I haven’t worked for a while but with my 3rd child I actually did go into labor at work. My coworkers were freaking out lol, but I was able to keep it together and get through my entire shift. We were very much like a family there and I was about 10-15 minutes from the hospital. I didn't have to worry about who would drive me because there were at least 4-5 other supervisors there who were more than willing to take me. One of my coworkers drove me and my car home (also about 15 minutes away) while another coworker trailed so he could get back to the office.
I've only had my water break spontaneously once out of 4 previous labors so I don't really worry so much about that, but I do still wear a pad when I'm out during the final stretch just in case. That saved my mom's couch the time my water did break lol.
As a been there, currently doing that Mom (WTF?!?), I thought I would come back and add my 0.02....
There is a certain irony to me about the fact that where I started reading this thread to catch up was people talking about packing their bags ASAP to carry with them in case they got sent over from a routine OB appointment.
So, yeah, that was me, but without the hospital bag because while I knew it was possible that would happen, I didn’t expect it to happen at 29 weeks.
Here are my thoughts from my current experiences...
1) Have pet care and child care definitely figured out. I got super lucky in that, had I called Guncle even half an hour later, figuring out those logistics may have been complicated hugely. (He was headed out of town for work, and since I was just at the point of observation, I wasn’t willing to ask him to cancel.) I would suggest that you not entirely depend on someone who you knows travels frequently for this task.
2) Even if you don’t pack a hospital bag, put your phone charging cable in your purse. If you have another favorite form of entertainment, also carry it with you all the time.
On an emergency, O-Fk basis, these two things will take you a long way.
Beyond that, things I have really enjoyed having at the hospital in addition to my own PJs and toiletries:
1) My own pillow. I probably wouldn’t have brought this if I had delivered vaginally (or missed it), but I had Mom bring it when I discovered that I would probably be here a while.
2) My own house slippers. I have both slippers and fuzzy socks. They have nonslip grips on the bottom. The nurses are definitely checking.
3) A Bluetooth speaker. If you are good with TV, then don’t bother. But I prefer my music over a TV. I don’t like headphones. (Don’t forget the charging cables.) For me, this has been a huge benefit during pumping sessions.
4) My flannel shirt. For most of you, this translates to a Robe. Even when I was mostly wearing the hospital gown because it was easier than PJs, being able to wrap up in my own flannel was a huge comfort. One benefit to a flannel shirt is length. If you are considering bringing a robe, you might think about a short one rather than a long one if you like to lounge in bed in it.
If you do forget a phone charger, ask the nurses. People forget them at the hospital all the time, and there may be a stash behind the nurses’ station.
@knottieamusements thank you for your input! really good thoughts (and i would venture to guess that i am not the only one who was right there with you on the, sure it could happen but not really preparing for it path).
also, the flannel thing! disclaimer: i am a child of the 90s and live in flannels as my go-to comfy layer, but it was especially nice to have in the hospital because of what you said...robes are great when you are up and about but kind of a pain when you are spending a lot of time in bed. and a flannel is easy...soft, comfy, makes you look/feel more human. i would have totally forgotten though without your note!
I went to birthing class #1 last night, and the instructor told us not to look at Pinterest for what to pack in our hospital bag (lol how do they knowwwwwww)...and that they had managed to list everything you need on half a page of paper. I'll have to edit this post when I get home and add their recs, if anyone is interested! I'm sure it's pretty standard, the hospital provides quite a bit for you post partum care wise, really just bring your clothes and tolietries, and any birth aids.
I don't know if it's been mentioned on this thread already (short term memory loss, should post that to the symptoms thread as of late), but a few of my friends mentioned adding a pillowcase to your hospital bag to put over the television in the room if you don't want to see what's going down.
Apparently at least at my hospital the tv is directly across from the bed and acts as a mirror.
