Hospital Bag

lyse01 · January 2019

third tri is here for most of us...who’s getting a go bag ready?

When are you putting together the hospital bag?
What is your must-have item (or top 5)?
What are you skipping?
Have you planned a coming home outfit for you and baby?

lyse01 · January 2019

I will likely pack while in labor. And my top item is an extra long phone charging cable because the plugs are never close enough for comfortable, simultaneous bumping and charging

Last time, I had my phone and wallet when I was admitted so I’m aware I can get away with virtually nothing, but ideally I won’t need to trust DH to grab anything off a texted list again (stress means he’s pretty incapable of remembering to look at the list), so I’m curious what everyone else has listed.

My only plan for clothing is to put me in a wrinkle-free dress so I don’t have to bring much to look put together for a coming-home photo.

MRDCle · January 2019

Ugh DH told me to pack mine last week since we don't know exactly how much time is left. I think I will pack the basics this weekend, and write out my list of last minutes. I'm sure I'll be adding to it from now until we go.

When are you putting together the hospital bag? I think I will pack the basics this weekend, and write out my list of last minutes. I'm sure I'll be adding to it from now until we go.
What is your must-have item (or top 5)?
1. PHONE CHARGERS
2. Stuff to make me feel pretty after either labor/CS (makeup, hairbrush, toiletries)
3. Large enough bag to take everything not nailed down in our room.
4. Slippers/Robe
5. An old pillow from home
What are you skipping?
I don't think we'll bring the tablet this time. The room has TV if we want it, and honestly, we barely had it on. I think we brought the tablet last time and didn't even take it out of the bag. My parents were there through most of the induction so I was chilling with them and DH and then after it was either baby time, time with visitors, or attempting to sleep.
Have you planned a coming home outfit for you and baby? Shit. No. And I guess I need to. I imagine I will wear home my Blanqi leggings, and a nursing tank and cardigan. I need to get something for the boys, but I don't know what size to get. @mermaidca any advice on going home outfit sizing for twins? I did request that DH wears his purple hoodie that he wore when DS was born because it gives me happy feelings.

Funny story: Last time I packed a bag for DH - all he really needed to grab were like, last minute toiletries. His glasses, toothbrush, etc. I called him as he was heading into work to let them know they decided to induce me like, THEN and he PANICKED. Started grabbing all sorts of random things that he would NEVER need and throwing them into his bag. My favorite panic item that he brought with him was his beard trimmer.

lyse01 · January 2019

@MRDCle do you have estimated weights for the twins right now? You could go based off that for their outfits. Or just grab 2 preemie and 2 newborn outfits and see what works when you’re there.

MRDCle · January 2019

@lyse01 last week they were each about two pounds, ha, but yeah we do get growth scans each four weeks so we can keep up with them. Good call on just bringing two sets in each size.

kosmo86 · January 2019

Simple makeup

dry shampoo

toothbrush

nursing bras

Pillow

a dress (I am NOT a dress person but its easy to wear out)

take home outfit for baby

we brought games and tablet last time and really never used so I will skip them this time. TV + phone is enough entertainment. I really over packed last time and don't plan to do that again!

gollygeeitsamy · January 2019

When are you putting together the hospital bag? Probably around 35ish weeks
What is your must-have item (or top 5)?
General: ID/insurance card, toiletries (I bought travel sized stuff for me and hubby) including lip balm and hair ties, phone chargers with long cords, a large bag to bring free stuff home, a trash bag in case your water breaks in your real clothes
For mom: nursing friendly bras and tops - I didn't think about this last time and my mom had to buy me stuff last second, your breast pump - if you've never used it before the nurses or lactation consultants can show you how to use it before you leave and I feel it helps your supply come in quicker if you use it, recovery underwear and maxi pads, nursing pillow, nipple cream, comfy pants/pjs and flip flops.
For baby: outfits (probably bringing NB and 0-3), swaddle blanket, pacifier, and car seat
What are you skipping? Definitely check with your hospital what they will supply for you, I know my hospital supplies: diapers, wipes, mesh underwear, labor socks, labor gown, dermaplast, stool softeners, and a peri bottle. I'm also gonna skip bringing my ipad because I didn't use it. I'm also skipping snacks because you can't eat during labor and the hospital provided good food afterward and people brought me food.
Have you planned a coming home outfit for you and baby? Not yet but I'll probably have a coordinating outfit for baby and big sister. I just want to be comfy. I might buy a dress from Latched Mama I've been eyeing.

professormama · January 2019

Someone explain the logistics of leggings as the going home outfit. Doesn’t the giant ass doubled up maxi pad situation show through?

