I bought two things that I probably won't need but sounded nice:
Massage bar from Lush (our birth class recommended some massage oil) A hospital gown that snaps open at the shoulders for skin-to-skin (I had a weird freakout about being forced to be naked)
I think the gown is good to think about if you think you may feel this way! My wife did NOT like when the nurses pulled up her gown and exposed her breasts for skin to skin. It's cool if you don't care, but my wife did and we didn't think about it beforehand
It was the birth videos of women giving birth totally naked that got me thinking. It's fine if I want to be naked - I know everyone in the room will have or already has seen my goodies. But I wanted to be able to be covered if I wanted, so I found the gown. Some people mentioned laboring in a sports bra but that sounds uncomfortable to me.
I think the gown is good to think about if you think you may feel this way! My wife did NOT like when the nurses pulled up her gown and exposed her breasts for skin to skin. It's cool if you don't care, but my wife did and we didn't think about it beforehand
It was the birth videos of women giving birth totally naked that got me thinking. It's fine if I want to be naked - I know everyone in the room will have or already has seen my goodies. But I wanted to be able to be covered if I wanted, so I found the gown. Some people mentioned laboring in a sports bra but that sounds uncomfortable to me.
What about a yoga/lounge bra? Not naked but also not tight and uncomfortable.
I think the gown is good to think about if you think you may feel this way! My wife did NOT like when the nurses pulled up her gown and exposed her breasts for skin to skin. It's cool if you don't care, but my wife did and we didn't think about it beforehand
It was the birth videos of women giving birth totally naked that got me thinking. It's fine if I want to be naked - I know everyone in the room will have or already has seen my goodies. But I wanted to be able to be covered if I wanted, so I found the gown. Some people mentioned laboring in a sports bra but that sounds uncomfortable to me.
I am a pretty modest person. I am super insecure about my body and HATE feeling exposed, even in medical scenarios. I wore the gown and kept it open at the back (like a snuggy) so they were able to pull it down from my shoulders, rather than up from my legs. Either way, at one point or another I was totally exposed and I couldnt have given less of a heck. Your shame and ego go right out the door pretty quick. I never would have believed it for myself but it happened. I wasnt totally ok with it but also wasnt mortified like I thought id be. Also, when they bring that baby to your chest, the last thing on your mind will be if your tatas are all out. Trust me. Youre just "get that baby on me now, gimme gimme!!"
It was the birth videos of women giving birth totally naked that got me thinking. It's fine if I want to be naked - I know everyone in the room will have or already has seen my goodies. But I wanted to be able to be covered if I wanted, so I found the gown. Some people mentioned laboring in a sports bra but that sounds uncomfortable to me.
What about a yoga/lounge bra? Not naked but also not tight and uncomfortable.
This. I've also seen people suggest a sports bra in a size up.
Re: what to put in the bag now vs later. I had the same concerns about my charger and things I couldnt pack yet, so I made a list and put one copy with my bag and taped another copy to the inside of my front door so I would remember to double check on the way out.
You may be in too much of a rush, or you may have plenty of time, or you may not go home between an appointment and delivery. The only situation you can really prepare for is the "plenty of time". The other two you will just need to roll with.
Maybe start keeping these things in a central location. Like charger in a dish/drawer by the front door when not in use. This way anyone can easily find it for you.
If you plan to use your phone as a camera and are worried about not having it for pictures, consider picking up a disposable camera or two from walmart to keep in the bag now as back up. You can buy Kodak ones that have the cost of developing pictures included.
What about a yoga/lounge bra? Not naked but also not tight and uncomfortable.
This. I've also seen people suggest a sports bra in a size up.
I am planning to bring a few nursing tanks. Maybe a bra without underwire/cups would be good to add in. I don't love wearing bras but it's probably that I don't love wearing more supportive bras.
The whole thing is mostly a security blanket. I want to have options so I don't have anxiety beforehand. If I feel the urge to push while naked squatting on the floor, I'll go with it and know I won't care in the moment or after. But in lead up, knowing I can also not do that if I want is comforting. I don't know if that makes sense.
This. I've also seen people suggest a sports bra in a size up.
I am planning to bring a few nursing tanks. Maybe a bra without underwire/cups would be good to add in. I don't love wearing bras but it's probably that I don't love wearing more supportive bras.
The whole thing is mostly a security blanket. I want to have options so I don't have anxiety beforehand. If I feel the urge to push while naked squatting on the floor, I'll go with it and know I won't care in the moment or after. But in lead up, knowing I can also not do that if I want is comforting. I don't know if that makes sense.
