Hospital Bag Thread

Toller · September 2016

I know "hospital bag" has been mentioned a zillion times, but thinking a specific thread might be helpful!! (I searched, and didn't see one already....)

Most of us are *hopefully* a ways out from having our babes, but you just never know! (And we want to support our mamas who are close already)

1) What are you packing that is a MUST have?

2) What are you packing for yourself/parents to be?

3) What are you packing for baby(ies)?

4) what are things to consider when packing? (e.g. is your hospital cafeteria 24 hours or will you be starving all night? Things for DH/Partner?)

5) Other?

(edited to specify out for mama and baby)

AbriannaO · September 2016

haha - I was just starting a thread on this too!! I will see if I can delete mine so there is only one!

Toller · September 2016

our timing was very close!! (my bump is NOT loading well today- probably why I missed yours!!) I can delete too!!

princesslockness · September 2016

1) What are you packing that is a MUST have? Going home clothes for me and E, Chargers for everything.

2) What are you packing for yourself/parents to be? Snacks, toiletries, personal pillows, cheap nightie to wear until discharge.

3) What are you packing for baby(ies)? Nothing except going home outfit, my hospital will provide everything.

4) what are things to consider when packing? (e.g. is your hospital cafeteria 24 hours or will you be starving all night? Things for DH/Partner?) Definitely food. Will DH need a blanket, will you have access to a DVD player/tv?

5) Other Extra bag to take home hospital stuff. You get charged if it goes into your room, might as well use it all.

AbriannaO · September 2016

@Toller

Here was my post with questions:

Let's talk packing!

I am probably stressing out way more about the hospital bag than I should be. I keep Pinterest hunting ideas on what I should be packing, but every Pin is contradicting the last. So ladies, what are you packing? What have you packed in the past? What have you been told is MUST HAVE and what have you been told is a waste of space? I want to start shopping for things that I need now before all the extra expenses show up closer to the eviction date. My husband doesn't think he needs to pack a bag because he can just go home and shower and change when he needs to. He's cute thinking that I am going to let him leave me. So I will be packing a secret hospital bag for him, so what did your partners pack?

When did you pack your bags?

princesslockness · September 2016

AbriannaO said:

@Toller

Here was my post with questions:

Let's talk packing!

I am probably stressing out way more about the hospital bag than I should be. I keep Pinterest hunting ideas on what I should be packing, but every Pin is contradicting the last. So ladies, what are you packing? What have you packed in the past? What have you been told is MUST HAVE and what have you been told is a waste of space? I want to start shopping for things that I need now before all the extra expenses show up closer to the eviction date. My husband doesn't think he needs to pack a bag because he can just go home and shower and change when he needs to. He's cute thinking that I am going to let him leave me. So I will be packing a secret hospital bag for him, so what did your partners pack?

When did you pack your bags?

Things I have at home, just in case, that I won't bring to the hospital are: nursing pads(milk typically comes in 2-5 days, discharge 1-2), pump - it's in the car because of potential NICU, milk tea&suppliments.

for H I have 2 set of clothes, pillow, and lap blanket, just in case we labor over night/into the night.

Amecsey · September 2016

Part of me wants to be nonchalant and a go-with-the-flow type of person for the birth, but I just don't think that is going to happen. My doctor keeps warning me about pre-term labor (she's freaking me out more than anyone else!), so I guess I should pack something...

1) What are you packing that is a MUST have? Camera/charger and Contacts/Glasses (so I can see my babies!)

2) What are you packing for yourself/parents to be? Other than some old big pajama shirts and a few changes of clothes for DH, I don't think anything special in particular

3) What are you packing for baby(ies)? Going home outfits and blankets

4) what are things to consider when packing? (e.g. is your hospital cafeteria 24 hours or will you be starving all night? Things for DH/Partner?) I have no idea... this is all new to me. I kind of thought the hospital would have everything I may need...

5) Other? So from lists I've checked out online, this is the list I think i came up with: insurance information, nursing bras, large tees/old nightgowns, warm socks/slippers, changes of clothes for DH, toiletries, pillow for DH, change/cash, phone/charger, and car seats installed in car.

Kacie209 · September 2016

Definitely following as I have no idea but whatever I have pinned on Pinterest. In our Birthing Class, they'll go over that stuff one of these weeks.

