Hospital or Delivery Center Bag

MissMandyD · July 2014

So after my brush with L&D yesterday I started thinking about what I want to pack in my hospital bag when we for in for delivery.

The items I want be sure to bring after a day and a half in hospital are....

1. My own shampoo/ and soap

2. Large Bath Towel

3. Eye mask for sleeping at night

Anyone else have ideas of thoughts on what they bring when you pack your bags for delivery?

lrobi13 · July 2014

Camera and camera charger. Phone charger. Probably my own pillow since i am so particular!

LightBright515 · July 2014

Mainly my own toiletries. I can't get down with any old soap and lotion. Oh, and my headphones. Music makes most things tolerable.

Justabean3 · July 2014

chapstick

chargers, phone, ipad, camera

socks and a pillow

angeltennis3 · July 2014

A must have for me will be face wipes so I can feel a little cleaner after l&d but before a shower

persephonerose · July 2014

I took a couple of night gowns, very thin that had buttons down the front. And two sports bras. I was much more comfortable in my own clothing and they were encouraging me to walk the halls the day after my c-section. I did not want to do that in a hospital gown.

Hair ties, clips, ect.

ID, insurance card. I put this in the night before we went to the hospital.

Stuff you can probably bring later, but DH did not plan on going on home so we brought it all with us:

Take home outfits for baby

We also brought our breast feeding pillow so I would not have to send DH home for it right away. We left it in the car until we needed it, the same with extra pillows and blankets.

DH also packed a very small bag for himself that held the laptop, camera, phone, chargers and a change of clothing.

Car Seat

persephonerose · July 2014

Another random. Someone on my previous BMB suggested it and I was so glad we did this. We wrote down the correct spelling for our baby's name. DH carried it on a card in his wallet so when ever the nurses were asking for it for paper work we could just pull it out.

They asked me for the name plate on the bassinet shortly after DS1 came out and I was completely blank on how to spell the name!

golfingdarwinfish · July 2014

Clothing related question for STMs+ re: pajamas: do you recommend pants or nightgowns for the overnight post delivery/c-section? Are pants even feasible/realistic?

persephonerose · July 2014

golfingdarwinfish said:

Clothing related question for STMs+ re: pajamas: do you recommend pants or nightgowns for the overnight post delivery/c-section? Are pants even feasible/realistic?

I did take some pj pants/shorts the first time around and never wore them. They give you these super sexy mesh panties and giantor pads that you are changing pretty frequently. I had a lot of leaking issues. So I either just wore a pj top or night gown bunched up around my waist so as not to leak on it.

Also our hospital wont let you adjust the temp in your room lower than 74 degrees and I was burning up. I wanted as little clothing on as possible.

angeltennis3 · July 2014

persephonerose said:

golfingdarwinfish said:

Clothing related question for STMs+ re: pajamas: do you recommend pants or nightgowns for the overnight post delivery/c-section? Are pants even feasible/realistic?

I did take some pj pants/shorts the first time around and never wore them. They give you these super sexy mesh panties and giantor pads that you are changing pretty frequently. I had a lot of leaking issues. So I either just wore a pj top or night gown bunched up around my waist so as not to leak on it.

Also our hospital wont let you adjust the temp in your room lower than 74 degrees and I was burning up. I wanted as little clothing on as possible.

END QUOTE.

I lol'd at the gladiator pads because my friend gave me her stash from the hospital last night. On the right is what I expected the big pads to look like. On the left is reality.

You should also note that the right side is probably 4 inches longer than a normal pad. Yay birth!

persephonerose · July 2014

@angeltennis3 Oh yeah I still have a few from DS1. They were fun times. The worst part was that for the first two days I had to use two of the huge hospital pads overlapping so they went from my belly button to my back. So humiliating.

persephonerose · July 2014

I will also add this for c-section moms. Bring a couple of your regular overnight pads (the kind that have moisture wicking properties). My OB suggested I press these against my incision when sitting or laying down to keep it dry, prevent infection, and to help it heal. They worked so well.

