My two recommendations. Lots of loose, dark clothing, adult diapers, tucks pads, slippers, nipple cream whether you are nursing or not, secure nursing bras (your boobs hurt so bad).
And take EVERYTHING that you can... they have so much stuff, take it all!!! LOL
My must haves: chapstick, my own pillow, comfy clothes to feel human after that first shower, my own shampoo, Boppy, a small blanket because when I had my boys the hospital was maxed out in capacity and my poor husband froze, snacks. All other things I used what they provided me down to towels and pads/mesh undies.
For baby: going home outfit and a swaddle blanket everything else they provided
Time to get my notebook and pen out to make my list. I feel so unprepared in this pregnancy and this L&D. This is my 4th and I know of some essentials I'll be taking but it's been 6 years and I feel like I forgot everything.
@PurplePumpernickel I took a small suitcase when I had my son and a backpack when I had my daughter, I think the canvas tote will be completely fine. Both times I just left the boppy out in the car during delivery and then my husband went out and got it after we were all settled in. With my daughter I had her at midnight (emergency cs) so he didn't even get our bags until the next morning and it wasn't a big deal. I'm not sure about your hospital but the room at ours is tiny so not having the bags right away made it a little less cramped.
Married: 05/26/2012
DS Born Happy and Healthy via C-section: 10/04/2013
Natural M/C: 07/08/2014
DD Born Happy and Healthy via Emergency C-section: 06/30/2015
So how big are these bags then, if people are bringing boppies and the like? I guess my canvas tote is a little too small?
I took my purse that had my chargers in it. A weekend bag that had 2 changes of clothes (the first day I live in the hospital gown) socks, a nursing bra, I normally wear flip flops so I don't have to take any extra shoes, and my make up bag. I took my diaper bag with baby book so they could do feet prints for me, and I carried my boppy, pilllow, and blanket. Well DH carried my pillows and blanket. We also lived 10 minutes from the hospital in a small town so if we needed something he could run home and get it.
So how big are these bags then, if people are bringing boppies and the like? I guess my canvas tote is a little too small?
I took my purse that had my chargers in it. A weekend bag that had 2 changes of clothes (the first day I live in the hospital gown) socks, a nursing bra, I normally wear flip flops so I don't have to take any extra shoes, and my make up bag. I took my diaper bag with baby book so they could do feet prints for me, and I carried my boppy, pilllow, and blanket. Well DH carried my pillows and blanket. We also lived 10 minutes from the hospital in a small town so if we needed something he could run home and get it.
This sounds perfectly reasonable, thanks! The hospital is about a mile from our house so I don't need to over-pack.
Thank you everyone for your great ideas! Thank you @CTRMommyof4 for mentioning adult diapers! The teacher at our birthing class said they're way comforter than the huge hospital pads, any brand you recommend? I think for me, if the hospital has free WiFi I'll lot to bring a laptop to watch some Netflix if in the hospital a long time. I didn't even think about having the house set up with stuff for me after getting home, great idea! I already have a pelvic girdle belt at 28 weeks and it really helps with the punched in the vag feeling lol. Totally will bring the nipple cream I use it now for the itching. I also bought a waterproof pillow protector because someone told me it'll get wet from sweat or other fluids. Regarding the waxing etc, thankfully I had laser hair removal before getting pregnant and will touch up after baby comes. I will for sure bring body lotion, facial moisturizer and for those of you that use Mary Kay products, they have this great tinted moisturizer it basically combined facial moisturizer and foundation, it looks very natural and feels light on the skin. That will definitely help me feel normal in addition to bringing own towel. It's pretty consistent what I've been hearing that the hospital towels are really thin. When is everyone packing their "go bags"? I'm excited to pack one for hubby too. I think we'll pack them at 34 or 36 weeks just in case baby comes early. Thanks everyone! This discussion thread is great!
If you're doing it for the first time, and considering I have 12 weeks to go now, when do you recommend going for a first one to allow for enough time for it to grow back enough for a refresher just before? Not high risk so not anticipating c-section, but would rather be prepared just in case.
