Long antenatal stay and postnatal stay. What to bring

[Lalla525]

Hihi. Off the back of a previous thread I realised I do not know much of what I might need during my stay in hospital, especially with covid.

Situation: I will be hospitalised soon (weeks before birth) and given that baby will be premature I will also have to stay post-natally. Birth will be a c-section.

Questions are as follows (for people who have experience about staying in hospital). This should be in the context of covid, with partner not allowed there.

1. what are the essentials which are not provided?
   
2. how about food? I have gestational diabetes, will they provide it?
   
3. what other things should I be considering? Any tips?
   
   Thanks

[Enormouscroc]

I had to go in a couple weeks before and stayed a week after having baby in 2017. From memory the key items that made a difference were: my own pillow, iPad, ear plugs (but ended up with my own room - try and push for that if poss), a photo in a photo frame, a fan, orange squash, snacks, casual wear, toiletries, flip flops, dressing gown, then post baby stuff (which partner can bring in closer to C-section, if allowed with covid). Good luck

[LH1987]

Hi, I have had many extended hospital stays (though never for anything maternity). My essentials would be:

• Eye mask to block out light
• Ear plugs
• Chargers for phone / tablet which are long as they can sometimes be a bit of a stretch. Otherwise a plug extension board
• Wireless headphones
• Good books, puzzle books, coloring books and a streaming service subscription.
• Salad dressing (the salad they serve is dry!)
• Lush 'Sleepy time' cream, its a life saver!
• Warm cardigan for night time
• Slipper socks

In terms of food for GD, they will definitely be able to cater for you. Usually, you select your lunch and dinner every morning and there is loads of options, there is also a box on the menu to tick for diabetes. Breakfast can be a bit more difficult as it is usually a trolley with toast and cereal so just don't be afraid to tell the care assistant who is handing it out and they will bring you something else. In my experience they can usually do some eggs etc.

Good luck and I hope all goes well with the birth!

[Sunshinegirl82]

V shaped pillow for after the section and a long iPhone charger.

They will provide food but you might want some of your own snacks and some squash as water can get a bit boring.

Flip flops for the shower!

If you don’t already subscribe you might want some things like Netflix, amazon prime etc on your phone/tablet to give you some options.

Best of luck!

[Lalla525]

Thanks very much!!