Hospital Bags! What is in yours?

mrszoobear · July 2019

What do you think is neccessary to put in your hospital bag? What are you leaving out because you think you won't need it? What is your hospital providing you with (please indicate your country here as not everywhere is the same)?

One of the best suggestions I have heard from family and friends so far is to bring a fan with you for when you get hot during labor. But maybe some hospitals have those available? I'm not sure.

blueskychicago12 · July 2019

Here's a post on the topic from a fashion blogger I follow. She has 5 kids, so she knows her stuff. Can't say I agree with everything on her list, since I personally can't see myself doing my hair and makeup so soon after giving birth. But more power to her!

https://www.onelittlemomma.com/2018/02/hospital-bag-necessities-from-mom-of.html

rjgmcmanus · July 2019

@blueskychicago12 Crazy on the makeup and hair supplies...but the rest of that is super useful! Good find!

ale9687 · July 2019

These are the things I put in mine that will make it this delivery as well.
Black maternity leggings
Nursing tanks (didn’t bother w bra’s just the tanks)
A robe
My own non slip socks (the ones I wore during delivery from the hospital got very gross)
headbands, for labor and after.
Glasses, if you wear contacts you won’t want to wear them during labor
Chapstick
Normal toiletries in travel size
phone charger
For baby, just a going home outfit. The hospital provided everything and gave us tons to bring home. I even used the pump at the hospital and they give you all the parts needed and bottles to pump into.
DH I didn’t bring anything but we lived 5 min from the hospital so he just ran home for showers.

Spartanrd4 · July 2019

The hospital in my experience in the US provides so much stuff- I found I ended up packing way more than I should of. Take everything home that isn't nailed down!! They provide the Grandma underwear which are amazing, pads, the dermoplast (cooling pain spray for your lady parts). My nurse made me padsicles- ice packs for me to put in my underwear and felt so good. Bring change of clothes for yourself- comfortable pants, robe, nursing tanks, slippers, breastfeeding pillow, change of clothes for baby if you want, swaddle, sleep sack (they do provide swaddle blankets, diapers, wipes, hats and long sleeve shirts). I just wore a hospital gown during labor. Toiletries obviously- the first shower after birth is amazing and makeup once you want to feel human again before going home!

midgerose86 · July 2019

Found this from Babylist — would never have thought of an extra long phone charger, and I like how it’s divided by for you/your SO/the baby:

https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/what-to-pack-in-your-hospital-bag

ashorkey · July 2019

I wore a hospital gown until I got in the tub while laboring and then was naked after that. I have no shame, they’re looking at my vagina who cares at that point about boobs. and feel like a sports bra will just get in the way for trying to nurse / kangaroo care after.

Slippers
robe & nursing nightgown
chapstick
snacks (my hospital allows eating)
tinted moisturizer
hair tie
Change of clothes for husband
going home clothes for me & baby
phone charger
essential oils
tennis ball for massaging back

additions this time:
deck of cards or something if induced again to keep us entertained
Own pillow and blanket
gift for big sister
rabozo

also, a tip I got from a friend who recently had a baby. She got a blowout right before the baby was born and her hair looked amazing. Her timing just happened to be right, but why not a little pampering at the end!

Eta: birth plan! It’s nice to have it written down with all the shift changes. While not everyone will know it or care about it, it’s nice to have on hand so you aren’t constantly repeating yourself.

Also, I’m in the US and our hospital provides a lot. And there’s just many things you’ll bring and won’t be necessary (clothes for baby until going home. Even swaddles)

mecoats · July 2019

I literally stayed in the hospital gown the entire time I was there. And yes take EVERYTHING from the hospital

Comfy clothes
granny panties
Long cel phone cord
something to do! Book, magazine, games i had DD during March madness and we didn’t have many visitors so BORED!!!
Any medications you need
socks/slippers
chapstick
hair brush/hair ties

Really you have everything you need at the hospital.

holly321 · July 2019

@mecoats I stay in the gown the whole time too. It was so much easier with my csection with my first and it made nursing easy access.

i know others mentioned it too, but besides a going home outfit, I only used the hospital clothes for the baby. I would bring a nice blanket if you plan on getting pictures done. I didn’t think of this with DS and he was wearing white with a white blanket so his pictures are a bit washed out.

lilyrheas · July 2019

For my first two babies I defiantly feel like i overpacked. So for this baby here is my list:

sweatpants
oversized shirts (i hate nursing clothes lol )
sweater
A going home outfit
Phone and charger
Laptop and charger (i do online school and I am due the same day as my final exams so maybe a fun day!)
Travel shampoo and soap (showering after baby felt so good last time with my own stuff)
Hair tyes
Hair brush
snacks for after birth but my hubby brings those
nice camera because I take my own pictures in the hospital

For Baby
Heavy blanket and a lighter swaddle blanket
clothes to go home in
hat
car seat
pacifier

I live in Washington state and the hospital we went to last year supplied absolutely everything for baby up until we left. We kept baby in her swaddle blankets the whole time we were there since they come to check all the time, plus we have a heat lamp for the baby so no need for clothes really

For me they supply all the pads and underwear until I leave that I need. They make up the ice packs to sit on. They also give you a ton going out the door. And their socks are super comfy so i always get a few of those!

