List of what to prepare for the hospital bag...any good massagers out there??

- large tube sock with tennis balls
- mp3 player
- knee pads (for the father's knees - advice from others)
- food, snacks (protein shakes, power bars, granola bars)
- health card
- camera
- change for payphone?
- extra pillows
- parking pass?
- laptop with movies?
- health card
- Nighties/large T-shirts (x3) / pyjamas (ie. something comfortable)
- Dressing gown / track suit
- Non-slip slippers
- Partner’s bathing suit (for whirlpool)
- Partner’s pillow and blanket (if staying overnight)
- Cosmetics - toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.
- Watch (with a second hand)
- Nursing bras, maternity panties (4-5), and sanitary pads (package of 18-20)
- All baby’s supplies (diapers, receiving blanket, clothes, car seat, wipes)
- Lip balm
- Tissues
- Bath pillow (for whirlpool)
- Large towel
- Large plastic cup
- Pen

what else? does anyone have any good massager's out there that work well? I really like my thumbs but want to be able to provide comfort to my wife...

thanks again guys!

Knee pads???
I cannot even imagine when this would have been useful...

Camera and or video camera
Bottle of Champagne or similar
Coins/phone card for pay phone in the lobby...some hospitals are picky with cell phones.

As for comfort...if you are not strapped to the bed, head for the showers...best thing.

Actually the best thing we brought/arranged was the Doula...

If it is important make it very clear if you have any dietary requirements. We registered as a vegetarian. When we moved in to recovery we emphasized that she was a vegetarian...the first meal that was provided was beef stew!!! So out to find meals very early in the morning!!!

Originally Posted by nalababe

Knee pads???
I cannot even imagine when this would have been useful...

Camera and or video camera
Bottle of Champagne or similar
Coins/phone card for pay phone in the lobby...some hospitals are picky with cell phones.

As for comfort...if you are not strapped to the bed, head for the showers...best thing.

Actually the best thing we brought/arranged was the Doula...

If it is important make it very clear if you have any dietary requirements. We registered as a vegetarian. When we moved in to recovery we emphasized that she was a vegetarian...the first meal that was provided was beef stew!!! So out to find meals very early in the morning!!!

Knee pads for massaging the legs and knees of the wife...in order to do that, you gotta be on the ground...

Camera...can't believe I forgot that...added to the list!

Honestly with a first baby it is so hard to know what you are going to use/not use. A recommendation for a massager has always been tennis balls in a sock - you roll the balls over her back. Having said that I packed a crazy amount of things for our first and used very little of it - as it turned out I didn't want to be touched, didn't want music - I just zoned out. Not to say that is going to happen to your wife - that is just my experience.

My hospital bag is very light this time - although that is also partially due to the fact that we are planning a homebirth so I won't be going to the hospital unless there is a problem.

Kelly

Finally, I would strongly suggest that you have contacted and made arrangements for a pediatrician. We were just at the point of arranging and our son came a month+ early. We had some complications with blood sugar, were adament about not using forumula and got into fights with the nurse and NICU Doc.

The best thing we brought was a portable DVD player and some DVDs (TV shows and Movies). During waiting to be seen it was a great distraction to us both, and then during the night it helped us sleep to have some familiar noise.

Also HIGHLY recommended is extra pillows, not only was the hospital short of supply but the ones they had sucked. I used the hospital ones and my wife used the ones from home, she was so happy we brought them.

Depending on what hospital you're at you might think about buying a parking pass, you get in and out privileges with them, so you can go pickup stuff you forgot.

I was pretty fond of Red Bull in the 40+ hours that I was awake. I had to be awake the whole time applying counter pressure to my wifes lower back. My arms hurt for days.

Gaf

these are all so helpful - thanks!

Bring a gameboy or a DS. The wait might be long. And DON'T make the mistake of going to the hospital too early. It's not like the baby will pop out in 2 minutes. Wait till they are pretty close apart. When we showed up, my wife has contractions a few times in the hospital hallway so they knew we were serious and gave us a room right away. Another lady showed up and was sent home, and then another one showed up but was sent to the waiting room... Don't waste their time or yours, stay at home as long as you can, it's much more comfy.

Unless your room is private, you can't stay overnight. I suspect you'll be at QCH so the 1st night they bring the baby in the nursery anyways so your wife can get proper sleep (depending at what time baby is out). Go home and have a good night of sleep.

