when you had your baby ...

[lynetteSC]

Is there anything you wish you would have taken to the hospital? We are starting to get our bags packed and were just curious if we are forgetting anything we may need.

We are adopting a newborn, and are taking a goodie basket for our birthmom with some things you guys (a thread about a month ago) recommended as well as some things the social worker suggested.... snacks, medical products, slippers, girly stuff,etc)

We will get to "room-in" with the baby (if all goes according to plan!). So, we also have to pack for us!

Any advice for newbies? Thanks bunches in advance!

 

[mum4jenn]

Maybe a small journal for her to write in. She might have some mixed feeling or something she wants to write to the baby.

 

[C.Ann]

No suggestions, but hearty congratulations and a BIG thumbs up from me!!

I'm adopted myself - and I think adoptive parents are angels sent from heaven..

 

[buddy&wooz]

No really hints on what to bring- except that even if you do forget something it won't matter anymore once you lay eyes on your new baby. All the best!

 

[DISshopkeeper]

Best of luck to you!

 

[chell]

No suggestions from me, just a hug.

 

[Lisa L from MI]

I HAD to have my own pillow from home!!! With my first, I didn't know better but, after the first night...I sent DH home for it!!!!!

The second DD......didn't leave home without it!!!!

 

[RUDisney]

Just remember to take your camera so you can share photos with 65,000 of your closest DIS friends.

We're very excited for you!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

First Congratulations! We also had the wonderful honor of being invited to the hospital with our Birthmom. She is an angel from heaven! Anyway, take pictures of her and the baby, you will be so glad later to have them. We even have one of her, DH and me with DD. Priceless! Also ask the hospital if you can order a package of nursery pictures to be sent to your home. I feel so lucky to have those, as many adoptive families do not have any way to get them. Have a wonderful time!

 

[Kermit]

The one thing that is definitely going in my hospital bag this time (if I actually make it far along enough to pack a bag before the baby is born) is nail clippers. Not baby nail clippers, but ones for me. Baby skin is so fragile, and you feel like you're all thumbs when you pick up that tiny newborn. It would have been nice to have been able to clip my fingernails so that I wasn't always worrying about scratching him.

Good luck!

 

[Microcell]

Baby blankies to swaddle the baby in. They will have standard hospital issue, but I like the new ones that come in packages of three that can be burp cloths when he/she kicks free of the swaddling. Musical toys too for baby. Magazines for you while you wait!

 

[Crazy for Tigger]

Hi there! First of all, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I am a birthmom who gave my second son up for adoption. I would agree with the photo thing. We have pictures of all of us together, even my mom after he was born. A really cool thing they did with me is gave me the baby book to write in about the pregnancy. How I felt and what food I craved and all that silly stuff. Also, you need to see if the hospital will get you a copy of the birth record ( not certificate...its not a legal thing), with the foot on the back. I know both myself and the adoptive parents got that. Depending on your birth mom and what kind of feelings she has I might suggest a nice baby blanket. They got me that and I love it!

Giving my son up to a loving couple was the best thing I have ever done in my life!!! I did it out of pure love...love for him, love for my son I already have and love for myself. Not for one second have I ever regretted that selfless decision. I wish I could give babies to all the wonderful couples out there who can't have children on their own. Children are the greatest blessing ever!!!


It sounds like you already have the most important thing already...lots of love. Good luck to you!!!


Sorry I rambled on so long!

 

[nealymouse]

How about a camers for Birth Mom to keep. just one of the throw away ones.

Pictures are so important. I have 3 adopted daughter and we have no new born face pictures. My 10 yr old DD is heart broke every time one of her friends shows her a new born picture.

How about writting a beauitful letter to birth mom and birth dad while you are waiting? Let them know how special they are. Let them know how you feel ?

As my DD says "I grew in my moms heart not under it"

 

[lynetteSC]

Wow- Thanks guys for all the good ideas! Thanks also for the well wishes! I will certainly keep you guys posted on how things go!

I will certainly add these things to our packing list!

crazyfortigger- Wowwwy. You sound like such a brave person! It sounds like your adoptive parents were VERY lucky! We do have a relationship with her, we usually see her about once a week. The bdad is living with her, so we do get to visit with him as well.

Thanks for everything!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Crazy for Tigger, You are a special girl! May God always bless you for being so couragous and caring.

I love the baby book idea. Our birthmom has since given DD a scrapbook of her family. It is so cool because it has pics of Birthmom's high school days and her brothers and sisters, grandparents etc.. It is really nice. I also send pictures often. And we see each other at least once a year for DD birthday. There is really nothing I could ever do or say that could tell her how much she means to me and how lucky I am to have our daughter. I can not even begin to explain the intense emotion I feel for her.

 

[suzannen]

Crazy for Tigger's suggestion of a baby book is beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes. (What a brave lady you are!) I also like the blanket and birth certificate idea.

And, what an exciting time for you, Lynette!

 

[snoopy]

With my first chld, the one thing I remember bringing that I definately did NOT need was my pre-pregnancy clothes. Silly me thought that once the baby was born I'd be svelte again, 2 days later.

Lynette, I have been following your story from the beginning and I have to say how happy I am for you that you have realized your dream of adopting a baby! Please do keep us updated! I'll be praying that all goes well with the delivery.

 

[bananiem]

Is there a CD player in the birthing room? Maybe get some cd's of some soothing music. They have those cheaper ones at Target that are nature sounds or whatever. Personally I listened to Enya's Watermark during labor because I found it relaxing. The nurses were saying how nice it was for them too because some people would have heavy metal playing!

 

[leahannpen]

I don't really have any ideas, I just wanted to congratulate you and say good luck and hugs! How wonderful!

 

[skuttle]

One thing I wish I would have brought was an extra nightgown. I only brought one (bought it for the hospital...I normally wear PJ's)...and it didn't take DS long to squirt his mom during a diaper change. I had to wear those yucky hospital gowns afterwards...yuck!

My water broke with DS a month early, so we were scrambling to pack (I had planned on packing and going to the hospital to pre-register the day DS was born ) so we forgot a lot of litttle things that I'm sure y'all already have taken care of!

Congratulations!!