So if all goes according to plan, we'll be at a birthing center. We leave within 12 hours after birth but apparently the average is 6-8. Do you STMs think that changes much for what we should pack? I currently have paperwork, camera, clothes for LO, change of clothes for me and H, snacks (YAS), and maybe some soap to rinse off in their big ol' shower afterwards on the list. Possibly my favorite essential oil mix too since they have diffusers.
For me - Clothes for during our stay. I ended up staying in my hospital gown as I wasn't allowed to shower due to BP issues but hopefully this time I can change into yoga pants/capris and a tank. - Going home outfit. Basically the same as what I had brought to wear in the hospital (yoga capris and a tshirt). - Phone charger. - Travel toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste). I even brought a cheap toothbrush that I threw away leaving the hospital instead of bringing my daily toothbrush from home. - FLIP FLOPS FOR THE SHOWER!! The shower was clean but I felt much better having these on my feet. - Chapstick - Hair brush and extra hair ties - Nursing pads, I didn't need them the first time around but it is possible you could start leaking before leaving.
For baby - Going home outfit. Everyone told me not to bother with NB size, but I ended up bringing both a NB size outfit and a 0-3M one. Good thing I brought the NB size because that's what he wore home. I'll bring one of each size again this time. - Light blanket for the ride home. - I did not need anything else for him. The hospital had all clothing, blankets, diapers, etc necessary for our use while in the hospital.
For MH - Snacks, change for vending machines - Change of clothes, including comfy clothes for overnight stays (MH didn't listen to me and ended up running home after DS was born to get clothes for that night's stay)
Things I remember bringing and never used - Boppy - Playing cards - Music
_______________________________________________________________________________________________ MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks DS born 9/13/16 BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
So if all goes according to plan, we'll be at a birthing center. We leave within 12 hours after birth but apparently the average is 6-8. Do you STMs think that changes much for what we should pack? I currently have paperwork, camera, clothes for LO, change of clothes for me and H, snacks (YAS), and maybe some soap to rinse off in their big ol' shower afterwards on the list. Possibly my favorite essential oil mix too since they have diffusers.
I feel like a shorter stay really just means less clothes for you and YH. You'll just need something to wear home instead of worrying about what you'd wear for a multi-day stay.
I would still bring any toiletries you want to actually shower, not just rinse off. Granted this may not be as big of a deal leaving after 12 hours, but being able to really shower before going home felt great.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________ MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks DS born 9/13/16 BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
I'm a STM and I put waaaaay too much thought and effort into this last time. Here's what I've learned that I'm going to apply this time. Keep in mind that I was in the hospital a full week, Sunday-Sunday! I had an induction, failed to progress, and then a c-section. So we had lots of bored waiting with the induction, and then a long and painful labor, and then surgery, so this time I'll be prepared for it all!
You don't need separate bags necessarily, but definitely separate sections of the bag for you, baby, and husband/support partner.
Your husband/support partner should pack a little toiletry case (to wash their face, brush their teeth, put on deodorant, etc.) and at least some clean t-shirts and underwear for a few days. I was in the hospital for a full week, and my husband was there with me!
Check with hospital for what they provide, but for baby we literally only needed the going home outfit. But bring spares, in multiple sizes, with a variety of layers because you never know the weather! I'd also bring a little baby blanket.
For you, I'd go ahead and pack a bag whenever you have the time/energy. There's no need to wait. Put a note on top of the bag that lists the "last-minute items" you can't pack in advance.
Pack in advance: a basic toiletry bag--just whatever you'd normally want/use (deodorant, toothbrush, face wash, etc.); a few nightgowns that are nursing-friendly and long enough to walk around in and nursing "sleep bras" that are soft and comfy and just pull to the side--I wanted to be out of the hospital gown ASAP; a few outfits of "real clothes" such as comfy high-waist leggings and nursing tank-tops in case you feel up to it even before you're ready to go home; a couple good robes, to cover up those night gowns and nursing tanks if you're cold or modest--I'd just buy one in a size or two up from your regular size, and I love when the belt is attached so you don't worry about losing it; some trashy magazines or crossword puzzles to help kill time and have something to talk about with your support partner or a nurse if you're bored; a big water cup that won't easily spill and has a straw; some snacks like granola bars just in case--can be shared with your husband/support partner; an extra pair of glasses if you wear them.
Last-minute items: phone and charger, ipad and charger (download movies and mindless tv shows in advance, just in case).
A few tips:
A long phone charger if your battery dies regularly is amazing; and can be used at home next to the hair you usually nurse in
A good water cup will save you so much energy asking people for little glasses of water or to hand you things
No one told me how much I would sweat after giving birth. Like OMG the sweat. So much sweat. It lasted about a week. So bring more clothes than you think you need.
