What's in your hospital bag?

ashleyf911 · December 2017

I thought this might be a fun thread as we're all starting to think about final preparations.

So, ask any relevant questions or share what's on your packing list so we can get some ideas! Or secretly side-eye you for packing your expensive white pajamas.

vflux33 · December 2017

This is a very well timed thread for me because I haven’t packed yet and I really need to, especially since I just found out I have a 38 week cut off

So far I know I want to bring honey sticks, lollipops, a bathing suit for MH in case I need help in the shower, clothing, and ...? Could use some tips from STMs!!

mdfarmchick · December 2017

Side eye all you want... I did not regret packing my own pillow ((and one for MH)), my own throw blanket and the Boppy.
I felt better and more human in my own clothes rather than the gown for breastfeeding that the hospital provides so I pack sweatpants or yoga pants in black, a nursing bra/sports bra and comfy tank plus a shirt to wear over it. I also pack my own gown for laboring. For me, it’s the little comforts that make a huge difference. Oh and dark towels. The hospital towels were like half of hotel sized.

Camera, iPhones, iPad, chargers, coming home outfit for Baby.

For laboring I brought a yoga ball, my playlist, a string of lights so I could keep the overhead lights off, grippy socks ((the hospital should provide them too)), water bottle or Yeti cup, snacks for MH and on the way we picked up coffee for him and my doula.

I took all the pads and mesh underwear I could with me when we left, the first blanket he was swaddled in and two baby hats. The hospital ones stayed on better than anything we had at home.

We had excellent nursing staff and they were so attentive with my first and helpful, that MH went out and picked up a six pack of Starbucks drinks from the store and then enough fresh frappacinos from Starbucks for the people on duty before we checked out as a thank you. Not everyone may feel the same way or have the same experience, but it was a big deal to the nursing staff because no one had ever done that before.

mdfarmchick · December 2017

Also, I loved Lucie’s List when it came to prepping the hospital bag and what to expect postpartum.

https://www.lucieslist.com/newsletter/week-36-pack-bags/

https://www.lucieslist.com/newsletter/week-38-recovering-delivery/
https://www.lucieslist.com/newsletter/week-38-really-happens-postpartum/
https://www.lucieslist.com/postpartum/going-home/

becausescience · December 2017

A good deal of what you need to bring will depend on what you can get from the hospital. Really, my hospital provided all the basics. Like I brought a water bottle with me, but my hospital gave us a huge water mug. I didn't need pads or anything for the baby (besides going home stuff). I've heard Canadian moms need to bring diapers and other necessities. So, definitely ask questions on hospital tours!

I packed a couple different bags - I had a bag to bring in right away for during labor - then a bag to use after birth and for baby. DH had his own bag.

For me:
Nursing Accessories - my hospital had lanolin, but I brought my own Earth Mama Nipple Butter. My hospital also had soothies available - lactation consultants are amazing resources! I will be bringing my nursing pillow (My Brest Friend) this time. I also installed an app to keep track of feedings/sides.

Loose clothes that will be easy for nursing - I was super puffy from the IV/epidural. It was recommended to bring clothes that would fit you at 6 months pregnant - but I found those were too tight with all the extra fluid retention. I brought a robe and slippers too.

Misc - CHAPSTICK (hospitals are dry), hair bands, mini toiletries, basic makeup, toothbrush/paste, glasses/contacts, flip-flops (for hospital shower), gum/mints

Something to do - I brought my tablet and a crossword puzzle book (I was in labor for 24 hours and was glad to have them, but didn't use them post birth.)

For baby:
Going home outfit, baby book - the nurses did footprints for us, zip-up swaddles (loved these for the newborn stage)

Misc/Dad:
Snacks - granola bars, yogurt, crackers, DH's fav candy. (The hospital only provides the parnter one meal - I got three a day post birth.) Chargers, camera, couple of changes of clothes for DH, ID and insurance cards

Bring a bathing suit for you (top only, sports bra would work too) and your SO if you want to be in the tub/shower.