MRDCle · January 2019

@professormama well it'll probably be cold here (was in the single digits when we took DS home) so pants of some sort are kind of a must. I pretty much own jeans or leggings so leggings are the comfy choice, ha. I don't recall the giant pad showing through, but I also was wearing a long bulky sweater and a long mat teeshirt or tank (can't recall) so I doubt anyone could really tell. Anywho, I was in a pretty IDGAF mood at that point and just wanted to be at home ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

lyse01 · January 2019

@gollygeeitsamy I think eating during labor is hospital-dependant. With DD, they encouraged me to eat breakfast - I didn’t want to because I felt hungover and knew I’d puke. Lo and behold, I puked up breakfast an hour later (literally as they wheeled me to L&D).

gollygeeitsamy · January 2019

@professormama If you're wearing a long enough shirt then you can't see it. I think I wore some yoga pants from Target that were a little thicker than leggings. I suggest those if you're worried about it. They didn't have an elastic band, it was those fold over bands. So comfy!

gollygeeitsamy · January 2019

@lyse01 oh that's a good thing to point out, I thought all hospital would be the same on that. I was allowed to eat in triage because I wasn't technically admitted. However, I was only allowed broth/water in L&D.

HGRich · January 2019

When: probably a few weeks out. DD was born 8 days before EDD so I’m kinda expecting similar this time.

Top five: nursing clothes/tanks. Phone charger. Non skid socks. Toothbrush. A little makeup. OH YES: A hair tie/ headband. Gotta keep that hair out of your face. Glasses. My eyes were way too tired for contacts.

Skipping: my breast pump. I know how to use it now. I did bring it with DD for the LC to make sure I could use it. I might bring my manual in case there’s a latch problem, so I can pump colostrum. But the birthing center would have one anyway, or I could hand express.

I might also bring a towel from home. Everyone says not to because you’ll bleed on it. And that’s true. But those towels they have are usually tiny and scratchy, and I’d like to have my own to wrap in after I’ve dried down below, and maybe also for my hair.

So DH ignored all my pleas to pack his bag because he loves to procrastinate, even when I was IN LABOR for twenty hours he hadn't packed it yet. So when I finally came to him, while he was blissfully sleeping, after 25ish hours of labor, at this point with contractions around 6 minutes apart, moaning like a cow, he STARTED packing his bag. I was pissed. He is not allowed to do that again.

I’m having him pack his charger, his pillow, a change of clothes, toothbrush, and snacks. They don’t feed husbands at my birthing center, though they do have a small kitchen guests can use.

Coming home: I cannot for the life of me remember what I wore home with DD. I think it was just yoga pants and a t shirt. My shirt was probably long enough to mostly cover my bulgy underwear, but I also didn’t care at that point. For baby, probably something simple.

Finally, my first pics with DD I look awful, and wish I had taken time to put on a robe in a color that looks flattering, and a touch of makeup. I do think natural is beautiful. But I looked truly awful. Lol. A step up from that would be nice this time.

kangstadt · January 2019

Love this. Now I can point out to my DH that no, I'm not crazy for packing a hospital bag this early, all the other April mommas are thinking of it too!

When are you putting together the hospital bag?
I already have a partially packed bag in my closet

.

What is your must-have item (or top 5)?
Phone chargers (will throw in last minute), phones, wallet, toothbrushes, probably snacks for me since I'm vegetarian and have a hard time finding quality veggie friendly hospital fare. Also a game for DH and I (we were totally those nerds playing Ascension in the hospital bed with DS nursing/sleeping on me).

I packed maternity pants for coming home, along with a nursing tank and bras. I will probably throw in a few comfy t-shirts or something closer to April just to have, but I think last time I mostly wore a nursing bra and hospital gown the whole time we were there.

