PS Mommies Thread!

[Jas12]

Kay--that list is pretty extensive, i think u have it covered--nix the maxi pads. You''ll need WAY more coverage than a regular pad can provide (the hospital will give you some--feels like you are sitting on a phone book, but they work!) also, they''ll give u these mesh undies to hold the pad in place (you''ll need them too and that way you won''t wreck your own) as for DVD''s/mags and stuff--personally i was in so much pain the entire time i was in the hospital i would have never been able to use any of that stuff. But i know others who were induced or had an epi did say they used them, so maybe a couple things like that would be good.
A shower was available in my room and shampoo etc. is a good idea cuz the hospital stuff was nasty.
Our hospital did not provide baby clothing, but it did provide diapers.
Lastly, i didn''t wear much of the clothing i packed (but i was discharged less than a day after the birth) i preferred to get the hospital stuff dirty--less laundry when i got home

Hope that helps some...

 

[mrssalvo]

kay, jas12 is right. I also brought my own tolitries bag with shampoo and I actually did put on my make up every day

I also brought my own towel for the shower. The hospital did have them but they were kinda of thin and not big and I just like my big plushy downy smelling towels.

you don''t need diapers for the way home either. At least at my hospital they give you a diaper bag (although not stylish) and will let you take the pack of diapers they open to use while the baby is there. They provide wipes too. I don''t think I took anything for Jake other than clothes for his pro picture they took at the hospital and his going home outfit.

 

[curlygirl]

Kay, your list is pretty good but I think you have more stuff than you need! I would nix the wash cloths, maxi pads, hemi pads, stool softeners, diapers, baby clothing besides the take home outfit (check with your hospital--ours provided shirts, hats, blankets, etc).

I can''t really comment on the cds, dvds, books because I wasn''t there long enough to need any of that. There was a nice flat screen tv in my room which we kept on all the time but it''s not like I was watching it. I didn''t bring candles or massage lotions or a birthing ball either--but I also knew that I wasn''t planning to do it unmedicated so those things would have been useless for me. I had plenty of hospital pillows which didn''t bother me but lots of people like to bring their own.

I had a shower in my room and brought all of my own toiletries. You might want to bring some flip flops or other kind of "shower shoe" for the shower. Even though it''s a hospital, they can be kind of nasty.

You''ll love the mesh panties that they give you so you don''t really have to bring your own but if you do bring some, make sure they are "granny panties". And be ready to throw them out when done! I only brought one nightgown with me that I changed into on the 2nd day. It was cheap, loose and black! You definitely don''t want to bring anything super nice in case you get "stuff" on it.

For the baby''s going home outfit, it seems like people make a bigger deal out of it than they need to! A footed sleeper is a good choice, especially if it just zips or snaps up the front because you''ll be scared of putting anything over her head with the wobbly neck! I would keep it simple. Plus, lots of people have told me stories of putting their baby in a fancy outfit only to get poop, pee or spit up on it before they even leave the hospital!

I think less is more in this case but it seems like you have a pretty good handle on it!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Q, the website is www.pediasleep.com you download it (then can burn a CD).

Kay, I would only wear gowns. They will need to check you OFTEN. After all you just gave birth. Personally I wore the hospital gown. While not stylish it was practical and I didn''t care if it got bloody. I was in the hospital for five days and only needed going home clothes for me and baby, nursing sleep bra, socks, car seat and shampoo/toothpaste/etc. My mom brought me some magazines which were a good distraction. Besides that the hospital provided EVERYTHING (diapers, onesies, blankets, pads, hemi pads, etc...)

 

[Tacori E-ring]

BTW, I am so excited. I finally found some citrine stackers. I bought 3 b/c the store is going out of business and they were *cheap*. Finally something with T''s birthstone. I''ll have to take pictures and post them when the inlaws leave.

Tessa has now learned to shake her head. Pretty funny. She does it all the time with this wicked little smile on her face. Also she is standing for longer. She''s a funny girl.

