When did you pack your hospital bag?

veronicacorningstone · August 2010

We are now 32 weeks, so I think it's time to start packing our bag, especially since it looks like I may have these babies sooner, rather than later.

My question, I have extra toiletries that I can go ahead and pack, but if you packed your bag early, were there things you left out that you needed until the big day? Anything you wished you had taken to the hospital but forgot?

I have a couple of nursing tanks, but they're big and comfortable so I want to wear them now, but I'm afraid they'll be dirty when I go!

dulcinea03 · August 2010

At 32 weeks, I'd have at least an overnight bag ready. By that point, I'd been to L&D twice, so while I didn't have a full hospital bag, I had a smaller bag that I just left in the car- good thing too as I was sent to L&D for overnight+ stays twice from OB appts. We live about 20 mins away from the hospital, so both times I sent DH home to get me the additional things I needed once the dust settled.

I would at least have a bag with toiletries, a change of pajama/lounge clothes for you, a nursing tank for you, a change of clothes for your DH, your camera, an extra phone charger if you have one, and any other things you'd be hard pressed to make it 12-24 hours without. That way you're set for the start of a hospitalization, and you can always send DH home for pillows, laptops, baby gear, etc.

I will also mention that I knew I was having a c-section whenever the girls would be born due to breech presentation, so I never worried about stuff for labor.

OrangeSmoke · August 2010

I packed late - sometime around 36 weeks... I had this weird idea that if I didn't pack, I wouldn't go into labor.

Put a big towel in your car to sit on, I'm so glad I did. My water broke at home but it just kept gushing all the way to the hospital so I had something to sit on and not ruin my leather seats(gross image, I know). SIL's water broke in the car which is also a possibility.

Bring another towel for you to shower with afterwards. You are gonna want your own towel after labor or surgery, not the towel they give you (it's about the size of a hand towel).

Bring an empty bag with you. That way, you have something to take home the hospital goodies (diapers, formula, etc).

Hope that helped!

veronicacorningstone · August 2010

Thanks ladies. I think I'll go ahead and pack at least an overnight bag, and then add to it. Good idea about the towels, I heard the hospital quality ones suck, so I will want my own.

anna2006 · August 2010

I packed the night before my scheduled c-section at 38 weeks. I wouldn't recommend waiting so long, though!

I wish I had brought my breast pump with me - I would have started pumping sooner (I put off pumping while waiting to go home and get me pump - and I didn't want to rent the hospital pumps for just one day).

As for towels, I am of the mindset that I'd rather bleed all over the hospital linens than my own. I used their sheets, gowns, towels, mesh underwear, and I was happy to leave it all behind when I left!

janjag · August 2010

I'd already had 2 hosp stays by the time mine were born. So, we knew what to bring, and DH knew what I'd want from home, if it were forgotten. Since he stayed w/me for both hosp stays, he was prepared as well.

At 32 weeks, I'd get ready, just for fun If the tanks are comfy, I'd wear them. How dirty could they get? Just through them in the wash every couple days and you'll be prepared.

ardilla · August 2010

janjag:
I'd already had 2 hosp stays by the time mine were born. So, we knew what to bring, and DH knew what I'd want from home, if it were forgotten. Since he stayed w/me for both hosp stays, he was prepared as well.

Same kind of situation here.......I went into PTL at 22w1d and was totally unprepared to be hospitalized until 29w. During that time, DH and I learned everything I'd want or need. When I was sent home at 29w, we made one hospital bag out of the stuff I'd had there before and kept it ready to go.

busybea · August 2010

I just packed mine last weekend. I have everything in it except for my toothbrush (hospital gives you one anyways). My books, travel size toiletries, nursing tanks, g-ma panties, nightgown as well as a robe and comfy socks are in the bag. Camera and laptop, DH will get later (we live about 5 minutes from the hospital).

thiswillbe · August 2010

I was throwing things in a bag at 3 am as we were on our way to L&D for the 2nd time. That bag sorta became our hospital bag. Not a method I'd recommend!

As far as didn't-have-but-wish-I-had-had: a hands free pumping bra!!!! It would have seriously improved my experience of the first few days.

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