Dad Blogs - Dad Blogs | Packing for the Hospital, Dad-Style

Friday, 21 August 2009 14:27

Written by jeskates

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Image: geishaboy500 via Flickr. Alright, so you have the route, to your hospital, all planned out for the moment when "mommy" goes into labor, and she is all packed, but have you thought about what you need?

Yes, you will be there too and will also need plenty of things while at the hospital waiting for your child to arrive. The hospital usually caters very well to "mommy," however, daddy somehow gets left out in the cold, literally. (Bring a blanket!) You think you will not need a lot until you are there and all of a sudden remember all the things you need to take a shower, such as a new change of clothes and a phone charger!

So, have no fear and use this easy checklist of important items that a new dad requires.

1. Atleast two days worth change of clothes-
Nine times out of ten, a hospital stay only consists of a couple of days. If your partner has a "C" section the stay may be longer or if your child is premature. What ever the case you will certainly be ready to head home after one day, but hold strong for your family. This is a controversial subject, so be aware. You will discover that many people have an opinion about it. It differs for everyone because everyone does not have the same situation. For example, you may have a job that will not allow you to take off or you may have other children that need to be cared for. Although, some dads feel they are abandoning their station if they leave and this is a normal feeling. It is ultimately your decision how long you stay, so make that your choice and yours alone.

2. Toiletries: shampoo, razor, shaving cream, deodorant, etc...
Everyone has different needs, but be prepared to bring all the essentials you require.

3. A Pillow and blanket
The pillow and blankets the hospital provides are not up to par, most of the time. If you would like a good night sleep be prepared to bring whatever makes you comfortable.

4. Camera
You will certainly want to catch every moment possible during this special time. Do not rely on other family members to take the photos for you. You will be glad you did.

5. Snacks from home or cash for vending machines
If you would like to eat while there remember this: The hospital provides food for mom, but dad is left with a growling stomach.

6. Cell phone charger
This is quite important if you want a working cell phone.

7. wallet: driver's license, credit cards, insurance cards, etc...
All hospitals are different, so be prepared to give any personal information that is required.

8. A ball cap, just a good thing to have on hand... nuff said.

9. A swim suit
Whenever your partner is ready to take a shower she may need some assistance. It may be a nice gesture to help.

10. The video camera
Be ready to catch memorable and important moments.

11. iPod, magazine or book
Sometimes waiting on a baby takes a long time. You may need something to keep you occupied during the downtime of labor.

Good luck and certainly do not forget to take everything in during the birth of your son or daughter. It will be something that will be irreplaceable.

Image: geishaboy500 via Flickr.

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written by whatnowdad, August 27, 2009

8. A ball cap, just a good thing to have on hand... nuff said.

I take a ball cap everywhere I go....great list item!!!

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written by WeaselMomma, August 27, 2009

A swimsuit to help in the shower is a very sweet, but unnecessary. Hopefully the mother of your child is used to seeing you naked at that point. I only needed this help after my first and it was greatly appreciated and needed, but trunks weren't. Nurses were willing to give us privacy.

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written by J Skates, August 27, 2009

I dont think it is unnecessary - nurses are in and out of the room at all times...
but that is just my opinion.

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written by SurprisedMom, August 27, 2009

My girls were born 18 and 15 years ago and I can tell you we weren't this organized. I barely remembered to pack my own duffle bag for the stay. I was in 48 hours for both. Labor was induced, therefore scheduled for the oldest. I had to be at the hospital at 5 a.m. She was born at 10:18 p.m. and hubby left at midnight. There was no staying overnight. The youngest's labor started on it's own at midnight, we were at the hospital at 2 a.m. and she was born at 3:38 p.m. Hubby didn't stay either. He didn't help with the shower, so trunks weren't necessary. Food was. Pocket cell phones, ipods and such were in the near future. Poor hubby was too tired to read, so he'd nap between contractions (When I wasn't squeezing the life out of his hand). He wanted to bring a video and still camera. I nixed that. Who wants to see THAT?
All in all, I think the birthing experience is even more civilized than when I had my girls. And you are prepared!

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written by Jason, August 28, 2009

Our hospital didn't provide beds for the fathers so it was off to home each night for me. Which was fine. The missus needed the quiet(we took full advantage of the hospital nursery. She chose not to with the first one and thought it the wiser decision the second time around) and we had another child at home. I fully agree on having food with you(just don't eat it in front of mom)otherwise you'll be more exhausted than her when you are really needed. All in all a great list.

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written by BellaDaddy, August 28, 2009

Wish I had read this prior to THIS: http://belladaddy.blogspot.com...o-you.html

LOL...great column! THANKS!

-1

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written by DevotedDad, August 28, 2009

Something I brought for both of my kids birth was 2 sleeping bags. The pull out cot was very uncomfortable. Placing one of the sleeping bags on the bottom made it into a pillow top (still folded so it was double thick). Then the second sleeping bag was for me to get into. 3 layers total between you and the cot!?! Oh, Yeah! -Jason