Maggie6424 · July 2014

MissMandyD said:

So after my brush with L&D yesterday I started thinking about what I want to pack in my hospital bag when we for in for delivery.

The items I want be sure to bring after a day and a half in hospital are....

1. My own shampoo/ and soap
2. Large Bath Towel
3. Eye mask for sleeping at night

Anyone else have ideas of thoughts on what they bring when you pack your bags for delivery?

Make sure it's a dark color. PP bleeding is out of control, and I found it was really hard to not get blood on the towel after each shower.

I wish I had taken my own toiletries, but they assured me that everything would be provided. It was, but I wanted my own stuff. I also wanted some fuzzy socks, but the kind with grip on the bottom. Also plenty of contraptions for my hair (bobby pins, elastics, head bands)

MorganWP · July 2014

I'll be bringing the same as what I brought last time. Towel, toiletries, an outfit for going home in (I dont mind the hospital gowns at my hospital they actually cover your back and I would much rather get all the postpartum grossness on them rather than my own clothes) phone charger and elastics.

For baby pretty much everything is supplied by the hospital so I'll just be bringing an outfit and a blanket. And the car seat of course.

For the pj question: I honestly wouldnt bring any. Just wear the hospital gown. I brought some with me last time but didnt end up actually wearing them.

KingsDaughter76 · July 2014

I wear the hospital gowns too- and just put one on backwards like a jacket when I need to leave my room....works great and I don't want to mess with getting blood etc on my own clothing those first couple days. I also recommend bringing a few favorite snacks with you to the hospital....you will get hungry in between meals and its nice to have something you like to munch on instead of the typical snacks they will provide you. I also bring socks for my baby- for their hands and feet....keeps them from scratching themselves if the hospital shirts don't have built in mitten cuffs and they stay on way better than store mittens...and also their little feet get cold so its nice to have some socks to keep on them. :-)

MissMandyD · July 2014

FamousEa said:

Ahhhh the ginormous pads. Yes. Can't wait for those again :-q

Had to wear these for 3 days post D&E and man do they suck. I saw several sitting the restroom during my stay this weekend and backed out of the restroom slowly very happy that I did not yet have need for them again.

vrj0522 · July 2014

Seems like pretty much has been said... two things I didn't see were sugarless hard candy for when I'm in labor. Birth class instructor suggested them last time and I was glad to have them. Gives you something to suck on that won't make you thirsty, all while you can't really have any real food.

The other thing is our baby book. I was able to work on it for a few minutes throughout our stay. It was nice to have tons of details while I remembered them and have it up to date before we were even home.

dionnewedding · July 2014

Sorry forgive my ignorance as a FTM, but I don't need to bring anything really for the baby? I see previous posts like outfits, blanket, and socks, but everything else is provided?

vrj0522 · July 2014

dionnewedding said:

Sorry forgive my ignorance as a FTM, but I don't need to bring anything really for the baby? I see previous posts like outfits, blanket, and socks, but everything else is provided?

They give you diapers and will provide anything baby needs while at the hospital. All you need is the stuff you are going to take him/her home in.

golfingdarwinfish · July 2014

dionnewedding said:

Sorry forgive my ignorance as a FTM, but I don't need to bring anything really for the baby? I see previous posts like outfits, blanket, and socks, but everything else is provided?

My hospital provides the following list on the website & in the "what to expect" book given to patients in the 3rd trimester:

What to Bring to Take Your Baby Home

Infant car seat for car ride home
Onesie
Receiving blanket
Burp pads

What the Hospital Will Provide Your Baby with

Diapers and wipes
Undershirts
Blankets and hats

Perhaps your hospital provides a similar list? There's also a "for your comfort" list that includes nightwear, nursing gown, supportive nursing bra, and a few other items.

dionnewedding · July 2014

Thanks everyone!!

