+1 to krashke. I wouldn't bring bags in right away (aside from paperwork / ID). We don't get admitted unless we are far enough along, so bringing everything in, just to turn around, would be obnoxious.
I bring the least amount of stuff I can. Minimal stuff for baby, minimal for me. Even with DD, when I was doing the whole labor thing, I brought very little. I think I walked out in the clothes I came in with, lol.
For S+TMs:
Lifestyle/hospital/whatever factors that might influence your choice: Having a repeat csection, scheduled (assuming baby doesn't come early lol) and formula feeding
What kind of physical bag did you use?: I used a backpack last time, but this time we are pretending to be mature adults so I have a small hard sided suitcase to bring (carry on size)
Full list of hospital bag items (last time or this time): 1 set of clean clothes for me, 3 sets of clothes for baby (preemie/nb/0-3, since we won't know size), toiletries (hair brush etc), phone charger, things to keep me occupied- book, laptop (because there is no cell service in my hospital), etc. Burp rags
Anything you forgot last time but wish you'd brought?: Nope
Anything you brought last time but wish you hadn't?: Nope
#1 must have hospital bag item: phone charger, lol. Of course, this hospital has no cell service so I don't know how much I'll be able to use my phone.
I don't bring any bedding. Between the nurses and the baby, I don't sleep much anyway so I don't feel the need to carry in all of the extra stuff. I might invest in some slippers, just for when I walk around, but maybe not. We don't bring in the carseat until we're waiting on discharge paperwork, it's just in the way. DH will carry down bags and bring back up the seat, so not a big deal to us. I do need to ask if this hospital supplies formula. My last did and sent me home with some. If not, I'll bring formula and bottles.
@MissKittyDanger, My line line is very low. it is under my bump now. I can't see it in any of my pants.I wore my maternity pants home last time. soft cotton full panel over the belly. (winter last time) Didn't have any issues. I would make sure you don't have any seams in direct contact for awhile. I needed pressure on my incision for a few days. I had to ask a nurse how to cough when I woke up, because I felt like my stomach was going to come open. Putting a pillow over it and pressing down helped.
MissKittyDanger - my hospital doesn't want you to bring the seat to the room. The nurse has to push you in a wheelchair to the car at the curb and you have to be holding the baby. They just have to make sure the baby is put in a car seat- but as they're not certified car seat techs and for liability reasons they don't check the seat or to check how you're putting the baby in.
On the topic of PJs- just remember with the shirts that it is nursing friendly (assuming you're attempting). Nursing tops, deep v neck/stretchy, button down, etc. I'm usually a t shirt sleeper and that is a big no go.
Agreed on wanting my own pillow. Other than that this time I'm going to pack pretty light. I brought all of my own pads and such last time and won't be doing that. I don't plan on bringing the diaper bag in, just putting new baby's outfits in my bag. There is so much to worry about and do and fussing over bags and stuff just got to be cumbersome- especially to not need most of it.
I will say- I'm a HUGE advocate of taking a shower asap- to feel human again, so all of the toiletries and such. As I'm using my products now if I'm getting low I plan to set them aside before they run out so I can just pack those and have them ready to go and just throw out at the hospital to make more room for the "freebies"
@kmurdock925 I may ask about the carseat thing when we leave, because they request you bring the instructions as well. I know there are "carseat clinics" around our city, and they may have people working through the hospitals as needed
@Xtabbikatx My mum had ovarian surgery {not hysterectomy, but just as invasive} and she swore a pillow was her new BFF lol
Re car seats: as first time parents we had to take a car seat class at the hospital before we were allowed to leave. They scheduled it for the morning of discharge and that’s when we brought in the seat.
I will +1 not bringing in anything until settled and need it. We brought my bag for my scheduled CS and it was so annoying to keep track of it. No one told us we should’ve left it in the car lol
Me: 28 | Husband: 39 Married March 2016 DD: born 7.22.16 DS EDD: 6.23.18
@sunshineandwhiskey I do not shower unless I have to go see people who are not DH (I WFH) or if I get super sweaty from working out/being hot out. I do not feel better after showers unless I'm legit dirty before I get in one. I just feel itchy AF after. Sooooo yep, 2x/week sounds right lol, espppecially in winter.
@doxiemoxie212 Get the "Scrubee" from Lush! It's an exfoliant and shea butter. Clears any dry skin, the hydrates like you wouldn't believe. 2 days after using in shower, I can still feel somewhat feel it!
@doxiemoxie212 and others - I bought this exfoliater a few months ago (link in spoiler). It is amaaaazing! It was especially wonderful after my weekend hospital stay in getting rid of all the dead/dry skin. Be warned, it is sort of aggressive, so don't use too much pressure the first time. I use tons of pressure now (my skin is red and striped, but it fades) and slather on the lotion after. I find lotions and oils soak in better after I use it.
