Here are some things I liked having at the hospital that might not be included on a typical "hospital bag" list. In general, my advice would be to focus more on things that make your 2+ days after baby comfortable and less on stuff for the actual labor and delivery:
1) White noise machine: drowned out sounds from other people's babies/visitors and the nearby nurses station so I could sleep
2) Flip flops
3) Boppy
4) Lanolin: you know, the nipple repair ointment. Things can get pretty rough that first little while
5) Pen and paper: to jot down details about the whole experience you might forget later
6) Chapstick
7) Magazines: Did I really think I'd be in the mood to tackle The Picture of Dorian Gray in the hospital? I wasn't. I should have gone with some light US Weekly, In Touch-type reading
8) Water bottle
9) Snacks: I took trail mix, fruit leather, a few granola bars, and some fruit snacks. You're awake around the clock, so it's nice to have something to eat no matter the hour
10) Depends: maybe this is too much information, but I found Depends to be a more ummmmmm, reliable post-partum solution than the delightful mesh underwear the hospital provides. Plus you can wear them around town before baby if you fear your water breaking in a public place. Confession: I wore some to church 2 days before 2nd Brother's birth. You might have too if you were 3 days overdue and among people you see regularly.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The gory details
We are thrilled to be home with our baby boy! I think the boys will be "1st Brother" and "2nd Brother" for blog purposes now. 1st Brother has been fairly sassy and whiney to the adults in charge, but he's been fantastic with 2nd Brother and frequently asks, "How's the baby going?"
Labor and delivery couldn't have gone better. I woke up around 7:15 on the morning of the 12th with occasional contractions that were enough to make me get up and shower just in case. I started timing them around 8:00 and advised My Husband not to go to work yet. Contractions kept coming about every 7 minutes for almost 1.5 hours, so I called the hospital. They told me to come in since this was my 2nd baby and I was GBS positive (i.e. I needed 4 hours of antibiotics before delivery).
Nana and 1st Boy dropped us off, and I was admitted after they found I was 5 cm dilated with contractions continuing. I notified the nurse I was NOT trying for natural childbirth and to order the epidural. The anesthesiologist got to the delivery room within 10 minutes of us, and I had that sweet, sweet relief before things got too intense (thank goodness! My worst fear was that I'd have a crazy fast labor without time for an epidural like some friends of mine).
The next several hours were comfortable and things progressed on their own. They let me drink apple juice, which I threw up around the time my water broke at 8 cm. I threw up again around 10 cm, but twice was LOTS better than the 20-ish times I threw up with 1st Brother. I could feel pressure with the contractions after that, but it wasn't overwhelming, so they let the baby come down on its own while I rested and finished the 4 hours of antibiotics. I started pushing when the doctor arrived, and after about 5 contractions worth/12 minutes, we had our baby! (again, much better than the 2.5 hours of pushing with 1st Brother).
Most people guessed it would be a girl, and I was almost convinced although I'd only had boy baby dreams. So I was surprised but thrilled he was a boy--it's what I would have chosen for this one. We are so blessed and thankful for our new addition and appreciate everyone's support!
Labor and delivery couldn't have gone better. I woke up around 7:15 on the morning of the 12th with occasional contractions that were enough to make me get up and shower just in case. I started timing them around 8:00 and advised My Husband not to go to work yet. Contractions kept coming about every 7 minutes for almost 1.5 hours, so I called the hospital. They told me to come in since this was my 2nd baby and I was GBS positive (i.e. I needed 4 hours of antibiotics before delivery).
Nana and 1st Boy dropped us off, and I was admitted after they found I was 5 cm dilated with contractions continuing. I notified the nurse I was NOT trying for natural childbirth and to order the epidural. The anesthesiologist got to the delivery room within 10 minutes of us, and I had that sweet, sweet relief before things got too intense (thank goodness! My worst fear was that I'd have a crazy fast labor without time for an epidural like some friends of mine).
