As the D-day(as I would like to call it!) approaches panic attack increases. It’s funny before I delivered my first baby I was more confident take on the delivery. The second time around I knew exactly what to expect and was a bit nervous. The first time around I believed if I had a normal delivery I will not get any stitches, false, they still need to put a small cut down there and then stitch it up, ouch! The post delivery pain when the anesthesia wears off and one and a half months till you and your baby recover from the whole ordeal. But the good thing that came out of it was that I had created a solution for most of the issues. So to take care of the home front, my mom had been requested to come and stay for three months(this is the most difficult period) rather than me traveling to my hometown. I had a cook, cleaning lady and a baby maid in place.
I knew all about epidural (it’s a total must do and contrary to the rumours ,you will not end up with a back pain that will stay for life)to ease my pain during labor and delivery.Seven years Earlier,when I had delivered very few doctors were using it and you had to request in advance for an epidural.Today almost all prestigious hospitals use it.
To shorten my labor and to control my weight I had been exercising throughout my pregnancy. This really helped as my labor was hardly for 2 and a half hours as compared to a tiring 12 hr last time, much faster than I expected. Later my doctor explained, that during your second delivery labor is shorter and since I had been exercising it was real short for me.
Another thing that helped me a lot was a list that I prepared for things to carry to the hospital. Some hospitals have their own lists and yet I feel some things mentioned below might help.My list has been passed on to several of my friends and their friends, hope you will find it useful too! One suggestion would be to pack your bags at least 15 days in advance and keep in the car ready for use in case of an emergency and the knowledge of it’s existence adds a lot of relief ;0)!
ITEMS TO CARRY TO HOSPITAL
For You;
To keep comfortable ( note : In case the hospital insists on mom & baby wearing hospital clothes only while there )
Hot water bottle
Face spray ( to keep cool)
Wet wipes
Lip balm ( lips get very dry during labour )
All personal toiletries – Some hospitals provide basic but get own brand of perfume/
lotion / shampoo / conditioner , etc
Blanket / quilt – again hospital will provide but helps to have your own
Towels / handtowels – always keep a couple extra
Any medication / supplements taken including a body powder if needed / pain
reliever ( Relispray , etc )
Undergarments + a couple of changes of clothes
Rubber chappals / bathroom slippers
Any type of entertainment – Ipod / Ipad / books
Mobile & charger
Camera – still/ video – will need to get it registered in advance since
allowed only in the maternity floor
For feeding
Nursing pillow(most awesome ,totally recommended ,you don’t end up screwing your back trying to
nurse the baby in all awkward positions)
Breast pads – at least 50 to start with(the pack has minimum 50 but you can carry less to the hospital)
Feeding bottles ( 4 small ones of 4 ounces each ) – in case milk supply is
insufficient and the kid has to go on formula immediately . Formula to be bought
from the hospital chemist
Also, keep breast pump & sterilizer ready , no need to bring it to hospital but keep it ready in case needed
Burp cloths / small towels to wipe
Paper napkins / hand tissues
Hand sanitizer – again hospital will provide but wise to have a supply in hand
Maternity bras – at least 4
Nipple cream
Front opening gown/ pyjamas- 4
Post delivery
Maternity towels / sanitary pads – at least 25 . Can start with a pack of maternity
towels from Mothercare and then switch to sanitary pads
Disposable panties – 10
Baby
Disposable / cloth diapers – disposable might work better while in the hospital . 25 of
Pampers size 0
Nappy rash cream-Mothercare
Baby toiletries – shampoo , soap , liquid talc , lotion – all from Mothercare
Baby wet wipes – J&J(the best that I have tried so far)
Swaddle cloths
Rubber sheet and cloth for changing baby
Soft muslin cloths to wrap baby in / carry baby
3-4 sets of newborn clothes ( we believe in using used clothes the first few days but
whatever works – even though the hospital will provide its useful to keep these )
One / 2 good going home outfits
Car seat ( which can double up as baby carrier )
Extra towels/ wipe cloths / safety pins
One set of going home clothes for you.
PS : Not sure about Hospital’s laundry charges so may be worthwhile to take clothes home and get them washed. Also, my lists and brands are based mostly on the availability and requirements in India, so in case anyone else is reading this blog, please be advised the requirements will change. Most things still remaining constant. Happy Reading ;0)!
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