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Hospital Bag Checklist!
Okay, so my doctor insists on me at LEAST making a list incase of premature labor, so I've begun a list of stuff I'll take with me. Please add anything I've forgot.
-Slippers and a few pairs of socks
-Robe to walk the hallway
-Underwear, multiple pairs
-Thick, long pads
-Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, washcloth, towel, brush, chapstick, makeup, deoderant, hair tie,lotion. (I know I don't need them but I prefer to).
-Going home outfit for me and the baby
-Diaper bag with stuff for the baby (Also know I don't need to, but I prefer to).
-Carseat
-Cell and Charger
-Call list
-Camera
-Snacks
-Water bottle, spray bottle
-Pillow
-Breast pump
I don't live very far from the hospital at all, about 5 minutes, but I don't want to make DH run back and forth a billion times either, I like to be prepared. I'm not worried about packing stuff for him because my mom will also be there when I deliver so DH can go home and shower, and do whatever he needs to do. But as far as the things for me and the baby, I want to make sure I have everything
ALSO, what are you ladies wearing after labor? All I have for maternity clothes are jeans, and after labor, especially a c-section I'm not going to want to wear jeans.
-Slippers and a few pairs of socks
-Robe to walk the hallway
-Underwear, multiple pairs
-Thick, long pads
-Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, washcloth, towel, brush, chapstick, makeup, deoderant, hair tie,lotion. (I know I don't need them but I prefer to).
-Going home outfit for me and the baby
-Diaper bag with stuff for the baby (Also know I don't need to, but I prefer to).
-Carseat
-Cell and Charger
-Call list
-Camera
-Snacks
-Water bottle, spray bottle
-Pillow
-Breast pump
I don't live very far from the hospital at all, about 5 minutes, but I don't want to make DH run back and forth a billion times either, I like to be prepared. I'm not worried about packing stuff for him because my mom will also be there when I deliver so DH can go home and shower, and do whatever he needs to do. But as far as the things for me and the baby, I want to make sure I have everything
ALSO, what are you ladies wearing after labor? All I have for maternity clothes are jeans, and after labor, especially a c-section I'm not going to want to wear jeans.
I don't know if we have any BF'ing groups around here, but I'm going to breast feed and pump/use a bottle whenever necessary. He'll eventually have to get used to going back and forth between a bottle so he might as well get used to it as soon as he can! Haha
I'm pumping away where I will be using the bottle at night and especially getting back to work who will breastfeed him? So I will pump and use the bottle. He will still get my milk and other's can feed him! Plus when he starts teething ouch. My babies started teething at 2 mos and had 2 teeth by 4mos I'm all set with being bit. Ouch! Good luck whatever you choose! It's all personal choice and what works best for you and the baby! Are you joining a breast feeding group I might!
AP
AP
Yes, I have a friend who bf'd exclusively for 6+ months even tho her son *never* latched on; she pumped and bottlefed him. What dedication!!
I think everyone should try it, but just know it IS really hard. I bf'd my third child for 5 weeks, I swear, it was the longest five weeks of my life!! LoL
I wouldn;t trade it, and I'm going to try to bf this one even longer (pumping after I return to work, around two months), but it sure isn't easy (or at least it wasn't for me).
Good luck, everyone!!
I think everyone should try it, but just know it IS really hard. I bf'd my third child for 5 weeks, I swear, it was the longest five weeks of my life!! LoL
I wouldn;t trade it, and I'm going to try to bf this one even longer (pumping after I return to work, around two months), but it sure isn't easy (or at least it wasn't for me).
Good luck, everyone!!
I don't plan to use the bottle a lot, mainly at night when I'm too tired and when DH wants to feed him, but I'm not going to tell DH he can't feed the baby because I don't want to take that away from him, or the baby. I bought bottles that are supposed to be "exactly" like breastfeeding, like how fast the flow is and everything, so we'll see. I don't want to confuse him, but at the same time, I'm going to make sure I get my time away from the baby, and DH gets his time with the baby. If it doesn't work, I'll pump all the time, and bottle feed him what I pump, either way I want to make sure he gets breastmilk, and I don't mind the hassle of machines or how long it takes.
From what I've read and I don't know if the other experienced ladies will agree...if you are one of those lucky ladies that produces extra milk then pumping might be sufficient. However usually you wont get as much milk out from the pump as from the baby sucking directly.
