Well after my rather unexpected experience, I discovered these things were helpful to me personally:
- Maternity Pads - as many as you can take and then get more shipped in by the OH! I changed mine every time I went to the toilet and was doubling up on them in the first two days. It keeps things a little cleaner down there, that and nothing can prepare you for the smell of Lochia... my god! So gross lol.
- Feminine wipes. Great for keeping you fresh inbetween using the bidet at hospital (as using it every time you go is a bit time consuming when you have a LO waiting back at ur bed). Also bought some for when at home - they always seem nice n cold n felt good to press against stitches. Midwives always complimented how clean I was down there and how well things were healing.
- Snacks. Not for labour (as I wasn't allowed to eat anything incase I threw up during the pushing) but for afterwards to have handy if breastfeeding. Surprising how thirsty you get and what with the MAJOR fluid loss (you pee fluids you didn't even drink!) and sweats/heat on the ward you need to keep drinking and eating little n often.
- Nipple shields (if breastfeeding). You know the state of your own boobs - after giving birth on labour ward I tried to BF but told the midwife I needed shields as my nipples were rubbish. I was told to try without at first only for my poor baby to slip off and get nothing out. Wasn't til then they listened and gave me a crappy shield. I did have my own medela ones and so wished i'd started using them from the offset!
Pocket tissues - for the weepies! I don't think I would've been weepy if i'd not been left alone in a side room with a breast pump watching tele on my own at night whilst my baby were in NICU
Vests and sleepsuits - A couple more of each than you intend to take for nappy leaks or milk getting everywhere. I'm getting through two lots a day on a bad day now. Thankfully NICU supplied me with a couple extra they'd been donated (they had a massive stash - I ended up taking them home but they don't fit anymore as turns out nurses are really bad at guessing what will fit a LO lol who knew they did so many different length sizes).
Your OH/Birthing partner/contact with the outside world - Guaranteed if things don't go to plan and you end up staying there a little longer through some kind of complication that you will forget or need something bringing in. I'd be BF at stupid o'clock and come morning time my DH would have about ten texts with things i'd remember for him to bring in - poor bugger had to then go around the house locating all these items (even though i'd put a pile of stuff in the 'just incase' basket in the bedroom) and still came with the wrong things. That's where other visiting relatives that know what they're doing can help (eg. when I needed more maternity pads).
Think that's it
xxx