@nikimelon we watched a video in my class last night and one chick in the video was like "I loved the mirror!" I can't decide whether or not I want to see that. Our instructor also pointed out the "vagina spotlight" in the room pointed at the business end of the hospital bed, so hopefully that bright light would cause a glare on the TV?
I literally wore hospital gowns the whole time I was in there. There is so much mess & leaking going on I figured let them do the laundry instead of me having to deal with it later. I wore one put on the front of me and one on the back so I was totally covered and it was so easy for nursing.
Also, make sure any pants & underwear you do take have room for the giant pads you will be wearing. I had packed yoga pants maternity yoga pants to go home in. But then was embarrassed walking out because you could definitely see that I was wearing a huge bulging pad beneath them. Or if you do wear tighter fitting pants make sure to have a long tunic top or something.
With both DD and DS the TV was directly in front of me, but there were so many people in there between DH, my OB, and all of the nurses that the reflection was pretty much blocked.
It never dawned on me that the TV could act as a mirror. To be honest I wasnt even looking in that direction, thankfully. Not sure I'd want to see things from that perspective! Haha
@jemmerjams I just learned last night my hospital had a recommended packing list too! They had an interesting note about videotaping the birth. If that's something you are interested in, probably good to check that your hospital allows it bc mine doesn't. Not that I want that recorded anyway...
From their website (in spoiler):
Patient Checklist - What you should bring:
Insurance Card.
Medical history including surgical history and allergies.
A list of the any medications or dietary supplements you take at home.
Name and phone number of your pharmacy.
Your new baby's doctor including name, address and phone number.
Prenatal records.
Your Advanced Directives and/or Living Will.
Personal Comfort Items:
Your Birth Plan personal care items - toothbrush & toothpaste, deodorant, cosmetics, hair care, lip balm
Glasses or contact lenses
Overnight items - Robe, slippers, socks
Labor aids - focal point, portable music player, massage items
Comfort items such as a favorite pillow or blanket
Clothing to wear home, loose fitting is ideal
Comfortable support bra or nursing bra with pads
Items for your Partner/Coach:
Video & still camera
Address book or phone numbers of family & friends
Candy, crackers, snacks
Reading material
Watch with second hand
Overnight items if they plan to stay
Items for your Baby:
Clothing for your baby to wear home and for pictures if desired
Your baby book
Receiving blanket
Car seat, properly installed in your car
Photographic Memories:
With your physician's permission, videotaping is permitted, but only at selected times. It is the Hospital Policy that the delivery is not to be videotaped. Please consult your nurse or physician if you have any questions.
After scanning everyone's posts, I put together a starter list for the hospital bag. I might put some of the basics, that I won't need between then and now, in a bag this weekend just to get it started.
My plan is to have my bag packed no later than 36 weeks. I am having a RCS so we have a scheduled date, but I am sure with the way my life rolls this baby will actually try to come on her own and I'll go into labor before my date so I want to be prepared. Also because I know how my delivery is going to go, I also know I am in for at least 3 days in the hospital so my packing list is reflective of being there for longer than the average vaginal delivery. Here's my tentative packing list, also FFC, I haven't decided if I will be trying to BF this go around so once I decide it will either be formula I bring or nursing supplies.
HOSPITAL BAG slipper socks (2) slippers sandals (shower) robe night gown comfy bra pjs going home outfit-dress? Underwear (2) depends
TOLIETRIES makeup deodorant dry shampoo brush hair ties bobby pins lotion chapstick face wipes shampoo/conditoner/body wash shower cap toothbrush toothpaste
OTHER phone charger iPad pillow blanket snacks
FOR BABY nail file brush lotion pacifiers announcement picture outfit & accessories- BASSINET NAME TAG & BOARD pjs/sleep gown (3) going home outfit (newborn & 0-3) blankets/swaddles (2) boppy sleep sheep formula ?
It’s been a bit since this thread has been active. At what week are you all planning to pack your bag? I’m 33 weeks tomorrow. Maybe I’ll do it this weekend.