That makes a lot of sense to me. I was pretty similar I wanted options. I had a gown and loose bra on right up until I was about to push,then all bets were off. Lol
My grandmother's were pretty scandalized by my naked birth story though. Lol
Toiletries: (all travel sized where applicable) -shampoo/conditioner* -deoderant* -nursing pads -nipple cream (sample size) -blow dryer -hair ties/bobby pins -hair brush -favorite face cream* -face cleansing towlette* (I had the burts bees white tea ones last time and omg so refreshing) -hand cream*
*make sure everything is mildly scented or unscented!
--be careful packing pre preg clothing like yoga pants. If they dont fit now they probably wont fit then... I left in maternity pants.
Misc: -cell & charger -camera & charger -Uno (yes the game) -glucose tabs, pop cans, granola bars -pillow for h and I with identifiable pillowcases (not white!) -tylenol for H just in case. Sleep deprivation headaches are real. -blanket for my H -Hs change of clothes +deodorant
Baby: -a couple NB and 0-3m outfits -swaddle/recieving blankets (hospital will have these but I liked using own for swaddling) -no scratch mitts. Their nails are sharp. -hat** -sample sized baby wash** -wipes and diapers** -ready to use formula** -pacifiers
**hospital provided but JIC.
I think this is it... Dont forget to steal the peri bottle. Youll need it! My hospital told me to take it.
Also, consider packing food for your H. The cafeteria isnt always open and if your H is like mine, he wont want to leave, wait in a lineup and risk missing anything. My mom brought subway for him but the poor man was probably so hungry because thats all he had in 24hrs, aside from a coffee and bagel from Tim Hortons on the way in.
Note for Canadians: hospitals here provide pretty little, which makes sense since we dont foot the bill ourselves. Theyre only supposed to give the first diaper, a few large and regular pads, and will have some formula handy if needed. I also got a bag of samples. My nurses were amazing and gave us everything we needed (I brought no diapers and no formula). They arent going to let you bleed everywhere or let your baby go naked and hungry. Just be aware you may get the "we arent supposed to..." line. Worst case could be the nurse says your spouse can go to the lobby store and buy them at crazy inflated prices.
Oh, I will be bringing my manual pump and some bottles this time.
This. I've also seen people suggest a sports bra in a size up.
I am planning to bring a few nursing tanks. Maybe a bra without underwire/cups would be good to add in. I don't love wearing bras but it's probably that I don't love wearing more supportive bras.
The whole thing is mostly a security blanket. I want to have options so I don't have anxiety beforehand. If I feel the urge to push while naked squatting on the floor, I'll go with it and know I won't care in the moment or after. But in lead up, knowing I can also not do that if I want is comforting. I don't know if that makes sense.
I totally get this and youre smart for thinking of these things. Best thing you can do is prevent undue stress
I'm now thinking I need to ask some specific questions at the hospital tour. Like, last time our hospital didn't let us use our clothes or blankets. Something about sanitary rules or what have you.
Wow. You guys are packing a lot! Maybe I should reevaluate my small list. -change of clothes for MH and I -brush -makeup -chargers -flip flops -going home outfit for baby -big sister present -hair tie
Wow. You guys are packing a lot! Maybe I should reevaluate my small list. -change of clothes for MH and I -brush -makeup -chargers -flip flops -going home outfit for baby -big sister present -hair tie
Post by erinshelley21 on Jan 1, 2017 15:39:09 GMT -5
My hospital gives moms shirts for skin to skin. I can't think of the actual name or remember who makes it but it looks and feels like a really loose tube top. It was perfect for keeping a little bit of modesty. If you google "skin to skin shirts for moms" similar options come up.
Wow. You guys are packing a lot! Maybe I should reevaluate my small list. -change of clothes for MH and I -brush -makeup -chargers -flip flops -going home outfit for baby -big sister present -hair tie
I think mine looks pretty big because i named each individual thing (items of clothing vs "change of clothes") Otherwise I only have a few extra things compared to this itll all fit in a duffle bag, aside from the pillows. I wouldnt reevaluate too much! Your list looks great. I plan to pare down wherever possible.
Wow. You guys are packing a lot! Maybe I should reevaluate my small list. -change of clothes for MH and I -brush -makeup -chargers -flip flops -going home outfit for baby -big sister present -hair tie
This pretty much sums up my list as well.
This is probably mine too. Plus shampoo and conditioner or dry shampoo depending on if I get to shower and do my hair before going to the hospital.
This is probably mine too. Plus shampoo and conditioner or dry shampoo depending on if I get to shower and do my hair before going to the hospital.
