Icons

[/I don't claim to make any of these\]

Just How Pregnant Are You?

Pregnancy Is ....

Baby

Baby Love

Girls

Boys

Avatars

Random

Besides taking yourself, you'll need to bring a suitcase with you. Unless your baby comes early, or you're still in denial about being pregnant, you should have one already packed and ready by the front door. If it's NOT packed by the time you're ready to pop, JUST GO! There will be 500 people there for the birth of your child, and someone will be able to return and pack what you need. Try bringing only one small [or medium] bag. You will more than likely switch rooms at least once while at the hospital, and you don't want to risk losing something.

Your Going Home Outfit:


1. Wear Something that is big, no matter how much you long to wear your old jeans. You will STILL be fat, & you will probably still look pregnant for several days [or weeks!] after the baby is born.

2.Wear flat shoes.You will still be slightly groggy and off balance after medication and lying in a bed for so long. You also may still be retaining water, and you're not going to want to sausage your feet into something too small.

3.Wear a blouse or dress that "breathes" and is absorbent. Trust, you will perspire like crazy, and there's always that good chance the baby will spit up on you at least once before you get home.

4. Look Somewhat attractive. Remember, your picture will be taken six dozen times in between the hospital leave and upon entering your house. Don't go overboard and Pamela Anderson yourself, but at least brush your hair. Maybe your teeth as well.

Do NOT Bring a Nightgown.

[Unless you don't mind ruining it.] Childbirth is a mess, and the aftermath is worse. The best advice is to wear those hideous button and tie-up deathtraps that the hospital issues.

Bring Your Own
Shampoos, Soaps & Lotions.

After you give birth, there are no greater delights on earth than taking a shower and brushing your teeth. Keep in mind that your baby has a virgin nose, so keep the perfume light. Also, if you're planning on nursing your baby, avoid putting anything on your breasts [lotions, powders, perfume]. How would you like it if someone sprinkled dusting powder all over your meal?

Leave Your Jewelry At Home.

Again, you will probably switch rooms at least once, and you wouldn't want to lose anything valuable.

Bring a Pillow, or Two.

As lovely as hospital pillows are [what are they made out of, sawdust?], you're going to want to be comfy for this labor. Plus, they smell like home, or like your partner! So, maybe sleeping will be easier.

Bring Bedroom Slippers

I know that hospitals are supposed to be all sterile and such, but we all have our doubts. A warm pair of socks may keep your feet warm and cootie-free, but if you are up and walking down those halls, you will want some slippers. Bring your good ol' faithful ones, unless they're about to fall apart. In that case, get some new ones that are mostly flat and have good tread.

Bring LOTS of Socks

During labor, alot of women get cold hands and feet, literally and figuratively. Your doctor will probably allow you to continue to wear your socks during delivery, but you will want to throw them away as soon as your consciousness returns, because they will be messy.

Bring Big Girl Panties

Unlike the socks, you will not need your underwear during labor and delivery, since most doctors agree that they tend to be a hindrance. You will however, need at least 5 pairs during your hospital stay, no matter how brief [no pun intended]. After the baby is born, and all the other pregnancy stuff has come out of you, a nurse will put a couple of sanitary pads on you and you will lie in bed on disposable square mats. For the first few hours you might skip the underwear, because a nurse also usually brings in ice packs for your swollen baby maker. Plus, she will be checking in on that area every few hours. However, after all that funness, you will want your own underwear, for modesty's sake and to keep those sanitary pads where they belong. I suggest ... I hate to say it, full cut briefs. Ah no! The granny panty! No G-String is going to offer a whit of support for the pads you will need down there to soak up all the liquids that pour out of you for days after birth.

Something about childbirth dries out the lips, even for those of us who did our lamaze breathing only for the time it took to yell for the anesthesiologist. You are certainly becoming dehydrated, but in addition, you won't be given anything to drink during labor and delivery for fear that it will make you nauseous.

After a task as arduous as delivering a baby, you will be starved! Contributing to this is the fact that your body is getting ready to go into milk production. You will be grateful that you planned ahead and stashed some bottled water, boxed juice and snacks. [Granola Bars, Dried Fruit, Crackers] Try to avoid junk food at this time. Alot of babies can't digest the milk of a mother who has been eating Milk Duds all night, so hold off on that.

Bring Reading Material

Most hospital rooms have televisions, but if you have time on your hands, you might want to read. Tabloids will do.

