Hospital Bag List (and suggestions?)

[Denise~*]

I was looking at a previous thread on what to put in a hospital bag,
(ideas & such) and I compiled a list that I'll post here for others and
also for any other suggestions that you all might have to add to the
list. Thanks!

For Baby:

Baby Wipes
Formula (just in case)
Diapers
Blanket
Going Home Outfit
Hat
Booties
Socks
Undershirt
1-2 Receiving Blankets
Pacifiers
Diaper Rash Cream
Baby Emery Board & Clippers

For Mom:

Open foot sandals or slippers (something that can be worn outside too)
Smaller Maternity Clothes (or loose fitting clothes)
Toilet Paper
Pads
Deoderant
Make-up
*My own gown for Giving Birth (I hate hospital gowns)
Old Socks (And new for earing home)
House Coat
Undies (Small & Medium Size, just in case)
Pajama Pants and Top
Hair Ties/clips
Breastfeeding Pads
Preggo Pops (or somthing similar)

*for my first pregancy I found a cheap "gown" that I bought at a second
hand store and dyed purple for giving birth in because I didn't want to
wear the ugly hospital ones. The nurses were concerned about it getting
ruined if they had to cut it for some reason, I told them I paid $3.00
for it & then they didn't care :-)

For Personal Use:

Body Wash for a Shower
Tooth Brush
Toothpaste
Bar of Soap
Body Lotion
Shampoo & Cond
Hairbrush

Extra stuff:

Baby Book to read and/or Magazines
Camera
Camcorder (with re-charge plug)
Phone
Phone Charger
Extra Batteries

Any other suggestions?

[Anne Rogers]

> For Baby:
>
> Baby Wipes
> Formula (just in case)
> Diapers
> Blanket
> Going Home Outfit
> Hat
> Booties
> Socks
> Undershirt
> 1-2 Receiving Blankets
> Pacifiers
> Diaper Rash Cream
> Baby Emery Board & Clippers

Yikes, how long do you plan to be there for! Check what the hospital
provided, a lot of those things may be provided by the hospital. The one
thing I wouldn't take would be formula, hving it constantly on hand would
seem to be setting yourself up for failure and if there was a genuine need
the hospital would have some available (even if they have a general policy
of not providing it, if one of you were ill, they are not exactly going to
make the baby starve).


>
> For Mom:
>
> Open foot sandals or slippers (something that can be worn outside too)
> Smaller Maternity Clothes (or loose fitting clothes)
> Toilet Paper
> Pads
> Deoderant
> Make-up
> *My own gown for Giving Birth (I hate hospital gowns)
> Old Socks (And new for earing home)
> House Coat
> Undies (Small & Medium Size, just in case)
> Pajama Pants and Top
> Hair Ties/clips
> Breastfeeding Pads
> Preggo Pops (or somthing similar)
>
> *for my first pregancy I found a cheap "gown" that I bought at a second
> hand store and dyed purple for giving birth in because I didn't want to
> wear the ugly hospital ones. The nurses were concerned about it getting
> ruined if they had to cut it for some reason, I told them I paid $3.00 for
> it & then they didn't care :-)

at our hospital no one even suggests you wear anything other than your own
gown for the birth, actually I think I'm wearing the one I gave birth in
right now, all the other things sound sensible, but the breastpads are not
likely to be needed for 3 days or so, so they can be left at home ready for
your DH to bring in. You might like to pack more than one back, one with the
thing you really need on hand, then another for the spares, the clothes you
will wear later etc and leave that bag in the car. Is the toilet paper
really that bad?
>
> For Personal Use:
>
> Body Wash for a Shower
> Tooth Brush
> Toothpaste
> Bar of Soap
> Body Lotion
> Shampoo & Cond
> Hairbrush

sounds sensible, though soap is likely to be provided and I always find it
something tricky to manage in a toilet bag, soap boxes always seem to come
open! if you really need it, a drop of body wash will do.
>
> Extra stuff:
>
> Baby Book to read and/or Magazines
> Camera
> Camcorder (with re-charge plug)
> Phone
> Phone Charger
> Extra Batteries
>
I guess so, but some of these are going to be stuff you want your DH to have
and take away with him (for safety), but others you are going to want for
you, like the magazine. You've done it before, so you'll know whether you
want music or not, I'm not a music person, but I like talking books and I
couldn't have survived without my walkman and some tapes, these days that
would probably be an MP3 player. Check whether you can use your cell in the
hospital, in the UK you almost always can't, so change for the phone is much
more necessary!

Anne

[xkatx]

"Denise~*" > wrote in message
...
>
> I was looking at a previous thread on what to put in a hospital bag,
> (ideas & such) and I compiled a list that I'll post here for others and
> also for any other suggestions that you all might have to add to the list.
> Thanks!
>
> For Baby:
>
> Baby Wipes
> Formula (just in case)
> Diapers
> Blanket
> Going Home Outfit
> Hat
> Booties
> Socks
> Undershirt
> 1-2 Receiving Blankets
> Pacifiers
> Diaper Rash Cream
> Baby Emery Board & Clippers

The one and only thing I had totally went braindead on for baby's bag was
the receiving blankets. I think I went momentarily dumb and it was the one
thing I forgot to pack!
I wouldn't bring more than absolutely necessary... I'd knock off wipes,
other than maybe a small travel pack of them, formula, all the diapers other
than maybe 2 or so of them, diaper rash cream and the emery board/clippers.
Those you probably won't really be needing... The hospitals here supply
diapers and cloths to change diapers while in hospital, the formula might
not help you as far as bfing goes, and hospitals should have a variety of
formula on hand for the cases where it is absolutely necessary. Chances of
baby being born with a diaper rash are very slim. I, personally, have never
heard of that happening, and in maybe an extremely rare case of diaper rash
in a hospital, the hospital should have that on hand. Also, if baby happens
to be born with extremely long finger nails, it's a lot easier to carefully
rip them off than it is to clip and then file them down. That kind of thing
can normally wait until you're home and a bit settled with the baby.

> For Mom:
>
> Open foot sandals or slippers (something that can be worn outside too)
> Smaller Maternity Clothes (or loose fitting clothes)
> Toilet Paper
> Pads
> Deoderant
> Make-up
> *My own gown for Giving Birth (I hate hospital gowns)
> Old Socks (And new for earing home)
> House Coat
> Undies (Small & Medium Size, just in case)
> Pajama Pants and Top
> Hair Ties/clips
> Breastfeeding Pads
> Preggo Pops (or somthing similar)
>
> *for my first pregancy I found a cheap "gown" that I bought at a second
> hand store and dyed purple for giving birth in because I didn't want to
> wear the ugly hospital ones. The nurses were concerned about it getting
> ruined if they had to cut it for some reason, I told them I paid $3.00 for
> it & then they didn't care :-)

I'm not sure how necessary make up is, but that's more than likely a
personal preference. To be honest, make up was the last thing on my mind
just before and just after I had mine. I barely had time to take a quick
shower, it seemed, nevermind do make up. I also ended up thinking nuts to
it all, I was not out to impress anyone, but once again, that's just a
personal thing. Also, nursing pads really shouldn't be necessary. Chances
are you won't have a need for them for at least a couple days, and in the
rare case that you *do* need some, a hospital should have those on hand, I
would think.