Did they make you shower last time? With DS they told me to get in the shower as soon as I was able to stand safely on my own. Im glad they did because I felt so much more human after that.
Wow. You guys are packing a lot! Maybe I should reevaluate my small list. -change of clothes for MH and I -brush -makeup -chargers -flip flops -going home outfit for baby -big sister present -hair tie
This looks good. I would encourage you to bring your own pillow as well.
That makes a lot of sense to me. I was pretty similar I wanted options. I had a gown and loose bra on right up until I was about to push,then all bets were off. Lol
My grandmother's were pretty scandalized by my naked birth story though. Lol
I was so worried about being naked and pooping while pushing before hand. During labor I wanted clothing off and I begged the nurse to get the poop out of me.
Funny how you just don't care!
Omg im dying at get the poop out of me.
Most people: "get this baby out of me!!" Corrine: "get this poop out of me!!"
Anecdote time. I have no idea if i pooped. I smelled and felt nothing. I told my h to never tell me either way.
The modesty becoming a thing of the past is so real. I am such a conservative person to the point that short pants make me uncomfortable, and I am amazed, looking back, at how little I GAF in the moment.
I have a strong memory of closing my eyes to push, and it was me, MH, and 2 nurses in the room at the time. When I opened my eyes, there were 6 nursing students at the foot of my bed staring at my vagina as the head was starting to emerge, in addition to everyone else already in the room. WTF?? I was on my 5th hour of pushing at that point, and I seriously did not even care. I don't know how I didn't care because when I look back at it, I'm like "what the fuck, that should have pissed me off/freaked me out!"
All in all the moral of the story is that being in labor turns you into a stone cold badass ...so try not to stress about the details.
2 loose tank tops (wear post-partum) My going home outfit - loose shirt and yoga pants
Baby going home outfit +|- going home cloth diaper
iPad or surface/phone/nice camera/portable speaker(small)/chargers
Chapstick
Wife's snacks/clothes
Regarding the modesty, I agree mostly, especially from the waist down! I would just add that you would not be the first woman who doesn't feel the exact same way about your top half, so don't feel bad if you want to keep some modesty for your top. I'm sure everyone here agrees, I just wanted to say it so there was a different perspective represented.
I was so worried about being naked and pooping while pushing before hand. During labor I wanted clothing off and I begged the nurse to get the poop out of me.
Funny how you just don't care!
Omg im dying at get the poop out of me.
Most people: "get this baby out of me!!" Corrine: "get this poop out of me!!"
Anecdote time. I have no idea if i pooped. I smelled and felt nothing. I told my h to never tell me either way.
TMI
I had horrible diarrhea about an hour before the birth. All the nurses assured me that it's normal but...I was not expecting that at all.
Post by moutonrouge on Jan 1, 2017 16:59:25 GMT -5
Our birthing class at the hospital emphasized bringing some props for comfort measures during labor - like a roller or noodle, massage aids, birthing ball, hot/cold packs, etc. They said doulas often bring their own, but since it will be just DH and me I'm debating what all to bring with. I probably won't buy a birthing ball, but I own the other things they mentioned and could bring them along.
I had a soft bra on during the birth and the gown. After DD was born, they helped me get the bra off to do skin to skin and she was under a blanket against me.
She did have to be cleaned up and checked since she had the cord around her neck. I meant to take the bra off but went from 3 cm to 10 cm in an hour, so no time!
This is probably mine too. Plus shampoo and conditioner or dry shampoo depending on if I get to shower and do my hair before going to the hospital.
Did they make you shower last time? With DS they told me to get in the shower as soon as I was able to stand safely on my own. Im glad they did because I felt so much more human after that.
No they didn't. Ds was born at 2:31 in the afternoon and I showered the next morning when my mom came back to visit. Dh went home to shower and check on the dog and I wanted her help anyway lol.
Eta: I'll still shower at some point. I just might not wash my hair.
Post by moutonrouge on Jan 1, 2017 18:38:07 GMT -5
Our hospital doesn't have birthing balls or tubs - that's why they talk about it at the class, in case you want to bring your own. They'll let you use heating pads that plug in, or microwave rice packs. But both of those you bring yourself.
I didn't have any pre-labor poops or diarrhea but I wish I had, so maybe then I would not have pooped so much while pushing. It's fun when you're pushing and everyone is watching, expecting to see a head, but then it's just poop coming out.
RE: Pooping...the last night in the hospital I had to poop and was in more pain than at any other point in the hospital as a result. The nurse had to insert a suppository. All modesty is out the window when it comes to childbirth.
Then Comes Family, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising
program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.