What's in Your Hospital Bag?

AliKay20

Maybe this is too soon but can we start engaging in what we plan to bring or must-have's to pack in our hospital bags?

At 30 weeks or so, I plan on collecting key items to pack in my hospital bag. Pinterest is great but you also get a lot of mile long lists.

I would appreciate all of your feedback esp. ones that have been through this before! I tend to overpack so this is going to be super helpful, mamas!

bearsandbeets7

I know that I'm gonna be there 2-3 days because of the c section so I'm planning a few days. 
For me:
-travel size shampoo, condition, body wash
-comfortable clothes, shorts and pants because I would freeze and then start sweating within seconds
-flip flops to walk the halls
-mousse for my hair, to scrunch it, I know we will have visitors
-snacks and such for DH, probably some drinks to put in the fridge 

For baby:
- a few outfits

Thats all I can think of right now but I know I'll have more to add. 

ballofmeat

I haven't really started a list yet...but this stuck with me. It might be silly idea as I am a FTM, but who doesn't like nice things? 

I read on a blog once that a mom indulged and brought really nice shampoo and soap (for example from lush) for her first shower after baby was born. She said it was so nice to have something luxurious and just for her after giving birth. 

bananers

I way overpacked last time, but here are a few things I definitely was glad I had:

-Chapstick! Your lips get so dry laboring because you're mostly breathing through your mouth. 

-a stretchy sleep-style nursing bra. Nothing with cups since you don't want to get fitted until after your milk comes in, but something you can wear under your hospital gown so you don't feel so nipply when visitors come. 

-your own pillow. Hospital pillows suck. Plus it's nice to have a pretty pillowcase in your pictures 

-your own shampoo, makeup, toiletries. The hospital will provide some but it's nice to try to feel like yourself for the first postpartum shower. Also, you'll probably have a LOT of pictures taken and its nice to look back at those pictures and not be completely horrified by how you look. 

-going home outfits for baby. (Bring nb and 0-3 month options in case you have a big baby)

-going home outfit for you. Something comfy but cute since, again, pictures! Bonus since we are giving birth in summer, a maxi dress or jersey t-shirt dress would be perfect! Hides the phone book maxi pad, AND friendly on an incision if you have a c-section. 

I never bothered with bringing my own night gown or robe. I was so gross and messy I was happy to destroy theirs instead. I also brought cards because I thought we might have some time to kill during labor. Ha!! Even though I had a long labor, I was in no shape to focus on anything but what I was going through. 

bananers

Oh and don't forget phone chargers!

JLyn821

What I'll pack this time is what I actually used when I had DS:

For Me:
- Pillow
- Comfy clothes because once I showered I didn't want to deal with a hospital gown
- slippers and socks
- toiletries and makeup
- camera
- snacks
- phone and camera chargers
- going home outfit that's maternity

For Baby:
- a few sleepers and hats
- blanket for newborn pics taken in hospital

Everything else I took to the hospital last time just took up space in the car and wasn't necessary. DH is in charge of his own stuff.

karlimonster

I way over packed last time! This time I'm going bare bones:

Robe - essential as hospital gowns open from the back
Slippers
Nursing bra
Phone charger
Snacks
Going home outfit for me (some sweats probably) & baby

I will have a scheduled c-section at 40 weeks so if baby comes on his/her own before then I am considering bringing a couple things for laboring. Anyone bring anything specific to laboring? I brought a ton last time and didn't use it (unplanned c-section).

Bookhousegirl

For me:
-shower stuff, makeup, etc
- nursing tanks with a built in bra, I found these worked better for me than nursing bra's initially, but my boobs never got much bigger than a large B 
- bathrobe for after labor. I second not bringing your own for delivery - you want all that stuff going right in the trash! - but it was nice to have afterward. 
- leggings/comfy pants
- something cute/comfy for going home
- postpartum underwear: I got a couple of pairs of the ones that go up over your belly, almost like a maternity pant does, and they were amazing! Your belly is so soft and weird after, so this keeps everything feeling contained. They're also just granny panty enough to hold a mega pad. 
- flip flops
- Bluetooth speaker for the delivery room

For baby:
- 2-3 outfits, in both NB and 0-3
- blanket
- hats

Mrsrundell

Omg - too soon, too soon!! Lol jk I'm in denial and seeing this thread made my hands sweaty! 

pelorunningmama

Pretty much what all the other ladies have said but also the boppy, a couple of my favorite essential oils and a pacifier since our hospital doesn't have any.

