@emilyalso Thats the 1 major thing I've ensured H and my Mom know and that we will tell the nurses once admitted. I get these weird spells and I need a cool rag when I do! The fan will help me too and on my hospital tour they actually recommended it. Of course I didn't pay enough attention to where it'd go.
There is like a little "meal table" that slides next to the bed that holds your ice chips cup or water... so maybe one of those little desk ones wouldn't be bad for that. My other concern would be if there is a plug near, so I would definitely get some sort of battery operated one!
Yes, I was thinking it could go on the meal table and I'll bring an extension cord
@nda_roxybabe I also might mention that many hospitals have box fans that they can bring to the room. May not be the "wind" you're looking for but good for some white noise. Which my H and I can't sleep without... I NEED to remember to ask if the hospital where I'll deliver has box fans. I would feel absurd bringing one in, but it's kind of non-negotiable.
@slowmo I bought rubber sole ballet slippers. Like the little black ones with the bow that grandmas wear (or at least mine). They were by dearfoam I think.
do you need/recommend the grip socks or are normal socks fine? I know the hospital socks are grip ones because of liability but that shouldn't matter once you are settled in your room right?
@MTB16 I would still want something with traction. Most hospital floors are slippy and when you're wobbly and sore post delivery and trying to wrangle a newborn more grip is your friend.
All this grippy socks is fascinating to me because I didn't know it was a thing until this pregnancy. I think I was barefeet when I had DD. I think I have a pair of socks from a trampoline place that are pretty grippy so I will probably just bring those. They have bright yellow and blue prints on them too. So fashionable
I have some super comfy moccasin slippers that I like to wear. They're Ugg so have the soft fur inside. Any reason I shouldn't bring/wear those? I do have two pair and would bring the older, dingiest pair just in case of any bodily fluids.
@bacorrea Sorry to be completely dumb, but what do you mean by 'checks?'
@n&a0630 checks from your checkbook! On my hospital tour the nurse said to bring checks because they have a birth certificate office in the hospital and you can go ahead and do it all there and get extra (which they recommend).
Go ahead & laugh at me. I am currently laughing at myself. I didn't even think about paying.
Ha no it's fine! This is way different than in TX! Plus I was in a military hospital last time. We had to go somewhere to get DDs birth certificate and it was a couple weeks after she was born.
I have some super comfy moccasin slippers that I like to wear. They're Ugg so have the soft fur inside. Any reason I shouldn't bring/wear those? I do have two pair and would bring the older, dingiest pair just in case of any bodily fluids.
I didn't wear any socks while in actual labor. I just have socks/slippers for after when I'm in recovery. I wouldn't plan to use anything you actually like while in labor in case of any bodily fluids, but in recovery your pretty well contained by that point.
I have a weird texture issue with wearing socks in bed, so I just bring slippers to slip on if I get up to use the bathroom.
Married 03.09.09 Sweet Baby H 12.21.11 Sassy Baby P 03.26.14 Little Brother Due 05.22.17
@ShadeofGreen816 I second what @hp_momma said. If you don't mind potentially tossing them, then it might be nice having something you know you like and is safe.
I am taking regular socks and slippers. I can't stand the feel of grippy socks but I do want socks to wear while in bed because the hospital can get cold. I will just put on some slippers when I get out of bed.
Me: 38 DH: 36 Married 8/27/2011 BFP #1 9/28/2011 DS born 5/22/2012 BFP #2 4/24/2013 m/c 4/25/2013 at 4w BFP #3 1/31/2014 DD born 10/14/2014 BFP #4 1/20/2016 m/c 2/12/2014 at 7w2d BFP #5 8/19/2016 DS2 born 4/29/2017 BFP #6 3/7/2018 EDD 11/18/2018
@n&a0630 another thought with bringing checks...the hospital I just delivered at required either checks or a prepaid guest meal ticket for any room service orders that weren't for me. may want a couple checks in case your hospital has a similar no cash policy.
Ladies....if you haven't packed a bag...pack it now! I was extra stressed trying to throw stuff in a bag and couldn't pull the app up on my phone due to contraction distraction. lol
I found we didn't need much. I had the clothes I wore to the hospital (turned around and wore those home), extra socks, charger, makeup (comfort item), couple onesie and a sleeper for baby, couple receiving blankets, and money. I'm pretty sure that's everything. Pack light as DH will become a pack mule or need a cart to take all your bags and hospital extras to the car! good luck with your bags!
I think we are starting to over think the hospital bags a little bit. The reality is you don't really need much and you hopefully will only be there for a day or two. Don't stress about missing something, you will be so focused on labor or your sweet baby that you won't care what's on your feet or what your wearing home. If you forget something that you cannot live without, your dh or someone else could probably bring it to you.