What are you skipping?
I don't bother with slippers or cute labor outfits. I don't like wearing slippers at home anyway, and I felt like such crap during labor that the "give-no-fucks," attitude was high, lol.

Have you planned a coming home outfit for you and baby?
Planning on taking a newborn size and 0-3 month size outfit for baby boy. The newborn size is one I specifically bought for this baby, but any extras will probably just be hand me downs. I wanted one special thing just for him though. I'm also planning on having DS1 pick out a special "baby brother," gift to bring to baby in the hospital.

mermaidca · January 2019

My situation was quite different last time and might not be applicable for you @MRDCle. After a check up appointment, I was admitted to the hospital at 28 weeks (which I am right now - yikes!!!!) to be monitored. I was allowed to go home and pack my bag. Since I was going to stay in the hospital for an unknown period of time and not going into labour I packed totally different. I just packed normal stuff you would for an overnight trip (or 2 week trip) away. We knew the girls would be in the NICU so I never did plan take home outfits for them until the long 56 days later.

When are you putting together the hospital bag?
Probably in the next couple of weeks. There's no rush but after last time I'm a bit antsy.

What is your must-have item (or top 5)?
Phone charger, headphones (hospitals are noisy), slippers (hospital floors are gross), face wipes (sometimes getting up to wash your face isn't easy after you're tucked into bed but realize you're face is a mess).

What are you skipping?
Books, magazines, etc. I had a lot of friends and family visit me and bring lots of books or crosswords or whatnot. I would occasionally look at them but they took up more space than they were worth.
I'm also skipping too many outfits for me. I ended up living in the hospital gowns and some comfy pants. With the amount of times I was hooked up to machines and checked, wearing the gown was just so much easier. Plus, snaps on the shoulders made pumping easy.

Have you planned a coming home outfit for you and baby?
I'll be in sweatpants I'm sure. Nothing planned for poor baby yet. I don't even have any clothes for him yet.

batmama31 · January 2019

@kosmo86, great call on the dry shampoo!

When are you putting together the hospital bag? I'm trying to hold out until at least after my baby shower, which is feb 16. but it's hard. I'm dying to pack my new vegan leather jujube!

What is your must-have item (or top 5)?
- nail clippers (I foolishly had untrimmed nails when I delivered my son, and ended up scratching him

)
- something to snack on during labor. idaf what the hospital rules are (I actually don't even know their policy on food during labor) but I had my husband feed me small pieces of dark chocolate and trail mix while I labored last time, and I feel like it helped curb my appetite and give me a bit of energy when I needed it. when my midwife caught me, she was like, "why are you trying to hide it? if you need to eat, just eat!" dunno how my OB will feel about it this time around.
- a giant water bottle to stay hydrated afterwards
- mascara and lip gloss

What are you skipping? outfits for me, except the one I'll go home in. it definitely won't be anything fancy. probably a pillow. i don't remember having my own from home last time, and I don't remember missing it.

Have you planned a coming home outfit for you and baby? for me, just my blanqi leggings (I'll pack both the maternity pair, and the postpartum pair b/c I don't know which will be appropriate immediately following delivery.), and a comfy top. I already have baby's coming home outfits. I have one preemie size, one newborn size, and I'll pack a 0-3mo size. @MRDCle, I second what @mermaidca suggested on different sized outfits. I didn't have twins, but I delivered my son at 37.5 weeks. so while he was full-term, he was 5.5lbs- preemie sized. and he was SWIMMING in his take-home outfit. we didn't even have anything for him when we got home! and when I was shopping around for preemie clothes, they were nowhere to be found.

