High Maintenance Mom

While it is still fresh in my mind (well 9 months old anyway) I wanted to write about the things that helped me through the labor & delivery of my two children. I also have 3 friends and HMM readers who are about to deliver. A plan: first and foremost. I didn’t write ours down but rather discussed it with my husband...

Epidural for me, cutting the cord and handling the cord blood for my husband and breast milk for the baby. The rest we would let happen as the doctor saw fit.

Next, things to make us all more comfortable. Music is big for me! We brought our iPod and Bose Sound Dock (had to get that in there since my husband helped designed the Bose Sound Dock when he worked at Bose). We loaded it with a ton of relaxing classical music. I didn’t think I could deal with any wordy music or radio stations with commercials, etc. We received so many positive comments from the nurses and my doctor about the music. The lights were dimmed and the music was low….it set the tone for relaxation. We also brought some snacks (energy bars, crackers, juice and bottled water). Both times I forgot my pillow from home but they have so many there anyway that it was OK.

I delivered both kids in the hospital gown but changed into a nice nightgown with easy breastfeeding access once I was all cleaned up and in my recovery room. I felt more human that way. Slippers to walk to any classes you may take or just to walk around to get the blood circulating again. The hospital has tons of pads, etc so no need to bring that. A nursing bra and pads for sure. My Mom brought a picture of my Father both times and that helped me too. He was definitely there in spirit.

I brought all my toiletries for the shower that came the day after the delivery and an outfit for going home (sweat suit for comfort). Stuff for the baby! Car seat, outfit (I just had the kids wear onesies since getting an outfit on a baby that small is next to impossible) and a baby blanket and little hat. Finally, my cell phone for all the phone call I made to announce our new arrival!! Good luck to all of you with new arrival pending….it was the best experience of my life!