I read LOTS of lists of everything I should bring with me to the hospital and lots and lots of books about what I should expect..some suggestions were great ( a smuggled in sandwich) some were downright dumb (cards.. yea because anyone really wants to play go fish with a woman having contractions...) So this is it- the end all be all list of what you actually need if you are laboring in an hospital. Seriously throw away those books.
1- a Smuggled in sandwich- they won't let you eat when you are there but that is just crazy-making. During a typical labor and delivery you burn around 30,000 calories (Google) Your body simply cannot do it without food. Now I understand that there are risks to eating and that you should be mindful, but in my case I went in at 7 and was barely barely dilated- I knew I had a long day..night ahead of me so yea I ate a peanut butter and helly sandwich and you know what it was delicious and kept me from killing my husband, parents, nurses and a kindly old lady who passed me during my many hallway walk-abouts
2- Slippers. The idea of my socked feet touching the floor that has seen placenta, womb juice and let's not kid ourselves the occasional 'damn he's slippery' baby got me skeeved out. I have a foot thing- like I can't get into bed with dirty feet or socks I've worn around. So if you are ok doing that skip the slippers and wear your placenta laden socks to bed.
3- 'Nutritional' bars. I am fairly certain I can't legally name them, but you know what I'm talking about. These are more to keep hubby happy and while that’s not too high on my agenda once I'm IN LABOR-Not being in labor makes me significantly more magnanimous. Plus who wants a cranky hungry hubby!!
4- Electrolyte drink- again with the generic names, but you know it. This is again for the hubby…
4- Tennis balls in a clean gym sock. This is a dual purpose item. First off it is GREAT to use to press on that area of your back that is in so much pain you want to dig it out with a spoon. (if you never went into labor you don't know that pain but trust me- its awful so plan ahead) Second and I argue more importatly it provides the perfect blend of hardness and bounce to walup your hubby when he annoys you. The sock gives you a good handle and provides stretch to reach several more inches and the tennis balls hurt just enough to get him back in line without leaving welts.
5- Unscented massage oil- Unscented because yea you think you love the smell of vanilla now (be honest it makes you think of cupcakes) but when you are suffering through endless contractions you may hate it) Digression- this theory also applies to hubby's aftershave, shampoo, deodorant, breath.. so be prepared to make him shower and rebrush. The oil is good be/c this is the last time anyone will be nice enough to massage your aching shoulders or sausage feet. Sorry but true.
6- Birth Book- the kind that you can get your baby's footprints stamped in. You will want it but be way too tired to remember to do it on your own.
7- going home outfit for baby. Not for you just wear home what you wore to the hospital no one is looking at you anyway. But the baby- yes he/ she needs something special and WEATHER APPROPRIATE.
That's it. That is all you need. I promise you.
