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November 2024 Moms
cornichonmam
member
Hospital Bag 🏨
cornichonmam
member
It's getting to that time.
What are you packing?
If this isn't your first baby, is there anything you won't be packing that you packed previously?
Do you have any questions about what to bring?
What are you packing?
If this isn't your first baby, is there anything you won't be packing that you packed previously?
Do you have any questions about what to bring?
Re: Hospital Bag 🏨
I’m bringing:
For me - one nursing tank, maternity jumpsuit and pair of socks for going home in. Big flannel shirt in case it’s cold (it won’t be cold, it’s always warm, ha. But just in case!). Socks with grips (takes less space than slippers and I don’t want to be barefoot). Toiletries (basic skincare stuff, hairbrush, a couple makeup things, deodorant. I’ll just use whatever shampoo and toothpaste is there), hand lotion, lip balm, nipple balm, extra long phone charger, kindle. Insulated water bottle. Big, empty bag for taking home anything that can’t be nailed down.
For baby - two outfits (two, just in case he has a diaper leak right after putting him in the car seat. Been burned by that one before), Velcro swaddle (I hate the hospital ones), hat, car seat. Blanket for the ride home.
Not bringing based on experience - pillow for me, nursing pillow, pajamas or anything to wear while actually in the hospital. I think whatever they provide is fine, including hospital gowns. I hate carrying stuff that won’t get used. Plus, less laundry to do when I get home! Nail clippers for baby (someone told me this was a must have and nope, absolutely not).
DD born 4/1/2023
Baby #3 EDD 11/21/2024
shower shoes and chapstick (never use it but my lips get so dry in the hospital).
For me:
- going home clothes
- 2 nursing bras
- 2 nursing tanks
- toiletries (face wash, face cream, lotion, hair products and deodorant, will use the hospital’s stuff for everything else)
- make up
- phone charger
For baby:
- going home outfit x2
- carseat
For husband:
- snacks
- gum
- toiletries
- phone charger
- 2 sets of clothes
Now to actually pack this stuff…
Me: 31 DH: 34
Married 11/09/2013
LO#1: LMP 09/14/2014 BFP 10/15/2014 EDD 06/24/2015 DS Born 06/14/2015
LO#2: LMP 09/18/2016 BFP 10/19/2016 EDD 06/27/2017 DD Born 06/27/2017
LO#3: LMP 05/16/2018 BFP 06/18/2018 EDD 02/20/2019
I had some preeclampsia symptoms that came pretty rapidly so I called my triageRN Saturday afternoon, went to OB ED Saturday evening, and was admitted for obs that night. The next morning given my “severe presentation” of symptoms the decision was made the induce so my dry run bag became the really thing.
I brought some toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, nail clippers, tweezer (all of which I have used). After two days I had my husband bring in my own shampoo, conditioner and soap just because my own stuff makes me feel so relaxed.
i brought slip on shoes and some socks, but I had my husband bring flip flops for the shower the next day.
i brought two brother gowns from home, and for me they are must haves. I also work in this Hospital, so having something functional that also covers me a little more classily than a hospital issued gown has been nice. The baby be mine gown has been my favorite.
i also can’t sleep on terrible pillows, so day two my hubs brought my own pillow and my small clam-shell maternity pillow, and both greatly improved my sleep.
i brought some stretchy, cozy pants for when I want to walk the unit and avoid thigh rubbing and to help keep my temp regulated.
I have a phone charger, Bluetooth speaker charger, fit hit charger, book, comfy loose zip up sweatshirt, and hubs brought his laptop and charger.
hubby started staying last night - lots of snacks, pjs, his own pillow, his own blanket which is so superior to the hospital ones, slippers and slip on shoes, his toothbrush.
Im a FTM and wasn’t at all sure what to grab, and the bag was done haphazardly since we had no idea a 35w visit would turn to and admission for induction.
the one thing I wish I had brought was earplugs and my Facemask.
Hopefully some of this is useful?
DD born 4/1/2023
Baby #3 EDD 11/21/2024
Labour: nighty, nursing bra, grippy socks, tense machine, eye mask, earplugs, headphones, aromatherapy roller ball, birth comb, hair bobble, spray bottle, fan, lip balm, snacks and phone charger for DH, water bottle, straw, washcloths (my midwife advised I bring my own to use for warm perineal compress), one of those multi use neck warmer/head bands (I love these and use them all the time as head bands but they also make great eyemaks and I often roll my hair up in them to stop it getting wet or dirty), snacks for me I'll decide on the day it will probably be just a bottle of coconut water and a smoothie as I didn't feel like eating in my previous labours. Plus a large plastic bag for my husband to take home any soiled clothes after the birth. Everything is pretty small so this easily fits in a tote bag.
After the birth: nighty ×2, dressing gown, slippers, towel, nursing bra, disposable pants, maternity pads, instant ice pack pads, down there spray, peri bottle, nursing pads, toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, face wash, moisturiser, a sachet of shampoo and conditioner, shower gel, deodorant, lip balm, small bottle of organic baby oil so I can use it on bump, hair and hands), extra long phone charger, dress, cardigan and tights to go home. Another plastic bag for dirty clothes.
