I was thinking about this thread while emptying out my suitcase I packed for the hospital. I had a much longer stay than most of you will, but there were some things I was really glad I packed that might help someone else too:
1. Fuzzy socks with grippies. The hospital gave me one pair of socks, but the ones I brought were so soft and comfortable when I had to walk around.
2. Some towels from home. I packed some dark towels I didn't mind getting some blood on after I showered. The hospital towels suck. Not only are they small, but they feel like sandpaper.
3. Chapstick and lotion. The air is so dry there that my skin started peeling!
4. Pajama or flare yoga pants that are one size bigger than you would normally wear. I'm not sure if it's just from the CS or the length of my stay, but I had awful, awful swelling in my legs, lower back, feet, and even in one arm. I still have some swelling in my feet. If I hadn't packed some PJ pants that were loose and a bit big, I wouldn't have had anything to wear home. Also, I'd bring slippers to wear home since you might not be able to fit into shoes.
5. Hoodie. Keeps you warm and I didn't wear a bra underneath it to make BFing easier. I didn't have a bra that would fit anyway! :P Just comfy.
Also, I highly recommend grabbing as many mesh panties they will give you, especially with a CS. I'm still wearing them because they can be pulled up past the incision and are very comfortable for now. They're not sexy, but it's better than something touching the owie.
Echoing @dmontgo about the mesh sexy pants. I took a TON from the hospital and wore them for about two weeks at home after my stay. They made me feel way more secure with my incision.
I grabbed a ton of those undies and even without a c-section they are super awesome.
As for what we used in our bag, I think it was pretty minimalist: - hairbrush - toiletries (travel size body wash, shampoo & conditioner, toothbrush & toothpaste) - phone chargers - baby going home outfit - me going home outfit (sweatpants and one of hubby's soft tshirts) - hair tie - phones - tic tacs - chapstick - snack for afterwards (hubby didnt have any) - small tube pillow I call my huggy pillow... loved having that there
Did not use/took up space: - massage stuff - heating packs - fan - ipad - nice camera (shame on us) - extra clothes for me - slippers, but i did not walk much at all - baby coat
Brought home and now using at home: - mesh undies - witch hazel pads - steroid cream - gigantic pads (wish i had taken more) - cold packs - gad been using on my bewbs before my milk came in and they were sore as hell, will use for lots of stuff later I'm sure - soft cottony wipe pads - waterproof pads for floor (we are using on the changing table)
Hope this helps! I'll edit if I think of anything I forgot.
At our hospital tour the woman suggested that husbands pack the bag ( like you set out everything and they put it in the bag) that way they know where everything is while you are in labor should you ask for something.
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Re: Hospital Bag Thread
TTC Since: November 2015
BFP: March 31, 2016
DS: November 21, 2016
1. Fuzzy socks with grippies. The hospital gave me one pair of socks, but the ones I brought were so soft and comfortable when I had to walk around.
2. Some towels from home. I packed some dark towels I didn't mind getting some blood on after I showered. The hospital towels suck. Not only are they small, but they feel like sandpaper.
3. Chapstick and lotion. The air is so dry there that my skin started peeling!
4. Pajama or flare yoga pants that are one size bigger than you would normally wear. I'm not sure if it's just from the CS or the length of my stay, but I had awful, awful swelling in my legs, lower back, feet, and even in one arm. I still have some swelling in my feet. If I hadn't packed some PJ pants that were loose and a bit big, I wouldn't have had anything to wear home. Also, I'd bring slippers to wear home since you might not be able to fit into shoes.
5. Hoodie. Keeps you warm and I didn't wear a bra underneath it to make BFing easier. I didn't have a bra that would fit anyway! :P Just comfy.
Also, I highly recommend grabbing as many mesh panties they will give you, especially with a CS. I'm still wearing them because they can be pulled up past the incision and are very comfortable for now. They're not sexy, but it's better than something touching the owie.
Hope this helps someone!
As for what we used in our bag, I think it was pretty minimalist:
- hairbrush
- toiletries (travel size body wash, shampoo & conditioner, toothbrush & toothpaste)
- phone chargers
- baby going home outfit
- me going home outfit (sweatpants and one of hubby's soft tshirts)
- hair tie
- phones
- tic tacs
- chapstick
- snack for afterwards (hubby didnt have any)
- small tube pillow I call my huggy pillow... loved having that there
Did not use/took up space:
- massage stuff
- heating packs
- fan
- ipad
- nice camera (shame on us)
- extra clothes for me
- slippers, but i did not walk much at all
- baby coat
Brought home and now using at home:
- mesh undies
- witch hazel pads
- steroid cream
- gigantic pads (wish i had taken more)
- cold packs - gad been using on my bewbs before my milk came in and they were sore as hell, will use for lots of stuff later I'm sure
- soft cottony wipe pads
- waterproof pads for floor (we are using on the changing table)
Hope this helps! I'll edit if I think of anything I forgot.