Funny thing... last week in the first week of Birthing Class, the instructor wanted everyone to put on a sticky note what they hoped to learn/get from the class. I put something about calming my fear of giving birth, in general. DH put... to know what we'll need to bring to the hospital. I think he just went with what she just briefly talked about, honestly. I showed him mine and his face changed like oh, maybe I should have put something else? He really didn't want to be there, but I guess at least he is focused on one thing when the time comes!

acreight13 · September 2016

Last time we brought: chargers for phones/electronic devices, warm socks, going home outfit, an extra bag for taking home hospital goodies or gifts people brought, and I had packed several outfits for myself. DH went home to take care of our animals so he was able to restock for himself.

Here's what I learned: don't overpack. If there was something that I needed desperately people would offer to bring it by. I went through more clothes than I thought, like stretchy pants and shirts. The hospital provided all the diapers, wipes, blankets etc that we needed.

mrsmerc2015 · September 2016

When I had DS my water broke at 36w5d and my bag wasn't ready. ExH went home at some point (I was in the hospital for 5 days) to get me and DS going home outfits and my toiletries. There wasn't really anything else I needed, to be honest. The hospital provides mesh panties, a gown/robe (although I may get something a little nicer this time), use of a hospital grade pump if you need it (and you get to keep the attachments, which is nice if your pump is the same brand), food (ExH had to go to the cafeteria or leave the hospital), diapers/hat/onesies for the baby.

My list this time:
Nursing nightgown/robe (maybe)
Toiletries
Flip flops (showers weird me out in hospitals/gyms/anywhere not a hotel/my home/a friend's home)
Bodhi's going home outfit
Chargers for phones/tablets/etc

That is about it....

yellingbanana · September 2016

1) What are you packing that is a MUST have?
Very comfy, loose, going home outfit for me. Cute outfit, blanket, baby hat for baby. Baby soap (most hospitals use baby soap with carcinogens: johnson&johnson).

2) What are you packing for yourself/parents to be?
Slippers, granny panties, lotion, chapstick, robe, pjs. Hairbrush, hair bands too. Nursing bras and nursing pads, nipple butter.

Husband is not allowed to leave! He needs to pack a bag with a change of clothes, pjs, and toiletries.

3) What are you packing for baby
Baby outfit, blankets, hats, binkies (you may want them!), baby soap, lotion, and nail clippers (you'd be surprised, lots of babies come out ready for a manicure!). Diapers, wipes.

4) what are things to consider when packing? (e.g. is your hospital cafeteria 24 hours or will you be starving all night? Things for DH/Partner?)
My hospital is awesome on food, they include 3 meals for you and partner. They're whole grain, healthy, hearty, and freakishly delicious! There is also a pantry and fridge full of food for moms and spouses in the postpartum ward that you can get 24/7.
But, the hospital soap, shampoo and conditioner are all super harsh. So I'll bring my own, face wash, moisturizer, stuff that I use everyday. Since I'm RCS, I'll be there for a couple of days.

5) Other?
Giant pads, in case I am not a fan of the hospital ones.

yellingbanana · September 2016

I recommend taking a tour of your hospital's birthing center. Most hospitals provide everything for the baby, and for your general postpartum care. But food, and bedding for spouse vary greatly. Our first baby, DH had to sleep in a lounge chair (SDSU, CA, hospital). Our second baby, DH got a twin bed/cot with nice pillows and blankets (Overlake, Bellevue, WA).

swhiddon33 · September 2016

1) What are you packing that is a MUST have? 2) What are you packing for yourself/parents to be? and 3) What are you packing for baby(ies)? I have combined these three for my answer because I do consider my list to be THE essentials for all 3 of us (mom, baby, dad) in that I don't want to rely on anyone else to "save" us if we're without something. In no particular order, here's what I have so far: pads, nursing/sports bras/tanks (whatever is fitting best at the time), a comfy robe that can be tossed later if need, pajamas for me and DH, socks, slippers with hard bottoms, panties, phone chargers, laptop and charger, glasses and case, contacts lenses, our own pillows with their own differently-colored cases, chapstick, sleep masks, journals, hair ties, going-home clothes for everyone, breast pads, nipple cream, blankets/swaddlers, socks and hat for baby, his toiletries (like a PP said...what the hospital uses is not our jam), books to read, puzzles, our personal toiletry items like shampoo, soap, lotion, deodorant, toothpaste and brush, facial moisturizer, face wash, and some flip flops for the shower.

