Moms to be Part 4

[Mrs. Charming]

I hadn't seen it before but I just looked at it and it's waaaaay too girly for me! We're getting all the big stuff in gender neutral so if/when we have another child, it will work for boy or girl. And we have decided to get the Mickey pack n' play so now I'm just waiting on my mom to come pick me up so we can head back to the PX to get it today (the sale ends today). It's $70 less than the original one we were going to get and the only difference (besides fabric) is that Mickey doesn't have a canopy but I can deal with that. And we probably would have gotten the car seat if we hadn't already gotten a travel system.

Yeah I'm a sucker for the girly sutff... ironically I'm not a big girly-girl. (I can't remember the last time I wore makeup!)

I think I decided on the Mickey Pack and Play too... I just wish BRU wasn't so darn expensive, even with a coupon! (I have a store credit burning a hole in my pocket!)

The canopy on the pack and plays is a PITA, you're better off without it. I thought I'd love it when DD was a baby... uh. no.

 

[vettechick99]

I went in for a planned c-section and packed lots of outfits for baby, and nightgowns and change of clothes/makeup for me. Didn't need the nightgowns - they wanted me in their undies and gowns. Needed the going home outfit for baby - otherwise she wore what they had and we used their blankets. Although with this next one I'm going to take my Miracle Blanket. Love it! The one thing we didn't have were mittens for her hands (didn't know they needed that!). Used my clothes and makeup on checkout day. Make sure the pants are super comfy. Bring your own shower stuff unless you don't mind using their generic stuff.

Bring contact solution and eyeglasses if you wear them. I guess you could bring stuff to pass time, but you'll have so many visitors, you'll likely never look at anything.

 

[LaurenLC]

My hospital stay with DD was 6 1/2 years ago - Yikes!! Like someone else had mentioned I wished I had just packed. My water broke at 38 weeks and....TMI....DH packed for me while I was sitting on the toilet Just FYI.....cloth diapers can be great for mom too - LOL!! I never would have made it to the hospital without one. I think comfy jammies are a must - but nothing too nice because there is a good chance they will end up ruined. I'd definitely go with a top / bottom set. I felt more "covered" that way once we were past the getting checked stage. The hospital issued one is great for labor though since they were sticking monitors on me, checking me, etc so they had "easy access". Also I would definitely make sure you had your own preferred feminine products. A camera, extra batteries and storage cards, and a list of the pictures you would like (especially if you scrapbook). I got out of the hospital and we didn't even have a picture of me, DH and DD together in the hospital. Oh....you might also want a list of the people and phone numbers you need to call to let them know about baby's arrival (of course you probably have most of them in your cell phone memory anyway). I didn't need a lot of the stuff that is recommended in books and classes...but I'm fairly low maintenance. Your own shampoo, conditioner would be nice.....and you'll probably want some make-up.....I didn't with DD and boy do I wish I would have. (And I hardly wear makeup) Snacks are always good! Really all you will truly NEED are things to make you more comfortable during your stay. Any true necessity the hospital will provide for you.....but you will definitely want some of your own stuff. I'm just trying to say not to stress over what you might have forgotten....you'll be taken care of. And you can always send someone out for things if needed. Oh...one last thing....if you have not installed the carseat yet I would do so now. Although I can say now that installing a carseat really isn't that difficult I could not have said that then. It was challenging for me as a first time mom.

I have to laugh about the car seat... I have been OBSESSED about the car seat and harassing my husband to install it so that we could make sure we knew what we were doing..... So last Saturday we went to the garage and my husband literally installed the thing in two minutes.... I kept telling him that it couldn't be right, that it’s not supposed to be that easy. We 'bicker' back and forth for a few minutes and I insist that we go to our local fire station to make sure it's installed correctly. My husband agrees and we go. The nice man who does this looks at the car seat and happily tells us we did a great job. I was stunned... My husband gloated the whole way home

 

[LaurenLC]

Okay, here's the list I was working with...
Hospital List for Lauren and Brynn:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Face wash
- Small bar of soap
- Small container of shampoo and conditioner
- Deodorant
- Moisturizer
- Foundation
- Small container of lotion
- Light bathrobe
- Two-three night gowns
- Two-three pairs of socks
- Slippers
- I- Pod
- Focus item (ultrasound picture)
- Camera (extra memory card)
- Hair bands
- Nursing bras
- Phone charger
- Underpants
- Notebook and pen
- Book(s)
- Newborn Care book
- Going home outfit
- Brynn’s going home outfit
o Socks
o Cap
- Receiving blankets
- Pacifiers

Thoughts?

