new N14 moms and hospital bag

tinkerbell1658 · November 2014

What was the most helpful thing you packed? Least helpful? Anything youd pack different? Im a stm but its been 5yrs so i dont remember!

MrsG1019 · November 2014

Just my toiletries. Literaly .. That's it. It helped me feel human the second day to be able to wash my face and reapply makeup.(I didn't shower at the hospital)

Anything else I had packed was not used (aside from my going home clothes)

misterdonut · November 2014

I am a FTM but I overpacked, and after my friend gave birth she told me hospital pretty much gives you all necessities for recovery and baby-- only thing I need apparently is comfort goods (familiar toiletries, clothes, baby home outfit).

howin23 · November 2014

Great thread. I'd also appreciate knowing the most helpful thing hubby brought for himself!

venussapphire · November 2014

howin23 said:

Great thread. I'd also appreciate knowing the most helpful thing hubby brought for himself!

@howib23 Last time the biggest thing for DH was the laptop with some movies or shows downloaded. I was way too exhausted to watch anything, but it helped him kill time for the 2 days after my c-section.

mrsransom · November 2014

It's been 6 years, but last time, all I remember bringing was a camera, laptop (which I won't need this time thanks to smart phones!), toiletries for showering, toothbursh & toothpaste, contact holder & solution, outfits for baby & an outfit for me to go home in. The hospital provides everything else! If I forget something, DH will have to run home to shower while we're there anyway, so he can bring whatever I need

DH didn't bring anything for himself except toothbrush & contact stuff because he was staying the night. I am sure that is all he will bring this time too.

SugarSnap83 · November 2014

Chapstick! I would have died without it!

ColtiersMom · November 2014

It's been 4 years for me so this thread is super helpful:)

AuthorMomof2 · November 2014

Just a change of clothes and a toothbrush. You're going to be there a day or two and that's it, it's not a heading off to a resort. Anything else isn't a need, just a want. My husband also brought a change of clothes and that's it. I don't know why anyone would need all of their technology or laptops and phones, are we really that addicted to the internet? You'll be recovering from delivery and spending every second with your newborn and visitors. My parents bring their nice camera and that's it. The hospital will give you anything else you need.

howin23 · November 2014

Re: technology, I definitely want my hubby to have his ipad during labor. I can't get an epi and we didn't want to / can't afford to spend the money on a doula, so I want him to have internet access to research any questions I have. I know the docs and nurses will be there, but sometimes they don't give you the full picture. We also won't have any family or friends visiting the hospital so will definitely want to call and send pics.

jaminjeff · November 2014

I'm bringing my Medela pump this time. My hospital only provides a manual pump and since I have supply and latching issues (previous breast reduction) I am making sure I'm not sitting there with some handheld pump for three days after my c/s.

Other that that I'm taking the following for me:

Nursing tanks

Robes

Yoga pants

Flip flops

Travel size toiletries, brush, etc.

Camera

Phone

iPad

chargers for said three electronics

I felt more comfortable in my own clothing, so I have black yoga pants and sweats to wear that will fit comfortably near my incision.

And yes, the technology is a must. I want to be able to Skype my family on my iPad that doesn't live anywhere near me, like my stepson who won't be able to make it home from college for the birth, and my sister and family that live on the other side of the country.

I'd also like to be able to text and call people and let them know what sex the baby is, so there's the need for my phone.

And I'm the picture taker in our families, so I'm sure as hell not waiting on someone else to bring a camera later on, my DH is getting a crash course in it now so he's ready during the c/s.

silverwings72 · November 2014

Yeah, im addicted to the internet !!

I'm addicted to feeling connected to my family and friends.

Hello, my name is Silverwings72 and I am an addict. :-h

Maelara · November 2014

AuthorMomof2 said:

Just a change of clothes and a toothbrush. You're going to be there a day or two and that's it, it's not a heading off to a resort. Anything else isn't a need, just a want. My husband also brought a change of clothes and that's it. I don't know why anyone would need all of their technology or laptops and phones, are we really that addicted to the internet? You'll be recovering from delivery and spending every second with your newborn and visitors. My parents bring their nice camera and that's it. The hospital will give you anything else you need.