The clothes I brought to the hospital are basically the same things I spent the first month of my maternity leave in, and I didn't have much energy for laundry, so it was great to have extras.
Snacks! If you're allowed to eat, you're going to want your own snacks. I can't tell you how many graham crackers and little cranberry juices I ate because I didn't have anything else of my own.
People seem to stress so much over the toiletries, I know I did. Just pack whatever you'd normally bring on a casual weekend trip where you're not going out anywhere!
I way overpacked clothes for myself and baby the first time.
I would bring a comfy loose outfit you don’t mind possibly bleeding on (read: dark colors!) if you don’t want to wear the hospital gowns. And then loose going home outfit. Plan to look and feel about six months pregnant when you leave!
I suck at using a swaddle blanket so I’ll bring a newborn swaddle pod and use the hospital baby shirts. And then a going home outfit for each sex since we are Team Green.
I highly recommend bringing a pacifier. Though I wanted to not use one, DS was comfort nursing for three hours straight in the MOTN the second night and the nurses refused to give me one at first. My nipples were cracked and bleeding and they expected me to just keep comfort nursing because of potential “nipple confusion.” DH threatened the nurse to bring a pacifier, which she eventually did when we mentioned filling out our patient survey as dissatisfied. We all got sleep, and DS did just fine. The Soothie kind is good to mimic mom’s nipple, and just try not to use it in place of actually feeding your baby.
Skip any diapers, wipes, or postpartum supplies. The hospital will provide all of that...make sure you bring a bag big enough to stuff with extras to go home with. I shamelessly stole everything I could from the hospital room/bathroom.
Do bring toiletries you prefer, as hospital soap, shampoo, deodorant etc. sucks big time!
Other than that, consider if you want headphones, music player, etc. And a camera if you aren’t using your phone for pics. Oh, and maybe snacks for dad. But honestly, they are grownups and can fend for themselves!
I’ll add to bring: chapstick!! Hospitals are so dry! I’ll also be bringing my own socks with grippies on the bottoms this time around. The ones they gave me without DD were huge and itchy.
I didn’t bring our boppy pillow last time and am planning to this time. DD was so tiny and we had a hard time nursing, so anything to make that more comfortable!!
For me, having music was essential to my labor and birth experience. I have a bunch of playlists I’ll be using again: for early labor (girl power and love songs) active labor (instrumental music that flows and encourages gentle movement like swaying or walking) pushing (more instrumental music with intense tempos and a celebratory feel) and after baby is born (this one is mostly ‘music box lullabies’)
I’m a music therapist, and music has always been an important part of my life. DH will be retrained on how to access the music and which playlists are for what in case I’m unable to be in charge of it.
I also want to bring some LED candles and essential oils, maybe some labor mandalas I’ll draw for visuals; anything to make the space for labor feel safe and mellow!
Travel size toiletries, fresh tooth brush, hair brush, coming home outfit for baby, underwear, pajamas for me, coming home outfit for me. I'll also add extra phone chargers in there.
My "maybe" items are long wrap and a book.
I highly suggest you don't take anything that you are worried about losing or getting blood on. And ditto about skipping post partum supplies and diapers.
Labor Bag: - snacks (for DH but I snuck some here and there) - flip flops to walk around during labor - phone charger - cheat sheet I got from my birthing class with good laboring positions - camera - chapstick
Overnight Bag: - comfy clothes to lounge in (nursing tanks) - toiletries
Baby: - afghan for newborn pics in hospital - sleepers to wear in hospital - going home outfit - pacifiers
Honestly, that’s it. DH is in charge of his own bag. I absolutely agree with what a PP said regarding packing everything you can early and then putting a list of last-minute adds on top of the bag so you don’t have to worry about what you might be forgetting.
...all I remember is dh forgot socks and deodorant and his feet stunnkkkkk. Poor guy. He hadn’t packed his bag ahead and had to run home or maybe to walmart at some point to grab stuff.
So I’m glad this thread is here as a refresher! I wore my own clothes the whole time last time, but I don’t think I wore pants until it was time to go home... I have no shame and no one was around for potty breaks besides dh and nurses, mesh panties all.the.way.
bfp#1-10/29/12,EDD: 7/3/13. nothing found @ 1st u/s, natural mc 12/10/12. "Bean"
bfp#2-5/10/13! EDD: 1/18/14. "Peanut" Arrived 1/13/14. Diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis
bfp#3- 9/26/14. EDD: 5/7/15. no heartbeat found @ 1st u/s, natural mc 10/23/14. "Little Bug"
@jhjocelyn I definitely didn't wear pants for days! People kept coming in to check on my incision and other things, and they would have been a big hassle to deal with.
For me: Chapstick Lactaid pills Phone charger Nursing tanks Yoga pants Undies Shower toiletries Deodorant Tooth brush/tooth paste Snacks Flip flops Comb/brush/hair ties Pads to go home?
