OT: Packing For The Hospital

[Amirah95]

Oh baby it's almost that time for me (technically 2 weeks to go) and I'm about to start packing my bag for the hospital. Question...what did you all take in your overnight bags to the hospital??

 

[Captain_Hook]

I am right there with you! 3.5 weeks to go! I started packing last week.

This is what I have so far (and would appreciate any input anyone has for OP):

- a couple of outfits for baby (since I don't know how big he'll be) including hats
- shirt and pair of pants for me (still maternity stuff since the belly will still be there)
- toiletries (I bought travel size stuff) -- toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush...
- my massage stuff for DH to use on me!
- I also bought linen spray and room spray (all lavender scented to help me relax) -- I read to do that and thought it was a good idea
- something to focus on (I have a picture of DH with Brer Bear)
- I also have a soft rattle for the baby (figure on the way home from the hospital he may get fussy in his seat)
- car seat installed (they won't let you leave without one)
- tissues -- I am a crier when I get stressed!

I also read to pack a book, but I haven't decided on that one yet.

HTH
Jen

 

[Stasieki]

It was Feb in Florida, so I took two outfits for our baby because you don't know if it will be hot or cold (glad I did - it ended up being rainy and cold the day we left the hospital but it was 80 degrees the day I went into labor), a jogging suit for me to come home in, those real furry socks for me which was a must in the cold hospital, the no scratch mittens, recieving blanket, and toiletries. I think that was it, as well as the cameras. Oh - and I had a page out of our baby album for guests to sign. Looking back, i wish I would have packed some snacks like crackers, so my husband didn't have to run to get snacks all the time (I wasn't liking the hospital food).

Best wishes!

 

[mom2aredhead]

* Rubber Flip Flops to wear in the shower (hospital showers are NASTY)
* Your own feminine pads
* Your own pillow
* camera and/or video camera
* snacks/water for hubby (nothing allowed for you if you have an epidural)
* clean shirt or change of clothes for hubby in case it takes longer to deliver than anticipated
* CD player/ipod with relaxing music

HTH - I'm sure I'll think of some more!

 

[ksumn1]

I'm cold natured, so I brought extra socks
One of my own nightgowns with a front opening for easier nursing
a book
camera
my own pillow
travel size toiletries and a hairdryer my OWN Tylenol
A picture of my oldest DD (so she would always be there)
a big sister gift for oldest DD to open after the birth

Snacks..I was starving and of course the cafeteria was closed, so I munched on Cheese Its until husband came back with real food

an extra set of car keys..DH locked himself out of the car both times, forgot them in the ignition in his excitement. Luckily, my DM and Dad keep a spare set just in case

 

[britincanada]

And don't forget the 'yucky stuff'......sanitary pads & old or disposable undies! The 'maxi' type pads are best, as they provide extra padding for the sore areas when you sit down!

 

[Jen_in_NH]

I brought some PJs for me, shower stuff, lots of socks, 2 baby outfits, the camera and the charger, cell phone and charger. We also brough DH's laptop so we could e-mail pics after he was born. Some snacks for him would have ben a good idea. Also, remember to bring some cash. The hospital we were at doesn't take credit cards in the cafeteria.

Congrats!

 

[Disneylush]

My fav. odd thing was a jar of Play-do. It is toxic free and you can squeeze it, twist it, beat it... whatever when pain is bad and create odd things when you wasting time.

DVD's also saved me from pure boardom

 

[megthewonderful]

After having 3 c-sections and having to spend 4 days each time in the hospital, here's what I'd pack if I were to do it again:

your own pillow
shoes for the shower
camera and cell phone (make sure you know the phone #s of anyone you might want to call right away- my husband forgot one of his sister's phone #s and we had to wait a bit to call her until we got the #)
nightgown, socks and slippers
toiletries, especially cream - I was always very itchy after an epidural and cream and along with some benadryl from the hospital seemed to help
clothes for the baby to go home in
clothes for you to go home in
$ for your husband to go the cafteria
snacks for yourself after delivery
change of clothes for your husband- you might be there awhile

The hospital supplied all the unpleasant stuff like thick sanitary pads and disposable undies, as well as an endless supply of diapers and formula for the baby. The hospital also supplied towels and toiletries, but sometimes you just like having the comforts of home with you.

Good luck with your delivery and congratulations!