@PartiallyDomesticated - Brilliant! I've actually been meaning to buy a hot glue gun to plug up the holes in my son's bath toys. I'm sick of everything growing mold.
I think we are starting to over think the hospital bags a little bit. The reality is you don't really need much and you hopefully will only be there for a day or two. Don't stress about missing something, you will be so focused on labor or your sweet baby that you won't care what's on your feet or what your wearing home. If you forget something that you cannot live without, your dh or someone else could probably bring it to you.
This. My hospital bag is pretty much "packed" and it's almost empty! You really don't need much at all. I'm ok with all the empty space as I'll shove it full of all the diapers from the hospital before we go home!
Married 03.09.09 Sweet Baby H 12.21.11 Sassy Baby P 03.26.14 Little Brother Due 05.22.17
@nda_roxybabe We're planning to bring a laptop for music and to put pictures on there in case we need more room on SD cards. Now, I do consider this excessive as we'll be a birth center (and going home 6-8 hours after the birth), but it's my personality and preference to be overprepared, rather than under. I don't know that you'll be reading, but you may want the kindle for other things?
@nda_roxybabe I brought mine last time and read a little while in labor (with my epidural). It helped pass the time some and only so much is on TV. And I think I read some night two while feeding. Night 2 is the worst when it comes to bfing and reading helped me stay awake a little and beat staring at the wall while feeding every hour.
@nda_roxybabe - Last time I brought a book with only like 20 pages left to read, figuring I would knock it out while in labor. I never touched it. I did bring my iPad for Netflix, which I definitely used.
I think we are starting to over think the hospital bags a little bit. The reality is you don't really need much and you hopefully will only be there for a day or two. Don't stress about missing something, you will be so focused on labor or your sweet baby that you won't care what's on your feet or what your wearing home. If you forget something that you cannot live without, your dh or someone else could probably bring it to you.
This. My hospital bag is pretty much "packed" and it's almost empty! You really don't need much at all. I'm ok with all the empty space as I'll shove it full of all the diapers from the hospital before we go home!
I agree! I packed mine and was surprised by how empty it is. What filled it up was baby's gifts to siblings but not what I will actually be using while at the hospital.
Me: 38 DH: 36 Married 8/27/2011 BFP #1 9/28/2011 DS born 5/22/2012 BFP #2 4/24/2013 m/c 4/25/2013 at 4w BFP #3 1/31/2014 DD born 10/14/2014 BFP #4 1/20/2016 m/c 2/12/2014 at 7w2d BFP #5 8/19/2016 DS2 born 4/29/2017 BFP #6 3/7/2018 EDD 11/18/2018
Here is what I'm packing for baby #2: -Shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion- I took a shower after all was said and done with baby #1, and it was glorious! I got the travel containers from the Dollar Tree and filled them with the stuff I already have. -Toothbrush & toothpaste (for hubs and me) -At least one pair of joggers/leggings/yoga pants- comfort is key! These will be for wearing home. I will be staying in either the hospital gown or a robe/jammies for most of the stay, but if you choose to change out of the robe, bring a couple pairs. -A tunic- This is to pair with the leggings above. For wearing home. -A robe- This is not necessary at all. I did not pack a robe with baby #1, and I in no way missed having one. This was really a splurge item for me. I picked out a pretty one from Pinkblush, and I can't wait to have the pictures made wearing it. On a practical side, I will probably spend most of my hospital stay wearing the mesh panties, a sleep nursing bra and this robe over the top. -A nursing bra- This is also not necessary. Last time I lived braless and in the hospital gown for then entire stay, but I will bring one in case I decide to change out of the gown and into the robe. I will be bringing the most comfy sleep style one. -Ponytail holders/bobby pins- just a couple thrown into the toiletries bag. If you have short hair or bangs, I would suggest a headband too. -Chapstick- This is an essential and should be put in the "delivery room bag". -Pillow- One for hubs and one for me. I don't mind the hospital pillows, but this is definitely a comfort item, and the more pillows the better to get comfy. I put a pretty case on it for pictures. -Outfits for baby- I will take one newborn and one 0-3 for coming home outfits. This is a must, because you really don't know how big baby will be. I LOVE the diaper/kimono shirts that the hospital puts on the babies, so I will leave him in those for the pictures and the stay. -Burp cloth- I will probably thrown two in the hospital bag for any incidentals. -One swaddle blanket- I have a solid blue one that I will pack to possibly use for pictures. I also ADORE the traditional hospital receiving blankets. The white ones with the pink and blue stripes. So, I will definitely be using them, and I will hopefully come home with a stash as well. If you don't want to take burp cloths, then these can double as burp cloths. -Travel tube of vaseline or other similar product- Try to put it on baby's bum before the meconium poo to make it easier to clean. -Camera & battery/charger- If you don't have a birth photographer, I suggest bringing an actual camera and not just relying on phones. -IPad/laptop/book/magazines/etc- Something for entertainment. Yes, you will be busy staring at/feeding/changing/holding your baby and entertaining guest most of the time, but there will be downtime. I suggest sleeping during that downtime, but if you can't, it's nice to have something to occupy you. Also, if you are being induced or are getting an epidural, it may be nice to have something to do if labor winds up taking a while.