Also from my friends, they HATE the pump because they rather feed the baby directly than have to bother with a machine several times a day which to some of them it became a big hassle. The baby will most likely latch on fine, but you will have to learn what a good latch is because if he's not latched on right then he wont be able to get as much milk or your nipples will hurt more.
And the baby CAN learn to latch on, maybe at birth he might be too tired to do so but later on you can teach him. If you introduce the bottle too soon then of course he will preffer to use the bottle because its soo much easier for him to get milk out of it and then he wont take the breast because then he'll have to work on it.
Anyway, I've been reading this awesome book called "The ultimate breastfeeding book of answers" By Jack Newman MD, he's a pediatrician by training and has specialized his entire life on breastfeeding research and issues. Its a great book straight to the point and none of that beauty of breastfeeding spirituality stuff, its mainly about how to breastfeed successfully and techniques and treatments for different BF situations.
Good luck to us all.
Also from my friends, they HATE the pump because they rather feed the baby directly than have to bother with a machine several times a day which to some of them it became a big hassle. The baby will most likely latch on fine, but you will have to learn what a good latch is because if he's not latched on right then he wont be able to get as much milk or your nipples will hurt more.
And the baby CAN learn to latch on, maybe at birth he might be too tired to do so but later on you can teach him. If you introduce the bottle too soon then of course he will preffer to use the bottle because its soo much easier for him to get milk out of it and then he wont take the breast because then he'll have to work on it.
Anyway, I've been reading this awesome book called "The ultimate breastfeeding book of answers" By Jack Newman MD, he's a pediatrician by training and has specialized his entire life on breastfeeding research and issues. Its a great book straight to the point and none of that beauty of breastfeeding spirituality stuff, its mainly about how to breastfeed successfully and techniques and treatments for different BF situations.
Good luck to us all.
You can definitely do that!! My sisters son would not latch on at all so she pumped for 3 months without supplementing.
I'm only going to use a bottle when necessary. The only reason I was even thinking of using a bottle was because at night I'm not going to want to mess around with getting him to latch on if he's not good at it. Also I was wondering if he won't latch on, when my milk comes in could I just pump a lot and feed him that? Or does it not work that way? haha
Mumita- I also agree with that. When your milk comes in as I said in my reply you should start at that point. It will make your life alot easier and your baby's when you decide to go back to work!
AP
AP
Totally agree, not good to introduce a bottle at the hospital. The lactation consultant will tell you the same, I'm sure.
I just don't think that its necessary to introduce the bottle at the hospital, that can lead to serious nipple confusion, I think its better to leave it for later when you have established a good supply which could take 2 weeks or more than a month, who knows. Whatever works, you know?
Mumits- AP has a good point, I didn't try to give Noah a bottle with my milk until he was 4 months old and he would not take it. It didn't matter how hungry he was he hated the bottle, my mom had to bring him to me at work one time cause he didn't eat for about 7 hours. I think most lactation consultants say to offer a bottle at about 4 weeks cause by then your supply is pretty well established. You can always pump while your hubby bottle feeds that way you will keep making enough milk.
One add on to the list- Quarters for when the cafeteria is closed and you (or dad) are hungry and need a snack, we forgot to bring any so Joe had to run to McDonalds when I was in labor cause he hadn't eaten in so long lol
One add on to the list- Quarters for when the cafeteria is closed and you (or dad) are hungry and need a snack, we forgot to bring any so Joe had to run to McDonalds when I was in labor cause he hadn't eaten in so long lol
Kimberlee- Your list is quite helpful it reminded me to bring my own pads the hosp ones are awful. Too cute you are so prepared!
Grose- I did it for awhile with my older two but they were both big babies and it just wasn't filling them up. I will see how big he is and most likely switch back and forth from bottle to the breast!
Mumita- If you only use your breast the baby will get to used to it and you may find it hard to ween them off and on to the bottle when you go back to work. Just food for thought. I'm alternating doing breast in the day and bottle at night with my milk though. In the hosp it will be breast my milk won't be in to pump but when my milk comes in I will. It will help my dh can get up at night for feedings too!
AP
Grose- I did it for awhile with my older two but they were both big babies and it just wasn't filling them up. I will see how big he is and most likely switch back and forth from bottle to the breast!
Mumita- If you only use your breast the baby will get to used to it and you may find it hard to ween them off and on to the bottle when you go back to work. Just food for thought. I'm alternating doing breast in the day and bottle at night with my milk though. In the hosp it will be breast my milk won't be in to pump but when my milk comes in I will. It will help my dh can get up at night for feedings too!
