoulders, chest clip placement) nurses and DR are notoriously poorly educated on car seats and may give you incorrect info when you leave.
make sure your car seat is one that fits newborns well. Not all convertible car seats fit newborns well, especially small newborns even though the weight limit goes down to 5lb. For exampl me the baby trend infant carriers without the new foam wedge is generally to high for an average size newborn.
Car seat for the littles and the car seat lady have car seat reviews.
Also, I don't know if this has been mentioned or not, but we were surprised that our hospital did not do any sort of car seat check when we came home with DS. It was fine, but that was something many parents with older children had told me-- "When leaving the hospital, they will check your car seat to make sure it's all done right".
Thanks for the car seat websites you gals listed. I will be checking those out!
older siblings: ds 16 dd 14 ds 13 dd 11 dd 7
eta: sorry about your sick cat! That’s no fun!
RE: Classes -- loving the input from everyone. Was debating taking a birthing class. But they have 2 classes - one for birthing and one for c-section. I have no idea how it's going to go so I'm hesitant to sign up. We're also signed up for infant CPR and I want to sign up for a breastfeeding class.
@babybro218 I took a infant care basics class and it was very informative and a great time to ask questions. There was one girl who gave birth way before her due date but she showed up still for info.
@Starynightsky24 thanks for the tips. We will practice installing and get them checked out right around 38wks.
@babybro218 I think if you got to your local fire station they will gladly check it for proper installation
@mamaof5already DH and I already took a breastfeeding class and we also took a meet the midwives class. The breastfeeding class was 2 hours but it flew by because it was so insightful. The meet the midwives was also great because we got questions answered about labor, perineum massage, birth plans and labor pain relief options. Our next class is childbirth and I'm looking forward to it
DD born 04/28/2002
Married DH 03/25/2017
1st MMC 08/13/2016 2nd MMC 02/14/2017
BFP 06/16/17 Rainbow DS Born 02/05/2018
I have an OB appt in the am and I'm asking to be written off work. I can't handle the 12 hours anymore and I have sick time and short term disablity to take before my year mat leave starts so I'm looking forward to enjoying our last Christmas as a family of 3 without the stress of work
IF veterans; #1 conceived on second clomid+HCG+IUI, #2 conceived on 1st Letrozole+HCG+IUI
EDD: Feb 5, 2018
My only disappointment is that I more than likely won't be able to do delayed cord clamping with my c-section and they said not to bring your breast pump. If you want help with the pump, they want you to sign up for their $60 breast feeding class. Eh...I'll figure it out and use the lactation consultants for BF help while in the hospital.
DD born 04/28/2002
Married DH 03/25/2017
1st MMC 08/13/2016 2nd MMC 02/14/2017
BFP 06/16/17 Rainbow DS Born 02/05/2018
TTC #1 since April 2015
RE Dx: Fibroids, surgery Jan 2016
IUI #1 and #2, Nov/Dec 2016, BFN
IVF March 2017: ER - 5R/3M/3F, 1 PGS normal
Polyp removed May 2017
FET May 2017 - BFP!
Baby boy born 2/2/18
H: Why would I go?
Me: To learn where everything is.
H: But you're going?
Me: Yes
H: And I'll be with you the whole time while you give birth, right?
Me: Likely, yes.
H: So why can't you just tell me where things are?
Touche, husband.
TTC #1 since April 2015
RE Dx: Fibroids, surgery Jan 2016
IUI #1 and #2, Nov/Dec 2016, BFN
IVF March 2017: ER - 5R/3M/3F, 1 PGS normal
Polyp removed May 2017
FET May 2017 - BFP!
Baby boy born 2/2/18
For me, I have my two dogs in the kitchen cupboard ( in urns). And it let's me know they are still with me.
My dh initial didn't want to go, but i think the whole community guilted him into going.
older siblings: ds 16 dd 14 ds 13 dd 11 dd 7
Random celebration: I have a load of laundry in the washer and one in the dryer, then when they are done, that is every bit of laundry clean! 2 adults, 3 kids, and all the baby clothes from newborn-18months!