We’ve spent a lot of time talking about what you should bring to the hospital, but what about a list of things you should leave at home? To make this simple and mildly entertaining, I’ve composed a list of DOs and DON’Ts.
DO bring your own toothbrush and toothpaste. Do you really want your baby’s first experience with the sense of smell to be your stinky breath after you have not been allowed to eat for hours upon hours?
DON’T bring a sense of perfectionism. It’s okay if your hair is a mess and your make up is non-existent. You just had a baby and that is more beautiful than anything you could do with your hair or face, even if you are Miranda Kerr.
DO bring some of your favorite snacks to much on while you recover if you are not a fan of cafeteria food.
DON’T bring an attitude when your jello is missing from your dinner order.
DO bring something to wear when you receive visitors.
DON’T bring your nicest camera, laptop or other expensive gadgets unless you have someone to watch them for you while you move from one room to the next. You could spent time in up to five different rooms (triage, delivery, the OR, recovery & your regular room) and the hospital is not liable if you forget something in one of the rooms and someone takes it.
DO bring your list of contacts for when the baby is born and you want to alert all your friends and family.
DON’T bring your mental list of to-dos for when you get home. Let the house worry about itself and trust your kids to the grandparents. Focus on bonding with your new baby and nothing else.
DO bring a cute outfit or two to dress up your baby for pictures. You won’t regret it, even if he or she is swimming in it.
DON’T bring any linens or clothes that are hard to wash or stain easily. You will most likely get blood on your things and it would be terrible to ruin something that is important to you.