September 26, 2024
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My sincere hope is for all women to go through their motherhood journey with as minimal medical intervention as possible. However, some things cannot be avoided despite our best efforts.
Personally, I had more outpatient and inpatient visits to the hospital than I would have hoped. With multiple inpatient and outpatient hospital stays, it’s important to have what you need to make your time at the hospital as comfortable as possible.
Please keep in mind that even though your intention is to have a simple outpatient procedure that the unexpected may happen and you may have to be in the hospital for a few days. That’s exactly what happened to me. I want you to be prepared just in case there is a change in plans with your medical care.
Here are seven things that you need to have a tolerable hospital stay whether it be outpatient or for a few days.
- Money/Debit Card. Depending upon your insurance, you may be asked to pay a deposit on your procedure. Also, be prepared to purchase snacks, food delivery, or pay for parking.
- Overnight Bag. Even if you are having an outpatient procedure, it’s best to have a bag that can carry all of your necessities. Be sure to pack undergarments, a light blanket, an eyewear case, a nightshirt or nightgown, charging cords, jewelry case, books, magazines, pillow, sanitary napkins, medications, and etc. This may sound like a long list, but it’s better to pack for a long wait or a longer than usual hospital stay.
- History of Previous Procedures. Be prepared for the medical staff to ask you questions about previous procedures and past and current medications. That may be hard to recall if you have multiple hospital stay or changes in medications.
- Support Person(s). Please have someone available who will drive you home from the procedure and/or stay with you for a day or two if needed. Who is going to take care of your children, pets, plants, and etc if you will be recovering for a few days? Think about this and try to line up at least three people who will be able to help you out with different aspects of your recovery.
- Toiletries. Not all clinics and hospitals give out free toiletries anymore. Be prepared with your own deodorant, lotion, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, intimate wipes, a hair bonnet, and etc. Be sure to have a cosmetic bag with you because you just never know what you may need.
- Notebook and pens. Having writing materials is always a great idea to have to chronicle dates or scans, tests, doctors, specialists, and information concerning your plan of care. All of that information can be daunting to remember.
- Snacks. On my last unexpected hospital stay, I had so many tests ran that the hospital staff did not get a diet plan for me sent to the cafeteria until after it was closed. I spent a total of 30 hours without any food. It is a good idea to bring hard candy, crackers, juice, nuts, protein shakes, protein bars, trail mix, and other food items to stave off hunger when you are able to eat again.
I can not reiterate enough the importance of being prepared for what may happen at the hospital. I want everyone to have a fair shot of getting the children that the want while also having the best healthcare possible. When you are prepared, it frees up your mind and attention to focus on the task at hand so that you can advocate for yourself and for your dreams.
