Almost giving birth and want to know what to do during your hospital stay after birth? You’re in the right place mama! The most exciting part of being pregnant is when you actually give birth! Okay maybe it’s a little nerve-racking, but it is what you look forward to the moment you find out that you are pregnant. Today I’m going to share with you the things that you should do in the hospital after giving birth!
With all the great expectation for that day there are things that happens during labor that nobody tells you about, so you might want to know that not everything is peaches and roses. Before you give birth you need to make sure you do all of these things first to ensure peace of mind and be prepared for the welcoming of your new baby.
After all of the commotion of giving birth has slowed down and you are finally in your postpartum room, you have to make sure to do a couple of important things. These 7 things to do in the hospital after you give birth will help you have peace of mind and will also help you not worry about things after you get home from the hospital.
How long will I be in the hospital after birth?
After an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, you’re likely to stay in the hospital for 24 to 48 hours. If you have an uncomplicated c-section, you’ll probably be in the hospital for two to four days (source)
What do you wear in the hospital?
You will typically wear a hospital gown during your stay. You can bring your own and wear it too. Since hospital gowns aren’t the most stylish.
8 things to do in the hospital after you give birth
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1.Fill out the birth certificate
Make sure you fill out your baby’s birth certificate in the hospital. You can get assistance from the wonderful nurses that are always willing to help. Do not leave this for after you get home with your new born because it will stress you out! All you will want to do is just rest and spend time with your baby, you will not want to do paper work. Have your hubby fill it out if you want, but have it done! Plus, the hospital will take care of sending it to the right place, so you don’t have to do it.
Don’t forget to NOURISH your body, so you can heal quickly, produce a healthy milk supply and lose the baby weight! You can accomplish all of this with the The Postpartum Cure!
2.Ask doctors and nurses questions
This is the time to ask all of the questions that you may have and believe me we have a ton. Don’t feel embarrassed or shy about asking even the obvious of questions, your doctor and nurses are there to help and hopefully not judge. When I gave birth to my first baby, I called the nurse frantically because I didn’t know how to make my baby stop crying. I felt embarrassed but at the same time, I felt like I should ask for help so I can know what to do once I am home alone with my baby. So, ask all you want and rest assure you will feel better and informed.
3.Decide if you will circumcise your baby boy
This is the time to decide whether you want to circumcise your baby boy or not. I believe this is a personal preference, so every mom has the right to decide and not be judged for their decision. Consult with your hubby and agree on it, consult with your doctor and ask him/her questions about the cons and pros of circumcising your child. I circumcised my baby boy because it was something my hubby and I agreed on, the moment we found out we were having a boy and my doctor also recommended it.
Some of the reasons many moms decided to circumcise their baby is because there is a decreased risk of urinary tract infection, prevention of penile problems and easier hygiene. It’s better to do it while your baby boy is a newborn because they will not remember the pain and you have the nurses to help you with the healing. Here’s a helpful article on how to care for your circumcised baby!
Note: The decision on whether to circumcise your child may sometimes depend on your religion, the country you are living in, family tradition and many other factors.
4.It’s okay if you do not sleep with your baby
It’s okay if you do not sleep with your baby. I know you want to be with your newborn at all times, you are still in awe that you gave birth to this beautiful chubby baby but take my advice on this one. If one night you do not want to sleep with your baby then don’t. That doesn’t make you a bad mom, it makes you human. You need to get your rest, you need to savor your last days of sleeping full nights without any interruptions.
This decision may also depend in the hospital that you are staying in, some may give you the option like mine did and some may not. Do what is right for you!
Note: This is my personal opinion to not sleep with my baby during the night while still being in the hospital. If you do sleep with your baby while being in the hospital that’s great and if you don’t that’s great too!
5.Take advantage of the free baby items
This is my number one rule to do during your hospital stay after birth, even though we know our insurance is paying for these items might as well pack on the “free” diapers, baby formula, blankets, hats, vaseline, and any other baby products that your hospital provides. Pack on the freebie girl! Tell your hubby to “steal” (you are not really stealing here) them and take it home. Tell your siblings, mom, dad and grandma’s to help you stock up on all these baby items from the hospital.
Many nurses will give you these items for you to take. Just take advantage of the baby products that they give you in the hospital.
Read this next:
14 excellent ways to feel more like yourself after giving birth
10 postpartum items you need after birth for a smooth recovery
6.Take naps
Sometimes when we are in the hospital, all we want to do is take care of our babies and not take naps. I have learned from experience, that taking naps during the day is okay, you will still be a great mom to your newborn. You need to take care of yourself in order to take care of someone else, so get your rest if you are feeling tired and let your hubby take care of the baby.
7.Enjoy your visitors
Enjoy your family and friends that go visit you and your baby at the hospital. Talk with them, take pictures and just savor these moments. Enjoy the great company and let them spend time with your baby while you eat or simply while you relax.
8. Breastfeeding
If you’re planning on breastfeeding your newborn baby, now is the time to start! Ask your nurse to help you breastfeed your baby, by showing you how to hold your newborn and how to help him latch. If your hospital has a lactation consultant on sight, then she will most likely visit you and give you information.
Once you’re home, you can take the Milkology breastfeeding class (super cheap!) to learn the basics of breastfeeding. You can definitely reach your lactation goals in one day! Get more free information here!
Quick recap:
Every pregnant women will tell you that giving birth and actually meeting their baby for the first timer is what they look forward to the most. Giving birth is an amazing experience that you will treasure for ever.
After you give birth you must make sure you do a couple things. For example, make sure you fill out your baby’s birth certificate and ask your doctor and nurses any questions and concern that you may have.
It’s also important that you rest in order to recuperate and feel more energetic. Also stocking up on baby supplies that they will give you in the hospital is not a bad idea at all. Enjoy your visitors and take it easy!
New mom? How nice would it be if your baby slept through the night at 2 month old? If you had time for self care? Slept more and rocked your first year of motherhood? Good news!
