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July 2017 Moms
stokesm21
member
Hospital Bag & First Days
stokesm21
member
I know it's still early but I like to be prepared haha! I've come across some lists that have been helpful. STM's what did you have but not need, and need but not have in the hospital and during your first few weeks with baby?
Me: 29 ~ DH: 31 ~ SS: 12
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
Re: Hospital Bag & First Days
i wish I had more room in my bag to stuff all the hospital stuff into.
Oh and I'm bringing my boppy with me to the hospital (this one may be tricky for ftm's but worth looking into which bf'ing support you might be most comfortable with)
Things I needed at the hospital I was glad to have? My own pillow and throw blanket. Slippers. Chapstick and lotion.
At home: I wish we would have gotten more of the pre-made little bottles of formula. Mixing bottles was exhausting those first few weeks. I have to sleep in the living room the first few weeks due to having a c-section and our master being in the basement, so having a small basket with diapers, wipes, receiving blankets, a spare outfit, and binky in it, within reach was super helpful if nobody was readily available to help me.
Me (K)-27 DH (T)-30
2 Rainbow DDs L-10/26/10 and A-03/27/14
2 Angels- 10/26/09 and 02/03/15
Surprise BFP on 10/25/16!!! Baby Firecracker is due on 07/02/17!
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
chap stick or two
socks from home
my own shower stuff
face lotion
boppy
nice camera
phone charger and phone
snacks
a going home outfit for yourself!
(funny story, it was the middle of the night when I went into labor...so I was in jammies, uggs and a robe. I had to wear that crap home! On a hot September day around 3 in the afternoon. Hahah I looked crazy! The pj's weren't exactly appropriate, so robe it was.)
ETA: hospital provided 100% of everything needed for baby boo while in hospital. Take it ALL WITH YOU when you leave, too!!!!!!! Seriously, they had anything you would need. I'm much less anxious about this as a STM who gave birth not that's long ago. Lol.
I took advantage of the nursery, but they followed what had been wrote down by my patient care advocate. We delayed DD2's first bath until I could be out of bed to help. I'm sure that if you are up front with the nurses they won't use anything you don't want them to.
Me (K)-27 DH (T)-30
2 Rainbow DDs L-10/26/10 and A-03/27/14
2 Angels- 10/26/09 and 02/03/15
Surprise BFP on 10/25/16!!! Baby Firecracker is due on 07/02/17!
Clothes: I brought two pairs of black yoga pants, two nursing tank tops, two pairs of undies, and one zipper sweater (easy nursing access). I wore my hospital gown and the mesh panties the whole time, so really only needed/used one change of clothes.
Makeup and toiletries: I brought a small makeup bag that had moisturizer, blush, mascara, hair ties, and lip balm in it. Some girls go all out and do hair and makeup, but I didn't last time. They provided soap and shampoo that actually worked/smelled okay, but I did bring and use a small container of conditioner, body lotion, and leave in conditioning spray for my hair. Everything was so dry! Don't forget chapstick. I also brought deodorant and my own toothbrush and toothpaste (they provided these things too, but I had my own).
One outfit for baby, they provide diapers, wipes, blankets, hats etc. If you want something special for pics, bring that of course. We like to keep it real simple.
You'll need a car seat obviously, change of clothes and deodorant for daddy, and phone chargers.
ETA: I also brought and used a razor.
PAPERWORK
DURING LABOR
- Stopwatch to time contractions
- Massage oils or lotions
- Your favorite pillow
- Snacks for your partner - sandwiches and other nutritious items - yours will be monitored but they should bring something so they don't have to leave to get something to eat.
AFTER DELIVERY
- Shower gel, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, makeup, etc
- Massage oils or lotions
HEADING HOME
- Rear-facing infant car seat: When it comes time to take your newborn home, your partner should know how to find it quickly and install it correctly. Better still, install it in advance so you're ready to roll (after you're both checked out by the hospital staff).
Any thoughts from any STMs?
Married: 06-2024
TTC #1: Since November 2015
Restarted TTC "count" Oct. 2016
due to previous issues.
***TW***
BFP: 11/4/2016
BFP: 07/17/2024
I used pretty much everything that I packed, including my makeup. We had a lot of visitors and I was glad to have any personal care items to helpe try to feel a little normal around every one.
