Four bags for the hospital? Am I crazy?

hjcook · December 2015

So I have a C-section scheduled for this Thursday, in two days. Dr. said to be prepared to be there four to five days. Just now packing my "bag" - somehow I had a singular item in mind as it is just called "packing your hospital bag" But now I am up to four bags!! DH is wondering what is the deal! One for me, including towels for us, one for DH, one for baby, one for snacks. Did you encounter this? We have tried to be a minimalist couple, so am I going crazy with my first one?!?!?!

MerBot · December 2015

I figure it's better to bring a couple small bags than a giant one.

- So I'm packing one small wheeled carryon for me and LO.

- Clothes for my husband he can keep in a separate backpack in the car.
- Same with a grocery tote with snacks that can go in the kitchenette.

sardavbak · December 2015

I had a c-section and was in for 4 days, I felt I packed a medium amount but used almost none of it. From my experience, the most important things were:

Nursing tank/bra & yoga pants (made me feel better to put on my own clothes about 24 hours after birth)
Camera - hands down the most used thing from my bag
Toiletries
Snacks (we brought our own but our hospital also had dining on demand so we called for meals/snacks several times a day, and I could order for my husband too)
Blanket for my husband and pillows for both of us - I was SO hot for the first 2 days, so he was glad we packed a blanket for him to use at night!
Going home outfit for LO - we just kept her in the hospital stuff until then
Nursing pillow

Everything else sat in the bag, never touched

ATolentino89 · December 2015

Yes. Lol. I didn't use/touch half of the things in my hospital bag. I was in for just over 36 hours after a vaginal birth. I changed out of the hospital gown after 24 hours and I showered before we left. My LO was in the hospital provided clothing until we left as it gave them access to his bracelet and anklet. My husband showered once and changed his shirt once. With everything that goes on in the hospital you really forget about all the stuff you thought you would want/need.

This is just my opinion though.

redfallon · December 2015

Yes, four bags is crazy. You may be there for a while, but it's not like you need to pack as if you're going on vacation. For instance, unless you just really want to, you don't need to have an outfit for you or for LO to change into every day. I wore my hospital gown like a sarong when I was in with DD and wore a nursing pajama top. Most of the time, I was either in the bed or sitting on the couch or chair in my room with a blanket over me. This time, I am wearing home the same outfit that I go to the hospital in. This LO will have one outfit to go home in plus a Swaddle Pod. The hospital here has little t-shirts for them to be in the rest of the time. We also didn't bring our own towels. I deal with what they have there.

ammnam14 · December 2015

Yes 4 is crazy! Unless your hospital doesn't provide anything. I have the diaper bag packed and a very small bag for me.

RSB1982 · December 2015

How far do you live from the hospital? Four bags is a bit much. I am probably doing to have one bag. If there is something I just have to have that I forgot, I'll just send DH to the store or back to the house.

LaceyH13 · December 2015

We didn't need anything for LO until we had to put him in an outfit to go home. I had a vaginal delivery and stayed in the hospital gown until getting ready to leave as there was so much bleeding I didn't want to risk ruining my own clothes. I did put a bra on for awhile, but didn't even really need any underpants, as I wore the mesh ones from the hospital. The bag of snacks is probably a good idea. Does your SO have the ability to go home fairly easily/quickly to get something if you need it?

Court11152325 · December 2015

Are you mentally crazy? Most likely no. Have you overpacked? Yes. I have a carry on sized bag that has stuff for me (mostly toiletries bc I'm picky like that) and a couple going home outfits to choose from for LO. DH has a gym duffle bag with an outfit, pjs, and layers. Our doula said the temp could be really cold to really hot depending on how I felt. Our hospital is right next door to a grocery store and several restaurants. DH can go to those if he needs to after labor. Otherwise we packed some protein bars for him for during labor.

mhwood · December 2015

You've totally over packed. I just had my c-section this morning and I have 1 small rolling suitcase for both me and baby.

