BTDT Mom's....Some Advice....

Due any second with DD #1 and all of a sudden I feel SO overwhelmed! I was organized" and well informed (as much as possible) and now I feel like I have to take a flying test blindfolded! I am sure the first few weeks I will be FULL of questions but for now if you have time I'd appreciate some help.....here are today's paranoia questions of the day LOL...TIA!

1. What were the things you didn't pack for the hospital that you wish you had?
2. Did you bring "clothing" for baby to use in hospital? Or just leave in the white onesie?
3. How did you make your 1st day home as smooth as possible?
LAST ONE I PROMISE!!!
4. Any tips you can offer as BTDT Momma's would be SO appreciated. This is a time when I LOVE this site!!

Re: BTDT Mom's....Some Advice....

1. What were the things you didn't pack for the hospital that you wish you had? I packed pretty light and didn't need much. Make sure you have comfy clothes and a sweatshirt.
2. Did you bring "clothing" for baby to use in hospital? Or just leave in the white onesie? The hosipital dressed her in a white long sleeve wrap shirt her entire stay. I dressed her in clothes I brought the day we took her home.
3. How did you make your 1st day home as smooth as possible? Enjoy it and take it slow. If you don't think you will want visitors, tell family ahead of time. Have DH get take out.
LAST ONE I PROMISE!!!
4. Any tips you can offer as BTDT Momma's would be SO appreciated. This is a time when I LOVE this site!! Expect not to get rest and to get frustrated with a new baby. That way when you do get to shut your eyes, it's a blessing. Take it slow. You won't know how to do everything, but trust your instincts. Enjoy your new baby

Re: BTDT Mom's....Some Advice....

1. What were the things you didn't pack for the hospital that you wish you had?
I listened to all the advice and boy did I over-pack. My advice would be not to load yourself down, you'll have enough things to keep track of without worrying where you left that cute nightie that you never got to wear.

2. Did you bring "clothing" for baby to use in hospital? Or just leave in the white onesie?
I had one coming-home outfit. And I would have been better off just bringing her home in the onesie and some pants.

3. How did you make your 1st day home as smooth as possible?
Hm, I don't remember so much about that - I had a c-section so we had food in the fridge and the room all ready. DH did all the diaper changes for the first week because of back pain from the edipural/hospital bed. No visitors the first day.

LAST ONE I PROMISE!!!
4. Any tips you can offer as BTDT Momma's would be SO appreciated. This is a time when I LOVE this site!!

You can plan all you want, but be ready and WILLING to go with the flow.

Re: BTDT Mom's....Some Advice....

congrats! I remember feeling the same way before my DS was born. I read so many books that my head was spinning by the time DS was born.

To answer your questions:

1. I actually overpacked and didn't use half the stuff I packed. In fact I brought my cell phone which I never used and actually lost at the hospital. The few things I used were deodorant,sweat pants, and a robe.

2. I only dressed him to go home. Otherwise he stayed in the hospital onsie the whole time.

3. Honestly the first day is kind of a blur. Dh and I just sort of winged it. I had the baby room in with me at the hospital which I found helpful and made the first night home less scary.

4. my advice is to not expect to know everything right away. It will get easier.
Good luck!

Re: BTDT Mom's....Some Advice....

1. What were the things you didn't pack for the hospital that you wish you had?
Granny panties I ended up with a c-section, and my undies cut right across my incision. DH had to go buy me granny panties

2. Did you bring "clothing" for baby to use in hospital? Or just leave in the white onesie?
I only bought a take home outfit..the rest of the time he was in the white onsie.

3. How did you make your 1st day home as smooth as possible?
What I did, I wouldn't recommend. It was superbowl sunday, and we had family & friends over. All I wanted to do was sleep, but I couldn't. DS slept the whole day, and ended up being up all night (he had his days/nights confused). So I would recommend to limit the visitors, have someone else cook, and nap when the baby naps.

4. Any tips you can offer as BTDT Momma's would be SO appreciated. This is a time when I LOVE this site!!
Sleep now while you can lol. Don't be afraid to ask for help, and don't be afraid to say no to visitors.

Re: BTDT Mom's....Some Advice....

fIRST OF...I READ EVERY BOOK IN CREATION AND nothing prepares you!!

However, dont be scared. It is hard and you are going to initially think "what did I do to my life?"----but then a few weeks later it gets better

I was on this site constantly ( i still am and DS is 23 months and I have one at 5 weeks)

Mommy instinct kicks in and I listened to myself, my ped and other mommies ....a lot is trial and error

I DO recommend reading "The Happiest Baby on the Block"--this book taught me a lot about why babies act the way they do the first 3 months and the importance of swaddling (my sanity)

Re: BTDT Mom's....Some Advice....

First of all, just know that we all felt like that!! No matter how prepared you are (or think you are) there are many things you have to learn from experience!! You will do great!!!


1. What were the things you didn't pack for the hospital that you wish you had?

Nothing!! If anything, I overpacked! When I have another baby all I'll bring is nursing tank top and pj pants to wear postpartum, comfy socks for labor, camera, blackberry, going home outfit for baby! Thats really all you need.