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Okay, here's the list I was working with...
Hospital List for Lauren and Brynn:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Face wash
- Small bar of soap
- Small container of shampoo and conditioner
- Deodorant
- Moisturizer
- Foundation
- Small container of lotion
- Light bathrobe
- Two-three night gowns
- Two-three pairs of socks
- Slippers
- I- Pod
- Focus item (ultrasound picture)
- Camera (extra memory card)
- Hair bands
- Nursing bras
- Phone charger
- Underpants
- Notebook and pen
- Book(s)
- Newborn Care book
- Going home outfit
- Brynn’s going home outfit
o Socks
o Cap
- Receiving blankets
- Pacifiers

Thoughts?

I wouldn't worry too mcuh about the newborn care book, or the paci's. They'll probably give you some "lessons" in the hospital, and they'll probably give you a Soothie or two also. I wouldn't bring too many blankets, the hospital usually supplies those for your stay, and you're having a summer baby-- it might be a hot, hot day when you'll bring her home. I'm not saying to not bring any, just don't bring too many.

If you have a laptop, I'd bring that. I would have gone crazy w/o mine!

 

[TSRE]

I agree with everything people have said to bring/not bring so far. I would definitely remember the stool softener - they didn't give it to me with my 2nd, and, well, ouch. I really liked putting makeup on every day, because I normally wear it every day and just feel better with a little on. And the laptop (if you can) and a few good magazines, just in case you can't sleep at night when there are no visitors to talk to. DS7 was born on September 11, 2002 and I could not sleep a wink that night. He slept the entire night (a feat he didn't repeat for 9 months ), and I was stuck watching TV - which was only the Twin Towers falling over, and over, and over again. It was eerie, to say the least. I will never forget it!

 

[sunlover13]

I love seeing everyone's lists.......

The one thing I didn't have for DD that I wish I did was a cute outfit for the pics at the hospital. I brought a white sleeper that DH bought me for Mother's Day before she was born. It ended up being way too big for her and looked like the outfits they put her in at the hospital.

So, this time around, I'll make sure to have a cute outfit (a tiny one) for pics and going home.

Also, a bathrobe since those gowns show your behind and slippers. I didn't have either of those and wish I did.

I pretty much stayed in the hospital gown the whole time b/c DD kept spitting up all over me so I don't plan on bringing my own PJ's at all. Just a bathrobe and going home clothes.

 

[EmALee]

I have the tiniest bag packed, PJs, outfit for dd, hat, socks, mittens, deoderant. I have a Zune which will go in there and the charger for that and my cell phone. my picture of my bf and his son too probably since they won't be there. I'll take shampoo and conditioner...i'm not picky about body wash so I'll probably just use theirs. contact case, glasses and case. movies...I have Twilight and New Moon and I'll bring some others for my mom to watch in case I'm not feeling like watching tv. I don't own a robe so I'll hopefully be wearing my own PJs most of the time. CHAPSTICK. I think my lips would bleed if I didn't bring that along. Granola bars...probably the fiber ones, as of right now if I eat one of those it takes about 2 hours to do the job. If I need anything else my parents and sister will be back and forth from the house so they can get it...

 

[pixiegoose]

Yeah I'm a sucker for the girly sutff... ironically I'm not a big girly-girl. (I can't remember the last time I wore makeup!)

I think I decided on the Mickey Pack and Play too... I just wish BRU wasn't so darn expensive, even with a coupon! (I have a store credit burning a hole in my pocket!)

The canopy on the pack and plays is a PITA, you're better off without it. I thought I'd love it when DD was a baby... uh. no.

