To all the first time Mom's and/or Veteran Mamas

[durhamjk1]

This isn't really a question, just some advice that my sister gave me prior to the birth of my first child and i am so happy she did!   I know that we are all getting closer to the big day, and when considering what to pack for the hospital- I am giving you something new to consider:  DEPENDS.  

No I am not joking - my sister told me to pack them and I was kinda wary.   If you are planning on having a vaginal delivery, though they are great.   I tried to use the hospital provided thick bulky pad and special underwear, but it was too messy (TMI) and I switched to using the depends and I felt much cleaner.   Just consider it - I know it sounds weird, but I was so glad I had them with me.  

[durhamjk1]

I only used them in the hospital - for the first 48 hours after delivery - so one pack (and I am not sure on the number) was enough for me. I believe I only had 3 left so one pack was just right - hth

[AuroraSage]

Crazy.. I was at the grocery store today & saw the depends.. and was thinking of how great they'd be for the first few days anyhow.  I've stocked up on great post-partum cloth pads, and have full confidence in them.. but for those first few crazy days.. depends just might be the way to go!

[BradyAm]

i was also thinking about bringing depends once i read it online in someone's pregnancy blog. how many would you say u went through so i know how many i should buy? i know everyone bleeds differently but its nice to have an average.

[durhamjk1]

I didn't have any leaks with the depends - they worked wonders (they are made to handle big messes)

[lavenderinscence]

haha, that's actually good advice I think! I remember having to have the sheets changed more than once ... they give you those cheese cloth undies and regular pads for IRREGULAR bleeding ... hmm I might actually buy some.

and as for the other things ... I really overpacked the first time around, so the second time I only packed my going home clothes, brush, robe, shampoo, toothbrush, chapstick, some crosswords, and the babies going home clothes. You don't really need more than that ... they give you soap and towels and washcloths and socks and food and a tv and diapers ...