Being as this is my third time, I have a pretty good feel for what I will and won't use while I'm in the hospital. Here are a few of my must-haves for the postpartum hospital stay:
~Ear Plugs and Sleeping Mask~
With all the monitors, lights, buttons, and hallway activity, sleep can be pretty hard to come by, even if you send the baby to the nursery. Ear plugs and a sleeping mask can be invaluable for catching at least a couple hours of real sleep. And don't worry--if you keep baby in the room, you will still easily be able to hear any cries with ear plugs in.
~Depends~
Yes, I'm talking about those huge grown-up diapers that we generally associate with the older/oldest generations. But really? Mesh underwear? Um, not comfortable, and I honestly have no faith in them staying where they need to be and thus I am afraid to move too much. That doesn't really make for the most pleasant recovery time, and can even disrupt bonding time with baby at times. With Depends, they stay exactly where they are supposed to without fear of, well, messiness. I highly recommend them for early postpartum.
~Entertainment~
This is a fairly general category that will vary widely based on your own personal taste. I personally like to bring a laptop (with charger), a book or two, and a maybe a couple of movies. This is the one area where I always feel like I'm packing too much and end up coming home with things I didn't use, but I would much rather have options in the hospital than be stuck with something I don't want to watch or read. You never know what kind of mood you might be in and having even just two choices can make all the difference in your relaxation level.
~Slippers~
I may be in the minority, I'm not sure, but I kind of hate the rubber slipper sock things they give you in the hospital. Why? I can't take them off! My feet get way, way too hot if I wear them in bed, and if I get up to walk around, it hurts my midsection (not surprisingly) to bend over to get them on and off. I do much better if I bring my own slippers that I can easily slip on and off when I get out of bed and keep myself either barefoot in bed or wear my own lighter-weight socks from home.
What are your must haves for your postpartum hospital stay?
And a secondary question...
As I mentioned, this is my third child. That means I have two other kiddos who will be camping out at Grandma's house for a while until baby and I are ready to settle back in at home.
What should I make sure to pack for them to help with their time away from home?
Any quick tips on helping the transition into having a new sibling?
As always, your input is greatly appreciated!
~Laura~
4 comments:
My laptop. Because I'm a blogging junkie. And also because Hulu saved my life when my baby's first learning to nurse and takes almost an hour for every feeding.
When I packed a bag for Lucas I added a couple of his favorite books and movies. I also made sure there was plenty of pull ups and extra underwear where is routine wasn't going to be exactly the same. The other thing Lucas had to have is his blanket. He has a favorite blanket and he doesn't like to go to sleep without it, so if your kids have a similar item, make sure it makes it too!
I don't think you can over-pack for your kids. :) Mind stayed with my MIL for 5 days and I packed SO MUCH, but I'll bet they used the vast majority of it. Like Megan said, pack familiar things so it is easier for them.
As for hospital - I' think you've hit it right on the head as to what you want to bring. I'd also say, bring your own face wash and lotion - just being able to wash my face with my normal routine made me feel better.
Great list. I would pack a present from the baby to the sisters. That way you have it ready to go whenever you are ready for that exchange to happen. That is if you like to do that I guess. :)
And nice smelling lotion. I feel so yucky afterward, that being able to freshen up with nice smelling lotion makes me feel a little better.
And this isn't something to bring, but I like to do my hair before I go. I did this with my second and I liked it so much better. If I straighten my hair it lasts longer between washes, looks better down and up in a pony tail. It was just nice to not have to worry about looking like a mess. I must be vain, but there seem to be a lot of pictures taken right after you have a baby. This way you don't have to worry about how you look if you're hair is done. It's just so much nicer to look back at this memorable moment without cringing. :)
Oh and speaking of... Bring your camera!
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