Wednesday, January 16, 2013

What things do i pack in my hospital bag?

Q. So what thins to pack for me and baby? So many sites say lots of different things, but what things did you actually use, or find u wanted and didn't have, 37 weeks so thought i better get packing. Thanks in advance

A. For labor

�Your birth plan
�A watch that counts seconds for timing contractions (Hospitals usually have clocks and monitors nearby.)
�A bathrobe, nightgown, slippers or socks, and whatever other clothing you'll want so that you will be warm and comfortable. Wear something you won't mind getting blood-stained during the delivery or postpartum. Nightgowns that open in the front make examinations or breastfeeding easier.
�Eyeglasses if you wear them. (Contacts may become uncomfortable -- they also would be removed during any surgery.)
�Toothbrush and toothpaste (Hospitals usually supply this, if necessary.)
�Hair ties or barrettes if your hair is long enough to get into your eyes or face
�Lip balm for dry lips
�A colored washcloth to wipe down with (A white one might get mixed up with the hospital laundry.)
�Any birth book you may want to refer to
�Favorite music and a CD player if the hospital doesn't provide one
�Camera and/or camcorder with charged batteries and accessories. Check with the hospital ahead of time to be sure they allow camcorders in the delivery room, and be sure to have extra film and tapes on hand.
�Massage equipment like oils, lotions, and tennis balls or a plastic rolling pin to roll across your lower back
�Suckers, hard candy, or honey sticks, unless you have a medical condition that precludes them. Sugarless candies may not make you as thirsty as sugared candies.
�Special snacks or drinks you may want during labor (Noncitrus juices, sports drinks, and fruit popsicles are good options.)
�A pad and pencil to write down any questions you may have for your health care provider
�Anything else you want to put in your room to make you comfortable -- like photos or your favorite pillow
�Snacks for your labor coach, as well as money for the vending machines and parking
�A phone card for keeping in touch with out of town family and friends. (You often can't use a cell phone in a hospital.)

After the baby is born

For you



�Nursing bras and pads
�Sanitary napkins (Hospitals also have them on hand.)
�Clean nightgown and maternity underwear. Although the hospital or birthing center will usually supply you with something, you may find your own to be more comfortable.
�Slippers
�Clothes to wear home. Remember that now isn't the time to try to fit into your favorite pre-pregnancy jeans. Bring something that fit comfortably when you were about six months pregnant.
�Favorite toiletries (including lotion, since your skin may be a bit dry from a loss of fluids)
�List of people to call after the baby is born
�Extra film or videotapes
�A book or magazine for both you and your partner
�More snacks! Having a baby is hard work and you might be hungry afterward. If the hospital kitchen is closed (or if you don't want to rely on hospital fare), you'll be glad to have your own food on hand.

If you don't have anything on hand, you can always recruit a family member or friend to go out for something. Healthy snacks like raisins, nuts, and whole-wheat crackers can help keep you regular, too.



For baby



�Car seat. You will need one to bring the baby home. Some hospitals can also loan new parents a car seat.
�Going-home outfit. Make sure to bring a sleeper with legs -- rather than a gown -- so that the baby will be warm and comfortable in the car seat.
�Receiving blanket appropriate to the outdoor temperature
�Diapers (Hospitals may provide these.)
�Socks or booties
�Cap


Don't forget your hairbrush and your own shampoo. I hated the stuff they had at the hospital.


How can I get baby to sleep in his crib?
Q. I'm definitely one of those parents who love to have the baby close by... Oh, I know! So he sleeps with us almost everynight...why not? he's so cuddly and comfy and warm. BUT now he's almost 9 months, and I feel he would be more comfortable in his own bed. we just moved into a new place, and his crib is in his own room. Whats an easy way to transition him without making me feel bad for him sleeping there all alone in this big room? The baby monitor is a reassuring key, but i need an extra boost.

A. I was so nurvous about sending my son to his own room that we set up a video camera that hooks to our tv in our bedroom so I could check on him at night without actually going in and risking waking him. He is still a frequent night waker though so that only lasted a week. The doctor thought he would sleep better farther away. Anyway what friends of mine have done with babies that still wake at least once at night is to have them sleep just the first stretch in there own room then bring them back to bed for a while. Once you are sure they are ok with that then move on to the next stretch of sleep.

We also do naps in the crib during the day when things are less scary. I hope that when we do the crib again it will be easier since he will be used to it during the day.


What is a good baby shower theme?
Q. I need a baby shower theme for a boy and girl. And I need to no some gifts I should put on the registry and prizes for some games

A. Themes:
Some people go with themes others do not...they have abc themes, pooh, disney babies, jungle animals, monkeys, sea life, forest animals etc...

