What you really need to bring to the hospital!

Hi everyone!!

Life is good with Baby Ever.  He is a dreamboat and we are loving getting to know each other and hanging on his every move.  More on him to come...  Just a few weeks ago I was stressing about what to pack for the hospital and I wanted to share what I really wound up needing/wanting for all of you expectant parents!

For me:

-Breast shells for sore nippes-- Medela makes great ones.  These helped a ton on sensitive boobs that are just getting started on breastfeeding

-toiletries-- shampoo/conditioner, face wash/lotions, deoderant, body lotion, nice smelling spray/toner for face and body

-Motherlove nipple balm-- slather it on those nips

-nice toilet paper (hospital toilet paper is not hospitable)

-a nursing bra-- I love this one by Majamas in black that is comfy and you just pull it to the side rather than deal with snaps, etc.

-men's style PJs that button down the front.  I thought I'd be lounging in cute PJs and yoga pants but stayed in the hospital gown at least the first two days (we stayed four for the C section) and then donned my cute PJs and some loose black thin sweatpants-- remember if you are having a C section, you will want very loose things at the waist.  And probably for vaginal births as well.  Comfort is king those first few days.

-a dress/outfit to wear home that is loose in the waist- I know, I didn't believe that I wouldn't be back to my flat tummy by the time I went home.  I was dismayed to find that what "they" say is true, you look about 5 months prego when you leave the hospital.  So bring an according ensemble and again one that's easy to nurse out of.  Oh!  One more wardrobe challenge is that you will probably be wearing the mesh undies provided by the hospital (take as many pairs as you can when you leave!) with a maxi pad -- I know.  Maxi pads and mesh full backed undies make dressing cutely more difficult.  I opted for a maxi dress that was loose at the bottom and "accentuated" my inflated bosom...

-flip flops and cozy socks

-pillows and pillow cases from home (we brought 4 which was right)

For your man/mate:

-a ridge rest/camping thing for the window seat "bed"

-toiletries

-clothes and snacks

-camera equipment, chargers, etc.

-cash for the parking folks

For baby:

-a going home outfit and stroller blanket-- Ever wore home a long sleeved onesie with snaps down the front and footies.  A hat, too.

Misc.:

-your cord blood kit if you're doing that.  We chose CBR: Cord Blood Registry.  Drop my name and call Susan Firth for a discount:

Susan Firth

Senior Cord Blood Education Specialist

Cord Blood Registry

1200 Bayhill Drive | San Bruno, CA 94066

Tel: 1-800-588-6377 x 681

-a small cooler for your placenta if you are going to have yours freeze dried into capsules.  Sounds super hippy dippy but I did it and I swear I have had a tremendously easy recovery...  maybe it's the capsules?!  More on placentas in a later post...

-presents for the nurses-- we brought four bags of fancy candies/snacks for them.

-a basket of flowers!  Cheered the room.

Remember, you need your car seat installed to take the baby home!

More to come on all things baby soon!! xx

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