I think I remembered everything that I'm packing. I LOVE packing my hospital bag. It is so much fun to pick out the material items that will be part of such an exciting and life-changing experience. It helps to satisfy my nesting instinct, and I find no shame in overpacking (although I think my list is pretty basic). It is fun to imagine what the day will be like and what your baby will look like in the clothes that you have carefully selected for him/her. Yes, we all know that you could literally walk into labor and delivery with nothing and have a baby with no problems whatsoever. But for most of us, this is just part of the fun.
Anyways, hope my list is helpful! Oh! I will definitely bring face wipes and some mascara.
Bag is packed! H did his yesterday too and was like "It's like we're going on vacation!"
Pictured: Swaddle/ hat from Milkmaid goods for baby hospital photos, Adventure onesie as going home option #2, Tea Collection tan outfit as going home option #1, Milkmaid Goods nursing cover (IDK?), baby book for footprints, brand new sticker for photo, headband in case baby is a girl , 2 of those Target nightgowns (or in my case, going home dress), Milkmaid Goods robe, and 2 pretty/ comfy bras for labor or after or w/e.
Not pictured: Fan, Face wipes, sample shampoo/conditioner, makeup, phone charger, chapstick, hair clip, Kindle. H has the camera
@nda_roxybabe That might be the most beautiful hospital bag presentation I've ever seen. I sort of want to take a pic of my thrown together, over stuffed duffle now.
@NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot Thanks, I was Instagram inspired, haha. I updated above, its a robe from Milkmaid Goods. So soft and it closes crossed over so I don't need to worry about it opening up on me.
@nda_roxybabe can you come put my bag togethere?!? so far i have travel toiletries still in the plastic target bag from the store sitting on my dresser!
I actually got a few last minute things I needed from the mall today. so i'm "planning" on packing my hospital bag tonight.
Oh also don't forget elastic hair bands, i forgot those last time.
@BeachMommy2B Sure, I love packing! I do have a hair clip (I use the claw kind to avoid hair creases) in my toiletry bag, along with a small hair brush.
Now that we've been here 5 days I'm going to add some stuff that I never would've thought of since I packed for just a 2 day stay. Tissues, snacks, extra socks, walking shoes(been doing a ton of walking the halls and flip flops are hurting my feet) my blanket, and crafts/something to do. I wouldn't feel the need for any of this though if it were a normal 2 day stay with baby. This is just related to a long stay waiting for baby.
Now that we've been here 5 days I'm going to add some stuff that I never would've thought of since I packed for just a 2 day stay. Tissues, snacks, extra socks, walking shoes(been doing a ton of walking the halls and flip flops are hurting my feet) my blanket, and crafts/something to do. I wouldn't feel the need for any of this though if it were a normal 2 day stay with baby. This is just related to a long stay waiting for baby.
+1 andplusalso waterproof shoes for showers. And a towel, these tiny scratchy hospital ones are not cutting it.
Re: Hospital Bag
1st Baby 5/12/17, Henry
DS2 5/17
#3 Due 9/20
https://www.amazon.com/Under-Armour-Womens-Grippy-Assorted/dp/B00SNE2FYO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491435250&sr=8-1&keywords=under+armour+grip+socks
May '17 labor memes
I have a weird texture issue with wearing socks in bed, so I just bring slippers to slip on if I get up to use the bathroom.
Sweet Baby H 12.21.11
Sassy Baby P 03.26.14
Little Brother Due 05.22.17
Married 8/27/2011
BFP #1 9/28/2011 DS born 5/22/2012
BFP #2 4/24/2013 m/c 4/25/2013 at 4w
BFP #3 1/31/2014 DD born 10/14/2014
BFP #4 1/20/2016 m/c 2/12/2014 at 7w2d
BFP #5 8/19/2016 DS2 born 4/29/2017
BFP #6 3/7/2018 EDD 11/18/2018
DS - January 2014
TTCAL | April 2016
CP | June 2016
CP | July 2016
then he said to just bring my extra long cord, oy
1st Baby 5/12/17, Henry
Ladies....if you haven't packed a bag...pack it now! I was extra stressed trying to throw stuff in a bag and couldn't pull the app up on my phone due to contraction distraction. lol
I found we didn't need much. I had the clothes I wore to the hospital (turned around and wore those home), extra socks, charger, makeup (comfort item), couple onesie and a sleeper for baby, couple receiving blankets, and money. I'm pretty sure that's everything. Pack light as DH will become a pack mule or need a cart to take all your bags and hospital extras to the car! good luck with your bags!