MissKittyDanger - For sure check with your hospital so you're prepared
I think this speaks to not only being a country by country but likely even state by state. It seems like everyone has had a slightly different experience so just check with your hospital.
@LaceyBee522@MissKittyDanger I mean, I exfoliate my skin quite a lot - I like to dry brush and then add oil. But my skin is seriously dry. From what I understand, it's clinically dehydrated and dry, so that it doesn't matter how much water I drink, etc., I just have a skin type where all moisture just escapes through the dermal layers. So I legit slather on tons of oil (marula or jojoba, etc.) in addition to lotions and serums, etc. I have to cary Aquaphor around with me everywhere I go because I literally cannot wash my hands without putting it on after or my hands burn.
@doxiemoxie212@LaceyBee522 & @sunshineandwhiskey +1 to only needing to shower a couple times a week. DH would shower 2x a day whereas I only do when my hair needs a good shampooing. I also didn't shower at the hospital when I had DD- something about showering there made me feel like I was at the gym- I'd rather be in my own shower. I'll bring everything in case this time is different, but I just don't think I'll shower there this time either.
I didn't shower after DS (it actually never crossed my mind). It would have been a challenge physically (cath'ed until I left) and I was so unsteady. I'm bringing my stuff, but don't know if I will.
I'm thinking for toiletries I may buy some small fancy-ish travel style ones for hospital. Some really nice scents so I feel some lux moments whenever I decide to shower.
@MissKittyDanger that is a really good idea! You could splurge on some travel size items from Sephora and enjoy that post baby shower just a little bit more!
*TW LC*
Me & MH: 32 DS: 6/1/18 (Pre-E; IUGR; seizures; NICU) TTC #2: 12/2019 Sept 2020: HSG possible blocked right tube Nov 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFN Dec 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFP!!! EDD 9/18
@MissKittyDanger@krashke I’ve heard of ladies doing that so they have a unique smell that reminds them only of the day their LO was born. Almost like getting a new perfume for your wedding day. I thought it was a sweet idea.
Me: 28 | Husband: 39 Married March 2016 DD: born 7.22.16 DS EDD: 6.23.18
@krashke That's kinda what I was thinking. I know Sephora use to have one-time-use body washes in some really lovely scents but idk if they still have it. Might as well splurge anyways
@MissKittyDanger@krashke I’ve heard of ladies doing that so they have a unique smell that reminds them only of the day their LO was born. Almost like getting a new perfume for your wedding day. I thought it was a sweet idea.
I actually got a perfume I was wanting specifically for our wedding. I now wear it when we're going out just the 2 of us
@sunshineandwhiskey I actually did the new perfume for my wedding day. I got a rollerball to keep in my touch up bag to reapply throughout the day. My sister was helping me in the bathroom and dropped my bag and the perfume shattered. She felt so bad. To this day the scent reminds me more of the men's bathroom at church where it broke than just my wedding.
*TW LC*
Me & MH: 32 DS: 6/1/18 (Pre-E; IUGR; seizures; NICU) TTC #2: 12/2019 Sept 2020: HSG possible blocked right tube Nov 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFN Dec 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFP!!! EDD 9/18
@MissKittyDanger we were at church before the ceremony getting ready and it was just us girls. A few bridesmaids were in the women's rest room so my sister and I took over the men's. I wonder what they all thought later when the men's room smelled like ladies perfume.
*TW LC*
Me & MH: 32 DS: 6/1/18 (Pre-E; IUGR; seizures; NICU) TTC #2: 12/2019 Sept 2020: HSG possible blocked right tube Nov 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFN Dec 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFP!!! EDD 9/18
Now you all have me wondering... How do people here in AZ put their newborn babies into a carseat that's been sitting in an uncovered lot in 100-110 degree heat? I assumed it would be standard to bring it into the room just to keep it cool. Even if discharged in the morning, cars are hot here. Things to ask my hospital I guess. At least we didn't get a black seat.
Me: 30 | DH: 31 Met: August 2006 Married: July 2012 TTC #1 since June 2016
I wish I could be like you girls that don't feel the need to shower daily (is that a weird thing to wish? Lol). I feel gross if I go more than 24 hrs. Like even my deodorant... I want it washed off and freshly applied. And let's not talk about my hair, flat and gets oily daily. Last time I was allowed to get a shower sun night (went in sat night at midnight for an induction), then csection was mon night. And I didn't get into the shower till wed. I felt gross but I don't think I could have done it that first day after the section.
me:35 DH:34 DS: born oct 2012 TFAS: BFP #1 aug16. miscarriage sept16 BFP #2 nov16 MMC dec16. d&c jan17 BFP #3 sept17 EDD 5/31/18 fingers crossed for our rainbow baby
@icecubeinthedesert that's an excellent question, one I'm going to have to think about since we're doing a convertible seat right away this time, not a carrier. I'm expecting it to be well into triple digits by the time baby comes so I guess I'll need to figure something out. We hit 100 by 11am. Yuck!