> For Personal Use:
>
> Body Wash for a Shower
> Tooth Brush
> Toothpaste
> Bar of Soap
> Body Lotion
> Shampoo & Cond
> Hairbrush

I like to bring my own shampoo and soap as well. I found that to be a nice
treat instead of make up and that type of stuff. A nice and refreshing
shower with my own shampoo and conditioner, along with my own fav bar of
soap and my preference of body wash made me feel a lot better and ready to
go than make up. I just liked to bring my own stuff like that... As well as
maybe some Lansinoh stuff, if you are bfing. I found that it helped to
start early with that stuff, before there was a chance to get dry, chapped
or cracked nipples.

> Extra stuff:
>
> Baby Book to read and/or Magazines
> Camera
> Camcorder (with re-charge plug)
> Phone
> Phone Charger
> Extra Batteries
>
> Any other suggestions?

I would toss in a pocket full of change. The hospitals here don't allow
cell phones to be used in the hospital, but they do have courtesy phones and
pay phones - easier than going all the way outside of the hospital to use a
cell. The change also might help for a vending machine if you want a nice
cold soda or a muffin or bag of chips to snack on after the baby is born. ;)

[Nikki]

"Denise~*" > wrote in message

> For Baby:
>
> Baby Wipes
> Formula (just in case)
> Diapers
> Blanket
> Going Home Outfit
> Hat
> Booties
> Socks
> Undershirt
> 1-2 Receiving Blankets
> Pacifiers
> Diaper Rash Cream
> Baby Emery Board & Clippers

Check with the hospital. Mine provided everything but the going home outfit
and blanket. They even give the carseat.

> For Mom: and > For Personal Use:


Your list sounds good. Most of this is personal preference.

> Any other suggestions?

Roll of quarters in case dh/visitors want change for pop/snacks.


--
Nikki, mama to
Hunter 4/99
Luke 4/01
Brock 4/06
Ben 4/06

[Me Myself and I]

One thing I would certainly add is a pen. I was forever begging one off
someone, to write on my menu for the day, or do the crossword etc etc.



--
Pip

My girls :
DD1 Jasmine - 5 weeks early - 21 March 02 -
"I'm a big girl cause I go to school kindy"

DD2 Abby - 8 weeks early - 3 Feb 05 -
Took her first steps on her 1st Birthday.

"Yes you can drive me insane just by talking to me!"


--
"Denise~*" > wrote in message
...
>
> I was looking at a previous thread on what to put in a hospital bag,
> (ideas & such) and I compiled a list that I'll post here for others and
> also for any other suggestions that you all might have to add to the list.
> Thanks!
>
> For Baby:
>
> Baby Wipes
> Formula (just in case)
> Diapers
> Blanket
> Going Home Outfit
> Hat
> Booties
> Socks
> Undershirt
> 1-2 Receiving Blankets
> Pacifiers
> Diaper Rash Cream
> Baby Emery Board & Clippers
>
> For Mom:
>
> Open foot sandals or slippers (something that can be worn outside too)
> Smaller Maternity Clothes (or loose fitting clothes)
> Toilet Paper
> Pads
> Deoderant
> Make-up
> *My own gown for Giving Birth (I hate hospital gowns)
> Old Socks (And new for earing home)
> House Coat
> Undies (Small & Medium Size, just in case)
> Pajama Pants and Top
> Hair Ties/clips
> Breastfeeding Pads
> Preggo Pops (or somthing similar)
>
> *for my first pregancy I found a cheap "gown" that I bought at a second
> hand store and dyed purple for giving birth in because I didn't want to
> wear the ugly hospital ones. The nurses were concerned about it getting
> ruined if they had to cut it for some reason, I told them I paid $3.00 for
> it & then they didn't care :-)
>
> For Personal Use:
>
> Body Wash for a Shower
> Tooth Brush
> Toothpaste
> Bar of Soap
> Body Lotion
> Shampoo & Cond
> Hairbrush
>
> Extra stuff:
>
> Baby Book to read and/or Magazines
> Camera
> Camcorder (with re-charge plug)
> Phone
> Phone Charger
> Extra Batteries
>
> Any other suggestions?

[Caledonia]

Denise~* wrote:
> I was looking at a previous thread on what to put in a hospital bag,
> (ideas & such) and I compiled a list that I'll post here for others and
> also for any other suggestions that you all might have to add to the
> list. Thanks!
>
> For Baby:
>
> Baby Wipes
> Formula (just in case)
> Diapers
> Blanket
> Going Home Outfit
> Hat
> Booties
> Socks
> Undershirt
> 1-2 Receiving Blankets
> Pacifiers
> Diaper Rash Cream
> Baby Emery Board & Clippers
>
> For Mom:
>
> Open foot sandals or slippers (something that can be worn outside too)
> Smaller Maternity Clothes (or loose fitting clothes)
> Toilet Paper
> Pads
> Deoderant
> Make-up
> *My own gown for Giving Birth (I hate hospital gowns)
> Old Socks (And new for earing home)
> House Coat
> Undies (Small & Medium Size, just in case)
> Pajama Pants and Top
> Hair Ties/clips
> Breastfeeding Pads
> Preggo Pops (or somthing similar)
>
> *for my first pregancy I found a cheap "gown" that I bought at a second
> hand store and dyed purple for giving birth in because I didn't want to
> wear the ugly hospital ones. The nurses were concerned about it getting
> ruined if they had to cut it for some reason, I told them I paid $3.00
> for it & then they didn't care :-)
>
> For Personal Use:
>
> Body Wash for a Shower
> Tooth Brush
> Toothpaste
> Bar of Soap
> Body Lotion
> Shampoo & Cond
> Hairbrush
>
> Extra stuff:
>
> Baby Book to read and/or Magazines
> Camera
> Camcorder (with re-charge plug)
> Phone
> Phone Charger
> Extra Batteries

For me, I'd cut back on a lot of stuff (but I travel pretty lightly, ).
I'd add:
-- Glasses (if you wear them), or contacts
-- A list of phone numbers you want to call
-- Change -- especially to buy the newspaper from the day your baby was
born -- we've done this, and saved them for DD1 and DD2. It's not
something I thought of the 2nd day (I left after 24 hours and 11 hours,
respectively), but wish I'd thought of this at the hospital versus
begging my neighbors.
-- A going-home outfit that isn't yellow (ergh; for DD1, I had this
great yellow outfit that really highlighted her slight jaundice)
-- An infant carseat (installed already:)
-- If there's an older sibling at home, pack a present from the baby
for the older sibling
-- Likewise, if there's an older sibling, maybe additional ibuprofen.
The after-pains the second time around (both labors unmedicated) were
worse than the labor (minus transition), which took be unawares.

Are you in the UK? Here in the US, the hospital supplies pretty much
everything (so I'd skip the pads, teh toiletries, the undies -- they'll
get trashed anyway, and the hospital had these great disposable things
which were happily thrown out -- the cell phone (can't use in US
hospitals except in designated areas), diaper rash stuff, emery board,
and breastfeeding pads (it does take a while for milk to 'come in'.)

Caledonia

[C Thompson]

> -- An infant carseat (installed already:)

Most hospitals here in the states require that you bring the car seat up to
your room and show them that you can properly fasten the child into the
carseat, then that you can properly fasten it into the car. Just a different
point of view.

