re: Hospital Bag
2923 postsposted 24th Jul
Quoting erikaparis:“ yeah i would do the hospital tour thing its actually really helpful and it dosent take long either. my ... [snip!] ... just showed up to the hospital without even seeing the area or rooms that i might be delevering in i would probably FREAK out!”
I have already had a nice tour of a delivery room lol... false labor two weeks ago, that was tons of fun... but I only got to see the room, not the nursery or anything so I wanna take the tour!
I have 1 child & live in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
2626 postsposted 24th Jul
This is what I have on my list. It may sound like alot, but it really isn't. hehe!
Personal products
-----------------------
travel/trial-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, face wash, body wash and body loofah/puff. (I also will get a trial-size pack of facial cleansing clothes. The ones that you use don't need to wet. They were nice during labor when my face got oily feeling from sweating. You could also use a cool damp washcloth though too.)
toothpaste and a toothbrush.
hairbrush and hair accessories. (Depending on the length of your hair, you will either want a headband or ponytail holders.)
make-up. (I will only being Bare Minerals foundation and chapstick. Last time, I didn't even worry about make-up until we were leaving the hospital. Whether or not, you want to bring make-up, I would bring chapstick anyway. Your lips are likely to get dry during labor and/or during delivery.)
medicines. (Whatever medicines you are suppose to take on a daily basis as well as your pre-natals. Whether or not, you plan on bfeding they are good to take for the first 6 weeks PP.)
extra-absorbent pads. (Your hospital will/should provide them, but you may feel comfortable in your own. Oh and I prefer the ones with wings! hehe! They seem to stay put better.)
4 pairs of nursing pads. (Even though, you will only produce colostrum for the first few days, you will still leak a bit. I prefer the disposable Lanisoh brand nursing pads. Plus when you buy the bigger boxes you usually get breastmilk storage bags with them too. Also if you get WIC or go to the health dept for baby well check-ups, they will give you some too. The ones mine give me are Lansioh brand. Oh and when I am home, I usually use cloth nursing pads. They can be noticeable, but work just fine if you are at home. It will save you some money using them at home and disposable when you go out.)
------------------------------------------------------------------
Clothing items
-------------------
for you--
a pair of socks. (Just incase your feet get cold. Sometimes it happens during transition. Mine didn't, but I am bring a pair just incase.)
a pair of flip flops. (You could bring slippers instead. I get hot very easily, so I didn't even wear mine. I wore my flip flops that I wore into the hospital. If you plan on walking during labor, you will need something to walk the around in as well when you are going back and forth to the bathroom.)
an outfit to wear home. (I would pick something that is loose. Most women do not fit right into pre-pregnancy clothing before they leave the hospital. Your maternity clothing will work just fine. Also I would chose bottoms that are a bit darker just incase. KWIM?)
two pair of underwear. (After Zachary was born, I wore the ones that the hospital gives you to wear. They are comfortable and you don't have to worry about ruining your panties. I wore my own underwear home though. I will bring another pair just incase! Oh and again, I would bring a dark underwear too.)
for daddy--
a change of clothing. (Maybe pjs bottoms. Just depends on if he wants them or not. Also any personal care items that he will need.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Misc. items
--------------
a small notebook. (I used one during labor to keep track of what happened when. Like when I was checked, how much I had dilated, etc. You can have someone else help write in it too. Also go to keep track of feedings and poop/pee diapers for the first few days too.)
birth plan. (If you plan on doing one, make a few copies for the nurses and your OB. That way they have something to refer too.)
pillows. (At least one for you, and one for daddy.)
Boppy pillow. (It is easier to get baby into the right position using one until you become comfortable with nursing.)*
something to help pass the time. (Like an Ipod, puzzles, magazines, books, a deck of cards, laptop, etc. You may not use them, but at least have something just incase.)
cell phone and phone charger. (That way you don't have to use the hospital phone. Some hospitals charge for out-going calls.)
digital camera and/or video camera, camera chargers, and extra batteries and videotapes. (If you can make sure that everything is charged ahead of time. You don't wanna miss anything!)
