hospital bag

[hannah]

New mom to be here - just wondering what I should pack in my bag to take to the hospital. What items are necessities? What should/can be left at home? Thanks!

Hannah
EDD 9/16/04

[hannah]

New mom to be here - just wondering what I should pack in my bag to take to the hospital. What items are necessities? What should/can be left at home? Thanks!

Hannah
EDD 9/16/04

[StaceyKim]

Hi Hannah,
Here are some previous posts about what to pack for the hospital.
Good luck in the coming weeks and keep us posted.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=37&topic_id=53625&mesg_id=53625&listing_type=search

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=37&topic_id=36639&mesg_id=36639&listing_type=search

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=37&topic_id=25564&mesg_id=25564&listing_type=search

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=37&topic_id=84429&mesg_id=84429&listing_type=search

[StaceyKim]

Hi Hannah,
Here are some previous posts about what to pack for the hospital.
Good luck in the coming weeks and keep us posted.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=37&topic_id=53625&mesg_id=53625&listing_type=search

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=37&topic_id=36639&mesg_id=36639&listing_type=search

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=37&topic_id=25564&mesg_id=25564&listing_type=search

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=37&topic_id=84429&mesg_id=84429&listing_type=search

[lizajane]

i think a lot depends on your preferences. i didn't use ANY of the stuff my birthing class told me to bring!!

i think i used:
my own pillow
my own pajamas
my own toiletries
my own snacks

i had a relatively short labor (11 hours, 9 in the hospital.) and i had an epidural. so i didn't use the stress ball or the rice sock, etc. i didn't use a focal point, but i did hug a stuffed dog while i was laboring. and i held a special rock during pushing. i never used my bathrobe or slippers. i never used my CD player. my husband really appreciated the snack bag i made for him. it had nuts, crackers, gatorade, coke, luna bars, hmmm... i think that's it.

check with your hospital, but they will probably give you diapers, blankets, and clothes for baby, but bring your coming home outfit. bring your own clothes to wear home, of course, and whatever you want to wear in the hospital. bring a list of phone numbers for friends and family to call and a calling card. bring some lansinoh because the hospital lanolin is not as good. i didn't need nursing pads while there. i didn't need my own maxi pads while there. can't think of other things, but i am sure someone else will!

[lizajane]

i think a lot depends on your preferences. i didn't use ANY of the stuff my birthing class told me to bring!!

i think i used:
my own pillow
my own pajamas
my own toiletries
my own snacks

i had a relatively short labor (11 hours, 9 in the hospital.) and i had an epidural. so i didn't use the stress ball or the rice sock, etc. i didn't use a focal point, but i did hug a stuffed dog while i was laboring. and i held a special rock during pushing. i never used my bathrobe or slippers. i never used my CD player. my husband really appreciated the snack bag i made for him. it had nuts, crackers, gatorade, coke, luna bars, hmmm... i think that's it.

check with your hospital, but they will probably give you diapers, blankets, and clothes for baby, but bring your coming home outfit. bring your own clothes to wear home, of course, and whatever you want to wear in the hospital. bring a list of phone numbers for friends and family to call and a calling card. bring some lansinoh because the hospital lanolin is not as good. i didn't need nursing pads while there. i didn't need my own maxi pads while there. can't think of other things, but i am sure someone else will!

[jk3]

Lollipops! I brought a bag of Jolly Rancher lollipops with me + since they wouldn't let me eat anything, these made a big difference. Also, snacks for your husband/labor partner are a big help too.

I would leave any fancy pajamas or robes at home. I had read somewhere that I would want these so my DH bought me a beautiful nursing gown + robe which I definitely did not wear in the hospital.


Jenn
DS 6/03

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030603/2/5/1/-5/.png

[jk3]

Lollipops! I brought a bag of Jolly Rancher lollipops with me + since they wouldn't let me eat anything, these made a big difference. Also, snacks for your husband/labor partner are a big help too.

I would leave any fancy pajamas or robes at home. I had read somewhere that I would want these so my DH bought me a beautiful nursing gown + robe which I definitely did not wear in the hospital.


Jenn
DS 6/03

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030603/2/5/1/-5/.png

[sunriseiz]

I used my pajamas, toiletries, nursing pads, PureLan...maybe that's it. Also, clothes for the baby, clothes for me, a calling card and phone numbers, and snacks for dh. My labor was uncomplicated and our stay was short, so we didn't need too much. Maybe someone else can add something.

Best wishes!

Sunny
Mom to Ellie 10/28/03

[sunriseiz]

I used my pajamas, toiletries, nursing pads, PureLan...maybe that's it. Also, clothes for the baby, clothes for me, a calling card and phone numbers, and snacks for dh. My labor was uncomplicated and our stay was short, so we didn't need too much. Maybe someone else can add something.

Best wishes!

Sunny
Mom to Ellie 10/28/03

[hannah]

Thanks Stace -
I tried doing a search before I posted my question but wasn't very successful in finding anything. All of the previous posts are very helpful. Thanks for the advice.
Hannah

[hannah]

Thanks Stace -
I tried doing a search before I posted my question but wasn't very successful in finding anything. All of the previous posts are very helpful. Thanks for the advice.
Hannah

[amp]

Definitely refer to the thread links Stacey gave you, and do a search on hospital bag and see what you come up with. It's been discussed lots on these boards!