Curls919

for the baby you only need a going him outfit and maybe something else for pics. The hospital provides their outfits while they are there (usually a shirt and diaper then they get wrapped in a blanket)

JLyn821

karlimonster said:

I will have a scheduled c-section at 40 weeks so if baby comes on his/her own before then I am considering bringing a couple things for laboring. Anyone bring anything specific to laboring? I brought a ton last time and didn't use it (unplanned c-section).

 This time I'm throwing my Kindle in my labor bag. I was stuck in triage for 7 1/2 hours last time because L&D was so packed due to a full moon. DH and I were just sitting and watching terrible TV from 3-10:30am. My contractions weren't bad. 

I'd also recommend snacks for your labor bag. I snuck snacks while in triage.

As for the actual laboring part, pack a swim suit for DH if you plan to be in the shower or tub at all. I had a rolling massager, too, but never used it. Tools to help with labor are great, but I didn't want any of them once I was actually laboring. You might think you'll want them but end up changing your mind in the moment. I went med-free and ended up just walking my room and sitting in my bed during monitoring. DH rubbed my back a bit. Other than that, breathing was all I wanted to do.

Bookhousegirl

@JLyn821 Ooo kindle, good idea! Once I got the epidural last time, I was pretty bored for the few hours before I dialated fully. 

texasmama2014

Laptop to watch Netflix. Phone chargers. Something stretchy to wear home. Probably a couple onesies and a going home outfit....

Katienu

bananers said:

Oh and don't forget phone chargers!

Yes! There was a big sign in my room that said, " Don't forget your charger". I thought, "Who would forget that?" Half way home I realized mine was still plugged in

SkiChic626

These are all things I actually used last time or wished I had brought.  I'm planning a repeat C-section so I'll be there 3-4 days.

Phone
Charger
Maternity leggings
Button-down and nursing tops
Sleep nursing bras
Breast pump
Toiletries
Makeup
Hair dryer
Outfits for baby
Blanket for baby
MAM Pacifiers (our hospital uses soothies and I'm not a fan)
My Brest Friend
Slippers
Flip flops
My own bath towel
Bath robe
Nursing robe
Car seat
My huge Bubba water bottle (my most used item last time)
Maybe my iPad for Netflix but still undecided
Hair tires
Chapstick/aquaphor

PeachGal23

midwestbaby said:

I haven't really started a list yet...but this stuck with me. It might be silly idea as I am a FTM, but who doesn't like nice things? 

I read on a blog once that a mom indulged and brought really nice shampoo and soap (for example from lush) for her first shower after baby was born. She said it was so nice to have something luxurious and just for her after giving birth. 

Not silly at all! I brought some Givency shampoo/ conditioner/ body wash that made that first shower feel so luxurious during my first delivery. Highly recommend doing something similar!

ThisisNumber3

midwestbaby said:

I haven't really started a list yet...but this stuck with me. It might be silly idea as I am a FTM, but who doesn't like nice things? 

I read on a blog once that a mom indulged and brought really nice shampoo and soap (for example from lush) for her first shower after baby was born. She said it was so nice to have something luxurious and just for her after giving birth. 

One thing to think about though is you may want to avoid anything super scented. You don't want to aggrevate the poor baby you're snuggling with!  

ShanRum3

I haven't seen it on here any where, but if you are a contact wearing Momma, you should get an extra contact case, and trial size bottle of solution to have in your bag. You probably won't be thinking to grab that stuff, when you actually go into labor. And Chapstick is a Godsend!

AliKay20

This makes me feel much better! I'm able to weed out things already!! Thanks ladies.

SkiChic626

ThisisNumber3 said:

midwestbaby said:

I haven't really started a list yet...but this stuck with me. It might be silly idea as I am a FTM, but who doesn't like nice things? 

I read on a blog once that a mom indulged and brought really nice shampoo and soap (for example from lush) for her first shower after baby was born. She said it was so nice to have something luxurious and just for her after giving birth. 

One thing to think about though is you may want to avoid anything super scented. You don't want to aggrevate the poor baby you're snuggling with!  

Yes, I agree with this.  When DD was born I only used scent free, chemical free, organic, etc. body wash until recently and plan to switch back again once baby is born.

JLyn821

AliKay20 said:

This makes me feel much better! I'm able to weed out things already!! Thanks ladies.

 Definitely don't follow the lists on Pinterest. They make you pack as if you need your entire house with you! It's crazy!

