Hospital Bag Thread!

b_1029

FTMs- what questions do you have about hospital bags?
STM+ - what did you find most useful in your hospital bag? What didn’t you use?

All- what are you planning on packing in your bags?

+ all things related! We’re getting close!

sph97

I want try to keep it as minimal as possible- what are the ESSENTIALS?
My plan is to pack:
my own breast pump (someone told me the nurses will help me for my flanges and use it? I can leave this out if not really necessary)
depends
~2 soft joggers? 
my belly band (my OB told me to plan to use this for the first 6 weeks, is hospital too early?)
~2 nursing tops?
~2 nursing gowns?
travel toiletries
a couple swaddles
baby coming home outfit
husband change of clothes
phone chargers


- I’m planning on just using everything the hospital has as far as diapers and wipes, + taking all that home. I’m paying for it anyways lol. I feel like I’m definitely forgetting some things? I haven’t *actually* packed yet, I just don’t really know *what* I’ll really need and I don’t want to over-do it! 

MrsLaLaBug

With DD I was in the hospital for 2 nights/3days, DS 3 nights/4days. Some will have MUCH shorter stays than I did! Most useful things I can think of were:
chapstick. Phone charger. Your own pillow(hospital beds aren’t notoriously comfortable). Your choice of toiletries for when/if you finally feel like freshening up!! Hairbrush and pony tail holders. A change of comfy pj pants and nursing tank/nightgown or something of the like that feels easy and comfy on your body for when you decide to ditch the hospital gown. I also brought my favorite water cup but they gave me one that I ended up using instead. Slippers/flip flops that are easy to slide on in case you’re a bit swollen and for you to get up and walk the halls ASAP after your delivery, it helps a great deal.  Something for baby to wear home, though usually they do stick them in a hospital onesie and hat with receiving blankets at first. 

Most hospitals will give you things like socks, mesh undies and pads, and body wipes to “bathe” yourself if braving the shower isn’t your thing! They will also have diapers, wipes, and even nipple cream. 

skc040512

Ok…so I don’t think I’ve ever stayed longer than 2 nights at the hospital. Here’s what I’m planning on bringing:
-a pair of PJs and a robe
-non-slip socks
-a going home outfit for me (probably sweatpants and a T-shirt tbh)
-sleeping bra 
-phone charger
-shower stuff
-hairbrush and hair ties
-chapstick and lotion
-kindle
-snacks
DH will bring his own clothes, his laptop and snacks. For baby, I’m just planning on bringing the coming home outfit. 

Note: I’m not bringing any underwear because I use the mesh ones they provide until I get home. I’m planning on getting adult diapers for home this time around lol. Since my milk tends to come in on day 2/3, I’m planning on only having a loose fitting nursing bra to go home in. I stay in PJs at the hospital for comfort, and typically labor in the provided gown so I usually only need 1 set for the hospital and 1 real clothes outfit for going home. 
 

annashaf

I’m in Canada so things are likely a little different. Nipple cream and stool softeners are things you can bring, or request. Here they don’t provide them unless you request them. The hospital I was at before also had frozen pads for soothing sore lady bits - again, only by request. I make my own frozen pads for home, but for obvious reasons don’t take them with me as they melt lol. And I picked up some large granny panties for after delivery - both at hospital and at home - so I wouldn’t ruin my normal ones with leakage. For the joggers / pjs, I recommend dark colours that can hide some leakage as well. SNACKS! Don’t  forget your support person here because they won’t get fed by the hospital. And perhaps some entertainment of some kind if you’re labouring for a long time or if baby is going to be in NNICU for a little while.

I personally don’t fuss too much with hygiene products - just some deodorant. My hospital stays were 36 and 24 hours from entering to leaving with DD1 and DD2, respectively. I did have a shower each time, but didn’t worry about the products I used.

I don’t worry about slippers either - just wear slip on, comfy shoes to hospital from the start.

