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A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
Posted by Tilde
Posted by NervousNell
Here is another dumb question:
What is this squirt bottle and spray that you all speak of?
Or do I not want to know? 
nooooooooooooo dont ask
doooooooont do it
It sounds very SCARY. Whatever it is...
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Posted 1/11/10 3:17 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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Atlast07
2 Girls and 1 Boy!
Member since 7/07 3504 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
Thanks for the info!
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| Posted 1/11/10 3:43 PM |
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Lara&Aidansmommy
For mom i miss u ETC ILOVEU
Member since 3/07 13921 total posts
Name:
ETC I LOVE YOU
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by Tilde
Posted by NervousNell
Here is another dumb question:
What is this squirt bottle and spray that you all speak of?
Or do I not want to know?
nooooooooooooo dont ask
doooooooont do it
It sounds very SCARY. Whatever it is...
 just gave birth 3 weeks ago the squirt bottle is not scary hahahhahahahah you squirt down there to clean the area..it actually makes you feel cleaner  it is just a regular squirt bottle
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| Posted 1/11/10 3:52 PM |
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Alex110879
craziness
Member since 8/06 3762 total posts
Name:
Alexandria
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
Posted by medic6809
Emmy is now 17 day sold and I have a few words of wisdom if you would like them...
LABOR-BEFORE YOU LEAVE
EAT something before you go into the hospital. I did not and it was almost 48hours before I could eat. I had dinner Wed. night and my water broke on Christmas Eve at noon before my lunch date so I was STARVING after I had her.
Try to relax and stay calm. I showered, changed into a track outfit and repacked my bag(more on that in a minute), and relaxed at home for about an hour before we left.
HOSPITAL BAG
This is what I took and used and wish I had taken..
coming home track outfit
2 tank tops
2pairs undies- HUGE sized granny panties
toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, body lotion
Slip on slippers
MP3 player
Phone list with ALL names and numbers
Cell phone and charger
Laptop and charger
1 pair nursing pj's
Pillow
WISH I HAD PACKED(keep in mind Emmy was in the NICU for 4 days and I had a nice vaginal delivery so I was mobile right away)
Coca-Cola- this is another story but if you have an epi I suggest 2-3 24oz cokes or another caffeinated beverage
2-3 more tanks that had a shelf bra or nursing tanks
2 pairs sweat pants or yoga pants
Sweatshirt
Heating Pad
LABOR-DURING and DELIVERY
Do WHATEVER they suggest even if you're exhausted...It is worth it to do different positions. I LOVED the birthing ball and being on all 4's.
Don't be a hero. After 13hrs on Pitocin and being up for 24 hours and 2 shots of Nubian I took the epi and it helped me dilate from a 4 to a 10 in under 3 hours! 
If you have back labor the birthing ball along with firm pressure/back rubs over your lower back helped bring the pain/pressure from a 10 to a 2 for me, also with back labor the pressure is NOT relieved by the epi and it s*cks.
DO NOT push until they tell you, and TRUST me you will KNOW when you have to push. It is the most INTENSE urge you have EVER felt.
If they can numb you for the crowing and delivery "down there" DO IT! It was 2 quick pokes and I felt NOTHING when she came out!
LABOR-AFTER
Relax for a bit and then get up! You will bleed and feel crampy and so on, but the shower is a LIFESAVER!!!
EAT!!
Steal(accidentally place in bag) some fabric bed pads they put under you. These will help when you are leaking like a faucet at home and save you nightly/daily linen changes.
RECOVERY
Try to rest as much as you can, but understand this is hard to do.
EAT and DRINK as much as you can!
Hot showers, heating pads, Motrin and back rubs help with the aches and pains you will feel. Pushing is a hard thing and wears you out emotionally and physically.
Take the Motrin as prescribed for the first 2-3 days. I really helps
Use the squirt bottle, antiseptic pray and hospital pads...they work well and help.
Take the stool softener and do NOT fret about poop. It will not be to bad.
Try to be open minded about feeding. I was going to EBF but Emmy would not latch, would not eat and went to the NICU. I told them to give her formula and a pacifier to encourage sucking. At that point my ONLY concern was her eating, gaining weight, regulating her blood sugar, and getting her discharged.