Baby: Going home outfit Light blanket Hat? Socks?
H: Change of clothes Deodorant Toothbrush Phone charger
We kept it pretty basic. This time I'll bring a boppy/mybrestfriend pillow and maybe a donut pillow to sit on since tearing/episiotomy hurts like a bitch. Also will consider sleep mask since I like my room to be dark. I never sleep well in a hospital so I'll just give up on that ahead of time lol.
Actually now that I think of it I did use my boppy. I draped a towel over it and sat on it for the ride home. Not sure it was necessary but I did use it.
It was one of those things I packed but left in the car. If I needed it MH could run out and get it. I had enough pillows in the hospital I never had him go get it though.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________ MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks DS born 9/13/16 BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
I can't remember what I brought last time but this time here is my plan for this time
Me: basic toiletries, 2 nursing tanks, gym shorts, maybe some sort of dress for labor? I really hated the gown (I'll check with the doctor), music didn't really work for me last time so I'm going to try and watch a movie, flip flops, phone charger, camera
Baby: a newborn outfit and a 0-3 mo outfit, blanket for the car
DH: he is on his own
Hospital gave us: everything baby needed while staying (plus stuff to take home), post partum care items for me, food for me and DH
I'll throw this in the mix, I had an unplanned csection with my last pregnancy and I had no idea what to wear afterwards. I ended up stealing my husbands boxer briefs and those worked amazingly well since they came up over my incision. I wore dresses over them and it was perfect. I didnt have any nursing clothes last time so this time I have already bought a few nursing dresses to take. This just made it so much easier. I was in the hospital for 5 days.
I agree with a lot of the above. Long phone charger, boppy, pillow from home, flip flops, an outfit for baby.
My kiddo was in NICU and they asked me if I had receiving blankets and outfits so we went out and bought those. I feel much more prepared this time and will bring those items with me for sure.
I didnt bring any snacks and it was fine. My hospital had big giant straw cups that were awesome. I would almost ask ahead of time of these are supplied in the mother baby unit and if not for sure bring one of your own.
OMG are we really talking about this already?!!? But... but... I just got pregnant like 5 minutes ago???
I probably should come up with a couple of names and buy a crib for this kid before packing a hospital bag BUT the non-obvious things on my list this time around will be:
-an extra-long phone cord -earbuds (didn't expect to want/need, but ended up using my husband's during labor to listen to my Hypnobabies audiobook) -a hairbrush -a cute swaddle blanket for pictures -a newborn hat (I don't like the hospital ones) -nursing-friendly shirts that I actually feel presentable in since my in-laws will likely be visiting this time -gift "from the baby" to big brother
Engaged 12/2013 Married 5/2015 BFP 11/27/2015 - EDD 8/4/2016 Baby Boy born 8/13/2016 ~ 8lbs 7oz BFP 1/6/2018 - EDD 9/19/2018
I tried to be minimal the 2nd time around, and I’ll definitely do the same this time!
Me: Pretty Pushers delivery gown (this was gifted to me and was AWESOME for delivering DD2!) Robe (I splurged on a pretty one this time!) flip flops basic toiletries/make up hair ties nursing tanks (I wear tank, robe and mesh unders during my stay) pillow in a recognizable pillowcase (I don’t actually remember if we brought our own pillows, but they are nice to have!)
Going home outfit
Babe: Swaddle (mine matches my robe) Going home outfit with head accessory Mini baby soap (I don’t use Johnson & Johnson) Boppy pillow
DH: Pillow Toiletries iPad (mine isn’t a snacker, so we didn’t bring snacks, and he found going to the cafe a nice distraction if needed)
Misc: Long charger Photos of big siblings to have displayed when they meet baby (we taped ours in the bassinet) Big sibling gift (sticker books they can do in the hospital are awesome!) Headphones (because one of you are usually awake and that way you can hold your new babe and quietly watch a show while your partner sleeps!) Extra bag for all the supplies the hospital will give you!
@SkilledSailor think disposable. The ones they give you in the hospital stretch to fit you and you just toss them when they're gross. Also some women use depends as an option too.
yes! re: mesh undies.. can a STM mom pls fill me in on this? I want to be as kind to myself down there as possible and if they are tolerable after birth I must have them!
Me: 34 DH:33 TTC since Oct 2016 DX: Undetermined possible PCOS+MFI July 2017-Dec 2017 Letrozole+TI Dec 2017 CP Jan 2018 BFP:EDD 9-25
Anything "consumable" that is put in your room and opened (diapers, wipes, tucks pads, regular pads, mesh underwear, etc.) cannot be given to another patient so I took it ALL home. A friendly nurse will usually bring you extras too if you ask.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________ MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks DS born 9/13/16 BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
Ladies, if you're so inclined, pack some treats for your labor and delivery nurses. My husband came up with that idea first time around. He brought big bags of candy. Offered some to every nurse that walked in the room. He really shmoozed. It doesnt hurt to suck up to the people who you bother constantly while in labor.
