Important To Know
Important To Know
There are many things to know when you arrive at the hospital before your baby is here. Two very important things are to make the couple of days you and your partner will be staying in the hospital comfortable, and to make sure you have a proper baby car seat that's properly installed and checked by a local inspection station or police station. This may include bringing a list of snacks your partner has been craving, and bringing essentials like your own soft, comfy gown instead of using the scratchy hospital one, as well as your own set of comfy pillows. These are things the hospital doesn't prepare you for, but why not make one of the most special moments your own
My partner wasn't prepared; when it was time to pump, she had to use the hospital pumps. If we were to do it again, we would bring our own because they fit to your liking, whereas the hospital's are one-size-fits-all.
Top 10 Foods
Top 10 Foods
Another very important thing to remember is that your partner can't eat many things during their pregnancy. It's a FACT that your partner has a list of foods and things that they have been dying to eat once they deliver. Have that list ready, and to get extra brownie points, call in advance and let them know you might be placing an order for a special someone.
Overnight Bag
Overnight Bag
When at the hospital, you never know how long labor will be, so it's always a good idea to be prepared. An overnight bag could do just that; even a small suitcase would work just fine. For example, my wife stayed two nights. Remember, everyone is different, but it's better to be prepared than caught off guard. There are showers at the hospital, so bring clothes for yourself and your partner.
One really good idea to keep you and your wife busy is to bring a few board games you love. Monopoly is a great one because the game lasts a while and keeps both of you engaged with each other. Again, these are tips that aren't necessary, but they're things we found to be helpful. Do what makes you happy and do activities that you and your partner love; it's a chance to bond again before the madness begins :).
Partner or Significant Other
Partner or Significant Other
While your partner is at the hospital, they may want something to entertain them. Your delivering partner might be really tired and sleep, start getting contractions, then completely stop, making it a waiting game. The point is, something is needed to pass the time but keep you awake as well. Some of the things that can help might be favorite coffee drinks to put in the fridge or favorite snacks to eat. Take a nice trip to the cafe and see what the menu looks like for the next few days.
Your partner will be going through one of the hardest, most beautiful experiences in the world, so speak to your delivering team to see if recording is accepted; you want to have that memory forever. Remember to bring some pillows or your own blankets because the couch they put you on isn't very comfortable. You'll thank yourself for these items; I wasn't aware of this.