3rd Trimester
IrishBaby1982
member
Hospital Bag?
IrishBaby1982
member
Good Afternoon Ladies,
I'm a FTM and I've heard about the infamous 'hospital bag' and I'm just wondering what you're putting in yours? Any special kind of pj's? Panties?
Fill me in 
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Re: Hospital Bag?
I am wearing the hospital gowns and panties. I was told that you can ruin your clothes because of the heavy bleeding, so I won't bother packing them.
I am packing hygiene products, flip flops, socks, hair brush, pony tail holders, going home outfit, some cash, cell phone and charger, camera and extra batteries.
That's about it (they actually gave us a list of suggested items at the birthing class)...
One thing I will surely change is that I WILL bring yoga pants and tanks this time around. I despised being in a hospital gown the entire time last time. Plus, if you buy them in black then no staining if for any reason you leak.
Other than that these are the things on my list according to my experience the first time: my own pillow and comfy blanket, fluffy socks, yoga pants and tanks (I don't waste the money on spendy nursing tanks as regular ones work just as good), my own shampoo and conditioner, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, deoderant, my own towel, hair binders and lots of them, snacks DH and I like, camera, Kindle/laptop, my own pads (I used the hospitals the first time which was fine but they got bunched up since I'm petite framed), movies, lotion, chapstick, hard candy for labor, boppy pillow.
For baby they supply almost everything so I'm only bringing her some onesies, one soft cuddly blanket and mittens to prevent her from scratching herself, and the car seat of course.
I'm sure I'll add little things here and there but this is everything that I know I will want/need.
This should help! There is a suggested packing list for mom, dad, baby and sibling.
https://www.gerber.com/birth/growth_and_development/hospital_packing_list.aspx
I go nuts without lip gloss so that's at the top of my list, along with my camelbak-- I seem to drink more when I have that handy.
Also if you're a music person an ipod with a songlist sounds like a great idea. Our hospital has a dock right by the bed.
Mine was a little more involved because I have extreme sensitivites due to lupus- and I started it around 28 weeks because of a couple scares. However, now at 35 weeks, and having just spent an entire day in L&D, I think I need to get on it and finish it up!
I am taking comfy clothes and old sheets- but that is more because of the skin sensitivities. I will break out in hives if my skin touches their sheets/gowns and I have no intention of being any more uncomfortable than I already will be! So, I dug up old sheets we don't use and have clothes for delivery and after.
BC I am concerned about LO having sensitivities too, I packed clothes/swaddle blankets/diapers for him. They took up very little space so I thought they were well worth it.
I also did the general chapstick, hygiene products, snacks, camera, chargers, batteries, flip flops, magazines routine that everyone else seems to do. My ipad will go, and I will pack clothes for DH as well. I also anticipate having to be there slightly longer than if I was having an uncomplicated pregnancy or I might not be packing the magazines.
I'm undecided on my boppy...the nurse during our breastfeeding class said they are difficult to prop baby properly right after birth because you're still pretty round, but I hear lots of people say they loved having it.
Per my hospital and doctor's recommendations:
For you:
- Hospital birth plan (the hospital has a standard form they use)
- Comfortable nightgown or pajamas that open for easy breastfeeding, robe and socks/slippers
- Nursing Bra
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and whatever else will make you comfortable) {they provide shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc if you like}
- Eyeglasses {they recommend leaving contacts home and discourage them in l&d, but you can wear them post-partum}
- Camera/Videocamera, with plenty of film or memory and batteries/charger
- MP3 player or cd player (with batteries/charger)
- Lip balm
- Contact numbers for friends/family
- Insurance card, photo ID and any hospital paperwork you haven't submitted
- Notebook/pencil to write down questions for healthcare providers
- Watch with a second hand for timing contractions
- Massage equipment or other labor-related relaxation equipment
- Comfort items like photos or your own pillow
- Something to wear home, that would fit at about 20 weeks pregnant
- List of prescriptions and the dosages
For Partner:
- One to two changes of clothes
- Comfortable shoes, as there can be a lot of standing during labor/delivery
- Snacks and beverages (they have room service/on demand food for moms and her guests, but not in L&D since everyone is NPO)
- Toiletries (see above list)
- Pillow and blanket
- Chargers/batteries for personal electronics
For Baby:
- A set of clothes, a hat and a blanket
- Something special for pictures if you intend to have newborn photos done
- Infant car seat
Gabriel Ross - August 24, 2009 * Vivienne Rose - May 1, 2012
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