Ladies, if you're so inclined, pack some treats for your labor and delivery nurses. My husband came up with that idea first time around. He brought big bags of candy. Offered some to every nurse that walked in the room. He really shmoozed. It doesnt hurt to suck up to the people who you bother constantly while in labor.
Snacks, gifts, whatever for the nurses sure, but "suck up to the people who you 'bother' constantly while in labor"!? F*@$ that noise. We're in labor and it's literally their job. You aren't "bothering" your labor and delivery nurses by asking them to assist you during labor and delivery. They aren't doing you a favor. You don't owe them one. It's nice to be nice and I totally support that, but hell f-ing no I am not going to feel obligated to bribe them to do their job nor do I accept that my being in labor at the hospital in the labor and delivery ward is a 'bother' to anyone. It's literally the only reason that place exsits. For women to go there and have babies. So yes, snacks and gifts are nice but no you are not "bothering" the nurses. P.S. I also think the 40k+ check that my insurance company cut the hospital was a pretty good thank you all on its own.
Ladies, if you're so inclined, pack some treats for your labor and delivery nurses. My husband came up with that idea first time around. He brought big bags of candy. Offered some to every nurse that walked in the room. He really shmoozed. It doesnt hurt to suck up to the people who you bother constantly while in labor.
Are you a nurse by chance?
Me: 34 | DH: 33 Married Aug. 2013 TTC #1 Sep. 2016 ***TW***
BFP Jan. 15, 2017; MMC Mar. 4, 2017 at 10w6d BFP Jun. 5, 2017; MMC Aug. 2, 2017 at 11w6d BFP Nov. 20, 2017; ended in CP All the tests. Everything normal except treated for ureaplasma and DH potentially has high DNAF. BFP Dec. 25, 2017; EDD Sep. 5, 2018; DD arrived Aug. 26th My chart: https://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/63f71d
I only wear them in the hospital. They make my skin itch the longer I wear them. I thought I’d be in them all the time after DS. Nope. I lasted one day at home before I just wore my own. Same after DD. They made my skin itch.
I'm delivering in a birth center that's thankfully a straight shot down the highway from us, but quite literally across town. The midwifes said if all goes well we could be headed home in as little as 3 hours after birth if I want, but also said we're welcome to stay and nap and shower if I want to. Knowing myself, I'll want to go home ASAP (boyfriend has no say in this matter ) So with that I'm planning to be a minimalist, but still avoid any stops at a store or having to run back home. And we'll still prepared if (worst case scenario) I have to transfer to the hospital. My last one was in a hospital and I over packed for myself, but was so thankful for the extra newborn clothes I had. He was so little and the diapers the hospital provided weren't fitting him well, every single one leaked.
I'll pack 1 bag for baby and I. So for myself I'll have: -Toiletries -extra nursing bra (I'm already wearing them because comfy) -swim top for the birthing pool -nursing tank/shirt to go home in -robe for labor and post delivery -high rise yoga pants/maternity leggings. With my last anything that sat low around my midsection was uncomfortable for a few days. -snacks easy on the tummy (with previous labor I was super nauseous, so be mindful of what you bring!) -32oz shaker bottle for water and protein powder -possibly essential oils, I need to check what my midwife and doula have on hand for births -mesh undies and pads. May go the depends route if Amazon doesn't have what I'm looking for -phone charger & headphones (I always have one in both vehicles so not a big concern) -CAMERA! I love my Canon and it'll be handy for those first few photos. My doula is also a professional photographer and said she'd be happy to snap a few nice photos with mine.
For baby: -2 onesies, 1 body suit for the trip home, 1 hat, and blanket for swaddling. -diapers & wipes
And for the super low maintenance boyfriend: -extra change of clothes -snacks, snacks, snacks -shaker bottle
I really like the idea of having snacks for everyone else involved! In our case once we're at the birth center I'll have the same 3 midwifes + my doula, regardless of how long labor and delivery take. I might have to prepare something ahead of time for them. Any ideas?!
I haven't really thought about my hospital bag, but that's one of the reasons I'm so thankful for this board! Do you guys think it would be reasonable to register for the hospital dresses/gown like the pretty pushers that @MrsBigTime referred to? If you think it's tacky, maybe I'll just order it myself, but on Amazon they advertise it as a good baby shower gift...
@runninginva I'd consider one of the pretty pushers a legit gift to register for. A lot of people think it's a silly thing to spend money on since the hospital does provide you with a gown, but a lot of people think they are comfy and cute and fun. I didn't get anything like it last time because money, but am considering getting one this time just because I think they are pretty and I like them, so why not?