 

[GoinToDisney]

DEPENDS undergarments!!! I know it sounds crazy, but I used them along with the disposable panties and pads that they give you at the hospital. There were tons of people visiting me, and I was able to wear my own clothes without ruining them. I also didn't leave a mess on the bed for everyone to see if I had to pee. I brought those sleep bras at motherhood and wore those a lot. My boppy pillow was priceless. I didn't have it until the 2nd day and I really struggled to get the pillows right to nurse. I also brought my own blankets and pillows, even my body pillow. The other biggie for me was flip-flops for the shower as someone else mentioned.

 

[Princess Roo]

I'm packing soon, too! I'll pack one bag for labor and another DH will go out to get after we're settled in our room after delivery.

I think of everything I brought last time, the snacks may have been the most important! Bring snacks for DH to eat during labor (nothing that smells strong - you might be nauseous during labor) and stuff for yourself for afterwards. It might be a while before you get your first meal there. Things high in fiber are especially good to help get things "going" again. I'm bringing apples, snack mix/bars, and hard candy for during labor.

I brought our own clothes for me, DH, and baby in the hospital. For me I packed sweatsuits/PJs, nursing tanks and socks.

Nursing pads in case your milk comes in while you're still there. (Forgot this last time and was a big oops!) Also Lansinoh/Lanolin if you're planning on nursing.

I liked having my own pillow and nursing pillow.

Don't forget camera, cell phone, and chargers!

 

[dvcnewgirl]

I have to add one thing. The disposable heat pads for your back. I used them on my belly after I had the baby and they made me feel much less crampy and a lot better. Good Luck!

 

[3littleHalls]

Wanted to add....bring your own tylenol(I never needed big pain meds after and they were very forgetful about bringing advil or tylenol) and since I have other kids don't forget snacks, coloring books, and crayons. Best wishes with your delievery!!

 

[tiggger1]

make sure you bring some $$ ( ones and change) My hospital charges for the tv and the guy had no change. also make sure you have your phone book and a phone card if you need to call long distance.

 

[alyssa810]

A co-worker gave me a "what to bring and what to leave at home" list, and some of what I found to NOT bring
-new PJs- I too bought some new pjs with front buttons b/c I figured it would be better for nursing, but from my c-section and just general icky stuff that happens after a baby, I was glad I stayed in the hospital johnny because I made messes every day!! (eww, I know).
I also left the new slippers at home because again, I was pretty leaky and wouldn't want to ruin new stuff.
Definitely bring a cell phone with all numbers, and some cash (although I didn't end up needing anything). Also, order extra stuff when you get your food (I am assuming there is not an extra fee for this) I tried to get extra snacks for my DH (who didn't stay at the hospital) and any visitors.
I do wish that I brought flip flops for the shower, and my grabber thing because I was constantly dropping things, and bending over to pick them up was impossible!
Best of luck to you for an easy labor and quick delivery!!

 

[jkCT]

The thing I almost forgot...the camera! (Youngest daughter was a month early and I wasn't packed!)

The thing I wish I'd thought off...a small bottle of unscented lotion. I washed my hands a lot , and dry hands feel even rougher when they're touching soft newborn skin!

 

[ntengwall]

One of the greatest things about having a homebirth....didn't have to pack a thing! LOL

 

[Amirah95]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I think I have everything in order now. The only things I don't have are the snacks as I'm going to go shopping for those tomorrow and a long, pantless PJ that opens in the front for BF.

I won't have to take music or anything like that because I will have access to a TV, there is a radio in every room, I can play video games on it as well and it goes online and it's all free. The setup is really cool and I think a good one.

And yep, I'm taking my boppy pillow along as well.

As for homebirthing...I'm just too scarey for that so no spank you!!! Ha!

 

[kristenrice]

Chap Stick!!!

I was so sick to my stomach (the entire pregnancy...I was blessed with hyperemesis gravidarum) that I couldn't even suck on ice chips. My lips were so dry they were bleeding and cracking. The hospital offered me some triple antibiotic ointment (think Neosporin). Yum... that did NOT help the nausea. When I went to the hospital for my second child, DH was sent to Sam's Club and we had the warehouse pack of Chap-Stick! Soooo much better!

 

[Zeebs]

more than 1 pair of PJ's for those leaks, My opinion DO NOT waste your money on maternity knickers splash out a little bit more buy a pack of big wasted, knickers so much more comfortable. Camera (we assumed being the first they would send us home to wait the labour out nope I was 8 centermetres dilated by the time I got to the hospital) Good luck I am just packing my bag at the moment I am hoping I won't have to stay the night this time. Don't leave the packing too much later as I went at 38 weeks luckily bag was packed. Hair tie if you have longish hair sometimes it is just an tickly annoyance you just don't want.

Cheers Kirsten