This thread coming back up inspired me to write out my bag list. Couple of notes: 1) I am an over packer, and that makes me feel better, so while I know I am probably way over packing, I won't feel comfortable unless I do. I've always been a major over packer 2) I'm going to a birthing center, not a hospital, and I'm pretty sure they don't provide anything for me or baby (pads, diapers, etc.). We will only be there for 6-8 hours after the birth. But, we may have to stay over the night before if I'm not far enough along in labor, and we will stay the night after because I need to go get checked again 24 hours after birth. The center is 2 hours from my home, so there is no driving back and forth. 3) Even if anything does get provided, it's better if I have my own stuff. I have really sensitive skin, and I'm just assuming my baby will too and planning accordingly. 4) I am allowed to eat during labor if I want to, so I'll be packing lots of food for me and DH. 5) I'm probably going to have an extra bag with extra stuff in case we end up transferring to the hospital.
Sorry about the formatting, I copy and pasted and it added a ton of space that I can't get rid of. Just thought I would share for the sake of comparing.
Birthing Center Bag
MAMA:
Snacks
Pretzels
Peanut Butter
Crackers
Fruit?
Fruit Snacks?
Dried Fruit
Granola Bars
Chocolate
Post Baby Meal (soup?)
Lollipops
2 robes
Phone
Charger
Headphones
Pillow
Blanket
Comforter
4 towels
3 changes of clothes
Water 3 jugs
Heating Pad
Movies?
DVD Player?
Coconut Oil
Pads
Nursing Pads
Slippers
Socks (4 pair, daddy)
PICTURE ID
INSURANCE CARD
2 sets pajamas
5 pairs underwear
Shampoo
Soap
Lotion
Deoderant
Hair ties
Hair brush
Contacts (extra)
Contact case
Rice Bag?
Tennis ball sock?
Tooth brush
Tooth paste
Hoodies
Bathing suit top
Sea bands
Inspiration cards
Cord bracelet
Ruinable t shirts
Nurse gift??
BABY:
3 outfits
2 sleepers
2 blankets
Coming Home outfit
Carrier
Car Seat
Diapers (Pack newborns and Pack 1s)
Wipes
Changing Pad
Nest
Socks
2 hats
Burp Cloths
Baby book for foot prints
Baby nail clippers?
DAD:
Snacks
Charger
Laptop
Charger
Wallet
Water 2 jugs
Pillow
3 changes of clothes
2 towels
4 pairs socks
3 pairs underwear
Shampoo
Soap
Bathing suit (for shower)
Phone
Tooth brush
Tooth paste
Deoderant
Ear Band
Ear Plugs
CAR:
Towels
Plastic Bags
Trash Bags
HOSPITAL BAG: Extras for Hospital Only
Signs for no bottles or pacifiers
Birth Plan?
Extra clothes for everyone
Extra snacks?
Extra water?
Hubby and Me Friends since 2008 Started dating: July 1st, 2013 Engaged: July 1st, 2014 Married: July 1st, 2016 R born: July 8th, 2017 N born: June 30th, 2019 Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022 (maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
Anyone want to add to postpartum care?? These are some of the things I have down and can remember from my previous pregnancies.
- Tucks - Depends/Pads (hoping to take as much from the hospital as I can) - Squirt Bottle (hospital normally gives you some) - Dermaplast Spray (agiain from hospital) - Stool Softner - Nipple Cream
Anything else to add?? C-section mamas any needs for postpartum care you would add? Because you never know.
@kerils - Regarding the rice bag you mentioned, I had completely forgotten but that reminded me, I had a crazy stiff neck after both of my deliveries and used a heating pad and the rice bags constantly for 2 to 3 days after I got home. It wasn't immediate (not while at the hospital), and I was a c-section momma both times (no idea if that is related), but just something I thought I'd point out for postpartum just in case.
C-section mammas are going to want high waisted pants and underwear. I lived in the glorious mesh panties from the hospital, they came up high enough and didn't irritate my insicision. If you're going in for a RCS I highly recommend a cs recovery belt, it is a game changer! I didn't have one with my first so I had to use my boppy everytime I basically moved. I can't hink of anything else. Really nothing you would use for a vaginal delivery, just having to take extra precautions moving.
@MrsLa3 - the C/S "girdle" was the best thing ever - like you, the hospital gave it to me for my second but not my first. I honestly wish I had known to even ask for one, I used it for almost two weeks but I think I will buy a nicer one this time around in case the hospital doesn't give me one for some reason and the hospital one got warped after a couple days.
The hospital gave me maxi pads which I stuck to the inside of my high waisted underwear for when your incision is draining/bleeding. If you have sensitive skin you may want to get special ones. I also had trouble reaching down to wipe myself - one of those spray things to clean yourself would have been helpful - that or somehow getting toilet paper on a stick. I may have to research that. Oh and flip flops/slip on shoes, you will not be tying your shoes any time soon.
