05/30/2018 Category: Childbirth Author: Marina Tumanova
The departure of a mother and her newborn from the walls of the maternity hospital is a real family holiday that will remain in the memory for a long time. To ensure that the day is not overshadowed by unpleasant surprises, you need to thoroughly prepare and take into account a lot of details. It is correct if both parties participate in organizing the celebration: the woman in the maternity hospital chooses the necessary clothes and accessories on the Internet, and the husband, with unlimited freedom of movement, is in the wings, running around shopping. What will be on the list of important things to do and how to “color” the event with successful ideas - we’ll figure it out.
- You're greeted by your clothes.
Wardrobe for mom. - How to dress a baby
About the envelope
- About the vagaries of the weather
- Gifts from family and friends
When the time comes for a new person to “come out into the world”
The birth is over, the young mother is counting the days until she is discharged from the hospital. Some of the new parents, by the way, are afraid of this event: the not very skilled mother has little idea of how to cope with the baby on her own, without the support of doctors and medical staff.
Before being discharged from the maternity hospital, a woman is both happy and worried - there is difficult work ahead to care for the baby.
Nevertheless, the maternity hospital will have to leave. The timing of discharge depends on the health status of the woman and the newborn. The options are:
- natural childbirth proceeded normally, the child was born without pathologies - then both are kept in the maternity hospital for three days: during this time, doctors monitor how much the mother has recovered, whether the baby’s main indicators are normal; if everything is in order, a discharge is scheduled on the third day, on the eve of which a follow-up examination of the mother and baby is carried out;
- in some maternity wards, weekends and holidays are considered non-working days, so no one is involved in discharging happy mothers; sometimes for this reason a woman spends an extra two days in the maternity hospital - for example, if she gave birth on Thursday, she will be discharged not on Saturday, but on a working day - Monday;
- a woman underwent a caesarean section - due to the many stitches, the body’s recovery is delayed, and besides, doctors need to monitor the mother’s well-being after undergoing anesthesia; in the end they will be released in 7–10 days at best;
- the natural birth was fraught with complications, the woman received a lot of stitches that require regular treatment; after a difficult birth, it is more difficult for the mother to restore her health, so discharge, depending on the woman’s well-being, occurs on days 5–10; in some cases, a woman in labor is left in the maternity hospital for 2 weeks;
- Mom began to have postpartum complications - the stitches came apart, the uterus became inflamed due to the remaining pieces of the fetal membranes, she contracted an infection during childbirth, and so on; first the woman is treated, then discharged - approximately 7-10 days;
- the child was born premature - then he needs to be monitored by medical staff around the clock; the newborn remains in the maternity hospital, perhaps for more than one month, and the mother is discharged;
- the child has developmental pathologies, the baby is full term, but loses weight too quickly after birth - in all such cases, doctors assess the degree of pathology, the baby’s well-being and then make a decision: discharge it in a timely manner or leave it for treatment for several weeks.
Discharge from the maternity hospital is delayed when developmental defects are discovered in a newborn and the baby requires treatment.
It happens that the skin of a newborn begins to turn yellow - the so-called jaundice appears. If, after examining the child, doctors conclude that the jaundice is physiological in nature, the mother and baby are discharged, as expected, after 3 days; the yellowness subsides after two weeks. When an enlarged liver is discovered in a baby, discharge is postponed, and the tiny patient is transferred to the children's department for treatment - mothers are also allowed to stay there.
In general, the child’s condition is analyzed using the Apgar scale - this is a universal system for quickly assessing the main indicators (pulse, breathing, muscle tone); if the scores are low, the newborn is kept in the maternity hospital for a week to improve his health.
What should you take with you to the maternity hospital?
To travel to the birth, you will need to pack 2 bags - the first for your stay in the maternity hospital, the second for discharge. It is better to collect them in advance and sign them. Read more about how to understand that it’s time to go to the maternity hospital →
The first bag you should take with you immediately should contain:
- passport, exchange card, policy;
- hygiene products for mother and child;
- comfortable casual clothes for the baby and the mother in labor;
- drinking water without gas, at least 1 liter;
- postpartum bandage and underwear;
- notepad, pen, book or magazines.