4) what are things to consider when packing? (e.g. is your hospital cafeteria 24 hours or will you be starving all night? Things for DH/Partner?) That we cover as many bases as possible. We live about 1 hour from our hospital so "running home" real quick isn't going to be a good option!

5) Other? We need to figure out our puppy plan....I just realized that when I said "running home" can't be done. Hmmmmmmmmm.

jennbaylor12 · September 2016

1) What are you packing that is a MUST have?
Chargers, swimsuit cover-ups - the dress kind that have elastic tops - work perfectly for PP/nursing/avoiding incisions/trips to the bathroom/etc
(Last time I took a yoga ball, don't bother buying a birthing ball - yoga ball is the same and much cheaper, and it was great. Won't this time as I'm having a RCS)

2) What are you packing for yourself/parents to be?
Snacks, toiletries, make-up, changes of clothes, tablet

3) What are you packing for baby(ies)?
Cloth diapers, coming home outfit, gifts for DS, carseat

4) what are things to consider when packing? (e.g. is your hospital cafeteria 24 hours or will you be starving all night? Things for DH/Partner?)

5) Other?
I personally wouldn't overpack. What goes in, must come out, plus all the hospital stuff you leave with, plus the baby in the carrier, plus gifts/flowers/etc. It can be a Lot!!

Toller · September 2016

1) What are you packing that is a MUST have?
phone charger, extension cord (so it reaches your bed!), snacks

2) What are you packing for yourself/parents to be?
Comfy going home clothes (probably pack a nursing tank/robe in case of c/s). Disposable flip flops, brush, shampoo/conditioner, binders, makeup (to feel human again!), toothbrush/paste, nipple butter, snacks (my hospital stops serving food at 6pm and it was a MAJOR PROBLEM last time!!!)

DH- extra clothes, his fave snacks, toothbrush, waterbottle (I got one, he didn't)

3) What are you packing for baby(ies)? our own diapers (DD has very sensitive skin), baby shampoo (thanks for this @yellingbanana!!), going home outfits, pacifiers, headband for baby girl (they took pics in hospital last time and i'd like to distinguish her from brother)

4) what are things to consider when packing? (e.g. is your hospital cafeteria 24 hours or will you be starving all night? Things for DH/Partner?)

5) Other?
probably but my mind is blank right now....

AbriannaO · September 2016

@swhiddon33 The dog situation is probably the only thing I have figured out! We are 20 minutes from the hospital and though my DH thinks he will be able to go home and take care of his and the dogs needs, with it being our first kid, I am not comfortable with that. There is a website: dogvacay.com that we have used in the past to find sitters for our beasts. I sent my lady a text today to see if she has availability and flexibility during our due date to be our on call sitter, which she is. Depending on when the show starts, we will contact her and have her go over to our house a couple of times a day to feed and let out our dogs along with play and give them water. I figured it would be easier to have someone come to our house and keep with their regular routine than for them to go to boarding or her house and then come home to a small human invader. Once our baby has made it's arrival and we have notified our parents that they can begin their travels to visit (2-3 hour drive for each), then most likely my mom or dad will take over dog duties until we leave the hospital as they are who our dogs are most comfortable with.

I am going to have a back up dog sitter though just in case ours can't be there. We have a friend who's little brother has taken care of them in the past for us as well. So we will have him "on call" in case our other sitter can't make it.

SarahF8611 · September 2016

STM Mom!
1) What are you packing that is a MUST have?
Tablet, phone charger, notepad and pen, nursing bra, nursing tank, two nightgowns, yoga pants, slippers, a few swaddle blankets for baby, a few outfits for baby, make-up, toiletries.

2) What are you packing for yourself/parents to be?
I feel like this was covered above... lol

3) What are you packing for baby(ies)?
Same- I did not pack much for baby and won't this time. Hospital has everything you could possibly need!