I’ll probably end up packing it at the last minute. Looking back I think with DS I packed it the night before I was scheduled to go in for my induction
ETA with DD I think I had it packed by the time I was 34 weeks or so.
@rabtaido1214 33w today and it is half packed.. lol I need to finish sometime soon! I swear 2nd kid problems, this was done super early with my first along with his nursery and snacks for the nurses!
A friend said shes putting one together as a shower gift (not this weekend but next) so ill get to it the last week of the month as I go through everything else.. I'll be going on 35w so I really dont want to wait any longer
I'll be packing mine at 34 weeks. It'll have some stuff that won't be packed (like my phone charger) but there will be a list on top of it to remind me of whatever last minute things need to be thrown in
Ya that’s partly been my hold-up. Also I haven’t had my shower yet (not until 9/8) and my mom claims to have multiple “bringing baby home from hospital”-worthy outfits so I don’t even know what to pack in the meantime, but I guess something is better than nothing. After my shower I can replace with a better option.
I have a list made already, so I won't bother packing anything until at least 37 weeks unless it looks like something might happen sooner. I will probably try to remember to throw my bag in my closet in the next few weeks though so it's there when I need it.
I have a bag that I take when I travel that has spare toothbrushes, travel toiletries etc. I also have a nursing nightie I'm going to pack for the hospital. I think I'm also going to pack our hearing pad. So there's some things I can pack now.
I made my list the other day, and I think it’ll be pretty easy for me to throw it all together if I needed to real quick. I’ll gather the baby-related stuff early and have that packed maybe around week 38? Then the rest of the stuff will be easy to throw in and check off.
My list is made. I’ll pack it by 36 weeks and will order an extra phone charger, etc just so I don’t have to add anything if I have to go from work or my OB’s office.
I'm 32 weeks tomorrow so I think that I'll buy the few things I still need to get for myself and baby when I go shopping this weekend. We close/move next weekend so I'll feel better knowing my bag is packed and I won't have to go around looking in boxes for stuff in the event I go into labor before I've unpacked everything.
I don't mind using some of the things offered in the hospital until I get home so my list will be pretty short.
My husband wants me to pack a bag this weekend or next. I think he's traumatized from the last birth when I packed during contractions at 37 weeks, lol. I mainly stay in the hospital gown until the photographer shows up for the "Fresh 48 Hours" pictures so i'll probably only need a change of clothes (maternity pants and shirt), baby outfit and some toiletries. I'm still debating whether or not to bring the boppy.....that thing is pretty large and won't fit in my bag and I really don't need another giant thing to carry out or get all germy at the hospital, so i'll probably just make due with the stack of hospital pillows the nurses grab for me.
Not sure if it was mentioned before, but be sure to leave room in your bag for "extras" that the hospital gives to you when you leave. Last two times they gave us a couple packs of diapers, extra shirts/hats for baby, thermometer, tons of gauze/vaseline for boys getting circ'd, hospital blankets, breastfeeding aides, etc.
For all the Canadian STM - is it the same as all the US moms are saying they get extra stuff from the hospital to go home with? I wouldn't think our free medical care would just give things away! LOL
Me 33 DH 41 TTC since 2016 Due: October 12, 2018 Location: Ontario, Canada
@chyvie In my experience I wasn't given any 'extras'. I did however 'steal' the peri squirt bottles and formula bottles/nipples they had given me. Highly recommend snagging a peri bottle or two...it really helps for healing and not having to wipe after you use the washroom
Oh and i think i took some extra mesh panties home with me too!
travel toiletries pouch (toothbrush, face wash etc - already assembled bc i travel alot for work)
I am almost guaranteed to pack while in labor, and the bag will also probably be a grocery bag. I am second-time momming the crap out of this experience....
@chyvie - If you are taking the hospital tour, then just ask. Or ask the nurses while you are there.
