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.