4) what are things to consider when packing? (e.g. is your hospital cafeteria 24 hours or will you be starving all night? Things for DH/Partner?)
I did NOT pack snacks and I won't this time either since my hospital policy is to not eat during labor. Inlaws brought me a pizza right after baby came and others brought food/beer for us to the hospital. My husband packed his own bag since he's an adult.

5) Other?
I didn't do my makeup last time in the hospital and it seems so vain but I really wish I would have, at least the second day, because I don't look so good in any of the pictures with tiny baby. Also, this time I will bring a near empty diaper bag, nurses encouraged me to take anything on my son's bassinet because it was FREE and I almost ran out of room. haha.

slartybartfast · September 2016

I'm disregarding the questions because it's not how it's organized in my brain.
I will have 4 bags so things are easier to keep track of:

1. Labor bag:

Music (ipod and speaker)
non-slip fuzzy socks
lavender spray
my labor snacks (probably just odwalla-type smoothies)

2. Food bag (mainly for DH)

frozen burritos
fruit
oatmeal packets + bowl
peanuts
granola bars

3. Postpartum bag:

toiletrees
2 long button down shirts
2 bras, slippers, socks
Going home outfit for mama (probably a maxi dress)
Going home outfit for bebe (x2) including hat
DH change of clothes
Wallet/phone/charger
postpartum wrap

4. Toddler bag (will go with DS to neighbors, my parents, or... if both of those fall through and we have to take him with)

Diaps and wipes
Pouches, snack bars, bananas, almond milk and sippy cup
blankie
monkey
books
3 changes of clothes, outerwear, jammies, spare keys to car with carseat

penelope4612 · September 2016

@SarahF8611 - do they let you have beer in the hospital?!?!

bakerstreetboys · September 2016

Extra little things that I pack:
Ear plugs in case we don't get a private room. Hospitals are loud!
Lip balm and moisturizer because it's always super dry in there.
Giant granny underwear because they aren't provided.
Two outfits for Kai, because he will almost definitely throw up or pee on the first one as soon as he's in it.

With my first three babies, the hospital provided diapers, wipes, and pads, but now the website says to bring those things, so I'll have to check on that.

Don't forget to have the car seat installed in time! Sounds obvious, but they won't let you leave without it

SarahF8611 · September 2016

@penelope4612 - I mean, we did and no one batted an eye! It's not like we were raging, I had like 3 sips of a beer and I think my husband had two. We gave the rest to the people next to us as we were leaving. They were grateful, haha!

dmontgo · September 2016

1) What are you packing that is a MUST have?:
Must haves for me would be:
Warm socks with grippies for labor
Contacts/solution/glasses
Robe to wear after the birth
Soft going home outfit with nursing bra
Razor/shaving cream (I have hirsutism in certain places so this IS a must-have for me).
Eye mask for sleep

2) What are you packing for yourself/parents to be?
For me (in addition to what is listed):
Flip flops for the shower
Snacks & Water & Gatorade
Hairbrush
Pillow & blanket
Makeup & Bobby pins
Toiletries
Dulcolax
Slippers
A couple pads with wings
Hand sanitizer
Cell phone charger
Soft pajamas
Dermoplast
Altoids
Chapstick & lotion
Lotion tissues

DH:
Toiletries
Cell phone charger
Blanket & Pillow
Change/cash
Computer & Charger
Jacket
3 pairs of clothes and PJs
Movies
Pediatrician/OBGYN/insurance info
Eye drops
DVDs
Pain reliever in case the fluorescent lights bother him

3) What are you packing for baby(ies)?
Hand mittens
Going home outfit (size NB & 3 months)
Baby memory book
Socks
Hat
Baby wipes
Baby lotion
Nail clippers
Carseat
Baby shampoo
A couple diapers/cream just in case

4) what are things to consider when packing? (e.g. is your hospital cafeteria 24 hours or will you be starving all night? Things for DH/Partner??
Snacks and water are important for where we are. Change and dollar bills are good to have for when the cafeteria is closed. A blanket and pillow I think would be nice to have in the room to make it more comfy and homey.

5) Other?
I do have a PP girdle but I'm going to wait til I'm home to wear that. My bag is already packed and I don't think I'll be making too many changes.

beff12 · September 2016

1) What are you packing that is a MUST have?
Chargers, comfy clothes for post delivery and going home, some fancy new granny panties! I guess we'll be packing a bag for DD1 also since she'll end up with grandparents.