This list can be supplemented according to the requirements of the maternity hospital and personal wishes. In the second bag, brought by relatives before discharge, they put beautiful and comfortable things for the young mother; taking into account the not completely gone belly, it is better to take those that she wore in the first half of pregnancy.
Greeted by clothes
After giving birth, a woman usually doesn’t look great: her face is tired, her hair is in disarray, her nails are unkempt, and there are no hairdressers or cosmetologists in the maternity hospital. Some of the mothers gained weight, while others' bellies sagged. However, this is not a reason to postpone the holiday. It's true what they say - there is no bad figure, only bad clothes.
Wardrobe for mom
When the scale points mercilessly at the extra pounds, give up the thought of squeezing into the clothes you wore before giving birth; lose weight - then please. Avoid trouser options, including jeans and leggings, and resist the temptation to wear a miniskirt, especially if leg swelling has persisted since pregnancy.
An elegant dress or skirt-blouse ensemble will be just right for a special occasion. If you haven’t worn this before, try it; the occasion is suitable to fly out to meet the amazed relatives fully armed with femininity and taste.
For a young mother to be discharged from the hospital, an elegant dress is best suited - it will hide figure flaws and emphasize the attractiveness of a woman.
Tips for choosing a dress:
- buy a new one - you deserve a gift that will delight and decorate; find the outfit you like on the Internet, and your husband or mother (the one who became a grandmother) will buy and bring a new thing;
- prefer a dress in light colors to match the radiant image of mother and baby - after many years, looking at the photo, you will understand that you did the right thing;
- a floor-length outfit is good for a wedding, and not for discharge from the maternity hospital - it will simply be uncomfortable; stop at the average length;
- the “in your face” option will make you funny - but you are not a clown, but a young mother; a loose-fitting dress is what you need;
- take care of your shoes in advance - neither stilettos nor sneakers will do; but the model with low heels or without heels combines comfort and grace.
In cool weather, don't forget about tights, and if it's expected to rain, don't forget about a raincoat. Complete your wardrobe with your favorite accessories - and ask for items to be delivered in a package. Let your loved ones put a cosmetic bag and a hair curler there; Most likely, you will want to cover up the circles under your eyes with foundation, highlight your eyelashes with mascara, and use a soft gloss on your lips; work your magic on your hair and you are a goddess.
And now about the prose: when the road from the maternity hospital is long, the baby will probably want to eat on the way; If you are a nursing mother, look for a bra of the right style in advance - for example, with front clasps or a detachable cup - to meet your baby's needs in time. By the way, in this case it’s nice when the dress also has fasteners on the chest or a neckline.
A comfortable bra with a clasp on the strap allows you to unfasten the cup; makes it easier for mom to feed her baby on the go
Some women prefer postpartum underwear - with wide straps and a belt, while others get by with regular ones. In any case, choose things made from natural fabrics. Synthetic underwear has no place in a new mother’s wardrobe.
How to dress a baby
It is not surprising that on the eve of discharge from the maternity hospital, mothers torture fathers with endless questions about the weather; Our climate is full of surprises, forecasts change rapidly. And the baby should not freeze or, conversely, overheat. Experienced parents follow the rule: look at yourself and dress your child similarly, and then add another layer of clothing. Little ones need more warmth than adults.
The entire baby wardrobe needs to be washed, ironed inside and out; even if they promise a hot day, anticipate a sudden change in weather and bring warm clothes just in case.
Here's what a newborn can't do without when discharged:
- diapers - 2-3 pieces;
- packaging of wet wipes for children;
- thin vest with cotton rompers;
- a bodysuit with buttons, fastened from top to bottom, or a slip with folded sleeves (if it’s cool outside, things made of flannel or velor are suitable, for hot weather - cotton); option for girls - a dress or sundress;
On the day of discharge from the maternity hospital, the girl is dressed in a dress or an elegant slip that is easy to unfasten - cap, cap - better without seams;
- anti-scratch mittens to protect the face from naughty hands with marigolds;
Anti-scratch pads come in one size; The main disadvantage is that they do not hold well on the moving arms of babies - socks - cotton for a warm day, terry for a cool day;
- 2 diapers - calico and flannel;
- warmer pants and sweater; can be replaced with a light, insulated overall, which has many advantages: it does not interfere with movements, it is easier to put on;
- an envelope or a fancy blanket;
- pacifier - for bottle-fed children.