Snacks, supper important because the hospital food is terrible and really low in nutrition: sachets of protein powder (I get a locally made one that has lots of natural ingredients and lots of ground seeds and nuts), sachets of instant smoothie, crackers, oat biscuits, protein flapjacks, chocolate and a bag of prunes.
Baby: vest and sleep suit x3, going home outfit, nappies, wipes, nappy sacks, nipple balm, nappy cream, changing mat, hat (my hospital insists that babies must wear a knitted hat), cardigan, small baby food container for hand expressing, syringes for feeding if needed, frozen colostrum I'll put in on the day.
This all easily fits in two bags. I organise things in zip lock back labeled so my husband can easily find things.
Lastly I'll pack another bag to leave at home. I had an unexpected extended stay with both my previous pregnancies. So I'll be packing an extra top up bag with extra clothes for me and baby, snacks, pads, nappies, etc anything I will use up. This just makes it easier for my husband to grab and bring things in for me.
My bag: Robe, slippers (I'm a robe and slippers girl at home too), going home outfit, nursing bra, night dress, fan, extra long charger, I downloaded a couple movies on my ipad, lip balm, a couple of toiletries, a towel, a throw blanket
Baby: two sleepers, custom swaddle and hat with his name, and just because it's the diaper bag that we're bringing, there is general diaper bag stuff already in there even though we won't need it.
We're in Canada so we get quite a few freebies. I'm bringing an extra empty bag for that. All baby stuff will be provided. All postpartum things for me will also be provided. My SIL is an RN and grabbed a few extra mesh underwear and things like that for me already. I did get the tucks liners and will be bringing those.
I do plan on getting some travel size items like a body wash but if I don't, I'm fine using what the hospital has.
I will not be packing anything for hubby because there is a Shoppers (drug store that has food) next to the hospital and we're not sure if he's staying the night yet (we have three dogs and one of them doesn't do well with people. My sister is one of very few who he is comfortable with and she lives 4 hours away. If it's a spontaneous labour, he'll have to come home and deal with the doggies).
I have a tens machine - I've just recently seen people mention this for labour. Maybe I'll have to stick that in my bag and give it a try too.
I think I’ll talk to him and have him go home at night anyway. He’s more useful at home with the kids, and no one has ever put them to bed besides me and him. My mom doesn’t know the kids super well since she lives so far away, and MIL is just too old to care for them both for too long. I’d feel so much better knowing they’re with their dad, and that way he’d get to sleep in a comfortable bed too. He’s definitely more useful when well rested!
If you are packing for your husband/partner though: bring some Tylenol. The hospital can’t give out even OTC meds to non-patients, and my H ended up with a debilitating headache last time. An awesome nurse ended up giving him Tylenol from her personal stash and told us not to tell anyone, ha.
DD born 4/1/2023
Baby #3 EDD 11/21/2024
I was in an out of hospital with kidney infection the last couple weeks so had packed a bag for that. If we need to go to hospital I'll probably have hubby toss random other stuff in there too.
Like you, mitchip, we have a dog that doesn't love other humans, so he'll have to go check on her and can grab all the random things I forgot. Lol
If you don't have some I'd get a spare set of pads because mine stated coming off and got stuck to my clothes when I got sweaty in transition.
for me:
nightgown to wear while I’m there
zip up hoodie and sweats to wear while I’m there if it’s cold
going home outfit + a pair of maternity underwear
1 maternity bra (a thin, soft sports bra basically)
slippers
Socks x2
Frida Mom upside down peri bottle (hospital peri bottles are not as functional as the Frida Mom one)
small bag of travel toiletries
10 foot charger
A few healthy-ish snacks
for baby:
2 gowns
a going home outfit
a hat, socks and mitten set
”hello world” announcement board thingy for his first pictures
2 swaddle blankets (hospital ones are normally a little rough and kind of small)
car seat of course
Congratulations! I'm glad she's doing well. My Grandma was a Betty too. X
Congrats! So glad Betty and you are doing well. It is so exciting that our November babies are starting to arrive!
Me: 31 DH: 34
Married 11/09/2013
LO#1: LMP 09/14/2014 BFP 10/15/2014 EDD 06/24/2015 DS Born 06/14/2015
LO#2: LMP 09/18/2016 BFP 10/19/2016 EDD 06/27/2017 DD Born 06/27/2017
LO#3: LMP 05/16/2018 BFP 06/18/2018 EDD 02/20/2019
I need to repack my hospital bag since my stay will be longer due to the planned c section. Bought a couple nursing friendly night gowns that’ll come in handy at home as well (I usually prefer pj sets, but apparently loose gowns are better for comfort around the incision), and I’ll bring my nursing pillow too. I brought it last time and didn’t use it, but I’ve been told a nursing pillow is really helpful for comfort after a c section so it’s probably a good idea. Also packing a pair of loose, high waisted joggers so I can walk around a bit. Staying cooped up in a room for potentially four days doesn’t sound very fun. Bluetooth speakers, insulated coffee mug are also coming with now. Anything to make me a little more comfortable!
DD born 4/1/2023
Baby #3 EDD 11/21/2024
DD born 4/1/2023
Baby #3 EDD 11/21/2024
DD born 4/1/2023
Baby #3 EDD 11/21/2024