For some of it, it is a sanitation thing. For example, do you want to be given maxi pads from a pack that another patient has opened? My guess is that peri bottles can’t be sanitized to hospital standards for reuse. Even the mug with lid for water that was provided to me came home with me.
When my dinosaur comes home, I’ll be cleaning out his drawer of diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, etc. None of it would be sanitary to give to another baby even though it is fine to continue to use on him.
@chyvie anything disposable that’s in the postpartum room, feel free to take. Pads, diapers, peri bottle, Vaseline tube etc. It will all just get tossed otherwise. Don’t expect to take blankets, baby clothes, etc.
I've decided on 2 bags and have been narrowing down what I want to put in them. Debating putting the baby's stuff in a small, separate bag.
Labor bag:
Deflated birth ball and pump
Flameless candles (haven't decided on this yet)
1 towel for DF and I to use getting out of the labor tub
Swim shorts for DF and wet bag to take them home in + the towels
1 old towel for if I want to kneel on the floor and lean on the birth ball or to drape over the birth ball for use (that I can just throw away rather than carrying home)
My comfort item (a small throw blanket)
My birth CD and CD player
My favorite water bottle
A pair of soft socks
Phone charger
Chap stick
Birth plan
Hospital bag:
2 nightgowns
My going home outfit (which I narrowed down to my favorite Harry Potter pajama bottoms and a t-shirt)
Pajamas for DF
Sample size bottles of shampoo and soap (I had a shower immediately after delivering ODD and really appreciated it)
Other toiletries like deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush
Hair brush
Socks
Laptop and charger
Baby bag:
2-3 baby nightgowns
Take home outfit
Our diapers and wipes (I know the hospital provides diapers and wipes but we wanted a specific brand for both so we'll be bringing them with us)
1 of our swaddling blankets
I plan on packing at 36 weeks and tossing phone charger, phone, and toiletries in before we leave for the hospital.
Ladybug - April 2013 Dandelion - October 2018 Angel "Aurora" - July 2020 Angel "Sawyer" - May 2021 Angel "Maxine" - January 2022 Angel "Violet" - March 2022 Baby Dove due March 2023
@nasalot188 Had our first prenatal class and was informed that my hospital (Sunnybrook) doesnt provide diapers or mesh panties and large pads! WTF? We get a squirt bottle.
Me 33 DH 41 TTC since 2016 Due: October 12, 2018 Location: Ontario, Canada
Re: The Hospital Bag
I've only had my water break spontaneously once out of 4 previous labors so I don't really worry so much about that, but I do still wear a pad when I'm out during the final stretch just in case. That saved my mom's couch the time my water did break lol.
There is a certain irony to me about the fact that where I started reading this thread to catch up was people talking about packing their bags ASAP to carry with them in case they got sent over from a routine OB appointment.
So, yeah, that was me, but without the hospital bag because while I knew it was possible that would happen, I didn’t expect it to happen at 29 weeks.
Here are my thoughts from my current experiences...
1) Have pet care and child care definitely figured out. I got super lucky in that, had I called Guncle even half an hour later, figuring out those logistics may have been complicated hugely. (He was headed out of town for work, and since I was just at the point of observation, I wasn’t willing to ask him to cancel.) I would suggest that you not entirely depend on someone who you knows travels frequently for this task.
2) Even if you don’t pack a hospital bag, put your phone charging cable in your purse. If you have another favorite form of entertainment, also carry it with you all the time.
On an emergency, O-Fk basis, these two things will take you a long way.
Beyond that, things I have really enjoyed having at the hospital in addition to my own PJs and toiletries:
1) My own pillow. I probably wouldn’t have brought this if I had delivered vaginally (or missed it), but I had Mom bring it when I discovered that I would probably be here a while.
2) My own house slippers. I have both slippers and fuzzy socks. They have nonslip grips on the bottom. The nurses are definitely checking.