The sizes of clothes for babies correspond to height: when the child is large, size 62 (cm) is suitable; for smaller children, choose things with sizes 50–56 (cm). The legs measure from 6 to 8, and the head circumference is approximately 35 centimeters.
Newborn kits are available to young parents; It’s very convenient for those who don’t want to go through the hassle of carefully selecting a baby’s wardrobe. In addition, annoying mistakes like “oh, they forgot about the cap!” The kit, as a rule, contains everything you need, but it is better to compare the kit in advance with what the list of mandatory clothing offers; You may have to buy something in addition. Ready-made ensembles correctly combine colors and shades; the styles of the items delight and touch - children's clothing designers know their business. Such kits are not cheap; they are usually given by loving relatives.
In order not to waste time buying separately the things your baby needs, it is easier to purchase a ready-made set for the day of discharge from the hospital.
Traditionally, the envelope containing the newborn is tied with ribbon; The accessory is optional, as is the corner for the blanket. For girls they buy a pink ribbon, for boys - a blue one.
This tradition is more than two centuries old; it all started with the Decree of Paul I, according to which newborn grand dukes and princesses became holders of orders: boys - the Order of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called (with a blue moire ribbon), girls - the Order of the Great Martyr Catherine (with a pink ribbon). The townspeople did not want to lag behind the Romanovs and adopted the tradition - if not with orders, then with ribbons.
About the envelope
An elegant accessory, without which many parents cannot imagine the solemn discharge ritual. The problem is the same: it is difficult to predict what the day will turn out to be like. Sudden heat will render the pre-purchased envelope useless - you don't want your baby to overheat. If the day is cloudy, consider yourself lucky.
“Advanced” mothers and fathers do not hold envelopes in high esteem: the object is archaic, the newborn lies in it swaddled arms and legs. In addition, transporting a baby in a car requires a car seat; it is difficult to place the baby there in an envelope. As an alternative, young parents choose light openwork blankets, knitted blankets, skillfully embroidered diapers; or even carry the child to the threshold of the maternity hospital in a bodysuit or overalls.
However, no one forbids “packing” a small miracle in an envelope - it looks touching, it’s true. Just keep these recommendations in mind:
- buy an envelope made of natural fabric - cotton, calico, flannel; widespread fleece - synthetic fabric, however, does not retain air; a thin layer of padding polyester is allowed;
- if the product is richly decorated with openwork elements, line the inside of the envelope with natural material so that the hero of the occasion does not cling to the loops;
A knitted envelope looks impressive, but an additional layer of fabric is needed inside so that the baby does not get caught - do not take an item with an excess of decorative details if you intend to use it on weekdays;
- calculate the size correctly - let the baby be free and still have room inside; a grown-up toddler will be able to flaunt the elegant envelope on walks right up to the autumn cold.
A lightweight envelope made of natural fabric with padding polyester padding is perfect for a cool summer day.
There are transformable overalls on sale that “with a slight movement of the hand” turn into an envelope using fasteners; the thing is comfortable and practical - if you calculate the size correctly, it will last your baby for about a year.
In some cases, baby envelopes become family heirlooms; Such things wrap up representatives of different generations. Modern designers create products with a similar calculation - richly trimmed with satin or silk, trimmed with rhinestones.
The “family” envelope is designed only for the holiday of discharge from the maternity hospital - after that the item is put in the closet until the birth of the next family member
About the vagaries of the weather
A sudden climate change can take parents by surprise and disrupt plans—especially if the parents are inexperienced. Let's take a closer look at what clothes are suitable for newborns when the thermometer approaches +30 °C, when summer continues as usual, or when it suddenly turns into autumn:
- on a hot day, you can put on a calico or linen cap, a bodysuit and light socks on your baby; the baby is exhausted in the envelope, so after the photo shoot in the maternity hospital, before going out, replace the envelope with a prudently captured elegant diaper;
- if it’s about +20 °C outside, the cap will no longer fit - you need a thin hat with ties; First put on a cotton slip on the body, and on top a velor jumpsuit with a hood; an envelope, blanket or blanket won’t hurt;
- when it gets colder to +10–15 °C, you should wear a well-insulated overall with a hood on the slip (at least 40 g of insulation - in general, such information is rarely written on labels, it is indicated only in manufacturers’ catalogs);
- if it is beyond the cold threshold in the region of +5–10 °C, the baby’s equipment includes additional layers of clothing; a cap is put on the cap, a slip made of velor or fleece is put on a thin slip, followed by overalls (40 g of insulation); you can do without a warm sleepsuit, and immediately put on a suit that is thin, but well insulated (250 g).
