Ok, I know this question gets asked a million times but perhaps one or several of our SAL mommies could help me out. What do you recommend packing for the hospital stay?
We're going shopping this weekend for our remaining stuff and I was curious what stuff I should make sure gets in the bag. For example, I am curious robe or no robe?? Nightgown or yoga pants?
TIA!!
Re: SAL Mommies: Hospital Bag Recommendations?
I would take your bathrobe, its good for walking around both before and after the baby gets here.
?As far as a nightgown, I ended up just wearing the hospital provided gown. ?I think this time around I may bring my yoga pants and a shirt.
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THis is what I brought and what I used last time...
Would it be a pain for me to ask what you already have so I can be more helpful??
I didn't bring a robe the first time and didn't miss it, and I wore their gowns and brought maternity shorts (August baby) and this time I'm bringing yoga pants
Oops, clicked reply too quickly.
*toiletries
*your own pillow (I cannot stress this one enough!!)
*a towel (the provided ones were TINY
*shower sandels
?Thats all I can think of off hand...it been almost 2 years
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A girl on 3rd tri emailed me a checklist. If you want to email me
kstmartin @ yahoo . com, I would be glad to send it to you.
I overpacked with DS.
I wore the hospitals nursing gown and pj pants after the birth.
Your own pillow
toiletries
baby book/pen/paper
crystal light packets (water got boring)
Your own pillow
Shampoo/conditioner/soap- that first shower is AMAZING.
I wore yoga pants because I didn't like just wearing a gown
I loved having our iPod there
I also dressed him in his own clothes and brought a swaddler
My big thing is don't over pack. If you think you are having a vaginal birth and will be discharged than I would just bring clothes to go home in. Toiletries to shower with, Make up and some mags.
But at home I would have an additional bag in case you have a c-sec with all the other goodies folks are talking about: yoga pants, underwear, ipod, etc. I was there for 5 days and by day 3 I needed extra pillows and all the goodies!!! It was so boring. But my SIL was had the baby at 4 in the afternoon and left the next day at noon. She always told me she felt like a dork w/suitcases of stuff. Also hospitals are not safe places. Things get stolen. So I would only bring valuables when you or DH will be there to watch them (trust me I know b/c I spent 6 mos in and out of hospitals... they will rob you blind!).
For baby I would bring extra clothes for him only if you think he will be really small. Otherwise it is hard on the nursing staff who is running lots of tests. My guys was 5 lbs at birth and went to 4.5 in the hospital though and they kept his temp up by bundling him. So if you think you are having a tiny baby do bring lots of warm premie clothes. Going home out fit, warm socks, and I loved having my boppy. Diaper bag in the car only if you live far awy from hospital.
Thanks ladies for your responses!! It defintely helps. Being true to myself, I will probably overpack... but it is helpful to read through your recommendations.
Thanks again,
Melanie
My hospital lifesaver? Earplugs! I am a very light sleeper and with normal hospital noises and people coming in and out all the time I desperately needed them to help me sleep at night and nap during the day!
A
Yes, I did love my robe. I labored a loooooong time and did lots of laps around the hospital. Those paper gowns they give you do not cover everything.
Also helpful: chapstick, vaseline (hospitals are so dry), a notebook and pen to write everything down, and anything you want stamped with baby's handprints/foot prints. If you don't want baby's first portrait taken in a hospital onesie, bring a cute outfit along for that.
Do make sure you take your own toiletries. I cannot overstate the wonderfullness of that first shower, made even better by something that smells pretty.