- diapers - take the hospital ones - do not bring your own
- pretty sure your hospital will allow smart phones
- who to call list and prepaid card - again, most likely unnecessary and if in case you end up in a place that doesn't have wifi or allow cell phones, your SO will have time to get some. There is a lot of downtime for SO's
- snacks - I really would not worry about food. seriously SO will have time to get food if you don't get food service already
- maxi pads - ones that we're most comfortable with is funny to me because there really aren't many situations where a woman would develop a preference for a brand of maxis that will hold that much blood. No one has a preference for maxis that big. In fact, I was hormonally upset when I ran out of the hospital-provided ultra super super xxl maxi pads! Use the ones the hospital provides. And take lots.
- underwear - don't bother, just wear the mesh underwear and remember to take home as many as you can
- during labor items - all of it, lol, were untouched. Except the hair tie. The hospital we went to had all the equipment we'd need - yoga balls, etc., and also gave us lots of lemon Italian ice, etc. DH had time to go home, walk the dog, go get food, etc.
stopwatches aren't really necessary if you have the contraction app downloaded onto your phone.
- LOTS of diapers! In Canada it is not the norm for the hospital to provide all of the baby essentials and while they did provide us with one or two while my hubby went to the (incredibly expensive) hospital store, I wish we had brought more - like a whole bag. We were in the hospital from Saturday - Monday and it's amazing how many diapers baby will go through in those first few days. I also recommend the buggies newborn diapers which have a little cut-out for the umbilical cord. Pack a couple sz 1 diapers too in case you have a big baby (some skip the newborn stage altogether)
- same goes for the extra absorbent for pads. I packed a few but wish I packed more.
- tucks (witch hazel pads) were good but honestly I used them more when I got home. I will still put them in the bag this time around though
- a nice going home outfit. I definitely recommend packing a light robe and pjs that are nursing friendly for while you're in the hospital - what I didn't pack was a nice outfit to go home in though and you'll want at least one photo of you. On that note and for the same reason, definitely pack some makeup if you usually wear some!
- magazines - I packed a couple last time and while I didn't have a chance to read them, hubby appreciated them
- phone charger!
- nursing pillow - it's not critical but would have been nice for when nursing and especially when the lactation consultant comes around
- several onesies or sleepers (I highly recommend the zip-up sleepers) plus a going home outfit for baby - the hospital will swaddle which will keep baby warm, but I just loved the onesies that button up - they were convenient and with baby being so small I was nervous at first with the over-the-head onesies. As pp mentioned, mittens and booties plus a hat are also good to pack!
As for during labour, I packed several lotions and massage things and didn't use any - I was lucky to have a fairly quick labour and delivery but found I didn't want or have time for any of it.
i second having a travel kit with toothbrush, mouthwash, and hairbrush for post-delivery.
i also packed snack foods, which I didn't end up eating. After labour I wanted some decent food and family ended up making several trips to the hospital Tim Horton's!
Just an insurance card and ID is all the paperwork you need, and I didn't bring any of the stuff listed under "during labor". I had family, my phone, the tv, and my own deep breathing. Didn't need anything else for labor. No need to bring maxi pads because they provide the best and biggest pads you could ever want/need, and you'll likely be bleeding a lot, so use the ones the hospital provides. Same goes for the mesh undies. Use them.
Whatever toiletries you use on the regular of course, a change of clothes for you, hubby, and baby. And a car seat. You really need so much less than you would think you do.
- Safe place to sleep: bassinet, crib, whatever you choose
- Breastmilk or formula (bottles, pump, binkies etc)
- Onesies or sleepers
- Swaddle blankets
- Diapers and wipes
My baby got sick at 3 weeks, and the nose frida, Boppy pillow, and baby nasal spray were life savers. We didn't have any burp cloths or any baby towels, we just used muslin swaddles for EVERYTHING.
I seriously wore nursing tanks and yoga pants for weeks (and loved it). A nursing cover might be considered a must, I have the Milk Snob covers and love them.
That is it. I recommend keeping it super simple and just soaking up the moments. Don't worry too much about "things". Baby wants milk, sleep and snuggles, that is all.
I do remember wishing we'd brought more healthy snacks. My son was born at 11 pm and I needed energy.
DH ran out for everything else, including the car seat when it was time to leave. I did bring snacks, but didn't want any of them. People coming to visit would always say, "Can I bring you guys anything?" We asked them for whatever snacks we were wanting.
The hospital had everything for my after care, and I asked for extras to take home. Same for DS. If there was anything I'd change this time it would be to have match your outfits for my family for when the professional photographer came around (totally a want, not a need). Also DS was 5lb15oz when born and 5lb8oz when we left the hospital, so a few preemie outfits would have been nice, but we made due just fine.
After delivery, I was just a hot mess and didn't get out of the bed for a long time and didn't care. But I'm hoping this time around I'll be up a little quicker and I'll want my own toiletries and comfy clothes.