Yeah, BRU is expensive which is why it was such a good deal at the PX. We got the pack n' play for $100 and the stroller for $90. The carseat was $80 and I don't remember what the high chair and swing were but I want to say they were both about $90 as well. Those were the sale prices but even at their normal prices, they were still a bit cheaper at the PX than at BRU or anywhere else. Plus no tax (of course that's not as big of a deal here since New Hampshire- where my parents live and we're 1/2 hour from the border- is tax free), so it's good deal. I just really wish we hadn't already gotten the travel system so that I could get the carseat, too!

And to add to my good day, baby-gear wise, I got a Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag at a nice, higher-end consignment shop for $30!! I really don't think they realized what it was- those suckers are expensive brand new!

 

[Mrs. Charming]

I agree with everything people have said to bring/not bring so far. I would definitely remember the stool softener - they didn't give it to me with my 2nd, and, well, ouch. I really liked putting makeup on every day, because I normally wear it every day and just feel better with a little on. And the laptop (if you can) and a few good magazines, just in case you can't sleep at night when there are no visitors to talk to. DS7 was born on September 11, 2002 and I could not sleep a wink that night. He slept the entire night (a feat he didn't repeat for 9 months ), and I was stuck watching TV - which was only the Twin Towers falling over, and over, and over again. It was eerie, to say the least. I will never forget it!

Oh gosh.. that had to be really eerie. Especially in a hospital!!

I love seeing everyone's lists.......

The one thing I didn't have for DD that I wish I did was a cute outfit for the pics at the hospital. I brought a white sleeper that DH bought me for Mother's Day before she was born. It ended up being way too big for her and looked like the outfits they put her in at the hospital.

So, this time around, I'll make sure to have a cute outfit (a tiny one) for pics and going home.

Also, a bathrobe since those gowns show your behind and slippers. I didn't have either of those and wish I did.

I pretty much stayed in the hospital gown the whole time b/c DD kept spitting up all over me so I don't plan on bringing my own PJ's at all. Just a bathrobe and going home clothes.

Everything we had for DD was too big... its' funny, everyone told me how huge she was going to be, and that I'd go full term.. HA.. right. She practically swam in her outfit on the way home!

I have the tiniest bag packed, PJs, outfit for dd, hat, socks, mittens, deoderant. I have a Zune which will go in there and the charger for that and my cell phone. my picture of my bf and his son too probably since they won't be there. I'll take shampoo and conditioner...i'm not picky about body wash so I'll probably just use theirs. contact case, glasses and case. movies...I have Twilight and New Moon and I'll bring some others for my mom to watch in case I'm not feeling like watching tv. I don't own a robe so I'll hopefully be wearing my own PJs most of the time. CHAPSTICK. I think my lips would bleed if I didn't bring that along. Granola bars...probably the fiber ones, as of right now if I eat one of those it takes about 2 hours to do the job. If I need anything else my parents and sister will be back and forth from the house so they can get it...

Oh I know what you mean, I'd die without my chapstick!

Yeah, BRU is expensive which is why it was such a good deal at the PX. We got the pack n' play for $100 and the stroller for $90. The carseat was $80 and I don't remember what the high chair and swing were but I want to say they were both about $90 as well. Those were the sale prices but even at their normal prices, they were still a bit cheaper at the PX than at BRU or anywhere else. Plus no tax (of course that's not as big of a deal here since New Hampshire- where my parents live and we're 1/2 hour from the border- is tax free), so it's good deal. I just really wish we hadn't already gotten the travel system so that I could get the carseat, too!

And to add to my good day, baby-gear wise, I got a Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag at a nice, higher-end consignment shop for $30!! I really don't think they realized what it was- those suckers are expensive brand new!

OMG! Those diaper bags are *niiice*. I saw them on babysteals the other day, I think they sold out instantly!

Yeah, those prices ROCK. I'm jealous. I just had this darn credit at BRU that I had to use. AH well I did order them though, I hated feeling that we had to wait and see if other people would buy them for us... I wasn't comfortable with that!

 

[phragmipedium]

Oh I know what you mean, I'd die without my chapstick!

Me too! The other thing I think I will want that probably isn't on most people's lists is my small portable fan. I really need it to sleep and I even take it to Disney, so I hope they won't have a problem with it.