katlarissa · January 2019

Bringing:
-phone charger
-slip on shoes to wear in the room. I don’t like socks, and I don’t walk on hospital floors barefoot.
-shampoo, conditioner, body wash, my norwex face cloth, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, dry shampoo. (I actually prefer to give myself a blowout before I go in the hospital, and then put my hair up while showering and not wash it the second day so that I don’t have to worry about fixing it in the hospital. But I want to have the option to wash it if I don’t get it blown out before I go. With my first, I was induced, so it was easy to do my hair right before I went in. With my second, I took a shower and did my hair when I started having regular contractions.)
-the robe I’ve bought specifically for postpartum, which is pretty enough to receive the visitors I’ll have, and also nursing accessible.
-a maxi dress for going home
-lanolin for nipples (actually I think my hospital gives it, but I’m not risking it.)
-water bottles ...I didn’t like the taste of the hospital’s water (I’m picky about water) and so to stay hydrated I think it’s easier to just have bottles.
-5 outfits for baby, plus 4 swaddle blankets. (I only brought 2 last time and the baby messed up both of them the first day. Rookie mistake. Also worth noting that my hospital requires all patients to stay 2 full nights. Some don’t.)
-my own choice of body wash and lotion for baby’s first bath, because our hospital uses a brand I don’t prefer. They are happy to take your own stuff and use it for the baby’s first bath.
-a lovey for baby (mostly for pictures)
-hats/stretchy headband for pictures, because we’re having a girl this time, and I’m embracing the bow life. 😂
-small gift for both of our boys “from” their little sister. Last time we gave our 17 month old a stuffed puppy and a book. This time I will probably give them each a new book.

Skipping:
-most make up. I felt like it actually made me look worse first time around, because I was so insanely swollen. I did bring some muted blush the second time, and used a bit on my cheeks to give myself a tiny bit of color, because, being anemic, I’m very very pale after giving birth.
-iPad ... it just didn’t get used.
-snacks ...people brought us food.
-boppy...I didn’t use it much for breastfeeding, especially not in the hospital. I was happy with a regular pillow, and it was just one more bulky thing to carry in/carry out.
-underwear... I just wore the mesh panties.
-baby wrap... I wore my children at home, but not in the hospital.

lilpotatomama · January 2019

When are you putting together the hospital bag?
Sometime in March. Whenever I feel like it. Most likely whenever I buy my nursing bra and lounge pants.

What is your must-have item (or top 5)?
Really long phone charging cable. Most likely a light makeup bag, in case I feel like putting some on after, and DEFINITELY face wash. Oh, and a cute headband! I have front bangs and I know I’d be annoyed by my hair on my forehead. Also, plenty of comfy socks.

What are you skipping?
Stuff to entertain me. I think I’ll be plenty occupied. I’ll definitely keep my phone charged, though.

Have you planned a coming home outfit for you and baby?
I actually just ordered the onesie on Etsy. It’s simple and has her name on it. Also, I bought us matching mommy and me headbands! I never thought I’d do that kind of thing, but I’m a huge headband fan and I also loved that the baby headband wasn’t the size of the whole head, so I couldn’t resist.

eli_belle · January 2019

When are you putting together the hospital bag?
I have started my packing list, but will probably wait a month or so to start pulling it together. Both of my kiddos were a week late so I am in no rush, lol.

What is your must-have item (or top 5)?
1. My own pillow!! Just make sure to put it in a distinctive pillow case so you don't get them mixed up with the terrible hospital ones.
2. Cozy robe, night gown, toiletries (I felt 100% more like myself once I showered and changed into "real clothes" after delivery)
3. Snacks and change for vending machines, mostly for DH and also in case I deliver in the middle of the night. Our hospital cafeteria is only open during business hours.
4. Extra blanket/bedding for DH. The skimpy bedding they provided last time was not nearly warm enough for DH and he was freezing. I'll just throw in a fleece blanket and maybe a top sheet. Oh and PJs for DH!!! He normally sleeps in his boxers at home but that is a big NOPE at the hospital where nurses are literally walking into the room every hour of the day and night.
5. A deck of cards, puzzle book, phones/chargers for entertainment. Last time I was induced for over 12 hours with no progress. We were totally the couple playing cards through most of it. Nothing too complicated or requiring much strategy or concentration though. Mindless games are best.

What are you skipping?
Nursing pillow (normal pillow works just fine for me), pump (I'm a seasoned pro), any nice clothes/nightgowns/underwear that I do not want to ruin with blood stains, my own cozy socks (the hospital provided ones are terribly ugly, but I ended up wearing them the whole time anyway).

Have you planned a coming home outfit for you and baby?
I have the sweetest, softest cuddly bear one piece sleeper in NB size.