AP
I am writing down your list because i am not organized at all and I had no clue on what I needed to bring with me.
I think you have mostly everything, except I agree with the other ladies, you will not need the pump right away. And plus its an extra thing to carry and you will be carrying plenty. I am planning on BF but I will not use the pump until my milk supply is established and I am going back to work so it will be a couple of months after I give birth when I'll start using it. The more that you keep the baby at the breast, the faster you'll build a good supply.
Also bring some snacks that you can eat before you get any kind of pain meds... if you get any.
I think you have mostly everything, except I agree with the other ladies, you will not need the pump right away. And plus its an extra thing to carry and you will be carrying plenty. I am planning on BF but I will not use the pump until my milk supply is established and I am going back to work so it will be a couple of months after I give birth when I'll start using it. The more that you keep the baby at the breast, the faster you'll build a good supply.
Also bring some snacks that you can eat before you get any kind of pain meds... if you get any.
Kimberlee-Nope not necessary at all! :) You likely wont get more than a few drops out and if you are planning on nursing you wont want to give baby a bottle for a couple weeks until he is a pro at latching so he doesn't get confused.
AP-Seriously try it! Yes it hurts for a while but you get used to it.
AP-Seriously try it! Yes it hurts for a while but you get used to it.
My dh gets so grossed out when it comes to breastfeeding. Go figure. My dh and I found out today my Dr is pushing for us to have a vag delivery. My dh is a former Marine and currently a Sgt in the Army and still I don't think he will stomach it very well this time around again. We are taking lamaze as a refresher. Should be interesting! Ha. Good luck to me!
AP
AP
LOL! I didn't even notice that. Good eyes! And very true my milk always comes in when I'm home. Ouch. Are you breast feeding. I'm going to give it a whirl with this one. I tried with my oldest and middle but they were big babies and it hurt. I kind of gave up. I want to stick with it with this baby.
AP
AP
Looks like you have thought of everything although I dont know that the breast pump will be very necessary. Most women dont get their milk in until day 3 or 4 after the baby is born so you will be home by then. The baby only drinks a couple teaspoons of colostrum at a time so pumping wouldn't even really be possible. Of course, bring it if you feel comfortable but I dont think you will need it, if you do end up wanting to try and pump while in the hospital they will have one for you to use.
Ha you are too funny. Just wait more than 1 and you will go now I know what AP means! So cute though!
AP
AP
AP - I'm so controlling over everything though, I like to be very planned out so I know I'm not forgetting anything, but you're right, after kids I'm probably going to lose that characteristic quick.
P.S I got my bassinet last night!! Everyone told me to get a cheap one because they won't be in it long, but I bought a $170 one because it was ADORABLE! And it goes either way so I can use it for my future kids as well :]
P.S I got my bassinet last night!! Everyone told me to get a cheap one because they won't be in it long, but I bought a $170 one because it was ADORABLE! And it goes either way so I can use it for my future kids as well :]
You are too cute. Wait until you are having your 3rd or 4th you will be like what check list! Too cute! I love you first time moms!
AP
AP
Darkestlight - I know they have pads but I've heard they SUCK so I'm going to bring my own anyway. And I'm going to have lots of people waiting for me at my house when the baby is brought home and I want him to look cute haha :]
Jenkaye21- A dress!!! I never would have thought of that! I probably will do that, I have a dress that will be perfect haha.
Jenkaye21- A dress!!! I never would have thought of that! I probably will do that, I have a dress that will be perfect haha.
I am planning to wear a dress home from the hospital. It is not even a maternity dress but has a high waist line (empire?) and is knee-length, so its fits even while I'm pregnant. Just the other day I said I wished I could wear it every day from now til I deliver. LoL
And so comfortable!, which is the most important thing. = )
And so comfortable!, which is the most important thing. = )
You really don't need pads. The hospital supplies pads the size of a buick lol.
I'll be wearing lose fitting sweat pants after I have her. If you have a c section, i dunno if you are scheduled for one or not, but you probably won't be able to shower right away.
Also you can bring your own clothes for the baby if you want, but the hospital supplies those as well plus diapers. So don't waste ur own stuff when u can use theirs for free lol.
I'll be wearing lose fitting sweat pants after I have her. If you have a c section, i dunno if you are scheduled for one or not, but you probably won't be able to shower right away.
Also you can bring your own clothes for the baby if you want, but the hospital supplies those as well plus diapers. So don't waste ur own stuff when u can use theirs for free lol.
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