2) What are you packing for yourself/parents to be?
I used so much Chapstick after DD1 was born. Snacks and toiletries. My camera. A PP mentioned makeup. I didn't take it when DD was born but found that I wanted a little bit when we had visitors.

3) What are you packing for baby(ies)?
Honestly, probably not a lot. A couple outfits and maybe a couple diapers, but the hospital provides so much and the nurses were all shoving it in to bags for me when we left. I will probably pack a couple of our own blankets. DH took a couple home before we all went home so that the dog could smell them.

4) what are things to consider when packing? (e.g. is your hospital cafeteria 24 hours or will you be starving all night? Things for DH/Partner?)
Think about how you plan on feeding your baby. If you are going to breastfeed, take your own Boppy so that you can get used to it. DH used it as a pillow around his neck when he had a chance to rest - it's surprisingly comfortable haha!

5) Other?
Make sure your car seat is installed! And don't plan on wearing your normal bra home. Your boobs may or may not be huge, depending on when your milk comes in.

zubenescamali · September 2016

1) What are you packing that is a MUST have?
relaxation music, birth plan, and scents (like a renuzit or air freshener beads)
cell phone since it doubles as the camera.

2) What are you packing for yourself/parents to be?
basic toiletries (contact lenses/solution, toothbrush/paste/floss, lotion, chapstick, hair brush maybe)
glasses, pillow, couple pairs of granny panties, nursing bra, nursing pads (my milk comes in on day 3-4, so depending on how long i'm there- last two times the hospital didn't have nursing pads and I had to cut a maxi pad in half), ipad/chargers and headphones. one outfit to come home in, i'll wear the gown the rest of the time.
DH can pack for himself. he will probably come home after the first night so he won't need much.

3) What are you packing for baby(ies)?
coming home outfit and baby blanket. hospital will provide everything else.

4) what are things to consider when packing? (e.g. is your hospital cafeteria 24 hours or will you be starving all night? Things for DH/Partner?)
my hospital will provide grippy socks, epifoam, food, water bottle, etc. cafeteria is open "nearly round the clock" so DH should be fine for food.

5) Other? lifesavers or other hard candies for dry mouth.

ashleaf2018 · September 2016

I haven't given this much thought, having a scheduled C so there's some things I won't need.

1) What are you packing that is a MUST have?

Nothing is really a must have, we live close to our hospital and have family close so if we did forget something they would bring it to us.

2) What are you packing for yourself/parents to be?

Comfortable sweats and tees for FI, both our phones/phone chargers, pillow and blanket for FI, blanket for me, probably some nursing nighties and a robe for me. No pants since I won't want to irritate my C section incision. Will be staying at the hospital 3-4 days since I am having the C section so we'll probably bring some more homey comforts like our own toiletries.

3) What are you packing for baby(ies)?

Our hospital will provide everything we need; that being said we are having a Fresh 48 session done so we will bring him 2-3 outfits for that. We'll also bring a special baby blanket that we are having monogrammed for him.

ETA: We are also bringing our ring sling so we can start baby wearing pretty soon.

4) what are things to consider when packing? (e.g. is your hospital cafeteria 24 hours or will you be starving all night? Things for DH/Partner?)

We have a list of delivery places near our hospital and we have family in town that will bring us food. We're also planning to bring snacks like crackers, granola bars, and water. We are having a scheduled C at 7 am so won't have to worry about laboring through the night, just a longer hospital stay.

5) Other?

DiFazette · September 2016

Here's my list - all of this is coming:

Nursing tanks

Nursing bras

Socks

Slippers

Toiletries

Phone/charger

Pajamas

Lanolin

Maxi pads

Coming home clothes - leggings x2

Hair ties

Brush

Makeup

Pump

Pumping bra

Charged camera

Nursing pillow

Snacks for me

Babies

Blankets for swaddling

Receiving blankets

Clothing/hats - preemie/newborn (2 of each)

R0824H · September 2016

I've packed my bag already LOL, I just followed some Pinterest lists but excluded things I didn't think I would use.