Cindi

> -- If there's an older sibling at home, pack a present from the baby
> for the older sibling
> -- Likewise, if there's an older sibling, maybe additional ibuprofen.
> The after-pains the second time around (both labors unmedicated) were
> worse than the labor (minus transition), which took be unawares.
>
> Are you in the UK? Here in the US, the hospital supplies pretty much
> everything (so I'd skip the pads, teh toiletries, the undies -- they'll
> get trashed anyway, and the hospital had these great disposable things
> which were happily thrown out -- the cell phone (can't use in US
> hospitals except in designated areas), diaper rash stuff, emery board,
> and breastfeeding pads (it does take a while for milk to 'come in'.)
>
> Caledonia
>

[Engram]

"Caledonia" > wrote in message
ps.com...
> Are you in the UK? Here in the US, the hospital supplies pretty much
> everything (so I'd skip the pads, teh toiletries, the undies -- they'll
> get trashed anyway, and the hospital had these great disposable things
> which were happily thrown out -- the cell phone (can't use in US
> hospitals except in designated areas), diaper rash stuff, emery board,
> and breastfeeding pads (it does take a while for milk to 'come in'.)

In Australia, or at least at RPA, Sutherland and Canterbury Hospitals in
Sydney, you get about 2 or 3 pads, so you need to bring your own. They
provide a baby "starter pack" with about 8 nappies, so you need your own
unless you're leaving the same day. No disposable undies. You can use their
soap dispenser, but there's no shampoo or conditioner. No need to bring
towels if you don't mind using the somewhat threadbare hankerchiefs that
pass for towels (I used the hospital ones, because I didn't want to bleed
all over mine!). The wipes are squares of thin porous material, which are
pretty good and you can get more if you need them. You can bring your own if
you want to use Huggies or other brand pre-wetted ones. This time around I'm
also bringing my own baby bath gel. The hospital has samples of Johnsons
Baby Bath which dried out Matt's skin badly.

This is if you go to a public hospital, mind you. Even though we have the
insurance necessary, we opted for public health care - DH said that since he
pays a big Medicare levy and goes to see the doctor about once every two
years, he wanted to see his Medicare dollars at work. LOL. I don't know what
you get in a private hospital. This could also be the reason for the
difference between what US hospitals provide vs those in other countries -
do you have to have insurance to stay longer than a day stay after giving
birth? I would guess that the stories of "private" patients would be
different to those of "public" ones. So far all the people I have ever
visited in hospital after having a baby were in the public system.

The one thing I found to be great and that was provided in hospital but then
I had to get my own was antibacterial gel for cleaning your hands after
changing a nappy. I get one called Aqium Gel, which is made by the company
Ego, the same people who do QV products. You can buy it at a pharmacy and
it's pretty cheap and lasts a long time. Great for when you're out and about
and have to change a nappy in one of those unsanitary changing stations in a
shopping centre where there isn't even a sink to wash your hands afterwards.

Kasia

[Denise~*]

Anne Rogers wrote:

> Yikes, how long do you plan to be there for! Check what the hospital
> provided, a lot of those things may be provided by the hospital. The one
> thing I wouldn't take would be formula, hving it constantly on hand would
> seem to be setting yourself up for failure and if there was a genuine need
> the hospital would have some available (even if they have a general policy
> of not providing it, if one of you were ill, they are not exactly going to
> make the baby starve).

I didn't think the baby list was all that bad. We live in WA state, so
a blanket is necc, just in case the weather is cruddy. The other items
are mostly what I keep in a diaper bag anyhow & the baby will have to
wear something leaving the hosp. They don't supply clothes at the hosp,
although the hosp did give 1 hat (to keep babies head warm) and anything
else is if there is a donated item. When DS1 was born, he got a
handmade knitted hat along with the hosp hat.

I can see what you mean by the formula, but I did have difficulties with
BF-ing with DS1, and it was mentioned in another 'Hospital Bag' thread,
so I added it to the list.

> at our hospital no one even suggests you wear anything other than your own
> gown for the birth, actually I think I'm wearing the one I gave birth in

Actually, the nurses kinda freaked out a little until I told them it was
a $3.00 purchase. they supply a gown & tread socks that you wear during
your hospital stay, but you don't get to keep it...well, maybe except
the socks, but I didn't keep mine last time (too icky)

> right now, all the other things sound sensible, but the breastpads are not
> likely to be needed for 3 days or so, so they can be left at home ready for
> your DH to bring in. You might like to pack more than one back, one with the
> thing you really need on hand, then another for the spares, the clothes you
> will wear later etc and leave that bag in the car. Is the toilet paper
> really that bad?

Somebody on the other thread mentioned the TP, saying your own would be
softer. I thought, well, why not.

> sounds sensible, though soap is likely to be provided and I always find it
> something tricky to manage in a toilet bag, soap boxes always seem to come
> open! if you really need it, a drop of body wash will do.

Ohh, I have lotsa small toiletries for camping already set up in a
vanity. It's no biggie bringing it along.

> I guess so, but some of these are going to be stuff you want your DH to have
> and take away with him (for safety), but others you are going to want for
> you, like the magazine. You've done it before, so you'll know whether you
> want music or not, I'm not a music person, but I like talking books and I
> couldn't have survived without my walkman and some tapes, these days that
> would probably be an MP3 player. Check whether you can use your cell in the
> hospital, in the UK you almost always can't, so change for the phone is much
> more necessary!
>
> Anne

I know the hosp has cable and music channels, so no problem there. and
Yes, this part of the list is just so "we" don't forget those items.
These will probably be DH's responsibility, more than mine.

In the hosp there are phones in each room & I belive in the maternity
ward cell phones were just fine.

[Denise~*]

xkatx wrote:

> The one and only thing I had totally went braindead on for baby's bag was
> the receiving blankets. I think I went momentarily dumb and it was the one
> thing I forgot to pack!

With DS1 I forgot to pack ANY clothes for him. I was completely brain
dead. The nurses were nice enough to give me a little baby gown for him.

> I wouldn't bring more than absolutely necessary... I'd knock off wipes,
> other than maybe a small travel pack of them, formula, all the diapers other
> than maybe 2 or so of them, diaper rash cream and the emery board/clippers.
> Those you probably won't really be needing... The hospitals here supply
> diapers and cloths to change diapers while in hospital, the formula might

I'm just going to pack my large diaper bag they way I used to pack it
for DS1.

> not help you as far as bfing goes, and hospitals should have a variety of
> formula on hand for the cases where it is absolutely necessary. Chances of
> baby being born with a diaper rash are very slim. I, personally, have never
> heard of that happening, and in maybe an extremely rare case of diaper rash
> in a hospital, the hospital should have that on hand. Also, if baby happens

The one thing I remember with DS1, is that the first poopes are very
sticky & if you use a little A&D after each change, it helps them not
stick as bad, and the diaper stuff they had in the supplies they gave us
was terrible stuff. I'd rather bring my own A&D.

> to be born with extremely long finger nails, it's a lot easier to carefully
> rip them off than it is to clip and then file them down. That kind of thing
> can normally wait until you're home and a bit settled with the baby.

baby clippers & emory's are tiny. wont take up too much room. :-)

> I'm not sure how necessary make up is, but that's more than likely a
> personal preference. To be honest, make up was the last thing on my mind
> just before and just after I had mine. I barely had time to take a quick
> shower, it seemed, nevermind do make up. I also ended up thinking nuts to
> it all, I was not out to impress anyone, but once again, that's just a

Oh, I WILL take a shower afterward, and I never keep makup in my purse.
I at-least like to put moisturizer & powder-base on my face so I don't
have "sticky" feeling skin. I also have to use 'sensitive' moisturizer
on my face. If I don't, my skin feels extremely dry without it and reg
body/hand lotion stings.

