I wrote this up for two friends who were expecting babies after me. Then I thought "Hey, it's so much easier to keep track of things I write if they're in my blog." It's a little rough, and YMMV, but here it is.
At the hospital (in my case, Seton on 38th in Austin)...
Start keeping track immediately of the medication you receive AND the breastfeeding attempts you make (if applicable) once the baby is born. You will be quizzed about this incessantly and it's easier to answer from a paper log than from your brain, because your brain will not be working. In fact, you might want to wear a name tag so you have a reference for that, too. The print on the wristband is awfully small.
When someone shows you a breastfeeding position (again, if applicable) that seems to really work for you, consider taking several photographs of how you, the baby, and the pillows are arranged. It can be really hard to remember later. However, keep in mind that you don't have a hospital bed at home. Also, warn your mother that you did it for educational purposes before downloading the photographs in front of her.
Plan to ask for pain medication slightly before you need it, if you can anticipate, and in advance of shift change. Shift change seemed to disrupt everything for about 2 hours each time at my hospital. When you haven't had any Percocet for six hours, that's an issue.
Ask what time meals are served, and make sure you have a helper watching the hallway. If you miss a meal (room changes seemed to cause this for me), ask them to order you a tray. You're entitled to those grilled cheese sandwiches from the cafeteria, and they're not going to credit your bill if you don't get them. Also, once you have the baby, you can eat full-sized meals again. Several at one time, actually. So enjoy it.
The nurses may contradict each other. Perhaps they went to different schools of nursing, perhaps they're just messing with your head. The hospital pharmacist may also contradict the doctor. Vehemently. To your partner, who tried to be helpful by picking up your meds, but who is completely shellshocked. Write down the instructions you receive from whoever you consider to be the authority and treasure them.
If you have anything non-baby related wrong with you, persistence may be required to get any help with that. Medical professionals like to stay within their specialties. So if you have, hypothetically, a pinched nerve in your neck sustained during delivery, the people in charge of moms and babies may develop a glazed look if you try to explain how much pain you are in and how you would really like some assistance in reducing that pain. Or if, again hypothetically, your ears are so congested that when the baby starts crying, you stop being able to hear anything.
Even if you think the camera battery is charged, bring the charger. (OK, this one was probably in the books but I blew it off.) When your partner's work sends the Biggest Flower Arrangement Ever Oh Wow, you'll want to get a picture. Or you could even take pictures of the baby. It's up to you.