hippohat · July 2014

I would recommend bringing a bigger bag than you need - they send you home with so much stuff, iit was nice to have room in the suitcase for it. Pads, diapers, other baby care and PP care, formula samples, a diaper bag, books and paperwork... Ditto not wearing my own pjs, it's so messy afterward, and with my tear they wre checking me often - wearing anything other than the gown would have been annoying. I wore a nursing sports bra and may bring a nursing tank this time. Also bring/wear very loose shoes to go home, I didn't have any swelling until PP. My feet were like a cartoon!

hippohat · July 2014

Oh, and bring the baby book or other stuff you want baby's feet or hand prints on - the nurses can help or do it for you :-)

MrsL2B · July 2014

In addition to some of the items above, I'm bringing my laptop, my pillow (I am fussy about pillows) and lots of snacks. I eat six small meals per day, not the three normal-sized ones that the hospital room service will provide.

Emerald27 · July 2014

Depending on the time of day that LO is born, DH plans to go home to spend the night with DS while I'm in the hospital. It'll be 1000x easier on DS to have daddy at home for bedtime, and DH will get a good night's sleep instead of sleeping on a hospital cot or chair. :P So there'll very little in my bag for DH.

Here's my list:

Hospital Bag Packing List:

- DH's Stuff
- Snacks, bottled water
- sour candies, rice sock, tennis ball, lotion (for labor)
- Chapstick
- hair ties
- toothbrush & toothpaste
- camera & charger
- cell phone charger
- baby take-home outfit
- pj's
- comfy clothes to wear home

persephonerose · July 2014

starla487 said:

FTM question here: since I'm wired/have a battery operated pancreas, I tend to prefer pants with pockets and shorts, etc. rather than nightgowns. I made the comment about wear a sports bra and yoga pants/shorts during labor to DH and he kinda looked at me as in "so how are you going to be checked all the time for dilation?"

Hm, good point. I planned to wear the hospital gown post-epidural and into delivery, however, what could I wear beforehand that would allow me to cart all my devices around?

This is going to sound very strange, but could you use something like a cell phone armband holder? If not then I would ask your OB, but I imagine the nurses in L&D will find a way to tape it to you like they would your IV so that they don't have to worry about accidentally pulling on it.

persephonerose · July 2014

@starla487 When they do an IV they use tegaderm film to keep it from pulling loose. You can buy it at any medical supply store and it says on if it gets wet. It comes in different sizes so you could get some and try it at home.

DaniGrace89 · July 2014

I'm going to bring my pump. If I see a lactation consultant, she can help me efficiently use it, and for some reason if the latch isn't great, rather than getting stressed, I can pump.

Also bringing a tennis ball and a ziplock baggy to bring to our dog. We will put baby girls hat in the bag to bring dog to familiarize him with scent. Along with a new present (ball) from his baby sister, also with her scent.

JessAnnJ · July 2014

I wore the gowns and brought a robe if I needed to walk around. I also had slippers. There is a lot of blood so I wouldn't bring my own towel or spend money on fancy gowns. I liked having face wipes for washing my face. We had multiple bags and left less important stuff in the car. Snacks and change for the vending machine are a good idea. They provide food for you but DH will get hungry too. Camera, cell phone, and chargers. I brought pants but didn't wear them until it was time to go home. I did wear nursing bras and tanks under my gown part of the time.

keenkamsmom · July 2014

I agree, you're probably not going to want to wear your own pj pants. With the amount you bleed you will live in the gigantor pads/mesh undies and be changing frequently. Maybe a nightgown or just use the hospital gown so it doesnt matter if you leak on it. I think the hospital will probably even provide you a pair of those slipper socks with the treads on the bottom so you won't have to worry about taking any germs or gross things home on your own cute slipper socks.

Syllessa · July 2014

I am definitely bringing my own pj pants and tank tops for during the day, and 2 nightgowns with buttons down the front for at night. I did this with the first 3. My own toiletries are a must as well. My wants after labor are simple: food and shower/my own clothes. If I can shower while someone gets me food, perfection.

Other than that, just stuff for fi, pillows, camera, and laptop.

jenndub · July 2014

A deck of cards and a magazine. My first two labors were SUPER long and I needed something to distract me. I got an epidural in hour 15 of my first labor, took a nap and then played cards with my SO until it was time to push.