They are very accommodating at the hospital for whatever I needed or wanted. I even got extra meals throughout the day outside of regular meal times to replenish my body which was awesome

This baby too, my husband and I decided he would be in the hospital for the birth but go back home after to help my parents with my other two little ones. There was not much point for him to sit around the hospital with me after the birth since everything was focused around baby and I, and since i was breastfeeding I was awake no matter what.

Stac928 · July 2019

I loved changing into my own clothes as soon as I could. I wanted out of the hospital gown. Husband stayed in the hospital with me.

We had:

toiletries-travel size
phone chargers
nursing shirts (a lot of people find them unnecessary, I liked them)
nursing bras
comfy pants
PJs for DH
comfy clothes for DH
underwear/socks for DH
socks for me
going home clothes for DS
extra bag for gifts
snacks

we also had some special clothes for the baby. DH had a shirt that said “I’ve created a monster” and DS has a onesie that had a monster on it. And DS had a special wolverine onesie (his inside nickname).

We found those plastic zip bags you buy sheets in to be helpful in separating small things (socks, underwear, baby clothes) to make them easier to find.

I also had gestational diabetes (and do again) and demanded a cookie cake be waiting for me in the room lol. I think I will make the same demand again.

ktmaesim · July 2019

A mom I know told me to have your own snacks, as you usually have to wait for food? Idk just thought I’d share bc it sounded like a great idea!

Spartanrd4 · July 2019

@ktmaesim Just depends on what kind of labor you have- When I had my DD I got some breakfast on the way to the hospital but once I got there they only let me have clear liquids (jello, popsicles etc) but then when I got my epidural I had to be NPO and didn't eat until I gave birth. Thankfully once I ordered my food it came to me pretty quickly- best meal of my life!!

Stac928 · July 2019

@ktmaesim we had snacks but mostly for DH. I was NPO after the epidural. But they had sack lunches available immediately after birth. And I sent my father in law to Culver’s for a burger. But the hospital had food for me immediately. The hospital provided plenty for me. DH on the other hand needed stuff and since he has celiac disease he can’t always grab things from vending machines or other snack sources.

k_mama91 · July 2019

@ktmaesim I was induced and only allowed ice chips. All I was thinking about was food and eating after I gave birth. I think you’re own snacks and a few take out menus are a must.

ashorkey · July 2019

@ktmaesim I think it depends on your hospitals philosophy. I was induced and still allowed to eat. We brought food from home, but were also allowed to order from the cafeteria. After delivery my midwife had a sandwich waiting for me and made me eat at least half of it before I was allowed to go to recovery... My daughter was born at 11:50pm so the cafeteria was well past closed but they keep food on hand for such occasions. If the cafeteria would have been open they would have brought up a full meal. I'd ask your doctor what their policy on eating is.

mrszoobear · July 2019

This might sound silly or over the top. But I plan on bringing tattoo pens with us in our hospital bag. As soon as baby girl is clean and in our arms, I'm putting a mark on her ankles.

I know they have all kinds of procedures and policies in place now to make sure that a mix up doesn't happen. But I'm just paranoid enough to make sure I have a safety net in place before she leaves my sight. I'm also making sure my husband is with her constantly if they take her out of my room for tests while I'm still recovering.

lilyrheas · July 2019

@mrszoobear I would do a tour or check the policy's at your hospital. I know with both my daughters, they never left the room while I stayed in it alone, and when they did it was required either my husband go or I went in a wheel chair. There was never a moment they were out of sight. They had all the equipment in my rooms. When we changed from delivery to recovery I held them in my arms while being pushed in a wheel chair.

ale9687 · July 2019

@mrszoobear my hospital didn’t have a nursery so under normal circumstances the baby never leaves your room. My son had to go to the nicu but DH was allowed to go with him right away so he was never left alone.

Spartanrd4 · July 2019

@mrszoobear same as what @ale9687 said, if your hospital is "baby friendly" then the baby never leaves your room- all the tests were done with me there (hearing test, heel stick etc). There is also a security bracelet on the baby's ankle and you and your husband have a bracelet on your wrist so if the baby goes too far away from you- an alarm goes off.

Stac928 · July 2019

@mrszoobear all testing was done in my room. He never left us. Talk with your hospital. But if it makes you feel safer go for it.

anniemarie887 · July 2019

@mrszoobear call me crazy for clarifying - when you say tattoo pen, like an actual tattoo through the dermis? Or a pen? Like a marker?

mrszoobear · July 2019

Thanks everyone! They do have a tour with the labor and delivery classes so I will ask then.

@anniemarie887 - OMG I would never do a real one heavens no. But Bic makes some tattoo pens that last for a few days then eventually wash off. That is what I plan on bringing.

anniemarie887 · July 2019

@mrszoobear I had a moment where I was like am I losing it?! Does she mean really tattoo her baby?!

rjgmcmanus · July 2019

We did a tour of our hospital's birth center a few days ago, and they gave us a sheet with recommendations of what to pack in your hospital bag. Thought I'd snap a pic and share. I think we've already discussed most of this, but it's good to have.