For me: flip flops (shower), slippers, fuzzy grip socks, 2 pairs granny panties, nursing nightie, comfy going home shirt and stretchy yoga pants, facecloth, toiletries bag, camera + batteries, roll of quarters for vending machine, head band for labor

For DH: PJ pants, fresh shirt, pants and underwear, small toiletries bag for him, he also gets to carry all the snacks since his bag is so light (granola bars, pringles, M&Ms)

Baby bag: 2-3 different outfits of different sizes (because we don't actually know what she will fit into), a receiving blanket, hat & mitts set (our winter is pretty cold), burbp cloth, and any other necessities my diaper bag would need although I will use whatever the hospital gives up while we are there.

I've also made a list on our fridge of things to grab when the time comes to head out the door (or for DH to come back and get if we are already out) so we know exactly what we need to collect (wallets, chargers, tablets, phones, etc)

sheshae · September 2016

1) What are you packing that is a MUST have?
Chargers and a change of clothes!
2) What are you packing for yourself/parents to be?
I'm debating bringing my nursing pillow...
3) What are you packing for baby(ies)?
His outfit, some mittens, and a hat in case it's super cold.
4) what are things to consider when packing? (e.g. is your hospital cafeteria 24 hours or will you be starving all night? Things for DH/Partner?)
Comfort like bringing my own pillow.
5) Other?
Nothing I can think of!

LinziLoo09 · September 2016

1) For labor:
Trash bags and towels to line the car seats if my water breaks in advance (you'll leak for a good while)
iPod with motivational exercise music - helps with the pushing
Oil burner with lavender or eucalyptus oils
Food. Hospital policy is to not eat, but they won't take the food away from you. I can't go another full day without eating and manage to push out a baby.
Sports bra to labor/deliver in

2) For hospital stay:
Full body sanitary wipes - in case they don't let me shower right away. I NEED to be clean!
Phones and laptops with chargers
Pajamas and comfy clothes (yoga pants, sports bras etc)
Clothes for DH
Toiletries, shower stuff, and makeup
Slipper socks
Books

2) For baby:
The hospital provides most everything...
Going home outfit
Carseat - Making sure it is sized for a newborn because it was not last time when we first got her out to the car. Not fun to do on the fly.

3) Other:
Can't think of anything else at the moment. The hospital will provide mesh panties, sanitary pads, icy pads, tucks pads, swaddling blankets, etc for mom and baby. So we really don't need to overdo it there.

Diamond0323 · September 2016

I had an emergency c-section so because of this my list may be extensive. I was in the hospital for 4 after she was born.

Tank tops (4) and a loose fitting dress to come home in. I wore a gown the rest of the time
slippers with a grip sole (they have you walk around and those sock things are horrid. and I wore my slippers home as my shoes really didn't fit.)
Nb and 0-3 months clothes for baby. DD came out fitting a 0-3 but was in a nb by the time we left
Mittens (DD had a thing for digging her face)
Chargers for phones
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash and a baby wash cloth for me (The soft baby washcloth was a godsend for around the incision)
Towels for DH and me (their's are for children I swear....not big nor soft)
Pillows (they only supply one and it's flat.....Not happening)
Blankets for DH and baby
Toothbrushes for DH and me
Lotion for me (So much hand washing, not enough moisture)
Chapstick for the same reason
Hair Ties and brush
nail file (I broke a nail and had to send DH to the dollar store so I could fix it or it would've scratched baby)
TP (I know it sounds weird but I prefer my Charmin especially when I'm already in pain and someone wants me to wipe with sandpaper)
Carseat and cover (My DH forgot ours.....until we got sent home)

I'm sure there is more but prego brain is setting in.......

uromys · September 2016

1) What are you packing that is a MUST have? This is baby number three and after multiple hospital stays with my first I've found comfort is key, and minimal is best. Must haves: leggings, tank tops, robe, and charger. Toiletries.

2) What are you packing for yourself/parents to be? DH has his own bag I pack him. Change of clothes, toiletries. I do tent to bring my pillow with me to the hospital. I'm very particular about my pillow.

3) What are you packing for baby(ies)? Little man will have two long sleeve onesies, coming home outfit, and receiving blanket. I also back a couple newborn diapers because our hospital only provides size 1 and both my babies were swimming in size 1 for a month.