Gift ideas:
This is walmart.com checklist for a new baby:D

Crib or bassinet / co-sleeper
Waterproof crib liner
Crib mattress
Mattress pad
Fitted sheets (cotton or flannel)
Crib bedding set
Crib blankets (3-5)
Crib lights (2)
Receiving blankets (4-5)
Sleep positioner
Changing table
Changing pads and covers
Dresser / armoire
Rocking chair or gliding rocker
Ottoman or nursing stool
Hamper
Nursery monitor
Mobile
Crib mirror
Crib toys
Lamp
Rug
Toy box
Nursery storage
Window treatments
Clothing / Layette (for newborn to 6 months)
Home-from-the-hospital outfit
Pullover T-shirts
Side-snap T-shirts
Onesies or bodysuits
Layette sets
Sleeping gowns or stretchies
Footed rompers
Top and pant sets
Mittens
Blanket
Swaddlers
Baby laundry detergent
Lightweight cotton sweaters (2)
Booties and socks
Shoes (2)
Snowsuit (for winter babies)
Warm hats (2)
Baby hangers
Diapers
Diaper bag
Diaper pail and liners
Rash ointment and powders
Wipes
Wipes warmer
Travel pack wipes
Infant tub
Tub splash seat
Hooded towels (2-4)
Baby lotion
Baby oil
Baby shampoo
Bath toys
Tub toy pouch
Hooded towels (2-4)
Baby washcloths (4-6)
Tub thermometer
Elbow cushion
Foam tub insert
Tub spout cover
Bath gift set
Feeding
Plastic bottle (4 and 8 oz) nipples and nipple covers
Bottle sterilizer
Bottle liners
Breast pads, shields and cream
Nursing bras (4)
Nursing shirts (2)
Nursing cover-up
Breast pump kit
Lap pads and burp cloths
Nursing pillow
Nursing stool
Case(s) of formula
Bibs (6-10)
Teethers
Feeding spoons (4)
Training (spill-proof) cups (3-4)
Highchair
Highchair cover
Feeding seat
Pacifiers
Dishwasher-safe nipples
Bottle drying rack
Bowls
Bottle brush
Bottle warmer
Highchair splat mat
Dishwasher nipple basket
Travel formula dispenser
Milk storage bags
Gas relief drops
First-aid supplies
Thermometer
Humidifier
Baby brush and comb
Nail clippers
Nasal aspirator
Infant tooth and gum cleaner
Alcohol swabs
Baby fever reducer
Cotton swabs
Baby grooming kit
Shopping cart cover
Baby monitor
Safety gate
Nightlights
Carbon monoxide detector
Outlet covers
Corner covers
Door knob covers
Cabinet locks
Toilet seat locks
Baby harness
Fireplace cover
Toys
Bouncer seat
Swing
Rattles & Teethers
Gym or play mat
Jumper
Mobile for nursery
Activity center / walker
Car seat / stroller toys
Guide books on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting
Lullaby music
Books for siblings
Educational music movies
Rear-facing infant car seat
Car seat head support
Stroller
Sling or soft carrier
Backpack carrier (for when baby outgrows soft carrier)
Portable crib
Playpen / playard
Stroller cup holder
Travel booster seat
Sunshade
Extra car seat base
Stroller frame
Toy auto mirror
Digital camera
Camcorder
Baby album
Baby journal
Picture frames
Disposable camera
Personalized gifts

Baby shower prizes:
Unique Shower Prize Ideas from ( http://www.cutest-baby-shower-ideas.com/baby-shower-prizes.html )



�Gift Certificates from a cute little boutique, coffee shop or book store

�Candles

�Lotions

�A Picture Frame

�A Recipe Box

�A Cool Mug From Starbucks

�Potted Plants

�Tea Cup, Saucer and Tea Bags

�Bath Salts and Bath Beads

�Cute Soaps

�Dish Towels

�Stationary

�Cool Kitchen Gadgets

�A Washcloth and Bar of Soap Tied Together With Raffia

�Baby Shaped Cookies

�Baby Themed Lollipops

�Polka Dot Painted Terra Cotta Pots - with seed packets in them

�Cute Little Handbags


What questions should I ask during my hospital tour?
Q. Tonight I'm going to tour one of the hospitals that my doctor delivers at. I'm not sure what questions to ask during the tour. Any suggestions would be very appreciated!!

A. How many people can be in the birthing room at a time? During labor? During delivery?

How long do I have to be strapped to monitors, and how much will I be allowed to walk around?

Is it "policy" to automatically hook me up to an IV? (IF they say, yes, remember that you can request a heplock instead)

What do you allow me to eat or drink during labor? What do you have in the "fridge" (such as popcycles, or juice)

Can I give birth in a position such as on my hands and knees?

What is the episiotomy rate here?

What is the epidural rate? If I don't want an epidural, will the nurses bring it up frequently?

Will my baby be separated from me immediately or shortly after birth? For what purpose and how long?

Is there a newborn intensive care unit on site? Is there any situation in which my baby would need to be transferred to another facility?

If they have tubs in the birthing rooms, ask at what point you might be able to labor in it.

Where do I go when it's time for labor? Is there a different place at night? (Some women are told to go to the ER, and some straight up to the OB ward)

Is there a birth ball available?

Is there a kitchen or area where my husband/coach can get coffee, water (whatever you want to ask)?

***can I use a video camera?? (some hospitals say no)

If we take pictures, is there anything we can't take pictures of?

What happens if all of your birthing rooms are taken?

Are all your postpartum rooms private? Will I ever be moved from my room?

Can members of my family stay over night? Is there an extra charge for this? Is there something provided for them to sleep on?

Are their sibling visitation policies? (if you have children)

What are the hospital's policies on pacifiers, formula and sugar water?

Can cell phones be used in the delivery room?

Is there a lactation consultant on staff?

ummm- I'm running out of questions. You'll probably think of some when you get there as they give you the tour.

Good luck!





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