What do you have in your hospital bag and when did you pack it?
We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love
With DS, I think I packed my bag around 37 weeks. It included the kitchen sink. DD was a RCS, and I probably packed it the week of my CS. I have learned that you don't really need half of the shiz you think you will. This time around, I will probably pack it at 34ish weeks (hoping like heck I make it that far) and I will include:
My own pillow--the hospitals were plasticy and gross
Socks. Lots of socks.
A few nighties (With a CS, I will probably stay 3-4 nights)
3 comfortable changes of clothes. Prob yoga pants with a nursing tank, and a wrap in case I get cool. I tend to go a little stir crazy being stuck inside, so I'm hoping my DH will take me outside for some fresh air.
My checkbook--to pay for NB pics at my hospital. They don't accept plastic.
My toiletries, including my blowdryer and flat iron. Yes. I am THAT GIRL.
My ID and insurance card, which I will prob just give to DH. I probably won't need them since I will be preregistered, but we live a little ways from the hospital, so I don't want DH to have to drive home to get them.
I started packing mine at 35 weeks, and it's mostly packed now except for the things we're still using. I used this list some, though I didn't feel like I needed most of this stuff:
And another list we got from our doula. Since we're trying for a natural birth, I have some extras for laboring, including washcloths, my own labor gown, a rice sock we can heat, swim trunks for DH for when I'm in the tub or shower, and our doula is providing massage oils.
Our doula also recommended we pack two bags: one for laboring and one for postpartum, that way we aren't lugging around all of the stuff for our hospital stay. I found that to be pretty helpful, too! GL!
I started packing mine at 35 weeks, and it's mostly packed now except for the things we're still using. I used this list some, though I didn't feel like I needed most of this stuff:
And another list we got from our doula. Since we're trying for a natural birth, I have some extras for laboring, including washcloths, my own labor gown, a rice sock we can heat, swim trunks for DH for when I'm in the tub or shower, and our doula is providing massage oils.
Our doula also recommended we pack two bags: one for laboring and one for postpartum, that way we aren't lugging around all of the stuff for our hospital stay. I found that to be pretty helpful, too! GL!
Oh! Two bags is a great idea! I know with DD I packed 1 huge bag (9 years ago so I really don't remember what was in it). I know I barely used anything in it and what I did use was a pain to get to.
We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love
It's an easy google search, even to get results from TheBump. Just add "site:community.thebump.com" to your search and you'll find results from these boards.
ETA: If you really want my list, here it is. I am a super
over-packer, because I feel more comfortable when I know I have
everything I might ever need. I packed Sunday at 35w0d. I have one suitcase for me, one for baby (incl diapers and bottles), and I'll have an extra small bag for when I go in for my c/s with the essentials (ID, cash, etc). I packed "early" because my c/s is only 13 days away at 37w1d and my other two kids were born at 36 weeks.
For Me: Favorite Music with portable player Flip flops for shower Birth Plan Lotion Chapstick Deck of cards, magazines, book Fan!!!!!!! Nail file Clippers Paper and pencil Camera and/or video recorder 3 x Extra pillows ORANGE pillowcases Laptop Laptop adapter Towels x 2 Tv shows Cell phone Slippers Cell phone charger Pillows/clothes for DH Toothbrush Toothpaste Shaver Shaving cream Shampoo Soap Hair brush Bobby pins, pony tails Deodorant Big pads Small pads Robe and slippers Socks x 8 Bras x 2 (plus wear one) Tank tops x 1 (plus wear one) Jammies x 3-4 Jammie pants x 2 Real pants x 1 Real shorts x 1 Real shirts x 4 Underware large x 8 Underware regular x 6 Breast pads BATTERIES FOR CAMERA!!!!!!! Vitamins Extra diabetes stuff Insulin x 3 kinds plus needles Tester Enough tester strips and needles Bottle of water
Baby Stuff: Going home outift for LO Onesies x 4 Sleepers x 4 Diapers x NB size x 10 Diapers x size 1 x 10 Wipes Carseat, etc Hats x 4 (per outfit) Blanket x 2 Socks x 3 Pacifier x 4 Bottles x 4 Nipples x 12 Bottle liners x box Formula x 4 cans Change pad Baby / sibling shirts Hand sani Cloths Bibs Burp cloths
I started packing mine at 35 weeks, and it's mostly packed now except for the things we're still using. I used this list some, though I didn't feel like I needed most of this stuff:
And another list we got from our doula. Since we're trying for a natural birth, I have some extras for laboring, including washcloths, my own labor gown, a rice sock we can heat, swim trunks for DH for when I'm in the tub or shower, and our doula is providing massage oils.