We are supposed to supply our own diapers (but I’ve always been offered them while there). Baby will need a hat and car seat to leave.  

skc040512

Definitely don’t *have* to bring no slip socks in the US either - the hospital will provide you with some. Nipple cream you will probably need in the US too (I didn’t need it while in the hospital though) but things like stool softeners, basic pain meds, etc are provided. You can also request ice packs! They’re not standard issue but they’ll bring you disposable packs wrapped in diapers lol. Also, remember that the hospital can’t reuse anything that’s been opened in your room so open those diapers 😂 we clear out the cart every day of diapers and wipes and ask for the CNA to restock it (they usually see you getting packed up and will go grab you extras of everything and be like “oops these are opened now. Here you go”. They’re the best lol).

b_1029

@sph97 I’d say breast pump is up to you. I used the hospital pump while there (not sure if it’s standard to start pumping right away or not, they had me do it bc of my hypothyroidism- apparently it can possibly make it take longer for your milk to come in?) but if you need help with flanges etc they do have a lactation consultant that’ll make their rounds. You could always just bring the flanges to save space unless you want help figuring out settings and such. 

happynapper

@sph97 i just left the pump in my car the first day and had mh bring it in for when the LC said she’d be stopping in one more time the day of discharge bc I wanted her to show me how the settings and how the tubing hooked up etc

pajamstagrams

@sph97 I wouldn't bring your pump. The hospital should have a good one there for you to use if you need to. Pumps are mostly the same, once you figure out flange sizing you can go from there. EXCEPTION: I would bring a pumping bra, and speciality flanges if you know you need them. I will be bringing both (I have tiny, elastic nips and cannot pump without my XS pumpin' pal flanges. Sorry for the product placement 🤣)

@b_1029 uhhh I have hypothyroidism and I had to BEG for a pump. 🙄 Took hours, I was so frustrated. I don't think I started pumping until like 7 hours post partum. (Couldn't BF either since DD was taken to NICU so soon). I wish they would have forced a pump on me!!! To be fair, your point may be valid because I think my milk came in on day 4??? But maybe that was because I started so late after birth. Idk. Did you also find it super hard to pump colostrum?? (Had some edits in this section because it came out snarky and that was absolutely not my intention lol). 

Definitely agree with some other comments above re: PP needs: if you're in the US, the hospital will likely provide literally everything you need. Don't need to bring it unless you're super picky. 


In general, I'm bringing:
 
-toiletries (for sure mascara & eyebrow pencil, shampoo/conditioner, deo, toothbrush/paste)
-pumping and nursing bra

-robe

-maybe a nursing friendly gown/PJ.  Very much team hospital gown all day every day lol. 

-maxi dress to wear home. Not going to bother with pants in the southern heat. 

-nursing pads

-my preferred nipple cream

-special pump flanges

-boppy (will leave in car)
-pillows (will leave in car if we bring, not sure we used last time)
-chapstick

-going home outfit for baby

-baby blanket

-extra long charging cord
-kindle (I had so much empty space with a NICU baby last time and it sucked. We were glad we had a tablet to distract ourselves)
-snacks (gluten free makes it tough)

DH is a grown ass man and will pack his own bag (clothes and toiletries).

"Go bag" for DD- don't forget to prepack your kid's or fur babies bags if they are going to grandma's house!

I will not be bringing slippers this time . Idk why I thought my fat feet would magically de-swell post partum. They definitely didn't lol. In fact, they were worse. I'm just gonna wear the non slip socks they provide. Maybe bring my own. 

Check your hospital visitor policy. I know for a while they were super strict here and weren't even letting support people go to their car. 🙄🙄 



Questions for our STM+: these are a dumb questions from a STM, but ya know, experiences are vastly different with a NICU baby...can you get a my breast friend/boppy to use from the LCs? We had them available in the NICU to use, but maybe in post partum rooms they don't hand them out? 

Also semi related, are you supposed to BF immediately following birth? When does that happen? 

We *don't* need to bring baby clothes, right? Just something for them to go home in? Does the hospital always provide something to wear during your stay? I was just going to do diaper and a blanket, is that not enough clothing?

mommymonkeyy

I have my bag packed already! 
• 2 night gowns

• 3 pairs of nonslip socks

• 3 sets of underwear+bras

• sweatpants and large tee shirt to wear home

• baby outfit

• 3 Velcro swaddles (don't need these, didn't take any with my first, but I struggle swaddling with a blanket)
• outfit for home

• baby nail file

chapstick, phone charger, pillow & toiletries will be added last minute! if I forgot to add anything I'll edit 💕

happynapper

@pajamstagrams I never through to bring the boppy but honestly I will now that you mention it. I couldn’t nurse without it ever at home- just not strong enough to hold them where they need to be for sooo long!!
When we did skin to skin for the first while when after they were born, if babe started rooting the nurse helped me get them latched and so I guess that first breastfeed was within an hour of birth for both of them (I didn’t continue past day 2 in the hospital with my oldest but that’s neither here nor there in this conversation I suppose)

b_1029

My hospital didn’t provide nipple cream, but did provide stool softeners and pain meds. Agreed with others to just use all their stuff while in the hospital. I brought my own diapers (like, for myself) and didn’t use them at all while there. 

