There are lots of lists out there on what to bring to the hospital, including our own. One thing that I have learned over the years that studying a situation will only get you so far, you really have to experience the situation to know really what you are heading into. With that in mind, i just got back from our first day at the hospital, and the baby is not born yet so I’m going back, but here’s what i learned.

Dont forget about dad- all the lists that i have read focus on mom. However, dads- pay attention you have to take care of your needs as well. Here’s what I brought.

1. Computer- for entertainment and for work if you need to. Also a great way of communicating with everyone that you don’t want to talk to on the phone.

2. Pillows- Trust me on this- the hospital is not looking out for your comfort- not in the slightest. In fact I’m thinking most of these rooms were designed by women who have given birth with the thought of ” let make it painful for him too”

3. Blanket- Guess what, hospital blankets suck, and if you are luck enough to have one its going to be way short and smell like moth balls.

4. Food- talk to your wife before hand and tell her that if you want me to be on my best i have to eat something. Don’t eat in front of her if shes starving, but have something around. Fruit or trail mix are a good choice. I’m a bit of a pig and brought an XL pizza- and boy was i happy.

5. Book- you can only stare at teh internet or the horrible television in the room for so long read a book.

6. Here’s one thats a don’t bring. Booze- if you do you’ll regret it, and you’ll smell like booze when your baby is born.

7. Change of clothes- You may need it. Especially if the drive back to the house is a long one. There’s nothing like taking a shower and putting on something fresh.

8. Slippers- Trust me the hospital floor is gross and you can only wear your shoes for so long. If you step into a puddle of something in the bathroom you’ll remember this post and curse yourself for not bringing slippers.

9. This last one is not something you bring but something you should have decided before you go into the hospital. How much time can you take off of work. You should make sure to discuss this with your boss way before hand so its not on your mind while in the hospital.

I’m heading back to the hospital now- I’ll have more I’m sure later on in the day.