Hospital Birth Advice

[wendyland]

I just had a hospital birth and wanted to give some of my lessons learned. Feel free to add to them.

* Limit visitors & visiting times. Maya was born on Saturday & we had continuous guests all weekend. Most people kept it short, but some kind of abused it. I finally had my husband ask people to stop coming so that we could bond better.

* During labor, make sure that you are comfortable. If there's anyone in the room that is irritating you, ask them to leave. I had this nurse come in just for delivery. I was having trouble concentrating during pushing and she was making small talk with my husband. I wanted to punch her.

* Ask for a lactation consultant to come in the first day you are there, especially if you are having latching problems or nipple pain. It's so important to get those issues resolved asap. I had nipple pain, but didn't see the consultant until my second day. By that time, I was already getting scabs & in major pain. We're doing great now.

* Try to avoid the pacifier, even if they tell you that your latch is good and that your baby probably won't have confusion. I either give her my breast or my pinkie to suck on.

* Bring nutritious snacks to the hospital. The food isn't always so great. I brought some almond bars from trader joes. they were my savior.

[momuveight2B]

Originally Posted by wendyland

. I either give her my breast or my pinkie to suck on.

LLL recommends that all of your babe's sucking be at the breast during the early months. So don't let anyone put anything into your babe's mouth.

Bring a big cup for ice water. You will be really, really thirsty.

Bring your own pillows with a bright colored or print case so they don't get lost.

Slippers or sandals to wear.

Maternity clothes to wear home I know we are all sick of wearing them but your belly won't be ready for anything else for a week or so.

[dctexan]

Good tips Wendy! Thank you for posting

[SeekingJoy]

Originally Posted by wendyland

* During labor, make sure that you are comfortable. If there's anyone in the room that is irritating you, ask them to leave. I had this nurse come in just for delivery. I was having trouble concentrating during pushing and she was making small talk with my husband. I wanted to punch her.

You are so polite. I had a similar experience with two nurses talking about shopping while the baby was crowning. I just yelled "Would you just shut up!" The room did get quiet. :

* If you want to go home "early," (at 24 hours) start telling everyone and their mother that as soon as possible.

* Even if the standard line is "this is what we always do" ask nicely, but firmly, and if you need to repeatedly, if you want something different. If it is important, just ask what you need to sign or who you need to contact. This applies to declining procedures like the eye ointment, but also to routine screenings. I was able to have the PKU and hearing screenings in my room with the baby held by me, even though the tech had to go ask permission.

[BabyDakota]

i don't plan on ever having another hospital birth!

all i can say is don't let anyone take advantage of your situation and tell you that you need this or that!
you tell them that they are there to monitor you and deliver your baby when it is time!

[artgoddess]

Bring a bribe basket for the nurses. Tape your birth plan to a basket of baked goods or other snacks, so that they can read it while they munch.