Lol! You need to get off of your sanctimommy high horse. Just because a certain way of life works for you doesn't make it a one size fits all. I made sure my phone was fixed before this baby gets here because I will be one of the only people taking pictures. Pictures of her and my other daughter together are the most important thing to me. Just beause it's not important to you, doesn't mean I'm addicted to the Internet. I have lots of family in England wait for the update that she's here, I love them and want them to be apart of this experience. Now, go back to your bridge. We didn't cross it so there is no reason for you to make an appearance asking for a toll.

howin23 · November 2014

silverwings72 said:

Yeah, im addicted to the internet !! I'm addicted to feeling connected to my family and friends. Hello, my name is Silverwings72 and I am an addict. :-h

That was hilarious.

mslynn2012 · November 2014

For me: socks, toiletries TECHNOLOGY, Chapstick.

For DH: TECHNOLOGY, snacks, sweats/sweatshirt (he was cold!)

And for the record: technology is not an addiction, it's how most folks stay in touch with family...

silverwings72 · November 2014

Maelara said:

AuthorMomof2 said:

Just a change of clothes and a toothbrush. You're going to be there a day or two and that's it, it's not a heading off to a resort. Anything else isn't a need, just a want. My husband also brought a change of clothes and that's it. I don't know why anyone would need all of their technology or laptops and phones, are we really that addicted to the internet? You'll be recovering from delivery and spending every second with your newborn and visitors. My parents bring their nice camera and that's it. The hospital will give you anything else you need.

Lol! You need to get off of your sanctimommy high horse. Just because a certain way of life works for you doesn't make it a one size fits all. I made sure my phone was fixed before this baby gets here because I will be one of the only people taking pictures. Pictures of her and my other daughter together are the most important thing to me. Just beause it's not important to you, doesn't mean I'm addicted to the Internet. I have lots of family in England wait for the update that she's here, I love them and want them to be apart of this experience. Now, go back to your bridge. We didn't cross it so there is no reason for you to make an appearance asking for a toll.

--------QBF----/-----
And there you have it. You said it best @Maelara‌. That's why we lurv you.
:x

Maelara · November 2014

Aw, I lurv you too :x

SweetMelissa5 · November 2014

I'll also jump on the technology bandwagon and add that labor and delivery can be a long, drawn out process and having a way to distract and entertain yourself (and/or your DH) is a huge plus. With all of my labors, I spent time surfing the internet just to have something to do while I waited for my body to do its thing. I also tried reading books (via my Nook, another source of technology), but honestly, I didn't really have the attention span to be able to retain much of what I was reading, so having my laptop was a godsend.

crizz13 · November 2014

So I just posted in the monthly thanks that I'm thankful for FaceTime (before reading this thread). My sister lives in Scotland and I miss her every single day. You can bet that we'll be using our iPhones at the hospital!!

mrsransom · November 2014

AuthorMomof2 said:

Just a change of clothes and a toothbrush. You're going to be there a day or two and that's it, it's not a heading off to a resort. Anything else isn't a need, just a want. My husband also brought a change of clothes and that's it. I don't know why anyone would need all of their technology or laptops and phones, are we really that addicted to the internet? You'll be recovering from delivery and spending every second with your newborn and visitors. My parents bring their nice camera and that's it. The hospital will give you anything else you need.

Some of us have c-sections & are there 3-4 days. Also, we're not sitting there browsing the web while ignoring visitors & the baby...we are uploading pictures & updating our friends & family. Bringing your smart phone to the hospital (or laptop in my case 6 years ago because we didn't have smart phones with cameras & internet) doesn't mean you are addicted to the internet.

BridgetThoams · November 2014

im team technology!!!! I have family scattered around the country and will be face timing with them as well as sending pictures and lots of updates via txts. you can tell a lot more people at once via txt rather than make every single phone call to each person.

howin23 · November 2014

For those whose husbands stayed the night, did they bring a blanket or sleeping bag?

I told my hubby to be prepared for it to be chilly (I know from the nights I've spent in hospitals with friends and relatives, and that being tired can make you cold), but that was just about clothes. He'll be sleeping on a "sofa"/bench--sofa is a generous term here. I hadn't planned to pack him a pillow or blanket...

tamarnina · November 2014

I think technology is a must. I was so damn bored in the hospital with my son (9 years ago). He was not a good nurser, so I was pumping while he slept and there is only so much TV one can watch. I sent my inlaws out for cheesy magazines so I had something to read.

Fast forward almost 6 years and my husband bought me an iPad for my next stint in the hospital. It was great to have re-loaded e-books (all cheesy fiction). Plus I could read the news, email and Facebook with relatives, etc. This time, I have an iPad mini for my stay. I need to find some new books to load though.

