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Saturday, November 15th, 2008
So much for one week...
So in my last blog I mentioned I was due in a week. Well that was before I went to my doctor's appointment on Friday afternoon. My doctor has decided that our baby is ripe and ready to go, so I'm going to be induced on MONDAY!!
It has quickly become even more real than before and Jim and I are coming out of a panicked stupor and into preparation overdrive. Suddenly it seems like there's so much to do.
It's expected to be a long day, I'm not very dilated yet and I will need to have antibiotics for Group B Strep before things move along too quickly.
Does anyone have any tips on things we should pack or recommendations about things to remember? Any help is greatly appreciated!!!
So much for one week...
So in my last blog I mentioned I was due in a week. Well that was before I went to my doctor's appointment on Friday afternoon. My doctor has decided that our baby is ripe and ready to go, so I'm going to be induced on MONDAY!!
It has quickly become even more real than before and Jim and I are coming out of a panicked stupor and into preparation overdrive. Suddenly it seems like there's so much to do.
It's expected to be a long day, I'm not very dilated yet and I will need to have antibiotics for Group B Strep before things move along too quickly.
Does anyone have any tips on things we should pack or recommendations about things to remember? Any help is greatly appreciated!!!
Are you going to Memorial? Carrie is working on Monday and works on peds which is also on the 7th floor. Maybe I'll have her stop in if she's not too busy.
Trying to remember what I packed, it was so long ago! I brought books, which was a mistake (I think I read 3 pages during my 4 day stay!)
I did bring a couple cd's (before I had an iPod) and did listen to them, both soothing (enya) and a little more upbeat (dave matthews). My room had a dvd player...
A robe...that was a must. I didn't get dressed the entire time I was there, favoring the super comfortable hospital gowns they gave me (plus I had a c-section, and didn't want a waistband touching my midsection). But if I wanted to walk the halls I needed to be covered up, hence the robe.
Slippers or other big comfy shoes...if you are getting an epidural (the pitocin may add in to this too, don't recall) you're feet may swell...by the time I was discharged it was like I had Fred Flintstone feet! the only shoes that fit were my birkenstocks, and I had to loosen the straps as far as they could go to get my big fat feet in there! oh, and thick comfy socks, like the spa socks they sell at Costco.
Pads. The biggest, thickest ones you can find.
my pillow. So nice to have my own pillow there with me.
Something for the baby to wear home! YAY!!!
I'll come back and edit if I think of more. I'm really excited for you, can't wait to hear all of the details and see pics!! Will be thinking about you on Monday!
LG- I will be at Memorial. Tell Carrie if she's not busy, she's more than welcome to come say hi. That'd be great.
I'm loving the suggestions, Jules!! Keep them coming! This is definitely helping me prep.
And thanks for the good vibes, Nancy!! We'll try to keep our humzoo friends updated along the way.
The only thing I brought for baby was an outfit. Everything else (diapers, wipes, tops and blankets) are supplied by them.
I didn't bring pads... they supplied those. Since you are already paying for them, take as many home as you can, especially the ones that have an ice pack inside. Before you leave, have one of the nurses show you how to make an "ice pack pad" with a newborn diaper. They are seriously the BEST thing ever. I didn't even bother with undies until I went home. I wore the fashionable mesh ones they supplied.
I brought the baby book for foot prints and was able to add a few misc items, but in all honesty, any spare time you have you'll probably be resting.
I also brought a calling card b/c we couldn't use our cell phones in our room. I printed out everyone's number before i left and made a few copies... just in case. :)
Lastly, I brought hotel sized bottles of my toiletries. The second hospital I delivered at had shampoo and conditioner, but not the first. I also brought a bar of soap and all of of necessary items. That first shower I took after baby was one of the best showers ever. lol.
Don't be afraid to ask for help, especially if you need an hour just to get some sleep. The nurses are more than willing to take the baby for you and will bring him/her back when it's time to eat.
Best of luck!
Carrie, totally forgot about the disposable underwear! I remember sneaking some home with me, they were awesome!
Camera! And make sure your battery is charged!!!!
Do you have pets at home? If you do, have your husband take one of the blankets the baby was swaddled in home before you are discharged...let the pet get used to the scent before bringing baby home and that transition will go a little more smoothly. Our pup was Lilly's bff as soon as we walked in the door!
And Carrie, you are totally right--best shower EVER, and I got to have TWO!!
I wish you the best of luck. I will be asking you for advice in about two months when I am freaking out as well!
PS- Nickie... Let Joel know that I should have rigged it so that I won! Two other people have money on Monday so I don't think I'll be winning anything. ;-)