DDRRT1982 · December 2017

Fifth baby and I've never packed a bag. I have definitely regretted it each time that I haven't. Maybe this time is the lucky time!

ShawnnaO · December 2017

I didn’t need anything with my daughter other than my phone charger, going home clothes, and snacks. Everything else the hospital provided!

heatherdubrow · December 2017

Basically everything @becausescience said...

ashleyf911 · December 2017

So, for starters, my hospital provides: nice big water bottle w/straw, the mesh undies and pads, onesies/shirts/pants/socks/hat/mittens for baby, a Halo sleepsack, diapers, wipes, diaper cream/toiletries for baby, all food for mom and dad, nipple cream and nursing pads.

I have my list 95% of the way done... I'm sure I'll add or remove a couple things before I actually pack.

For me (repeat c-section):
Stretchy nursing tanks
Yoga pants
A warm nursing wrap sweater/cardigan
Hard soled slippers
Toiletries: body wash, deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste, dry shampoo, chapstick, hair ties, hairbrush
Phone charger
Camera and spare batteries

For babe:
Going home outfit
An outfit or two for pictures (our hospital has a professional photographer come in)
Boppy
Car seat

For DH:
He'll be going home for a little bit each evening to do the bedtime routine with our 2.5 y/o DS so he won't need a ton, he can get what he needs daily each night.
Laptop for Netflix
Toiletries: toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant
Phone charger
Pillow and blanket

For DS:
A few "big brother" gifts from the baby for when he comes to visit - I found some cute ideas on pinterest that had a Big Brother tote bag, the Daniel Tiger big brother book, some snacks, a new coloring book and crayons, a disposable camera (so he can take his own pictures of baby sister!), stuff like that.

becausescience · December 2017

@ashleyf911 Ooo good idea! I think I'll add a gift for DD from the baby too.

She'll be 19 months when this baby arrives - any gift ideas? I can't see her really caring at this point, but maybe a soft stuffed animal.

cford08 · December 2017

I've been doing a whole lotta You tubing about this situation. I like the idea about Lucie's List @mdfarmchick I used that a whole bunch for my registry! I hope to pack all of our bags sometime in the next two weeks. I know my hospital provides the essentials I just need the creature comforts!

bravoandprosecco · January 2018

Honestly I used nothing I brought last time, the hospital had everything I needed, but I did just order a nice robe this time since it would be easy and comfy for breast feeding!

paigew123 · January 2018

Same as @bravoandprosecco. Most of the things I brought the hospital provided.
One thing I strongly recommend is a pillow and blanket for hubby. I didn't take one last time and was in labor for 20 hours. I felt real bad for him.
other then that, I haven't put much thought into it yet....last time I packed at around 35ish weeks and then went a week over, and the suitcase just got me nervous the entire time

mcb0110 · January 2018

Love this thread! I recommend bringing an extra blanket for covering the baby when you leave. Last time I brought my boppy and was so glad I did because the lactation consultant was able to help me learn how to use it.

This time around im going to worry more about entertainment for DH more than anything. He was pretty bored last time. Laptop for Netflix and some more snacks for him. He brought his pillow last time and will definitely bring it again this time!

Our hospital provides meals meals for us and everything for the baby and me after delivery. My biggest concern is my first was born in July (in Texas) it was 100 when we left the hospital. I’m worried it’s going to be so cold! And I don’t have very many cold weather nursing clothes, guess I need to invest in a couple more nursing shirts before I have him.

I brought toiletries for me, a change of clothes for each day (I was there 3 days), and an extra long phone charger. I was glad I brought clothes, even though they were just comfy clothes because it made me feel more human. I didn’t bring my favorites though, just in case I bleed through.

I did did a big sister gift for my stepdaughter. She loved her bag! It had a snack in it, a big sister book, an art activity (that wasn’t messy... I think it was one of those magic marker things), and a disposable camera. I put it all in a bag that said big sister. She loved it!! Took so many pictures and still uses the bag today! Now she’s 9 and her little sister is 2.5, so I’ll have to figure out what to put in each of their bags.