 

[lili]

Tacori
That''s too cute about Tessa''s head shaking.
And yay for standing longer.
Pretty soon, she''ll be taking her first step.
Better get the camera or camcorder ready

Can''t wait to see your citrine stackers.
And since you are posting pix, you might as well throw one in of Tessa standing

 

[sasa]

Hello Mommies, I''m dying here. follow little B''s viral infection comes teething...with fever. Today is the 4th day w/fever so we''re taking him back to the pedi tomorrow to make sure it''s not something else. I''m just so tired....he wake up @ 2am, 4am didn''t go back down until 5am and I need to get up @ 6:30am to get ready for work.

From past experience when we give him tylenol thru dropper he''ll vomit so this time we put it in his bottle. After half way thru, he vomit everything out x__x. We had to use the fever all which is a rectal suppository. How long does the teething last??? Thanks for letting me vent.

 

[Burk]

Thanks everyone for your support! I am only part time, but our assistant principal screwed up the schedule so I am still at work by 8:30 (it was supposed to be 9:30). I teach until 3, leave school and head to volleyball practice until 5:30. I think if it wasn''t volleyball season and she wasn''t having a tough time (pretty sure we''re teething) it wouldn''t be so bad. Next year I will be even more part time (teach 10:45-3) but right now is just a hard time. I keep reminding myself how much she truly loves daycare (such a social butterfly Miss T is) and that I will be picking her up at 3:30 come November. Also, I was a little bitter with my husband. He just had it set in his mind that we couldn''t survive financially without my paycheck which is crap. We would be fine without my paycheck, we would just have to change some things. But the things that would have to change would be the car he drives, the nice clothes he wears, the traveling we do, ect. and he just doesn''t get it! Moving on...

Jas12~It really was hard going back to work (both times) but honestly there was part of me that was ready to A)shower before noon B)Put on nice work clothes C)Do my hair and make-up D)have adult conversation E)have T be around other little people. Still hard, but I think tolerable...we still have a paycheck and my benefits.

Kay~Everyone is different and every hospital is different. I brought my own pj''s pants and just wore nursing tanks. I also had a hoody because it got cold. I felt more comfy in my own clothes. Up to you.

Tacori~So exciting about the bands. We''ll need pics! How is the in-law stay going? Sleeping in must be great!

Sorry -missing many-super drive-by all about me post. Internet was down this morning when I actually had time.

I''ll be back later tonight to read better!

 

[Burk]

Bobo~SO sorry for what you''re going through! Teething can be weeks, months or just days. Totally depends. I am wondering, and I think you should call your pedi about this, if Little B is reacting to Tylenol if he doesn''t have a food intolerance. I think Tylenol has traces of maybe dairy??? I can''t remember. There are moms in my support group for moms of babies with food intolerances who can''t give their little ones Tylenol because of something in it....That could be why he doesn''t drink formula well..........

 

[lili]

Diver
What's the 30day shred?
And yay for cutting 2.5lb of the baby weight!

Bobo
Ahh...poor little guy.
I have no advice regarding teething, but hope he feels better soon.

 

[sasa]

Thanks Burk, I will ask the pedi tomorrow regarding the Tylenol. I know teething can last a while but since he have fever with it and the pedi assistant said it''s not normal so I''m just sort of freak out right now...

Thanks lili!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Diver, I can''t believe I forgot! Congrats on your weight loss! That is *awesome*. How often do you do the dvd? I am glad it is working so well. I have only heard good things. I need to start b/c I am huge and gross.

Bobo, sorry to hear little B is sick. Hope he feels better soon.

Lili, I need to get a pic of her standing. I still haven''t b/c it happens to fast (and at random times).

Burk, hmmm...I am starting to get it now. You need to talk to DH before you start to resent him. If you LOVE working than that''s one thing but if you are only doing it b/c *he* is not willing to change things...well that is a whole other thing.