2. Did you bring "clothing" for baby to use in hospital? Or just leave in the white onesie?

While in hospital DD wore the shirt they supply. I changed her to a going home outfit when we left.



3. How did you make your 1st day home as smooth as possible?

We had my parents there to help but it may have been more stressful b/c we felt like we had to entertain them. Honestly, first day home order in a pizza for dinner and just lay low and tend to DD!


LAST ONE I PROMISE!!!
4. Any tips you can offer as BTDT Momma's would be SO appreciated. This is a time when I LOVE this site!!

If you plan to BF, know that it very hard at first for most Moms. Use a lactation consultant and keep at it! It gets easier with time!

Message edited 4/29/2009 10:51:55 AM.

Re: BTDT Mom's....Some Advice....

1. What were the things you didn't pack for the hospital that you wish you had?

i actually didnt forget anything with me... i had what i needed.. and i didnt over pack.. each day my DH would go home with my dirties so it was less to take home day i left

2. Did you bring "clothing" for baby to use in hospital? Or just leave in the white onesie?

i brought blanket, boppy pillow & 2 outfits to go home in (i couldnt choose before hand)

3. How did you make your 1st day home as smooth as possible?

i did NOT allow any visitors my 1st week home... this way there was no one to bother us, DH & I got to bond with our son, and there werent unexpected visitors. people came to see me at the hospital and 1 week after i came home... but i set a limit on how many people were able to see me...

4. Any tips you can offer as BTDT Momma's would be SO appreciated.

you are her mommy, dont let anyone tell you otherwise... don't let people try to tell you, do this do that, your not holding DD right, etc. just bc your a first time mommy doesnt make you less competent than a 6 time mommy.

Re: BTDT Mom's....Some Advice....

Posted by BaMBiNaBaBy

1. What were the things you didn't pack for the hospital that you wish you had?

I knew all along I wanted to BF, but left the boppy at home. I also wanted my hair dryer once allowed to take a shower. Check with your hospital about towels/toiletries and whether you should pack or not. Huntington Hospital where I delivered provided that stuff.

2. Did you bring "clothing" for baby to use in hospital? Or just leave in the white onesie?

Just an outfit to take baby home in.

3. How did you make your 1st day home as smooth as possible?

I let DH do all the cooking. I spent 75% of the day in bed. No visitors. Slept at every opportunity.

LAST ONE I PROMISE!!!

4. Any tips you can offer as BTDT Momma's would be SO appreciated. This is a time when I LOVE this site!!
Sleep when the baby sleeps. Forget about the laundry, the dishes, mopping floors, and any other household chores that "need" to get done. It will still be there later. The alternative is to lie in bed and "direct" DH on how to do all of that. Don't be afraid to ask questions, but also don't be afraid to ignore what people tell you. YOU are the only expert on your child (despite what everyone else tells you ). You will be sleep deprived. Your child will cry and you won't know why and you will become frantic trying to get DC to stop. At that moment, try to remember that every single mother that came before you had that moment, and it will pass.

The last thing, is that even at 3AM there are ladies here that can offer advice or just an ear.

Re: BTDT Mom's....Some Advice....

Posted by BaMBiNaBaBy:

1. What were the things you didn't pack for the hospital that you wish you had? the first time I wished I had brought a book to read and more clothes for me. I was in for 6 days after a c-section and DH had to keep bringing me clothes everyday after the first 2 days.
2. Did you bring "clothing" for baby to use in hospital? Or just leave in the white onesie? Winthrop actually recommends that you do not bring their own personal items b/c if they get mixed in with the hospital laundry it can be impossible to retrieve since the send out their laundry now. I had DH bring the coming home outfit the day before I was discharged to make sure it fit, etc.
3. How did you make your 1st day home as smooth as possible? I told everyone to leave us alone for a day and try to find our groove. I swear. The hardest thing was to try and settle with a ton of people around....even if their intent was to help.
LAST ONE I PROMISE!!!
4. Any tips you can offer as BTDT Momma's would be SO appreciated. If your hospital offers a newborn care class, take it...if not, then ask the nursery nurses any questions...they are a great resource. Also, do not put expectations on yourself. Just let the instinct kick in and take each day as it comes. If you have friends and family nearby, and if they offer help, call if you ever feel overwhelmed. This is a time when I LOVE this site!!

Good Luck!
ETA: I totally agree with DancingBarefoot. She gives some great advice

Message edited 4/29/2009 12:18:34 PM.

Re: BTDT Mom's....Some Advice....

1. What were the things you didn't pack for the hospital that you wish you had? NOTHING REALLY…YOU’LL NEED A ROBE, PAIR OF SLIPPERS TO WALK AROUND IN, PAIR OF FLIP FLOPS TO SHOWER IN, CHAP STICK, HAIR BRUSH, HAIR DRYER (IF YOU SO CHOOSE TO BLOW OUT YOUR HAIR), DEODORANT, BODY SPLASH OR LOTION, SOAP, FACIAL CLEANSERS, MINIMAL MAKE UP OR NONE AT ALL, TOOTHBRUSH, PASTE, CAMERA. BRING AN EXTRA SET OF PJS IN CASE YOU BLEED THROUGH. BE PREPARED TO STAY IN YOUR HOSPITAL GOWN FOR 24 HRS – ESP FOR A C. YOU CAN ALWAYS ASK YOUR DH TO BRING ANYTHING YOU MAY HAVE FORGOTTEN OR NEED FROM HOME.