Sweet Baby H 12.21.11
Sassy Baby P 03.26.14
Little Brother Due 05.22.17
1st Baby 5/12/17, Henry
Eta tagged wrong person
Married 8/27/2011
BFP #1 9/28/2011 DS born 5/22/2012
BFP #2 4/24/2013 m/c 4/25/2013 at 4w
BFP #3 1/31/2014 DD born 10/14/2014
BFP #4 1/20/2016 m/c 2/12/2014 at 7w2d
BFP #5 8/19/2016 DS2 born 4/29/2017
BFP #6 3/7/2018 EDD 11/18/2018
-Shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion- I took a shower after all was said and done with baby #1, and it was glorious! I got the travel containers from the Dollar Tree and filled them with the stuff I already have.
-Toothbrush & toothpaste (for hubs and me)
-At least one pair of joggers/leggings/yoga pants- comfort is key! These will be for wearing home. I will be staying in either the hospital gown or a robe/jammies for most of the stay, but if you choose to change out of the robe, bring a couple pairs.
-A tunic- This is to pair with the leggings above. For wearing home.
-A robe- This is not necessary at all. I did not pack a robe with baby #1, and I in no way missed having one. This was really a splurge item for me. I picked out a pretty one from Pinkblush, and I can't wait to have the pictures made wearing it. On a practical side, I will probably spend most of my hospital stay wearing the mesh panties, a sleep nursing bra and this robe over the top.
-A nursing bra- This is also not necessary. Last time I lived braless and in the hospital gown for then entire stay, but I will bring one in case I decide to change out of the gown and into the robe. I will be bringing the most comfy sleep style one.
-Ponytail holders/bobby pins- just a couple thrown into the toiletries bag. If you have short hair or bangs, I would suggest a headband too.
-Chapstick- This is an essential and should be put in the "delivery room bag".
-Pillow- One for hubs and one for me. I don't mind the hospital pillows, but this is definitely a comfort item, and the more pillows the better to get comfy. I put a pretty case on it for pictures.
-Outfits for baby- I will take one newborn and one 0-3 for coming home outfits. This is a must, because you really don't know how big baby will be. I LOVE the diaper/kimono shirts that the hospital puts on the babies, so I will leave him in those for the pictures and the stay.
-Burp cloth- I will probably thrown two in the hospital bag for any incidentals.
-One swaddle blanket- I have a solid blue one that I will pack to possibly use for pictures. I also ADORE the traditional hospital receiving blankets. The white ones with the pink and blue stripes. So, I will definitely be using them, and I will hopefully come home with a stash as well. If you don't want to take burp cloths, then these can double as burp cloths.
-Travel tube of vaseline or other similar product- Try to put it on baby's bum before the meconium poo to make it easier to clean.
-Camera & battery/charger- If you don't have a birth photographer, I suggest bringing an actual camera and not just relying on phones.
-IPad/laptop/book/magazines/etc- Something for entertainment. Yes, you will be busy staring at/feeding/changing/holding your baby and entertaining guest most of the time, but there will be downtime. I suggest sleeping during that downtime, but if you can't, it's nice to have something to occupy you. Also, if you are being induced or are getting an epidural, it may be nice to have something to do if labor winds up taking a while.
I think I remembered everything that I'm packing. I LOVE packing my hospital bag. It is so much fun to pick out the material items that will be part of such an exciting and life-changing experience. It helps to satisfy my nesting instinct, and I find no shame in overpacking (although I think my list is pretty basic). It is fun to imagine what the day will be like and what your baby will look like in the clothes that you have carefully selected for him/her.
Yes, we all know that you could literally walk into labor and delivery with nothing and have a baby with no problems whatsoever. But for most of us, this is just part of the fun.
Anyways, hope my list is helpful!
Oh! I will definitely bring face wipes and some mascara.
Pictured: Swaddle/ hat from Milkmaid goods for baby hospital photos, Adventure onesie as going home option #2, Tea Collection tan outfit as going home option #1, Milkmaid Goods nursing cover (IDK?), baby book for footprints, brand new sticker for photo, headband in case baby is a girl
Not pictured: Fan, Face wipes, sample shampoo/conditioner, makeup, phone charger, chapstick, hair clip, Kindle. H has the camera
1st Baby 5/12/17, Henry
What is the beautiful flowered fabric?
May17 Siggy Challenge
Labor
1st Baby 5/12/17, Henry
I actually got a few last minute things I needed from the mall today. so i'm "planning" on packing my hospital bag tonight.
Oh also don't forget elastic hair bands, i forgot those last time.
1st Baby 5/12/17, Henry