I can't think of anything else for the hospital, most my extra preparations are for when I get home. In both my experiences the hospital does really try to accommodate and help you even if you want to punch your nurse in the face when they make you walk around a couple hours afterwards
Thanks @Dcwtada and @MrsLa3 for adding in on c-section needs. My postpartum list is for home. If a c-section happens I want to make sure to ask for things at the hospital or send DH with a list of things to grab for me. I want to have a girdle in mind or in my amazon cart if that is needed. Any recommendations incase the hospital one isn't provided??
@oheliza44 great question! One of the articles I read (maybe on TB) said now is the time to start packing but that seems way too early. Especially since I won't even have some of the stuff I'm thinking to bring until after the shower... I was thinking maybe 35 weeks?
@lanie1000 yeah, I am definitely not packing this early unless I start to show signs of pre-term labor. Also, I live literally two blocks from the hospital, so should the time come I can throw things together pretty quickly or have DH/friends get me what I need from the house without too much hassle.
Just out of curiosity, when is everyone planning to have their bag packed? I figured I wouldn't pack anything until 37 weeks.
I was thinking around 36-37 weeks. Probably start with the bare necessities just in case something happens and we are in an 'oh shit' situation. Then gradually add the things that are nice to have, but not really necessities.
Just out of curiosity, when is everyone planning to have their bag packed? I figured I wouldn't pack anything until 37 weeks.
As an eager FTM I'm pretty sure I had my diaper bag packed at 35 weeks. I went to the hospital at 37 weeks for contractions 2 minutes apart lasting for a minute and they sent me home, I decided to pack my bag that night.
For the second I packed it at 30 weeks because I had placenta previa.
@MrsLa3 - I think you hit it all. My hospital gives me a girdle, so I am just going in with bare essentials (toiletries that I prefer - they give you everything, but I prefer my own lotion smells), I'll wear home what I wear in (high waisted super loose yoga pants and a tank top with a hoodie). The entire time I live in hospital gowns and mesh panties, and I raid the closets for all of it so I can wear them the first week or so home.
I will I'll also bring a pillow for my hubby, snacks for both of us, and my boppy for BFing.
We we will walk in with a backpack and boppy between the 2 of us.
I cant figure out how to pack my bag early. A lot of the things in there are things I use every day that I cant just have stuck in a bag for weeks. Some things can be packed but some Im just gonna have to pack right before we leave. Im going to have a printed list to try to make the last minute pack easier
Hubby and Me Friends since 2008 Started dating: July 1st, 2013 Engaged: July 1st, 2014 Married: July 1st, 2016 R born: July 8th, 2017 N born: June 30th, 2019 Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022 (maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet - but bring toiletries that you don't use every day but do every few days/once a week. For example, with DD we ended up staying in the hospital for 4 days due to jaundice, and I had to get DH to bring me nail clippers and my razor. My nails grew so much in those few days after birth that I had to clip them, and I'm a shave-the-armpit every other day kind of person.
Married 8 years - Aug 23/08 DD - 6 years old, March 17/11 #2 due July 19th! (It's a boy!)
@oheliza44 I didn't pack until I went into labor with DD. Major procrastinator here!
Obviously my situation is different this time and I was told to bring a bag and be prepared to stay at each appointment after 30 weeks so I guess I'll be packing soon...
But normally you have time even once you're in labor and some stuff you'll be using up until then so you can't really pack ahead of time!
Anyone want to add to postpartum care?? These are some of the things I have down and can remember from my previous pregnancies.
- Tucks - Depends/Pads (hoping to take as much from the hospital as I can) - Squirt Bottle (hospital normally gives you some) - Dermaplast Spray (agiain from hospital) - Stool Softner - Nipple Cream
Anything else to add?? C-section mamas any needs for postpartum care you would add? Because you never know.
That's definitely the top six needed items! I'm thinking about ordering an extra squirt bottle from Amazon. I hated only having one, and I think I'd like one for upstairs, downstairs, and my purse. There's apparently a spray bottle put out by the company that makes the nose Frieda that is supposed to be nicer than the regular peri bottles, but I don't know that I'm ready to shell out $15 for it.