Things may differ from hospital to hospital, but some women are given the kind of sanitary pads that need a belt or safety pins to keep them in place. What you need are the maxi-est pads manufactured, with the adhesive strips on the backs. Bring the jumbo box because you will use them fast, often two at a time, for the first couple of days [even if you've had a cesarean section]. The hospital might provide these kind for you and you'll never use yours, but better safe than sorry.

If  you know that you want to breast-feed your baby, or if you are uncertain but might give it a try, you should bring a nursing bra to the hospital with you. You will appreciate the support and protection even if you don't intend to nurse,and you should continue wearing your industrial-strength maternity bras, because you will still experience the filling of your breasts. You should also bring nursing pads, which are disposable, absorbent circles that catch minor leaks. You slip them into your bra between your nipple and the nursing flap of your bra. [Also, check out a newer contraption called a "Breast Shield". These are cups made out of latex or plastic. They not only catch more leakage than the pads, but they keep your bra from chaffing against your chewed-on nipples by creating an air-space around them.]

What To Take To The Hospital

FOR BABY

You Must Have A Car Seat!

The only thing that you absolutely, positively, no-negotiating must bring to the hospital for taking the baby home is a proper car seat. In fact, in most states are prohibited by law from letting a baby be discharged until they have been assured that it will be put in a car seat that meets safety regulations, and that the parents know how to use it properly. Note: It would be best to practice putting the car seat in the car a month or so before the baby comes.

The Going Home Outfit

Picking out this outfit is so much fun! The only warnings I can think of are to pick something that doesn't have too many buttons or need to be pulled over the baby's head, because dressing your newborn for the first time is going to be traumatic (for you, not the baby). Try to select clothing that has legs instead of a gown, because the seatbelt needs to latch between the baby's legs.

1. A T-Shirt

All baby clothes should have already been laundered at home, as so for the first 3-6 months. Use a mild detergent such as Dreft or Ivory Snow, sold in any grocery store. Baby shirts that tie up or snap up on the sides are an excellent idea, for those of us who think of our newborns as porcelain dolls. Onesies, which primarily snap between the legs are great, but not for brand new baby. Mostly, they make it difficult to get to the baby's umbilical cord for cleaning and this are is supposed to be getting alot of airtime, until it falls off. Also, the crotch snaps hold the shirt against the belly button, which can't be too comfortable while there is still a stump there. After the cord is gone however, the onesies are fabulous.

2. The Diaper

I have no opinion whatsoever on whether you should choose cloth or disposable, to each their own. For newborns with umbilical cords, there are "Huggies Gentle Care", which form a U-Shape in the front to keep the diaper off of the belly button. You may need 1-2 packs of these, since the stump is likely to fall off within 7-10 days.

3. Footsies

You should put something on the baby's feet. For the first couple days of life, these little creatures have a hard time regulating their body temperature, and their head, hands and feet need to be kept cozy. You can either dress the baby in pajama's with the feet sewn on, or you can put on the little stretch bootees that are sold in all baby stores and drugstores. However, don't plan to put shoes on your little one. I know they look cute, but your baby's feet are so tiny and rounded that the shoes will irritate them.

4. The Stylish Part

What you choose to put over the core baby uniform is subject to your own taste (and sense of humor, since baby clothes can be funny). You should know however, that the vast majority of babies do spend the first few days sleeping almost constantly. For that reason, it makes sense to dress them in soft pajamas or rompers rather than miniature sailor suits and frilly dresses. It's also helpful that the current wisdom has babies sleeping on their backs, so outfits that snap down the front or on the shoulder would be a good choice.

Among Other Things

A cap is entirely left up to you, but keep in mind that babies can lose alot of heat from their heads. No need to make your baby an eskimo, but hospitals usually provide caps, if you don't have your own upon arrival.

A pacifier will be your friend for these first few years. Again, hospitals may provide these, but you're going to want many, since they seem to be lost easily.

A blanket will be needed to wrap your baby in, even if the weather is mild. This will make your little honey feel protected and relaxed. Even in the car seat, tuck it tightly around your newborn, especially it's little hands and feet.

An "urp" cloth, as it will be known to you, will be needed since you plan on feeding your baby in the hospital. Aside from putting them over your shoulders to catch spit-up, you will be using these to wipe drool or milk from the baby's mouth.

A Neck doughnut is for your baby, although you may like one for yourself. Some car seats come with these, but they're small U-Shaped pillows that hold your baby's head in place. It makes whiplash one less thing to worry about.

Mittens for your baby's hands are a widely spread phenomenon. These are sold in baby stores, and keep your baby from scratching it's face (yours too!) and keeps them from pulling on their hair.

Bottles are optional, if you have decided not to or are unable to breastfeed. Hospitals provide these and show you proper techniques on how to use them.