My friends reminded me to take the open diaper pack from the hospital and a couple extra of their giant pads. I also was able to bring home the tucks pads and spray. All were lifesavers!!

enigmaticjj · January 2018

With my first I didn't use much from my bag. I wore slippers when walking around, but besides that, just used the hospital gowns to wear (in the moment it just wasn't worth the effort to me to change out of those gowns as nurses/doctor needed to check my incision (emergency c-section) every now and then and preferred getting their gowns bloody. I was so warm/hot during the days post baby I had no desire what so ever for extra blankets or a robe. I might have put a robe on when out of bed when visitors came. Thinking back now I'm surprised I didn't bring my own pillow, however I didn't have any issues with theirs (I'm sure because I was so incredibly tired).

This time around (second) I haven't given much/any thought of what to pack until now but want to avoid over packing as that just adds to stuff to deal with (especially if you already have other kids to wrangle).

Basic daily toiletries, such as hair brush, tooth paste, tooth brush, glasses/contacts, face wash, shampoo/conditioner, lip balm, lotion, etc.
As a PP pointed out, hospital has lanolin but I'll bring some Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter as I did last time.
Not going to worry about any water bottles or food (provided by hospital).
Slippers for walking around (I second what Lucies List says, ones you don't mind getting some blood on). Bath robe. I think this time around I'll bring a nursing bra (one of the sleeping ones) to use day/night. And since I have a 2.5 year old daughter, I'll make sure to have some regular clothes to wear when she visits to help keep things 'normal' as much as possible.
Gift to daughter from baby (and daughter will bring a gift she picked out for the baby).
Going home outfit for me and baby (if we want a pacifier the hospital has those).
Car seat and cover for car seat since it'll still be cold out. --For 'entertainment' my phone will be enough.
Oh, and don't want to forget the baby book so the nurses can do the foot prints.

And DH is a grown man so he can figure out his own hospital bag. Not going to worry about what snacks, entertainment, etc. he has. DH and I though will need to put some thought into ensuring we have some entertainment (books, simple toys, etc.) and snacks for our daughter when she comes to visit. A kid friendly camera as PPs have mentioned is a great idea I'll have to steal.

*edited to fix the format

cford08 · January 2018

@paigew123 didn't even think about a pillow or blanket for DH. Putting that on his list now

missnc77 · January 2018

I grossly over packed the first time around. Thinking back, I'm laughing that I packed a razor. Like oh yeah, I just spent 13 hours in labor, pushed out a baby, haven't slept in who knows how long, but let me go bend over in the shower and shave my legs.

Things I was happy about in my bag/that I brought outside of normal toiletries:
- A large, soft cotton long sleeve robe
- My own pillow
- PJ pants for post labor
- Dry shampoo
- Granola bars
- Footed jammies as a going home outfit for DD1. I looked on etsy for a super cute going home outfit, but by the end of my pregnancy, I ran out of steam. I was just done with buying baby stuff. When we were getting ready to leave the hospital waiting for them to bring in DD1, they rolled in this other little baby. Glittery outfit, headband with this huge bow on her head, and my husband and I looked at each other like we've already failed in the effort department. However, when I saw my little DD1 in a soft, comfortable footed jammie, she just looked so much more comfortable. I'm going to go the same route this time and leave the over the top going home outfits for the other moms.

Things I wish I would have brought:
- Nursing bras - I brought a couple of nursing tanks, but they weren't supportive. I've spent a lot more time this pregnancy trying to order different nursing sleep bras and comfortable nursing shirts. I was so unprepared for the clothing world of breastfeeding. That had to be one of the worst parts of the whole thing. To my large chested lady friends, start now. Don't think you're going to walk into target, buy an XL nursing bra that fits you now, and be good to go. When your milk comes in, those XL bras will be useless. I couldn't fit back into those until maybe 6 months PP.