Clothes for mom when she is discharged from the hospital
It's no secret that immediately after giving birth, a woman's figure changes.
There are extra pounds gained during pregnancy, the belly takes time to shrink, and the breasts are surprisingly large. The most wrong thing at this moment is to scold and hate your body, and also try to put on the clothes that you wore before or during pregnancy. Clothes that don't suit your figure will only ruin your mood. Need a new dress! Yes, exactly the dress, because on the discharge the mother is the personification of femininity. Trousers or jeans are not at all suitable for this occasion.
When choosing a dress, pay attention to its color. Immediately cross out the dark options from the ones being considered.
The style of the discharge dress should not be fitted or short. True, even the now very popular floor-length options on the discharge are not very appropriate. It is advisable to choose a dress of medium length.
Match it with shoes or boots without heels. Don't forget about accessories. Place all this, including tights (if they are needed for the season), in a separate bag. Your relatives will bring it to you at the maternity hospital. You don't need surprises, do you?
Documents issued upon discharge
On the day of leaving the maternity hospital, doctors conduct a final examination of the mother and newborn. If the results are satisfactory, the woman is given a stack of documents. It is important to grab all the papers, first checking that each one has signatures and seals. On a day filled to capacity with pleasant chores, it is easy to forget about the main thing.
Here is a list of documents from the maternity hospital:
- certificate of health of the mother (exchange card of the mother in labor) - within two weeks after discharge, this certificate should be taken to the antenatal clinic;
- a certificate of the baby's health (child's exchange card) - submitted to the children's clinic, as a rule, a month after the birth of the baby, at the first appointment with the doctor; You can also give the document to the pediatrician during a planned visit to the child at home;
- child’s birth certificate (valid for one month) - submitted to the registry office for registration of a birth certificate, as well as a one-time maternity benefit;
- birth certificate - in the form of two coupons; Based on the papers, the entire first year of a child’s life is served free of charge in a children’s clinic (examinations by doctors, ultrasound, tests, and so on).
Children are provided with medical care at their place of actual residence; Before discharge, the nurse checks with the mother's address, calls the clinic where the child will be assigned, and reports that newborn so-and-so, living there, has been discharged from the maternity hospital. During the first month of life at home, the pediatrician and visiting nurse are required to come and examine the baby without reminders from the parents.
Clothes for newborns
Regardless of what you saw on the shelves in children's stores, it is necessary to state a fact: discharge envelopes, blankets and ribbons are a thing of the past. With the adoption of the law on the need to transport children in a child seat, the “uniform” clothing of newborns also changed. Now, upon discharge, children are dressed in bodysuits in the summer and overalls in the winter, rather than being swaddled like a larva. And this is great news, because the clothes at least show the child, and not just a blanket and lace.
As for the child seat, of course, its design is secondary compared to safety. But if possible, do not ignore the opportunity to choose a color and try to make it match the rest of your baby’s wardrobe.
But it is not necessary to match the car seat exactly to the color of the car interior, because a category 0+ seat is, in fact, a carrier, and it is only in the car with the child.
How to arrange a holiday
The medical staff of the maternity hospital played an important role in the birth of a small miracle, so it is considered good form to thank doctors and nurses. The choice of gifts falls on the shoulders of the young father, who traditionally buys:
- bouquets;
- boxes of chocolates;
- champagne.
