Hospital Bag for Mommy & Baby help

ForevAAROSE · December 2013

So with all of the recent scares and possibility of delivering early, I definitly need to stop holding off. I really just have been feeling so overwhelmed. Work truly takes everything out of me, and by the time the weekend comes I just wanna sleep and relax.

So I've been reading around and see a bunch of sites that list the essentials but I wanna get all your guys input.

I am going to pack one bag for baby and then a bag for Dh and I. I just bought a pack of pads, haven't worn them in 8 months, I know ill be needing them.
HELP!!!!

hootie123 · December 2013

I don't have a good list and I haven't started packing yet - maybe this weekend I will. But I'm pretty sure that all hospitals provide pads - you'll need them at home but when you are in the hospital I would just use theirs.

huskermama · December 2013

Yes, the hospital will provide you with pads, and likely disposable underwear, but in my experience with the delivery of our first daughter, both were extremely uncomfortable so I am planning on bringing my own. I too have been told we could really go anyday due to being diagnosed with placenta previa so I have started a bag for baby and myself using this link I found on pinterest. It seems pretty reasonable to me and was helpful in refreshing my memory of what is useful and what is not

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4222193373544027/

ally510 · December 2013

Here are a few things I found most useful:

-Comfy pj's & socks/slippers
-Snacks for you & YH
-Nipple cream
-A bag w/ extra room so you can take as many diapers from the hospital as you can (the nurse pretty much told me that my insurance company had already paid for it all, so take what you can)
-chargers for everything
your own pillow if you're particular about that
-a comfy outfit to leave in that you won't mind having your picture taken in

You can leave your dignity and any amount of modesty at home b/c your vag might as well have a revolving door on it while you're in labor.

MJC1116 · December 2013

We didn't end up needing a bag for the baby. I just packed an outfit to take baby home. The hospital provided everything for her and plenty to take home. Here are some things I found really useful: a good nursing bra (I learned the hard way that a cute, lacy get up is death), pillow from home, my ipad, really loose sweatpants, and a nursing pillow. I did not need half the stuff I packed. It's also nice to have some snacks. The hospital provided pads bigger than I have ever seen in a store to buy, nipple cream (lanolin), huge cup for water, thick socks (which was great because I just threw them away after), and the best mesh underwear ever. Don't use yours. It'll get ruined. They also gave me a spray bottle to deal with my stitches (no tp for wiping) and a container of tucks cream.
I'd be sure to have extra tucks pads at home, freeze or heat breast packs (you can use either way, and I'd keep the pads you bought at home.
So excited for you that you're getting close!

rcnavywife · December 2013

Totally agree with the suggestions above. Just wanted to add that if you'll be labouring, these were my must-haves:
- hair ties/elastics
- lip balm
- gum or mints for DH (my DH was awesome with helping me through labour and was often right in my face. Fresh breath was nice! It was suggested at our prenatal class)
- snacks for DH

curlylocks3 · December 2013

Off the top of my head:
- pillow of your own (don't put anywhere but near your own head!)
- flip flops to walk around in when in labor and to wear up to the bathroom the first few times. You could do slippers but I think flip flops are better since so much easier to clean if they get some blood on them.

- chapstick (hospital air is normally super dry)

- hair ties/soft headband/whatever you need to keep your hair off your face and neck

- comfortable clothes to wear if you'd rather not wear a hospital gown once you've gotten cleaned up after delivery

- chargers for your cell phone, camera, etc

I'd bring your own pads. Yes, you can use the ones the hospital has but they might not be the greatest. I know the ones my hospital has don't have any sticky stuff on the back or wings to hold them in place so they're always slipping around. The underwear seems to be hit or miss depending on your body type.

As for the baby, unless you are particular about the diapers and wipes (and formula if you're not breastfeeding) used you shouldn't need to supply that. Same for pacifiers if you go that route. Just have your stash for when you get home. I'd plan on having an outfit for going home and 1-2 blankets but otherwise I'd be using the hospital linens and tshirts.

ForevAAROSE · December 2013

Thanks ladies! I am ver particular about my pads. I have one specific brand and style. Anything else will drive me bonkers.
I am although going to take advantage of the free diapers and wipes while I'm there, and will be bringing an extra bag for whatever goodies they give.

My bag:
Nursing tank tops
Nursing bras
Girdle
Hair ties, brushes
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash & lotion!
Toothbrush&paste
Comfy pj's
Chapstick & deodorant
Pads!
Comfy socks & flip flops
An extra pack of cheap undies
Chargers
Nipple cream
SNACKS
Going home sweats
Extra bag

Baby:
Two footie onsies
Going home outfit
One recieving blanky
One fleece blanky
Winter coat onesie

I'm sure it'll grow but I think these are the essentials for now

AlmostWright · December 2013

Good luck, sounds good so far! I would rather have too much than not enough so I overpack. I just wanted to add one of my favorite tips--buy cheap underwear a size bigger than usual to fit the pads. And you may want a hat for baby to go home in.