 

[lili]

Wow Kay,
That''s a pretty extensive list.
I agree with Jas12 and Curly about nixing the maxipads for yourself.
And nixing the diapers for baby since you can take home all the diapers the hospital have out for your baby.
The hospital will give you the super duper absorbent pads and tums pads.
You can ask them for more if you need.

I personally didn''t bring much, and even then only used a fraction of what I brought.
But then again, I was at the hospital for a day.

For labor:
Didn''t use any of the pillows we brought.

For myself:
I only used my toiletry (toothbrush, toothpaste, brush) and my change of clothes home.
Hate to say it, but I didn''t even shower until I get home.
They told me not to shower the first night.

For baby:
we just have the blanket and the carseat.
Took her home in the hospital t-shirt and diaper.
I didn''t want to change her into an outfit that would constrict her belly stump.

For hubby:
We lived about 10 minutes from the hospital, so he just went home to shower and came back.

 

[Burk]

Tacori~Thanks. DH and I did have a good talk the other night after I posted. I do love my job. I think I''ll love it even more when I''m only here for 4 hours.

I think it all just built up because DH is the reason I went to this part time schedule as opposed to the one next year and T was having some rough nights. I really do have it pretty good.

Bobo~Keep us posted! YOu two have been through it all with poor little B!!! Do mention to your pedi about intolerances.

 

[TravelingGal]

Hi gals!

In San Jose airport. Up and down for a trip in the same day. Hate being away from the kid.

More later...lots to catch up on, but for now, I''ll start with the easy reply...Kay''s list.

Date: 9/17/2008 10:37:28 AM
Author: Kay

Tgal, Amelia is so cute in her “disguise.” Thanks!

General/entertainment:

Admission forms and insurance card
Digital camera
Laptop, DVDs and CDs
Cell phone
Books (I''d nix this - will only add weight. If your hospital has wireless - mine did - you can do all your reading on the computer.)
Snacks (yes, but you don''t have to pack a ton...your DH can always run out and get more.

For labor:

Birth ball (weighted Pilates ball)
Massage oil
Wash cloths don''t need
Hard candies
1-2 pillows one pillow is fine...unless you are talking about one each.

Personal care items:

Hand lotion
Face wash & moisturizer
Toothbrush, toothpaste & floss
Hairbrush – will I need shampoo? (Not sure whether showers are available.)shampoo and conditioner was SO nice to have...it feels good to take that first shower.
Shower gel? don''t really need it IMHO
Contact supplies & glasses
Hair clips and pony tail holders
Chapstick (don''t forget this...a must!)
Maxipads, hemi pads, stool softeners – do I bring my own, or does the hospital provide these items if they are needed? (as the others said, no.)

Clothing:

Nursing nightgown or PJs – I guess a gown would make it easier for doctors and nurses to do check-ups, but PJ pants give more coverage wear the hospital gown. I was at the hospital for SIX days and got sick of it so I had a nursing gown, which was nice, but really not necessary. I only used it once things got less sloppy.
Robe? (No, but a zippered sweatshirt or something is nice to have as it gets cold.)
Slippers & socks
Comfy outfit for going home just make sure it is not prepreggo.
Nursing bra or tanks (don''t really need this until you get home, IMHO, but I have smaller boobs.)
Nursing pads
Underwear (don''t need these, but if you bring them, make sure they are HIGH waisted grannies, in case you have a c-section.)

Change of clothes for DH

For baby:

Carseat (make sure you have enough receiving blankets to get a snug fit, or a snuzzler if you are not opposed to using one in the carseat.)
Going-home outfit, including hat, socks and mittens
Diapers – just for the trip home, or do I need to supply them for the days we are in the hospital? (no, don''t need)
1-2 receiving blankets

Do I need baby outfits (sleepers, Ts, etc) for all the days in the hospital (could be 1-4 depending on how L&D goes), or does the hospital dress her?

For a going home outfit, did most of you go with something simple like a footed sleeper, or something a little fancier (for the photo op)? I have a cute outfit with a pink knit sweater, pants and hat with embroidered flowers, but maybe I should save that for another occasion.

Am I missing anything?