It may be banal, but it is always appropriate and does not cause protests. Of course, the man also prepares a gift for his wife, but giving it in the maternity hospital is not entirely convenient: the mother is busy taking care of the child, she needs to get ready, take the necessary certificates; Yes, and postpartum weakness makes itself felt. So it is better to postpone the presentation of gifts until home. But flowers for the woman in labor are always relevant at the time of discharge. Here are recommendations for choosing a bouquet:
- if your husband doesn’t have much taste, help - find an option on the Internet that will suit you personally first of all, inform your spouse to order flowers for the special day;
- call the sellers and find out which flowers contain fewer allergens; a bouquet is unsafe for a newborn - a weak immune system may react negatively to pollen; for example, even if you are crazy about lilies, do not order such a bouquet, since the flower is a strong allergen;
- try to choose a bouquet that is comfortable to hold during the photo shoot.
It’s good when the young mother likes the bouquet and does not interfere with her participation in the holiday
. Wanting to surprise others, young parents sometimes buy a huge armful of flowers. Then, during a meeting with relatives, you have to solve the problem - where to put the bouquet, which has turned into a nuisance for mom.
The giant bouquet is uncomfortable to hold; besides, roses, as allergens, are best not brought near the baby
Gifts from family and friends
The most practical option is to ask your parents what they need and buy, on your own or by pooling, the desired item. The same set for a newborn. They do something similar in Western countries: mom and dad make a list, and loved ones themselves choose what they can afford from this list.
If we cooperate, we can, for example, please young parents:
- car seat for baby;
In Russia, children under 7 years old cannot be transported in cars without a car seat, so the accessory is considered one of the most popular gifts - stroller;
- mini-nanny - a video system for monitoring the baby;
- changing table;
- baby scales.
And personally for a newborn you can buy:
- silver spoon;
- a carousel with toys that rotates to music above the crib;
A hanging carousel, or mobile, will become your baby’s favorite toy. - clothes made from natural fabrics; however, it is hardly worth giving winter overalls in the summer - it is difficult to predict how much the baby will grow by winter and guess the size;
- two blankets; While one is in the wash, the baby is covered with the other.
A close friend is allowed to give a young mother intimate things - for example, shapewear underwear; But again there will be no surprise; such gifts should be discussed with the woman in advance. Those who donate perfume or cosmetics risk missing the mark: it is not advisable for the mother to use them in the coming months - they will provoke allergies in the new tenant.
Should I contact a specialized agency?
The young father should discuss this issue with the young mother. It is better not to give a woman a surprise that she may not appreciate. Pompous celebrations on the threshold of the maternity hospital are not to everyone’s taste.
However, calling professionals has its advantages:
- many problems associated with organizing a holiday disappear;
- The event will take place without incident, according to plan.
The organizers of the holidays will take on a lot of trouble and will spend the day of discharge from the maternity hospital according to a prepared scenario.
If you decide to contact the agency, warn that you are not going to celebrate for a long time; the hero of the occasion is still too small, will soon get tired, want to sleep or eat milk. For the same reason, it is not recommended to call a full house of guests on the day of discharge - tell your loved ones that you will celebrate the birth of the baby later.
The issue of a professional photo shoot is also controversial. Get a set of formal shots in official interiors; It’s not a fact that the lighting will be perfect, and flashes are not suitable for photographing a newborn. Ask someone invited to take photographs or a video as a souvenir - there will be less disappointment. But to be on the safe side (in case the pictures don’t work out), order a few photos from professionals at the exit of the maternity hospital.
How to decorate the first way home
The baby, of course, doesn’t care how many balloons fly into the sky above the maternity hospital and what words are written on the banners. However, the child will grow up and, perhaps, flipping through a photo album or watching a video, will appreciate the efforts of the parents on this significant day. So balloons, like flowers, definitely won’t hurt, especially since they create a festive atmosphere.
Loving parents arrange a holiday so that the grown-up child feels how happy they are at his birth
Here are some ideas:
- an arch of balloons in the shape of hearts connected to each other above the entrance to the maternity hospital;
- T-shirts for close relatives with inscriptions about who is related to the newborn;
- a short performance in the courtyard of the maternity hospital - with songs, dances, launching balloons and Chinese lanterns into the sky (make as little noise as possible, respecting the peace of other women in labor);
- a car decorated with flowers and balloons, with stickers - in the form of a stork with a bundle containing a baby, and others; traditional inscriptions on the bumper “thank you for your son”, “thank you for your daughter”; Car registration is handled by specialized agencies; some wealthy parents are given a car in the form of a luxury carriage to the maternity hospital;
For the baby's first trip to the maternity hospital, a decorated car is ordered - a banner in the room where the newborn sleeps - with the baby’s name, date of birth, height and weight; garlands and balls in other rooms of the apartment.
