8 Tips for Navigating Your Hospital Stay After Delivery

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably scoured blogs, articles, and even consulted friends to get the lowdown on what to expect during your hospital stay after welcoming your little one. Despite all the prep, I still found myself caught off guard by a few things, so I’m here to share some insights to help you feel more ready. You’re welcome!

1. Bathroom Breaks are Essential

Make a habit of heading to the bathroom before you think you need to. Getting out of that bed feels like an Olympic event, and once you shuffle to the bathroom, you’ll remember that you need to fill your handy squirt bottle first. Don’t wait too long, or you’ll be doing the potty dance while waiting for that lifesaving little device. Trust me, it’s not fun after just giving birth!

2. Cravings Don’t Just Disappear

I was convinced that my ice cream cravings would vanish post-delivery. Spoiler alert: they didn’t. Bring along a little stash of whatever you were craving during pregnancy. Unless you want to quit cold turkey while your body is recovering from childbirth, this is a must.

3. Bring Your Own Pain Relievers

Those friendly nurses offering you ibuprofen might seem like angels until you see the hospital bill that says each pill costs $10! You could buy a whole bottle that lasts ages for that price. Just let them know you’ve got your own, and if you need something stronger, they can arrange that.

4. Get a List of Your Nurses

You’re likely to meet several nurses during your stay, and it can be tough to remember all their names amid the chaos. These amazing people do so much, like helping you through the tough parts of labor and postpartum care. Having a list of their names can help you send them a thank-you afterward because they definitely deserve it.

5. Earplugs and Sleep Masks are Your Friends

Hospital rooms can feel like a disco with all the lights and sounds. Between the monitors, your partner’s phone, and the general hustle and bustle, sleep is hard to come by. Trust me, earplugs will save you from the noise and help you catch some Z’s while your partner wakes you if the baby needs you. You can thank me later!

6. Stretchy Yoga Pants are a Game-Changer

Invest in some comfy, stretchy yoga pants. After giving birth, the last thing you want is something tight or restrictive. Those postpartum pads need some support, and having pants that fit snugly will help keep everything in place. Plus, if you can find ones with a high waist, they’ll help your post-baby belly feel a bit more secure.

7. Bring Your Own Bath Towel

Sure, the hospital provides towels, but they’re often the size of hand towels and can feel rough against sensitive skin. Bringing your own soft towel, even if it’s one you don’t plan on bringing home, will make your stay much more comfortable.

8. Ditch the Modesty ASAP

Once you check in, get ready to shed your modesty. During labor and post-delivery, privacy becomes a thing of the past. Don’t hesitate to ask the lactation consultant for help; it’s way better than struggling with a hungry baby at 2 a.m. while frantically Googling breastfeeding tips.

While there are many more important things to prepare for, like caring for your brand-new baby, don’t overlook these little gems of wisdom. They can seriously help you get through those first few days. Good luck!

For more helpful tips, check out this post on home insemination and learn more about the cryobaby home insemination kit from a trusted source. Also, for those navigating pregnancy, WebMD offers great resources to guide you through various treatments.

Summary: This article provides eight essential tips for new parents to enhance their hospital experience after delivering their baby. From bathroom breaks to managing cravings and understanding the importance of comfort items, these insights aim to prepare you for the challenges and adjustments that come in those first few days.