Our doula also recommended we pack two bags: one for laboring and one for postpartum, that way we aren't lugging around all of the stuff for our hospital stay. I found that to be pretty helpful, too! GL!
Oh! Two bags is a great idea! I know with DD I packed 1 huge bag (9 years ago so I really don't remember what was in it). I know I barely used anything in it and what I did use was a pain to get to.
I thought so, too! Our labor bag seems like it's going to be really manageable.
My hospital provides a checklist. Many of the items provided by US hospitals for mom and baby are not provided by the hospital here, but the trade off is that you don't get a bill for your stay or delivery either. Here's a link to the list:
For a routine vaginal birth with no complications you are released around 24 hrs post delivery. For a c/s delivery, you stay 3 days on average.
Last time around I packed too much stuff we didn't use. This time around I will bring my own pillow, comfy clothes, robe, slippers, pjs, undies, nursing bras and nursing pads, feminine pads, nursing pillow, nb diapers, outfits for baby, toiletries for mom and baby, camera, ereader and ipod (to use while waiting to dilate or kill time between admitance and my c/s if we have to go that route).
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No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
My checkbook--to pay for NB pics at my hospital. They don't accept plastic.
So sorry if this is a dumb question, but what are NB pics?
Newborn pictures Our hospital has a photographer come in and offer their services. If you choose to purchase the pictures they take, the photographer takes payment that day. I bought DS's pictures, but DD's were...not that great, so I did not purchase them.
If you plan to bf, I highly recommend bringing the boppy. HUGELY helpful in learning. The staff at the hospital said we were so smart to bring it. DH got it out of the car after DD was born. Other than that the biggest thing for me was my own yoga pants and nursing tanks. I got out of that gown ASAP.
My checkbook--to pay for NB pics at my hospital. They don't accept plastic.
So sorry if this is a dumb question, but what are NB pics?
Newborn pictures. Most US hospitals are associated with a company that will come in and offer to take *Professional* pictures of your baby. My experience with DD was that they come in unannounced, don't allow you time to change baby into an outfit you want to see him/her in, and take pictures of baby laying flat on it's back in the provided bassinet. Family members will probably expect to see these but they are extremely pricey for what they are. I will probably just take pictures with my own camera (I have a very nice camera) at my own leisure and send those out to family.
We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love
My checkbook--to pay for NB pics at my hospital. They don't accept plastic.
So sorry if this is a dumb question, but what are NB pics?
Newborn pictures. Most US hospitals are associated with a company that will come in and offer to take *Professional* pictures of your baby. My experience with DD was that they come in unannounced, don't allow you time to change baby into an outfit you want to see him/her in, and take pictures of baby laying flat on it's back in the provided bassinet. Family members will probably expect to see these but they are extremely pricey for what they are. I will probably just take pictures with my own camera (I have a very nice camera) at my own leisure and send those out to family.
I'm not super impressed by the ones coming out of our hospital, either, and I rather like more candid photos, anyway.
I didn't pack mine early enough with DD, that's for sure. I planned on packing it at 34 weeks since I had been having timetable BH ctx on and off since 27 weeks. Then I got admitted to the hospital for HELLP at 33w6d. So much for the packing plan. I had to make a list for DH at 5:30 am and have him go get my stuff and bring it to me. It was really disorganized. This time I'll be packing the stuff I don't need in the meantime by 30 weeks and have all the other stuff in one spot so I can just throw it into the bag and go if I have to go to L&D again.
I think you've gotten some good tips about what to pack, so I'll leave off my list. Suffice it to say, I will be packing much less this time now that I think I know what I need.
BFP1: DD1 born April 2011 at 34w1d via unplanned c/s due to HELLP, DVT 1 week PP
BFP2: 3/18/12, blighted ovum, natural m/c @ 7w4d BFP3: DD2 born Feb 2013 at 38w4d via unplanned RCS due to uterine dehiscence
My checkbook--to pay for NB pics at my hospital. They don't accept plastic.
So sorry if this is a dumb question, but what are NB pics?
Newborn pictures. Most US hospitals are associated with a company that will come in and offer to take *Professional* pictures of your baby. My experience with DD was that they come in unannounced, don't allow you time to change baby into an outfit you want to see him/her in, and take pictures of baby laying flat on it's back in the provided bassinet. Family members will probably expect to see these but they are extremely pricey for what they are. I will probably just take pictures with my own camera (I have a very nice camera) at my own leisure and send those out to family.
I'm not super impressed by the ones coming out of our hospital, either, and I rather like more candid photos, anyway.