Re: Photo Op that the hospital takes...honestly, IMHO, DO NOT DO THIS! It''s SUCH a scam. The "volunteer" at our hospital was very insistent. The pics are usually meh, and they are expensive. The company that processes the pictures has a lot of complaints with the BBB. What they do is send you the pics and say you need to return them within 10 days or pay the fee. OK, what new mom has time to post the pics back within 10 days? They actually do give you more time, but if you don''t do it within a couple of months, they start sending collection threats. Also, if you DO return the pics, they will not refund the shipping charge it cost to send the pics (something like 7 bucks), so you still have to send them money. I sent them a nasty letter and I haven''t heard from them again, so I think they refunding the shipping too. You''ll also be on their mailing list unless you ask to get off it. The volunteer did not explain any of this to us, and my husband read the fine print so I can''t say for sure what is there. But it is not worth it.

Oh, and the volunteer shoved her finger down my baby''s throat to get her to smile. I couldn''t believe it. I told her leave it, we were done. I had told her I didn''t care for pics during my stay there, but she kept insisting and I finally did the shoot the morning when we were leaving. Tell them to leave you alone...you will have enough people coming through when you are trying to get precious sleep.

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 9/17/2008 5:25:44 PM
Author: TravelingGal


Re: Photo Op that the hospital takes...honestly, IMHO, DO NOT DO THIS! It''s SUCH a scam. The ''volunteer'' at our hospital was very insistent. The pics are usually meh, and they are expensive. The company that processes the pictures has a lot of complaints with the BBB. What they do is send you the pics and say you need to return them within 10 days or pay the fee. OK, what new mom has time to post the pics back within 10 days? They actually do give you more time, but if you don''t do it within a couple of months, they start sending collection threats. Also, if you DO return the pics, they will not refund the shipping charge it cost to send the pics (something like 7 bucks), so you still have to send them money. I sent them a nasty letter and I haven''t heard from them again, so I think they refunding the shipping too. You''ll also be on their mailing list unless you ask to get off it. The volunteer did not explain any of this to us, and my husband read the fine print so I can''t say for sure what is there. But it is not worth it.


Oh, and the volunteer shoved her finger down my baby''s throat to get her to smile. I couldn''t believe it. I told her leave it, we were done. I had told her I didn''t care for pics during my stay there, but she kept insisting and I finally did the shoot the morning when we were leaving. Tell them to leave you alone...you will have enough people coming through when you are trying to get precious sleep.

tgal, your experience was completely different than the folks who do the pics at the hospital where I had my kids. They bring you the little flyer with pricing and you are 100% correct that it was expensive but then you set up a time to take the baby to the ''studio'' for the pic. then you get to look them over on their computer and select which one''s you want and they bring the developed pics to you b/f you leave the hospital. I think I ordered the cheapest package which was $40 or so. There was no pressure at all to do it and I loved having the pics done in the first 24 hours. So I didn''t regret it at all. They were all very nice and didn''t even touch jake. he was asleep and I laid him on the little pillow/prop thing they have.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

TGal, my photo thing was also so different than yours! I posted the pics before and thought they were cute (even though she looks 100% different now). They gave us "proofs" like when you had school pictures done and then you could order than or not. I had a hoodie too and that was also nice.

Kay, totally forgot I did bring my own pillow and a comfy blanket. I had complications so that blanket was so nice to have (when my fevers would break). I was examined non-stop but maybe it is different for "routine" births.

Re nursing bras: I got my milk while I was still in the hospital and my boobs were *huge*. It was nice to have a little support.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Just wanted to let everyone know about the Simplicity Brand Drop Side Crib recall. Hopefully none of you have it! Putting together a crib is such a PITA!

