Hospital Bag

oriole2017 · March 2017

Is there already a discussion on packing a hospital bag? If so please direct me and feel free to delete this post.

If not, what do I really need in my bag? How early should I pack it? Do I need a backup bag? DH is packing a bag as well. What's recommended for him? Is anyone bringing their own delivery gown? I'm thinking of wearing one like the ones I see advertised everywhere, that you don't have to take almost completely off for nursing or skin to skin. What post partum clothes are good for the day after (for visitors) but you're still in the hospital.

brookeelyse527 · March 2017

I wore nursing tanks and leggings/yoga pants/pj pants. You want them loose to fit the big bulky pads. Also, dark colors to hide any blood that leaks through.

My hospital bag was only halfway packed when I was admitted at 36 weeks, and some things I wanted there were just items I always have in my purse. I had a few changes of clothes, toiletries and cosmetics, toothbrush, contact stuff n glasses, lanolin and nursing pads (I think hospital has this though), charger for phone, outfit for baby. The hospital supplies you with gowns ( I see no need to spend money on your own... hospital ones get the job done, plus you may need more than one for leaking fluids, sweat, etc), underwear, pads, tucks, baby clothes/hat and blankets, diapers n wipes. You truly don't need to bring much with you.

brookeelyse527 · March 2017

oriole2017 said:

I'm thinking of wearing one like the ones I see advertised everywhere, that you don't have to take almost completely off for nursing or skin to skin.

*Stuck in box*
Wanted to add that the hospital gowns, at least at my hospital, have snaps on the arms. So you can unsnap an arm and lower it enough to just expose your breast. But really you want skin to skin anyway, so you probably won't be wearing a gown at all up top right after. There's no modesty during labor and delivery, and after lol

SouthernMama15 · March 2017

I had a scheduled c section and knew I would be there a few days. I'd never spent the night in the hospital, but I knew I wouldn't be able to stand being in a hospital gown the whole time, so I got a couple pairs of light weight cotton pajamas with button up tops that would be easy to unbutton when nursing. I got a multi pack of granny panties and took several of those. To go home I brought a maternity maxi skirt and nursing tank. You'll obviously want your phone charger and maybe a camera. As far as toiletries, I took a toothbrush, a small bottle of mouthwash, dry shampoo (lifesaver), makeup wipes (made me feel human until I could get up and shower), travel bottle of body wash, and deodorant.

A good tip our birthing class instructor gave was that of you plan to bring your own pillows, get colored pillow cases so they don't get mixed in with the white hospital ones.

For LO, all I brought was his carrier, which can be left in the car till discharge, his coming home outfit, and a couple pairs of mittens. Newborns are sleepy little creatures and I frequently had to strip him down to wake him up so he'd eat. It was so much easier with the hospital t shirts and socks, plus they keep them swaddled the whole time anyway.

For DH, several changes of clothes, pajamas, toiletries, phone charger, and snacks.

budzynb · March 2017

I've lurked on other months and started a spreadsheet already for my bag. here are the few things I would have forgotten if I didn't read these threads:

Slippers and/or warm socks (Even in August, hospitals are kept COLD!)

Chapstick

Pump (if you want the LC to teach you how to use it and you can get it before delivery)

Something to entertain DH (Netflix, books, etc)

happylifex3 · March 2017

I feel like i brought SO much more than I needed last time. This time ill probably just bring some, tank tops ( i never used nursing tanks - even the whole year i nursed), and my robe to wear while there and a sun dress to leave in Ihad a c section and just stayed in my lovely mesh undies they gave me, my tank top, and my robe. Its not like i moved around a ton.

PILLOWS. I made DH go home twice to get more pillows. Definitely chapstick, slippers, nursing pillow and things to shower with. My nerves were so sensitive after my c/s that i coildnt stand under the shower water because it hurt. So i sat on a chair just out of the waters reaxh and gave myself a sponge bath. I hadnt brought my own washcloths or towels and the hospitals were so rough! They provided pads as well so i never used the ones i brought. And lotion! My skin was just as dry as my lips and by the time i went home my hands were cracked

SouthernMama15 · March 2017

I just remembered, I'm definitely bringing my pump this time.

For slippers, I found some great flip flop style ones that were super comfy and easy to get on.

A robe is also a good idea.

middy411 · March 2017

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Odiorne · March 2017

So my hospital actually recommends two bags as you are moved from labour and delivery to the post partum room after and anything you bring up has to be moved over. In the labour bag I had snacks, water bottle, iPod, speakers, kindle, washable sandals and a copy of any admitting paperwork. In my post birth bag I had face and body lotion, lip balm, makeup wipes, dry shampoo, hair brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, phone/camera chargers and our list of names. Baby's bag had two outfits in different sizes, diapers, wipes, hat and blankets.

