Thursday, April 26, 2012

Essentials?

With Baby Clark soon to make it's arrival - an eminent trip to the hospital is in my future.

I've read article after article of things to pack for the hospital - somethings make me wonder "would I really need/use/like that?," I probably never would have thought of, and other seem like a no-brainer.

But since there is nothing better than real advice from real people, I thought I would open it up to all the mom's I do know who have been through this before:

What were your "hospital essentials"?

I would love to know what you all liked having, wished you would have brought/left home, and what I shouldn't think of leaving without.


A quick baby update:
I went to the hospital today to check my amniotic fluid level and do the non-stress test.
Best News: baby is healthy and happy in there (and as cute as a button - the upside of these tests is getting to sneak a peak at that cute baby)
Good News: my baby was moving like a champ - an elevated heart rate almost the whole time we were there and my blood pressure looked great at 126/78 (lowest it's been for a while)
Bad News: my amniotic fluid level is even lower than it was on Monday (anywhere from 5-25 is normal and I am at 5.53) - it's not quite down to the "danger zone" but something they want to watch.

So it's back to hospital before my doctor appointment on Monday - I guess if it isn't one thing it's another, but I am still pregnant and that is good at this point. 
I am 37 weeks tomorrow - so the baby will be "full term" but I think any extra time it gets to "cook" right now will be good for it.

7 comments:

Brett and Jessica said...

Bring your pillow!
So glad to hear things are well with you and baby.

Amy said...

Here's my theory, whatever you consider essential for real life will be essential for hospital life. Snacks, chapstick, music, books, clothes (or not) mattered to me. Also a hand held mirror and my own shower stuff. But I think baby stuff is unnecessary.they'll give you diapers and wipes and onrsies for nanny too wear while there. You just need three get home stuff (blanket, clothes, car seat...) Im glad you're both doing well!

Annie said...

Can't believe this baby will be here so soon! I'm so excited for you and am glad things are still on the safe side for now. You'd think I'd have suggestions for the hospital after 3 kids, but I think my only advice is don't bring too much. I always overpack and only use like three things. Good luck!! Xo

rach & scott said...

I got some funny advice that I actually ended up really liking- I was told to bring a colorful pillowcase/pillow and a great pair of earrings. Those first pictures of baby and you are shown to everyone and go down in history books, so having a pop of color behind you and a good pair of earrings help you (the sweaty, red-faced laborer) not to look so rough. It seems vain, but it also adds a more home-y, less hospital feel to the pics. Also, bring a camera charger and a toothbrush:). And I brought a pacifier because I hate the huge, awkward green ones they have at the hospital. Everything else is dispensable or they have for you.
So excited for your little one to come! Glad he/she is looking happy and healthy:). Being a new mom is awesome (and exhausting, so get your sleep!).

Jaime said...

I like reading what other people have to say about this... I, too, felt like I took way too much. I really only used one outfit to leave the hospital in (me and baby) and a couple essentials: camera, phone/charger, toothbrush... that's all I can think of right now, but also we lived like 5 seconds away from the hospital, so if I needed anything, my husband or parents were fine to get it for me.

I'm so excited for you Jill! I'm anxious to see your little one!

Maga said...

Maybe your baby will be a Lei Day Baby--should I mail your Lei Day card early? GOOD LUCK SUPER GIRL!

Kim said...

I loved having my own pj's/robe, Normal underwear would have been nice instead of the mesh ones they give you, hair brush, own shampoo/conditioner/body wash. And something like a laptop or journal to record every labor and delivery moment. That was one of the best things I did while the baby was in the nursery. Make sure you record everything while it's still fresh in your mind otherwise finding time or remembering to do it is almost impossible when you get home. I could go on and on ;) So excited for you.