@MrsBigTime I’ve seen some people say they preferred the hospital gown because birth is messy. Did you keep your pretty pusher? Any issues getting it clean? I feel like I want one, especially so I am not in a blah hospital gown through labor if it is a long labor. Plus, sometimes just being in something cute can make all the difference in how you feel in general.
If I end up with a hospital birth I'm at least bringing a cheap nightgown I don't care if needs to be cut up, but I hate hospital gowns with a passion.They're uncomfortable, hit me in throat which makes me gag, and just so...demoralizing. But I'm hoping to just wear what I want at home for birth, so I'm not investing in a pretty gown now.
_______________________________________________
Me: 33 DH: 32 Married 7/18/15 1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16 Team green turned BLUE! 2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18 Team green turned PINK! Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
I wore a nursing sleep bra, and had a loose v neck like t shirt I could throw over it when people came for most of the hospital stay. I labored in my own clothes as long as possible, stripped to the bra for the tub and never got dressed again...that I remember anyways. I don’t remember feeling exposed at all though and I’m generally semi modest when it comes to nudity, I don’t care how crummy the coverings are as long as there is something... so much of what happened is lost on me now, I’m glad to have threads like this as a refresher!
bfp#1-10/29/12,EDD: 7/3/13. nothing found @ 1st u/s, natural mc 12/10/12. "Bean"
bfp#2-5/10/13! EDD: 1/18/14. "Peanut" Arrived 1/13/14. Diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis
bfp#3- 9/26/14. EDD: 5/7/15. no heartbeat found @ 1st u/s, natural mc 10/23/14. "Little Bug"
I wore the hospital hounds through labor, and then my own clothes in recovery. My (induced) labor lasted days before it ended in a c-section and I had no issues with the hospital gowns...there were a million docs and nurses checking things and tubes and monitors everywhere and I was just generally gross...I would have felt grosser in my own clothes.
Someone mentioned this up above, but worth repeating for FTMs...plan to still wear maternity clothes gone from the hospital! It’ll be sooooo much more comfy than trying to fit into something you haven’t worn in months, and the high waist may be necessary.
@arbell615 I love that you’re a musical therapist! Music
plays a huge role in my life as well. Would you mind sharing your playlist? I
put H on that for labor, but would like to have a couple options since who
knows what I will want to listen to when it’s actually happening.
About the mesh undies- Has anyone watched Ali Wong’s new
Netflix special? She was talking about the mesh undies and how the hospital is
the ONLY place that has them. I plan to take as many as I can. But if anyone
finds something similar, let me know. I would like to just wash once maybe and
then throw them out. (That’s assuming I have that many!)
Regarding the pushers, or any new robe.. they sound nice and
comfortable.. but I would have a hard time getting one and then bleeding all
over it and possibly ruining it in the first 24 hours.
Ladies, if you're so inclined, pack some treats for your labor and delivery nurses. My husband came up with that idea first time around. He brought big bags of candy. Offered some to every nurse that walked in the room. He really shmoozed. It doesnt hurt to suck up to the people who you bother constantly while in labor.
Snacks, gifts, whatever for the nurses sure, but "suck up to the people who you 'bother' constantly while in labor"!? F*@$ that noise. We're in labor and it's literally their job. You aren't "bothering" your labor and delivery nurses by asking them to assist you during labor and delivery. They aren't doing you a favor. You don't owe them one. It's nice to be nice and I totally support that, but hell f-ing no I am not going to feel obligated to bribe them to do their job nor do I accept that my being in labor at the hospital in the labor and delivery ward is a 'bother' to anyone. It's literally the only reason that place exsits. For women to go there and have babies. So yes, snacks and gifts are nice but no you are not "bothering" the nurses. P.S. I also think the 40k+ check that my insurance company cut the hospital was a pretty good thank you all on its own.
Totally agree. You shouldn't have to bribe your nurses to be treated well.
I was nice to my nurses. I was polite and respectful. That's all I needed to receive excellent care. Except from that one nurse who I think was having personal issues take over her work life because they apologized and sent her home early.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________ MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks DS born 9/13/16 BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
@arbell615 I love what you're describing with your playlists. If you use spotify at all, do you have any playlists you can recommend for active labor and pushing?
I wasn't even thinking about the pretty pusher for labor. A lot of the reviews say people wore them after giving birth while they were still in the hospital because it gives easier access to the baby for skin-to-skin and nursing, and to the doctors to check any incisions/wounds, while still providing some modesty while you have guests. Maybe a regular nightgown would be just as good?
@runninginva I think a regular nightgown, especially a nursing nightgown, is good for after labor. Still easy access for docs and nurses to check the bottom half, and for you to access and bare your top half! You can also wear it after you leave the hospital.
Silly question bc I know everyone and every birth is different. But ideally, for a textbook birth, how long would someone have to stay in the hospital? In the grand scheme of things this is not something I should be worried about but I hate hospitals and I’m really terrified at having to stay overnight in one.