It also doesn’t hurt to create a festive atmosphere in the apartment where a newborn will be brought from the maternity hospital.
Clothes list No. 1 for discharge from the maternity hospital in December
What should a newborn wear for discharge in winter?
List of things (in order of dressing order):
I’ll give you a few examples (in different posts) I haven’t decided yet exactly how I’ll sign up, so the list is still in development
2.Knitted bodysuit with short sleeves (or with long sleeves, it all depends on the further situation).
Suitable as underwear. It is better to choose models that have buttons at the neck. And even better, especially for inexperienced mothers, take a bodysuit with a wrap and buttons, then you will not need to put it on over the baby’s head.
3. Warm slip (“little man”).
A slip (“man”) is preferably made of flannel, terry or thick knitwear. This type of clothing easily replaces rompers, a vest and socks, and can be worn over a bodysuit. Slips with mittens or sewn-up sleeves are very convenient. (If you chose a bodysuit with long sleeves, then a jumpsuit without sleeves.)
Don't forget that you need a slip without a hood. here the hood comes unfastened!
4.Socks, mittens
. You can put warm socks on the slip on the newborn’s feet, and mittens on the hands. You can do without these accessories.
5. Headdress for a newborn.
It is imperative to prepare a warm hat and a cotton cap (or a comfortable knitted cap with ties, or a helmet-shaped cap). It is best to choose a headdress after the baby is born, so that it is strictly in size, then the hat will fit tightly and not allow cold air to pass through. When choosing a headdress, it is better to give preference to products without tassels and pompoms. These decorations will only please the parents, but they will simply put pressure on the baby if he has to put on a hood or cover an envelope.
6. Outerwear for discharge in winter (envelope, blanket, overalls).
There are several options here. To discharge a winter newborn, you can purchase a warm envelope or a beautiful, high-quality blanket for newborns.
Velcro envelopes are considered very convenient and practical.
, which can easily be transformed into a comfortable baby blanket.
Children's envelopes (bags)
can be on sheepskin, and later used for sleeping in a stroller and for walking in a sled for an older baby.
Envelopes and blankets for newborns can be filled with warm filling, either natural - bird down, sheep's wool, or artificial - silicone, holofiber.
Using a blanket
to swaddle a baby for discharge, you can complement the outfit with a classic lace corner and a ribbon tied in a bow (blue and light blue for a boy, pink or red for a girl).
You can immediately buy a warm jumpsuit made from natural materials
.
The overalls can be with pants, in the form of a bag, or be transformable - zippers at the bottom of the overalls easily help you make either a bag or trouser legs. You should definitely choose a model that will be equipped with a convenient fastening system along the entire length, because no baby likes to dress and will certainly start be capricious.
Cosmetics for discharge
But in addition to clothes, in winter you will definitely need a rich baby cream to protect the baby’s skin (for example, cream from bad weather and wind) and hygienic lipstick for the baby’s lips (it would be even safer to replace the lipstick with lanolin cream like “Purelan”).
Play it safe, but don't overdo it
When insulating a baby, certain measures must be taken. It must be taken into account that he will have to spend most of the trip in a warm car. Overheating can negatively affect the health of the newborn, and impaired thermoregulation reduces the immunity of infants. After completing all the necessary documents, there is no need to rush to see your waiting relatives. It is better for them to wait a little, than for the child to get stressed from a sudden change of environment.
To prevent this from happening, you need to calmly feed the baby and wait until he falls asleep. But before you start feeding, it is better to get him ready for the trip so that subsequent changing of clothes does not disturb his sweet sleep. Although the very last part of the wardrobe - an envelope or overalls - should not be worn, the baby may sweat and begin to be capricious from the heat. And most importantly, mothers should not be upset if their due date falls in the winter. Our distant ancestors also proved that all winter children are stronger and healthier than summer children, and their immunity is more resistant to infections and various diseases
. But, despite this, you should not treat winter discharge with less responsibility.
