Things to bring to the hospital on the day of baby's birth

Things to bring to the hospital:

DOCUMENTS
*SSS ID
*SSS Mat1 & Mat2
*Philhealth ID
*Philhealth MDR
*Philhealth Claim Form
*Philhealth Contribution cert/payment receipt
*Marriage Cert
*Birth Cert of Dette (orig & photocopy)
*Birth Cert of Ronn (orig & photocopy)
*Doctor's admission slip
*Birth certificate info for the baby, NSO format (optional)
*Pen

MOMMY'S STUFF
-toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste)
-isopropyl alcohol
-robe
-nursing clothes
-underwear
-slippers
-bath towel
-going away clothes
-maternity pads/adult diapers
-underpads (optional)
-socks
-abdominal binder
-nursing bra
-breast pad

BABY'S STUFF
-baby book
-four (or more) sets of clothes (bonnet, socks, mittens, frogsuits, side-tie sleeveless & long sleeves, PJs)
-disposable diapers / cloth diapers
-disposable wipes
-receiving / swaddle blankets
-towel
-baby wash (some hospitals require this)
-cotton

DADDY'S STUFF
-extra pillow & blanket
-change of clothes
-bath towel
-slippers
-toiletries

OTHERS
*Camera
*Cellphones, Tablet, Wifi
*Chargers
*Food

Things to have before your baby is born

Based on my experience, these are some of the most important things to have before the baby is born: 

APPAREL
-undershirts
-onesies/rompers
-jumpsuits
-socks/footsies
-hats/bonnets
-mittens
-side-tie (longsleeves)
-side-tie (shortsleeves)
-jammies
-cocoon
-bib

FEEDING

Originally, my goal was to exclusively breastfeed my baby. But little bub had a hard time to latch properly and I didn't know what to do then. I got frustrated in trying, so I resorted to formula. I thought I already did everything to make my baby breastfeed until I found a Facebook group called Breastfeeding Pinays and realized that there were still a lot of things I could and should have done. So a piece of advice for first time moms, be more informed about breastfeeding before your little one is born. Surprisingly, there is a lot to learn.

If for any reason you can't breastfeed, at least have the following: 

-baby bottles w/ transparent nipples (I got Tommee Tippee closer to nature advanced comfort 9oz 6-bottle pack from babyoutlet.ph) 

-sterilizer (I got Chicco because it's a lot cheaper than other brands)
-bottle brush (I got Tommee Tippee)
-storage box for feeding essentials
-breast pump
-breast pad

GROOMING/BATHING
-bath towels
-wash cloth
-baby foam
-baby bath support
-baby bath tub

For skin care and bath essentials, I got Mustela products. This brand works well with my little bub, plus it has mostly natural ingredients. The last time I heard, this is the number one baby brand in France.

Other toiletries to have are:
-isopropyl alcohol
-baby clippers (I got Tommee Tippee)
-baby thermometer
-cotton buds
-cotton balls

DIAPERING
-cloth diapers/disposable diapers (whichever you prefer)
-inserts (if using modern cloth diapers)
-disposable/flushable diaper liners (used with modern cloth diapers to manage poop more easily)
-baby wipes
-changing mat
-diaper wet bag (if using modern cloth diapers)
-clamps/pins (if using traditional cloth diapers)

NURSERY
-crib
-mattress
-beddings
-blanket
-padded crib bumpers
-(mosquito) net
-receiving blanket
-swaddle blanket
-crib mobile

OTHERS
-baby sling/carrier

My C-section Delivery

Finally I found the time to update my blog. It's been a looong time since I gave birth and I hope I could still remember my birthing experience.

In the afternoon of July 11th I was admitted in the hospital in preparation for my scheduled c-section delivery on July 12th at 7:00 a.m. Nurses had come to me for a variety of tests I needed to undergo and interviewed me about my medical history. My blood pressure and my baby's heartbeat were also constantly monitored. I was allowed to eat until midnight only. I was supposed to be on IV at 5:30 a.m. the next day, but my urinalysis showed that I had UTI (urinary track infection), so I had to take antibiotics through the IV right away.

I was uncomfortable the whole time because it was my first time to be admitted to the hospital. Nonetheless, I and my hubby still found time to goof around and take selfies.

My sister arrived at the hospital from work very early in the morning of July 12th. She was assigned to watch our things in the room while I and my hubby were gone.

