A Celebration for Gompers

Specialties NICU

Published

To my fellow NICU forum posters,

As the countdown indicates, Gompers is getting quite close to motherhood!

Since we are scattered far and wide, and unable to come together to celebrate, I thought it would be fun to throw her a "cyber-shower".

Let's post our good thoughts, wishes, helpful hints, and gift ideas for her,, hubby, and the wee one. (Labor stories are strictly forbidden!)

I'll start:

My best wishes for an uneventful last few weeks of pregnancy, a comfortable labor with her loved ones at her side, a beautiful, healthy bundle of joy, and a good night's sleep before she goes home.

My gifts to the new family would include: 1. A Snuggli (I don't know how I lived without one with my first baby. My second LIVED in it, and was soooo happy and content!) 2. A CD player for the baby's room and a copy of Kenny Loggins "House on Pooh Corner", which contains beautiful lullaby music.

Breast pads. Some of my patients have enough milk to need them, some don't.

Boppy pillow. Much better than trying to arrange two or three hospital pillows. If you can find that many.

Personal phone book or list of people to call.

Cell phone AND charger (If you're allowed to use one in that part of the hospital).

Writing paper and pens.

Large envelope to keep all the important papers--footprint certificate, your copies of consent forms, scripts, follow-up info, etc.--from getting lost, scattered, or junked up. Anytime someone gives you a piece of paper, into the envelope it goes.

Q-tips for itchy ears.

Nail clipper and emery board. A nail snag is irritating enough under normal circumstances. Far worse when you're trapped for a couple of days and don't want to scratch the baby.

A back scratcher. I take mine any time I stay somewhere, even to the hospital when I stay with my grandson. I even have one in my car. Walgreens sometimes has them for a buck or two.

Our affection and support. Of course, you don't have to pack that. We're sending it with you.

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

I would take some nicer baby wipes than the hospital gives out as freebies (I really like the CVS store brand).

A do-it-yourself epidural kit??? just kidding!!!

Write our names down on an index card, stick it in your suitcase so you can take all our prayers and good wishes w/you in a very concrete way!

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Good luck hunny. Hope all goes well and safely!

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Specializes in NICU.

Don't forget to take something to keep you busy while you're waiting, if you wait. Some type of easy crossword puzzle or a coloring book or something - magazines if you like those. I am one of those types who has to be kept busy, so this helped me a lot.

Best of luck, can't wait to hear the news!

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

Speaking of hearing the news, when/how will we find out about Gompers' new arrival??

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Yeah, if everything goes well, I should be discharged on the 23rd if I end up with a c-section, the 21st or 22nd if it's lady partsl without complications. If I end up preeclamptic, who knows? I just hope that the baby is okay and can come home with me! I just packed my suitcase tonight. I'm such a freak, I even packed ready-to-feed bottles of formula because I want to use Carnation Good Starts and our hospital doesn't always have it available - usually just Similac and Enfamil. (Breast feeding most likely won't happen due to an extensive breast reduction 11 years ago.)

Such a nurse!

Hey, that makes me think...to all of you who have had babies, anything special I should pack? I've read up a bit and so far, besides the formula, I have...

Nightshirts and a robe

Socks and underwear

Tight sports bras

Flip flops to wear in the yucky shower

Post partum belly binder

My own pack of decent maxi pads

Toiletries for both DH and I

Change of clothes for DH (sweats, t-shirt, socks, boxers)

Snacks for DH and I (gotta have my snacks!)

Hair scrunchies and headbands for labor

One of those funky-shaped plastic back massagers

Altoids and lip balm (for all the heavy breathing)

Car seat with warm Bundle-Me cover is in the car

Going home outfits for baby (one pink, one green - who knows??? ;))

Digital camera with extra batteries

Suggestions???

I always took an extra set (or two) of underwear for my husband and if you're taking your own pillows, an extra set of pillow cases - loud floral ones if possible so as not to ge tin with hospital laundry.

Best wishes and may God Bless you and your little one!

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For the hospital:

You may want to bring a baby scrap book if you have one. Many times I've suggested this as the nurses I've worked with have been glad to do a set of footprints in a baby scrap book.

If you have some kind of favorite drink, I'd suggest to bring that if you have the room. If you aren't a big fan of juices and/or water, hospital Shasta may not be your cup of tea. Thinking of tea, you may want to bring some!

For home:

My gift to you would be a Moby wrap or some kind of baby sling in which you can wear the baby. Baby will be close to you, able to hear your heartbeat and you will be hands-free.

As I said in another post, I hope that all goes well, and I'm wishing you a safe and fast delivery! :)

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Specializes in NICU.

The time has come!! I'm thinking about you tonight, Gompers! (((((HUGS))))) I hope all is going well.

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Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..

{{{{{{{{{{{{Gompers}}}}}}}}}}}]] (I hear Jeopardy music ...)

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