 

[qtiekiki]

msb
So sorry you had to deal with the guy when K is in the emergency room. You were much nicer than I would''ve been. Glad K is feeling better. It must be hard for you to see him all scratched up.

lili
In the beginning, M was doing pretty well with MIL. I think it''s because MIL had been taking care of her when I eat lunch and dinner. So when we left her with MIL, she probably just thought it''s like any other night. M had her milk and went to sleep at around 8:30pm (that''s when DH called to check on her). When we got home, MIL told us that she woke up 15 min later and started crying. She cried until we got home at 9:30ish. I talked to her while MIL was holding her, then I went to wash my hands. MIL said as soon as I walked away, she pouted her lips and was about to cry again. That night she didn''t sleep til 11pm, and she kept opening her eyes like she was checking to see if I was still there. Then I said to DH "See, that''s why I don''t like to leave her." Because he also says to leave her with MIL while we run out to the stores or to eat, but I had refused.

Diver
That''s a scary incident. Glad Jake wasn''t hurt.

How''s D doing with milk? the fruit helps clear thing up?

Yay for getting the baby weight off.

Jas12
Yay for 5 hrs of sleep.

So funny that you want to get all the details on your friend''s ring. I do too when someone I know get engaged, but I never asked because I''m not that close with them.

Curly
Can''t believe you are 38 weeks already. Good luck with the delivery.

Tgal
Seriously I haven''t to leave her alone with DH yet.

Burk
Aww, is Tayva doing better? It must be so hard on you. I am trying to prepare myself for when I go back to work in November, and I am already having a hard time.

Kay
I agree with what other have suggested/nixed.

Clothing:
I bought everything you listed under clothing except the robe and going home outfit, and I didn''t use any of them. I just stayed in the hospital gown (much easier when you are learning to breastfeed and need to breastfeed every 2 - 3 hrs). I think you will need the nursing tank/bra to hold the nursing pads if you are leaking. I wasn''t, so just hospital gown for me. I wore the dress I went in with home. You will definitely need the slipper; I just didn''t use mines because I wore flip flops to the hospital and totally forgot I picked flip flops for the hospital.

Clothing for baby:
Our hospital puts the baby in a long sleeves top and diaper, and wrapped with receiving blanket. So she stayed in those when we were in the hospital. We brought a going-home outfit and did the whole picture thing since there''s no pressure to buy/order and we could order the pics online after we get home. If you are not planning to get pics taken at the hospital, then you really don''t need to going-home outfit.

Tacori
Thanks for the website.

It''s so cute that Tessa is shaking her head. She''s learning something new every day.

BoBo
So sorry that you have to handle little B going through so much at once. Hope the fever will ease soon.

I heard that you shouldn''t put medicine in formula because the baby might associate formula with medicine and refuse to drink the formula.


My parents were in town to attend the wedding on Sunday, and they stayed til Monday. I took them to visit my SIL and our new baby nephew since he will be having his one month celebration this Sat and my parents wanted to give him a red envelope. Meena is exactly 4 weeks older than him, and I can''t believe how big she is next to him. I will have to take a pic of them together this Sat.

 

[qtiekiki]

Have any of you hear of the Brevi Slex High Chair? I stumbled upon it when I was reading a Hong Kong based parenting forum. I was wondering if it''s any good.

 

[TravelingGal]

phew, glad to hear that other hospitals do it a lot better! Ours was awful. No studio, just a moving camera/table with some colored liner paper that they lay them on. Truly truly bad. Wonder if this is only LA area hospitals or just the one Amelia was born at. Too bad my experience wasn''t more like yours!!!

 

[sasa]

got back from the pedi. He ordered a blood test and I will call him later tonight since he is on call at urgent care center. But little B is not doing too well...his fever shoot up to 101.6 after we got home. I cried my eyes out with him while he was getting his blood drawn. The whole office staff was infront of us trying to comfort both the baby and the mom...how embarrasing

 

[TravelingGal]

Oh bobo, my heart goes out to you. I will keep little B in my thoughts.

 

[Burk]

Bobo~So sorry for what you are going through. I can relate to sick baby. It''s physically and emotionally exhausting. I wasn''t able to be in the room when they drew T''s blood when she was so sick. I stood in the hallway crying. You''re a stonger woman than me! Hang in there. Keep us posted.