@icecubeinthedesert adding that to my list of things to research now. There seem to be lots of little things that make summer babies extra challenging in AZ. Hopefully our hospital will let us bring it in on discharge day so it has time to cool down.
Me 30 Him 30 Married August 2015 DS born 5/23/2018 TTC #2 July 2020
@2589, the hospital has limited self-parking, so likely will be brought by the valet. Hopefully they don't hurry us out of there... @May14th2011, yeah, I have a feeling I'm not leaving the house much until September unless the place I'm going to has covered parking or a garage. And I think we decided on a convertible and an infant seat. The cost of an extra base just didn't make sense, especially since we want to have a second kid within a few years and will need a convertible eventually for this LO anyways. But I don't think we'll get a ton of use out of that one until we have to coordinate daycare pickups.
Me: 30 | DH: 31 Met: August 2006 Married: July 2012 TTC #1 since June 2016
@icecubeinthedesert last year we went swimming every day but I don't know if I'm willing to take a newborn out in the heat or in the pool. I'm probably going to get a plastic pool for the kids to use at our house.
@icecubeinthedesert oh gotcha. Hopefully they can shed some light on our hospital tour because that must be something they’re used to dealing with! Up here most of us have auto starters to warm up the engine before driving when it’s -20 something, so I also use mine a lot during the summer when it’s 90-100 and I have to take a kiddo out to the car. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly the material of the carseats cools down once the AC is running.
Me too @catlady1215 I think the daily showering for me started bc my hair is flat, thin and oily. Not even dry shampoo could help it. Now that's what I've been used to for 15 years so I feel yuck without one. Since being pregnant, my hormones have shifted just enough where I can get by with 2nd day hair and dry shampoo. I usually still at least rinse off in the shower though.
@catlady1215@amys614 I was a "need to wash hair daily" as I'm an oily skin/hair person too. I swapped shampoos to Lush's "Jersey bounce" and it made a huge difference. Idk if it's the ingredients or the fact it's more of a scalp cleaner vs hair cleaner, but it made a huge difference!
STM and another fan of packing things for a shower after labor. I read some of you aren't shower fans, but you'll probably want and need one after labor to feel like a human again.
We were able to pack super light because they generally kick you out of the hospital (lovingly lol) as soon as you can pee by yourself after birth, which is just a few hours. Most of what we packed we didn't need, but it was nice to have the things there just in case.
During labor itself I wore a giant sports bra, panties and a big t-shirt but by the end only the sports bra remained. I had 2 spare outfits: one for recovery for right after birth, and one I changed into for going home. None of this stuff took up much space at all, because it was mostly baggy sportswear that folds up small.
Hospital bags:
1.) A big tote with my stuff + my partner's Phones Chargers Camera Toothbrushes Toothpaste Shampoo Body lotion Flip flops Couple extra panties, large Sports bra for wearing during labor Nursing bra 2 large t-shirts (mine were stretchy and easy to yank down for nursing) 2 pairs of baggy sweats Extra boxers for my partner just in case Fresh shirt for my partner Fresh pair of pants for my partner Bag of fun-sized snickers for snacking (which we really enjoyed) Plastic bag for dirty items
2.) Diaper bag with baby stuff - ours is a PacaPod backpack. Several diapers (didn't need but would definitely pack again) Wipes 2 onesies in size 60 1 onesie in size 56 2 shirts 2 pants 1 coat 2 hats 2 pairs of socks Nipple cream Blanket
I definitely recommend bringing 2 sizes of baby clothes. Our size 56 outfit was too small so luckily the rest fit fine.
Re: Product Spotlight Series: Hospital Bag!
I think I walked out in the clothes I came in with, lol.
For S+TMs:
I don't bring any bedding. Between the nurses and the baby, I don't sleep much anyway so I don't feel the need to carry in all of the extra stuff. I might invest in some slippers, just for when I walk around, but maybe not.
We don't bring in the carseat until we're waiting on discharge paperwork, it's just in the way. DH will carry down bags and bring back up the seat, so not a big deal to us.
I do need to ask if this hospital supplies formula. My last did and sent me home with some. If not, I'll bring formula and bottles.
MissKittyDanger - my hospital doesn't want you to bring the seat to the room. The nurse has to push you in a wheelchair to the car at the curb and you have to be holding the baby. They just have to make sure the baby is put in a car seat- but as they're not certified car seat techs and for liability reasons they don't check the seat or to check how you're putting the baby in.
On the topic of PJs- just remember with the shirts that it is nursing friendly (assuming you're attempting). Nursing tops, deep v neck/stretchy, button down, etc. I'm usually a t shirt sleeper and that is a big no go.
