At the hospital?

Question

I know this is a stupid question but...

Will I be able to take anything with me to the hospital to have my baby... as far as books, magazines, CDs, or anything else to keep me calm? Will I even be able to concentrate on these while I'm in labor, or will it be so horrifyingly painful that I'll just lay there and wrythe in agony?

I know some hospitals have certain allowances in their birthing centers, and some don't. What basics do they provide?

Answer 1

If your birthing center is worth anything they won't have a problem with you bringing CDs and what not. You will want to look into if they have them in their rooms or you need to bring one. In general, you can bring whatever you want (most hospitals have rules on cell phone and wireless equipment, check with the hospital). I brought my own jammies and slippers to wear after delivery. The hospital will usually has clothes for the baby while in the hospital. That way they don't accidentally take yours. You will need to bring an outfit from home to take baby home in and you might want to bring an outfit for first pictures (if you want them).
As far as pain, it is painful (drugs and epidurals help a lot). The choice to use pain meds is your choice. What made my choice was watching "A baby story" on TLC. The ladies who got meds looked so much calmer than those who went all natural. Most important, do what feels right to you and hold your ground if you feel strongly about something.

PS Most hospitals offer a tour so you are familiar with the rooms and their policies. Look at a few hospitals in your area and choose the one you like best.

Answer 2

some time near due date like about week 35-36 go to the hospital you will be delivering at and ask if you can tour the labor and delivery unit and ask them questions about what you can and cant bring with you. most allow you books and stuff and some have huge entertainment centers already there for you! and movie and cd selections for you.
but i would and am going to go ask for a tour to make sure.
(i'm delivering this time in the same hospital my sister did and i just want to make sure its still the same its been 8 years)(i had my other 3 at a differnt hospital so i cant go off those memories)

Answer 3

(This question is not stupid)You can take all of those items and I would recommend a calming fragrance like lavender or lavender and vanilla (bath and body works) No candles though. Breathing techniques help out so much. Labor is a painful process, but I am almost due and I am not going to have an epidural. A support person will help you out so much and don't forget to have a vase of your favorite flowers on the table next to you. Try to pamper yourself as much as possible. Take a tour of your hospital.

Answer 4

You'll be able to take pretty much whatever you want to calm you like music, books, etc... (double check if they allow video recorders). I took everything with me... and didn't use a stitch of it. I opted not to use any drugs... so yeah, it was painful and all I could think about was getting my baby OUT!. If you choose no drugs, be prepared for the pain... it will hurt. I couldn't even think of listening to any music, let alone be rubbed or touched during contractions. But once the baby is out, poof! it goes away like magic. Best relief ever.
Check with your hospital about their guidelines... and if you want music, find out if you'll need to bring your own radio/CD player.

Answer 5

well first lemme say CONGRATS!!! I'm a mother of 3 and but have only been to the hosp to give birth twice cuz my last time i had a set of twins and i must say in my hospital bag i did pack everything you can take magazines Cd's to listen to if that will help you be comfortable your own special pillow if you have one, toiletries, i took my own pads only because i like em better and they are comfortable compared to the long ones from the hospital,pajamas socks cuz your feet might be cold lotion stuff for your hair if its not done in braids... and of course my babies going home outfits.. oh and just as a little suggestion after you have your baby and they send the baby back to the nursery if you don't keep him/her in the room with you make sure you take everything such as the pampers and rest of the formula out and put it in your bag or give it to whoever comes to see you to take home for you because they will throw whatever goes back to the nursery with the baby away!!! and trust me when you get home every little bit helps!!! Best wishes on your new bundle of joy!!!

Answer 6

Take what you want as far as cds. magazines, books..etc... as for using these things, it depends on how you plan to have your baby. If you have an epidural and your not feeling anything but relaxed... you need a good way to kill time.I took a good nap with my first son. If you don't plan on having anything for the pain....be prepared.it will be a whole different story.

Answer 7

music is a good idea however ... There is no way I could have concentrated on a book. Besides the fact that with the drugs in me I couldn't read the fine print :) With my first I had WAY to much pain with my second I was way too excited!

Answer 8

Every hospital is different. In the labor and delivery room there very strict. I was only able to sneak lipgloss in.lol But in the room they place you in, you entitled to bring everything you listed above. They dont provide anything but necessities like shampoo, lotion, toothbrush...etc. Everything else is left to you. Good Luck!

Answer 9

Depends on the hospital, but they do have TVs and you can bring DVDs you can almost bring anything you want and if you want something specific to concentrate on while having your baby they will give it to you. You should talk to your doctor to find out exactly what you can have.

Answer 10

sure you can take that stuff. I would recommend some music that won't irritate you, and something to play it on (unless you know they'll have something to play it on). You probably won't have the attention span for a book, but some trashy magazines could be a welcome distraction for you.