> Also, nursing pads really shouldn't be necessary. Chances
> are you won't have a need for them for at least a couple days, and in the
> rare case that you *do* need some, a hospital should have those on hand, I
> would think.

I don't remember that being a part of the 'package of goodies' I got the
last time. Who knows. I have a few fabric ones that I bought during
the DS1 baby years. they are small, I only have 2 sets & they won't
take up too much room.

> maybe some Lansinoh stuff, if you are bfing. I found that it helped to
> start early with that stuff, before there was a chance to get dry, chapped
> or cracked nipples.

Ooh, good idea

> I would toss in a pocket full of change. The hospitals here don't allow
> cell phones to be used in the hospital, but they do have courtesy phones and
> pay phones - easier than going all the way outside of the hospital to use a
> cell. The change also might help for a vending machine if you want a nice
> cold soda or a muffin or bag of chips to snack on after the baby is born. ;)

They supply juice & small "snacks" in the hosp we go to, plus there is a
cafe downstairs that DH can go pick up stuff at if necc.

[Denise~*]

Nikki wrote:

> Check with the hospital. Mine provided everything but the going home outfit
> and blanket. They even give the carseat.

Yeah, well, no such luck here. They might supply a few things on the
list, but I don't really want to take any chances.

[Denise~*]

Caledonia wrote:

> For me, I'd cut back on a lot of stuff (but I travel pretty lightly, ).
> I'd add:
> -- Glasses (if you wear them), or contacts

No way I'd forget my glasses. I can't leave the house without them.
I can barely do my hair without them!

> -- A list of phone numbers you want to call

Ohh yeah, that's right. :-/

Although my important numbers are in my cell phone

> -- Change -- especially to buy the newspaper from the day your baby was
> born -- we've done this, and saved them for DD1 and DD2. It's not
> something I thought of the 2nd day (I left after 24 hours and 11 hours,
> respectively), but wish I'd thought of this at the hospital versus
> begging my neighbors.

Hrm, I cannot remember doing this with DS1

> -- A going-home outfit that isn't yellow (ergh; for DD1, I had this
> great yellow outfit that really highlighted her slight jaundice)

Ohh, mine is "blue" and says "I'm a little brother" which matches the
shirt for DS1 that says "I'm a big brother"
and I also have little blue booties that say on one foot "Thank Heaven"
and the other foot "for little boys"

:-)
> -- An infant carseat (installed already:)

Definately.

> -- If there's an older sibling at home, pack a present from the baby
> for the older sibling

Good idea!

> -- Likewise, if there's an older sibling, maybe additional ibuprofen.
> The after-pains the second time around (both labors unmedicated) were
> worse than the labor (minus transition), which took be unawares.
>
> Are you in the UK? Here in the US, the hospital supplies pretty much
> everything (so I'd skip the pads, teh toiletries, the undies -- they'll
> get trashed anyway, and the hospital had these great disposable things

Ohh, the undies are for "going home" & the 2 sizes are because I'm not
sure what size I will wear or what will feel comfortable wearing.

The pads, well hospital pads SUCK. I'll wear them while I'm there, but
not for going home, and I will need to remember to bring my "heavy flow"
pads instead of the reg flow that I normally use.

> which were happily thrown out -- the cell phone (can't use in US
> hospitals except in designated areas), diaper rash stuff, emery board,
> and breastfeeding pads (it does take a while for milk to 'come in'.)

Good points, but I think we were able to use cell phones in our room.
I'll have to check on that though in case my memory is off.

[Denise~*]

C Thompson wrote:

>>-- An infant carseat (installed already:)
>
>
> Most hospitals here in the states require that you bring the car seat up to
> your room and show them that you can properly fasten the child into the
> carseat, then that you can properly fasten it into the car. Just a different
> point of view.
>
> Cindi
>

Yup, I belive that's what they had us do too with DS1. 1 or 2 nurses
also walked out to the car with us, which I'm not sure if they did that
on purpose, or if they were just being nice.

[lucy-lu]

Me Myself and I wrote:
> One thing I would certainly add is a pen. I was forever begging one off
> someone, to write on my menu for the day, or do the crossword etc etc.
>
Ooh, that's a really handy addition! Thank you :)

Lucy - who is still adding and removing items from her bag :)

[lucy-lu]

C Thompson wrote:
>> -- An infant carseat (installed already:)
>
> Most hospitals here in the states require that you bring the car seat up to
> your room and show them that you can properly fasten the child into the
> carseat, then that you can properly fasten it into the car. Just a different
> point of view.
>
> Cindi
>
I think our hospital (UK) ask you to bring the seat in too... I think
this only because every time I go for an appt, there's a proud new Daddy
walking in with a car seat to go and pick his wife and new baby up (this
I know as they all brag and show me the photo of their new addition ;) ).

Lucy

[lucy-lu]

Denise~* wrote:
>
> I was looking at a previous thread on what to put in a hospital bag,
> (ideas & such) and I compiled a list that I'll post here for others and
> also for any other suggestions that you all might have to add to the
> list. Thanks!
>
> For Baby:
>
> Baby Wipes
> Formula (just in case)
> Diapers
> Blanket
> Going Home Outfit
> Hat
> Booties
> Socks
> Undershirt
> 1-2 Receiving Blankets
> Pacifiers
> Diaper Rash Cream
> Baby Emery Board & Clippers

I've put in a couple of "just in case" baby-grows and vests, in case we
have to stay in for any reason... They are only little. I *loved*
choosing her going home outfit :)) I think the clippers are a good idea,
and I've added them to mine now - thanks :)

> For Mom:
>
> Open foot sandals or slippers (something that can be worn outside too)
> Smaller Maternity Clothes (or loose fitting clothes)
> Toilet Paper
> Pads
> Deoderant
> Make-up
> *My own gown for Giving Birth (I hate hospital gowns)
> Old Socks (And new for earing home)
> House Coat
> Undies (Small & Medium Size, just in case)
> Pajama Pants and Top
> Hair Ties/clips
> Breastfeeding Pads
> Preggo Pops (or somthing similar)
>
What are Preggo Pops? I added make up too... for two reasons. I figure I
may feel pretty crappy after the delivery, and it's nice to make
yourself feel better by spending just five mins or so "putting your face
on. Secondly, purely for vanity - I know visitors etc will want to take
photos, and I don't want the pics to have me looking like a zombie :)
I'm taking my own nightie for the birth, and another in case I stay over
the following night. Again, they don't take much space. It's the
dressing gown (house coat) that takes up the space! :) I am looking for
a thinner one at the moment!

> For Personal Use:
>
> Body Wash for a Shower
> Tooth Brush
> Toothpaste
> Bar of Soap
> Body Lotion
> Shampoo & Cond
> Hairbrush
>
Yeah, I am taking all these too. It's nice to have yout own things. I'm
taking a towel too, for the same reason you're taking loo roll - they're
softer. I managed to buy the toiletries in mini packs, so they don't
take up much space.

> Extra stuff:
>
> Baby Book to read and/or Magazines
> Camera
> Camcorder (with re-charge plug)
> Phone
> Phone Charger
> Extra Batteries
>
I'm not taking a camcorder, as I don't fancy watching it afterwards, but
I'm taking all the other bits. As Anne suggested, I am taking my MP3
player, but our hospital doesn't seem to have music/tv (although I think
you can get it if you pay for it. I'm not packing money, as DH will be
with me, and he can give me that as I need it. The same with snacks, if
I want something, he can grab it for me.