Re: Hospital Bags
- Clothes for during our stay. I ended up staying in my hospital gown as I wasn't allowed to shower due to BP issues but hopefully this time I can change into yoga pants/capris and a tank.
- Going home outfit. Basically the same as what I had brought to wear in the hospital (yoga capris and a tshirt).
- Phone charger.
- Travel toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste). I even brought a cheap toothbrush that I threw away leaving the hospital instead of bringing my daily toothbrush from home.
- FLIP FLOPS FOR THE SHOWER!! The shower was clean but I felt much better having these on my feet.
- Chapstick
- Hair brush and extra hair ties
- Nursing pads, I didn't need them the first time around but it is possible you could start leaking before leaving.
For baby
- Going home outfit. Everyone told me not to bother with NB size, but I ended up bringing both a NB size outfit and a 0-3M one. Good thing I brought the NB size because that's what he wore home. I'll bring one of each size again this time.
- Light blanket for the ride home.
- I did not need anything else for him. The hospital had all clothing, blankets, diapers, etc necessary for our use while in the hospital.
For MH
- Snacks, change for vending machines
- Change of clothes, including comfy clothes for overnight stays (MH didn't listen to me and ended up running home after DS was born to get clothes for that night's stay)
Things I remember bringing and never used
- Boppy
- Playing cards
- Music
MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks
DS born 9/13/16
BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
I would still bring any toiletries you want to actually shower, not just rinse off. Granted this may not be as big of a deal leaving after 12 hours, but being able to really shower before going home felt great.
MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks
DS born 9/13/16
BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
- You don't need separate bags necessarily, but definitely separate sections of the bag for you, baby, and husband/support partner.
- Your husband/support partner should pack a little toiletry case (to wash their face, brush their teeth, put on deodorant, etc.) and at least some clean t-shirts and underwear for a few days. I was in the hospital for a full week, and my husband was there with me!
- Check with hospital for what they provide, but for baby we literally only needed the going home outfit. But bring spares, in multiple sizes, with a variety of layers because you never know the weather! I'd also bring a little baby blanket.
- For you, I'd go ahead and pack a bag whenever you have the time/energy. There's no need to wait. Put a note on top of the bag that lists the "last-minute items" you can't pack in advance.
- Pack in advance: a basic toiletry bag--just whatever you'd normally want/use (deodorant, toothbrush, face wash, etc.); a few nightgowns that are nursing-friendly and long enough to walk around in and nursing "sleep bras" that are soft and comfy and just pull to the side--I wanted to be out of the hospital gown ASAP; a few outfits of "real clothes" such as comfy high-waist leggings and nursing tank-tops in case you feel up to it even before you're ready to go home; a couple good robes, to cover up those night gowns and nursing tanks if you're cold or modest--I'd just buy one in a size or two up from your regular size, and I love when the belt is attached so you don't worry about losing it; some trashy magazines or crossword puzzles to help kill time and have something to talk about with your support partner or a nurse if you're bored; a big water cup that won't easily spill and has a straw; some snacks like granola bars just in case--can be shared with your husband/support partner; an extra pair of glasses if you wear them.
- Last-minute items: phone and charger, ipad and charger (download movies and mindless tv shows in advance, just in case).
A few tips:I would bring a comfy loose outfit you don’t mind possibly bleeding on (read: dark colors!) if you don’t want to wear the hospital gowns. And then loose going home outfit. Plan to look and feel about six months pregnant when you leave!
I suck at using a swaddle blanket so I’ll bring a newborn swaddle pod and use the hospital baby shirts. And then a going home outfit for each sex since we are Team Green.
I highly recommend bringing a pacifier. Though I wanted to not use one, DS was comfort nursing for three hours straight in the MOTN the second night and the nurses refused to give me one at first. My nipples were cracked and bleeding and they expected me to just keep comfort nursing because of potential “nipple confusion.” DH threatened the nurse to bring a pacifier, which she eventually did when we mentioned filling out our patient survey as dissatisfied. We all got sleep, and DS did just fine. The Soothie kind is good to mimic mom’s nipple, and just try not to use it in place of actually feeding your baby.
Skip any diapers, wipes, or postpartum supplies. The hospital will provide all of that...make sure you bring a bag big enough to stuff with extras to go home with. I shamelessly stole everything I could from the hospital room/bathroom.
Do bring toiletries you prefer, as hospital soap, shampoo, deodorant etc. sucks big time!
Other than that, consider if you want headphones, music player, etc. And a camera if you aren’t using your phone for pics. Oh, and maybe snacks for dad. But honestly, they are grownups and can fend for themselves!
I didn’t bring our boppy pillow last time and am planning to this time. DD was so tiny and we had a hard time nursing, so anything to make that more comfortable!!