4) What are things to consider when packing? (e.g. is your hospital cafeteria 24 hours or will you be starving all night? Things for DH/Partner?) I usually toss in a couple protein bars and pack of gum. I've learned that no matter the time of delivery our nurses station always has sandwiches stocked in the fridge and we have a couple fast food chains near the hospital. Bare minimum is best.

5) Other? if you're doing a hospital tour definitely ask about things like late births and food options or what's provided for baby.

sreysaw17 · September 2016

Not sure where this question goes but it determines what I pack so here goes: We have the blessing of being close to a birth center so that's where we're planning to have this baby. Luckily, that means the option of a waterbirth (they say you can labor in the air, in the water, or on the ground!

). I'm a pretty private person though, so I'm struggling to know what to pack to labor in. I've seen mention of sports bras? Is that the best option? Any other brilliant ideas?

ashleaf2018 · September 2016

Srey Saw said:

Not sure where this question goes but it determines what I pack so here goes: We have the blessing of being close to a birth center so that's where we're planning to have this baby. Luckily, that means the option of a waterbirth (they say you can labor in the air, in the water, or on the ground! ). I'm a pretty private person though, so I'm struggling to know what to pack to labor in. I've seen mention of sports bras? Is that the best option? Any other brilliant ideas?

I've heard a lot of people who choose to labor in water will either wear a bikini top or sports bra. I would say to bring something for laboring in the water if you already have the option, you may end up deciding not to but at least you'll be prepared either way.

uromys · September 2016

Srey Saw said:

Not sure where this question goes but it determines what I pack so here goes: We have the blessing of being close to a birth center so that's where we're planning to have this baby. Luckily, that means the option of a waterbirth (they say you can labor in the air, in the water, or on the ground! ). I'm a pretty private person though, so I'm struggling to know what to pack to labor in. I've seen mention of sports bras? Is that the best option? Any other brilliant ideas?

I agree with @ashleaf2018 with being prepared for water regardless. I've relived both my girls at the hospital and they require you be in just a robe. My best friend just had her baby at a birth center and she wore a sports bra and a robe. Just bring an extra set for when you're done.

Kacie209 · September 2016

We did go over this in my Birthing Class from last night and made notes next to some items based on what others already had posted in this thread. I will eventually go through this whole thread and make notes and start getting some stuff in mind.

The instructor suggested to bring a sports bra if you wanted to sit in the Jacuzzi while in labor, just so you have something on... if you don't want to be naked. She also suggested a robe for walking around the halls, and I noted hard bottom slippers but also flip flops for the shower, etc. She said she was amazed to see so many moms with nothing on their feet when they walk around; she's a L&D nurse.

I wish I could have a water birth... I always thought that looked so much more relaxing, or as relaxing as it could be, during that time.

maamawaabangi · September 2016

I'm a pretty modest person too... During most of my births I'm pretty much naked... I did however feel the desire to wear a sports bra (or a nursing sleeping bra) during my hospital birth. Get the kind that are made of water wicking or Non cotton material... They don't hold the water as much and feel more comfortable.

Laboring in water is such a relief. Very helpful.

sreysaw17 · September 2016

Thanks for the input! Sounds like water-wicking sports bra it is. And the robe is a good idea too. I am anticipating using the tub since I've heard so much about how it helps. @Kacie209 After listening in on these threads, I wish for your sake more cities had birth centers like this. It does certainly sound like a possibility of being more towards the relaxing side.

slartybartfast · September 2016

Also know that, unless there is some reason otherwise, it's pretty soon after birth that the baby latches and begins to nurse so you don't want something that you'll have to wrestle your way out of to allow for that.

kbduke · September 2016

Maybe a dumb question but I see a lot of people are packing PJ or yoga pants. Is this for going home or at the hospital? I assumed a gown/robe would be what I would wear after delivery because the doctor/nurse might need to check on what's going on in my lady regions after all the activity of birth? Am I completely off base?

maamawaabangi · September 2016

@slartybartfast is right... I usually need help getting it off... Last time I just asked if they would cut it off. It was totally an ok casualty to me... not to have to wrestle out of a wet sports bra as I'm trying to hold my babe.

maamawaabangi · September 2016

Going home... @kbduke

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