*You might want to wait until after baby is born to bring in your Boppy as well as the baby's bag.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Food
------
gum. (Keeps your breathe fresh and gives you something to chew on if you can't eat during labor.)
preggo pops. (Not the suckers one. Since most hospitals won't allow you to eat during labor, they will belp with nausea. I didn't bring them last time, but I was told to by some friends of mine to try them. Last time, I ended up throwing up as they were giving me my Phreghen shot because it took them so long to give it to me. UGH!)
a few snacks. (For daddy during labor and you if they allow, and for both after delivery. Most hospitals only provide meals and usually only for mommy. Also make sure that food is non-perishable. Some hospitals do have a frig that they will allow patients to use, but I would check first.)*
drinks. (For daddy during labor and you if they allow as well as for afterwards. You might want to check with your hospital first, but they do usually supply mom and dad both with drinks, so you might not need them.)*
*You may not need either of this items if you plan on eating out of the vending machines or cafeteria. If you brought your own snacks and drinks, it would be save some money though. Oh and you don't have to bring all of the food and snacks in when you come. Just get it as you need it out of the car. You should be able to get a cup of ice to cool your drinks.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Items for the baby
-----------------------
baby book. (That way you can get their footprints printed in them. Some hospitals stamp their feet on sticker paper that you can add later to the book too.)
2 pair of socks or booties. (You don't need both. Just make sure that you have tiny socks or booties. Zachary's 0-3 months socks were too big on him. He even had big feet! It was actually because of his tiny ankles. hehe! We had to get him newborn socks from BRU to wear for the first few weeks until his ankles chunked up to hold up the other ones. hehe!)
a pair of mittens. (It is up to you. I didn't use them last time though. If you don't bring them, you can either use the flip over on the long-sleeved onesies or even a pair of socks.)
1 or 2 caps. (Usually hospitals will put one on your LO shortly after birth. You may want a clean one for the ride home though.)
4 onesies. (I would bring newborn ones, 2 short-sleeved or 2 long-sleeved. If you bring long-sleeved ones, they usually have ends that flip over to cover your LO's hands up, so you might not even need mittens.)
a sleeping gown. (I put Zach in one shortly after he was born. It was easier to change his diaper without waking him too much. Plus it made the diaper change quicker!)
a coming-home/hospital pics outfit. (I had Zachary's hospital pics taken in the same outfit that I brought him home in.)
a receiving blanket and a heavier blanket. (The hospital will swaddle your LO in one of their hospital blankets, but they won't let you take them home. A heavier one incase the weather is chilly (it also might be chilly in the hospital to them too) or to cover your LO's carrier when leaving the hospital.)
2 burp clothes. (I just use square cloth diapers.)
a pacifer. (I don't plan on pushing one, but I will have one with us just incase.)
a big sibling gift. (From your newborn to your older child/ren. It is nice to give them something so that they don't feel left out.)
10 diapers. (The hospital will usually open a pack for your newborn when they are born. Just incase they are stingy, you may want to bring some. Remember one diaper for every 2-3 hours.)
wipes. (Like above, you may just want to bring some just incase. You can also use a warm washcloth. Most nursery nurses use them to change your LO anyway.)
carseat/carrier. (Make sure you have it in the car. You don't need to bring it in with you until you ready to go home though.)