PP Supplies at home:
I went all out on buying tucks pads, a few perineal bottles, perineal coldpacks, puppy pee pads, and depends. I put a pee pad under my side of the bed sheets in case of my water broke in bed or if I bled PP. I didn't really need them though. The depends were a LIFE SAVER. My water broke at home before I was dilated, so it was pretty much out of nowhere. I put one of those things on, and it helped contain the mess while I got things ready for the hospital and waited for my husband to get home from work. Also for the car ride and initial check in to the hospital. I have no idea what I would have done otherwise - just leaked all over everything?? It's just like a steady stream of water non-stop. My hospital hooked me up post labor with all kinds of PP supplies, but I was still thankful for the perineal bottles and cold packs back at home. Some women freeze pads, but the cold packs you just bend in half to activate, and you're good to go.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BLE60T4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

As for my husband, he can pack his own bag. I'm about to give birth to a human being, I don't have the stamina to figure out what you need. Ha! He just threw in his toiletries and some clothes last time, and it worked out just fine. He'll have to run home anyway because we have a toddler, so anything we left or need, he can grab. Last time, he brought a bunch of DVDs. I'm vomiting and running between the bed and the bathroom, and he's all, "How does Jurassic Park sound?" No, hun. Just no.

baybeesunflower · January 2018

I completely over packed last time and used maybe 3 things from my bag. My hospital provided everything we could have needed. My bag will be light this time with nursing tanks for after delivery, clothes to go home and baby blanket and hat and outfit to go home in.

My husband did a horrible job packing his bag last time, still makes me laugh. I think he had a bag with magazines and playing cards.... haha

Gingham · January 2018

A few things that I am making sure to NOT forget this time are chapstick, lotion, and lubricating eye drops. I was sooo dry. Oh, and warm clothes for DH. Apparently my postpartum self was running extremely warm and I kept cranking the A/C down and froze the poor guy.

LeahS927 · January 2018

My hospital provided a lot of stuff for my first, which meant I had rather over-packed. I like to be prepared, but also am reminding myself that we have to bring it all home again afterwards.

For me:
- License and insurance card

- Clothes to wear home (COMFY STRETCHY CLOTHES)

- A plastic bag for laundry

- Basic toiletries: Toothbrush/toothpaste, lip balm, face soap, deodorant, cetaphil (I use on face and body), shampoo/conditioner, and body wash (Side note: everyone told me that a shower would feel amazing as soon as I was able to take one, but I'd really recommend waiting until you're not pouring blood. The second shower was much less terrifying/gross than the first one (about 4-5 hours after giving birth))

- Microfiber cloth for cleaning glasses

- Nursing sleep bra/comfy nursing tank

- Lanolin (didn't need the first time, but how much room does it actually take up?)

- Disposable nursing pads (didn't actually need these the first time)

- Reading material (didn't use the first time, since I was in labor in the middle of the night and just wanted to 'sleep', and then after giving birth, we had so many visitors that I was either sleeping, nursing, or visiting yet another family member.)

For Dad:

- PJ pants

- Toothbrush

- Deodorant

- Snacks (hospital doesn't provide food for dad)

- A water bottle

- Chargers for his phone, iPad, etc.

- Camera and extra batteries

- A power strip

We had packed a pillow and stuff for DH, but our hospital actually provides a little bed/pillow for dads in the delivery room. And then after DD was born, DH actually went home at night to sleep, since we sent DD to the hospital nursery. We figured he may as well get some sleep while he could. So he used basically nothing that we brought for him; all of the above is just me being over-prepared.

For Baby:

- Car seat

- Outfit for going home (two size options, since everyone told me she'd be huge - guess what, they were wrong!)

- Blanket or car seat cover (it's cold in Michigan in winter!)

- Burp rag

- Bottles (my hospital recommended bringing these in case I couldn't breastfeed - then DD could get used to the bottles we had at home.)

livingthedream-3 · January 2018

Snacks, lots and lots of snacks. Not kidding half my bag is food and drinks.

I bring an outfit for me to wear home, one for the baby.