Thanks for all the lists, everyone. I have most everything I need for the hospital, but I did go out today and pick up some things for when I come home - stool softener, lots of pads in varieties of sizes, flushable wipes, witch hazel and gauze pads, tucks pads, etc. I'd rather be over-prepared than under-prepared, and if I don't tear or need an episiotomy and don't need some of those things, then good for me. I'm pretty petite (4'10") and I'm hoping for a smaller-sized baby (my mom and aunt are petite as well and myself, siblings and cousins were all in the six pound range) but I'm fairly scared.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Me too! The other thing I think I will want that probably isn't on most people's lists is my small portable fan. I really need it to sleep and I even take it to Disney, so I hope they won't have a problem with it.

Thanks for all the lists, everyone. I have most everything I need for the hospital, but I did go out today and pick up some things for when I come home - stool softener, lots of pads in varieties of sizes, flushable wipes, witch hazel and gauze pads, tucks pads, etc. I'd rather be over-prepared than under-prepared, and if I don't tear or need an episiotomy and don't need some of those things, then good for me. I'm pretty petite (4'10") and I'm hoping for a smaller-sized baby (my mom and aunt are petite as well and myself, siblings and cousins were all in the six pound range) but I'm fairly scared.

I don't think a small fan would be a problem, especially if you have a private room. I also remember being given Ambien.. omg.. that stuff is a *dream.*

Oh, and after you deliver, stick some of those pads in the freezer... I heard that's wonderful (I was a c/s, so I don't know firsthand.)

What have they been saying at your ultrasounds about the baby's size? Not like they're super reliable or anything, lol.

 

[EmALee]

Me too! The other thing I think I will want that probably isn't on most people's lists is my small portable fan. I really need it to sleep and I even take it to Disney, so I hope they won't have a problem with it.

I too have to sleep with a fan, I forgot to put that on my list. I can go without it but I don't sleep well. My BF calls it "thrashing" which makes me laugh...nobody has ever told me I do that in my sleep. It could have something to do with my basketball belly though!

So I'm feeling some pressure and back pain today. I've also had a pretty bad upset stomach. I go into the OB tomorrow to get checked...I wish he would just tell me to head over to the hospital. I know..wishful thinking!

I'll update on the status of how everything is going tomorrow. Have a good night!

 

[leith78]

Oh I know what you mean, I'd die without my chapstick!

ITA!! Can't go w/o it!

And to add to my good day, baby-gear wise, I got a Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag at a nice, higher-end consignment shop for $30!! I really don't think they realized what it was- those suckers are expensive brand new!

Lucky you!! I really like the Cake bags, but....the prices are crazy!!

So I'm feeling some pressure and back pain today. I've also had a pretty bad upset stomach. I go into the OB tomorrow to get checked...I wish he would just tell me to head over to the hospital. I know..wishful thinking!

I'll update on the status of how everything is going tomorrow. Have a good night!

I hope you get the news you're looking for tomorrow!

 

[phragmipedium]

I don't think a small fan would be a problem, especially if you have a private room. I also remember being given Ambien.. omg.. that stuff is a *dream.*

Oh, and after you deliver, stick some of those pads in the freezer... I heard that's wonderful (I was a c/s, so I don't know firsthand.)

What have they been saying at your ultrasounds about the baby's size? Not like they're super reliable or anything, lol.

I think all the rooms where I'm delivering, at least all the birthing suites, are private, so hopefully it should be fine.

I actually read somewhere online that soaking gauze pads in witch hazel and keeping them cold in the fridge works better absorbency-wise than just soaking a whole regular pad with the witch hazel - I think you just put a soaked gauze on top of the pad. So I'm going to give that a try.

I'm actually not sure about the baby's size...I just had the normal two ultrasounds, with the second one being around 19/20 weeks. My doctor does feel around my tummy each visit after he measures, I guess making sure baby is still headdown and getting a good idea of where to doppler? I go in again tomorrow; maybe I'll ask if they have ways they might speculate size. He hasn't mentioned needing another ultrasound unless they had concerns about what position the baby might be in or something like that.

 

[cmskok]

Thanks for the good vibes ladies! Still on bedrest, but all of my leave is approved and short-term disability squared away, so all of that is a relief. I also had a great baby shower from my work friends today - it was nice to get out for a little bit and see them again.