ThisisNumber3

SkiChic626 said:

ThisisNumber3 said:

midwestbaby said:

I haven't really started a list yet...but this stuck with me. It might be silly idea as I am a FTM, but who doesn't like nice things? 

I read on a blog once that a mom indulged and brought really nice shampoo and soap (for example from lush) for her first shower after baby was born. She said it was so nice to have something luxurious and just for her after giving birth. 

One thing to think about though is you may want to avoid anything super scented. You don't want to aggrevate the poor baby you're snuggling with!  

Yes, I agree with this.  When DD was born I only used scent free, chemical free, organic, etc. body wash until recently and plan to switch back again once baby is born.

Yes!  There can be skin sensitivities that are from contact.  If your doing skin to skin or even breastfeeding, you want to be careful (at least right at first!).  

ballofmeat

JLyn821 said:

AliKay20 said:

This makes me feel much better! I'm able to weed out things already!! Thanks ladies.

 Definitely don't follow the lists on Pinterest. They make you pack as if you need your entire house with you! It's crazy!

I love organizing and lists, but those ones on Pinterest are overhwhelming! 

ThisisNumber3

One thing that was a "luxury" item for me was some of the Burts Bees face wipes.  Sometimes I wasn't up to getting in the shower or bending over to wash my face, but just being able to wipe clean was a luxury.  

Other than that 
- One hospital dress for mom (just to feel "dressed" for visitors).  Dress so they could still come and check down there as needed without having to get out of bed to take pants off. 
- Hats for baby
- Pillow for mom, pillow for dad, breastfeeding pillow for baby (all of these stayed in the car until we were in our recovery room).  All with colorful pillowcases so they didn't get lost. 
- Coming home outfit for mom (yoga pants and a top) 
- Coming home outfit for baby (even at 9 lbs + both my kids wore NB home) 
- Phone Chargers
- Snacks/drinks 
- We pre-bought parking coins for visitors.  If people came, we gave them a token so they didn't have to pay for parking. 

- We didn't really pack anything for baby, but we did bring the diaper bag so we had a paci and a bag to carry home the baby goodies (opened bags of diapers/wipes, new bulb, etc). 

SkiChic626

ThisisNumber3 said:

SkiChic626 said:

ThisisNumber3 said:

midwestbaby said:

I haven't really started a list yet...but this stuck with me. It might be silly idea as I am a FTM, but who doesn't like nice things? 

I read on a blog once that a mom indulged and brought really nice shampoo and soap (for example from lush) for her first shower after baby was born. She said it was so nice to have something luxurious and just for her after giving birth. 

One thing to think about though is you may want to avoid anything super scented. You don't want to aggrevate the poor baby you're snuggling with!  

Yes, I agree with this.  When DD was born I only used scent free, chemical free, organic, etc. body wash until recently and plan to switch back again once baby is born.

Yes!  There can be skin sensitivities that are from contact.  If your doing skin to skin or even breastfeeding, you want to be careful (at least right at first!).  

Plus, you want baby to smell you and know your natural scent.  All those pheromones flying around help with BFing  

SkiChic626

ThisisNumber3 said:

- We didn't really pack anything for baby, but we did bring the diaper bag so we had a paci and a bag to carry home the baby goodies (opened bags of diapers/wipes, new bulb, etc). 

Great suggestion - adding this to my list!  I'm going to pack an extra empty bag for all the goodies I'm going to steal....uuuuh....I mean....that the hospital lets you take home.  

bearsandbeets7

If you bring your own pillow I reccomend buying some cheap pillow cases. I remember sweating so bad it made the case really gross so you may not want to use the one that matches your bed at home. 

Curls919

SkiChic626 said:

ThisisNumber3 said:

- We didn't really pack anything for baby, but we did bring the diaper bag so we had a paci and a bag to carry home the baby goodies (opened bags of diapers/wipes, new bulb, etc). 

Great suggestion - adding this to my list!  I'm going to pack an extra empty bag for all the goodies I'm going to steal....uuuuh....I mean....that the hospital lets you take home.  

They gave us a cheap plastic bag then basically said "here's a drawer, take whatever is in it" lol

Ceventa

- pillow to sleep
- nursing bras
- comfy clothes to change into
- toiletries, nursing pads and cream
- extra clothes for DH and his toiletries
- chargers and a magazine or two
- clothes for baby
- all of my hospital paperwork 

I over packed the first time around. If anything, the hospital gave me a lot of stuff to handle the lady parts and nursing. I ended up taking a lot of stuff home with me which was great. 

