All about Pregnancy

       Hospital or home delivery? - And your Packing Guide!  
 



Reliable information on
pregnancy topics
by Heisje de Jong,
Certified Lactation Consultant

Welcome (home page)
Your pre-conception diet
Home pregnancy tests
Early signs of pregnancy
Diet for your pregnancy
Things to give up
Lifestyle changes
Childbirth classes
Breastfeeding - preparation
Complications during pregnancy
Prenatal testing
Pregnancy Week-by-Week
When to contact your doctor
What to ask your obstetrician
Hospital or home delivery?
    And your Packing Guide!
Pain relief in labor & birth
Medical intervention during
    labor and delivery

Post partum exercises
Breastfeeding

About Heisje de Jong
Useful links
Contact Heisje

 


 

   

PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS SITE NOW SO THAT YOU MAY RETURN AT YOUR CONVENIENCE

Even before you become pregnant, it is worth thinking about whether you would like to have your baby in a hospital or at home.
In the US, most women deliver their babies in a hospital while in many European countries it is quite common to have your baby at home.

 

In case you want a home delivery talk with your OB in advance and if he is unwilling or unable to attend you, you may want to look for another doctor or midwife.

The choice whether to have your baby at home or in a hospital is a personal one. Some women feel more secure to know that all medical equipment is at hand in a hospital. Others feel more comfortable to deliver their baby in the familiar home environment surrounded by family.

Sometimes it is necessary for a woman to give birth in a hospital for medical reasons. For example if you have diabetes, a heart or kidney condition, high blood pressure or complications during your pregnancy.

If you have decided that a hospital birth is right for you, it is wise to start choosing a hospital ahead of time. Many times an OB is affiliated with a certain hospital. If he does not work with the hospital of your choice, you may want to look for another doctor.

Many hospitals offer tours of the hospital and maternity facilities so you can compare hospitals and decide.

It is a good idea to have some questions ready when you visit a hospital. Here are some questions you may want to ask:

· Is there a possibility that my baby "rooms in "with me instead of staying in the nursery.
· Can I labor and deliver in the same room?
· Is there a Lactation Consultant available in the hospital?
· Can my other children visit me during my hospital stay?
· Can my husband stay over night in the hospital the first day?
· Is there a birthing chair available?
· Is there a shower or bath close to the delivery room so I can take a warm shower as pain relief?
· Is there a chair for my husband next to the delivery bed?
· Is there a possibility for dim light in the delivery room?

Write down the questions that you want to ask and take this to the hospital with you.
Your first impression of the hospital is very important. Does the environment seem friendly to you? Does the staff take the time to answer your questions?
Ask also other mothers who have delivered in this hospital. What was their opinion, were they satisfied?
It may be a good idea to visit several hospitals before you make your decision.

GUIDE TO PACKING FOR YOUR BIRTH
A handy list for everything you''ll want to take with you to the hospital.

The following items are ones you may need during your labor. You should begin packing your birth bag well in advance of your due date. Like this you have everything handy even if you go into labor early.

Birth Plan (2 copies)
Originals of insurance papers/cards
Robe or sweater to cover hospital gown while walking during labor
Slipper
Focal point, if you are using one
Pillows or beanbags - Even if your not taking a Lamaze or other childbirth preparation class pillows can help you to be more comfortable. Hospitals don't always provide extra pillows
Socks (2 pair) can take the place of slippers if you feel more comfortable walking in just socks, also after birth you may feel chilly so they come in handy.
Lotion or massage-oil - for back massages and perineal massage
Music -radio, walkman or discman. Don't forget the batteries
Lip Balm
Gatorade or similar (any clear fluids) and your favorite kind of lollipops.
Camera or video camera with fresh batteries, film or tape and a back up set of film and batteries.
Contact lens kit/solution or your eyeglasses if you wear them. (some hospitals will ask you to take out your contacts, so be prepared to wear you glasses)
Hairbrush and hair ties
Sweater or jacket for dad (hospitals can be cold), change of clothes
Light snacks for dad. Juice and crackers, fruit, Fruit bars
A few dollars in cash for dad to get something to eat, or for after baby is born
Phone List of who to call

For After The Birth

Robe or nightgown
Sanitary napkins - they are more comfortable than the hospital variety.
Maternity clothes or other comfortable clothes to wear when you go home
Panties and bras, nursing bras if you are breastfeeding
Breast pads
Baby blanket and outfit.
Car seat for baby. Put this in you car before you go in to labor.
Pacifier for baby if not breastfed.
Small container of diaper wipes (hospital doesn't normally use commercial diaper wipes)
Toiletry Items - toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, make up, deodorant, hairdryer and any other item you use in your daily routine to make you feel comfortable
Books on breastfeeding, babycare, postnatal exercises
The hospital will provide you with most of what you need for baby. (Diapers, receiving blankets, formula etc..) until you go home.

PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS SITE NOW SO THAT YOU MAY RETURN AT YOUR CONVENIENCE

Even before you become pregnant, it is worth thinking about whether you would like to have your baby in a hospital or at home.
In the US, most women deliver their babies in a hospital while in many European countries it is quite common to have your baby at home.

In case you want a home delivery talk with your OB in advance and if he is unwilling or unable to attend you, you may want to look for another doctor or midwife.

The choice whether to have your baby at home or in a hospital is a personal one. Some women feel more secure to know that all medical equipment is at hand in a hospital. Others feel more comfortable to deliver their baby in the familiar home environment surrounded by family.

Sometimes it is necessary for a woman to give birth in a hospital for medical reasons. For example if you have diabetes, a heart or kidney condition, high blood pressure or complications during your pregnancy.

If you have decided that a hospital birth is right for you, it is wise to start choosing a hospital ahead of time. Many times an OB is affiliated with a certain hospital. If he does not work with the hospital of your choice, you may want to look for another doctor.

Many hospitals offer tours of the hospital and maternity facilities so you can compare hospitals and decide.

It is a good idea to have some questions ready when you visit a hospital. Here are some questions you may want to ask:

· Is there a possibility that my baby "rooms in "with me instead of staying in the nursery.
· Can I labor and deliver in the same room?
· Is there a Lactation Consultant available in the hospital?
· Can my other children visit me during my hospital stay?
· Can my husband stay over night in the hospital the first day?
· Is there a birthing chair available?
· Is there a shower or bath close to the delivery room so I can take a warm shower as pain relief?
· Is there a chair for my husband next to the delivery bed?
· Is there a possibility for dim light in the delivery room?

Write down the questions that you want to ask and take this to the hospital with you.
Your first impression of the hospital is very important. Does the environment seem friendly to you? Does the staff take the time to answer your questions?
Ask also other mothers who have delivered in this hospital. What was their opinion, were they satisfied?
It may be a good idea to visit several hospitals before you make your decision.

GUIDE TO PACKING FOR YOUR BIRTH
A handy list for everything you''ll want to take with you to the hospital.

The following items are ones you may need during your labor. You should begin packing your birth bag well in advance of your due date. Like this you have everything handy even if you go into labor early.

Birth Plan (2 copies)
Originals of insurance papers/cards
Robe or sweater to cover hospital gown while walking during labor
Slipper
Focal point, if you are using one
Pillows or beanbags - Even if your not taking a Lamaze or other childbirth preparation class pillows can help you to be more comfortable. Hospitals don't always provide extra pillows
Socks (2 pair) can take the place of slippers if you feel more comfortable walking in just socks, also after birth you may feel chilly so they come in handy.
Lotion or massage-oil - for back massages and perineal massage
Music -radio, walkman or discman. Don't forget the batteries
Lip Balm
Gatorade or similar (any clear fluids) and your favorite kind of lollipops.
Camera or video camera with fresh batteries, film or tape and a back up set of film and batteries.
Contact lens kit/solution or your eyeglasses if you wear them. (some hospitals will ask you to take out your contacts, so be prepared to wear you glasses)
Hairbrush and hair ties
Sweater or jacket for dad (hospitals can be cold), change of clothes
Light snacks for dad. Juice and crackers, fruit, Fruit bars
A few dollars in cash for dad to get something to eat, or for after baby is born
Phone List of who to call

For After The Birth

Robe or nightgown
Sanitary napkins - they are more comfortable than the hospital variety.
Maternity clothes or other comfortable clothes to wear when you go home
Panties and bras, nursing bras if you are breastfeeding
Breast pads
Baby blanket and outfit.
Car seat for baby. Put this in you car before you go in to labor.
Pacifier for baby if not breastfed.
Small container of diaper wipes (hospital doesn't normally use commercial diaper wipes)
Toiletry Items - toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, make up, deodorant, hairdryer and any other item you use in your daily routine to make you feel comfortable
Books on breastfeeding, babycare, postnatal exercises
The hospital will provide you with most of what you need for baby. (Diapers, receiving blankets, formula etc..) until you go home.

PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS SITE NOW SO THAT YOU MAY RETURN AT YOUR CONVENIENCE

Even before you become pregnant, it is worth thinking about whether you would like to have your baby in a hospital or at home.
In the US, most women deliver their babies in a hospital while in many European countries it is quite common to have your baby at home.

In case you want a home delivery talk with your OB in advance and if he is unwilling or unable to attend you, you may want to look for another doctor or midwife.

The choice whether to have your baby at home or in a hospital is a personal one. Some women feel more secure to know that all medical equipment is at hand in a hospital. Others feel more comfortable to deliver their baby in the familiar home environment surrounded by family.

Sometimes it is necessary for a woman to give birth in a hospital for medical reasons. For example if you have diabetes, a heart or kidney condition, high blood pressure or complications during your pregnancy.

If you have decided that a hospital birth is right for you, it is wise to start choosing a hospital ahead of time. Many times an OB is affiliated with a certain hospital. If he does not work with the hospital of your choice, you may want to look for another doctor.

Many hospitals offer tours of the hospital and maternity facilities so you can compare hospitals and decide.

It is a good idea to have some questions ready when you visit a hospital. Here are some questions you may want to ask:

· Is there a possibility that my baby "rooms in "with me instead of staying in the nursery.
· Can I labor and deliver in the same room?
· Is there a Lactation Consultant available in the hospital?
· Can my other children visit me during my hospital stay?
· Can my husband stay over night in the hospital the first day?
· Is there a birthing chair available?
· Is there a shower or bath close to the delivery room so I can take a warm shower as pain relief?
· Is there a chair for my husband next to the delivery bed?
· Is there a possibility for dim light in the delivery room?

Write down the questions that you want to ask and take this to the hospital with you.
Your first impression of the hospital is very important. Does the environment seem friendly to you? Does the staff take the time to answer your questions?
Ask also other mothers who have delivered in this hospital. What was their opinion, were they satisfied?
It may be a good idea to visit several hospitals before you make your decision.

GUIDE TO PACKING FOR YOUR BIRTH
A handy list for everything you''ll want to take with you to the hospital.

The following items are ones you may need during your labor. You should begin packing your birth bag well in advance of your due date. Like this you have everything handy even if you go into labor early.

Birth Plan (2 copies)
Originals of insurance papers/cards
Robe or sweater to cover hospital gown while walking during labor
Slipper
Focal point, if you are using one
Pillows or beanbags - Even if your not taking a Lamaze or other childbirth preparation class pillows can help you to be more comfortable. Hospitals don't always provide extra pillows
Socks (2 pair) can take the place of slippers if you feel more comfortable walking in just socks, also after birth you may feel chilly so they come in handy.
Lotion or massage-oil - for back massages and perineal massage
Music -radio, walkman or discman. Don't forget the batteries
Lip Balm
Gatorade or similar (any clear fluids) and your favorite kind of lollipops.
Camera or video camera with fresh batteries, film or tape and a back up set of film and batteries.
Contact lens kit/solution or your eyeglasses if you wear them. (some hospitals will ask you to take out your contacts, so be prepared to wear you glasses)
Hairbrush and hair ties
Sweater or jacket for dad (hospitals can be cold), change of clothes
Light snacks for dad. Juice and crackers, fruit, Fruit bars
A few dollars in cash for dad to get something to eat, or for after baby is born
Phone List of who to call

For After The Birth

Robe or nightgown
Sanitary napkins - they are more comfortable than the hospital variety.
Maternity clothes or other comfortable clothes to wear when you go home
Panties and bras, nursing bras if you are breastfeeding
Breast pads
Baby blanket and outfit.
Car seat for baby. Put this in you car before you go in to labor.
Pacifier for baby if not breastfed.
Small container of diaper wipes (hospital doesn't normally use commercial diaper wipes)
Toiletry Items - toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, make up, deodorant, hairdryer and any other item you use in your daily routine to make you feel comfortable
Books on breastfeeding, babycare, postnatal exercises
The hospital will provide you with most of what you need for baby. (Diapers, receiving blankets, formula etc..) until you go home.