Hospital bag/diaper bag

ultratomato

ladies just wondering if anyone had a list of the items for both bags. Also when did you have your bag ready thanks 

AandDM2014

I know one thing you don't need in your hospital bag: multiple books. My SIL took like 5 books the first time she gave birth, and didn't even crack one of them.

dragonfaerie

I haven't made a list yet, but I have heard from multiple parties that you probably want your own gown/pjs to labor in and then to change into after so you aren't wearing those oh-so-sexy hospital gowns. Hair clips/bands to keep your hair out of your face too.

vssbrm

After being in the hospital for our issue, I think I'm going to bite the bullet and get one of those fancy delivery gowns. I was so uncomfortable in the hospital gown. Though, I guess we can probably put regular pjs on after delivery and won't have to be in a gown for days. 

Also, I was planning on books, but having my iPad in the hospital last month was perfect, their wifi is good enough to stream Netflix or download books! 

Im going to have my BF who just delivered her 2nd give me a list of what she thinks I should pack, I'm sure for this one there were fewer things that she brought than the first time.

i know I will want my slippers, a shower towel from home (I like the Big ones), my hospital does not have shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc, so I will bring that. A few changes of clothes and all the baby stuff. Judging by the amount of stuff we are told we need to register for, I suspect we will only need to rent a small uhaul trailor to bring to the hospital to carry it all.

Jerseygirl856

@ultratomato I had my bag packed at 37 weeks because I was a scheduled a c section. However, I did deliver before my scheduled c section so I would pack as early as possible because you never know. My bag included slippers, pjs(I was in the hospital for 4 days), toiletries and phone charger, going home outfit. I personally didn't bring anything else and really didn't need to because the baby stayed in the room the entire time and I had no time for anything else between visitors, trying to sleep and medical staff in and out. 
My baby bag consist of blanket and going home outfit. The hospital provided so much for the baby that I had plenty to take home including diapers, milk, blankets and side snap shirts. Also gave me plenty of supplies for breast feeding and nipple care. 

mskeenan

Here is the list that I got from my birth prep class . I made a couple additions . 

mskeenan

Another thing I added was essential oils and a diffuser . If you like soothing scents like lavender could be nice  

ultratomato

Thanks ladies I appreciate this

ale9687

My sister told me make sure to have black leggings, only black incase of bleeding. 

Griffin5413

mskeenan - thanks for that list! 
vssbrm I ordered a hospital robe off of Etsy and I got it really quick and it wasn't terribly expensive. I think it was around $30. 
I've been told that pretty much all you need for baby (besides the car seat,) is a going home outfit b/c they give you diapers, wipes and pretty much everything else you need. I may ask at our birth classes though. 

Minnie1155

I delivered early and didn't have a bag packed! as others have said, for baby all we needed was a car seat and going home outfit. The hospital provided me with so much, but it was nice to have my own toiletries and pajamas to change into after. One thing dh went out and got me was a phone charger, definitely needed that. I was stressed at first and upset I hadn't packed my bag, I was really planning on it, but at least at my hospital they made me as comfortable as they could and it wasn't really a big deal I didn't have all my stuff. 

Rachnan

Based on my experience the first time, you don't need as much as you think!  definitely recommend the following: comfy pj's and socks/slippers (extra to what you wear there) and would highly recommend wearing a cami since they may let you leave it one, toiletries, ipad, chargers, for baby you really just need the going home outfit since they have everything there and will probably send you home with a ton of stuff and a car seat. Oh! also highly recommend bringing your nursing pillow if you plan on breast feeding since regular pillows just aren't as good.  I highly recommend the My Breast Friend over a boppy or anything else.

I think I had my bag packed around 38 weeks and it worked for us.

ADRIANAC1982

I know my hospital tells us to bring the baby different outfits for pictures.  They have a professional photographer come in to get shots of the baby! You dont have to purchase them of course, but if you want to see how they come out thats what they suggest.  

yelllow22

I found some cool lists on pinterest and pretty much they include what everyone has posted. The only thing I would add is I read some hospitals only allow you to use non slip socks, and I also read it was good idea to bring depends because they are much more comfortable than whatever they give you at the hospital... Any thoughts on this? 

vssbrm

@yelllow22 from recent experience, the mesh underwear they give you at the hospital is amazing. I kind of want to buy it in bulk and wear it all the time. The pads they provided were HUGE, but I'd say if youbring your own thinner extra absorbent ones, you will be good with that and the mesh undies.

Rachnan

@yellow22 I agree with @vssbrm that the mesh undies are the best thing ever, but the pads are like mini diapers.  I honestly didn't mind them because you do bleed a lot at the beginning.

yelllow22

Thanks for the info @vssbrm and @Rachnan I will confess I had to google mesh underwear because I had no idea what it was, I learn something new everyday! From my online research most women liked them like you said so that's good to know 
For those of you that don't know what they look like, this is the pic I found... 

Rachnan

@yellow22 they are a little less sexy than that and more like traditional underwear made of mesh!

tvh1982

Thx for googling @yelllow22, I didn't know how they looked either and realise I have 4 of them at home.
Had one after my surgery to remove possible cancer cells from my cervix a few years back, and was indeed 'sold' to use them. 
So took some with me when I was in and out the hospital during my first trimester so I would have some at home

Tulips29

Maybe also an extension cord if the bed will be further away from the outlet. Some snacks/granola bars/etc. I've seen people recommend flip flops for the shower too. Other than that, I think all the other above recommendations are good. Do they give you that mesh underwear after a c-section also?

Rachnan

@Tulips29 they absolutely do (I had a C-section with my first).  You still will bleed to same regardless so they are very necessary!

yelllow22

Haha and I thought the only thing sexy in the pic was her flat abdomen

ssandberg

I delivered my twins a week ago today, so here's the items I really needed/enjoyed at the hospital, while it's fresh in my mind:

- Eye mask to block out some light from all the machines at night
- Extension cord for my phone charger
- Headphones
- Robe
- Slippers
- Nursing cami
- I didn't bring my own bath towel, and that was a big mistake. The hospital ones are so small and not soft 
- Pregnancy pillow. I didn't end up sleeping with it, but DH did and he really loved it
- Chapstick

yelllow22

@ssandberg The eye mask is a great idea! i'm supper annoying when it comes to light if I'm trying to sleep, Thanks!

chicandbubbly

@ssandberg congrats on your twins! How far in advance are you guys packing up your bag? Or at least starting it? Are any of you doing gifts for nurses? 

capps42613

@ssandberg ahh my transfer buddy had her twins! Congrats, I hope all 3 of you are doing well. Enjoy!