what to expect for my hospital stay???

Question

So I just started my second trimester and this is my 1st baby and I have some questions about going to the hospital for the big event. Basically what do I need to bring? I have heard that Im going to start bleeding again and excessively, is the hospital gown the most convenient thing to wear because I know they will be checking on me and I will be breast feeding too. I have no idea what to expect for that time. Every time I look into that kind of stuff I get really nervous and confused. So if you could tell me anything useful that but please be sensitive not to freak me out too bad (if its possible)

justice6920 · Answer

Witch hazel is an ingredient they use in some medicated pads.... Like Tucks pads (for Hemmoriods and they look like oxy face pads lol) You just use the pad to wipe gently around the area that is sore or swollen... it makes it feel tons better!

hopfulEparents · Answer

So wait, im still confused... what is witch hazel?

AnitaRFrith · Answer

I have know ladies that did not take extra shirts with them an they regretted it.  If you are going to nurse take extra just in case you leak.  If you wear contacts don't forget your case an solution.  Or if you wear glasses bring a case to put them in.  If you have very long hair like me then you need to get stuff to keep your hair out of your face.  ( I have to worry about that because my hair is past my butt, curly, an thick.)  So wearing my hair down is VERY hot.  A friend of mine took her own snacks for her an her hubby.  She hates hospital food.  I'm taking my laptop an games with me with I go.  I HATE the pads the hospital give.  They are HUGE an bulky.  I just used stayfree overnights after I lost my baby.  ( She as born at 19 weeks an 5 days)  Take the pacifier that you want them to use.  Or they will give the baby one of those cheap rubber ones.  Take extra underwear.  I'm taking bottled water with me to.  I HATE city water.  Make sure to take plenty of rolls of quarters for the vending machines.  Just in case the machines don't take dollars.  Thats about all I can think of for now.

NicMom · Answer

I brought two shirts for myself and an extra change of clothing for the baby. Both were needed as right after I got him dressed he threw up on both of us. I also used a sports bra for labor just because it was more comfortable to lay down in than my regualar bra and I didn't feel like my huge boobs were swaying around under my gown while my family was there. The next day I hung out in my own night gown and robe. I also used my robe when walking around the halls during labor. It kept me from feeling so drafty. 

You might want to take some Tucks although I think the nurses can track some down if you need them.

JoyRenee · Answer

GRose- I brought makeup too! For taking pictures and visitors. But I cried when I was alone in the hospital room, too. Not because of anything bad but because of all the overwhelming emotions. It was always a good cry!

JoyRenee · Answer

I think if you get an episiotomy (they cut the perineum) then you need it. I didn't have an episiotomy and my tears were so minimal that I didn't need to do anything other than the Peri-wash.

LOL! Now all the first-time moms are wondering about that, too, I supposed. After you deliver they give you a Peri-bottle. It's just a squirt bottle. Every time you use the restroom, instead of wiping, you fill the bottle with warm water and pat yourself dry (no wiping!!!). It actually feels good when the water is warm!!! That's just so you don't rub yourself raw or rub any stitches you may have gotten.

Jame0223 · Answer

Yrah I know the basics too but what is the witch hazel for? I know what it is but...lol im afraid to ask!

GRose · Answer

Joy pretty much covered it all but I did bring a couple night gowns with me. I brought two flannel night gowns that buttoned up the front, that way I could feed Noah, be checked easily and still be comfy. I also brought some make up just to make myself feel a little better about how I looked, although I did cry most of it off everyday. If you have a what to expect when expecting book they have a pretty good hospital check list in there to help you remember.

hopfulEparents · Answer

Im a little hesitant to know but what is witch hazel?

onlyme27 · Answer

One thing that a lot of people forget to bring is their charger for their phones and camera batteries (if you use the rechargable ones of course).  Just take the basics.  When you leave there will be so many things going with you tht you aquire just from the hospital you don't want to lug anymore out than you have to.  I took one outfit.  I wore the same clothes in to the hospital as I did out.  Bring your basic toiletries (toothbrush, hairbrush, I brought travel size bottles of shampoo and body wash too).  Ponytail holder, comfortable pjs, nursing bra (which I wore to the hospital too). And something for the baby to wear home.  Don't over do it.  It is tempting to pack everything but the kitchen sink but pack only the essientials.

JoyRenee · Answer

Whitney, when I had an epidural I slept! I'm not sure if all women are like that. I just know that I was exhausted so I rested up.

Whitneylauren · Answer

I would bring something to do (sudoku, a book) for after the baby is born. When I had my first son I had to stay an extra day and got really bored watching TV. Make sure to bring all your personal toiletries (a brush, toothbrush, makeup if you want). Bring a blanket for your baby as the ones the hospital provides are really thin. Also, I know that the hospital will provide witch hazel for you, but I would make sure to get some for home. It could not help me enough- I had a class 4 tear and was in a lot of pain. If you are planning on having an epidural I would suppose you might need stuff to do while you are waiting to have the baby. I cannot be sure, though, as I delivered my son naturally.

JoyRenee · Answer

*You are NOT bleeding profusely or anything.

JoyRenee · Answer

I did wear the gown when people came to visit. Everything was covered and I had a blanket over my legs. You are bleeding profusely or anything.

They will come and check you, but not with anyone in the room. They have to check to make sure you're not tearing or having enormous clots. It's their job. I'm VERY modest and I was in such a euphoric state because of my new baby that I didn't really care about them checking. It's just what they do!

hopfulEparents · Answer

did you feel comfortable in the medical gown what with your family and friends visiting? I have worn those before and I am a very modest person, I felt somewhat naked. did you find that to be the case with you?

Also are they going to be checking me under the covers after the delivery?

JoyRenee · Answer

Oh, and if you decide to bottle feed or find you don't like breastfeeding they also have formula and bottles for baby.

Oh, and do NOT forget warm socks. The room  will be freezing when you deliver, though you will be so hot you won't notice.

JoyRenee · Answer

I love posts like this! I can only tell you my own experience. Some women lug a ton of junk that they never touch while in the hospital, like ME the first time! Just bring necessities. That includes a change of clothes to take home (from when you were about 5-months preggo is a good size), toiletries, your camera/batteries, your purse, underwear you don't care about ruining, baby's going-home outfit (washed in Dreft!).

I would wear the hospital gown after delivery (you're required to wear it before you deliver) because they will have to check you down there periodically. 

The hospital will also supply SUPER pads for you, diapers and wipes for baby (they let you take leftovers home), even trial size bottles of baby wash and other little goodies.

I took the baby book, books, magazines, etc. and didn't touch my bag once until after delivery. My focus object was my husband's face and a light fixture on the ceiling. I was either sleeping or contracting, so I didn't spend time doing anything before delivery. After delivery I was admiring my new baby, watching TV, or sleeping/eating.