I agree with whoever said to bring the boppy. I was annoyed when the LC came in and started moving 800 pillows around to help me BF. I was like am I really going to have to do all this every 2 hours?
I also agree that you don't need anything for the baby, except whatever cute outfit/blankets you want to have for photos. The hospital will probably provide everything else, but that's something you can double check about when you do the hospital tour.
For pre-baby:
- Our hospital had us fill out all of our paperwork beforehand. No ID or insurance card needed. See if this is an option for you.
- a list of "OK to visit after baby." This was for the desk personnel to be able to restrict access to us.
For Labor:
- a charger for your cell phone, because labor can, you know, last a while.
- your own pillow, because if you can sleep at all, do it! My doc recommended benadryl because I had been up for over 30 hours and was too excited to sleep. Loved having my car travel pillow.
- slippers/non-slip socks. I was GBS+ so they had an IV in before a catheter so I was up to pee every 30 minutes and the floors are cold. They gave me flimsy sticky socks, but they were one size and they didn't fit me well.
- Im not sure why you would need a stopwatch for contractions once in the hospital. At least for me I was hooked up to a machine that told me how mine were doing. But an app on your phone would be sufficient.
After Delivery:
- maxi pads of a brand you're comfortable with: oh hell no. As others have mentioned, go with the hospital supplies. Mesh undies and diaper sized pads that you will soak through in a couple of hours are better than your favorite ķand expensive) Always that will get soaked through in 30 minutes. Have plenty ready for when you get home though!
- nursing pillow- if you don't know what you're going to use yet, bring what you have or ask to borrow from a friend.
Going home:
- pack newborn and 3 month size... just in case a 9lb baby pops out
- pack something loose for yourself, in case you end up with a c-section.
- don't pack any expectations that you will look like Kate Middleton.
Once home:
- have stations on every floor for changing and new outfits as needed. Stairs can be difficult while holding a baby.
- bring home the best panties and pads the size of diapers, they will be your favorite for a few days if not weeks.
- if you have a c section and haven't pooped in a few days, Dont wait to start the miralax.
We filled out a standard birth birth plan form they sent us prior to the birth and had returned. No need to worry about that. Insurance card and ID are necessary. We live really close to our hospital so dh ran home and showered (and secretly decorated the house to alert the neighbors) last time and brought anything I had forgotten. The hospital provided everything baby related. Ours uses pampers diapers/wipes and Johnson & Johnson soap. We were told not to use any lotion on dd skin until she was at least a month old.
But the most comfortable chair for breastfeeding was the rocker/recliner we put in the nursery, so until I got really comfortable with it, I did go to the nursery to feed. Now we're in a different house and the nursery is upstairs, so I'll hopefully be able to find a good comfy spot to feed downstairs as well.
Labor:
The only thing I brought was my phone charger. Of course I had great plans of "relaxing" and listening to my labor playlist HA! But this time I know what to expect and I definitely plan to utilize that. Other than that, I didn't want anything of my own. Labor is gross.
Honestly, bringing copies of your birth plan is almost laughable to me. I saw so many doctors and nurses, and there's no way I would've remember to hand them a copy of my birth plan and peruse it, much less expected them to. I told my main nurse (thankfully she was with my the whole time, since I wasn't there long enough for shift change) that I wanted a med-free birth and I would tell her if I changed my mind. She was awesome and encouraged me the whole time and never pressured, so I think as long as YOU know what you want your birth plan to be, and have someone (DH, mom, etc) there to help keep you focused that's enough.
For the Hospital:
I brought travel sized toiletries, and sweats/nursing tanks for the hospital. All I wanted after giving birth was to feel normal. I bought the softest comfiest pair of Gillian O'Malley sweats at Target that I lived in after birth that were so comfy and flattering when basically wearing a giant diaper in the hospital. I did bring my makeup, we have lots of visitors, but I didn't do my hair, so my blow dryer/flat iron were pointless. This time, I won't even pack them. My hospital provided mesh underwears, pads, tucks, etc. Anything I would've needed they had and I took it all home too! I did bring my own granny panties, but didn't end up wearing them until I got home.
My hospital also has an actual real photographer come into the room and do pictures. Of course I felt like I looked like crap and didn't want any pictures, so we only got ones of DD done, but this time I want to get some of the family (if DH can be there) or at least me and the girls and especially DD and DD2.
I know a lot of people hate the "free" boppy pillow that you get the code for and just pay shipping, but I loved that thing, cause it's not huge like a normal boppy and was the perfect size for me nursing, so I brought that to the hospital and will again. I also brought my own pillow, because I'm weird, and I'm also allergic to feathers which is what most pillows are everywhere I go, so I've just gotten used to it.