SkiChic626

Curls919 said:

SkiChic626 said:

ThisisNumber3 said:

- We didn't really pack anything for baby, but we did bring the diaper bag so we had a paci and a bag to carry home the baby goodies (opened bags of diapers/wipes, new bulb, etc). 

Great suggestion - adding this to my list!  I'm going to pack an extra empty bag for all the goodies I'm going to steal....uuuuh....I mean....that the hospital lets you take home.  

They gave us a cheap plastic bag then basically said "here's a drawer, take whatever is in it" lol

Yeah, they pretty much did the same thing for us.  They filled the drawers of the bassinet with diapers and all the necessities and told us we could have it.  That said, we somehow kept magically running out of diapers really fast and they'd have to replenish them often.  So weird lol  

bananers

One thing I did last time that I found helpful was when I was closer to my due date (maybe a month out?) I packed the stuff I could, and then put a list of things I couldn't pack because I still needed them inside the bag. That way of I had to pack in a hurry (or if DH had to pack for me), we wouldn't be running around trying to remember what we needed. 

I also divided things into two bags: a small tote of things I wanted while laboring, and an overnight bag with everything else, which I left in the car and had DH go retrieve after we were in recovery. I ended up having to walk the hospital halls for two hours before they would admit us and it was nice to just have the one small bag for DH to carry. 

ballofmeat

bananers said:

One thing I did last time that I found helpful was when I was closer to my due date (maybe a month out?) I packed the stuff I could, and then put a list of things I couldn't pack because I still needed them inside the bag. That way of I had to pack in a hurry (or if DH had to pack for me), we wouldn't be running around trying to remember what we needed. 

I also divided things into two bags: a small tote of things I wanted while laboring, and an overnight bag with everything else, which I left in the car and had DH go retrieve after we were in recovery. I ended up having to walk the hospital halls for two hours before they would admit us and it was nice to just have the one small bag for DH to carry. 

This speaks to me. What great advice! 

JLyn821

bananers said:

One thing I did last time that I found helpful was when I was closer to my due date (maybe a month out?) I packed the stuff I could, and then put a list of things I couldn't pack because I still needed them inside the bag. That way of I had to pack in a hurry (or if DH had to pack for me), we wouldn't be running around trying to remember what we needed. 

I also divided things into two bags: a small tote of things I wanted while laboring, and an overnight bag with everything else, which I left in the car and had DH go retrieve after we were in recovery. I ended up having to walk the hospital halls for two hours before they would admit us and it was nice to just have the one small bag for DH to carry. 

 All of this is exactly what I did with DS, too. It was nice not to have to lug a big bag around between checking in, triage, L&D, and then finally my private room.

AliKay20

Is anyone else showing this to their DH's? I had DH read your latest advice @bananers out loud so it sticks with him. I can't imagine me trying to communicate to him all that we need when my mind is moving at 100 MPH during "go time."

Bookhousegirl

AliKay20 said:

Is anyone else showing this to their DH's? I had DH read your latest advice @bananers out loud so it sticks with him. I can't imagine me trying to communicate to him all that we need when my mind is moving at 100 MPH during "go time."

I had so much prepared for both DH and I last time that we ended up sitting on the couch waiting to go to the hospital. I will probably try to be just as prepared this time, but I really could have done much more in that moment. I mean, once I realized the contractions were coming regularly, I showered, DH showered, I made the bed, packed the last minute stuff, and tidied up our apartment and we still had time before the doctor wanted us to come in (we ended up just leaving and stopping at Starbucks on the way - where, in hindsight, I definitely should have gotten something to eat!). Now, obviously it may not work that way this time - especially because we have DS - but I'm just saying, it may not be as chaotic as you expect it to be. 

AliKay20

Bookhousegirl said:

AliKay20 said:

Is anyone else showing this to their DH's? I had DH read your latest advice @bananers out loud so it sticks with him. I can't imagine me trying to communicate to him all that we need when my mind is moving at 100 MPH during "go time."

I had so much prepared for both DH and I last time that we ended up sitting on the couch waiting to go to the hospital. I will probably try to be just as prepared this time, but I really could have done much more in that moment. I mean, once I realized the contractions were coming regularly, I showered, DH showered, I made the bed, packed the last minute stuff, and tidied up our apartment and we still had time before the doctor wanted us to come in (we ended up just leaving and stopping at Starbucks on the way - where, in hindsight, I definitely should have gotten something to eat!). Now, obviously it may not work that way this time - especially because we have DS - but I'm just saying, it may not be as chaotic as you expect it to be. 