Since both of my other kiddos were 9lbs+ I will bring a back up 0-3 mo option just in case. I have yet to crochet this LOs baby afghan but it is a must have for hospital pictures. I will probably just grab a pair of comfy maternity yoga pants (BLACK), nursing tank, and cozy sweater for my coming home outfit.

thatbaintforbetty · January 2019

I actually was thinking about this just this morning. I’ll probably slowly start packing here in the next couple of weeks.

outfit for me is the same as last time long black maternity maxi dress. Easy and flowy and covers any blood mishaps. Lol.

I bought a sleeper thats pink with dinosaurs and ruffles as a coming home outfit. It’s in newborn so I’ll probably grab or buy a preemie size outfit to have as well. DD was super tiny and needed preemie clothes at first and we were not prepared. Since this one is on the smaller side as well I figure better to be prepared.

I didn’t get a shower last time but will probably pack some toiletries in case I do this time. Mostly I need my power banks and phone charger. Extra change of clothes just in case maybe, nursing bra, toothbrush and lip balm. Maybe some good face and body wipes. Will pack a bag for DH so he has clean clothes cause I doubt he’ll remember to do it. SNACKS for both of us.

I didnt change out of the hospital gown till I was getting ready to go home. With the hemorrhaging I was weak and tired and couldn’t get out of bed easily.

I didnt really need much for me or her last time. They provided most things.

lyse01 · January 2019

@batmama31 yes to a big water bottle with built in straw. The hospital ones (pink plastic pitcher with, like, a fountain drink top and straw) are horribly leaky and impossible to deal with if you’re lying down.

Also, preemie clothes are basically only available on amazon. Plan ahead

snowhite12 · January 2019

@MRDCle "beard trimmers" thats totally my H too.

I over packed with both of my previous babies so this time I plan on packing very little and using/taking everything I can get from the hospital, they are going to charge me anyway so why not.
I plan on packing around week 35.

I plan on working up to birth (with my previous 2 pregnancies I went on leave around 38 weeks), so this time around I will put my hospital bag in my car around week 38 and bring a extra pair of pants and towels as I have this crazy fear my water will break at work or while I am driving lol.

What I will actually pack: Charger, (2) pair of very loose sweatpants, bulky sweater or two (cardigan style). It will still be very cold here in April so winter jacket as well. Also, nursing bras and large cotton underwear (I am not a fan of the mesh undies the hospital provides).
For toiletries: travel size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion. Prenatals, toothbrush and tooth paste.
For baby: going home outfit is a dinosaur sleeper my 6 yr old picked out, carseat blanket, carseat. I may bring some velcro swaddlers since I prefer those to the hospital swaddlings and a extra sleeper. Thats about it.

The hospital I go to provides 100% for baby except going home outfit, and 90% of what mom needs. I will also bring a empty bag for all the goodies I can take home.

kaitykins · January 2019

I’m not packing yet, but I will pack some nursing camis and nursing bras. Loose pajama bottoms, chargers. Bluetooth speaker for music, my fan for sanity. My pillows and a blanket. Breathe right strips for labor and delivery and sleeping after.

I will I’ll also have to pack most of the food I eat due to crazy diet restrictions and allergies. Hubs can eat whatever they bring me that I can’t eat (most things).

some swaddles and the car seat, a newborn outfit, maybe a sleepy gown for baby because the kimono thing that they provided was huge and ridiculous and he might as well be cozy.

MRDCle · January 2019

lyse01 said:

@batmama31 yes to a big water bottle with built in straw. The hospital ones (pink plastic pitcher with, like, a fountain drink top and straw) are horribly leaky and impossible to deal with if you’re lying down.

Also, preemie clothes are basically only available on amazon. Plan ahead

What! Our hospital cups are AMAAAAZING. I STILL use mine!

Image result for cleveland clinic hospital cup

Also, a note on preemie clothes - Carter's has a new-ish preemie line, complete with sleepers that are supposed to work well in NICU!

lyse01 · January 2019

@MRDCle lowest bidder...$.60 each

Hooray for Carters, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be available in stores, alas. Also, NICU outfits that snap instead of zip are better for cords, and the kimono style shirts are awesome.