 

[Burk]

QT~Sorry M had a rough time when you and DH were out. It''ll get easier. As for being back to work-still not easy, but easier to tolerate. I cried every day I dropped T off at daycare the first week. At least I don''t cry any more!

How old will M be when you go back?

 

[TravelingGal]

OK, catching up now...

Burk, I am sorry you are feeling a bit depressed. I wish I had the right thing to say but sometimes the only thing I can offer is commiseration and sympathy. Don''t feel guilty though...we all do what is best for our children.

And I agree with Tacori...maybe a talk with DH is in order. Those things you mentioned are a small sacrifice if it meant Tayva would have the pleasure of your company 24/7. Honestly, even though I''m home, I HATE that I''m working. I like my nanny, I really do. But I wonder, how much will she influence my child? And will it be in ways I won''t like? Will Amelia view ME differently because she has multiple provider figures in her life? Sometimes I feel like a control freak - wanting to be the one to call all the shots in raising Amelia. Then I breathe a sigh of relief when I realize I''m not THAT much of a control freak because I''m still OK doing my best the way things are right now.

Jas, I hope things keep improving for you. I thought about what I said and hope I didn''t appear insensitive by saying I slept 12 hours and still felt tired when you''re hoping for 5. I was just trying to say that we moms just can''t seem to get enough sleep! I don''t think a day has gone by since Amelia was born where I felt 100%...close maybe, but not quite there. Maybe it''s because we know that our little ones depend on us so much. Still, I wouldn''t trade it for the world, and I am guessing all you other moms wouldn''t either. As for the conversation, it was a lot of things....easy going chat, heated debate, walks down memory lane, and just all around nice to talk about our adult life.

lili, I''m thinking we live closer to each other than we previously thought. Hm...wonder if I will run into you and Jadie around here someday.

Curly, glad to hear about your night out! Great time to go as you are about to be supermom of two. Hee hee. Can''t wait to meet her!

Tacori, hope things are going well with the visit! And please don''t talk to me about huge and gross. I had the lady at the chinese restaurant ask me when I was expecting. I told her I was in my 5th trimester.

Diver, badabing! You''re going for hot to hotter eh? Congrats on the 2.5!

Nothing new with me. Just went up and down to San Jose for a business meeting. In the old days I would have stayed and maybe called up Mara for a GTG. But with the kid, I just wanted to get there and back as quickly as possible.

 

[fisherofmengirly]

Aww, I popped in looking for new pictures of cutie pie babies. There aren''t any new ones.

I''ll keep checking in.

Everyone has such adorable babies. I love the bald ones, the ones with curly hair, the ones with hair that sticks up in all directions. I love them all!

 

[divergrrl]

Bobo: Ohhh honey, it''ll be ok. I''m sorry he''s sick. And if its any consolation, 101.6 is not unusual. Baby fevers don''t even start getting hospital ready until 104 or so. Just try to cool him down with cool wet washcloths & give him lots of fluid & alternate tylenol & motrin every 3 hours.

(hugs)

Burk: ugh, you sound sooo busy. I''m sorry!!!

Lili: its Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred & you do it EVERY DAY for 30 days. Its a QUICK 20 min workout, so its totally doable, but I''ve been fighting this baby fat for 3.5 years now & this is the first thing that has gotten it to budge. The brides on BWW here were talking about it & I ordered it. Love it! Have 23 days left!

Hospital pics; ok, I guess I missed this..my hospital didn''t even offer this! I know no one here who does! of course I spent about $500 bucks having a fancy private baby photographer do fabulous pics of Jake when he was 10 weeks old. (I didn''t find her early enough to do newborn shots) and she did D''s shots at 10 weeks too. (I wanted them to be the same..lol)

 

[qtiekiki]

Tgal or lili
Is this how the back of the hair clip looks like?
Thanks

 

[lili]

Quick response to QT.
Be back to read more tomorrow morning.

Yep, that''s how the back of the clip is.
Is that your creation?
I''d love to see the front.