preggoandglowing · December 2015

I have four bags too lol and I'm not planning on having a c-section! I HATE not having something I want or need. And even though the hospital is less than 10 minutes from home, DH would probably never find what I need if I were to send him back! My first bag is a labor only bag though.. a tote with a few toiletries (lip balm, hair ties, robe, etc) and mostly snacks for DH. Once I'm in recovery room, I'll have DH take that to the car and swap for my carry on which has my full toiletries, towel, going home outfit and LO's things. The third bag is a backpack with DH's stuff. And the fourth probably shouldn't count but it's a canvas bag with gifts for nurses and a few more snacks. At least I don't feel I overpacked.. but I did keep a list of everything so I can edit accordingly for my next baby.

ashhsa · December 2015

Lurking from Jan. My hospital provides literally NOTHING. (Like not diapers, not maternity pads, not clothing or blankets for the baby- or even meche undies- not one thing!) I am also having a csection with a 5 day stay- I will have 4 bags including one for hubby, they are smaller bags I am bringing them all. But keep in mind your husband can pick you up stuff from home- so you could pack 2 bags- with 2 days worth of stuff if it, and pack another 2 the same- and get your husband to swap them once you run out, that way you don't need to bring as much.

Or just bring it all- there is no really harm in over packing except that the unpacking will maybe be harder with a baby and a wound.

dec15mum · December 2015

You could just have your partner bring up a new bag of things you want for the day and take the old ones away so you're not having to take it all with you?

rmarie13 · December 2015

We have 3 bags. DH and I both packed our carry on suitcases and then LO's diaper bag. Plus I'm bringing my boppy. BUT my hospital only provides a few pads for me and a little diaper cream for the baby, NOTHING else. I mean nothing!! I had to buy a hospital gown. They won't even have a freaking hat or shirt or pinning blanket for my baby.
4 bags is probably too much but if it makes you feel less anxious then who cares!

Cejiml · December 2015

Lurking from J16.. Repeat on 12/28. Not sure what all your hospital provides but it sounds like you might have a lot. I would skip all of the towels just because the only bath baby gets is the first. Also you might want one for comfort but pick an old one. Tmi but there is a lot of blood that has to exit after and it literally gets everywhere. Also your hospital will give you 3 meals so maybe skip some snacks. I'm taking baby going home outfit, couple hats that I like, me 2 nursing gowns, 1 robe, toiletries, pillow case, camera and chargers. You think you need so much but I promise you won't. And with a c section you are in the bed a lot.

angelicac06 · December 2015

Yes 4 bags is crazy. I had a c section and stayed 2 nights. My hospital provided practically everything! I took nursing pjs with robe (awesome.) My own pads(didn't need the hospitals were just fine!) and underwear (didnt need either. The hospital mesh ones were amazing) The hospital provided also diaper, wipes, onesies and swalle blankets.
Our home is 15 mins from the hospital therefore my spouse just went home those 2 days to shower and change.

So I recommend wearing the same outfit to go home with, nursing pjs, sock slippers, and toiletries. And a going home outfit for the baby. Thats it.

groovylocks · December 2015

We had SO much crap and we're normally light packers (one carry-on sorts me out for a month). We had my bag, Olive's bag, husband's bag. His was the biggest. He packed video games, food etc.

Olive's bag was overkill. Don't pack a lot for baby, seriously. And don't pack much for yourself. You aren't going to care if you wear the same thing over and over. Socks and other undergarments are key items, as are personal toiletries. I never used the pillow they suggested i bring.

Relaatives can do runs to get whatever you need. Which is mostly your fav coffee because hospital coffee tastes like an armpit's ass.

TomekiaB · December 2015

It depends on what your hospital provides. My hospital recommends bringing baby clothes, diapers etc for the baby while in the hospital because they don't routinely supply them (so that's a small diaper bag). I have a bag with a couple long PJ t-shirts because my OB recommended them as better than hospital gowns, I brought one towel, flip flops for the showers and a light robe that filled my gym bag. I have snacks etc in a messenger bag with basic toiletries.

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Four bags for the hospital? Am I crazy?

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Re: Four bags for the hospital? Am I crazy?

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