> Any other suggestions?

Just the list of phone numbers, as I think someone else has mentioned.
If you can't use your mobile in the hospital, you won't be able to get
the numbers off your phone. It also enables your DH to make the calls
while you rest. I know some people take a pillow in, as our hospitals
only give you one really thin one, but I can't be doing with that.

Take care, happy packing :)

Lucy x

[Anne Rogers]

>
> I didn't think the baby list was all that bad. We live in WA state, so a
> blanket is necc, just in case the weather is cruddy.

cool ;-), we are moving to WA in 3-4 months (from the UK, so it's a big
move)
>
> I can see what you mean by the formula, but I did have difficulties with
> BF-ing with DS1, and it was mentioned in another 'Hospital Bag' thread, so
> I added it to the list.

I don't recall it on any of the threads I've read, though I admit to not
having kept up with all of them, the ones I do recall are not to bring it,
unless you are definitely formula feeding and the hospital makes a charge to
provide it.
>
>> at our hospital no one even suggests you wear anything other than your
>> own gown for the birth, actually I think I'm wearing the one I gave birth
>> in
>
> Actually, the nurses kinda freaked out a little until I told them it was a
> $3.00 purchase. they supply a gown & tread socks that you wear during
> your hospital stay, but you don't get to keep it...well, maybe except the
> socks, but I didn't keep mine last time (too icky)

I don't know if that is a UK/US thing, I suspect so as thinking of post
birth pictures from anyone in the UK they are always in there own clothes
unless they have had to go into theatre.

> Somebody on the other thread mentioned the TP, saying your own would be
> softer. I thought, well, why not.
have you been to that hospital before? it's not as if you are going camping!
Ok there are a few rare places that have that really cheap rough paper, but
I haven't stumbled across one of them for donkey's years, I think it's one
of those things that if when you get there you find it's a problem you can
ask someone to bring it in. Plus, I know what my memory is like, I'd leave
it in the bag and be on the loo before I remembered!

> I know the hosp has cable and music channels, so no problem there. and
> Yes, this part of the list is just so "we" don't forget those items. These
> will probably be DH's responsibility, more than mine.

sounds nice, the only provision we have in the UK is "Patientline", which
you have to pay for to watch TV, but is free radio, but it is fairly
unreliable, most of the time before I had Ada, mine was broken.

Anne

[Anne Rogers]

> Check with the hospital. Mine provided everything but the going home
> outfit
> and blanket. They even give the carseat.

did I read that right? they provide a car seat? do you have to return it
later?

Anne

[Anne Rogers]

"lucy-lu" > wrote in message
...
> Me Myself and I wrote:
>> One thing I would certainly add is a pen. I was forever begging one off
>> someone, to write on my menu for the day, or do the crossword etc etc.
>>
> Ooh, that's a really handy addition! Thank you :)
>
> Lucy - who is still adding and removing items from her bag :)

I guess I was assuming everyone would have there regular handbag, so for me
there is always a pen in there!

Anne

[Anne Rogers]

> I think our hospital (UK) ask you to bring the seat in too... I think this
> only because every time I go for an appt, there's a proud new Daddy
> walking in with a car seat to go and pick his wife and new baby up (this I
> know as they all brag and show me the photo of their new addition ;) ).

they say that, "you have to have a carseat for your baby to be discharged",
but when we had number 2, DH had already installed the car seat, was parked
close by and it didn't occur to him to bring it in, we picked up the baby
and left, no one commented "where is your carseat", or anything, and first
time around when we did bring the car seat in there was no evidence of it
being checked, either it's existance, or that we had strapped the baby in
correctly

Anne

[Anne Rogers]

>> -- Glasses (if you wear them), or contacts
>
> No way I'd forget my glasses. I can't leave the house without them.
> I can barely do my hair without them!
>
which means do you need a case? if I take glasses off anywhere other than at
home, I like to have a case to keep them safe, particularly useful in the
delivery room I found (having forgotten it) as the surfaces wern't so
available as by a regular bed, I think mine ended up in the CTG machine as
did my drink etc.don't know how I'd have managed without it!

Anne

[lucy-lu]

Anne Rogers wrote:
> "lucy-lu" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Me Myself and I wrote:
>>> One thing I would certainly add is a pen. I was forever begging one off
>>> someone, to write on my menu for the day, or do the crossword etc etc.
>>>
>> Ooh, that's a really handy addition! Thank you :)
>>
>> Lucy - who is still adding and removing items from her bag :)
>
> I guess I was assuming everyone would have there regular handbag, so for me
> there is always a pen in there!
>
> Anne
>
Strangely, I never have a pen, but I do keep a small pair of scissors -
useful when buying things with tags that I want to open straight away :)

[Anne Rogers]

> I've put in a couple of "just in case" baby-grows and vests, in case we
> have to stay in for any reason... They are only little. I *loved* choosing
> her going home outfit :)) I think the clippers are a good idea, and I've
> added them to mine now - thanks :)

bear in mind that the moment you arrive isn't the moment you need
everything, if you are in longer you DH is going to be going to and fro,
he'll need to take away your and the babies dirty stuff and bring clean,
which it may be worth laying out just in case, knowing the inability most
DHs have of finding what you ask for. It seems to be the gripe of most
delivery room staff that people show up with masses of stuff when at that
stage all they need is a smallish labour bag and maybe a back of snacks for
both you and your partner. All other stuff can be left for later. Obviously
if you don't have a car it's a little different, which for me meant first
time I did have a postnatal bag with me too, but DH still took things away
and brought things in at various stages (I was in 48hrs).

Anne

[lucy-lu]

Anne Rogers wrote:
>> I think our hospital (UK) ask you to bring the seat in too... I think this
>> only because every time I go for an appt, there's a proud new Daddy
>> walking in with a car seat to go and pick his wife and new baby up (this I
>> know as they all brag and show me the photo of their new addition ;) ).
>
> they say that, "you have to have a carseat for your baby to be discharged",
> but when we had number 2, DH had already installed the car seat, was parked
> close by and it didn't occur to him to bring it in, we picked up the baby
> and left, no one commented "where is your carseat", or anything, and first
> time around when we did bring the car seat in there was no evidence of it
> being checked, either it's existance, or that we had strapped the baby in
> correctly
>
> Anne
>
It's just occurred to me that the hospital/midwife/ my notes have never
mentioned the need for a car seat, it's just one of the things I have
heard from other mums - I mean, obviously, if you have a car, you need
one, I guess they just assume you will.

I wonder now though, what people without cars do? Makes no sense to buy
one just for the taxi ride home... I will ask my cousin, as she just had
twins, lives quite away from the hospital, and has no car. Not an easy
trip home, I wouldn't have thought.

[Anne Rogers]

> I know some people take a pillow in, as our hospitals
> only give you one really thin one, but I can't be doing with that.

sorry, didn't notice this bit, what precisely do you mean, that you won't
take any pillows, on the assumption that the hospital will provide them all?
Both times we've had trouble getting enough pillows, first time I just about
managed in labour, but DH brought my v-shaped one in afterwards. Second
time, having been in for a week before the birth, I had already brought them
in, but I really really needed them for the birth, with such bad SPD there
was no way I could not have a pillow between my knees and though the
hospital are suppose to have plenty, they can never find them when you need
them. Presuming you have a car and knowing what english hospitals are like,
I would definitely have any special ones in the boot just in case.