Phone charger and toothbrush

That's about it.

livingthedream-3 · January 2018

And an extra empty bag because you will go home with lots of free goodies. Both times, at different hospitals I got the straight up hook up on diapers, wipes, blankets and just random stuff and needed a bag for it all.

stardustskies · January 2018

Not sure if this is the right thread for this question but.. has anyone tried the Always Discreet briefs for postpartum instead of the mesh undies and pads? They sound like a good alternative but some personal opinions would be nice.

cford08 · January 2018

@sarahhedger7 I have had to use the mesh panties/Peri pad combo and the Always briefs for *TW* ectopic pregnancies/surgeries *end TW* and the briefs are less noticeable. However they are about the same in comfort tbh.

@missnc77 I'm a lady with a lot of boobs lol do you have any nursing bras you've found you be highly rated?

Edited because words are hard these days

missnc77 · January 2018

@cford08 Ugh. Nursing bras were so hard as were sleep bras. For sleep bras, I’ve been going to the usual maternity store websites this time around and ordering XXL sizes to try. You can find larger sizes online vs in store. I ordered multiple sizes and kept whatever fit me now and whatever was the next size up as too big. When my milk came in last time, nothing I bought fit me, so this time I want to be prepared.

For something more real in the beginning with no underwires, I did have success with Cake bras at Nordstrom. Pricey, but they were super comfortable. I’ll probably order a couple more this time around.

https://shop.nordstrom.com/c/womens-bras/cake~8516/nursing-bra

I also splurged on two Natori wired nursing bras during my last pregnancy that I was finally able to fit back into around 6 months PP. They weren’t super comfortable at first, but sometimes I needed an underwire (date nights, girls nights, etc.).

It sucks having a larger chest and having to splurge on good support, but it did make me feel more human again. I’m so jealous of ladies that can walk right into target, pick out a few nursing and sleep bras, and be good to go.

cford08 · January 2018

@missnc77 thank you for the help! Going to look into those cake bras. I had boobs before I got preggo, so spending money on bras has been my life. I really hate that my choices (usually) come down to black, nude and white...bleh

mamaloba816 · January 2018

@missnc77, I had the same issue with bras! Have you looked into Bravado? The body silk nursing bra is super comfortable and is actually pretty supportive. The Bliss is more similar to a normal bra, but the cup shapes are a little funny.

We went the comfy route for coming home too. We actually did take a really cute romper, but we decided he would be much more comfy in a onesie, so we just dressed him in that and threw a receiving blanket over him (August baby). This time, I think we'll do footie pajamas since it will be cold.

@becausescience, DS will be 19 months old when this baby arrives too. I've been trying to figure out a good sibling gift for him, but I'm not coming up with anything. I would love to get him a nice stuffed animal or something that he would hopefully enjoy for a long time, but he doesn't seem very interested in them right now.

stardustskies · January 2018

Speaking of bras, should I buy up a size for when my milk comes in? I'm already a size larger from when I first conceived. How much larger can I expect to get?

missnc77 · January 2018

@sarahhedger7 It’s so hard to say for sure, but in general, you will probably be bigger at least initially while your supply regulates. I went from a DD to probably an F, then went down to an E, then I was finally able to squeeze back into my DD, but when I was properly measured after weaning and back at my pre-preg weight, they put me in DDD. I wouldn’t spend too much money on real bras though until you have your baby and know what you’re working with. But maybe buy some sleep bras to start out with since you’ll be lounging around, and even if BFing doesn’t work out, they’re comfortable to sleep in.

bravoandprosecco · January 2018

@missnc77 those bras look amazing to me right now. I've been so uncomfortable in all bras I might just splurge and get one!

megpeg · January 2018

@sarahhedger7 I wouldn't buy many bras ahead. My sister went from an F to a M. You never know what is going to happen.
I wanted to BF but it didn't work out so I didnt need any and was glad I didn't not buy them ahead.

mamaloba816 · January 2018

My discharge nurse recommended waiting until about 6 weeks PP to invest in any good bras. I followed her advice and I was glad. My boob size fluctuated a LOT in those first few weeks.

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