1. What to pack in the go bag
I of course have my list of things that need to accompany us to the hospital; clothes, toiletries, cell phone chargers, camera, etc. But are there any out of the ordinary things that you packed or that you wish you would have packed? For instance, I would have never thought to pack the breast pump until my friend suggested it to me, and how she wishes she would have taken hers. I also am packing two specific receiving blankets that I will swaddle baby in and then send home to each of my dogs before we are discharged so they will learn babies smell. If I forget something I can always have someone bring it to me, but I would prefer to have it already in my bag since the hospital we are delivering at is 40 minutes from home.
2. Music during labor
I’ve heard of women playing music during their labor, and also having a specific song scheduled to be played during the delivery. I sort of love this idea and think that soft, supporting music could really benefit the relaxed place that I want to be while handling contractions. Concentrated breathing, eyes closed, focusing.
On the other hand, I feel the music should be the exact opposite. I feel like I should be playing fight music. Like I should be staring in the mirror, throwing punches in the air and grunting. Preparing myself for battle. Maybe I should be pumping myself up to go face this one time opponent, telling myself I can kick labor’s ass.
Did you play music during labor or delivery? What kind of music was it? Can you give me specific song titles?
3. Getting a breech baby to move
Since at least week 28, baby has been in the breech position with his head as far up under my right ribs as possible. As you can imagine this is incredibly uncomfortable and his head is actually pushing into my gallbladder causing severe pain. A breech position is nothing to worry about until around the 35 week mark, which still leaves time for him to move. But I would like him to move now, please.
My other reason for wanting him to change positions besides pain, is that I have read that it is easier to get baby to move sooner than later. Once they are in a position for so long they sometimes don’t want to move, and the larger they get, the harder it is. If there are natural ways that I can encourage him to adjust his position I would love to try them. I’ve read the flash light technique which sounds silly to me, I don’t think holding one in between my legs will encourage him to “follow the light”. Do you?
Any one have a breech baby? When did he move down? Did you do anything to assist the move?
4. When do I complete the tasks on my to do list?
I’ve got a long list of pre-baby to do’s. The majority of these things I am not sure when I should complete them since I have no idea when I will go into labor. For instance, when do I pack the go bag? When do I install the car seat? When do I stock my cabinets and make sure the animals have plenty of food? I don’t want to do these things too early but I don’t want to go into labor early and have so many things left undone. When do I complete all of these last minute tasks?
5. Solicited advice
Now is the time that I’m opening the comments up to you all for your advice. Anything in regards to the third trimester, labor, delivery, bringing home baby and becoming a new mommy. Is there anything you learned along the way you wish someone would have told you?
Sher Bailey is a writer in the Midwest who believes the power of humor, Mod Podge, and grandkids can fix most problems in life. You can find her at SherBailey.com.
Kristen says
my only piece of advice is to just relax. There are ton of things that you can worry about but in the long run it will all work itself out and you’ll wish that you had just relaxed a little bit more and enjoyed the ride! Take some jolly ranchers to the hospital!
Mommy McD says
Jolly ranchers are a must. Ice Chips will make you want to jump off of a bridge.
The other piece of gear I couldn’t have made it without is C.O. Bigelow’s Mint lipgloss from Bath and body works. (Not the organic kind)
It freshens breath – so your hubby doesn’t have to worry about offending you, and it keeps your lips moist while in labor. Best stuff ever.
Lucy Marie says
I can’t really help you with a lot of these things because, well, I’m in the same spot as you – just trying to plan for it. I am feeling the same way about music. I feel like maybe some nice, calm, Enya-ish music would be ideal but then for some reason, every time I hear Black Eye Pea’s “Tonight’s Gonna be a good night” … I think I should play that to pump myself up! I guess maybe you could have a variety of things prepared and then go with the flow and use whatever suits your mood while in labor.
I would say you are not too early to pack your bag or put the car seat in … you’d rather have those things done and not get stuck in a bind. As far as having your cupboards stocked etc., if you are thinking of non-perishables, I’d go ahead and do that now but perhaps ask a close friend or family member to do some shopping for you if you need them to when you’re in the hospital or for the first few days at home?
CushyBaby says
Hi there–
Just want to say that I stumbled upon your blog not too long ago and really love it! Beautiful nursery as well.
I have a one year old and here is my advice:
As far as things to pack, candy, toiletries (anything that will make you feel like you smell nice because you won’t feel too fresh for a little bit), camera, video camera, nursing bras, nice bathrobe that you’d feel comfortable for visitors to see you in, I brought makeup for photos–made me feel a little prettier, socks, hair ties for a ponytail, nice comfy outfit for you and of course one for baby for coming home.. remember, cameras will be everywhere!
Unless you really think music will help you relax during labor, I don’t think you’ll miss it.
As far as your bags, I had mine packed a month before. You never know! I had everything in place a month before and tried my best to maintain. There will probably be a few things left undone, but that’s what friends and family are for!
Just soak in every minute and take as many pictures as you are comfortable with.
Any more questions, just ask 😉
A Mother...Again says
Hello there, just stumbled onto your blog a few weeks ago and I love it!
I would highly recommend the hard candy and a deck of cards. I didn’t really use the cards before delivery, but used them in the next two days while at the hospital. Some people get lots of visitors so that there’s no alone time, but I was the opposite and needed something other than daytime TV to occupy myself with…
I had my bag packed about 4-6 weeks before due date, just to be on the safe side. The car seat was installed while we were at the hospital…not good planning on that one!
Just try to relax and soak it in as much as you can. These last few weeks feel like they fly by and take forever all at the same time!
