What to bring to the hospital, and what to do right before.

I know, I know..I said that i will email my insights to people who wants it. But, what the heck...who knows if it will help others. Especially for those who is so far from home. :)

Haniza's suggestions for things to bring to the hospital
(you can leave some stuff in the car so that your partner can pick up whenever):

- Birth plan (extra copies for the nurses coz they have different shifts).

- House slippers (for you and hubby/partner)

- Flip Flops/Selipar (use for and after shower)

- Robe (to knee is easier to handle)

- Sleeping gown that has buttons in front or a nursing one (get one that's longer than knee)

- Underwear and thick, overnight long pads. The hospital gave out this stretchy, disposable, latex underwear but it made me so itchy (probably due to PUPPS too) and I don't like the hospital pads coz they don't have the sticky part and move around a lot. So, right after they take of your catheter, you can use your own stuff.

- Chocolates/treats for the nurses, there's the birth, postpartum and baby nurses. (It's always nice for them to be on your side).

- Snacks for your hubby (during labor). Recharge drink for you. You can get Recharge at a Whole Foods Store. I like the grape flavor.

- Bring like loads of bottles of juices or Recharge for even after labor. You will get thirsty. Snacks that's easy to digest like agar agar is good too.

- Fav pillow from home (it might get dirty so bring extra pillowcases just in case)

- Phone/Email list (for your hubby to inform everyone the baby's arrived)

- Laptop/book for hubby. My doula discouraged me from reading emails coz she said the eye is in the same line with the womb (chinese accupuncture belief) so she said, we could bleed more if we read stressful stuff.

- change of clothes for hubby. (4 days for c section)

- Toiletries

- Car seat for baby (make sure the base is already set up)

- a fully charged camera, video cam, and a tripod. In case you want to take a photo of the three of you in the hospital.

- Clothes and blanket for the baby.
Newborn size.

- If you believe in homeopathy, you might want to get some of the stuff on this list : http://www.littlebirthkits.com/LBK_standard12.htm. I got Anica 200c.

- I brought Bio K to replenish all the good bacteria for my intestines. It's like vitagen but much more powerful. That depends on you of course.

- Brest friend pillow (it's better than a Boppy and really helps in breastfeeding the baby). You can get this at Babies R Us or Amazon.com. Ask the lactation consultant on how to use it.

Before you go to the hospital :

- Make sure your bedroom is clean and your bed is made. It's so nice to come home to a made bed instead of a messy one.

- The nursery is set up or at the very least, have the diaper station ready. Get at least 6 long sleeve sleep suits for the baby.

- Clear up your house of clutter, it really helps to have a peaceful, clutter free house.

- Figure out where you can buy food to freeze for a week. Chicken soup is great.

- Buy biscuits, fruits and snacks for your bedroom.

I pump my milk so that Kevin can help to feed her at night, it also helps me to make/maintain my milk supply. We got a small fridge in the bedroom to store the milk and my water/juices there.

- Do a major grocery run coz you won't have to do it afterwards for at least 2 weeks.

Hmm...did I leave anything else out? Suggestions are welcome. :)

-Haniza-