I’d suggest bringing an extra bag (like a reusable grocery bag, nothing huge) to put all the stuff you can take from the hospital like diapers and wipes, plus all the PP stuff for you. 

We ended up being there 4 nights because DD had jaundice and had to be on bili lights. I was discharged after 2 but stayed with her in the ped wing. Once we moved to the ped wing I wore actual clothes (aka PJ shorts), but while I was in mother/baby I think I wore pants once. I lived in my robe, nursing cami/bra, and button up nightgown. Highly recommend this one or similar from target. I didn’t bring slippers but brought cozy socks. In terms of clothes for baby, I brought several outfits for DD but only put 1 on her because she was on the bili lights the whole time. 

Agreed with others on a lot- chapstick, snacks, long phone chargers (x2 if YH is like mine and hogs it), whatever toiletries you want, any daily medications you take. I wasn’t planning on showering but after a long labor and leaking amniotic fluid all over myself for 24 hours, it felt amazing. 

Things I didn’t bring last time that I probably will this time- a laptop for us to watch movies on (we tried to watch on the tv but the sound came out of the little remote so it was hard to hear) and a stroller fan. When I was looking at lists the first time around I was like pshhhh, but I had so many hot flashes during labor that made me feel like I was going to pass out. 

I brought my nice camera thinking I’d get some super cute newborn pics, but there’s a tiny red light that goes off before it takes the picture so DD would freak out haha. I’m glad iPhones have good quality now. 

sph97

@b_1029 @happynapper @pajamstagrams Thank you ladies! I think I'm going to leave the breast pump at home. I will probably bring a couple flanges to have my LC help size me! 

b_1029

@pajamstagrams omg how I could I forget a pumping bra. That would’ve been life changing last time with how much I was pumping and just holding it onto me. I didn’t even know that they existed till later on with DD. As for your other questions, I can’t remember when I started pumping but it was pretty early on PP. It was so painful seeing as there was nothhhhhing there and then they’d have me extract my like one drop of colostrum in an eye dropper and put it in DD’s mouth lol. They put DD on my chest to try and BF right after she was born. And no I don’t think you have to bring any clothes unless you want something for like a birth announcement. They had a ton of long sleeve shirts with the pullover hands (I’m drawing a total blank on what they’re actually called) in the cart in our room, you could just put them in that if you want something on them. 

Also I meant to mention in my other post that unless you want the baby to be in a special/decorative swaddle, I wouldn’t bother bringing your own. The hospital provided a Halo one for us and we took it home when we left. Not sure if all hospitals do though 

happynapper

I would mention that I wore a robe over whatever I was wearing pretty much the whole time, so if I wasn’t in the hospital gown I changed into sweatpants and nursing camis. I have a couple of nursing t-shirts now so I’ll probably bring one to wear home. As for pants… If you wear a robe your maternity leggings will be fine. If you don’t wear a robe, like when you’re leaving, I preferred thicker sweatpants (like joggers) so that I didn’t feel like the bulky diaper pad was super noticeable. 

I actually liked the mesh underwear and humongo pads the hospital gave me for the first few days so I didn’t take any of my own pads with when I had my second baby. I took extra packages of the mesh underwear home with me so I didn’t ruin any of my regular ones. They’re really only needed for like… the first maybe 4 days? 