Thanks for filling me in!! I didn't know hospitals offered that as a service!
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No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
Bag for Me: 3
pairs of yoga/lounge pants 3
nursing tank tops 5
pairs of granny panties Zip
up hoodie PJ
pants & nursing friendly tank tops Socks
Flip flops Slippers Boppy
Toiletries: Toothbrush
Toothpaste Brush/hair
ties Shampoo/conditioner Face/Body
Wash Deodorant Make
up Toilet
paper
Diaper Bag/Purse: Phone Wallet Take
home outfits for LO (2) Socks Hat Blanket Cell
phone Chapstick Nail
file for baby fingernails Nipple
cream and gel pads
Food/Drinks: Snacks Water
* PG #1 2/26/09: mm/c 4/14/09 at 10w4d | PG #2 8/5/09: mm/c 9/29/09 at 11w3d (boy) * * CP's 4/14/10, 9/1/10, 4/19/11, 5/24/11, 10/14/13, 11/16/13 * * Ectopic 1/17/14 - nothing on u/s at 6w4d * * PG #7 BFP 12/21/11 - DD born 8/31/12 * * DH Dx'd with balanced translocation in 2011 *
Re: Hospital bag
With DS, I think I packed my bag around 37 weeks. It included the kitchen sink. DD was a RCS, and I probably packed it the week of my CS. I have learned that you don't really need half of the shiz you think you will. This time around, I will probably pack it at 34ish weeks (hoping like heck I make it that far) and I will include:
My own pillow--the hospitals were plasticy and gross
Socks. Lots of socks.
A few nighties (With a CS, I will probably stay 3-4 nights)
3 comfortable changes of clothes. Prob yoga pants with a nursing tank, and a wrap in case I get cool. I tend to go a little stir crazy being stuck inside, so I'm hoping my DH will take me outside for some fresh air.
My checkbook--to pay for NB pics at my hospital. They don't accept plastic.
My toiletries, including my blowdryer and flat iron. Yes. I am THAT GIRL.
My ID and insurance card, which I will prob just give to DH. I probably won't need them since I will be preregistered, but we live a little ways from the hospital, so I don't want DH to have to drive home to get them.
A going home outfit for the babies.
That is my list of my own bare necessities. HTH
I started packing mine at 35 weeks, and it's mostly packed now except for the things we're still using. I used this list some, though I didn't feel like I needed most of this stuff:
https://captainhambone.typepad.com/not_that_you_asked/2006/10/the_great_big_h.html
And another list we got from our doula. Since we're trying for a natural birth, I have some extras for laboring, including washcloths, my own labor gown, a rice sock we can heat, swim trunks for DH for when I'm in the tub or shower, and our doula is providing massage oils.
Our doula also recommended we pack two bags: one for laboring and one for postpartum, that way we aren't lugging around all of the stuff for our hospital stay. I found that to be pretty helpful, too! GL!
Oh! Two bags is a great idea! I know with DD I packed 1 huge bag (9 years ago so I really don't remember what was in it). I know I barely used anything in it and what I did use was a pain to get to.
This question is quite popular.
https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/67695341.aspx
It's an easy google search, even to get results from TheBump. Just add "site:community.thebump.com" to your search and you'll find results from these boards.
ETA: If you really want my list, here it is. I am a super over-packer, because I feel more comfortable when I know I have everything I might ever need. I packed Sunday at 35w0d. I have one suitcase for me, one for baby (incl diapers and bottles), and I'll have an extra small bag for when I go in for my c/s with the essentials (ID, cash, etc). I packed "early" because my c/s is only 13 days away at 37w1d and my other two kids were born at 36 weeks.
For Me:Favorite Music with portable player
Flip flops for shower
Birth Plan
Lotion
Chapstick
Deck of cards, magazines, book
Fan!!!!!!!
Nail file
Clippers
Paper and pencil
Camera and/or video recorder
3 x Extra pillows
ORANGE pillowcases
Laptop
Laptop adapter
Towels x 2
Tv shows
Cell phone
Slippers
Cell phone charger
Pillows/clothes for DH
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shaver
Shaving cream
Shampoo
Soap
Hair brush
Bobby pins, pony tails
Deodorant
Big pads
Small pads
Robe and slippers
Socks x 8
Bras x 2 (plus wear one)
Tank tops x 1 (plus wear one)
Jammies x 3-4
Jammie pants x 2
Real pants x 1
Real shorts x 1
Real shirts x 4
Underware large x 8
Underware regular x 6
Breast pads
BATTERIES FOR CAMERA!!!!!!!
