Packing bag??

BunintheOven311

sooo I normally use the checklists on these things as guides..but do I really need to start packing my bag already!?  I mean I haven't even had my shower yet so if I do go early I will just be unprepared all around!

When did you pack your bag?  Should I get started?  I have begun collecting some things for the hospital (travel size toiletries, wal mart sweat pants and pjs that I dont care if they get ruined).  Not sure if I need to pack it all up this early.  

daisyterp

honestly I think that the whole "hospital" bag thing is one of the most overblown things.  I was in labor w/ DD for 23 hours and used nothing during that time from my hospital bag.   

After she was born I just wore nursing tanks and a robe.  I didn't wear most of the make-up I brought.  The bathroom lighting sucked and so did the hair dryer.  I really just wanted to spend time w/ my baby or sleep.  DD wore the t-shirt they provided and was swaddled.

I had DS in a birth center, so that was a little different as they didn't provide diapers or much else for that matter.  Still I probably brought more than I needed to.  

nutmegger

I ended up going to the hospital for what I thought was a minor issue at 36w6d and ended up coming come with a baby 4 days later.  Once we figured out that I was going to actually deliver, my DH went home and packed some basic toiletries for both of us, a couple of changes of clothes for him, our phone chargers, laptop, camera, and a coming home outfit for DD.  He also brought home and washed the outfit I went to the hospital in and brought it back.  That's all.  I thought I'd wear nursing tanks, a robe, etc. in the hospital, but I just wore the hospital gown.  Everything was just fine; I didn't think I was missing anything.  Just save some room in the suitcase for all the stuff you can bring home.

So my vote if for packing now because you never know!

daisyterp

Oh and my number one thing to pack is an empty bag so you can bring home TONS of diapers, nasal aspirators, etc. etc. from the hospital- basically whatever isn't nailed down! 

jcsntms06

I never got a chance to pack my bag. I ended up having my baby at 33 weeks. Poor hubby had to meet me at the hospital, we ended up having my aunt run up to our house, pick up some essential items that we would need for our stay at the hospital. I tell all my friends to have their bags packed and have them at hand, because you don't know when you'll be heading to the hospital.

Edit: Really I didn't really use anything in my bag, like daisy mentioned. I never wore make up, just wore some pj's home, tank top, and flip flops home. I also spent 4 days in the hospital, so I just wore the hospital gown most of the time there. 

ThePastor'sWife

I packed mine around 37 weeks, but that was mostly b/c I was home already (the school year had ended, so I was just sitting around waiting til LO decided to show up) and needed things to keep myself busy.  I had started gathering things for us (travel size toiletries, etc) and had them piled in the suitcase in our bedroom around 34 weeks, and I had my list typed up, so I knew if an emergency arose, DH, my mom, or my best friend would have been able to pack the bag for me off of my list.

I'd agree w/the others, though - a lot of what I brought really wasn't necessary.  I went in on a Monday morning and came home on a Thursday afternoon, so I was there for a while - b/c of that, and the number of visitors that I had during that time, I DID wear my own pjs (they were nightgowns that basically looked like sundresses b/c they were made of a jersey knit material) during the day, and I did put on a tiny bit of makeup, just to feel a little more like myself.  Past that, basically the only things DH and I used out of the bag were our toiletries, laptops, cell phones, and camera.  Everything I could have possibly needed for postpartum care was provided by the hospital.  DH was dying to dress DS, so on the second day, he did dress him in a onesie, and of course, we dressed him to go home, but other than that, we didn't need/use anything for him, either.

I will DEFINITELY be going much, much lighter on my bag for baby #2!

KathrynMD

Ditto Daisy - the whole thing seemed overblown to me.  I can normally pack for a night out of town in about 15 minutes, so I'm not really sure why you are advised to do it weeks in advance for a  baby.

I had a scheduled c/s so my experience was a little different.  I don't think I brushed my teeth or took a shower for about a day after DD was born and I certainly didn't put on any make up.  I packed an outfit for me to wear home and two outfits for DD - one NB and one 0-3 months since I wasnt' sure what size she'd need.  The hospital gave us bags for the stuff we took from them.  I did forget the boppy so DH brought that back on day 2 for me.

My husband didn't sleep at the hospital either and we knew I wasn't going to be in labor, so we packed an extra shirt and T-shirt for him, but didn't bring much for him.

FieryIrishAngel

Once I hit the point in my pregnancy where I had complications and may have had to deliver early, I packed my bag.  I'm glad that I had:

• my own pillow - I never leave home without it
• underwear, socks and pajamas - hospital gowns just weren't comfortable to me
• pads - the hospital ones *sucked*
• baby wipes for myself - to clean my face before I was allowed out of bed, 'cause I felt *nasty* and any little bit made me feel better
  
• shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, face wash, washcloth and towel - hospital towels/washcloths sucked, too
• camera and phone w-chargers
• going-home outfit for baby
• a notebook and pen

For DH I'm glad we had:

• pillow and blanket
• single change of clothes and pajamas
  
• toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
• cash for vending machine or ordering delivery to the hospital
• portable DVD player w-DVDs
  

mrs. remy

I think I packed mine around 37 weeks and I packed pretty lightly. But I am kind of a minimalist in some regards. The most important things for me were toiletries, a light robe I put on over my hospital gown and slippers, a going home outfit for myself and the baby, and things like the camera, cell phone charger, etc.  I also brought a boppy which came in very handy. I threw a few granola bars and snacks into our bag too, and a magazine or two. Some things I thought I would use I didn't....we had our exercise ball in the back of the car to labor on but the hospital ended up having one. I also brought my Ipod but found I had absolutely no urge to listen to music while I was writhing in pain. Go figure! All our stuff fit into a smallish duffel bag.....if you are wheeling a suitcase into the hospital you are probably overpacking IMO.

kelleymark82606

I never packed mine before I had dc.  DC was earlier.  OOPS!

MH left work, went home to shower and pack a bag with my neighbors assistance.

Mainly I wanted my makeup and flat iron...yes vein, but it makes me feel better to be fixed up. Honestly, I only used the flat iron after my shower Friday.  I didn't put any makeup on that I remember.

I had him pack me going home clothes and slippers/socks. MIL bought the going home outfit so she waited to see what we were having before bringing it so she could wash it prior.  I wore the gown at the hosp. bc it was easier to me.

It worked out better bc had I packed it would have been the entire house, and that was totally not needed.  The least amt of items the better bc you have a lot of stuff to take home!!

 

BunintheOven311

Thanks guys...i may just start gathering the stuff I have that I am not using right now and I like the idea of a list incase I do go early then DH or other family members can pack for me if necessary. 

 

weezie825

I didn't have time to pack since DD came early, but I availed myself of the Parent Connection store inside GBMC.  Among other things they sell nursing bras and nursing tanks (the Bravada brand).  The nice thing is that they'll let you try them on before you buy them. 

I got my mom to bring me a set of nursing PJs that were a shower gift and a set of clothes to wear home.  The hospital provided everything else.  They have some stuff at the nursing station that they'll give you if you need it.  For example I needed a toothbrush and toothpaste.  They don't put it in every room, but if you ask they'll get you what you need, within reason.

It was really nice to have a set of my own PJs to wear.  I didn't like going up to the NICU in my hospital gown!