Nursing bras, don't bother. Until the baby is out and it's been 24 - 48 hours you can't know what size she'll need. Stop at the bayshore on the wayback and buy them there, they'll be proper size.

We definitely overpacked for the hospital. I guess every situation is different. My wife's water broke at around 2am, we arrived at the hospital at 5am and my daughter was born at 8am. I made sure I had my camera packed but I didn't really need that much else. The most important items were:

-Baby clothes (a cap is a must and maybe mittens)
-Several Receiving blankets
-Diapers (stage 1 Costco is great), bring a whole bag as you will be changing quite a bit
-Vaseline (a MUST for the first 2-3 days!!!)
-Baby wipes

We didn't bring any sleepers because we didn't know any better. We had a 2 piece outfit which I guess was OK since I just bundled her up really well. However next time I would definitely bring a sleeper.

We had a private room for the first night so I was able to stay and sleep in there. It was the birthing room which was nice. However, I made sure I went to sleep whenever the baby slept. You will NEED as much rest as possible.

For the mom, she will need a box overnight pads that are extra absorbent. Also, the milk doesn't arrive until 3-4 days after birth so nursing pads and bra are not necessary. I highly suggest asking for an appointment with a lactation consultant if this is the first time. Each and every nurse will have their own methods of breast feeding and while they mean well, a lot of times they will not teach you how to get the baby to latch properly. It is best if a consultant helps you out and teaches you while you are in the hospital. Also, mommy will most likely be more comfortable with the hospital gown. It is also easier to feed the baby with it so pajamas might not be needed. But you can bring it anyways if you prefer.

One thing I suggest you to get ready is the car!! Make sure you have large garbage bags ready to cover the seat with and a roll of paper towels! There's quite a lot of liquid when the water breaks so it's good to put paper towels on top of the garbage bag to absorb the liquid. Also, it makes it easier to dispose and get rid of the smell. Yes, the smell!

Other than that, there's not much you can do until the day arrives. Make sure you have all the relatives informed just in case you need something they can bring it for you.

One last thing. Rest Rest Rest!!!

Odd...

I keep seeing that one has to bring items: diapers, vaseline, pads for mother etc...at the hospital, these were all provided. We were there for close to a week and did not have to worry about these items once...

As for staying overnight in non private rooms...our first room was semi private and we stayed there for two nights. Then to a private room. Each room had a chair that convered to a cot for the partner. Key is to check.

Finally, ask questions. We had to use the billybox. When we were told that our son needed to spend more time in the box and less feeding, we asked about the billiblankets...lo and behold, they had many new boxes that had never been opened...

Originally Posted by nalababe

Odd...

I keep seeing that one has to bring items: diapers, vaseline, pads for mother etc...at the hospital, these were all provided. We were there for close to a week and did not have to worry about these items once...

As for staying overnight in non private rooms...our first room was semi private and we stayed there for two nights. Then to a private room. Each room had a chair that convered to a cot for the partner. Key is to check.

Finally, ask questions. We had to use the billybox. When we were told that our son needed to spend more time in the box and less feeding, we asked about the billiblankets...lo and behold, they had many new boxes that had never been opened...

We acutally have been told to bring diapers and pads...they will have them if we need them, but we've been told to bring our own stuff.

Cot stuff - check - getting a chair tha folds into a cot.

biliblankets?? what the heck is that?

billi blankets etc....slang term probably

Children who are jaundiced will often get to spend time in a chamber with a UV light to breakdown the billirubin. The billiblanket is a blanket that has UV lights contained with in...the baby is wrapped in the blanket and gets his dosage, but can be out of the chanber for feeding or contact.

socks
your going home outfit

Off the top of my head ( 4 kids later )......

- broth soup ( in cases of prelonged labour or after a C-section )
- popsicles for prolonged labour (transport in mini-cooler ) keep in hosp fridge
- list ( with numbers ) of people to call once baby comes
- pillow & blanket, toiletries for dad if a C-section and you have to spend the night in her room or nearby
- 2 nightgowns ( if prolonged stay ) .... going home outfit for mom
- breast pads
- hand mirror - so she can see the baby's head crown
- 2 newborn sleepers
- snowsuit for winter for baby ( with hat )
- change for vending machines
- combo warm gel pack / ice pack for back pain
- snacks, snacks, snacks
- magazines
- gift for mom, gift for baby at the ready
- slippers
- extra batteries for digital cam