Just asking all the already-momma's out there any things I MUST pack for the hospital. I'm really trying to keep it the bare minimum, because let's face it. Birth is messy and the fewest things of my own that get this mess on them, the better. So here's a few of the things. Let me know if you would cross anything off or add anything:
• take off rings and jewelry before hospital
• Put pump in car (just in case)
• Boppy pillow
• Nipple cream
• Toiletries – face/body soap, shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush/toothpaste, hair brush/elastics, contacts/case/saline solution, make-up bag, deodorant
• camera with full battery AND flash cards (and charger)
• ID and insurance card
• heavy duty maxi pads?
• chap stick
• flip flops for shower and post-birth
• tucks pads/witch hazel wipes
• nursing bras /shirt
• nursing pads
• underwear (ones I don't mind throwing out if I need to)
• pillow
• snacks
• car seat
• 2-3 roomy outfits (yoga pants, t-shirts, etc)
• laptop
Baby's bag
• 2 sizes of onsies
• 2-3 outfits (I can't decide)
• light weight hats
• a few receiving blankets
• pacifiers (still unsure what we're doing about that one)
Check your gmail...I put in my two cents!
ReplyDeleteWhat I really wanted but didn't have with Henry was a good (working) pen and notepad--to keep track of who brought what, things I wanted to remember, etc. You might also want FOOD for after the baby is born--single pack types of stuff (including some chocolate!)
ReplyDeleteCongrats!
My long reply went to your FB account, but I just remembered BATTERIES!!! For the camera.
ReplyDeleteOh, and decide and communicate WHAT you want photographed and what you don't want photographed. :-)
ReplyDeleteRob had to run home to get my pump and the boppy, so those things are good to have. :)
ReplyDeleteI brought tons of pads to the hospital, but ended up using the ones that they provided...just saying if you want to save space you could juste leave those at home.
Yay for packing your bag!! He'll be here so soon.
Yeah! you are so close!
ReplyDeleteThey had a pump at the hospital for me to use, they give you all the tucks pads and pads too. I actually used the weird mesh underwear disposeable underwear the hospital gives you.. they are ridiculously comfy and you don'y have to worry about ruining them, and you are not going to want anthing remotely tight on down there ;) The mesh underwear allow your to have some ice to sit on + tucks + pads. I also just bummed around in the hospital gown, but again, it is preference.. I couldn't hardly walk, ha, so I definitely couldn't be changing pants. So maybe take a robe and a going home outfit. You can cross off pillow unless you love your own special one. The hospital should have new pacifiers for the baby, as well as swaddle blankets and a hat to keep their precious little newborn head warm! So you could just take an outfit or 2 for him to go home in, because they put him in onsies that they provide.... of course all this is up to you, maybe you want to have him in different outfits while you are there. But if you are trying to pack light - then that is my 2 cents :) Birth is so cool.... AMAZING experience, although it does really hurt, just the overall miracle of it is wonderful and unforgetable. So excited for you.
-Misha
but, then again, I had an epidural and it was GREAT! So of course it was bliss ;)
ReplyDeleteAlso, be prepared for the baby blues... not everyone experiences it, but I did and was not expecting it. Just incase the crazy emotional roller coaster ride hits you, know that most of the time it only last about 2 weeks.. so you won't feel that way forever, it will go away.
Hopefully that won't be an issue though!
I clicked over here from Anne's blog and saw your post and seeing as how I just went through this 12 weeks ago thought I'd offer my two cents :)
ReplyDeleteI took my own clothes and thought I'd wear them but I bled so much that I didn't end up using them. I used the mesh panties and monster pads from the hospital and I still leaked onto the bed.
I didn't need any hats because the hospital provided one. I also didn't need any of my own pillows other than the Boppy. The hospital had tons of them in varying thicknesses. And the nurses brought me all the snacks I needed so unless there's something you really want you could leave those at home.
I definitely used the Lansinoh nipple cream. I had the Medela version also but it made things worse. I also loved the soothie gel inserts for my nipples.
I would definitely not bring a pacifier if you're going to breastfeed....wait a month on that one.
Teresa
Thank you so much ladies!! I love that I have so many ladies who've done this before and survived. What a good mantra going into this! :)
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about bringing all the pads, nipple cream, witch hazel wipes, etc. They will give you anything and everything you need at the hospital. That will free up some room for you in your bag! I would also bring a notepad to record things :) It was nice to have!
ReplyDeleteand pacifiers are nice to have although they have plenty at the hospital :) I have 3 kiddos - 2 took to their thumbs without any pushing from me and 1 likes the pacifier. Sometimes they are just nice to have especially when they are so little and they love that sucking reflex!
I just went looking for this as I remembered reading it years ago...very helpful, thanks! Any new suggestions?
ReplyDeleteYes! I need a total do over on this list! Emailing you. :)
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