Another FYI… when I was in with my sister in October at her hospital (which is the same organization as mine but different city) the nurse said they don’t stock nipple cream and those gel nipple pads any more. Mine definitely did both times before but I don’t know if that’s changed here too so I will pack both just in case. The gel things are so relieving for your nipples, I can’t imagine not having them the first few days. 

happynapper

Oh… and honestly for the FTM’s, if you haven’t really talked with or seen other new moms immediately postpartum, i just want to be honest that you will literally still look like the baby is still in your belly for the first few days. The first time I saw myself in the mirror I was completely aghast. I knew it wouldn’t be anywhere near normal but I was not expecting my body to still look completely pregnant. So be kind with what your bring for yourself. I would suggest it be maternity or something large/loose or fits in a way that you have been able to wear during pregnancy. Bc the only difference will be that it’s smooshy instead of firm 😟

edit spelling

b_1029

@happynapper totally agree. Loose, soft, and flowy things that feel good on your skin are key. I was amazed at how big (and squishy) my stomach was after delivery. 

ETA another must have in my opinion is a set of (wireless, if you have them) headphones. Our parents called/FaceTimed a lot and it was much easier to have hands free, plus then it doesn’t disturb the baby at all 

skc040512

@pajamstagrams my hospital does not have boppys or nursing pillows. The LCs are really good at manipulating the hospital pillows for support but definitely bring your boppy in if you’re planning on trying to use it or have the LC help you with positioning it. As for “when” to start nursing…it’s going to depend on the baby. But if you opt for skin to skin, they will probably try to nurse within the first hour, and you’ll probably still be getting stitched/at least be in the delivery room. For me, I had a team of about 5 nurses come help at the delivery, and 3 stay until I was ready to be moved to postpartum. One of them helped whenever baby started rooting, and DD2 and DS both managed to latch and eat some before we ever even moved (DD1 crawled up to my shoulder and fell asleep lol). As for baby clothes - my hospital provides a diaper, kimono style top, and a swaddle. None of my babies ever needed any more than that, but depending on your comfort level, bring something else. Keep in mind the umbilical coats though when picking out anything to bring for baby!

skc040512

@happynapper +1 for a robe. Last time (covid baby, no visitors) I basically wore super loose pants, a nursing bra and a robe the entire time I was in the hospital. As for mom going home outfits, some kind of nursing dress or a flowy top with very loose pants are a must (I didn’t even want maternity leggings post Parton because of all the fundal massages and the soreness from that)

pajamstagrams

@b_1029 I've been trying to convince myself NOT to buy another button down maternity pj, and well shoot, that BD nursing/maternity gown just looks SO perfect for post partum hospital attire. You've convinced me! 

Also yes, I was miserable trying to hold up the flanges the whole time. My wrists hurt so bad. I'm going to see if I can find a nursing/pumping bra combo that will work (I think kindred bravely makes one that meets my unicorn requirements lol), since my pumping bra is the one you zip up around your boobs/existing bra. 

sph97

@pajamstagrams yes kindred makes a nursing + pumping bra! They was having a buy 2 get 1 free sale, maybe it’s still going on! 

b_1029

@pajamstagrams it’s super soft! I need to buy another one because mine is super ratty now haha. ETA it’s not maternity though, just targets basic PJs!

I also found out towards the end of my pumping journey that you can finangle a regular nursing bra to be a pumping bra too. Agreed on kindred bravely too, I bought one off a friend and while it’s annoying that there are like 75 clips (slight exaggeration) to get it from regular bra down to nursing bra, it does both!

kham130

This thread is so helpful! It's very on point with everything that I was already planning to bring. 

I do need to order some nursing clothes because I only have maternity clothes right now. 

happynapper

@And846 do we have a product spotlight coming up for nursing clothes?

And846

My bag - STM
- 2 pairs pajamas (button down top)
- going home (linen pants and maternity tank)
- 5 pair undies 
- 3 nursing bras 
- rubber flip flops 
- hair brush and ties 
- travel toiletries: (target has a premade one for $10 with shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush/paste and a few others)
- makeup bag: blush, mascara, powder and moisturizer (duplicates of what i already have)
- grippy socks
- 2 pair or normal socks 

Baby:
- onesie
- pajama
- 1 muslin blanket 
- special gown (Caden Lane)
- going home outfit (smocked knit gown)
- baby book for foot prints 
- wipes (hospital not provided)
- boppy 

And846

@happynapper
we have a topic coming up in the mom series. It was hospital bag but I’ll replace it with nursing clothes 

And846

@pajamstagrams brilliant that you mentioned the bag for sibling! Our plan is parents coming to our house. If it happens middle of the night she is going to our friends house first. Thank you for that reminder to get her ready as well. 

coffeemamaaaaa

I would echo bringing your own pillow-- such a nice piece of home!
AND would definitely recommend bringing your own towel and toiletries that smell nice. It's the little luxuries! 

pajamstagrams

@and846 AHHHH the flip flops for the shower! Absolutely critical. 

b_1029

@And846 ah shoot sorry I didn’t realize this was already a topic coming up when I started this thread! Thanks for managing all that. 

