What you actually need in the Hospital Bag

        Since I am only 2 weeks out from being at full term (37 weeks) with this pregnancy, I figured I should get started with packing the hospital bag. We are obviously hoping she decides to wait until at least 39 weeks to make her appearance, but we want to be prepared just in case she comes anytime now. There were several things we packed with our last baby that were never even removed from the bag until we came home and unpacked the hospital bag. Here's a list of what you will actually need to take to the hospital for you, your partner, and the baby. Just below is a link to our YouTube channel video about all you will need, or if it's easier, there's a list below for you.


How to pack your Hospital Bag

                                                   Image from: www.gardenista.com
You:

-Insurance information and ID
-Outfit (at least 2, in case your stay is extended)
*with all clothing, including pj's, be nursing conscience if you plan to nurse*
-Toiletries (Shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, etc.)
-Toothbrush and Toothpaste
-Hair brush
-Nursing Bra : I've read that wearing one to the hospital isn't a terrible idea
-Pajamas
-Underwear: I suggest some that you won't mind getting messed up)
-Pads: the hospital will usually provide you with some, but it you do not like the kind they have, it's great to know you have some you like
-Nursing pads: Even if you are not planning on nursing, you may start leaking colostrum
-Flip flops or house shoes (or both): Because hospital floors are cold on bare feet, and I know many people like to wear flip flops when showering in places other than their own home
-Snacks
-Phone and/or Camera Charger

That's about it for you, for the necessity side of things. There are a few more things I will list that you will see on other hospital bag lists, but most of these items NEVER saw the light of day until we returned home with the baby and unpacked our bag.
-Robe
-Towels (my hospital provided me with them)
-Magazines
-Blanket (hospital will provide you with plenty)
-Razor (yeah right, you just delivered a baby... )
-Make Up (I did put a little on the second day just to make me feel like I didn't look like a total zombie, but definitely was not on the top of my list of priorities)

Partner/Spouse:

-Outfit (at least 2, in case your stay is extended)
-Toiletries (Shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, etc.)
-Toothbrush and Toothpaste
-Hair brush
-Underwear
-Pajamas
-Snacks and Drinks
-Money for Vending (Oddly, it's like one of the most important things!!)
-Phone charger and/or camera charger
-Entertainment (there will probably be plenty to keep them entertained. There usually is a TV in the room. Magazines, tablets, books, or anything they may like. For that matter, if labor is taking a long time, like 17 hours for me, any of these can offer as a nice distraction for you, as well.)

Baby:
Let me point out, most every thing you may need for the baby, will be provided by the hospital. Almost every thing on this list may not actually be a necessity, but it is nice to have your own.
-Diapers
-Wipes
-Hat
-Blanket
-Nightgown
-Onesie
-Going Home outfit *must have*
-Bottle (nursing or not. If for some reason you need to supplement, you will want the baby to start off with the bottle of your choice. The hospital will provide formula and tips, if necessary).
-Nursing Pillow
-Car seat *must have*(The base should be already installed in car. Hospital staff will usually walk you out when you are discharged to check it)
-Gift for big sibling (if you are doing that)

Surviving Pregnancy Heartburn

      Let me being with a brief statement.... I am not a doctor, and I do not want you to think what I say is Gold. What I will tell you is that I have been suffering with heartburn since around week 25. I had it really bad with both of my pregnancies. I tend to take the non-medication approach, if at all possible (which is not always the case). Here are a few remedies I have personally used that work, and some that I have read "work," but I have not actually tested....

Lets begin with food:

I know, being pregnant, when you read to stay away from trigger foods like spicy foods makes total sense until the only thing you are craving is that enchilada or cheese sauce from your favorite Mexican restaurant, and nothing else will suffice until you have it. SO... I say... Try to avoid trigger foods, but be prepared to suffer heartburn consequences if you do eat something that may trigger your heartburn. I've noticed, lately, with me, every thing I eat seems to be a trigger.

Some foods known to help heartburn are: (I have read that for some people, they still trigger heartburn)

-Bananas
-Pineapple
-Ginger
-Sweet Potato
-Honey
-Apples
-Dijon Mustard (the vinegar used to make it is what actually works)

Personally, I have tried the apples. They work immediately, but very temporary- 30 mins of relief tops. I've tried the bananas, but I haven't noticed much of a difference. Nor,ally, I feel that pineapple causes me heartburn rather than relive it. Ginger is great to relive upset stomach, as well as
 heartburn.

Some odd ball relief strategies:

-Baking Soda
        It will not taste amazing, but it will help. All you need:
        1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed into 1 glass of water. Drink and be merry. The
         soda neutralizes the acid in the stomach.
                                                                

                                                      Image from: www.healthyfoodhouse.com
-Aloe Juice
       Just as we use aloe to soothe burns, it can also be used to soothe heartburn. All you need:
       1/2 cup of aloe juice. *warning: it can act as a laxative, so be aware of that before drinking*
                                                                 

                                                 Image from: www.organicaloevera.com
-Apple Cider Vinegar
       The whole concept of acid to fight acid seems crazy, but many people swear by this technique.
        All you need: 3 teaspoons - 1 tablespoon of Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar mixed in 6-8
        oz of water.
                                                                     

                                                            Image from: www.iherb.com
-Chamomile Tea
        Supposedly the best time for this strategy is to have a cup of tea about 1/2-1 hour prior to bed. It
        will help relax you and reduce inflammation caused by the heartburn
                                                                      

                                                            Image from: bryanallain.com
-Chew Gum
         I was skeptical at first. I read it's best to chew gum for 30 minutes after a meal. The chewing
         motion created increases your saliva and rids your body of the acid that causes heartburn. This
         has become my favorite treatment that I have found. I, personally, buy Trident Sugar-Free
         Spearmint gum. Plus, it keeps your breath fresh after meals :)
                                                                

Image from: nyulocal.com

 

Some medicinal relief:

 

-Tums/Calcium

       This is the first form of "medicine" relief I reach for when nothing else seems to help. It usually

       will start relieving heartburn within seconds, but I find only lasts a few minutes IF my heartburn

       is really bad at that particular moment. Plus, it's a great source of calcium.

 

                                                                 

Image from: www.soap.com

-Zantac

        If all else fails, I will use zantac. It is ok'd for pregnant women to take. I try to only use to only

        use the regular strength (75mg), but lately, that has not been cutting it. I only find relief if I use

        the maximum strength (150 mg). I also like the ones that have the outer mint coating to cool my

        BURNING throat as soon as I take it. (I normally will buy store brand over the name brand to

        save $$)

 

                                                             

Image from: purchase-zantac-cheaprps1.weebly.com

 

-Pepcid Ac

        I have never taken this medicine for heartburn relief. I do not know how well it works. I do

        know it tends to be on the list of pregnancy approved medicine.

 

                                                                

Image from: www.drug3k.com

 

 

Now, I do know there are other over-the-counter pregnancy approved heartburn medications, but several of those seems to work only if you take them on a regular basis.

 

My goal is to give you pregnant moms out there find some ideas and ways to relieve your heartburn. I hope these remedies help you the way they have helped me. I hope you find some relief... I know how much it sucks having a constant burning feeling in the back of your throat. Remember, please call your doctor, if you have any questions or concerns about taking a medicine or the severity of your heartburn.

Information resource for some of the post: http://everydayroots.com/heartburn-remedies