As to the rest, I agree with everyone that showering with your own toiletries is the most refreshing thing. I stocked my bag with all the fancy Birchbox samples I never use. I also like to have a robe, which is odd, because I never wear that at home, and fuzzy slipper socks.

BridgetThoams · November 2014

@howin23 my H will be staying the night, there is a pul out couch thingy in the hospital room. I belevie that the hospital provides all blankets and pillows. Im sure you can always ask for more blankets if its cold

justjinny · November 2014

I'll happily go 2 weeks on vacation without a laptop or cell phone, but NO WAY would I want to go through a 3+ day hospital stay without it. With DS we didn't pack our laptop and it was one of the main reasons that DH took a break to run home and pick up extra supplies. For us it was mostly to download, edit and share photos with family.

@howin23 DH & I both stayed overnight at the hospital and took turns using the fold out bed (this time it will be all his!). There were extra blankets and pillows for us in the room (not great pillows, but usable if you're not picky about pillows). It was actually kind of hot and stuffy and I wondered if they kept it warmer for babies rooming in. I'd recommend your DH bring along both shorts and comfy pj pants.

I've packed 2 small bags. One with stuff for labor and the day after delivery & one with the less-essential stuff that DH can run out to the car to grab later if we end up staying longer than a day or two.

I'll second the chap-stick and also say to add in some hand lotion - we were constantly hand washing and using sanitizer for the bazillion diaper changes in those first few days which was tough on my skin. This time I'll also be bringing along a muslin receiving blanket or two. Last time the hospital didn't have anything for us that was large enough to swaddle which our LO liked in his first few days to help fall asleep.

minibean16 · November 2014

Just pointing out the irony of slamming technology on an Internet forum.

Kehlepop · November 2014

I ended up staying 5 days recovering from my cs. As soon as they took my catheter off, I was in regular clothes so nursing tanks, yoga pants, and cardigans were a must. I brought my toiletries and phone + charger. DH did not find the pull out bed comfy, so he brought a twin mattress topper, our own pillows and a blanket. He also brought clothes and snacks. The hospital was so drying, I lost my voice the second night so DH ran home and brought me our humidifier. The hospital supplied a Medela Symphony, so I left my pump at home. I had my own water bottle because it was the type that I could lay in bed and still drink out of. I think that was everything.
Oh, and CHAPSTICK!!

hidingangel82 · November 2014

howin23 said:
For those whose husbands stayed the night, did they bring a blanket or sleeping bag?

I told my hubby to be prepared for it to be chilly (I know from the nights I've spent in hospitals with friends and relatives, and that being tired can make you cold), but that was just about clothes. He'll be sleeping on a "sofa"/bench--sofa is a generous term here. I hadn't planned to pack him a pillow or blanket...

Bring the stuff! MH is on a vinyl couch/bed that looks so uncomfortable anyways, I'm happy he has blanket, sheet, and pillow, otherwise he'd probably be going home to sleep tonight while we wait!

silverwings72 · November 2014

minibean16 said:
Just pointing out the irony of slamming technology on an Internet forum.

Pretty sure you won the internet today @minibean16‌ !

hidingangel82 · November 2014

So, just found this out: we brought a bunch of dollar coins for the vending machine, but the machines won't take them! It will, however, accept debit & credit cards, so that's a good thing!
Moral of Story: Visa card, don't leave home without it!

silverwings72 · November 2014

hidingangel82 said:
So, just found this out: we brought a bunch of dollar coins for the vending machine, but the machines won't take them! It will, however, accept debit & credit cards, so that's a good thing!
Moral of Story: Visa card, don't leave home without it!

Another winner for technology!

beatrixkiddo19 · November 2014

We're on Team Technology for sure! It was nice to keep family at home during labor and still communicate. I didn't want anyone in the waiting room for hours.

I suffered through labor without Chapstick even though I thought to grab it multiple times as we rushed out of the house. Pack a couple extra tubes just in case.

My big thing is loose pants!! I brought 2 pairs of thin pajama pants for the stay and a pair of thick track pants to wear home, but fortunately wore some thick sweatpants to the hospital that worked well enough to disguise my diaper butt in front of visitors. I was so sick of wearing a gown, but was self conscious about thin, clingy pants over giant pads.