Okay my fellow c/s moms, did any of you use adult diapers? I personally lived in my mesh undies for a few weeks with my son,the nurse was fabulous and gave me like 7 extra pairs and I washed them until they couldn't take it anymore. With my daughter I only got one pair and was pretty bummed since it's the same hospital this go around I am trying to be prepared and I've always read about adult diapers but not sure how they'll work out as far as the incision goes.
I also probably won't pack my bag until 38 weeks, my hospital does RCS at 39 weeks so hopefully nothing happens earlier but if it does oh well, we don't live too far from the hospital so it wouldn't be a big deal if my husband had to run home and get stuff.
Edit to say nevermind I just found the mesh undies on Amazon, no diapers needed.
Married: 05/26/2012
DS Born Happy and Healthy via C-section: 10/04/2013
Natural M/C: 07/08/2014
DD Born Happy and Healthy via Emergency C-section: 06/30/2015
@cssme13 - I have not but based on some conversations I've read on this board, I was considering it. I loved the mesh underwear too and and used them for as long as I could. Interested to see responses as to if they will rub the incision as well.
@kerils I plan on having a two part list: one for things I can pack ahead of time; and one for things that need to be packed at the last minute because I use them every day. The latter list will be given to DH to pack for me if i am unable.
@ljd2010 that squirt bottle is a life saver/game changer! Last time around they gave me 2 bottles and a handful of mesh panties. We moved so this is a new hospital and I'm not sure how much they'll give me. My girlfriend and neighbor is a L&D nurse there and just told me to give her a heads up and she will make sure I get taken care of. Hope it all works out.
@poppyseed72017 I am seriously jealous of your access to peri bottles! Someone suggested Walgreens last time, and the best the pharmacist could offer was literally a travel plastic spray bottle. Not quite what I was looking for....
@greenbean-2 That's the one. It's awesome. My hospital gave me a 2nd one, since I asked. IDK if that's normal.
I'm a STM and I'll still probably pack around 35-36 weeks, because DS was 2 weeks early. I'm not too worried, though, now that I know my hospital provides so much. I'll just bring clothes, toiletries, and my boppy. We live 5-10 minutes from the hospital, so DH or someone can bring me anything I wish I had.
On my 2013 board somebody didn't have their bag packed in time and sent their H home for underwear. He brought back thongs lolol. So I pack early because that's exactly the kind of ish H would pull, and post partum I might just actually harm him.
Re: Hospital Bag & First Days
And take EVERYTHING that you can... they have so much stuff, take it all!!! LOL
For baby: going home outfit and a swaddle blanket everything else they provided
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
Time to get my notebook and pen out to make my list. I feel so unprepared in this pregnancy and this L&D. This is my 4th and I know of some essentials I'll be taking but it's been 6 years and I feel like I forgot everything.
Married: 05/26/2012
DS Born Happy and Healthy via C-section: 10/04/2013
Natural M/C: 07/08/2014
DD Born Happy and Healthy via Emergency C-section: 06/30/2015
BFP #4: 11/15/2016
EDD: 7/27/2017
1) I am an over packer, and that makes me feel better, so while I know I am probably way over packing, I won't feel comfortable unless I do. I've always been a major over packer
2) I'm going to a birthing center, not a hospital, and I'm pretty sure they don't provide anything for me or baby (pads, diapers, etc.). We will only be there for 6-8 hours after the birth. But, we may have to stay over the night before if I'm not far enough along in labor, and we will stay the night after because I need to go get checked again 24 hours after birth. The center is 2 hours from my home, so there is no driving back and forth.
3) Even if anything does get provided, it's better if I have my own stuff. I have really sensitive skin, and I'm just assuming my baby will too and planning accordingly.
4) I am allowed to eat during labor if I want to, so I'll be packing lots of food for me and DH.
5) I'm probably going to have an extra bag with extra stuff in case we end up transferring to the hospital.
Sorry about the formatting, I copy and pasted and it added a ton of space that I can't get rid of. Just thought I would share for the sake of comparing.
Birthing Center Bag
MAMA:
Snacks
Pretzels
Peanut Butter
Crackers
Fruit?
Fruit Snacks?
Dried Fruit
Granola Bars
Chocolate
Post Baby Meal (soup?)
Lollipops
2 robes
Phone
Charger
Headphones
Pillow
Blanket
Comforter
4 towels
3 changes of clothes
Water 3 jugs
Heating Pad
Movies?
DVD Player?
