What should I bring???

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 9, 2006

Where are you, please? I am unsure if you are in the USA or abroad.

Here in the States, usually, you need bring only your personal toiletries and comfy clothes (if you chose not to be in hospital gowns), warm slippers/socks, and camera/video cam, etc. You also will need going-home outfit and bunting/blankets for baby, as well as a corificeat.

Also, if you are on medications you need to continue while in the hospital (like inhalers for asthma), please DO bring these with you and request they be included in your medication regimen while you are in the hospital.

We generally provide for:

Peri pads/panties for mom

Diapers/Wipes for baby as well as blankets/undershirts and a hat for baby to wear in hospital.

Pain medications for you while in hospital

Leave all your valuables/jewelry any money, etc. at home, secured there.

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 9, 2006

I forgot to say:

I wish you a healthy, safe delivery. Let us know how it goes for you. Congratulations in advance.

mumofbratz · Jan 9, 2006

Thank you, and yes I am in the US, in Iowa. What do you think aobut the extra pillows and blankets? Its just that i have read so many things on here about diffacult patients that I don't want to be one and I am afraid I am starting to get a bit paranoid about it lol.

unikuelady, RN · Jan 9, 2006

I don't think it is necessarily what to bring, but more of what to do! IMO being a good patient is one who:

Listens to my instructions

follows my instructions

asks questions - especially about plan of care/pain management/medicaitons.

asks for pain medications before the pain is out of hand.

informs me of any problems/concerns they have about their recovery.

You will be an excellent patient-and your nurse will appreciate having you:flowersfo

MissJoRN, RN · Jan 9, 2006

might depend on the hospital? I didn't think about these things and I'm adding them to my "thought" list for upcoming birth. I know my hospital has lousy pillows and the thicker blankets (vs flannel sheets/bath blankets) are at a premium. A 20 bed unit typically gets 2/day... odds of getting one aren't too good! I do like the snugness of a heavy blanket on me, for weight more than warmth. I think my own pillow will be a must... it's small but it's soft! I plan to bring my own ratty undies and skip the OB panties and may bring my own pads... I've worn our brand peri pads in "emergencies" and hated them... I'm sure I won't trust them for pp flow! No reason not to use hospital dipes and wipes, though, we automatically fill the bassinet cabinets with them as well as vaseline, etc, so why not? (and we do use top brand dipes!) I'm sure I'll bring some fav snacks and some juices (again, a low quality item at my facility! blech!) Also plan to bring a large bath towel... I like beach size at home and sure as ** won't settle for those tiny, flimsy towels we offer! (are they sure they aren't dish towels?)

sjt9721, BSN, RN · Jan 9, 2006

I asked the same questions of my LD/PP friends prior to having my daughter in September. And I gave the same reasons...I wanted to make things easier for them, didn't want to be a problem patient, etc. I was told to RELAX AND LET US DO OUR JOBS. :) My husband & I are both ED/Flight people with Type A tendencies...it was the best advice for us!

We did bring my pillow from home & a portable radio/CD player. The stretchy panties are a wonderful invention (probably by a woman!) and our Dine-On-Demand program provided me with great meals/snack. Besides, after laboring & delivering, I could have fallen asleep ANYWHERE and all I cared about was getting my arms around that beautiful little baby!

Congratulations to all upcoming parents!

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 9, 2006

Yes, extra pillows a GOOD idea...and maybe a favorite blanket/throw as well. And your cd/music player (IPOD) may be a great thing to have as well. I know I would have my Ipod w/me if I were to be in the hospital again. I know some patients bring their laptop computers so they can play DVD movies as well.

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 9, 2006

Also some suck on candy, like Jolly Ranchers and lip balm are great for dry mouth that always seems to bother people in the hospital. I could not have survived w/o these.

JaneyW · Jan 9, 2006

A lot of my patients bring their own things. I would say to bring pillows, but be careful about how many blankets. Some of my patients bring a few and they end up on the floor or piled around on chairs and really just get in the way. Also, be aware that whatever you bring may end up soiled with blood and/or baby poop. I always tells my patients to just use our stuff so theirs doesn't get yucky.

I would be careful to not to bring too many electronic gadgets--especially if you don't have private rooms!

mumofbratz · Jan 10, 2006

Thank you for all of the responses. I do plan on taking my laptop with me to play cds and so that my hubby isnt bored while baby and i are resting. All of the rooms in the hospital I go to are private so that wouldnt be a problem. I plan on taking one pillow for me and one for hubby, mainly because i have one pillow that I looove and usually can't sleep without. I also plan on bring one blanket for him and one for me just so that i have an extra one in case its too chilly for me but i doubt if i will even end up using it. the hospital I use is great and has lots of storage space for patients so clutter shouldnt be a problem. I am also taking a few things of my other kids such as a couple small framed pics and i am also taking extra snacks for when they come to visit. Gee I am only going to be there for like 3 days and it soundfs like I'm moving in.:rotfl: