Delivery Day Packing List For the Hospital

It is a good idea to make a packing list for your hospital trip when you are getting ready to give birth to your baby. There are the obvious things you will need and your baby will need, but there are plenty of things that will make your hospital stay more enjoyable that you may not be thinking of.

One thing to put on the packing list is an ipod and some kind of docking station for it. You will not have anything to keep your mind off what is going on. There are nurses and doctors in and out of your room and you are most likely hooked up to a machine to monitor the baby and you. You need a good relaxation technique and for a lot of people that is music.

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You will remember to pack clothing, but will you know what kind of clothing will be most functional and comfortable? Nursing Gowns are a delivery day Mommy's best friend. You will not have to wear the hospital issued ripped and stained garb for one. The function in a nursing gown is great for you and for nursing. Whether you have a vaginal birth or a c-section, you will be healing and need a loose fit garment for the day and night after the birth of your baby. Stitches heal much better with air and are much more tolerable without clothing pinching up next to them. The nursing function is a must because that is essentially all you will be doing while you are in the hospital. Nursing and trying to nurse is essential for milk production in the hours after delivery.

The second day of your hospital stay is most times your last day. You will need clothing to wear home, but keep in mind that check out is a long process and lasts half the day if not the whole day. You will be more comfortable in a nursing top and some kind of fold over lounge pants than your maternity clothing. You have waited all this time to get out of that clothing right? Depending on the season, pack your most loose fitting and comfortable nursing top for all those hours of waiting you will be doing before checkout.

In case you are not comfortable in the top and bottom outfit, you may also want to consider packing a nursing dress that is suitable for public and comfortable for healing. A loose fitting casual nursing dress could be much more comfortable than pants.

Don't forget about Dad! Most hospitals don't provide too much comfort fixings for Dad to be. If you pack a sleeping bag and pillow for him, that will be more than the hospital provides. Any kind of fold up cot or small air mattress could be a big help too. It also never hurts to have a cooler of snacks on hand - for both Mom and Dad.

Delivery Day Packing List For the Hospital

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After Delivery Hospital Stay

Although the delivery of a child comes with its challenges, it is usually a joyous occasion. Therefore, congratulations if you are expecting a baby or babies. Whether you are expecting to bring the child into the world by Labor (Natural) or by Cesarean Section, there are a few things that may be helpful to know, before you enter hospital.

Length of Stay

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If you are planning to deliver by Labor, usually, after the birth of the child, you may be discharged between 24 to 48 hours (1 - 2 days). If you are planning on a Cesarean birth, the length of stay here will be anywhere from 48 to 72 hours (2 - 3 days) and sometimes a bit longer.

Supplies

You will be required to walk with some supplies. Supplies such as diaper, clothing, and grooming items. Most likely you will be given a list of things that you will need to carry. If it is legal in your area, you will be required to have a car seat so that you can take the baby home in it. Also, if you are allowed to wear your own clothing in there and you will be breastfeeding, you can wear something that will make this a lot easier.

Baby's Weight

Hospital places much importance on the weight of babies and one of the reasons for this is that it is a good indicator as to the overall health of the child. With that said, your baby will loose some of the weight that he or she is born with, before leaving for home.

Since this is the case, if you are planning to breastfeed I would recommend that you read a lot about how to do this effectively. If you will be formula feeding, read up on it as well but also, find out if you will be given some formula to feed the baby while the baby is there. Due to the weight loss, making sure that your child is sufficiently fed, will help to keep his or her weight loss to a minimum.

Time Together

Spend some "alone time" with your baby. Talk, smile and laugh with your daughter or son as you look into their face. Overall, use your unique approach as mummy, to get to know this "new," dependable and venerable person in your life.

After Delivery Hospital Stay

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Home Delivery, Hospital Delivery, Or Something Else?

You have a choice of where your child is born and in some areas of which type of health care provider will attend your birth (doctor, nurse, etc).

If you choose a hospital choose well before hand, ask questions. How good is it? Does it ensure safety and quality? Judge the hospital on its own performance. How many deliveries are done there? Who attends these deliveries? Is there a pediatrician available for emergencies? How often are cesarean deliveries performed?

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The hospital you choose should treat the entire family with respect, and be supportive of your wishes for your childbirth. Most hospitals allow fathers in the delivery room. But some do not. Be sure to ask beforehand. Ask about the hospital's "routine" choices for medication and anesthesia.

Or you might want home delivery. In many countries, delivery of children at home is the rule. The experience with home deliveries in countries like England and Holland has been excellent. But the fact that home deliveries are safe in many countries, doesn't mean that they are safe in your community or right for you.

If you find someone offering to assist with your child's birth at home, ask about his or her qualifications. Is he or she a midwife, nurse, or doctor trained in obstetrics? How many deliveries has the person done? Is he or she prepared to deal with an emergency? You should also see if there are any backup facilities available? Does the person have admitting privileges at a hospital?

In most communities, hospitals have set up comfortable, "homey" rooms for childbirth. These are called "alternative birthing rooms". In case of an emergency, the mother is wheeled down the hall to the conventionally equipped delivery room.

Home Delivery, Hospital Delivery, Or Something Else?

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