Things I HAVE to have:
Gum. Since apparently last time my breath was less than desirable and Chris was afraid to say anything since, after all, it's probably not a good idea to tell a painfully laboring mom that she needs a breath mint, this time I'll be prepared. Like a good boy scout.
Birthing gown. I won't make the same mistake I made last time, which was to wear a nighty that fit perfectly at first, but after ballooning up from the epidural water weight, didn't fight right at all. I also refuse to wear the stiff itchy hospital gown they provide if you don't have any other options. I decided to go ahead and order THIS, after spending hours searching Target, VS, Macy's, etc, for the perfect and nonexistent gown. "Pretty Pushers" has some decent options, mommas! It won't come in till Monday, so here's hoping I got the timing right! Living on the edge...
 |
| creepy mannequin lookin' all runway in her birthing gown. |
 |
| "What better way to showcase the needs of Japan's rapidly aging population then an adult diaper fashion show?" via |
Facial wipes. There's nothing like laying in a hospital bed with an oily face or armpits, visitors on their way, and the dreaded walk to the sink to freshen up to make you absolutely love the inventor of this lovely overpriced bath-in-a-bed. :) This category also includes your toiletries-whatever you'd normally need overnight. Makeup included. Putting on mascara and feeling a little pretty was one of the little joys after such a grueling 25 hour labor.
 |
| Mmm...the scent of these actually help me not dread the hospital bed! |
Mixture of immodest and modest clothes. Immodest for when you're visitor-free and want to nurse easily. Modest for company. I didn't like just pulling up the sheets over me and not having the freedom to move around for fear that something would be exposed when people came by. I packed 1 tube top, 2 night gowns, 2 pairs of pajama pants, 2 loose tank tops/shirts that can be thrown on over whatever, a pair of soft pj shorts, a going-home strapless maxi dress, and a nice new lightweight robe. They do provide these gorgeous VS-worthy mesh panties. I'd suggest using them and not ruining your own. All the clothing options may be overkill, but you never know what might get dirty (there's a lot of blood, people!) and it's not a fun feeling to know you've run out of clothes and have to revert to the itchy hospital gown.
These were my "mommy" purchases last week, to help get me excited about the hospital stay.
 |
| I got these shorts in PINK! |
 |
| Robe I got. This should really be my "after" picture post-birth. Great hair and all. |
Lanolin cream (or whatever brand of N cream you so desire).
This.is.a.must.
Nursing pillow. I love my boppy, and it will be my breast friend those 3 days in the recovery room. :)
Big giant cloth headband. Makes a pony look cute, hides nasty hair, keeps hair out of face while laboring. These are on my list to buy, since I'd like to have more than one on hand.
 |
| This model doesn't stand a chance when I send in my headband birth picture |
Last-minute throw-in-the-car items:
Flip flops for shower. Thinking about what's been on the floor grosses me out.
Pillow for mom and dad- the hospital isn't the 4 Seasons, after all.
Camera. Obviously you'll want pictures, especially the ones for your eyes only. Don't just rely on others or your photographer
Video camera- Nothing like being able to witness the birth of your own child, or in my case, watch as a nurse stood in front of our video camera during the most important part!
Ipod- in case you want your own music for the birth/recovery (I had a playlist that totally backfired during my labor and I couldn't stand any of it. This time I'll rely on Pandora)
Snacks- but don't be afraid to ask people to bring you food!!!
Things I'll MAYBE use:
Phone & charger. Eh... not too worried about it. Chris was in charge of all texting, calls, visitor scheduling, etc. It annoyed me thinking about having to keep up with my phone.
Blowdryer/curling iron... I wish I could say these are a MUST, but to be honest, I didn't fix up my hair at all while in the hospital. Maybe this time around I'll keep my priorities straight. :)
A book. Eh, again, not too worried about. When I had time to read, I was too tired to read. Bring some magazines- they're easier reading and don't take as much concentration.
Things to fuget about:
Nursing bras. Why wear a bra when you're feeding your child every 2 hours and are (hopefully) wearing nursing-friendly clothes? Unless you just really want the support, I'd fuget about 'em.
Baby book. Seriously? Unless you're really super-woman mom, you're not going to want/have energy/care to fill out a baby book after giving birth, getting no sleep, and learning how to nurse this new child.
A million outfits and blankets for baby. The hospital provides free ones. Why trouble yourself? You're paying them buckets of moolah, so let yourself accept what you're paying for. Diapers too. They've got it covered!
Cute outfits. Stick to the nighties and pi's you packed. You'll be home before you know it and it's not a fashion show, trust me. Stick to your one going-home outfit.
And one of these days I'll get us all packed..... ;)
