I just noticed a Facebook message requesting advice for the hospitalization. I found this on my notes I took when I was preparing for my first. Hope it helps…
Before the Birth
Register and fill out all Paperwork/ Tour the Hospital
If you think you are in labor, take a warm bath, two Tylenol, and glass of water. Braxton Hicks are contractions, but do not count until they are consistent and increasingly stronger.
On way to hospital, go to drive thru for something to eat since they won’t let you eat once you sign in
Take to Hospital
purse with ID, registration
change for vending machines, snacks, gum, mints
toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, deodorant, comb, makeup, hair bands, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, vitamins, Q-tips, razor, nipple cream, nail clippers, Colace
robe, nightgown, slippers, socks, comfy outfit for ride home (prepare to look and feel 5 months prego), flip flops, nursing bra and pads
phone, tablet, chargers
baby outfit that won’t interfere with carseat strap, socks, gloves. You will want to wash in baby detergent beforehand.
Overnight bag for hubby with entertainment for lots of waiting
Pillows with bright pillow cases to avoid forgetting
Baby book for hand and footprints
carseat
chocolates or lottery tickets for the nurses
Take Home from Hospital
maternity leave paperwork signed
social security paperwork signed
water bottle, hydrocortisone medicine, undes (you will wish you had more of those mesh beauties)
pacifiers (they say not to allow baby to use until one week after breastfeeding well and those tend to be babies favorite… since u cant but elsewhere)
diapers (they are going to charge u regardless… so stock up), pads, witches hazel, ice packs, peri bottle
footprints
At Hospital
Request immediate skin to skin with baby for husband
breastfeed within 2 hours of birth and ten times a day
no pacifier until after first week
use colostrum to heal sore nipples
collect lots of free samples of disposable undies & medicine for healing