Take ALL the help that is offered and when people call to come over and ask if you need anything TELL them what you need. I was very open about needing Pop, dinner, preemie diapers, preemie clothes, and anything else.
I was lucky Joe has been home for 2weeks and has taken night duty so I can sleep for 4-6hors at a time, but beware if you are pumping/EBF you WILL leak everywhere and be SORE SORE SORE when you wake up.
All in all my experience was not bad and I hope some of this can help you ladies...feel free to add other things you have found if you have BTDT!!!
having gone through it 4 days ago, i definitely agree...
one thing i want to add is for those who have their heart set on a private room, really rethink it alittle... and i know you may think i am crazy BUT i have had one, not by choice, for both of my babies... and while it is nice to have the privacy, you are alone with your baby... so when you have to go to the bathroom you either have to go with the door open or leave you baby in the room alone... while peeing is a quick process, that first poop is not... and since i had the baby in the room with me 24/7 (again not by choice) i then had to worry about falling too deep into sleep
i honestly wish i could have sent the baby to the nursery the first night.. and really, as much as i plan on ebfing this baby, that first night i would 100% let him give them a bottle of formula because that first night of sleep is 100% more important...
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| Posted 1/11/10 4:04 PM |
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
Here are a few answers to the questions...
The eating thing.....If it's schedualed then follow your docs advice, but by the time they decide to do a c-section after you have tried for a vag birth it's been HOURS and you WILL be starving!
Squirt bottle and spray...it's a clear plastic bottle you fill with warm water and squirt down there for the 1st couple of days to ease the sting of the urine. It feels REALLY REALLY good! It also helps to keep you "cleaner" The spray is an antiseptic numbing spray that you spray after you pat yourself dry and before you lift your pad, ice pack and panties up...Oh ya ASK ASK ASK for the ice packs. They help sooooooo much!
Blow dryer....I have short hair, but honestly I would have done my hair if I had it longer. I did wear minimal makeup while there and it helped me feel human. I also, like said earlier, had a very good recovery and only 1 stitch so I guess i'm an exception rather then the majority. HTH
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| Posted 1/11/10 4:51 PM |
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MaMaTeenie
Party of 5
Member since 4/08 6489 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
These are all very good tips you are sharing with everyone. ITA agree with the coke, except for me it was water. Anyone who came to visit me was told to bring bottles of poland spring. I can't drink unfiltered water anymore and that's all the hospital had. Take anything you can! Extra formula, diapers.....whatever. Only thing I disagree with is the stool softener. I will NOT be taking that this time. When I had DS they made me take one and a laxative, I tried to tell the nurse I react very easily to such things, but she insisted......needless to say that night around 2 in the morning, I had to go, couldn't get out of bed fast enough..... Didn't make it  then I was too embarrassed to call the nurse for help. Only saving grace was that I had those hospital underwear on which contained the mess. All I can say is know your body and stick to your guns. Don't be pressured to do anything you don't want to. Have the contact your dr if necessary.
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| Posted 1/11/10 5:10 PM |
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Dani77
It's FUN to be ONE
Member since 7/09 4363 total posts
Name:
Danicia
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
Thanks sooo much for sharing!!
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| Posted 1/11/10 5:14 PM |
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Cpt2007
A new love!
Member since 1/08 5946 total posts
Name:
Liz
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
this is so helpful. thanks!!! 
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| Posted 1/11/10 5:17 PM |
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LML
Twins!
Member since 10/09 1320 total posts
Name:
Laura
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
I just bookmarked this thread. Thank you so much for the advice.
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| Posted 1/11/10 5:19 PM |
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
Posted by MaMaTeenie
These are all very good tips you are sharing with everyone. ITA agree with the coke, except for me it was water. Anyone who came to visit me was told to bring bottles of poland spring. I can't drink unfiltered water anymore and that's all the hospital had. Take anything you can! Extra formula, diapers.....whatever. Only thing I disagree with is the stool softener. I will NOT be taking that this time. When I had DS they made me take one and a laxative, I tried to tell the nurse I react very easily to such things, but she insisted......needless to say that night around 2 in the morning, I had to go, couldn't get out of bed fast enough..... Didn't make it then I was too embarrassed to call the nurse for help. Only saving grace was that I had those hospital underwear on which contained the mess. All I can say is know your body and stick to your guns. Don't be pressured to do anything you don't want to. Have the contact your dr if necessary.