2. Did you bring "clothing" for baby to use in hospital? Or just leave in the white onesie? NO. I ONLY BROUGHT AN OUTFIT TO TAKE HIM HOME IN. THE BABY WILL BE SWADDLED THE WHOLE TIME, SO YOU WON’T EVEN SEE THE OUTFITS ANYWAY, PLUS IT IS JUST MORE LAUNDRY TO DO WHEN YOU DO GET HOME.

3. How did you make your 1st day home as smooth as possible? HAVE SOME LAUNDRY DONE BEFORE HAND (NB ONESIES, PJS, BURP CLOTHS), HAVE YOUR CHANGING STATION READY (DIAPERS, WIPES, A&D, BACETRATION FOR BOY CIRCUMSION), HAVE SOME BOTTLES STERILIZED (IF YOU’RE NOT BFING), AND FORUMLA ON HAND AND PREPARED – BUT STEAL SOME FROM THE HOSPITAL! HAVE YOUR BASSINET MADE UP AND READY. EXPECT THE WORST AS FOR AS THE 1ST NIGHT. EVEN IF THEY DID NOTHING BUT SLEEP IN THE HOSPITAL, REMEMBER THAT 1ST NIGHT HOME FOR THEM IS A HUGE ADJUSTMENT TOO. THEY MAY NOT SLEEP AT ALL, BUT IT WILL GET BETTER!! BE PREPARED TO BE EMOTIONAL.

4. Any tips you can offer as BTDT Momma's would be SO appreciated. This is a time when I LOVE this site!! JUST SEE ABOVE. GO WITH YOUR INSTINCTS, AND REMEMBER THAT ALL NBs REALLY NEED AT THAT AGE IS LOVE. YOU CAN’T SPOIL THEM, SO DON’T WORRY ABOUT STARTING BAD HABITS!

Re: BTDT Mom's....Some Advice....

1. What were the things you didn't pack for the hospital that you wish you had?

I didn't pack ANYTHING - Athan came 28 days early. Chris had to run home to bring me EVERYTHING! My advise? PACK EARLY!!! And remember to bring flip flops for the shower and socks - my feet were so cold!!!

2. Did you bring "clothing" for baby to use in hospital? Or just leave in the white onesie?

Nope. Just his take home outfit. He was examined so much that it was easier to have him in the white long shirt.

3. How did you make your 1st day home as smooth as possible?

Have NO expectations and go with the flow. TRy not to get stressed out a lot. You will eventually figure your baby out. and ASK FOR HELP!!!! It's OK!

4. Any tips you can offer as BTDT Momma's would be SO appreciated.
I know everyone says this but it's so easy to NOt do... SLEEP/NAP WHEN YOUR BABY DOES!! Don't worry about the laundry or the dishes - ask your DH to help you. You will need your rest and enenrgy for your baby!!!

Re: BTDT Mom's....Some Advice....

1. What were the things you didn't pack for the hospital that you wish you had?
- Nursing Tank top! Made nursing SO much easier.

2. Did you bring "clothing" for baby to use in hospital? Or just leave in the white onesie?
- Only a going home outfit.

3. How did you make your 1st day home as smooth as possible?
- Have your Mom there if possible!
- Do NOT allow anyone to stay overnight with you and DH. Put them in a hotel if they are from OOT. My inlaws were with me for 5 days after I came home from the hospital, and it was a nightmare.

LAST ONE I PROMISE!!!
4. Any tips you can offer as BTDT Momma's would be SO appreciated. This is a time when I LOVE this site!!

- Expect NOT to sleep at all. I always "heard" that you don't sleep, but I thought the baby would eat, and then go back to sleep. NOT the case AT ALL! He ate, and then cried, ate more, cried more... We are still in that cycle 8 weeks later.

Re: BTDT Mom's....Some Advice....

1. What were the things you didn't pack for the hospital that you wish you had?
T-shirt and yoga pants- I only brought pj's and wish I brought clothes too- I had my DH go home and get some.

2. Did you bring "clothing" for baby to use in hospital? Or just leave in the white onesie?
Just leave them in the onesie- I only brought a coming home outfit.
3. How did you make your 1st day home as smooth as possible?
DO NOT HAVE VISTORS, if possible. Unfortunatly, my family lives all out of town except my brother, SIL and niece. Since my parents were here they wanted to spend time with them too. So my house was a constant party- it was so overwhelming BOTH times!
LAST ONE I PROMISE!!!
4. Any tips you can offer as BTDT Momma's would be SO appreciated. This is a time when I LOVE this site!!

Sleep when the baby sleeps
Don't worry about cleaning your house, making a meal or anything else for at least 3 weeks.
Try to take a shower and get ready every day. I did this both times and even though I didn't leave the house at first, it really helped my state of mind.

GOOD LUCK!