I didn't bring anything for baby. My hospital provides everything, so unless there's something you're picky about, I wouldn't have needed it. We were team green, so I brought 1 girl and 1 boy outfit, for going home, and a couple swaddle blankets. This time I'll only bring something for her pictures, because our hospital provided white onesies and swaddles blankets too, and she lived in that at the hospital.
Snacks-my hospital has "family rooms" stocked with sub sandwhiches, ice cream, snack food, juice/sodas, etc that are free to the mom and dad, and honestly after depriving myself of lunchmeat for 9 months I ate those subs for every single meal! My room service was so much food, and we had tons of family/visitors who brought us food and snacks.
I'm sure I'll think of more, but I would recommend asking your hospital on the tour what they provide (mine showed us the typical baby cart and what it was stocked with) and don't bring any of that stuff. And empty the cart every chance you get so they refill it. We went home with tons of newborn diapers!!
I definitely over-packed and probably will this time too, that's just who I am. I would rather lug it all to the car and not have needed it, that want it and not have it.
Also important: a good spill proof water bottle/cup that will keep your water cold. And a husband that can be trained to keep it full. Especially if you're breastfeeding because it makes you thirsty.
I'm due for a cell phone upgrade in June, and I plan to get something a little smaller that I can operate one-handed a little easier that what I have now.
@satsumasandlemons Yeah. I'll be using Jackson Reece or Water Wipes and I'll be cloth diapering but decided to go disposable until she's done with the meconium phase. I'd prefer if they used my diapers and wipes but meh. My gf said they use Huggies wipes, Johnson & Johnson products and I cringe haha! (Not sure what brand of diapers) Although as I said above, in that moment I probably won't care nearly as much as I think I do now.
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
- I took comfy pants and nursing tops for me (forget the bras).
-I used the mesh panties supplied bc they didn't irritate my CS insicision.
-I took toothbrush/paste
- I took my straightener but I didn't use it a lot bc the outlet was in a wierd spot in my room and I couldn't stand in the bathroom and fix my hair.
-makeup (simple stuff so I didn't look dead) foundation, blush, and mascara.
-travel size shampoo, body wash, lotion.
-camera
-chargers
-pillow bc hospital pillows SUCK
For baby: check with the hospital and see what diapers/wipes/body wash/lotion etc..they use bc you will want to take your own.
-2-3 outfits for baby including going home outfit.
-Boppy
-2 pacifiers
-diapers and wipes if the hospital isn't using what you want
-lotion if the hospital doesn't have what you want.
-a few pair of socks (they will kick them off)
-a few receiving blankets
-baby book (for footprints)
-vaseline for sensitive bums, I used it for every diaper change so we got no diaper rashes.
-burp cloths
For few days at home: baby will wake up every 2-3 hours for feeding.
I recommend having a nursing station in a few different rooms. Make some small baskets with snacks, diapers, wipes, lotion, socks, a blanket, burp cloths, gas drops or gripe water if you plan to use them, gas x for you, water bottles.
If you have a csection I highly recommend getting a cs recovery belt. I didn't have one for DD but for DS it was heaven sent. I have a Abdomend off Amazon, it was like $70.
Eta spelling also nipper cream and breast pads EVERYWHERE.
For Me-
-Nursing tanks ( I take extra because the hormones cause me to get SUPER sweaty so I liked having more than one to wear)
-Soft nursing bra (I have one from Target that is perfect and has no underwire or anything of that sort)
-Going home outfit (probably high waisted yoga pants and a loose fitting t-shirt)
-Travel size shampoo and conditioner and soap
-Toothbrush and toothpaste
-Brush and blow dryer
-My own towel blanket and pillow
-Phone Charger
For Baby-
-Beanies (had my daughter in June and our hospital room was freezing)
-Zip up Pajamas
-Going home outfit
-Wipes, the two hospitals I have delivered at don't use wet wipes they just gave us a dry gauze type wipe so it was nice to have our own when we needed them.
-Extra swaddle blanket
-Socks
For DH (yes you should make sure he has his own bag, even if he doesn't end up using it it's still nice to have it just in case)-
-Change of clothes( including socks and underwear)
-Pillow
-Blanket
When we got home I made sure we had a little area set up in the living room with everything I'd need so that I didn't have to get up off the couch unless I absolutely needed to. We had extra diapers, wipes, nipple cream, the gel nipple pads (in the fridge), extra blankets, and a huge water bottle for me.