Anne

[lucy-lu]

Anne Rogers wrote:

> bear in mind that the moment you arrive isn't the moment you need
> everything, if you are in longer you DH is going to be going to and fro,
> he'll need to take away your and the babies dirty stuff and bring clean,
> which it may be worth laying out just in case, knowing the inability most
> DHs have of finding what you ask for.

This really made me smile :) We have a small chest of draws at the
bottom of our wardrobe (it's not really a wardrobe I guess, It's a built
in cupoboard thing really) that just has baby things in. Whenever I wash
new baby things, if I ask him to put then away, he still says, "ok love,
where do you want them? ;) But it's for this reason that I don't mind
adding the baby clothes, they take up no room, and it will save him an
hour of trying to find the pile I leave out, that would still be in
front of his nose :)

It seems to be the gripe of most
> delivery room staff that people show up with masses of stuff when at that
> stage all they need is a smallish labour bag and maybe a back of snacks for
> both you and your partner. All other stuff can be left for later. Obviously
> if you don't have a car it's a little different, which for me meant first
> time I did have a postnatal bag with me too, but DH still took things away
> and brought things in at various stages (I was in 48hrs).
>
It seems to be my stuff, like my dressing gown and slippers that takes
up the room. Knowing that I will be in at least one night before (if I
am induced), I need those things with me. I've emptied and repacked the
bag so many times to make it smaller (it's not really huge, just
big-ish, but managable), but there doesn't seem to be much else to leave
out and still be comfortable. The bag will probably fit under the bed,
so to my mind, that will be ok.

[lucy-lu]

Anne Rogers wrote:
>> I know some people take a pillow in, as our hospitals
>> only give you one really thin one, but I can't be doing with that.
>
> sorry, didn't notice this bit, what precisely do you mean, that you won't
> take any pillows, on the assumption that the hospital will provide them all?
> Both times we've had trouble getting enough pillows, first time I just about
> managed in labour, but DH brought my v-shaped one in afterwards. Second
> time, having been in for a week before the birth, I had already brought them
> in, but I really really needed them for the birth, with such bad SPD there
> was no way I could not have a pillow between my knees and though the
> hospital are suppose to have plenty, they can never find them when you need
> them. Presuming you have a car and knowing what english hospitals are like,
> I would definitely have any special ones in the boot just in case.
>
> Anne

Oh, the SPD is a good point about the pillows. Also, if I go in the
night before, based on last time, I guess I will probably be a bit
uncomfy... Thanks for that, I will consider it again...

[Welches]

"lucy-lu" > wrote in message
...
> Anne Rogers wrote:
>>> I know some people take a pillow in, as our hospitals
>>> only give you one really thin one, but I can't be doing with that.
>>
>> sorry, didn't notice this bit, what precisely do you mean, that you won't
>> take any pillows, on the assumption that the hospital will provide them
>> all? Both times we've had trouble getting enough pillows, first time I
>> just about managed in labour, but DH brought my v-shaped one in
>> afterwards. Second time, having been in for a week before the birth, I
>> had already brought them in, but I really really needed them for the
>> birth, with such bad SPD there was no way I could not have a pillow
>> between my knees and though the hospital are suppose to have plenty, they
>> can never find them when you need them. Presuming you have a car and
>> knowing what english hospitals are like, I would definitely have any
>> special ones in the boot just in case.
>>
>> Anne
>
> Oh, the SPD is a good point about the pillows. Also, if I go in the night
> before, based on last time, I guess I will probably be a bit uncomfy...
> Thanks for that, I will consider it again...
At my hospital there were 3 large pillows both times and every one was
thicker than I like.
My tip would be to take something to eat as the first time I was in all the
meals were inedible. (2nd time they'd improved) And a big notice saying
"Please do not wake me up to ask me if I'd like a cup of tea"!
Debbie

[lucy-lu]

Welches wrote:

> At my hospital there were 3 large pillows both times and every one was
> thicker than I like.
> My tip would be to take something to eat as the first time I was in all the
> meals were inedible. (2nd time they'd improved) And a big notice saying
> "Please do not wake me up to ask me if I'd like a cup of tea"!
> Debbie
>
>
Ooh, I'm always gutted when I've slept through the tea round! They are
far too far apart for my liking :)

[Anne Rogers]

> It's just occurred to me that the hospital/midwife/ my notes have never
> mentioned the need for a car seat, it's just one of the things I have
> heard from other mums - I mean, obviously, if you have a car, you need
> one, I guess they just assume you will.
>
> I wonder now though, what people without cars do? Makes no sense to buy
> one just for the taxi ride home... I will ask my cousin, as she just had
> twins, lives quite away from the hospital, and has no car. Not an easy
> trip home, I wouldn't have thought.

precisely, we were in that situation when we read that they specifically do
insist on it in one of the booklets we were given to read. To be honest I
think given that it's not yet law in the UK, though it will be soon they
would find it very difficult to not let you take the baby and go. As I self
discharged after my 2nd delivery, I found that my signature was suffcient
for me and the baby and though they made social services aware of that,
there don't act fast enough to actually stop you leaving the hospital.

Anne

[Anne Rogers]

"lucy-lu" > wrote in message
...
> Welches wrote:
>
>> At my hospital there were 3 large pillows both times and every one was
>> thicker than I like.
>> My tip would be to take something to eat as the first time I was in all
>> the meals were inedible. (2nd time they'd improved) And a big notice
>> saying "Please do not wake me up to ask me if I'd like a cup of tea"!
>> Debbie
> Ooh, I'm always gutted when I've slept through the tea round! They are far
> too far apart for my liking :)

For both of you, does this mean that they do a tea round on
antenatal/postnatal ward?

At our local maternity hospital, all food is served in the day room and
there is a tea/coffee machine there permenantly, so you can get a drink
whenever you want. It is a partial gripe of mine, if you are officially on
bed rest the ward assistants bring you food, but any other reason and you
won't, so morning after number 1 was born when I was exhuasted and had
wobbly hips I just didn't get to eat and in the week I was in before number
2, same, I only ate if there was a visitor their to go and get the food.

Anne

[Welches]

"Anne Rogers" > wrote in message
...
>
> "lucy-lu" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Welches wrote:
>>
>>> At my hospital there were 3 large pillows both times and every one was
>>> thicker than I like.
>>> My tip would be to take something to eat as the first time I was in all
>>> the meals were inedible. (2nd time they'd improved) And a big notice
>>> saying "Please do not wake me up to ask me if I'd like a cup of tea"!
>>> Debbie
>> Ooh, I'm always gutted when I've slept through the tea round! They are
>> far too far apart for my liking :)
>
> For both of you, does this mean that they do a tea round on
> antenatal/postnatal ward?
>
Yes. And with #1 I was woken at 7am to ask if I wanted a cup, and at least
twice during the day after she was born after 30 hours of labour!
Debbie

[Denise~*]

Anne Rogers wrote:

> cool ;-), we are moving to WA in 3-4 months (from the UK, so it's a big
> move)

Wow, what part of WA?

> I don't recall it on any of the threads I've read, though I admit to not
> having kept up with all of them, the ones I do recall are not to bring it,
> unless you are definitely formula feeding and the hospital makes a charge to
> provide it.

yeah, and here they will charge you 20X what it's actually worth.

