December 2017 Moms

What’s In Your Hospital Bag?

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Re: What’s In Your Hospital Bag?

  • @Skcobb I didn't use it with my first and tbh, it was a waste of space in the room. Didn't help me get comfortable at all. 

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  • This is a great thread. I brought WAY TOO MUCH STUFF last time...below are my "essentials" I plan on bringing this time. 

    Ours
    Change of clothes for each day in hospital, plus an extra :smile:
    Toiletries 
    Bluetooth speaker
    Phone chargers
    Camera, charger
    Plastic bag for dirty clothes
    Chapstick
    Blow dryer
    Socks
    Comfy slippers
    Snoogle

    Baby
    Daily outfits, socks, and caps 
    Boppy

    Also, bring a few extra bags to bring home things in. Our hospital loaded us up in pads, diapers, diaper creams, dermaplast, tucks, mesh undies, swaddlers, caps, night gowns, etc. I was legit stuffing stuff in my purse and pockets to try to hold it all. 
  • Can someone remind me of estimated time (nights) spent in the hospital for vaginal and c-section deliveries?  
    Me: 36  | DH 35, Married 2007
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  • @whiska - I was in the hospital a total of 3 nights, but that's because I labored from about 8 PM - 9 AM. So it was actually 2 nights postpartum for vaginal delivery, and (I hear) 1 night for second babies. But it depends on the hospital/birthing center. I had a friend give birth unmedicated at a birthing center last month and she was discharged after about 6 hours. C-Section for most doctors that I've heard of is usually 3-4 nights (I think it might be 4 days, 3 nights, but I would need a CS mom to confirm ;) ). 
  • @whiska @Skcobb  For my c section they said 3 days and I was told that baby is born on 'day 0' so 3 days after that.  4 days/3 nights was about right for us.  We were home by noon on the last day.

  • elev2017elev2017 member
    edited October 2017
    @whiska At my hospital it's 2 nights postpartum for vaginal deliveries, 3 for C-sections. During the maternity tour the nurse told us if you have the babies at 11:55 pm then that counts as your first night, so squeeze your legs together until after midnight!
  • @whiska it depends on hospital policy, this will be my 3rd birth and 3rd hospital. My first two deliveries were vaginal with no real complications. Hospital 1 had me stay 2 nights after delivery. Hospital 2 had a 24 hour release for uncomplicated vaginal births. I gave birth at 9:44 pm and was released the next day before 5 pm, so not even 24 hours. And this current hospital also has a 24 hour release as long as there are no complications. 
  • elcd458elcd458 member
    edited October 2017
    @whiska What I typically saw at our hospital was ~2 days for vaginal and ~3 days for CS.  Some of this timeline has to do with the time requirements on testing that the baby must undergo, and when they are typically recommended, and may have less to do with your recovery process.  (They don't like to separate mom and baby if they don't have to, especially for minor setbacks, so most of the time they'd rather you stay an extra night than discharging you and putting the baby in the NICU for a day or two). For instance, a hearing screening isn't going to be performed in the first 8-12 hrs of life because the baby may still have gook in the ears, especially a CS babe.  Or a baby with jaundice might have to stay a little longer because they need their levels rechecked after they go under the light for a while.  Or a baby may need to receive a certain # of doses of antibiotic if an infection (usually chorio) is suspected.  

    All that being said, we would frequently get 2nd+ time moms who just wanted to go home ASAP.  As long as all the proverbial checkboxes were checked and mom and baby had no complications, they could usually leave after around 18-24 hours if vaginal.

    edit: clarity 
  • @whiska I had a CS and would have been allowed to leave after 3 nights.  However, my insurance covered 4 nights post CS and since my DS was in the NICU I chose to stay the 4th night.  This time I will probably leave after the 3rd night assuming there are no complications. 
  • I left a day early after my CS last time. I'm not sure if I will this time, but I felt pretty good and DH wanted me home. Our hospital is one of the few that will still let you send the baby to the nursery at night and will bring the baby back for feedings, so I may stay just to get a little more sleep. On the other hand, I may want to be home with DD. 