[amp]

Definitely refer to the thread links Stacey gave you, and do a search on hospital bag and see what you come up with. It's been discussed lots on these boards!

[hellosmiletoday]

My bags were packed in a mad rush when my water broke 2 wks early. Its a good thing the hospital provided underwear b/c they were missing from my bags...in fact...I was in the middle of washing them when my water broke.

Here are some things that actually remembered to pack and was grateful for...
- slippers and an extra set of flip flops for shower.
- nursing pads for leaving the hospital J&J was best at this stage b/c of nipple insert. Lansinoh pads are good after pain subsides.
- cover to put over hospital gown to visit DD when she was in nursery under observation. (I brought my own PJ, but it quickly got dirty)
- socks to wear during labor...bring old ones..they will get dirty!
- outfit for baby that buttons in front so you dont have to pull over her head.


What I wish I had...
- lansinoh...my hospital had none...not even free stuff
- nursing bra
- cold packs...see if they have anything specially made for vaginal births. My hospital gave me a glove full of ice....worthless!

What my hospital provided that were a must for healing...maybe not all hospitals provide...
- Big thick cheap pads...better than expensive ultra thin pads b/c they provide cushioning
- Witch hazel pads + epifoam (latter is by prescription...probably will be given to you)

[jbowman]

Don't overpack--I can't emphasize this enough! I was surprised how little I needed the stuff in my bag.

Congratulations!

[Kieransmom]

I think I packed way too much when I had DS. I too never wore my robe, nightgown or slippers. Sorry for the gross details but my period was so heavy afterwards everything would have been ruined. The hospital supplied pretty much everything I used.

I did end up packing snacks and sandwiches for us only to find out that I was not allowed to eat just in case of an emergency c-section which never happened. (I did finally convince DH to give me a bite of his sandwich. I hadn't eaten since the night before and my water broke at 5:45 am) The snacks might be good for after the baby's born if the hospital food was bad. I was fortunate enough that my hospital food was pretty good and they gave us so much food that I never used the snacks. With visitors I never had time to think of being hungry.

Good luck with everything! It will be the most exciting time of your life.

Michelle
Mommy to Kieran, born 5/9/03

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030509/1/5/0/+10/.png[/img][/url]

[aguinn]

a PP mentioned a calling card - at our hospital it was a must since we could only dial locally without it, and we were forbidden from using our cell phones because of all the sensitive machinery in L&D.

things that i was glad i had with me:
*my own pillow
*socks
*flip-flops
*toiletries (the ones you can buy at the hospital are waaaay too pricey)
*list of phone numbers for DH (in order of who to call first, etc.)
*cash - DH will need it if he wants to order from the menu (at most hospitals, anyway)
*a sippy cup - the hospital might provide you with one, but you will have an amazing thirst, and a big cup & straw will be your best friend

things to leave at home:
*if you plan to have your little one room with you: magazines, books, etc. - the time you might have to be focusing on these things will be taken up with sleeping
*nice clothes - they will get dirty quick
*pads - use the barbie mattresses provided by the hospital, and be sure to swipe as many packs of them as you can when you leave - the commercial kind are nothing compared to those babies!
*diapers - the hospital will provide

i'm sure there's more, but my tired brain just can't grasp it right now. it's funny - writing this up for you has brought my whole experience back to me. thanks for the trip down memory lane!

;)amy
proud momma to DS

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030729/1/5/1/-5/.png[/img][/url]

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_gold_12m.gif One Year & counting...

[ritacheetah]

He he - Barbie mattresses - ROTFL.


Live long and prosper,
Tracy
Mom to Victoria, 12/20/03

[dowlinal]

Hannah,

I agree with what a lot of the posters have said except that I really really liked having my own undies. The ones that my hospital had were really scary and uncomfortable especially if you're not petitite so I wore my maternity ones and just tossed them out afterwards.

In case you have a c-section you might want to bring some of those no water needed facial cleansing cloths and a spray bottle for wetting your hair so you can brush it. You can't get out of bed for the first day and on day two I was way too sore to shower. I had dd at 8 am and by 5 pm I felt so gross so I wish I had those things to help me feel better.

[new_mommy25]

A Boppy if you are planning to nurse. Mine helped me out a lot.

[Jen in Chicago]

People say not to bring pj's etc, but I loved my new 2 piece cotton pj's in XL that buttoned up the front. I did not ruin then at all. For day 2 I wore my maternity leggings and a big t-shirt. I hated the gowns and wanted my own clothing for all of our visitors.

We had champagne in the L&D room (1:00am myself, DH, Dr, Grandma's and Grandpa's.) The next day we ordered in and had b-day cake for DH and Jude, beer and margarita's. I sound like a lush, I swear I am not, but I waited a long time for that 1/2 glass of margarita and worked hard to get it!!!

Foot lotion was a wonderful thing! My feet swelled up so much the next day. My Mom sat and rubbed them with peppermint lotion and it was grand.

[June Mommy]

I haven't read all the other replies, but from my experience I would reccomend taking enough things so that if you have a c-section and end up staying longer that you won't run out if you take your own baby clothes, etc. I would also reccomend taking maternity clothes to wear home. I mistakenly took bigger regular clothes, and quickly found out I still couldn't fit in them!