Coconut Oil
Pads
Nursing Pads
Slippers
Socks (4 pair, daddy)
PICTURE ID
INSURANCE CARD
2 sets pajamas
5 pairs underwear
Shampoo
Soap
Lotion
Deoderant
Hair ties
Hair brush
Contacts (extra)
Contact case
Rice Bag?
Tennis ball sock?
Tooth brush
Tooth paste
Hoodies
Bathing suit top
Sea bands
Inspiration cards
Cord bracelet
Ruinable t shirts
Nurse gift??
BABY:
3 outfits
2 sleepers
2 blankets
Coming Home outfit
Carrier
Car Seat
Diapers (Pack newborns and Pack 1s)
Wipes
Changing Pad
Nest
Socks
2 hats
Burp Cloths
Baby book for foot prints
Baby nail clippers?
DAD:
Snacks
Charger
Laptop
Charger
Wallet
Water 2 jugs
Pillow
3 changes of clothes
2 towels
4 pairs socks
3 pairs underwear
Shampoo
Soap
Bathing suit (for shower)
Phone
Tooth brush
Tooth paste
Deoderant
Ear Band
Ear Plugs
CAR:
Towels
Plastic Bags
Trash Bags
HOSPITAL BAG: Extras for Hospital Only
Signs for no bottles or pacifiers
Birth Plan?
Extra clothes for everyone
Extra snacks?
Extra water?Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
- Tucks
- Depends/Pads (hoping to take as much from the hospital as I can)
- Squirt Bottle (hospital normally gives you some)
- Dermaplast Spray (agiain from hospital)
- Stool Softner
- Nipple Cream
Anything else to add?? C-section mamas any needs for postpartum care you would add? Because you never know.
@mslynn2012 @Dcwtada anything I'm missing?
The hospital gave me maxi pads which I stuck to the inside of my high waisted underwear for when your incision is draining/bleeding. If you have sensitive skin you may want to get special ones. I also had trouble reaching down to wipe myself - one of those spray things to clean yourself would have been helpful - that or somehow getting toilet paper on a stick. I may have to research that. Oh and flip flops/slip on shoes, you will not be tying your shoes any time soon.
I can't think of anything else for the hospital, most my extra preparations are for when I get home. In both my experiences the hospital does really try to accommodate and help you even if you want to punch your nurse in the face when they make you walk around a couple hours afterwards
My postpartum list is for home. If a c-section happens I want to make sure to ask for things at the hospital or send DH with a list of things to grab for me. I want to have a girdle in mind or in my amazon cart if that is needed. Any recommendations incase the hospital one isn't provided??
For the second I packed it at 30 weeks because I had placenta previa.
I will I'll also bring a pillow for my hubby, snacks for both of us, and my boppy for BFing.
We we will walk in with a backpack and boppy between the 2 of us.
my happy boy
Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
Married 8 years - Aug 23/08
DD - 6 years old, March 17/11
#2 due July 19th! (It's a boy!)
Obviously my situation is different this time and I was told to bring a bag and be prepared to stay at each appointment after 30 weeks so I guess I'll be packing soon...
But normally you have time even once you're in labor and some stuff you'll be using up until then so you can't really pack ahead of time!
I also probably won't pack my bag until 38 weeks, my hospital does RCS at 39 weeks so hopefully nothing happens earlier but if it does oh well, we don't live too far from the hospital so it wouldn't be a big deal if my husband had to run home and get stuff.
Edit to say nevermind I just found the mesh undies on Amazon, no diapers needed.
Married: 05/26/2012
DS Born Happy and Healthy via C-section: 10/04/2013
Natural M/C: 07/08/2014
DD Born Happy and Healthy via Emergency C-section: 06/30/2015
BFP #4: 11/15/2016
EDD: 7/27/2017
I plan on having a two part list: one for things I can pack ahead of time; and one for things that need to be packed at the last minute because I use them every day. The latter list will be given to DH to pack for me if i am unable.
https://www.amazon.com/DYND70125H-Perineal-Irrigation-Bottle-Pack/dp/B00KHKHXBC
If so, @ljd2010, you have access to peri bottles too
I'm a STM and I'll still probably pack around 35-36 weeks, because DS was 2 weeks early. I'm not too worried, though, now that I know my hospital provides so much. I'll just bring clothes, toiletries, and my boppy. We live 5-10 minutes from the hospital, so DH or someone can bring me anything I wish I had.