Ok, so I just want to make sure I am as prepared and reasonable as possible. Anything I should forget, or that I should add?
My Pre-Delivery Bag:
1. Childbirth notes, guidelines, and/or tips
2. Birth plan
3. Insurance
4. ID
5. Massage tool
6. Rice sock
7. Socks
8. Chapstick
9. Brush
10. Hair bands
11. Toothbrush
12. Toothpaste
13. Deodorant
14. Camera (and charger and memory cards)
15. Ipod (and headphones)
16. Kindle
17. List of people to notify
18. Snacks
19. Mints
20. Change for machines
21. Notepad & pen
22. Flip Flops
My Post-Delivery Bag:
1. Comfortable go home clothes
2. Sweater or robe
3. Nursing tank
4. Underpants (black & not important)
5. Shampoo
6. Hair dryer
7. Make-up
8. Baby sign for door
9. Shoes
Husbands Bag:
1. Change of clothes
2. Toothbrush
3. Toothpaste
4. Energy Drinks
Baby Bag:
1. Clothes for hospital photo(s)
2. Clothes to wear home
3. Blanket
4. Car seat
Re: Hospital Bag(s) Checklist
Unless you live far away from the hospital, I'd leave your hair dryer and cosmetics at home, let DH bring them to you if you decide you want them. If you wear contacts, make sure you have your case and saline solution. Don't forget your cell phone/charger, baby book.
You'll probably be admitted for a couple of days, don't forget at least three pairs of pajamas (the third in case you bleed through) and/or some comfy street clothes to wear during your hospital stay. I also recommend a nightgown for at least the first night in case they have to check stitches. Additionally, in my personal experience, I loved having the night gown when I had to pee. My legs were wobbly from the meds and from the pain, I was glad not to have to pull pants down and up again. My hospital gave me a TON of ice pack pads for my recovery but in case yours doesn't, I advise you buy some heavy duty pads and pour some water on them and stick them in your freezer so they're nice and cold for when you get home.
My hospital said to make sure there's a colored pillowcase on any home pillows, not a white one that might get thrown in with hospital laundry.
Maybe bring the baby book or the page where you can put footprints.
Put snacks in DH's bag too.
Bring some lotion, hospitals can be dry.
DVD of a light hearted movie.
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In response to PPs, my mid-wife said not to worry about nursing pads because I wont be leaking until a few days after delivery? I will add nipple butter to the bag though
Also heard that they provide pads and special mesh panties, so I didn't pack any additional pads, should I?
Eye mask and earplugs sound like good ideas too! Thanks!
Ooooooh, towels would be nice. Thanks!
They do have pads and mesh undies that they give you but I heard they are bulky so I am packing some overnight pads with wings just in case. I figure I would bring them but might not need them. Doesn't hurt!
Good list. I agree its nice to have your iPod and kindle to use even if its just in case. I had a very long labor and I would've gone crazy without any distraction even if it was for 10 minutes. Plus your DH might want one of these to use.
I'd also suggest bringing a nursing pillow. I had a hard time getting started nursing with DD - the awkward pile of pillows didn't help - I'm definitely bringing my Brest Friend this time.
ETA: You might want to bring some face wash & face lotion. I'm bringing some quick wipes for labor/after labor as well as my regular for when I can finally shower.
Apologies if someone already mentioned this, but please don't cut your newborns nails with nail clippers. Their nails are super thin and can be peeled off, but you'll find the nails are still connected to their skin and it will bleed and be really painful. Pack a cute pair of baby mittens instead.
notebook ( to write anything down)
folder ( to put any paperwork in)
water bottle to fill up with ice since the cups are small
pediatrician's phone number
JHB 1/19/09
Baby girl due 11/22/12!
Didn't think of that either, thanks a bunch!