At 6:30 A.M., I was taken to the delivery room. The anesthesiologist was already there. I was just glad that she was very helpful in making me feel comfortable all throughout the surgery. I must say that she is one good anesthesiologist because I didn't feel any pain while she injected me. She also talked to me while Dr. Candelario and another doctor were opening me up.

It felt like 15 minutes (or so) and then I heard my little bub's first cry. It was like music to my ears. As the doctors were stitching me, the pediatrician put him next to me and I kissed him for the first time. After that, I also experienced the "Unang Yakap" with my baby. It was overwhelming. I was full of happiness.

While I was in the recovery room, family members took turn in taking photos of my baby in the nursery. I know I had to get some rest after that, but I couldn't get myself to sleep. My baby was roomed in on the same day. Visitors started coming and going, while I just laid down on the bed watching everyone.

It was of course an unforgettable day. Everyone was happy.

Pregnancy : 38th Week

On July 10th was another check-up with Dr. Candelario and sudden decisions were made. Because my little one had already reached 38 weeks and knowing the fact that he was still breech, Dr. Candelario scheduled me on Saturday, July 12, for a caesarian section delivery. Since this was an IVF baby and we waited for him for 7 years, Dr. Candelario didn't want to take any risk. Baby was good and ready to see the world at 38 weeks and 5 days.

I was nervous but excited at the same time.

Pregnancy : 36th and 37th Weeks

Dr. Candelario and her family were in the U.S. so Dr. Abalos filled in during my 36th week (June 26th) and 37th week (July 3rd) check ups. She just monitored my baby's heartbeat and vital signs were normal. My baby is still breech though. Dr. Abalos said I could go into labor any time soon, so I should watch for any signs of labor. I'm hoping for my baby to reach at least 38 weeks to make sure his organs are fully developed before he comes out. Also, I wish he would still turn and engage himself properly so I could deliver vaginally.

On July 3rd, there was another patient who has the same EDD as mine. At that time, she was already having small contractions. Dr. Abalos advised her not go to the hospital yet though because it might still take a day or two before she has real labor contractions.

Here's my belly photo at 36 weeks: 

It's getting a lot harder to walk, sleep, and move about at this time of my pregnancy. Most of the time I feel tingling pains somewhere in my right butt cheek. I also started having joint pains and numbness in my fingers, which is normal at this time for pregnant women. My feet look normal though and there's no sign of edema there according to Dr. Abalos. I have bigger appetite although I still try to control myself by eating small meals, consuming more fruits, and limiting my intake of rice. The doctors also advise me to drink lots of water to maintain the right level of amniotic fluid. My baby is still very active and moves a lot, which is a good sign that he is holding up fine. 

While writing this post, I am one day away from my 38th week. 

My next appointment with Dr. Candelario is on July 10th. I'm not sure if she would start doing an internal exam on my cervix, but I'm readying myself for it. 

Pregnancy : 35th Week

Dr. Candelario checked on me and my baby again on June 19th. Unfortunately, the baby is still breech. She said that although there is still a chance for my little one to turn, I should ready myself for a cesarian section especially if I go into early labor. I'm still hoping for my baby to turn though and eventually have vaginal birth.

I anxiously started reading blogs and forums about CS birth to get some ideas on what and what not to do just in case I need to undergo the procedure. 

I'm just glad that my little one stays to be healthy inside me. He actively moves and his heart rate is normal.

It's also the time of pregnancy for me to start walking everyday. Walking is fine, but it has become very difficult for me to get uninterrupted sleep. I pee more frequently and to change sleeping positions is a struggle. Sitting has also become uncomfortable because all the baby's weight goes into the butt and spine, so I have to stand up from time to time and do some mild stretching.

Dr. Candelario advised me to sleep mostly on my left side for better blood circulation in the uterus. She also said that I should drink lots of water to maintain ample amount of amniotic fluid until I give birth.

Next check-up will be on June 25th.

Pregnancy : 34th Week

Happy 116th Independence Day, Philippines!

Today, June 12th, was another check up with Dr. Candelario. Succeeding consultations will be weekly after this until my baby boy is born.

Dr. Candelario did a quick scan of my little one and said that he is healthy, although still in breech. She also said not to worry though and to just wait.

As for me, my blood pressure is normal, which I am very thankful for because I could get away with gestational hypertension. 

It has become more difficult for me to move around at this time of my pregnancy. I was able to watch a documentary about natural birthing entitled "Orgasmic Birth" and I'm impressed with the way the women gave birth. I hope I could do natural spontaneous delivery (NSD) without much medical intervention (induced labor, epidural, etc).

Next check-up will be on June 19th.