>>Actually, the nurses kinda freaked out a little until I told them it was a
>>$3.00 purchase. they supply a gown & tread socks that you wear during
>>your hospital stay, but you don't get to keep it...well, maybe except the
>>socks, but I didn't keep mine last time (too icky)
>
>
> I don't know if that is a UK/US thing, I suspect so as thinking of post
> birth pictures from anyone in the UK they are always in there own clothes
> unless they have had to go into theatre.

Nope, here they want you wearing the supplied gown, but often for long
stays you can wear additional items of your own depending on the
procedure you have had done.

> have you been to that hospital before? it's not as if you are going camping!

Yes, but I cannot remember what the TP was like.
I figure after what you go through with stretching & stitches, the
softer the better? :-)

> sounds nice, the only provision we have in the UK is "Patientline", which
> you have to pay for to watch TV, but is free radio, but it is fairly
> unreliable, most of the time before I had Ada, mine was broken.
>
> Anne

We have PPV (pay per view) as part of most home cable or satellite
systems, but I'm not sure if that was offered in the hosp or not.

[Denise~*]

lucy-lu wrote:

> What are Preggo Pops?

http://www.bellybeats.com/preggiepops.htm
They come in lolli pops or drops (I have the drops, Sour Bag) they are
great for early pregnancy (morning sickness) but when you are in labor
it's nice to suck on *something* to keep your mouth from becoming icky
tasting. I think mine are sugar free too.

I have also thought of bringing peppermints (altoids) because peppermint
is great for nausea, which can often happen too.

> I added make up too... for two reasons. I figure I
> may feel pretty crappy after the delivery, and it's nice to make
> yourself feel better by spending just five mins or so "putting your face
> on. Secondly, purely for vanity - I know visitors etc will want to take
> photos, and I don't want the pics to have me looking like a zombie :)

Exactly.

> Yeah, I am taking all these too. It's nice to have yout own things. I'm
> taking a towel too, for the same reason you're taking loo roll - they're
> softer. I managed to buy the toiletries in mini packs, so they don't
> take up much space.

LOL, but I'm doing without my own towels (although I might put in a
washcloth for my face) I really don't want to get my towels bloody either.

> I'm not taking a camcorder, as I don't fancy watching it afterwards, but

No, the "birth" will not be recorded, no thanks. The pics from DS1 are
hard enough to look at (Yes, I have the crowning shots) but afterward,
it would be nice to have some video. I wished we had a camcorder when
DS was born, but we didn't get it till I think he was around 3 months.


> Just the list of phone numbers, as I think someone else has mentioned.
> If you can't use your mobile in the hospital, you won't be able to get
> the numbers off your phone.

I suppose I'll make that list just in case. :-)

[Nikki]

"Anne Rogers" > wrote in message
...
>
>> Check with the hospital. Mine provided everything but the going home
>> outfit
>> and blanket. They even give the carseat.
>
> did I read that right? they provide a car seat? do you have to return it
> later?

Nope. It is the bucket type. There is no base with it. Sometimes they
get a batch that doesn't have handles. They don't have the canopies so
aren't frilly but they are good safe seats. Not every hospital does that.


--
Nikki, mama to
Hunter 4/99
Luke 4/01
Brock 4/06
Ben 4/06

[Nikki]

"Denise~*" > wrote in message
m...
>C Thompson wrote:
>
>>>-- An infant carseat (installed already:)
>>
>>
>> Most hospitals here in the states require that you bring the car seat up
>> to your room and show them that you can properly fasten the child into
>> the carseat, then that you can properly fasten it into the car. Just a
>> different point of view.
>>
>> Cindi
>>
>
> Yup, I belive that's what they had us do too with DS1. 1 or 2 nurses also
> walked out to the car with us, which I'm not sure if they did that on
> purpose, or if they were just being nice.

With Luke we used a convertible so they walked down to the care and double
checked him after we had him buckled in.


--
Nikki, mama to
Hunter 4/99
Luke 4/01
Brock 4/06
Ben 4/06

[lucy-lu]

Anne Rogers wrote:
> "lucy-lu" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Welches wrote:
>>
>>> At my hospital there were 3 large pillows both times and every one was
>>> thicker than I like.
>>> My tip would be to take something to eat as the first time I was in all
>>> the meals were inedible. (2nd time they'd improved) And a big notice
>>> saying "Please do not wake me up to ask me if I'd like a cup of tea"!
>>> Debbie
>> Ooh, I'm always gutted when I've slept through the tea round! They are far
>> too far apart for my liking :)
>
> For both of you, does this mean that they do a tea round on
> antenatal/postnatal ward?
>
Yes they bring the tea round, and although I have only ever been there
at breakfast time the following day, they seem to serve meals on the
ward too.

> At our local maternity hospital, all food is served in the day room and
> there is a tea/coffee machine there permenantly, so you can get a drink
> whenever you want. It is a partial gripe of mine, if you are officially on
> bed rest the ward assistants bring you food, but any other reason and you
> won't, so morning after number 1 was born when I was exhuasted and had
> wobbly hips I just didn't get to eat and in the week I was in before number
> 2, same, I only ate if there was a visitor their to go and get the food.
>
That's really crummy. I remember when I had my appendix out, and there
was an old lady in the bed next to me, asleep in her chair. The food
lady brought the meals round, but when the old lady was unable to feed
herself, no one thought to help her. I ended up feeding her, before
complaining to the nurses station.

[lucy-lu]

Denise~* wrote:
> lucy-lu wrote:
>
>> What are Preggo Pops?
>
> http://www.bellybeats.com/preggiepops.htm
> They come in lolli pops or drops (I have the drops, Sour Bag) they are
> great for early pregnancy (morning sickness) but when you are in labor
> it's nice to suck on *something* to keep your mouth from becoming icky
> tasting. I think mine are sugar free too.

Oh, they look pretty good. I have some "aquadrops" that are meant to
make you feel refreshed and re-hydrated, but I think they just taste
nice. I also have some other sucky sweets - I always find hospital air
seems to leave an odd taste in your mouth.
>
> I have also thought of bringing peppermints (altoids) because peppermint
> is great for nausea, which can often happen too.
>
Oh, that's a good idea. My SIL is into all things herbal, and has given
me some tonic for nausea, but tbh, it smells pretty grim, so I am not
sure about it :)
>
> LOL, but I'm doing without my own towels (although I might put in a
> washcloth for my face) I really don't want to get my towels bloody either.