For me, having music was essential to my labor and birth experience. I have a bunch of playlists I’ll be using again: for early labor (girl power and love songs) active labor (instrumental music that flows and encourages gentle movement like swaying or walking) pushing (more instrumental music with intense tempos and a celebratory feel) and after baby is born (this one is mostly ‘music box lullabies’)
I’m a music therapist, and music has always been an important part of my life. DH will be retrained on how to access the music and which playlists are for what in case I’m unable to be in charge of it.
I also want to bring some LED candles and essential oils, maybe some labor mandalas I’ll draw for visuals; anything to make the space for labor feel safe and mellow!
My "maybe" items are long wrap and a book.
I highly suggest you don't take anything that you are worried about losing or getting blood on. And ditto about skipping post partum supplies and diapers.
Labor Bag:
- snacks (for DH but I snuck some here and there)
- flip flops to walk around during labor
- phone charger
- cheat sheet I got from my birthing class with good laboring positions
- camera
- chapstick
Overnight Bag:
- comfy clothes to lounge in (nursing tanks)
- toiletries
Baby:
- afghan for newborn pics in hospital
- sleepers to wear in hospital
- going home outfit
- pacifiers
Honestly, that’s it. DH is in charge of his own bag. I absolutely agree with what a PP said regarding packing everything you can early and then putting a list of last-minute adds on top of the bag so you don’t have to worry about what you might be forgetting.
to run home or maybe to walmart at some point to grab stuff.
So I’m glad this thread is here as a refresher! I wore my own clothes the whole time last time, but I don’t think I wore pants until it was time to go home... I have no shame and no one was around for potty breaks besides dh and nurses, mesh panties all.the.way.
bfp#1-10/29/12,EDD: 7/3/13. nothing found @ 1st u/s, natural mc 12/10/12. "Bean"
bfp#2-5/10/13! EDD: 1/18/14. "Peanut" Arrived 1/13/14. Diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis
bfp#3- 9/26/14. EDD: 5/7/15. no heartbeat found @ 1st u/s, natural mc 10/23/14. "Little Bug"
**Psalm 139:16**
For me:
Chapstick
Lactaid pills
Phone charger
Nursing tanks
Yoga pants
Undies
Shower toiletries
Deodorant
Tooth brush/tooth paste
Snacks
Flip flops
Comb/brush/hair ties
Pads to go home?
Baby:
Going home outfit
Light blanket
Hat?
Socks?
H:
Change of clothes
Deodorant
Toothbrush
Phone charger
We kept it pretty basic. This time I'll bring a boppy/mybrestfriend pillow and maybe a donut pillow to sit on since tearing/episiotomy hurts like a bitch. Also will consider sleep mask since I like my room to be dark. I never sleep well in a hospital so I'll just give up on that ahead of time lol.
It was one of those things I packed but left in the car. If I needed it MH could run out and get it. I had enough pillows in the hospital I never had him go get it though.
MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks
DS born 9/13/16
BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
Me: basic toiletries, 2 nursing tanks, gym shorts, maybe some sort of dress for labor? I really hated the gown (I'll check with the doctor), music didn't really work for me last time so I'm going to try and watch a movie, flip flops, phone charger, camera
Baby: a newborn outfit and a 0-3 mo outfit, blanket for the car
DH: he is on his own
Hospital gave us: everything baby needed while staying (plus stuff to take home), post partum care items for me, food for me and DH
I agree with a lot of the above. Long phone charger, boppy, pillow from home, flip flops, an outfit for baby.
My kiddo was in NICU and they asked me if I had receiving blankets and outfits so we went out and bought those. I feel much more prepared this time and will bring those items with me for sure.
I didnt bring any snacks and it was fine. My hospital had big giant straw cups that were awesome. I would almost ask ahead of time of these are supplied in the mother baby unit and if not for sure bring one of your own.
I guess I should think about packing my bag.
I probably should come up with a couple of names and buy a crib for this kid before packing a hospital bag BUT the non-obvious things on my list this time around will be:
-an extra-long phone cord
-earbuds (didn't expect to want/need, but ended up using my husband's during labor to listen to my Hypnobabies audiobook)
-a hairbrush
-a cute swaddle blanket for pictures
-a newborn hat (I don't like the hospital ones)
-nursing-friendly shirts that I actually feel presentable in since my in-laws will likely be visiting this time
-gift "from the baby" to big brother
Married 5/2015
BFP 11/27/2015 - EDD 8/4/2016
Baby Boy born 8/13/2016 ~ 8lbs 7oz
BFP 1/6/2018 - EDD 9/19/2018
Me:
Pretty Pushers delivery gown (this was gifted to me and was AWESOME for delivering DD2!)
Robe (I splurged on a pretty one this time!)
flip flops
basic toiletries/make up
hair ties
nursing tanks (I wear tank, robe and mesh unders during my stay)
pillow in a recognizable pillowcase (I don’t actually remember if we brought our own pillows, but they are nice to have!)