Laura says
I didn’t use music during labor because, well, I didn’t know I was in labor, and by the time I got to the hospital it was pretty much time to have Cam. No advice on the breech baby. Cam was never breech. 🙁
As for your to-do list, take it from someone who had their baby 5 weeks early, and do it ASAP. I didn’t have a bag packed and my husband had to go do it which means I didn’t have my blow dryer or flat iron. I didn’t care about makeup but I wanted my hair to “feel” good. And definitely go ahead and install the car seat ASAP too. My husband and his dad had to install it in the hospital parking lot the day before we took Cam home.
I have a full blog post here of what I took to the hospital, wish I’d had, shouldn’t have taken, etc. here: http://cameroncrazymom.com/?p=805
Can’t really think of any other advice right now. If I do, I will email you. 🙂
The Fenner's says
Hi, I found your blog from the Neaves Nest… Since I have a 5 month old I thought that I would give you my advice… First off, try not to worry bout the little things:) As far as the to go bag, Don’t forget face wash! I did and it it would have been nice to have!
Music I can’t help you because I got to the hospital already at 8 CM! When my first piece of unsolicited advice comes in… Don’t wait for contractions to be 5 min apart lasting for 1 for an hour… it’s crud.. mine were NEVER 5 min, always 10 min!!
Chances are you probably won’t need your pump, and if you need one, they will let you use the hospital grade ones which are ton’s better than any one that you purchased, so I personally wouldn’t bother with it, because you will already have so much to deal with!
For the things you still want to do around the house, do them sooner rather than later. Don’t worry if you don’t get to it, it’s not the end of the world. Enjoy the last weeks of your pregnancy, it all goes by so fast, and your baby will be grown before you know it.. ( I know your haven’t heard that one before) But it is sooo true… It seems like just last week I had mine. And don’t be afraid to speak up to family and friends during those first weeks… they are great bonding time, and they go by SOOO fast!!! ENJOY YOUR BABY…
Beautiful nursery also! I love it!
Shannon says
I’m a closet reader, lol, I found you through your mom’s blog so I hope my advice is okay.
After having 3 kids and being pregnant with our 4th, I recommend bringing:
-boppy pillow/nursing pillow
-an extra outfit or 2, for you both; pee happens–a lot, esp with boys
-nursing bras/tanks (we had a lot of visitors and I didn’t mind nursing in front of them but didn’t like it all hanging out either)
-your own pillow. nothing is worse than wishing you’d brought your own pillow at 1am
Music wise, I brought my ipod and it worked out perfectly. It was there if I wanted it. I ending up cranking my ipod during contractions to help me find my happy place and tune out the rest of the world. Then at the end of the wave, turn it back down. I had 2 playlists; one for peaceful music (Bob Marley, Michael Buble,etc) and one more workout/kickass music (Black Eyed Peas, Buck Cherry, Missy Elliot). Honestly, with my 3rd I listened to “3 Little Birds” over and over again.
I packed my hospital bag half packed and installed my carseat around 34 weeks. I ended up having my 3rd at 36w2d, so it was the right time. Better safe than sorry.
I’ve never had a breech baby so I can’t help there. But after having 2 kids completely drug-free (by choice) I recommend laboring in any position that is comfortable. For me that was on all fours. I highly recommend reading “Ina Mays Guide to Natural Childbirth” if you are trying to go drug-free. It’s full of wonderful birth stories and ideas/suggestions.
I also wouldn’t worry about a pump; if you feel engorged and need to pump, the hospital will let you use one. It’s super efficient as well. One less thing to worry about.
My last piece of advice: if you need ANYTHING ask a nurse. Everything that you are getting charged for, take home. Pacifiers, extra diapers, wipes, pads, net undies..you’re paying for it and chances are you will end up needing it. Any question, no matter how embarrassing, ask. They’ve heard it all and are there to help.
Good luck! Your nursery is adorable btw!
devin's mom says
Just breathe. Everything will work out the way its suppose to.
Kaycee says
I found I brought WAY more to the hospital than I really needed. I spent the majority of my time in the hospital gown because I had complications and so I didn’t want to get my clothes messy and have no place to wash them. It was just easier to use their stuff. I really did not need anything for the baby that the hospital did not provide (except a pacifier if you want one) until the morning we went home. A blanket or an outfit if you want, but she messed hers up so fast it mostly wasn’t worth it until we were leaving.
We had a lot of visitors and I enjoyed cuddling my baby so we didn’t need cards or anything to ‘do’. Camera charger, cell phone charger – tough to pack (considering they are last minute grabs) but very nice to have. I actually had a “grab it on the way out” list taped to the top of the hospital bag for stuff like that.
I will say too that it all really worked out fine. The things I did not get “done” ahead I either did after we were home when I could or asked for help, or if they really were not pressing they just didn’t get done.
My biggest advice? LOTS of cuddles and snuggles. They really do grow so fast – my baby is two already and I can’t help missing the tiny, cuddly baby sometimes. 🙂
Laina says
You won’t know till you get to the hospital. Plus, everyone is different. I didn’t want to hear music or talk to people. I wanted it completely quiet so I could focus on my breathing. If you forget something, have someone who plans on visiting bring it to you. Everything will be fine 🙂
http://reflectionsofanavywife.blogspot.com/
Crystal says
Stumbled upon your blog. I am currently 37 weeks with my second child and I did want to add that if you plan to breast feed, then you definitely need to bring some Lanisoh breast cream to the hospital! It is a must for those first few weeks!!!
Hilde says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hilde says
My advice is: don’t circumcise! It is completely unnecessary and can cause a lot of pain for your baby! Once done, it can never be undone. Of course I do not know whether you were actually planning to, anyway, but if you are, or haven’t thought about it, this is a good time to reconsider.
Good luck with your birth and enjoy your baby! Births are all so different but relax and do what feels right for you!
Nishant says
I am new visitor of your blog..
All the best to be a mom..
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