What to Take to the Hospital

When we left for the hospital, I forgot to pack anything. Being in labor is uncomfortable and I wish I had had some of my “homey” things with me to make the experience easier, so here is what I wish I had taken.

• Pajamas – I spent a lot of time laying in the hospital during and after labor because I had a c-section. My own pajamas would have been much more comfortable rather than a hospital gown.
• A robe – It would have been great to have a robe while I was wandering the halls of the hospital and sitting in my room reading.
• Personal hygiene items – Don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste and hairbrush, makeup if you feel like it. I had to ask for those things, and I felt silly for not having thought to bring them along with me.
• A good bra – I was unable to breastfeed because my baby was moved to a regional hospital after birth and one of the things that you’ll need if you don’t breastfeed is a good bra to help your milk supply shut off.
• Pillow – The hospital pillow was miserable and because of that I didn’t sleep well. You’ll be experiencing a lot crazy emotions and mood swings and being able to sleep helps alleviate them a little.
• My Gameboy – I spent a lot of time alone because my boyfriend was working, and my parents were unaware that I had a baby. I ended up having my boyfriend bring me some things and this was one of them.
• A book – Another thing my boyfriend brought me.
• CDs – I wish I had had some music while I was in labor. My boyfriend slept the whole time and the labor and delivery room was way, way too quiet.
• Sandals – All I wanted to do after giving birth was get up and walk. Well, they had to make me the first time, but after that I did really want to walk up and down the hallways. I wish I had had my flip flops or slippers to wear while I was doing that.
• A folder or manila envelope – This may seem crazy but I had a bunch of documents and papers when I left the hospital that just kind of got shoved into a bag. It would have been nice to have had something to put them in so they didn’t get all bent up.
• Journal – I had a lot of thoughts that I wrote down when I got home. Writing them down in the hospital would have been ideal because they would have been fresh in my mind. I want Punkin to know how things were for me when he gets older and questions why I did what I did for him.
• A gift for baby – Whether it be a book, a baby’s ring or necklace or something hand made, a gift for baby when they go home with their adoptive parents would be a nice thing.
• My mom – Mostly I wish I had been brave enough to tell my parents about my pregnancy and that my mom could have been there with me for everything. I really could have used her emotional support and strength at a very confusing time.

These are the things I wish I had had with me when I left for the hospital. For me it was a lonely and tiring experience partly because I didn’t have things to make the hospital feel like my own.

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© Maja Hedman