Going home outfit
Babe:
Swaddle (mine matches my robe)
Going home outfit with head accessory
Mini baby soap (I don’t use Johnson & Johnson)
Boppy pillow
DH:
Pillow
Toiletries
iPad
(mine isn’t a snacker, so we didn’t bring snacks, and he found going to the cafe a nice distraction if needed)
Misc:
Long charger
Photos of big siblings to have displayed when they meet baby (we taped ours in the bassinet)
Big sibling gift (sticker books they can do in the hospital are awesome!)
Headphones (because one of you are usually awake and that way you can hold your new babe and quietly watch a show while your partner sleeps!)
Extra bag for all the supplies the hospital will give you!
g
TTC since Oct 2016
DX: Undetermined possible PCOS+MFI
July 2017-Dec 2017 Letrozole+TI
Dec 2017 CP
Jan 2018 BFP:EDD 9-25
Anything "consumable" that is put in your room and opened (diapers, wipes, tucks pads, regular pads, mesh underwear, etc.) cannot be given to another patient so I took it ALL home. A friendly nurse will usually bring you extras too if you ask.
MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks
DS born 9/13/16
BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
So yes, snacks and gifts are nice but no you are not "bothering" the nurses.
P.S. I also think the 40k+ check that my insurance company cut the hospital was a pretty good thank you all on its own.
Married Aug. 2013
TTC #1 Sep. 2016
***TW***
BFP Jun. 5, 2017; MMC Aug. 2, 2017 at 11w6d
BFP Nov. 20, 2017; ended in CP
All the tests. Everything normal except treated for ureaplasma and DH potentially has high DNAF.
BFP Dec. 25, 2017; EDD Sep. 5, 2018; DD arrived Aug. 26th
My chart: https://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/63f71d
I only wear them in the hospital. They make my skin itch the longer I wear them. I thought I’d be in them all the time after DS. Nope. I lasted one day at home before I just wore my own. Same after DD. They made my skin itch.
I'll pack 1 bag for baby and I.
So for myself I'll have:
-Toiletries
-extra nursing bra (I'm already wearing them because comfy)
-swim top for the birthing pool
-nursing tank/shirt to go home in
-robe for labor and post delivery
-high rise yoga pants/maternity leggings. With my last anything that sat low around my midsection was uncomfortable for a few days.
-snacks easy on the tummy (with previous labor I was super nauseous, so be mindful of what you bring!)
-32oz shaker bottle for water and protein powder
-possibly essential oils, I need to check what my midwife and doula have on hand for births
-mesh undies and pads. May go the depends route if Amazon doesn't have what I'm looking for
-phone charger & headphones (I always have one in both vehicles so not a big concern)
-CAMERA! I love my Canon and it'll be handy for those first few photos. My doula is also a professional photographer and said she'd be happy to snap a few nice photos with mine.
For baby:
-2 onesies, 1 body suit for the trip home, 1 hat, and blanket for swaddling.
-diapers & wipes
And for the super low maintenance boyfriend:
-extra change of clothes
-snacks, snacks, snacks
-shaker bottle
I really like the idea of having snacks for everyone else involved! In our case once we're at the birth center I'll have the same 3 midwifes + my doula, regardless of how long labor and delivery take. I might have to prepare something ahead of time for them. Any ideas?!
DH: 32
Married 7/18/15
1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16
Team green turned BLUE!
2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18
Team green turned PINK!
Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
bfp#1-10/29/12,EDD: 7/3/13. nothing found @ 1st u/s, natural mc 12/10/12. "Bean"
bfp#2-5/10/13! EDD: 1/18/14. "Peanut" Arrived 1/13/14. Diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis
bfp#3- 9/26/14. EDD: 5/7/15. no heartbeat found @ 1st u/s, natural mc 10/23/14. "Little Bug"
**Psalm 139:16**
@arbell615 I love that you’re a musical therapist! Music plays a huge role in my life as well. Would you mind sharing your playlist? I put H on that for labor, but would like to have a couple options since who knows what I will want to listen to when it’s actually happening.
About the mesh undies- Has anyone watched Ali Wong’s new Netflix special? She was talking about the mesh undies and how the hospital is the ONLY place that has them. I plan to take as many as I can. But if anyone finds something similar, let me know. I would like to just wash once maybe and then throw them out. (That’s assuming I have that many!)
Regarding the pushers, or any new robe.. they sound nice and comfortable.. but I would have a hard time getting one and then bleeding all over it and possibly ruining it in the first 24 hours.
I was nice to my nurses. I was polite and respectful. That's all I needed to receive excellent care. Except from that one nurse who I think was having personal issues take over her work life because they apologized and sent her home early.
MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks
DS born 9/13/16
BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!