    When DD was born, the machine (or software?) for the hearing test wasn't working, so they sent us home and just had us come back when it was fixed (which actually took quite a while--at least a week, but I feel like I drove myself and DD to the appt, so that would have been at least 10 days...)

    Married May 2014
    DD born August 2016
    Baby #2 due December 2017
  • So I will give a little different perspective from having a c-section and having babies in the NICU. Once I could get out of bed and go up to their floor I could. It will change a little this time though since I had a summer baby and this one will be a winter baby. I'm currently planning for a repeat C-section, although I do have the option for a VBAC and that could happen depending on when I go into labor.  

    My essentials are:
    -pillow (because hospital pillows suck)
    -cell phone charger and cell phone
    -tolietries (toothpaste/toothbrush, face wipes, makeup, shampoo/conditioner, body wash)
    -underwear. Although I had a c-section and didn't even wear my own underwear until the day I went home. They give you lovely mesh ones to wear over your belly binder.
    -Belly Binder. I will note my hospital provides these, but if you think you'll have a c-section find out if your hospital gives you one, if not get one and bring it with.  
    -PJs (a couple pairs).  I was cold in the hospital even in the summer, so I did like the ones that buttoned all the way up and had pants, even if I had to wear the pants lower.  
    -Robe. Nice to have to keep your parts hidden if you have to travel to other floors. 
    -Yoga pants, nursing tanks, and a zip up sweatshirt mainly for the ride home or when visitors come.
    -Nursing bra, your normal bras will most likely not fit and will not be comfortable!
    -Hands free pumping bra. If by chance you end up with a baby in the NICU and can't nurse, you will most likely be pumping (if you so choose too).  This just makes life so much easier having your hands free. 
    -Nipple cream
    -Chapstick
    -Nursing pillow
    -socks and slippers
    -An extra bag to bring home dirty stuff and stuff they give you for the baby
    I feel like I'm forgetting something...

    For baby:
    -Team green, so I'm getting one boy outfit and one girl outfit to come home in.  
    -Carseat and cover
    -Swaddle blankets

    My Significant Other:
    -Pillow/blanket (these will stay in the car if needed, our last room had a pull out couch)
    -A couple change of clothes 
    -Tolietries
    -Cell phone charger 

    If you have a birth plan, I would suggest printing off a copy of that and keeping it in your bag also. I didn't have one, but the only thing I am going to request this time is initial skin to skin contact. It's the norm in my hospitals, but I did not get that with my twins being so early. If you have specific wishes, write them down and bring them with.  My hospital actually provided a checklist that we could fill out. 

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  • @whiska I had my baby at 6pm and was out the next day at 5pm. At my hospital you are allowed two nights, and they won't discharge baby until they've pooped and peed at least once. We just wanted to get home ASAP.
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  • @whiska I have my c section at 4:38pm on a Tuesday. I was released that Friday.  It was around 2/3pm. 
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  • What are y'all packing as a take home outfit for baby? 
  • Ok Ladies. Talk to me about postpartum undies. I am having a scheduled C, so I know that I will not want my usual bikini cut, but what has worked for other mamas? Any specific fabrics or brands you recommend? 
    Me: 30 DH: 31
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  • @txmomma16 I just went with soft cotton granny panties. I think i just fot like 2 pacjs if Hanes or something in a size up. I bled for ablut 6 weeks, so they ended up kinda trashed (I kept thinking it was over and would just use a liner and end up leaking). Once I stopped bleeding, I went back to my usual boy shorts/hippsters
  • Skcobb said:
    @txmomma16 I just went with soft cotton granny panties. I think i just fot like 2 pacjs if Hanes or something in a size up. I bled for ablut 6 weeks, so they ended up kinda trashed (I kept thinking it was over and would just use a liner and end up leaking). Once I stopped bleeding, I went back to my usual boy shorts/hippsters
    This 
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  • @ngarciabyu I'm not totally sure what I'm going to use for my take home outfit.  But last week my mom found the outfit that I came home from the hospital in, so I might try and incorporate that.  I'll need to see what it looks like, but I think that could be neat.  Also, because my due date is near Christmas (and my dr won't let me go past Christmas), I was also thinking about being cheesy and getting a onesie that said "Best gift ever" and having that be the coming home outfit.  