HappyToBeHere · March 2017

I hadn't packed one (DD came a week early so thought I'd have some time), but I didn't feel unprepared. People are typically willing to bring you what you need, so my mom brought in my slippers, a robe, my toothbrush/toothpaste, hair brush, etc. LO's "bringing home" outfit was WAY too big (0-3mo but she came out premie sizes), so my sister picked up a couple sleepers for her. I lived in the hospital gown because it made nursing and skin-to-skin time so frikin easy.

Other than that, I showered almost immediately after birth. I didn't "paint my face" or "do my hair the whole 9", but I did want to feel human again after a stressful and unexpectedly natural birth. So ... call me crazy, but I prioritized my own hygiene for 10 minutes while my DD was being VERY well taken care of by her daddy and the capable nursing staff.

and_peggy · March 2017

Do not buy a gown. I know it's tempting...don't do it. It's going to get nasty.

shyviolet-2 · March 2017

I didn't wear any of the pajamas I packed. I was so worn out from delivery that I didn't care. Plus with all the bleeding what they provide works better for managing it. I did forget shampoo and conditioner which I missed during my shower so I will make sure to have some travel bottles this time.

Our hospital was so close to our house, so DH went home to take a shower and picked up some food and books for us. We are close again so I will probably pack on the lighter side knowing he ca always pick stuff up for us.

I will also probably pack formula this time. I am not sure I will use, but I had an under supply of milk last time and want to be prepared.

middy411 · March 2017

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bumpybump · March 2017

budzynb said:

I've lurked on other months and started a spreadsheet already for my bag. here are the few things I would have forgotten if I didn't read these threads:
*snipped*

Ever think of actually asking a question in this board instead of basically "bashing" this one for not having the info out yet? Obviously the other boards have now made you the expert on all topics...

shyviolet-2 · March 2017

@HappyToBeHere

I agree with @middy411 I had labored all night and had a bad tear and just basic functioning was hard for me. So while I thought I would want to do some basic hygiene and even packed a little makeup planning on lots of pictures, it didn't happen. I think people need to be prepared that while they may be planning all of that, you may not be up to it. I hardly have any pictures of DS in the hospital because even that took more energy then I had.

budzynb · March 2017

bumpybump everytime someone asks a questions or starts a new thread for this month, the brigade of Bump police scold them and bash them for not looking elsewhere first for their answers because "they don't want to clutter the board". So I have been in the background finding my own info for other ladies instead of asking here. Ever notice how no threads like this or the nursery one started until yesterday? Everyone is too damn afraid to ask a question because there's a very good chance they'll be scolded for doing so.

bumpybump · March 2017

@budzynb and you obviously missed all the info that has been on the board from the beginning saying if it's a beneficial topic for the whole group, they are more than welcome. It's the AW and only one person who benefits threads that get redirected.

HappyToBeHere · March 2017

@shyviolet - I too would have agreed with @middy411 had she not made the quips at the end about knowing what you're going to care about, and that she only cared about surviving and feeding her baby, as though that isn't top of mind for all new moms.

Unfortunately, the way I personally read her statements was that anyone who takes measures to clean up following birth isn't caring as much about "surviving" and feeding their babies. False. Any new mom decision made right after birth (within reason, obviously) is the right decision for that mom. Surviving, to me, meant getting in the shower, standing there like a zombie for a second just to wash the blood and sweat off after an entire night of labor, and then going out and giving it my all in my new mom role.

budzynb · March 2017

Andddd this is why I usually don't participate. Sorry I was sharing advice from other groups that I thought might be helpful here. Didn't realize lurking was prohibited.

LSP87 · March 2017

Here's my list:

For Baby

• Washed take-home outfit, keepsake baby blanket

• Car Seat!!

• Breast pump, small package of formula just in case

• Semi-small, empty bag for take-home baby goods from the hospital. TAKE EVERYTHING (especially the nose suckers)

• Nursing pillow

For Mama

• Pillow from home. Don't use a white cover to avoid confusion.

• 2 loose, semi-long, cotton nursing nightgowns

• nursing bras, don't bother with underwear - the mesh ones they provide are fine and DISPOSABLE, nursing tank top, yoga pants, no-slip warm, fuzzy socks, slippers.

• Toiletries (travel size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes, hair brush, hair ties, headband, deodorant, nipple cream)

• Make up (minimal)

• iPhone charger

• Hard candy

For Dad

• Cell charger

• Plenty of cash and change for drink/food machines

• Snacks & drinks

• Blanket

• Toothbrush

• Extra change of clothes to leave in the car

bumpybump · March 2017

Hospital bags are important for your SO too (but make him pack it). Be sure that they pack a sweatshirt or something if they get cold. You get to regulate the room temp. I was burning hot the entire time after my csection and kept it pretty cold in the room. DH froze and had guests go to our house and bring long sleeved clothes to him. DD was born in June so never thought he'd need long sleeves.