Also I totally forgot about the baby book for footprints! I had the lady who was doing them for her unofficial birth certificate do the baby book ones for me 😆

And846

@b_1029 no biggie!! Based on response today here it is clearly on top of all our minds! 

I had my baby book opened up to the page right before delivery and had it ready to go for when they brought her over after that golden hour of skin to skin when they did stats. 

annashaf

@pajamstagrams breastfeeding is typically baby-led, but they just finished their own little marathon too and generally start rooting pretty soon once lifted skin to skin. I’d try to feed within the first hour. Also helps with milk coming in, getting the uterus to start shrinking and helps the placenta come out (mine are generally sticky and need STRONG encouragement).

Agree with all those that said LOOSE and COMFORTABLE clothing. After delivery and the body slams (aka fundal massages), my belly was tres sore (and squishy and flabby) and I wanted nothing tight on it whatsoever.

I also find the hospital super warm. They keep it that way for the babes, but I couldn’t stand wearing a robe because I’d turn into a sweaty mess. Light, loose pjs with button down tops and nursing bras for me! 

skc040512

I did forget to add that I’m bringing my wireless headphones and a Bluetooth speaker this time, as well as an oil diffuser. My goal is to go as med free as possible so I’m trying to make the room as peaceful as possible. Most hospitals do allow you to diffuse oils but if it’s something you plan to do, check with yours so you don’t waste the space if they don’t. I’m also making a birth playlist on Spotify this time, since I noticed having the tv or music on helped distract me from the pain at times

annashaf

You can do it @skc040512!! My first I had laughing gas (a lot of it!!) and some fentanyl. My second only a little laughing gas and a TENs machine. Going for nothing this time (just TENs). And a water birth (obviously removing the TENs before getting into the tub), if everything goes as planned.

skc040512

My hospital doesn’t have TENs (at least they haven’t had them up through last summer), but they do offer nitrous, which is going to be my plan to take the edge off if needed. I’ve had epidurals with all the other 3, but I don’t like the way they make me feel coming off of it, and I hated fentynal! I swear it freaked me out more than labor 😂 we’ll see how it goes, but I’ll probably end up packing more stuff this time around in hopes of going fully unmedicatrd 

jackdetroit

You all can do unmedicated birth!! I've done it twice and encourage anyone who is interested to go for it! It's such an empowering feeling after baby is born and my recovery with my girls was SO much better than after my son (when I had an epi). Don't think it's an option for me this time, unfortunately.

annashaf

@skc040512 I bought the TENs machine myself. Got it from Amazon and I feel like it was about $50. Insurance covers them SOMETIMES and you can ask for a prescription for one too, I think. 

jandawg

@skc040512 echoing the you can do it vibes! I was aiming for a home birth and was unmedicated right up until moving to c-section. I really enjoyed being in the tub during the first stage of labor, and then changed it up and was up and moving around once I was pushing. Relaxing music, deep breathing, dim lighting - it was a good set up!

tacosandtums

I just was reading this thread and remembered I used to have these nursing/sleep bras with my last baby and loved these! They are great for end of pregnancy and for newborn life. I'm going to order a few and definitely pack one of these to wear at the hospital.

Link to nursing/sleep bras;
<br>https://www.motherhood.com/products/wrap-maternity-and-nursing-sleep-bra-001-92229-006-001?variant=33930923704456&gclsrc=aw.ds&gclid=CjwKCAiAyPyQBhB6EiwAFUuakq7aM_D-Dpd75EWsKz_F9WAxxeztOXfDGp9zYvM5ZL3Br-Mr4td6HRoCeo8QAvD_BwE

kham130

@tacosandtums do you typically wear a sleep bra because of breast pain/soreness from engorgement?

happynapper

@karisahamdi and to keep breast pads in place… if baby slept even an hour longer in a certain stretch than my body was used to, there would be leakage