Not everyone can BF. I think this is an important bit of information. If you can BF awesome but you are no less a good mom if you elect to bottle feed. After having the baby you are already on a roller coaster hormonally. Please don't put pressure on yourself should you discover you are not good at or unable to BF. I found my milk caused the babies problems. The first baby I forced my self to try for 3 weeks, my "equipment" was sooooo sore and I cracked and bled despite the lotions and moisturizers. Baby is everybit as happy to be held and bottle fed then to be held by a mom who wants to cry the entire time from frustration and pain. Give yourself permission after an honest attempt to use a bottle. The first few days are important so try to handle them if nothing else.
Socks, remember to bring cute comfy socks!! Slippers are a pain if they get kicked under your bed by staff or visitors.
A packet of Thank you cards and a couple of pens. Women are in and out of the hospital so fast anymore that you need to use the time to accomplish things that are harder once you are home caring for baby, pets and house by yourself.
If you have a good camera , make sure you have extra batteries. If you do not have a camera check out the new generation of disposible ones at CVS or WALGreens , having a couple is smart !
I made sure I had boxes of candy and other treats delievered to my room. Sharing them with the staff made them more eager to answer a buzzer and come when requested.
Don't forget your best brush, a hairband or what ever to pull you hair back. Try to avoid shoving it in a pony tail. You will already be tired and possibly in pain which will change your complextion and give you shadows.
Ask for Scrapbook materials at your baby shower. They are expensive and it really pays to scrapbook as you take pictures rather than trying to recreate them after a couple of years.
TRemember to take snaps or Doctor and Nurses with you and the baby, get a shot of the front of the hospital.
A going home outfit is fun to pick out. I delegated this job to the G'mas and they were so jazzed I ended up with prezzies too. When my grandkids were born I did the same for them.
Sweat pants or comfy pretty PJs to allow you to look your best. A bed jacket or comfy robe, as you will have to walk up and down the hallways no matter how you deliver to make sure you are on the mend.
Your baby book. Have the staff autograph the page where you will put thier photos.
A favorite blanket, I love special materials and when I have to go to hospital I bring along my favorite pillows and my favorite lap throw, they are in obvious patterns making it impossible to leave them behind or have some one else take them.
A note pad with any and all numbers you may need, Or if your hospital allows cell phones bring your charger.
Lotion or moisturizer to rehydrate your skin. Anesthesia is very drying to your skin and hair.
I had my babies by vaginal birth, all of my grandchildren (10 of them) were born via C section. Make sure you read up on everything for the type of birth you are planning to have.
I also like to have a special stuffed toy, one I can use to show growth for the child's life.
I am sure I will think of a million other things, both as one who had babies and a retired RN.
Hugs to each and every one of you
Bonita of Bwana