I'm seeing the doctor twice a week now - blood pressure meds twice a day, twice-weekly non-stress tests, weekly labwork and 24-hour urine tests. Luckily it's all just been blood pressure and no protein/kidney issues yet. And the group strep B results came back negative, so that's good news too. My doctor says if things don't get worse and my cervix is favorable, he'd like to induce around 39 weeks.

So that's made me a little panicky-feeling as it's even closer! This is my first and I'm still pretty apprehensive about the whole birth process. I'm trying to get together a list of things I will need in the hospital and after the birth for myself. So far, I know I will want my own gown in the hospital so I picked up a couple of long t-shirt style nightshirts (I'm not breastfeeding as I've had a reduction in the past and don't want to struggle through it) and some sports bras. I've also started making a list of things to pick up with other post-partum thoughts in mind. It might be TMI but the thought of the bathroom after birth is almost as scary to me as birth itself! So my list includes things like shredded mini wheats, stool softeners, tucks pads, witch hazel, regular pads, milk of magnesia, a squeezy water bottle, wet wipes, and things like nursing pads and fresh cabbage to help with pain while my milk dries up. Anything other recommendations from moms who have BTDT?

Just a quick note: I also had a breast reduction, almost 14 years ago. My son is 8 and was born 7 weeks early. My daughter is 6 and was a full term baby. I breastfed them both, with no problems, and I had the reduction when the procedure was much more complicated....please don't rule it out! It is such a comforting experience, that's at least worth a day or two of trying. Don't be discouraged!!!

Good Luck! You are so close!

 

[WDWAurora]

Sadly enough, we have already quit breastfeeding. I didn't make it out of the hospital. Our problem was that the baby was starving waiting on my milk to come in, so he was cluster feeding, and about to kill me! We would have a 1.5 hr feeding session, send him to the nursery since I was going to be alone while DH went to lunch with his parents, and they would bring him back within 45 minutes of him finishing. This went on day and night. I just couldn't keep it up. It was awful. He was also having some blood sugar issues that gave us no choice but to give him some formula.

I'll eventually post some pics, I just haven't gotten around to it. I'm learning that there are all sorts of weirdos wandering my neighborhood during the day. Today, there was some woman peddling an early learning program at my door. Really? What do you think my week old baby needs to learn that I can't do for him?

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Sadly enough, we have already quit breastfeeding. I didn't make it out of the hospital. Our problem was that the baby was starving waiting on my milk to come in, so he was cluster feeding, and about to kill me! We would have a 1.5 hr feeding session, send him to the nursery since I was going to be alone while DH went to lunch with his parents, and they would bring him back within 45 minutes of him finishing. This went on day and night. I just couldn't keep it up. It was awful. He was also having some blood sugar issues that gave us no choice but to give him some formula.

I'll eventually post some pics, I just haven't gotten around to it. I'm learning that there are all sorts of weirdos wandering my neighborhood during the day. Today, there was some woman peddling an early learning program at my door. Really? What do you think my week old baby needs to learn that I can't do for him?

That's OK! You're allowed for formula feed. He's gonna be a happy, healthy, intelligent boy no matter which way you feed him.

I'd post a big ol' sign on your door that says "GO AWAY!" ... haha, I did! It worked!

 

[Nette]

Well ladies... I scheduled the RCS for July 6. I have really mixed feelings about it, but I know that I'll be glad I can at least call on my DH to come help me if things get out of hand. If I did a VBAC he would only be allowed to take 3 days of sick leave... with the RCS he's allowed to use up all of his sick leave up to 8 weeks. This country sucks when it comes to parental leave.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Well ladies... I scheduled the RCS for July 6. I have really mixed feelings about it, but I know that I'll be glad I can at least call on my DH to come help me if things get out of hand. If I did a VBAC he would only be allowed to take 3 days of sick leave... with the RCS he's allowed to use up all of his sick leave up to 8 weeks. This country sucks when it comes to parental leave.

I'm glad you have your date scheduled. I'm dying to have mine scheduled!

That's totally *ss-backwards about the parental leave. Ugh. I really really don't get it. DH is probably only going to take a week off, that's it.