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    Me: 31+ H: 32
    TTC Since 11/2015
    #1 - MMC 6.5 weeks (2/16); #2 - MC due to cystic hygroma at 20 weeks (10/16); #3 CP (2/17); #4 - Due 12.16.17
  • @Tennis11785 we had the hospital shirt from when DH was born, and that's what we brought DS1 home in. It was really special for DH, and I thought it was sweet too.

    @whiska I live hedgehogs! That's super cute. I'm debating on a cute 3 piece outfit from target, or the comfortable route of a sleeper and hat. Maybe I'll post pics lol
  • @ngarciabyu Yeah, my other idea was the sleeper from Target that we used to reveal to our parents.  Even though it's not especially fancy it would carry some meaning :blush
    This is the best pic I have.  It's got giraffes on the feet!  After we revealed to my mom, we were packing up and to see it folded in with all of our clothes just melted my heart, I had to get a picture.
    I'm very pro-comfy, whatever we end up choosing! 
    Me: 36  | DH 35, Married 2007
    TTC #1 June 2015
    April 2016 - AMH, FSH, Progesterone normal
    June 2016 - HSG clear
    *TW* BFP - Aug16, demise confirmed Sep16, incomplete m/c, D&C Nov16
    BFP 3/27/17, edd 12/7/17
    DS - 12/9/17 
    <3 
    TTC #2 December 2018 
    BFP 2/22/19, edd 11/4/19
    DD - 11/1/19 <3
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  • What's in my bag? Nothing. I probably won't part putting anything together until 35 or 36 weeks. With DS, I think I had two Gatorades in there for like a month and that was it. I don't have enough stuff to pack everything that far in advance, nor do I want to make specific purchases to do so. 

    I will pack the following:

    For me:
    • Small toiletry bag including: makeup essentials (powder, concealer, mascara), moisturizer, chapstick, lotion
    • Hair straightener (likely won't use, but I'd like to have just in case. I have a wild mane)
    • Two sets of pajama gowns (only plan to wear one, second is a backup in case it gets messy). I have one of these and will likely get another one. I lived in it PP with DS and still wear it when it's warm: https://www.target.com/p/women-s-nursing-seamless-chemise-gilligan-o-malley-153/-/A-51812230?lnk=rec|adaptpdph1|related_prods_vv|adaptpdph1|51812230|1
    • Slippers (although I might just wear them there and leave in them. We shall see on how many fucks I give at that point)
    • Leggings/yoga pants and maternity long sleeve tee to leave in 
    • My pillow
    • Snacks
    For DH:
    • PJs and one change of clothes
    • Slippers
    • Snacks
    Electronics:
    • My notebook to watch movies/creep/whatever
    • Chargers
    • The DSLR camera
    Baby:
    • Pacifier
    • Going home outfit (likely cute PJs unless I decide to get crazy and invest in something cute)
    • Possibly a second outfit just in case 
    • Boppy pillow for BFing
    • Heavier blanket for the ride home
    • Car seat will stay in the car until DH fetches it when it's time to go home
    I won't bring too much clothes wise for baby as they'll provide those little white wrap shirts and swaddle blankets which is all they really need to be in since they'll need to be easily accessible. 

    Everything I pack will fit into my VB weekender bag (and then we'll have the camera case and pillows). I don't want to feel like I am moving in and have a lot to account for and sift through while I am there. 

