What to Pack for a Hospital Birth
Preparing for Your Hospital Stay
You've seen the lists. They're in books, magazines, on-line - they're everywhere. The trouble is, which to adhere to?
Here are "Jenn's Picks for Labor and Delivery at Hospital:
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Film or Digital Camera (can be of the disposable variety even).
Don't forget batteries, chargers, and memory cards. -
Breath Mints and/or Chewing Gum. You ARE going to need them :)
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Socks or Slippers with Treads. The hospital socks are itchy and ill-fitting.
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Phone Book (written or digital) of those you'd like to share the good news with. A phone card is a good idea too, as LDR rooms generally permit local calling only.
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Pillows are debatable. The "lists" say to bring your fave. I think this is a bad idea as your "favorite pillow" will soon become your "most disgusting pillow". If you're set on it, bring one you can part with at the end of it all.
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Decks of Cards - Uno and/or Standard.
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Chargers! Cell phone, PDA, Camera.
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Rice Sock - this is very cool. Take a big men's sweat sock and fill it 2/3rds with rice. Knot the open end. When you encounter back pains in labor (or even while pregnant) just microwave the sock for no more than 2 minutes and presto, it fits nicely in the curve of your back. Please do not use, however, if you have an epidural! You may burn yourself since you have reduced sensation.
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Music - another source of debate. Some people come with the boom box bigger than the bed and their whole CD collection. I suggest an iPod or Walkman. If you want others to enjoy music - send them to the cafeteria or nearest elevator.
The number one rule of all is, if it doesn't all fit in one medium suitcase (like the 14" x 24" model) you don't need it. And guess what? Other people can fetch you things at your command. They have gift shops and cafeterias. People "from the outside" may be summoned to bring you things as well.
If you over pack, you and your mate are responsible for getting "camp" moved to the recovery floor. And those rooms are small in comparison to the room you just had your baby in.