The Coke is for the epi because she missed the 1st try and they said to drink a BOAT LOAD of caffine to reduce the risk of a spinal headache. I got it anyway and had to go to the ER for a blood patch. I swear the headache and muscle spasms were worse then labor.
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| Posted 1/11/10 8:05 PM |
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jgl
Love my little boys!!!
Member since 8/07 7060 total posts
Name:
g
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
Posted by kahlua716
Notebooked!!
Thanks so much!
same
thanks
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| Posted 1/11/10 8:12 PM |
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Kristin616
Member since 8/06 3595 total posts
Name:
Kris
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
Posted by Alex110879
Posted by medic6809
Emmy is now 17 day sold and I have a few words of wisdom if you would like them...
LABOR-BEFORE YOU LEAVE
EAT something before you go into the hospital. I did not and it was almost 48hours before I could eat. I had dinner Wed. night and my water broke on Christmas Eve at noon before my lunch date so I was STARVING after I had her.
Try to relax and stay calm. I showered, changed into a track outfit and repacked my bag(more on that in a minute), and relaxed at home for about an hour before we left.
HOSPITAL BAG
This is what I took and used and wish I had taken..
coming home track outfit
2 tank tops
2pairs undies- HUGE sized granny panties
toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, body lotion
Slip on slippers
MP3 player
Phone list with ALL names and numbers
Cell phone and charger
Laptop and charger
1 pair nursing pj's
Pillow
WISH I HAD PACKED(keep in mind Emmy was in the NICU for 4 days and I had a nice vaginal delivery so I was mobile right away)
Coca-Cola- this is another story but if you have an epi I suggest 2-3 24oz cokes or another caffeinated beverage
2-3 more tanks that had a shelf bra or nursing tanks
2 pairs sweat pants or yoga pants
Sweatshirt
Heating Pad
LABOR-DURING and DELIVERY
Do WHATEVER they suggest even if you're exhausted...It is worth it to do different positions. I LOVED the birthing ball and being on all 4's.
Don't be a hero. After 13hrs on Pitocin and being up for 24 hours and 2 shots of Nubian I took the epi and it helped me dilate from a 4 to a 10 in under 3 hours!
If you have back labor the birthing ball along with firm pressure/back rubs over your lower back helped bring the pain/pressure from a 10 to a 2 for me, also with back labor the pressure is NOT relieved by the epi and it s*cks.
DO NOT push until they tell you, and TRUST me you will KNOW when you have to push. It is the most INTENSE urge you have EVER felt.
If they can numb you for the crowing and delivery "down there" DO IT! It was 2 quick pokes and I felt NOTHING when she came out!
LABOR-AFTER
Relax for a bit and then get up! You will bleed and feel crampy and so on, but the shower is a LIFESAVER!!!
EAT!!
Steal(accidentally place in bag) some fabric bed pads they put under you. These will help when you are leaking like a faucet at home and save you nightly/daily linen changes.
RECOVERY
Try to rest as much as you can, but understand this is hard to do.
EAT and DRINK as much as you can!
Hot showers, heating pads, Motrin and back rubs help with the aches and pains you will feel. Pushing is a hard thing and wears you out emotionally and physically.
Take the Motrin as prescribed for the first 2-3 days. I really helps
Use the squirt bottle, antiseptic pray and hospital pads...they work well and help.
Take the stool softener and do NOT fret about poop. It will not be to bad.
Try to be open minded about feeding. I was going to EBF but Emmy would not latch, would not eat and went to the NICU. I told them to give her formula and a pacifier to encourage sucking. At that point my ONLY concern was her eating, gaining weight, regulating her blood sugar, and getting her discharged.
Take ALL the help that is offered and when people call to come over and ask if you need anything TELL them what you need. I was very open about needing Pop, dinner, preemie diapers, preemie clothes, and anything else.
