You asked and you shall now receive. It’s only fair for us to share all of this stored up knowledge about having a baby and what is going on with your body during those nine (really ten) months. We now will answer, in a very public forum, all of those burning questions about having a baby. Each Monday, we will tackle a commonly-asked-question from the point of view of an expectant parent. Chiming in to give her feedback will be three women who have been there and done that: an expert (you know someone who does this for a living), a mom from our community (for the “best” friend advice you need) and a babybites’ team member (someone who will promise to give you the REAL deal and no fluff). Earmark, share and add your own input to today’s question; it’s good karma.
What should I take with me to the hospital?
Expert: Renee Sullivan
Its your big day! What is essential? The gals in the groups time and time again mention the creature comforts of home as “must haves” for their stay – towels, flip flops, pillows, bathrobe. Always mentioned, always essential. Other items high on the list – snacks, ipod, camera, baby’s first outfit and chargers for all things that go beep in the night. For anything forgotten, friends and family are very helpful in fetching something from home to bring to us during our stay.
Mom: Angela Cierpicki
I packed 2 bags: One was the “mummy bag” and the second was a “baby bag”. The “mummy bag” contained camera, phone, phone charger, toiletries, loose fitting clothes for post partum (you will still look 6 months pregnant and will probably feel very sore and tender all over), insurance and FMLA paperwork to be completed by medical staff, my own pillow (which came in handy during labour), snacks and water bottle. I also brought a piece of paper with my name, social security number and date of birth written on it – this was useful because when I got to the hospital in an advance state of labour, they thrust a clipboard at me and asked me to fill out paperwork (even though I had pre-registered) so I gave them my piece of paper and told them my records were in their system. I WISH I had brought a nightgown that was easy to breastfeed in – instead I wore the hospital gown post partum which was a nuisance because it was very fiddly to undo each time I breastfed and needed 2 hands to undo. A stretchy tank top style nightgown (or pj pants with tank top) are perfect because you can easily pull the top down to breastfeed. Also if planning to breastfeed, bring a pen and paper because it’s handy to keep track of the times when you nursed your baby so you be sure you are feeding at least 8-12 times in a 24 hour period. I would also bring the number of your local La Leche League in case you have any questions/issues/problems – I found it very daunting being alone in hospital with a new baby and having no idea what I was doing. The “baby bag” contained baby clothes, cotton rounds and an empty cup (to place water in) for cleaning baby’s bottom.
Mommybites’ team: Laura Deutsch
I had a planned c-section (my baby was breach) and knew that I was going to be in the hospital for four nights. Someone told me to bring a robe and slippers because I would be in my hospital gown and could just throw the robe on, put on my slippers, and easily take a walk. (They encourage you to start walking a few days after your c-section.) It was the best advice. I’ll never forget that pink robe and fuzzy slippers, my hospital uniform!
About our team:
Renee Sullivan
Renee Sullivan, parent coach and Mommybites support group director, works with moms each week to create their own personal parenting plan that is right for them, while making sure that each mom gets the support, resources, and community they need for their parenting journey. Drawing from her experience as an birth coach and educator, she guides moms – new, seasoned and expectant through the never – ending array of decisions that come with having a child. Before joining Mommybites, she narrowly escaped the trenches of Corporate America where she was a Senior Project Manager for The New York Times, Morgan Stanley, and Pfizer. She lives in New York City and is the mom of one happy kindergartener.
Angela Cierpicki
Angela is taking a break from her previous career as a Process Improvement Specialist working in the Healthcare industry. Angela’s current “boss” is her beautiful 15 month old son, Ethan.
Laura Deutsch
Laura Deutsch is the original founder and creator of Mommybites. Since first starting Mommybites (formerly known as babybites) in 2006 by handing out post cards to fellow moms on the streets of Manhattan, Laura has continued to use her business savvy, dedication and creativity to cultivate and grow Mommybites in its flagship city of Manhattan. Prior to founding Mommybites, Laura worked as a middle school math teacher at The Dwight School in Manhattan. Laura holds her BA from Binghamton University and her MA in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College. She currently resides in Summit, NJ, with her husband, Brian, daughter, Ava, and son, Jacob.
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