This!! Thanks for putting things to perspective. I would've been tempted to get a tall coffee frap but I'd be too chicken to actually drink it out of fear I'll REALLY shit during labor. Haha! #coffeemakesmepoop

Curls919

Bookhousegirl said:

AliKay20 said:

Is anyone else showing this to their DH's? I had DH read your latest advice @bananers out loud so it sticks with him. I can't imagine me trying to communicate to him all that we need when my mind is moving at 100 MPH during "go time."

I had so much prepared for both DH and I last time that we ended up sitting on the couch waiting to go to the hospital. I will probably try to be just as prepared this time, but I really could have done much more in that moment. I mean, once I realized the contractions were coming regularly, I showered, DH showered, I made the bed, packed the last minute stuff, and tidied up our apartment and we still had time before the doctor wanted us to come in (we ended up just leaving and stopping at Starbucks on the way - where, in hindsight, I definitely should have gotten something to eat!). Now, obviously it may not work that way this time - especially because we have DS - but I'm just saying, it may not be as chaotic as you expect it to be. 

I woke up at 6:40am to my water broken.  I called the doc and asked if I could have breakfast since I didn't have a large dinner the night before (we had gone out to brunch so I wasn't hungry later). He basically said that he can't tell me to eat but if I happened to eat before I called him then oh well. I was too nervous as a FTM that I didn't eat. This time? I'm stopping at the bagel store for a breakfast sandwich. I was starving by the time I got to the hospital!

Ashers423

I think I overpacked for the first baby. This time I will definitely have with
-my own pillow (it's more comfortable)
-phone charger
-iPad and phone
-a big dark colored bath towel (hospital ones are fine for your hair but small and thin)
-a nice travel size of shampoo, conditioner and body wash (along with other toiletries and my hair diffuser)
-a robe for over the hospital gown while walking halls
-larger sweat pants/capris, nursing tanks, cardigan 
-slippers and flip flops
-baby book (for footprints the nurses will do)
-snacks and Gatorade 

bananers

Curls919 said:

Bookhousegirl said:

AliKay20 said:

Is anyone else showing this to their DH's? I had DH read your latest advice @bananers out loud so it sticks with him. I can't imagine me trying to communicate to him all that we need when my mind is moving at 100 MPH during "go time."

I had so much prepared for both DH and I last time that we ended up sitting on the couch waiting to go to the hospital. I will probably try to be just as prepared this time, but I really could have done much more in that moment. I mean, once I realized the contractions were coming regularly, I showered, DH showered, I made the bed, packed the last minute stuff, and tidied up our apartment and we still had time before the doctor wanted us to come in (we ended up just leaving and stopping at Starbucks on the way - where, in hindsight, I definitely should have gotten something to eat!). Now, obviously it may not work that way this time - especially because we have DS - but I'm just saying, it may not be as chaotic as you expect it to be. 

I woke up at 6:40am to my water broken.  I called the doc and asked if I could have breakfast since I didn't have a large dinner the night before (we had gone out to brunch so I wasn't hungry later). He basically said that he can't tell me to eat but if I happened to eat before I called him then oh well. I was too nervous as a FTM that I didn't eat. This time? I'm stopping at the bagel store for a breakfast sandwich. I was starving by the time I got to the hospital!

My water broke at 4 a.m. My OB told us to eat breakfast, take our time getting ready and to plan to be at the hospital around 6. They checked me in triage and determined my contractions weren't regular enough to admit me, but because my water was broken they couldn't send me home either. They told me to walk the hospital for two hours and that I might want to get something to eat because it would be a long day. So I got a second breakfast, lol. Good thing, because that was the last thing I ate and I gave birth at 11:20 pm. :$

Neesey

Great lists!  Make sure when you pack your bag that it actually gets put in the car to go to the hospital....speaking from experience!
Items I'll bring that haven't been mentioned:
Massage oil helped DH run my back. 
My atlas belly band for after since everything felt out of place and uncomfortable. 
My inflatable donut for the car ride home. Every bump hurt last time!
Frozen food for DH as they have a kitchenette on the l&d floor. Protein bars for quick fixes. 
Pillow for DH. Brought one for me but he was stuck with a hospital flat one. 
An extra reusable shopping bag for taking home yucky clothes or extra hospital goodies.