MRDCle · January 2019

@lyse01 that cup looks like straight garbage. I'll smuggle some out for you all.

re: Carters - I assume SOME are in stores, because my grandma bought some for the boys and she's about as tech illiterate as they come but I'm sure the selection is limited. The sleepers are snappy with biggish gaps between the snaps.

jayhawkmom4 · January 2019

OMG! This thread just made my heart rate speed up a little! I can't believe we are close enough to be talking about this already! Eek!!

mrstmoose · January 2019

When are you putting together the hospital bag? Probably not until after 30 weeks. I have a RCS on 4/16 so unless he makes his debut early, I'm not terribly worried about it. We live close enough to the hospital that I can have DH or my mom pack what I need if necessary.

What is your must-have item (or top 5)? Since I'm having a c-section, I will bring clothes for 3 days. I prefer to wear my own clothing after I give birth, I just feel more comfortable. I will bring 3-4 pairs of maternity leggings (because c-section), and tunics/camis/etc and c-section underwear. I will bring makeup and other beauty/self-care (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc) products to make myself feel more human. We will bring phone chargers as well. I will bring picture outfits for LO and one going home outfit. I will bring our boppy and one of my pillows from home as it makes my life easier. I can't think of what else.

What are you skipping? Diapers, pacifiers, swaddles, peri bottle, c-section care items and pump. The hospital provides all of that and I will take whatever extra they will give me.

Have you planned a coming home outfit for you and baby? Nope. I will wear whatever I have to wear and I will find something for him to wear. I'm buying outfits for our professional newborn pictures, not for him to come home in. I did the same for DD. Buying an outfit solely for coming home seems silly to me.

mermaidca · January 2019

I know it's different here in Canada, but I bought all our preemie clothes in store. Carters had lots and (sorry) Babys R Us is my go to. I second preemie clothes with snaps as opposed to zips for those cords and whatnot in the NICU, but our NICUs are fully stocked with clothes for babies to wear during their stay, I only put them in our own clothes for pics.

thatbaintforbetty · January 2019

@MRDCle I found preemie clothes at Target. There isn’t a ton and it usually goes fast but the baby layette section has them. They might have online as well, I haven’t checked. I know with DD my mom bought Carter’s brand clothes but I’m not sure exactly where from since a lot of places carry them.

katlarissa · January 2019

@lilpotatomama where did you find the matching mommy and me headbands?

harveyisaboysname · January 2019

When are you putting together the hospital bag? We are minimalists so literally all my clothes only last me a week. I won’t pack for me until I’m in labor and I’ll pack for baby once I get my diaper bag in the mail.

What is your must-have item (or top 5)? SNACKS! Seriously don’t skimp on snacks. The hospital portions are a joke after labor. I was ravenous and basically starved the first night. A phone charger with a long cord. Nipple cream. The first few latches if you’re new to nursing can be brutal. Oh and an eye mask. The nurses are constantly popping in and out of the room, you’re going to want to rest while they quickly check on baby, they will wake you for important stuff.

What are you skipping? Skipping lots of things for the baby because most is provided by the hospital. I think the only thing I had to bring was a pacifier last time.

Have you planned a coming home outfit for you and baby? Just for baby. It’s a cute romper from Burt’s bees baby. For me I’ll walk out in leggings and a baggy shirt. I literally own like 4 pairs of pants and 4 shirts so my wardrobe is very minimal to pick from

lyse01 · January 2019

Target and Walmart were total strike outs on preemie sizes for me so hooray for everyone else finding them in store and/or stores having better purchasing policies now.

I also second @mermaidca on NICUs having tons of clothes for babies already...and on some having shitty laundry practices that have them LOSE YOUR ADORABLE SENTIMENTAL OUTFIT. Grr. Even me digging through their closet of clothes didn’t get that one back.

mermaidca · January 2019

Yes @lyse01. One twin got out a week before the other so I would bring her in when visiting in the NICU and one of the nurses even took blankets I brought from home for my released twin. I was pretty pissed I never got that one back.

MRDCle · January 2019

@mermaidca and @lyse01 that's terrible!

