Lessons Learned
1. Labour can progress very quickly. We were putting on her first diaper within a few hours. We live right around the corner from the hospital so driving there, in the snow and freezing rain, wasn't an issue for us. We could have used the old wooden toboggan if we had to, and the ambulance bay is literally around the corner.
2. In the heat of the moment, you may not be able to remember little details like grabbing tablet and MP3 player off the charger or extra batteries for the camera. Pack early, check, think and edit as necessary.
3. There's no guarantee about how long you will be in hospital. The first time we were there for a week. This time we were out before she was two days old. As a result, I was way over-packed. I'd still recommend the standard packing list as a great foundation for what to bring. Better to have too much rather than too little, just be prepared to bring it in and out of the hospital in stages.
4. Not all vending machines like the new Canadian $20 bills. Bring change, including exact change for parking meters.
5. Just because there's a Timmies and food court in the hospital doesn't mean they will be open when you want a drink or food. Bring supplies from home.
6. The nurses can't get coffee when they're closed either. Pick them up something if you go on a coffee run.
7. Expect power failures. Those fancy electric hospital beds can die like any other piece of equipment.
8. Babies can aspirate easily. Get First Aid and CPR training, and practice these skills so you can do them second nature.
9. Don't panic.
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