By Veronica Love
Hello everyone. Since I haven’t posted in awhile, I thought I’d squeeze in another blog before 2014 comes to a close. I can’t believe this year is winding down. Before you know it, Thanksgiving will be here, and then Christmas will be right around the corner. I must say, 2014 has been an awesome year full of many blessings. It’s another year of good health for me and my family, following my triumphant battle against breast cancer three years ago.
Perhaps the best blessing of all came earlier this year when I gave birth to our precious daughter, Logan, on January 30, 2014, at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women. My husband and I were a bit apprehensive about whether I’d be able to conceive after completing my cancer treatments a few years back, but miracles do happen. Logan, who is now eight months old, and her big brother, 6-year-old Declan, absolutely adore each other, and we adore them too!
For many moms-to-be out there, choosing which hospital to deliver your newborn is one of the most important decisions to make. I chose to give birth at the Pavilion, and I couldn’t have planned it any better.
My hospital stay at the Pavilion was truly magnificent. I went for an office visit and ended up staying to have a baby. The atmosphere was so calm and tranquil. I was alone in my labor and delivery room for awhile, and then my husband and parents showed up just in time for the big show! The birth of my daughter happened really fast. I told the nurse that I felt some pressure and she went to check and said, “Oh, that’s hair!” She promptly summoned the physician on-call, and a few pushes later, I delivered our precious little girl.
For new moms-to-be, figuring out what to pack in your hospital bag days or weeks before your delivery date can be a huge task. I’ve learned putting together a checklist in advance will make things a lot easier.
Here are a couple of things that helped me prepare for my Pavilion stay:
1. Zipper front robes. Two should be fine.
2. Two pairs of warm, grippy socks
3. Big comfy undies. They do have some there, but they didn’t fit me well.
4. Chapstick
5. Reading material while waiting for baby to arrive
6. Hair ties, clips, and headband
7. Your favorite scented soap and lotion. The Pavilion provides this, but I like my favorite scent to help stay calm.
8. An open mind. You can plan all you want but the truth is, it’s not up to you. So, just relax and let it happen.
9. Your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. No one has all the answers even if you have done this before. You can let everyone know gently that you’re the mommy here and you call the shots.
10. Your confidence. You do fantastic work and this will be no different.