ETA: I agree with @MrsLa3 on the recovery belt. My doctor with my son gave me one called a belly binder and it was magical, and really helped when I needed to sneeze because I didn't fee like my insides were going to come flying out through my incision.
Married: 05/26/2012
DS Born Happy and Healthy via C-section: 10/04/2013
Natural M/C: 07/08/2014
DD Born Happy and Healthy via Emergency C-section: 06/30/2015
BFP #4: 11/15/2016
EDD: 7/27/2017
Personal Care: Pads are going to be hard for me regardless because I've never really used them. I've always been pretty 100% tampons so that's going to be an adjustment in itself haha! A lot have people have told me to bring my own brand but the consensus here seems to be to use the hospital stuff. Will do! Haha! I too, would probably feel wonderful using my own products (shampoo, body wash etc.) especially considering how dry everyone keeps saying the hospital stuff is. My hair is thick and dry so I don't need none of that haha! I'm pretty much a "messy bun" person 24/7 due to the thickness of my hair so that's a non issue. Lots of elastics, bobby pins and headbands just like at home LOL! I only wear light mineral foundation, mascara and blush on normal days and sometimes just mascara so I will pack those. And my moisturizer. Can't live without that! I take it everywhere!
Baby: I mentioned this previously but I did buy a few newborn but mostly 3m and 6m. You never know how small/big they are going to be so great to know to have a few of each (NB & 3m) on hand. I'm in Canada as well ( @Rojita ) but my gf said they provide everything. Although she had a C-section with her second (first she didn't have here) and so she was at a different hospital I'm pretty sure. I should check in with my sis on that. Will probably still bring my own though.
I totally get the snacks thing. DH was in the hospital for an extended period of time and I learned that pretty quickly. We spent SO much money on food and parking! OMG I spent hundreds on parking. People were sending money in his "get well soon" cards to help us out. I'm hoping to get up and out asap. With my anxiety disorder I know I'll just want to be home back in my "comfort space." My insurance covers semi-private (I've already pre-registered so they should already have my details on file but having a copy on me is a great idea!) but I'm hoping to get private. Again, because of my disorder. I just have to ask upon arrival because it's on a first-come, first-served basis. It's only an extra $50 per day to go private and we don't mind covering that. My sis said her friend went private and after seeing the room she would have asked for it when she had her daughter. In private they also give the hubbies a legit cot instead of one of those chairs that folds into a bed. We have someone who will be staying at our house while we are in the hospital, to take care of our cats. Again, it's a 45 minute drive and back-and-forth for hubby would be awfully tiring and expensive in our SUV. The car seat will be installed ahead of time as well.
@mrscate88 I am overboard about BF'ing as well haha! But I do already have some stuff on hand just in case. I already purchased a few bottles and picked up a Baby Brezza for a stellar price used. I figured if I don't use it I can just re-sell it but always good to have just in case. Baby will be in the cradle in our room but her room is also well on it's way to being set up. (Crib, mattress, sheets etc.) I already have a small stash of receiving blankets, wash cloths, clothes, body wash, wipes etc. My gf told me to also have a thermometer, gripe water and baby tylenol as well.
Thankfully we live on our main floor so stairs won't be an issue regardless. The basement is still unfinished anyways. I'll probably put a basket of goodies in my living room (diapers, cream, receiving blankets etc.) @AdaByron A station/TV tray in the living room is an excellent idea! We don't even have coffee tables yet (haha!) so I should probably get on that.
Maybe I'll do what they say to do for vacations ... pack stuff then a few weeks before go back and look at it again and take out whatever you think you won't need/use. I'm honestly probably not going to use a bag at all. I mean I'll have the diaper bag in the car but we have a few small travel suitcases with handles and on wheels and such so I think that would be easier packing. My own pillow is a must for sure (I woke up with 4 this morning LOL! 2 under my head, 1 on top and 1 between my legs) and I have a nursing pillow as well that I would have never thought of to bring but will now! I'll just keep that in the car until baby is here.
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
I will say TAKE EVERYTHING they give you at the hospital and ask for extra if they will.pump parts, diapers whatever! They charge you for it anyway:)
for the baby I just brought my own swaddle me blankets to use over their hospital blankets. And a going home outfit. Maybe some aquaphor bc they give you the pink Johnsons lotion but it is so harsh on baby's skin.
@mrscate88 - Thanks!!
Married: 06-2024
TTC #1: Since November 2015
Restarted TTC "count" Oct. 2016
due to previous issues.
***TW***
BFP: 11/4/2016
BFP: 07/17/2024