I was lucky Joe has been home for 2weeks and has taken night duty so I can sleep for 4-6hors at a time, but beware if you are pumping/EBF you WILL leak everywhere and be SORE SORE SORE when you wake up.
All in all my experience was not bad and I hope some of this can help you ladies...feel free to add other things you have found if you have BTDT!!!
having gone through it 4 days ago, i definitely agree...
one thing i want to add is for those who have their heart set on a private room, really rethink it alittle... and i know you may think i am crazy BUT i have had one, not by choice, for both of my babies... and while it is nice to have the privacy, you are alone with your baby... so when you have to go to the bathroom you either have to go with the door open or leave you baby in the room alone... while peeing is a quick process, that first poop is not... and since i had the baby in the room with me 24/7 (again not by choice) i then had to worry about falling too deep into sleep
i honestly wish i could have sent the baby to the nursery the first night.. and really, as much as i plan on ebfing this baby, that first night i would 100% let him give them a bottle of formula because that first night of sleep is 100% more important...
I know people complain about having a roomate, but I had two great girls! I actually keep in touch with one. She had the same OB and lives one town over. I hit it off with both roomates. For a two night stay I really do not see the need to pay for a private room IMO you do not sleep anyway. Least I did not
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| Posted 1/11/10 8:41 PM |
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Alex110879
craziness
Member since 8/06 3762 total posts
Name:
Alexandria
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
Posted by Kristin616
I know people complain about having a roomate, but I had two great girls! I actually keep in touch with one. She had the same OB and lives one town over. I hit it off with both roomates. For a two night stay I really do not see the need to pay for a private room IMO you do not sleep anyway. Least I did not
yeah, i was so excited when they told me i was going to be in the regular population and share a room... and then infection control changed their minds last minute (i was an mrsa carrier)... to be honest the private room can be kinda lonely... and when you are wide awake a 4 am with nohing on tv, it is much better to be wide awake with someone else
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| Posted 1/11/10 9:31 PM |
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Kristin616
Member since 8/06 3595 total posts
Name:
Kris
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
Posted by Alex110879
Posted by Kristin616
I know people complain about having a roomate, but I had two great girls! I actually keep in touch with one. She had the same OB and lives one town over. I hit it off with both roomates. For a two night stay I really do not see the need to pay for a private room IMO you do not sleep anyway. Least I did not
yeah, i was so excited when they told me i was going to be in the regular population and share a room... and then infection control changed their minds last minute (i was an mrsa carrier)... to be honest the private room can be kinda lonely... and when you are wide awake a 4 am with nohing on tv, it is much better to be wide awake with someone else
the worst was they closed our doors at night. Funny b/c both nights by 3:30am we were wide awake talking till the babies came in at 6am.
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| Posted 1/11/10 10:19 PM |
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3monkies
Love my babies
Member since 10/09 1181 total posts
Name:
Sharon
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
BUMPING for GabbyGirl855
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| Posted 2/4/10 8:41 AM |
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CoutureMaMa
nicholas is one!!
Member since 9/07 6081 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
Bump.
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| Posted 8/14/11 9:27 PM |
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aliwnec10
mom of 3 boys
Member since 4/06 11426 total posts
Name:
Ali
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
Posted by NervousNell
This is awesome and much appreciated!
Here is a silly question I was thinking about this weekend after washing my hair.
So you shower after the delivery, wash your hair, etc- then what? I don't see anyone packing a blow dryer. I'm not crazy enough to think I'll do a full on blow out on my hair at the hospital but I can not STAND the feeling of a wet head. It skeeves me to no end.
Did anyone just blow dry their hair a little bit to get the wetness out?? Is that insane?
i brought my blow dryer. No way i was leaving that baby home!
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| Posted 8/14/11 9:50 PM |
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TryingSoHard
I know there's angels watching
Member since 4/11 1725 total posts
Name:
Marissa SugaBeans
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Re: A few words of wisdom for labor, hospital bag, delivery, and after
Thanks for BUMPing this. I never saw it and it was very informative.
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| Posted 8/15/11 2:29 PM |
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