It's REALLY hard to believe I physically gave birth to a baby. It's harder to believe my sweet baby Harper is six weeks old and that I'm already back to work. She had her monthly check-up on Valentine's day. She's 23 inches long (97th percentile) and 8 lbs 15 oz (25th-50th percentile.) The doctor is pleased with her progress and says she looks and sounds great!
I have had a lot of moms ask what I took to the hospital. Here it is!
Find out from your OB how many nights they anticipate you being there. (I was in the hospital for three nights.) This makes the packing of clothing so much easier. The clothes that you do pack should be loose and easy to take on/off. I packed yoga pants, tank tops, and zip up hoodies. My mom also got me an awesome "birthing gown" that I wore all day the day after Harper was born. I highly recommend that. It's much cuter, softer, and more comfortable than a hospital gown, plus you can detach the shoulder straps for easy breast feeding. (http://www.birthingown.com/)
Don't worry about underwear! The hospital will provide you with these huge, netted granny panties to hold in the huge maxi-pads and ice packs you'll be using. Having a c-section? You'll still want to use those hospital panties as you'll still experience a lot of bleeding after delivery. (Something no one mentions.)
Also (for you breast feeding mamas) buy a few nursing bras to bring with you. They are fantastic! My favorites are from Target and they're wireless and feel like a sports bra. They're the kind with the front panel that you can snap on and off. SO highly recommend this!
* Shampoo/Conditioner - yes, the hospital will give you some if you forget, but it's really cheap, crappy stuff.
* Soap - again, they'll provide it but it's really cheap, crappy stuff.
* Lotion - your body and hands will be SO dry, so pack your favorite lotion!
* Chapstick - again with the dryness - you'll definitely want this.
* Toothbrush and toothpaste
* Make-up removing wipes - not just for make-up removal! I love these if I don't feel like washing my face, and trust me, you probably won't want to.
* Camera
* Phone/camera chargers - no need to explain this one.
* Prenatal vitamins - the hospital won't provide you with these, so bring your own if you're planning on breast feeding.
* Slippers (or socks) with rubber bottoms - for walking around on those slick floors.
* Tucks hemmorhoid pads or Dermoplast - I brought both of these but didn't use them since the hospital (unexpectedly) gave me Epifoam. Epifoam was wonderful - it was numbing, cool, and had a steroid in it to reduce swelling. Ask for a few extras to take home! I did end up using the pads and Dermoplast once I ran out of epifoam though. Definitely bring it with you in case your hospital doesn't provide an alternative!
* Straightener, hair dryer, or usual styling products - If you're in the hospital a few days after giving birth and you're expecting company it's really nice to be able to style your hair. It made me feel more human, anyway.
* Coming home outfit for baby
I realize I'm no longer pregnant, but I'm still going to post my (slightly modified) survey.
Age: Six weeks
Pre-pregnancy weight: 141 pounds
Heaviest weight: 150 pounds at 39 weeks
Current weight: 123 pounds. I have not worked out yet, but according to multiple sources the reason for the weight loss is due to all of the calories you burn while breast feeding. I've dropped eighteen pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight, but I can't fit into my pre-pregnancy pants because my hips widened so much, plus the skin around my midsection is still kind of loose from being stretched so tight. (Gross.) Hopefully, once I start P90X it will tighten back up!
Maternity clothes or regular clothes: Both. I am still wearing maternity jeans because none of my pants fit yet.
Stretch marks: Yup. They all occurred right around my belly button. They should fade with time though.
Diet: I have lovingly welcomed sugar and carbs back into my life! Since I was on a restricted diet the last trimester I still find myself thinking about food choices a little more than I would have before I was pregnant.
Recovery notes: I went to the doctor last week and she said my progress was great. I'm almost healed - still have a stitch in place from the episiotomy, but it's painless. (By the way, it took about two weeks post-delivery to feel pain-free down below.)
Belly button in or out? I'm back to having an innie!
Wedding rings on or off? On. Hands never swelled!
Moody or not moody? Pretty emotional. Post-partum hormones are no joke. I just cry at everything!
Looking forward to: Any time off of work and watching my baby bear grow!
Also, I did not have time to make a one-month board. So instead, enjoy this photo montage.
