I’m not sure if I am an odd duck or if this is normal but I loved being in the hospital with my babies. In fact, the memories that make me want to cry and yearn for just one more minute are those of me holding my newborn in those first few days. Now, obviously, the moments after you give birth you are not the most comfortable and that can make for unpleasant memories. However, by next day I was always feeling better and ready to spend the whole day lying in bed holding my baby. I never dreamed something so simple could bring so much joy. I would give anything to revisit those times. A newborn is so special and sweet. Holding that little bundle is like no other feeling in the world. In fact, I never mind being up late at night with my newborns for the first few months. You did notice that was for the first few months. After that I would be a zombie, but late night feedings in the early days always brought me a sense of peace.
How to have the best hospital experience possible:
Do not have a lot of visitors: I know everyone wants to come see the baby and that is fine. However, you need your rest. Once you get home you will not be able to sit down all day long and be waited on. You will not have the option of having a nurse take your baby while you sleep or take a shower. If you are bombarded by visitors, your stay will not be restful. So, limit your visitors or the hours you receive them.
Bring comfy PJs and fun shower gels and lotions: The first time you can get up and take a shower feels amazing. Bring your favorite shower gels and lotions and buy a brand new pair of comfy and a bit oversized PJs to the hospital. You will feel great and that will help you rest.
Turn off the phone: Of course you will want to communicate with family and friends about your beautiful baby. However, do not limit your visitors and then replace it with phone calls. Have your husband handle some of the calls while you rest. Allow yourself time to relax and adjust to being a mom, especially if you are nursing, without the disturbances or distractions of phone calls.
Rest, Rest, Rest: I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to rest. Now we all know that in our heads and we all plan on doing it but moms tend to never really rest, even brand new ones. I have had four babies and I know from experience that the times I forced myself to rest I recovered faster and felt much better physically and mentally.