CapricaAndrea · July 2019

The very first item I packed in my bag last time was a bag of extra-long Twizzlers LOL

I know I way overpacked last time, but we also had a midwife delivery so we were only at the hospital for 1 night (end even then it's only because we lived far enough away that we didn't want to drive all the way back the next morning to do baby tests.)

I specifically remember that I used my own personal blanket from home (during the non-messy parts and recovery), a different set of clothes to wear home because the ones I came in with had my water break all over them, a phone charger, and a few different sizes of clothes for baby since we didn't know what size he'd be. Beyond that I don't really remember anything else that we specifically needed.

ktmaesim · September 2019

Just wanted to bump this up as im going through and writing some things down :-)

k_mama91 · September 2019

For pajamas I rock oversized T-shirt’s and old unmatched pants but one thing I’m packing is an actual pj set. I’ll upsize for comfort but plan on getting a set with a button down top that I can use a nursing bra or nursing tank under. It’ll be convenient for attempting to breast feed and I’ll be more comfortable in a top and bottom than a gown.

anniemarie887 · September 2019

@ktmaesim can you just come fly to maryland and pack mine for me?

ashorkey · September 2019

I bought a pair of joggers from Old Navy which I want to live in. These will be going in my bag, probably as coming home pants. Unless I buy a second pair then they will be my pjs and coming home pants! For my daughter I wore a nursing gown, but I think I may be too cold this time.

ktmaesim · September 2019

@ashorkey great idea about old navy! I have been wondering where I’ll get a good COMFORTABLE and cheap-ish set of PJs for hospital and for after birth to lounge in. That sounds Ike a good idea. I haven’t loved anything from motherhood or pea in the pod, it’s all way too “maternity” and girly for me

Also scored a pair of joggers at Aerie that are made out of that material that feels like a cloud - SO SOFT. I know I’ll wear them at hospital or after as well

ale9687 · September 2019

I feel like I’m promoting this company with everything, Bras, underwear and now pj’s. Check these out if you’re looking for nursing pj’s to wear at the hospital. I can wear the top with no bra and I still feel supported, also the material is very soft. These will be in my hospital bag.

https://www.kindredbravely.com/collections/nursing-pajamas/products/davy-maternity-nursing-pajamas-navy-blue?variant=20200487059552

ashorkey · September 2019

@ktmaesim oh good to know about aerie too! I couldn’t find my joggers over the weekend (they were in the laundry) and I almost had a melt down over it. My husband was like “just wear your other pants.” I wanted to respond so badly with “ uh. I don’t think you understand. These pants are currently life.”

cwalks · September 2019

For me:
Nursing tanks
soft pajama bottoms
robe
flip flops for the shower
my personal shampoo and conditioner
slippers with bottom sole
extra ponytails
chapstick
my own pillow
my own couch blanket from home

k_mama91 · September 2019

@cwalks I love that you called it your couch blanket bc that’s exactly what mine is too 😂

bookworm492 · September 2019

I.....have not bothered to pack a bag or even think about it because I'm walking across the street to deliver 🤣. I haven't done my hospital tour yet either, I guess I should by now. I am pretty sure my hospital boots you out pretty quick so I don't expect to be there very long provided no complications.

ktmaesim · September 2019

@bookworm982 I'm in the exact same boat! I live across the street pretty much, I could walk to my delivery, do I still need all this stuff? I'm wondering. But also I know it'd be scary to randomly start having heavy contractions while my husband ran home to get me my iPad oR shampoo....so I might just pack a small bag of essentials of what I think we will actually use. Not planning on lots of stuff because he can easily run home to get stuff if we forgot.

Stac928 · September 2019

@bookworm492 and @ktmaesim I would pack what you want during labor at least. It was a rare moment I was ok with DH not being in the room. Most of the time I made him text updates to waiting family even though they were in the waiting room. And I labored awhile. And also I tend to overpack lol so take that for what it's worth

ale9687 · September 2019

@bookworm492 and @ktmaesim I would pack the essentials for you at least. Also if your hospital does not have a nursery it could be harder for DH to leave. My hospital didn’t have a nursery and DH went home to collect some stuff and I had to wait till my mom came to sit w the baby so I could shower.

bookworm492 · September 2019

Oh I'm going to bring the basics for sure! I'm just not stressing too hard over it. We aren't going to even tell our families that I'm in labor till it's over (my mother will just panic and she won't be anywhere nearby so why do that to her. And we're not close with his family and don't want them visiting) so there will be no one to update.

mrszoobear · September 2019

@bookworm492 - That brings up a question I have been wanting to ask but keep forgetting. How many people are telling their loved ones when they are in labor?

I have a big family that is super close. I know a lot of them will want to be there. But my family alone could fill the waiting room and sometimes it takes 20+ hours. I just don't want a bunch of people up there. But they will be hurt if I don't say anything. The only person besides my hubby and doula I would want is my mommy. But she lives 9 hours away and probably wont be able to make it.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Personal preference and plans?

Hospital Bags! What is in yours?

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