Vitamins
Extra diabetes stuff
Insulin x 3 kinds plus needles
Tester
Enough tester strips and needles
Bottle of water
Baby Stuff:
Going home outift for LO
Onesies x 4
Sleepers x 4
Diapers x NB size x 10
Diapers x size 1 x 10
Wipes
Carseat, etc
Hats x 4 (per outfit)
Blanket x 2
Socks x 3
Pacifier x 4
Bottles x 4
Nipples x 12
Bottle liners x box
Formula x 4 cans
Change pad
Baby / sibling shirts
Hand sani
Cloths
Bibs
Burp cloths
I thought so, too! Our labor bag seems like it's going to be really manageable.
My hospital provides a checklist. Many of the items provided by US hospitals for mom and baby are not provided by the hospital here, but the trade off is that you don't get a bill for your stay or delivery either. Here's a link to the list:
https://www.grhosp.on.ca/uploads/Childbirth/Your%20Hospital%20StayNov2011.pdf
For a routine vaginal birth with no complications you are released around 24 hrs post delivery. For a c/s delivery, you stay 3 days on average.
Last time around I packed too much stuff we didn't use. This time around I will bring my own pillow, comfy clothes, robe, slippers, pjs, undies, nursing bras and nursing pads, feminine pads, nursing pillow, nb diapers, outfits for baby, toiletries for mom and baby, camera, ereader and ipod (to use while waiting to dilate or kill time between admitance and my c/s if we have to go that route).
So sorry if this is a dumb question, but what are NB pics?
Newborn pictures Our hospital has a photographer come in and offer their services. If you choose to purchase the pictures they take, the photographer takes payment that day. I bought DS's pictures, but DD's were...not that great, so I did not purchase them.
BFP #2, 12/12/11, m/c 12/25/11
BFP #3, 3/09/12, CP 3/10/12
BFP #4, 7/22/12, DD#2 born 4/2013
Newborn pictures. Most US hospitals are associated with a company that will come in and offer to take *Professional* pictures of your baby. My experience with DD was that they come in unannounced, don't allow you time to change baby into an outfit you want to see him/her in, and take pictures of baby laying flat on it's back in the provided bassinet. Family members will probably expect to see these but they are extremely pricey for what they are. I will probably just take pictures with my own camera (I have a very nice camera) at my own leisure and send those out to family.
I'm not super impressed by the ones coming out of our hospital, either, and I rather like more candid photos, anyway.
I didn't pack mine early enough with DD, that's for sure. I planned on packing it at 34 weeks since I had been having timetable BH ctx on and off since 27 weeks. Then I got admitted to the hospital for HELLP at 33w6d. So much for the packing plan. I had to make a list for DH at 5:30 am and have him go get my stuff and bring it to me. It was really disorganized. This time I'll be packing the stuff I don't need in the meantime by 30 weeks and have all the other stuff in one spot so I can just throw it into the bag and go if I have to go to L&D again.
I think you've gotten some good tips about what to pack, so I'll leave off my list. Suffice it to say, I will be packing much less this time now that I think I know what I need.
BFP1: DD1 born April 2011 at 34w1d via unplanned c/s due to HELLP, DVT 1 week PP
BFP3: DD2 born Feb 2013 at 38w4d via unplanned RCS due to uterine dehiscence
Thanks for filling me in!! I didn't know hospitals offered that as a service!
Here is my list:
Bag for Me:3 pairs of yoga/lounge pants
3 nursing tank tops
5 pairs of granny panties
Zip up hoodie
PJ pants & nursing friendly tank tops
Socks
Flip flops
Slippers
Boppy
Toiletries:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Brush/hair ties
Shampoo/conditioner
Face/Body Wash
Deodorant
Make up
Toilet paper
Laptop Bag:
Laptop/charger
Camera/charger
Kindle/book
iPhone/Kindle charger
Diaper Bag/Purse:
Phone
Wallet
Take home outfits for LO (2)
Socks
Hat
Blanket
Cell phone
Chapstick
Nail file for baby fingernails
Nipple cream and gel pads
Food/Drinks:
Snacks
Water
* PG #1 2/26/09: mm/c 4/14/09 at 10w4d | PG #2 8/5/09: mm/c 9/29/09 at 11w3d (boy) *
* CP's 4/14/10, 9/1/10, 4/19/11, 5/24/11, 10/14/13, 11/16/13 *
* Ectopic 1/17/14 - nothing on u/s at 6w4d *
* PG #7 BFP 12/21/11 - DD born 8/31/12 *
* DH Dx'd with balanced translocation in 2011 *