by Jordan S. Saalfrank, MSW, CD(DONA)
Lots of different magazines will give mothers a list of 'things to bring' to the hospital. Using several birth resources, as well as my own experiences as a doula in Fort Wayne, I have complied the ultimate list for birthing families who plan to birth in a birth center or hospital.
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Getting Ready for Baby
A partners list
· Visit the mother’s caregiver (Doctor or Midwife)
Getting to know the caregiver before the “big day” can help you feel more at ease during the birth and perhaps give you a stronger sense of belonging.
· Visit the hospital
Hospitals around Fort Wayne differ from the style of nursing care to the type of food served post-partum. Visiting hospitals can help to better inform you of what the facilities can offer birthing families before and after birth (i.e. water birth tubs, birthing ball, birthing suites, menu-style dining).
· Pre-register at the hospital
Most hospitals will ask that you send in some paperwork to quicken your registry process. However, don’t be surprised when you must answer some more questions after you arrive to the hospital.
· Always be reachable by the mother
Make sure mom can reach you on your cell phone or pager. If you don’t have a way to be reached easily, pagers can be rented locally.
· Review what you’ve learned in childbirth preparation classes
It can’t hurt to glance over any notes you had made during the birth preparation classes. A little re-read may help take away any anxieties that might be creeping up on you.
· Gather necessary supplies
o For the mother:
§ Massage oil
§ Lip balm
§ Toothbrush
§ Her own gown or robe
§ Bottle filled with water and frozen for lower back relief
§ Warm socks and slippers
§ Tapes/cds of favorite relaxing music and portable player
§ Personal focal point (flowers, pictures, figurine)
§ Favorite juice, popsicle or electrolyte drink and snacks
o For the partner
§ Copy of the birth plan
§ Watch with second hand
§ Grooming supplies (toothbrush, breath freshener, deodorant, shaver)
§ Food for snacks
§ Sweater
§ Change of clothes
§ Swimsuit so you can accompany the mother in the shower
§ Paper and pencil
§ Phone numbers of people to call during or after labor
§ Change or credit card for pay phone (a lot of hospitals don’t allow cell phone use on the premises.
§ Camera (still or video)
o Batteries, film tapes, audio tapes and recorder
§ Any props desired for supporting mother during labor
o Birthing ball
o Hand massager
A mothers list
· Drink plenty of fluids
The mother should drink at least two quarts of liquid a day. These liquids may include water, clear soups, and/or fruit juices.
· Stay as well rested as you can
· Switch to a high carbohydrate diet
The Birth Partner suggests that a high carbo diet benefits labor. The author, Penny Simkin, reports that during contractions the muscles require energy to work efficiently. A high carbo diet supplies glycogens to the storage in the muscle. During a contraction the glycogen converts to glucose which is used efficiently as energy. Fat diets do not convert so efficiently. As fat converts it creates byproducts known as ketones. Ketones build up potentially causing ketosis which can slow labor or, in great amounts, fetal distress. If a woman develops ketosis intravenous fluids can be given which contain dextrose (sugar) to provide energy and correct the ketosis. Always remember to consult your caregiver before any diet changes.
· Exercise
Walking or swimming are good examples of keeping up a level of fitness. Always consult your caregiver before starting any new program. The following are additional exercises recommended in The Birth Partner:
o Squatting
o Pelvic rock on hands and knees
o Kegel (pelvic floor contraction) exercise
· Prenatal Perineal Massage
· Consider keeping track of fetal movements
· Review the birth plan with support member(s)
· Gather essential supplies for the baby:
o Car seatd
o Crib, bassinet or cradle
o Bedding
o Clothing
o Health supplies
§ Fingernail clippers
§ Rectal thermometer
§ Diaper ointment
§ Baby wipes
§ Rubber bulb syringe (often given to you by hospital)
o Supplies for breastfeeding and/or formula feeding
§ Lanolin for treating sore nipples
· Choose a caregiver for the baby
· Prepare a place at home for the baby
· Plan meals ahead of time
· Plan to share responsibilities
Postpartum Belongings
· For Mother:
o Comfortable pajamas
§ Gowns that open in the front or shirts that can be easily pulled up for breastfeeding
§ Shampoo and conditioner
§ Body soap
§ Face soap and moisturizer
§ Body lotion
§ Hairdryer
§ Toothbrush and toothpaste
§ Glasses and/or contact lens supplies
§ Caregivers differ on this issue. Make sure to consult your caregiver on whether they would recommend you eating and drinking during labor or if they would like you on intravenous fluids.
§ These are helpful if you feel more comfortable wearing a bra during the day time. Otherwise you can leave the nursing bras until you get home and start your daily routine.
§ You might actually find time on your hands in between visitors and feedings. Try to rest if you can but you may like to have an activity to pass the time.
§ Most women go home from the hospital in pregnancy clothes. Don’t be surprised if you look six months pregnant when you leave. Bring loose fitting clothes or maternity clothes to wear home.
§ If you are planning to breastfeed it is helpful to have a chart to write down the time and which breast did the last feeding. Consistency in the timing of the feedings can help reduce engorgement as your milk supply comes in.
§ Bring the phone numbers of your family and friends so that you can pass the good news of your birth onto them.
o Robe and slippers
o Cosmetics, toiletries
o Snack foods
o At least two nursing bras
o Reading and writing materials, birth announcements
o Going home clothing
o Breastfeeding chart
o Address/phone book
· For Baby:
o Olive oil
§ good for putting on baby’s bottom to prevent first bowel movements from sticking
o Clothing
o Blankets and/or security items
o Car seat
§ The hospital staff is required to make sure you have a car seat in which to bring the child home safely.