    Me: 29  DH: 31
    Married 10/13/12
    TTC Since 8/2016

  • I haven't even begun to think of what to pack.  I do know that with my other kids, I packed way too much stuff to take with us.  

    Basic toiletries  (shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush and toothpaste, makeup, glasses, contacts and solution)
    hair dryer and a straighter (sounds ridiculous but I have stupid hair and it needs to be tamed)
    Comfortable clothes to wear home.
    nursing bra
    slippers
    my own pillow (just make sure it doesn't have a white pillow case on it so it doesn't look like your taking a hospital pillow home)
    phone charger

    going home outfit for baby
    blanket for baby
    you can get most of what you need for the baby there, so not a whole lot is needed from what I remember. 





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  • This whole thread makes me nervous.  Like this actually giving birth thing is going to happen soon.  
    Me too and this is my third baby! :)  
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  • Is it bad I haven't even thought about my bag yet?  :#

    I do have two general comments:

    I had to wear slippers home because my feet were too swollen for even sandals. 

    Bring millions of snacks. I had a NICU baby and she was on a different floor so I missed almost every meal. Also it was exhausting going back and forth every two hours so I would collapse on my hospital bed and eat whatever was in that bag. 
  • I'm taking lots of food. The hospital food in Ontario (Canada) is terrible. 
  • moonlady-2moonlady-2 member
    edited October 2017
    Curious as to what you guys are using for the actual bag itself? Is it bad that I halfway want to buy a new one???? LOL
    31 years young
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    5 years married
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  • @moonlady-2 i have a lululemon bag that i use for all my travelling as my carryon. I'll be using that cause it has lots of compartments 
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  • @moonlady-2 I have a Vera Bradly weekender tote I plan to use. 
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  • @moonlady-2 Just a boring black weekend bag for me. Mainly because it happens to be the perfect size and i already have it.


    Me: 36  DH: 41
    DS: 07/03/11
    TTC #2: July 2016
    BFP: 4/19/17 EDD: 12/31/17
  • @moonlady-2 not at all! Buy it lol. DH bought us new ones! I was like, I don't need a new one( I have ALOT) of bags.) But he was like , but this one has owls all over it, so clearly I needed the new one. Haha. He has had his bagged packed and in his car for weeks now. lol I'm still working on mine. But pretty much have everything in it. 
  • edited October 2017
    ktcakes87 said:
    @moonlady-2 I have a Vera Bradly weekender tote I plan to use. 
    Same. I used it with DS and it was the perfect size. In addition to that, we had our camera bag, boppy pillow and a regular pillow. We left with that + a drawstring plastic bag with the "goodies" we took home with us (post-partum recovery things, pump parts, diapers got stuffed in my bag I think) and of course a baby lol. 

    ETA: both my stuff and DH's fit in my bag. We are minimal packers though.

    Me: 29  DH: 31
    Married 10/13/12
    TTC Since 8/2016

  • mdcd44127mdcd44127 member
    edited October 2017
    @moonlady-2 I bought myself a new bag this weekend because all the ones I have are either too big or too small. I also justified it to myself by going to Poshmark, so it's secondhand & was super cheap.



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    Me: 31 | DH: 31
    TTC #1 since 12/2015
    BFP 4/4/17, EDD 12/4/17

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  • I used my lululemon duffle I got for our wedding as my hospital bag with DD and I'll do the same this time around. DH bought a new work bag right before she was born and used it as his hospital bag and diaper bag before he went back to work. Neither of us are packed lol. 

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  • I'll be using my Vera Bradley weekender bag as well. DH will pack his own weekender bag, and I'll pack LO's stuff in the diaper bag. 
  •  I have a Thirty-one weekender bag that I use for short trips/ carry-on... it is waiting on our spare bed to be packed... as well as the diaper bag, which isitting in the nursery...
    I need to review this whole post to get an idea of what I need!
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