Nxy · March 2017

I'm team as soon as they took DD away for testing (which was pretty fast) my ass was in the shower. I'm not sure if the people who don't just have clean labor but I pooped while pushing and bled all over the lower half of my body.. sure they wiped me down but I felt absolutely disgusting. They brought her back while I was still in the shower and DH got some time to bond with her while I took half an hour to feel slightly human again after pushing another person out of my body.

shyviolet-2 · March 2017

@HappyToBeHere I agree that @middy411 could have worded it better, but as someone who wasn't able to shower this part of your quote really got to me.

HappyToBeHere said:

So ... call me crazy, but I prioritized my own hygiene for 10 minutes while my DD was being VERY well taken care of by her daddy and the capable nursing staff.

I think it is all about perspective. And if I can shower this time trust me I will be jumping right in after labor. It wasn't that I didn't think DS would have the proper care, it was that I was not physically able. And I don't judge anyone who does take a shower or puts on makeup. On the other hand I don't want to be judged for not being able to do so.

cmmiller531 · March 2017

I'm thinking if all is good and well baby wise and my body is able to I'll definitely want to snag a quick shower. I once slept through my alarm before catching a 6am flight to Hawaii and didn't have time to shower. Wellllll it's a 12 hour flight and we had a stop in between and I got pretttttttty bitchy by the end being unshowered. Plus labor doesn't work the same for everyone. Some people their water breaks they dilate quickly push and out comes a baby others might be induced and wait 12-24-36 hours before it's pushing and baby time so I'm thinking a shower seems like a reasonable request. I'm cool without makeup and blow drying and stuff but sometimes you can't beat fresh pits and ass crack.

@Nxy haha I'm dying about the pooping. I know it can happen but the thought still kinda creeps me out. Maturity level real low right now lol

smallbutmighty77 · March 2017

I know that I will need to be flexible with labor/delivery/aftermath etc but the idea of laying in a bed all goopy or whatever, just a warm shower sounds like heaven! Our hospital you move rooms from labor-delivery to the postpartum which are on different floors, so once I am moved hopefully I will be able to leave DH for a bit and shower before having the families all up in our room.
I had an echo this am before work, and sure I wiped all the goo off, but I can not wait to get home and shower, and that was 30mins of some gel on my stomach.

HappyToBeHere · March 2017

@shyviolet - it's completely different if you're physically unable; in fact, I don't even care if people just don't want to shower after (I cast no judgement and expect the same in return). I was strictly stating that I personally wasn't compromising my will to survive and feed my baby by hopping in the shower.

SouthernMama15 · March 2017

I showered before going to the hospital, but had to be there at 7, so it was early. The recovery room was the size of a broom closet and with all the guests even with my air cranked down low, I was sweating balls. Especially since after a c section with those lovely leg cuffs to prevent blood clots. It was around lunch time the day after DS was born before I got to get up. My parents were there so my dad held the baby and my mom helped me shower. It was a quick shower and I used dry shampoo, but feeling human again made me feel so much better. I'm not ashamed of that.

homemakermama · March 2017

YES @LSP87 take everything!!! Also don't be afraid to ask for more. The nose suckers at the hospital ARE.THE.BEST. and I always asked for more and got more. They shouldn't care at all. Also, the mesh panties... take all the mesh panties.

bumpybump · March 2017

@SouthernMama15 I loved those massaging leg cuffs. They felt so good! I actually asked if I could take them home

SouthernMama15 · March 2017

@bumpybump I hated them. I told them I'd run down the hall if they'd take them off.

happylifex3 · March 2017

I had a c/s and couldnt shower until the next day. Even then, i had no desire to and probably would not have had they not made me

middy411 · March 2017

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and_peggy · March 2017

@middy411 I had a vaginal delivery but I wasn't up walking around. I had zero strength and couldn't get up on my own. DH had to bring baby to me to feed every time.

middy411 · March 2017

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and_peggy · March 2017

@middy411 wasn't taking any shots at you. I just know a lot of FTMs assume that if you have a vaginal delivery, recovery is quick. I'm sure mine was much quicker since I only had a second degree tear. I mostly wanted to make sure FTMs didn't just expect to be doing jazzercise right after birth if it's a vaginal delivery. Also, I never made any comments about your hygiene.

middy411 · March 2017

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middy411 · March 2017

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Nxy · March 2017

The wording held the implication that anyone who wanted to get showered and made-up had less interest in their baby than those that don't. That's why the backlash. However I don't feel like anyone was being all that snarky. There is a LOT of sensitivity going around lately.

middy411 · March 2017

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Nxy · March 2017

You don't really need to apologize again we know what you meant now, buuuut maybe if your sensitive don't call other posters "pissy" about them being sensitive to what you said?

middy411 · March 2017

Yea that's because even after explaining and apologizing for the confusion I was still being told what I meant by my comment. All deleted.

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