See, it's funny you should say that - I'm taking old towels, as I am
funny about things like that, and would rather throw away my own old
towels (the ones I use for dying my hair etc) than hand a bloody towel
into the nurses for washing.
>
> No, the "birth" will not be recorded, no thanks. The pics from DS1 are
> hard enough to look at (Yes, I have the crowning shots) but afterward,
> it would be nice to have some video. I wished we had a camcorder when
> DS was born, but we didn't get it till I think he was around 3 months.
>
I've thought about getting a camcorder - for the early moments, and also
as our families live more than 200 miles away, so it wuold be nice to be
able to send them videos too, but I had forgotten my plans :) Thanks for
the reminder :)

>> Just the list of phone numbers, as I think someone else has mentioned.
>> If you can't use your mobile in the hospital, you won't be able to get
>> the numbers off your phone.
>
> I suppose I'll make that list just in case. :-)

Then you can stay on the ward and put your make up on while dh calls the
family ;)

[Jamie Clark]

lucy-lu wrote:
> Denise~* wrote:
>> lucy-lu wrote:
>>
>>> What are Preggo Pops?
>>
>> http://www.bellybeats.com/preggiepops.htm
>> They come in lolli pops or drops (I have the drops, Sour Bag) they
>> are great for early pregnancy (morning sickness) but when you are in
>> labor it's nice to suck on *something* to keep your mouth from
>> becoming icky tasting. I think mine are sugar free too.
>
> Oh, they look pretty good. I have some "aquadrops" that are meant to
> make you feel refreshed and re-hydrated, but I think they just taste
> nice. I also have some other sucky sweets - I always find hospital air
> seems to leave an odd taste in your mouth.
>>
>> I have also thought of bringing peppermints (altoids) because
>> peppermint is great for nausea, which can often happen too.
>>
> Oh, that's a good idea. My SIL is into all things herbal, and has
> given me some tonic for nausea, but tbh, it smells pretty grim, so I
> am not sure about it :)
>>
>> LOL, but I'm doing without my own towels (although I might put in a
>> washcloth for my face) I really don't want to get my towels bloody
>> either.
>
> See, it's funny you should say that - I'm taking old towels, as I am
> funny about things like that, and would rather throw away my own old
> towels (the ones I use for dying my hair etc) than hand a bloody towel
> into the nurses for washing.

But that's just part of thier job. The hospital has to deal with TONS of
dirty linens -- sheets, towels, blankets, etc. It's not even something that
they are going to notice or care about -- your few towels into the huge pile
of other dirty laundry isn't even going to make a dent. I mean, if you
prefer the feel of your own towels, that's one thing, but to want to bring
your own because you don't want to "burden" the nurses, or you are
embarrased, just seems a bit overly sensitive to me. If you were going to
be birthing at a friends house, I could see not wanting to bleed all over
her towels, but in the hospital? Are you going to bring your own sheets and
blankets too? They are used to seeing blood, lochia, pus, fecal matter,
etc. They've seen it all. It's just part of their job. The little bit of
blood or lochia from your birth will probably not even register on the list
of gross stuff that they seen in a day.
--

Jamie
Earth Angels:
Taylor Marlys, 1/3/03
Addison Grace, 9/30/04

Check out the family! -- www.MyFamily.com, User ID: Clarkguest1,
Password: Guest Become a member for free - go to Add Member to set up
your own User ID and Password

[Anne Rogers]

> But that's just part of thier job. The hospital has to deal with TONS of
> dirty linens -- sheets, towels, blankets, etc. It's not even something
> that they are going to notice or care about -- your few towels into the
> huge pile of other dirty laundry isn't even going to make a dent. I mean,
> if you prefer the feel of your own towels, that's one thing, but to want
> to bring your own because you don't want to "burden" the nurses, or you
> are embarrased, just seems a bit overly sensitive to me. If you were
> going to be birthing at a friends house, I could see not wanting to bleed
> all over her towels, but in the hospital? Are you going to bring your own
> sheets and blankets too? They are used to seeing blood, lochia, pus,
> fecal matter, etc. They've seen it all. It's just part of their job.
> The little bit of blood or lochia from your birth will probably not even
> register on the list of gross stuff that they seen in a day.

I can understand someone feeling that way before a first delivery, there is
something that changes in a women after giving birth, I'm much much less
concerned about all sorts of things bodily. For example before birth I would
never have taken underwear off for a massage, I would have let them work
round, now I just strip off and get under the towels and am not bothered if
they move!

To be honest I don't think I got blood on towels, it's a gravity thing, I
stood in the shower and there was blood in the shower bowl, but drying was
fine, then I popped pants and a pad on and DH rinsed out the shower bowl.

Anne

[sharalyns]

Jamie Clark wrote:
> lucy-lu wrote:
> >
> > See, it's funny you should say that - I'm taking old towels, as I am
> > funny about things like that, and would rather throw away my own old
> > towels (the ones I use for dying my hair etc) than hand a bloody towel
> > into the nurses for washing.
>
> But that's just part of thier job. The hospital has to deal with TONS of
> dirty linens -- sheets, towels, blankets, etc. It's not even something that
> they are going to notice or care about -- your few towels into the huge pile
> of other dirty laundry isn't even going to make a dent. I mean, if you
> prefer the feel of your own towels, that's one thing, but to want to bring
> your own because you don't want to "burden" the nurses, or you are
> embarrased, just seems a bit overly sensitive to me. If you were going to
> be birthing at a friends house, I could see not wanting to bleed all over
> her towels, but in the hospital? Are you going to bring your own sheets and
> blankets too? They are used to seeing blood, lochia, pus, fecal matter,
> etc. They've seen it all. It's just part of their job. The little bit of
> blood or lochia from your birth will probably not even register on the list
> of gross stuff that they seen in a day.
> --
>
> Jamie
> Earth Angels:
> Taylor Marlys, 1/3/03
> Addison Grace, 9/30/04

Not only is it part of the job, but most of the time you aren't just
handing a bloody towel over. Because of the amount of linens that need
changing, there is usually a linen bag hanging somewhere to just throw
them into. Then when the bag is full, they throw the whole bag into the
linens to be washed, never seeing the bloody towels (unless you leave
them on the floor, and we have to pick them up to put them in the
"hamper").

Sharalyn
mom to Alexander James (9/21/01)

[Jamie Clark]

sharalyns wrote:
> Jamie Clark wrote:
>> lucy-lu wrote:
>>>
>>> See, it's funny you should say that - I'm taking old towels, as I am
>>> funny about things like that, and would rather throw away my own old
>>> towels (the ones I use for dying my hair etc) than hand a bloody
>>> towel into the nurses for washing.
>>
>> But that's just part of thier job. The hospital has to deal with
>> TONS of dirty linens -- sheets, towels, blankets, etc. It's not
>> even something that they are going to notice or care about -- your
>> few towels into the huge pile of other dirty laundry isn't even
>> going to make a dent. I mean, if you prefer the feel of your own
>> towels, that's one thing, but to want to bring your own because you
>> don't want to "burden" the nurses, or you are embarrased, just seems
>> a bit overly sensitive to me. If you were going to be birthing at
>> a friends house, I could see not wanting to bleed all over her
>> towels, but in the hospital? Are you going to bring your own sheets
>> and blankets too? They are used to seeing blood, lochia, pus, fecal
>> matter, etc. They've seen it all. It's just part of their job.
>> The little bit of blood or lochia from your birth will probably not
>> even register on the list of gross stuff that they seen in a day. --
>>
>> Jamie
>> Earth Angels:
>> Taylor Marlys, 1/3/03
>> Addison Grace, 9/30/04
>
> Not only is it part of the job, but most of the time you aren't just
> handing a bloody towel over. Because of the amount of linens that need
> changing, there is usually a linen bag hanging somewhere to just throw
> them into. Then when the bag is full, they throw the whole bag into
> the linens to be washed, never seeing the bloody towels (unless you
> leave them on the floor, and we have to pick them up to put them in
> the "hamper").
>
> Sharalyn
> mom to Alexander James (9/21/01)

Exactly. And if you were going into the hospital for an appendectomy, you
likely wouldn't be worried about bloody sheets or towels. It's all just
part of the whole picture of a hospital stay.
--

Jamie
Earth Angels:
Taylor Marlys, 1/3/03
Addison Grace, 9/30/04

Check out the family! -- www.MyFamily.com, User ID: Clarkguest1,
Password: Guest Become a member for free - go to Add Member to set up
your own User ID and Password