Things I Wish I Knew My First Time Giving Birth

You can ask for the IV in your wrist instead of on the top of your hand. It stays in for a couple days and flexing your wrist to breastfeed or hold your baby with this big IV sticking out of the top of your hand is not fun.

 

Pack an EMPTY big bag or backpack for all of the extra stuff you can take home with you (More on this later!)

If you’ve had stitches, repeat with me- WARM water in the peri bottle. WARM water in the peri bottle!!!

 

Be excited and calm. Prepare as much as you can and also be fully aware that your preparation is likely going to go right out the window.

Know that the nurses really want to help. If you want something - just ask! If they can do it, they usually will! (Even if it’s help braiding your hair! I had one nurse literally cut my gown with scissors because I couldn’t hold my baby fast enough! They are the best!)

 

If you plan to breastfeed- Preparation makes SUCH a difference!! (There are lots of online courses! I personally love The Thompson Method!)

 

There’s nobody in the world better at swaddling a newborn than postpartum and L&D nurses. Highly recommend asking a nurse that you like to teach you their magical ways of the swaddle!

 

You’ll look about 6 months pregnant when you leave the hospital. You’ll also be wearing essentially a diaper sized pad. Please don’t make the mistake I made during my first pregnancy and pack leggings. It’s not a cute look 🤣

 

You can request wireless monitors so you’re not strapped to the unit during contractions!

 

Pack shampoo, conditioner, and soap. The hospital usually only provides body wash and weird smelling shampoo. Idk about y’all but after birthing a whole human, this woman needs some REAL soap and this hair needs to be conditioned, okay?!

 

Speaking of shower- take one as soon as they tell you it’s okay! That first postpartum shower hits different. You’ll be a new woman after!

 

There will be lots of necessities in your hospital room. Take them ALL home with you! (Girl you paid for ‘em) Diapers, wipes, pads, peri bottle, mesh undies, hemorrhoid cream, breast pump parts, all of it! While you’re at it- ask for extra! Want to try a hand pump? Ask for one! Need tucks? Get you some!

 

You have the right to say no! To anything! Including if they want/need to take your baby in the middle of a feed. You CAN ask them to come back later.

 

Ask your partner to take lots of pictures. Of the room, of the machines, of every moment. You can always delete them later but you won’t have another time to capture this moment!

 

You do not need to pack anything for baby other than a going home outfit! The hospital will provide everything you need.

 

Lactation consultants are there 24hrs a day. You can always ask them to come to the room during a feeding or give advice.

 

Trust your mom gut. It will never lead you astray!

 

Your experience will be exactly as your make it. I’m gonna say that again. Your experience will be EXACTLY as you MAKE it.

If you focus on enjoying the moment, it will be the most incredible experience you can imagine. You got this!!!!