The next several hours were comfortable and things progressed on their own. They let me drink apple juice, which I threw up around the time my water broke at 8 cm. I threw up again around 10 cm, but twice was LOTS better than the 20-ish times I threw up with 1st Brother. I could feel pressure with the contractions after that, but it wasn't overwhelming, so they let the baby come down on its own while I rested and finished the 4 hours of antibiotics. I started pushing when the doctor arrived, and after about 5 contractions worth/12 minutes, we had our baby! (again, much better than the 2.5 hours of pushing with 1st Brother).
Most people guessed it would be a girl, and I was almost convinced although I'd only had boy baby dreams. So I was surprised but thrilled he was a boy--it's what I would have chosen for this one. We are so blessed and thankful for our new addition and appreciate everyone's support!
I like to call this one "Newborn on a Rollercoaster:"
My sainted mother, who will have been helping me for 16 days by the time she leaves this week:
The big brother present from Nana, a huge hit (he has also received a watch, t-shirt, 2 books and a hot wheels car--almost better than a birthday!):
Do they look alike? You be the judge (1st Brother at the top; 2nd Brother below):
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
New Baby Boy!
Well, this is "Husband". I don't really know how to do this, so I will just post some pictures. "New Baby Boy" was born today at 3:45pm. He weighed 9lbs 7oz. He is healthy, mom is doing good, and "The Boy" (we may need a new name for him, maybe "The Kid?") is very excited.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
New Baby Favs
Happy due date to me! That's right--no baby yet. I thought I might be early after I was 3 cm dilated, 50% effaced 2 weeks ago but it just goes to show you, don't get your hopes up. I have an appointment to be induced on the morning of the 13th if nothing happens.
I thought I'd commemorate today by sharing some of my favorite newborn baby products; these were all lifesavers with My Boy. I'd love to know your favorites too:
1) The Miracle Blanket: no-velcro swaddling blanket that's great at keeping those jerky little arms straight-jacketed and therefore calming baby and helping him/her sleep longer
2) White Noise Machine: also good at calming baby and helping him/her sleep. Or other family members can use it to mask noise and rest while someone else is taking a shift with the baby
3) Boppy: easily positions baby for breast or bottle feeding, which you'll be doing a lot of
4) Changing Table: I'm one of those "I don't really need that"-type people and only got a changing table because someone was giving it away. I thought I could change diapers on the floor or bed, but WOW you'll change a lot of diapers, and it's nice to have baby at a comfortable height.
5) Exercise Ball: I wouldn't call it a necessity, but bouncing on this while holding baby, especially if he/she is swaddled and enjoying some white noise, can stop crying quick
I'd highly recommend The Happiest Baby on the Block (DVD or book), Healthy Sleep Habits, Healthy Child, and a good breastfeeding book or class if you're going that route--it's not as easy as it looks.
If you live in the Bay Area, Lullaby Lane in San Bruno has tons of great stuff, including the Miracle Blanket. CitiKids in SF on Clement and 2nd Ave is pretty good too.
I thought I'd commemorate today by sharing some of my favorite newborn baby products; these were all lifesavers with My Boy. I'd love to know your favorites too:
1) The Miracle Blanket: no-velcro swaddling blanket that's great at keeping those jerky little arms straight-jacketed and therefore calming baby and helping him/her sleep longer
2) White Noise Machine: also good at calming baby and helping him/her sleep. Or other family members can use it to mask noise and rest while someone else is taking a shift with the baby
3) Boppy: easily positions baby for breast or bottle feeding, which you'll be doing a lot of
4) Changing Table: I'm one of those "I don't really need that"-type people and only got a changing table because someone was giving it away. I thought I could change diapers on the floor or bed, but WOW you'll change a lot of diapers, and it's nice to have baby at a comfortable height.
5) Exercise Ball: I wouldn't call it a necessity, but bouncing on this while holding baby, especially if he/she is swaddled and enjoying some white noise, can stop crying quick
I'd highly recommend The Happiest Baby on the Block (DVD or book), Healthy Sleep Habits, Healthy Child, and a good breastfeeding book or class if you're going that route--it's not as easy as it looks.
If you live in the Bay Area, Lullaby Lane in San Bruno has tons of great stuff, including the Miracle Blanket. CitiKids in SF on Clement and 2nd Ave is pretty good too.
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