I also packed a change of clothes for DH last time because I knew he would forget to do it himself. And a pillow and blanket for him.

MsMacual · July 2014

I agree with many of the previous posters that you will want to wear the hospital gown, robe, and mesh panties vs wearing your own stuff (I'd say for at least the first 24 hours). The only thing that we forgot during our rush out the door was my nursing pillow and that would have been super helpful to have. My dh didn't stay at the hospital with me so he was able to bring the baby's stuff up after he arrived.

I'd also check with your hospital to see how/what type of photos they take. The hospitals in my area have local photogs contracted to take a mini nb session (we ended up with beautiful pictures). We weren't completely prepared for this the first time around, but happened to have a cute fuzzy blanket in our diaper bag to use as a prop. I will be planning our session out a little more this time around and including some cute props for big and little bro.

Maggie6424 · July 2014

I also got this https://www.prettypushers.com/collections/labor-delivery/products/original-solid-delivery-gown

Used one last time too. So much better while in labor!!! It's soft and comfy.

I did wear the hospital gown for about the first 12 hours after DS1 was born. Then I changed into loose black shorts and a nursing tank.

2goingon3 · July 2014

I second most of what's been said, however, I bought a pack of underwear from walmart that I was happy to toss because I found them to be much more comfortable than anything the hospital gave out. Plus they were a more snug fit, which held the giant pad in place a little better. I only need one outfit for baby to come home in because they stay so wrapped up in blankets while we're there that the hospital wear was better.

ariel06 · July 2014

With both my c/s and VBAC, I was in yoga pants and a nursing tank within hours of delivery. I just felt much more comfortable. I showered both times probably 12 hours after delivery, so my own shampoo, conditioner, and soap made me feel so much better. I threw on a lightweight robe when I had guests. I probably will bring one of my own pillows too. I hate the hospital ones.

BreandMikewedding · July 2014

I will be taking flip flops that I will throw away when I leave the hospital. I was told not to walk in bare feet at all in the hospital because of germs and the risk of cutting your foot. They even recommended them while taking a shower. I just saw some flip flops at target that are part of their "dorm/back to school" line that have cut out shapes in the sole to allow water out. I will also buy pillows for the hospital and throw them away when I leave. I wore the hospital gowns before I showered and was moving around. I wore a nursing bra, pj shirt and pj pants when walking the halls. I felt a little more "dressed" and less frumpy. I almost wish they gave you depends instead of the gigantic pads. Then it would be an all in one mess catcher. I take clothes for the baby because I don't like the stuff the hospital provides. I stock up on travel sizes of toiletries including lotion and Chapstick and use those while there.

cozybluebear · July 2014

With our first baby, we lived an hour from the hospital and it was a 3 day stay due to being high risk. That being said, my husband and I both had to over pack and our room was already small... I hate clutter! I found it easier to bring travel size items including cheap toothbrushes so we could just throw them away before leaving the hospital. The less I had to unpack when getting home, the better! I also packed a cheap pair of flip flops for the shower that I could throw away... I'm weird about public showers.

TinyTRex321 · July 2014

starla487 said:

persephonerose said:

@starla487 When they do an IV they use tegaderm film to keep it from pulling loose. You can buy it at any medical supply store and it says on if it gets wet. It comes in different sizes so you could get some and try it at home.

I have some of this stuff for my sensors. Maybe I can get an extra large size and tape the whole thing to my side.

I'll ask around.

What about a robe with pockets over your gown? Pants would have been a real pain with everything going on.

savicke2009 · July 2014

I always wear my own tank tops/shirts and pj pants in the hospital.. I hate the gowns and get out of then asap! With #2 I was in the shower right after I got to my room but before he was brought back from his bath, so I was dressed and had make up on by the time he got to our room.

otherwise I bring my own pillow, hair ties, bobby pins, headbands, slippers, clothes and blankies for baby.. and then various electronics

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