Bring Baby Home from the Hospital

 by Elizabeth Geiger of The Baby Corner

Bringing your new baby home can be a scary thing to new parents. Do you have everything you need? What do you still need to get for the first week? What if something goes wrong?

These are questions every new parent asks him/herself. The better prepared you are for the arrival of your new baby, the more confident you will feel when it's time to go home from the hospital. Here are just a few suggestions to prepare for your trip home from the hospital.

Make sure everything is ready for the arrival of your baby by the 37th week. It is possible for you to go into labor anywhere between the 37th and the 42nd week. Check the following

-Is your labor bag ready?
-Where is the baby going to sleep? Is that ready?
-Is the house clean? You will not want to be running around doing chores after the baby is born. Not only will you be sore but you will want to spend as much time with the baby as possible.
-Are there meals prepared for when you come home? You will not want to be cooking. It is a good idea to have a few meals already made, and frozen. That way you can spend all your time bonding with your new baby.
-Let people "baby" you after the baby is born.

Have a "help" list ready. In case you need help or have questions

-Your Doctor
-Pediatrician
-Hospital Nursery
-Breastfeeding Counselor
-Postpartum Doula
-Your Mom

The Trip Home

Do you have a carseat for when you leave the hospital? Most hospitals rent carseats in case you do not have one, but your should make sure you have one. Here are some things to think about:

-It is a good idea to practice installing the carseat before you go to the hospital. You do not want to find out that the car seat does not fit right in the car as you are leaving the hospital.
-Does the carseat fit in your car. If it does not, you will need to return it and get one that does. You may want to install it before you leave the store, then if it does not fit, you can easily get another one since you will be right there.
-Do you understand how to install it correctly (Please read car seat safety). It is very important that your baby is properly put into the carseat.

Select Baby's "going home" clothes and pack them in a small bag marked "Baby".

Select your "going home" clothes. Remember that you will lose approximately 10-12 pounds right after delivery. Do not expect to wear your pre-pregnancy clothes yet. Loose fitting comfortable clothing will be comfortable.

If Something Goes Wrong

If something goes wrong and you do not know what to do, refer to your help list. The doctors, nurses and others are there to help you. If you are unsure about something, don't be afraid to call someone and ask them your questions

Elizabeth Geiger
The Baby Corner

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