Agreed on wanting my own pillow. Other than that this time I'm going to pack pretty light. I brought all of my own pads and such last time and won't be doing that. I don't plan on bringing the diaper bag in, just putting new baby's outfits in my bag. There is so much to worry about and do and fussing over bags and stuff just got to be cumbersome- especially to not need most of it.
I will say- I'm a HUGE advocate of taking a shower asap- to feel human again, so all of the toiletries and such. As I'm using my products now if I'm getting low I plan to set them aside before they run out so I can just pack those and have them ready to go and just throw out at the hospital to make more room for the "freebies"
@Xtabbikatx My mum had ovarian surgery {not hysterectomy, but just as invasive} and she swore a pillow was her new BFF lol
I will +1 not bringing in anything until settled and need it. We brought my bag for my scheduled CS and it was so annoying to keep track of it. No one told us we should’ve left it in the car lol
Married March 2016
DD: born 7.22.16
DS EDD: 6.23.18
Married March 2016
DD: born 7.22.16
DS EDD: 6.23.18
MissKittyDanger - For sure check with your hospital so you're prepared
I think this speaks to not only being a country by country but likely even state by state. It seems like everyone has had a slightly different experience so just check with your hospital.
BFP#4- 9/26 edd 6/5/18
DS: 6/1/18 (Pre-E; IUGR; seizures; NICU)
TTC #2: 12/2019
Sept 2020: HSG possible blocked right tube
Nov 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFN
Dec 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFP!!! EDD 9/18
Married March 2016
DD: born 7.22.16
DS EDD: 6.23.18
Might as well splurge anyways
DS: 6/1/18 (Pre-E; IUGR; seizures; NICU)
TTC #2: 12/2019
Sept 2020: HSG possible blocked right tube
Nov 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFN
Dec 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFP!!! EDD 9/18
DS: 6/1/18 (Pre-E; IUGR; seizures; NICU)
TTC #2: 12/2019
Sept 2020: HSG possible blocked right tube
Nov 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFN
Dec 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFP!!! EDD 9/18
Me: 30 | DH: 31
Met: August 2006
Married: July 2012
TTC #1 since June 2016
***TW***
BFP: 7/12/16 | MC: 9/12/16
BFP: 1/18/17 | MMC: 2/13/17
BFP: 10/7/17 | EDD: 6/21/17
MTHFR: homozygous A1298C
DS: born oct 2012
TFAS: BFP #1 aug16. miscarriage sept16
BFP #2 nov16 MMC dec16. d&c jan17
BFP #3 sept17 EDD 5/31/18
fingers crossed for our rainbow baby
Married August 2015
DS born 5/23/2018
TTC #2 July 2020
@May14th2011, yeah, I have a feeling I'm not leaving the house much until September unless the place I'm going to has covered parking or a garage. And I think we decided on a convertible and an infant seat. The cost of an extra base just didn't make sense, especially since we want to have a second kid within a few years and will need a convertible eventually for this LO anyways. But I don't think we'll get a ton of use out of that one until we have to coordinate daycare pickups.
Me: 30 | DH: 31
Met: August 2006
Married: July 2012
TTC #1 since June 2016
***TW***
BFP: 7/12/16 | MC: 9/12/16
BFP: 1/18/17 | MMC: 2/13/17
BFP: 10/7/17 | EDD: 6/21/17
MTHFR: homozygous A1298C
We were able to pack super light because they generally kick you out of the hospital (lovingly lol) as soon as you can pee by yourself after birth, which is just a few hours. Most of what we packed we didn't need, but it was nice to have the things there just in case.
During labor itself I wore a giant sports bra, panties and a big t-shirt but by the end only the sports bra remained. I had 2 spare outfits: one for recovery for right after birth, and one I changed into for going home. None of this stuff took up much space at all, because it was mostly baggy sportswear that folds up small.
Hospital bags:
1.) A big tote with my stuff + my partner's
Phones
Chargers
Camera
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Shampoo
Body lotion
Flip flops
Couple extra panties, large
Sports bra for wearing during labor
Nursing bra
2 large t-shirts (mine were stretchy and easy to yank down for nursing)
2 pairs of baggy sweats
Extra boxers for my partner just in case
Fresh shirt for my partner
Fresh pair of pants for my partner
Bag of fun-sized snickers for snacking (which we really enjoyed)
Plastic bag for dirty items
2.) Diaper bag with baby stuff - ours is a PacaPod backpack.
Several diapers (didn't need but would definitely pack again)
Wipes
2 onesies in size 60
1 onesie in size 56
2 shirts
2 pants
1 coat
2 hats
2 pairs of socks
Nipple cream
Blanket
I definitely recommend bringing 2 sizes of baby clothes. Our size 56 outfit was too small so luckily the rest fit fine.