A note on pacifiers and formula. Some hospitals are really hesitant to give either out due to baby friendly hospital certification, so if you KNOW you want to formula feed from the start, you may want to bring a few RTF bottles and your own pacifiers.

kate_e_nb · January 2019

When are you putting together the hospital bag? I've got my checklist together, but will probably physically put all this stuff in a bag early March. I like to be prepared, so I think I'll probably go out and buy travel sized toiletries and a few new clothing items for myself and DH so that I don't feel like I'm going without my usual stuff if it sits in a backpack for 5 weeks.

What is your must-have item (or top 5)?
1) Snacks and waterbottles. The food situation at my local hospital is very bleak, and I've heard mixed reviews about allowing women to eat /drink freely. The newer nurses seem to be totally fine with it (provided its a low-risk L&D) but some of the "old school nurses" are big on starvation and ice-chips. I'll be damned if anyone tries to keep me from my snacks without a good reason.

2) Phone / charger

3) Slippers (with a good, rubber sole). After staying with DH in hospital following his accident (couple weeks on the trauma floor) I would recommend that no one lets their socks / barefeet come in contact with hospital floors.

4) Toiletries / my own clothes so I can feel like a human being

5) Lip chap

What are you skipping? Honestly... I'm not sure. FTM here, so I've been coming through all your comments to see what you guys didn't really need. I'll probably overpack, because I'm not really sure what my hospital provides... rather have DH make multiple trips back and forth from the truck than go without.

Have you planned a coming home outfit for you and baby? Not really, I'll probably just wear some comfy, loungy clothes. I'm not sure what to bring for baby size wise. Right now she's measuring just a little bit big... which makes me think that maybe 0-3m clothes? But of course that could all change by the time I go into labour. DH was very small when he was born, and I was very big... so not sure what to expect for this LO...

Question for some of you STMs... I'm not really keen on the idea of the mesh undies... they just don't look that comfortable... So I'm planning on just wearing my own + giant pads. That being said, what do you guys think in terms of bringing that heavy duty period underwear instead? I'm not sure it will provide enough protection, but I find them so much comfier than wearing pads. Anyone ever try those period underwear AND have an idea of how much you bleed pp?

batmama31 · January 2019

@kate_e_nb, I wouldn't gage baby's size off you & DH. me and my husband were 9+lb babies when we were born, and I gave birth to a full-term 5.5lb baby

that's not intended to scare you, baby was totally healthy, minus borderline low blood sugar. just sharing my experience.

thatbaintforbetty · January 2019

@kate_e_nb I would say do not rule out the mesh, I know they look weird but they are MUCH more comfortable then they look. But I don’t see any reason not to prepare in case you don’t like them. Also it’s not just the bleeding, it’s also the clots. So I’m not sure period underwear would be enough. At some point they would but probably not right away.

MRDCle · January 2019

What @thatbaintforbetty said. I can see maybe using those once you're home but most nursing sessions will come with a huge gush for a bit immediately after, and nurses literally came and pushed on my uterus to get it to shrink back like...every hour or so? Which came with more HEAVY heavy bleeding. I don't know if the period panties could handle that.

eli_belle · January 2019

@kate_e_nb You will bleed much more than a normal period, even a heavy one, particularly while you are in the hospital. I do not think that period underwear will be sufficient, plus you would need to change them frequently. Even the biggest pads you can buy at the grocery store will not be big enough. Better to use the hospital provided "diapers" while you are there and switch to store bought pads or period underwear after a week or so.

ETA: Not meaning to scare you but it is good to be prepared. It is very common in the first 24-48 hours to have gushes of fluid and blood every time you stand up. There is 9 months of fluid, blood, and uterine lining that has to come out and just think about how much bigger your uterus is now compared to when you are not pregnant. PP bleeding is no joke and it was one thing I was not at all prepared for with my first.

mermaidca · January 2019

@kate_e_nb I agree with @thatbaintforbetty! I liked the mesh panties. They are super stretchy which was perfect for my c-section incision and didn't ride up anywhere like regular underwear. For sure have another option, but don't knock 'em till you try 'em!! Also it was nice knowing if they got bloodied and stained I could just throw them out and not even think about it.

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