Womb to Bloom - Maternity & Beyond

Lists of what to pack and how to prepare at home for the hospital are everywhere. They can be great guidelines to help new parents-to-be navigate a very overwhelming time. The lists are usually fairly long and comprehensive – sometimes too long and comprehensive! Talk to moms and dads who have already had at least one baby and you’ll quickly realize that some of the items on the lists are just overkill. Other essentials are often overlooked.

I have to laugh every time I see “nightgown” or “pajamas” on the standard what-to-pack lists. I’ll say this: only pack a nightgown if you don’t mind it getting stained with blood. I don’t think it’s a really big secret but when you have a baby, there’s a lot of blood. Not just during delivery. Afterwards, there’s a lot of blood. It’s not pretty and your nightgown won’t be pretty either. And forget about pajamas. While you’re in labor, nurses need “access” to check your cervix for dilation. After the baby is born, the nurses still need “access” to check your bleeding and your stitches (either episiotomy or c-section) if you’ve got any. Stick with the hospital gowns. Not cute but very functional.

So, my most-recommended “don’t forget” item is a good robe. Each time I had a baby, I just wore the hospital gowns and a robe. The first time, I hadn’t really thought about it beforehand and I packed my trusty, flannel men’s robe from college. It was about 12 years old and had seen better days. My mother was mortified that I was receiving guests, taking photographs and walking the hospital halls in the ratty old thing. Before my next baby was born, she not-so-subtly suggested to my husband that I needed a robe for Christmas. He, of course, bought a big fluffy white terry cloth one – great for the spa, not great for the hospital (see discussion re: blood above). I exchanged it for a full length, black jersey knit robe. It was wonderful. Unsurprisingly, my mother thought the black color was somehow inappropriate to wear in public. I just can’t win. Anyway…robe. That’s my hot tip.

Oh, I’ve got others too. I’ve done this a few times. My husband always packed a little A/V bag with cameras and phones and very, very important things like chargers for the digital camera, video camera and cell phones. Don’t forget to arrange for someone to pick up your other kids from school or to feed your pets. Make sure to pack elastic hair bands to keep your hair in a ponytail and off of your face during labor and delivery. Warm socks are key. It is often fairly cool in the delivery room and you won’t want to pad around afterwards in your bare feet. And don’t forget your nursing pillow either!

Veterans, mamas who have already been through the birth process once or twice, dads who have already been yelled at for forgetting something important? Womb to Bloom wants to know what you found essential. What is it that you won’t forget next time? Share your tips with new moms- and dads-to-be!