I only knew to bring thick pants at all thanks to the ladies on this board. You all rock!

ssstephanie214 · November 2014

I am bringing some candles, my quill, and a Gutenberg bible. NO technology for me.

Also I need to go get a manual toothbrush. Glad this thread reminded me

MrsG1019 · November 2014

howin23 said:
For those whose husbands stayed the night, did they bring a blanket or sleeping bag?

I told my hubby to be prepared for it to be chilly (I know from the nights I've spent in hospitals with friends and relatives, and that being tired can make you cold), but that was just about clothes. He'll be sleeping on a "sofa"/bench--sofa is a generous term here. I hadn't planned to pack him a pillow or blanket...

No the hospital provided that for him (we got placed I'm a two bed room but DH got the other bed.

One thing I would recommend is to pack DH some extra changes of clothes. Mine did an awful job packing for himself and just packed for one day but he would have loved to be able to change his shirt a 2-3 times a day and well.. He didn't pack for that.

MrsG1019 · November 2014

Oo

FhSTAR81 said:

MrsG1019 said:

howin23 said:
For those whose husbands stayed the night, did they bring a blanket or sleeping bag?

I told my hubby to be prepared for it to be chilly (I know from the nights I've spent in hospitals with friends and relatives, and that being tired can make you cold), but that was just about clothes. He'll be sleeping on a "sofa"/bench--sofa is a generous term here. I hadn't planned to pack him a pillow or blanket...
No the hospital provided that for him (we got placed I'm a two bed room but DH got the other bed.

One thing I would recommend is to pack DH some extra changes of clothes. Mine did an awful job packing for himself and just packed for one day but he would have loved to be able to change his shirt a 2-3 times a day and well.. He didn't pack for that.
This is why I packed for my husband. So much easier lol

Oh believe me .. I tried.. But I was "picking all the wrong shirts" --- good thing he picked the ones he wanted. Lol. He lived & learned his lesson for next time.

2ndGeneration · November 2014

The hospital I used tells you right on the info packet you get that the whole place has free wi-fi access...so I guess they expect you to bring technology.
I had brought my phone and laptop. Laptop because I'm sort of old and can't really see the phone that well for reading! I really just used it to post pics, we have family and friends all over the country so they could see her.

We made sure to bring small bills and dollar bills. They charged $7 per tray for dh's food and you have to pay in exact change at meal time-so we had that with us.

tinkerbell1658 · November 2014

Adding shorts too. Im about halfway packed. I think theres more to pack for ds then me! Plan is he'll be in the birthing suite so i need stuff to occupy him. Still need a roll of quarters, small bills are a good idea too!

JustJainey · November 2014

I just realized that I don't give a hoot what DH packs for himself or not. If he needs a change of underoos, then he can swing by WalMart. Maybe pick me up a donut while he's out. The irony of course is that clearly I care more about helping him be sexually gratified (from the masturbation post) than I do about his comfort during and after labour... maybe I'm a weirdo? B-)

ssstephanie214 · November 2014

@JustJainey‌ Excellent use of the sunglasses smiley.

I'm with you though, I got all my stuff and nothing for FI.

we live TWO BLOCKS from the hospital, so I am honestly wondering if there's any point in him bringing anything (besides an abacus if he needs to do some math).

missnacholover · November 2014

Things I was glad I packed:

-A towel - the ones at the hospital were teeny tiny.

-Slippers/slip on shoes (Oh, the swelling!)

-A hoodie. I was cold a lot.

Things I wished I had packed:

-More socks. I ran out after a couple of days and the hospital ones annoyed me

-My pumping bra. Pumping in the middle of the night while half asleep having to hold the things up was a pain in the ass.

-A roll of TP. I'm a double ply snob.

-An extension cord. Yes, random, but the outlets were in weird spots and sometimes my phone would have to charge while I was in bed and couldn't reach it. Annoying.

-More of my own pads with wings. The hospital ones seemed to not stick.

-More old underwear. I didn't really like the mesh ones all that much.

-A razor - after 3 days I was dying to shave my pits.

-A hair dryer. It got annoying having to air dry and by day 3/4 I wanted to look and feel more human. AND it is a great way to dry your C-section incision.

CPM13 · November 2014

It was crazy hot in our hospital room. (They keep the whole floor at 75 degrees for the babies). I wish I had some very cool feeling pj shorts and a tank or nursing tank to sleep in.

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