3) A Bluetooth speaker. If you are good with TV, then don’t bother. But I prefer my music over a TV. I don’t like headphones. (Don’t forget the charging cables.) For me, this has been a huge benefit during pumping sessions.
4) My flannel shirt. For most of you, this translates to a Robe. Even when I was mostly wearing the hospital gown because it was easier than PJs, being able to wrap up in my own flannel was a huge comfort. One benefit to a flannel shirt is length. If you are considering bringing a robe, you might think about a short one rather than a long one if you like to lounge in bed in it.
also, the flannel thing! disclaimer: i am a child of the 90s and live in flannels as my go-to comfy layer, but it was especially nice to have in the hospital because of what you said...robes are great when you are up and about but kind of a pain when you are spending a lot of time in bed. and a flannel is easy...soft, comfy, makes you look/feel more human. i would have totally forgotten though without your note!
Apparently at least at my hospital the tv is directly across from the bed and acts as a mirror.
Also, make sure any pants & underwear you do take have room for the giant pads you will be wearing. I had packed yoga pants maternity yoga pants to go home in. But then was embarrassed walking out because you could definitely see that I was wearing a huge bulging pad beneath them. Or if you do wear tighter fitting pants make sure to have a long tunic top or something.
From their website (in spoiler):
Patient Checklist - What you should bring:
Personal Comfort Items:
Items for your Partner/Coach:
Items for your Baby:
Photographic Memories:
With your physician's permission, videotaping is permitted, but only at selected times. It is the Hospital Policy that the delivery is not to be videotaped. Please consult your nurse or physician if you have any questions.
HOSPITAL BAG
slipper socks (2)
slippers
sandals (shower)
robe
night gown
comfy bra
pjs
going home outfit-dress?
Underwear (2)
depends
TOLIETRIES
makeup
deodorant
dry shampoo
brush
hair ties
bobby pins
lotion
chapstick
face wipes
shampoo/conditoner/body wash
shower cap
toothbrush
toothpaste
OTHER
phone charger
iPad
pillow
blanket
snacks
FOR BABY
nail file
brush
lotion
pacifiers
announcement picture outfit & accessories- BASSINET NAME TAG & BOARD
pjs/sleep gown (3)
going home outfit (newborn & 0-3)
blankets/swaddles (2)
boppy
sleep sheep
formula ?
ETA: I'll be 32 weeks
ETA with DD I think I had it packed by the time I was 34 weeks or so.
So, I’ll probably pack at the same time as @jennybean80
TTC since 2016
Due: October 12, 2018
Location: Ontario, Canada
I don't mind using some of the things offered in the hospital until I get home so my list will be pretty short.
TTC since 2016
Due: October 12, 2018
Location: Ontario, Canada
Oh and i think i took some extra mesh panties home with me too!
- comfy robe
- XL bag of gummy bears
- phone charger
- outfit for me and baby
- travel toiletries pouch (toothbrush, face wash etc - already assembled bc i travel alot for work)
I am almost guaranteed to pack while in labor, and the bag will also probably be a grocery bag.I am second-time momming the crap out of this experience....
For some of it, it is a sanitation thing. For example, do you want to be given maxi pads from a pack that another patient has opened? My guess is that peri bottles can’t be sanitized to hospital standards for reuse. Even the mug with lid for water that was provided to me came home with me.
When my dinosaur comes home, I’ll be cleaning out his drawer of diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, etc. None of it would be sanitary to give to another baby even though it is fine to continue to use on him.
Dandelion - October 2018
Angel "Aurora" - July 2020
Angel "Sawyer" - May 2021
Angel "Maxine" - January 2022
Angel "Violet" - March 2022
Baby Dove due March 2023
Had our first prenatal class and was informed that my hospital (Sunnybrook) doesnt provide diapers or mesh panties and large pads! WTF? We get a squirt bottle.
TTC since 2016
Due: October 12, 2018
Location: Ontario, Canada