*You may want to leave the baby's bag in the car until after delivery as well as the carseat/carrier.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Some items that you might want to take that I didn't
----------------------------------------------------
pjs, nightgowns and robe. (I used the hospital gowns to labor in. After I took my shower, since I was bleeding, I still use their gowns. You can use another gown as a robe, so you don't have to bring that either. I just prefer to not get my stuff nasty and not have to deal with washing it later. hehe!)
massage oils and massage tools. (To use during labor especially if you are going natural.)
quotePersonal products
-----------------------
travel/trial-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, face wash, body wash and body loofah/puff. (I also will get a trial-size pack of facial cleansing clothes. The ones that you use don't need to wet. They were nice during labor when my face got oily feeling from sweating. You could also use a cool damp washcloth though too.)
toothpaste and a toothbrush.
hairbrush and hair accessories. (Depending on the length of your hair, you will either want a headband or ponytail holders.)
make-up. (I will only being Bare Minerals foundation and chapstick. Last time, I didn't even worry about make-up until we were leaving the hospital. Whether or not, you want to bring make-up, I would bring chapstick anyway. Your lips are likely to get dry during labor and/or during delivery.)
medicines. (Whatever medicines you are suppose to take on a daily basis as well as your pre-natals. Whether or not, you plan on bfeding they are good to take for the first 6 weeks PP.)
extra-absorbent pads. (Your hospital will/should provide them, but you may feel comfortable in your own. Oh and I prefer the ones with wings! hehe! They seem to stay put better.)
4 pairs of nursing pads. (Even though, you will only produce colostrum for the first few days, you will still leak a bit. I prefer the disposable Lanisoh brand nursing pads. Plus when you buy the bigger boxes you usually get breastmilk storage bags with them too. Also if you get WIC or go to the health dept for baby well check-ups, they will give you some too. The ones mine give me are Lansioh brand. Oh and when I am home, I usually use cloth nursing pads. They can be noticeable, but work just fine if you are at home. It will save you some money using them at home and disposable when you go out.)
------------------------------------------------------------------
Clothing items
-------------------
for you--
a pair of socks. (Just incase your feet get cold. Sometimes it happens during transition. Mine didn't, but I am bring a pair just incase.)
a pair of flip flops. (You could bring slippers instead. I get hot very easily, so I didn't even wear mine. I wore my flip flops that I wore into the hospital. If you plan on walking during labor, you will need something to walk the around in as well when you are going back and forth to the bathroom.)
an outfit to wear home. (I would pick something that is loose. Most women do not fit right into pre-pregnancy clothing before they leave the hospital. Your maternity clothing will work just fine. Also I would chose bottoms that are a bit darker just incase. KWIM?)
two pair of underwear. (After Zachary was born, I wore the ones that the hospital gives you to wear. They are comfortable and you don't have to worry about ruining your panties. I wore my own underwear home though. I will bring another pair just incase! Oh and again, I would bring a dark underwear too.)
for daddy--
a change of clothing. (Maybe pjs bottoms. Just depends on if he wants them or not. Also any personal care items that he will need.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Misc. items
--------------
a small notebook. (I used one during labor to keep track of what happened when. Like when I was checked, how much I had dilated, etc. You can have someone else help write in it too. Also go to keep track of feedings and poop/pee diapers for the first few days too.)
birth plan. (If you plan on doing one, make a few copies for the nurses and your OB. That way they have something to refer too.)
pillows. (At least one for you, and one for daddy.)
Boppy pillow. (It is easier to get baby into the right position using one until you become comfortable with nursing.)*
something to help pass the time. (Like an Ipod, puzzles, magazines, books, a deck of cards, laptop, etc. You may not use them, but at least have something just incase.)
cell phone and phone charger. (That way you don't have to use the hospital phone. Some hospitals charge for out-going calls.)
digital camera and/or video camera, camera chargers, and extra batteries and videotapes. (If you can make sure that everything is charged ahead of time. You don't wanna miss anything!)
*You might want to wait until after baby is born to bring in your Boppy as well as the baby's bag.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Food
------
gum. (Keeps your breathe fresh and gives you something to chew on if you can't eat during labor.)
preggo pops. (Not the suckers one. Since most hospitals won't allow you to eat during labor, they will belp with nausea. I didn't bring them last time, but I was told to by some friends of mine to try them. Last time, I ended up throwing up as they were giving me my Phreghen shot because it took them so long to give it to me. UGH!)
a few snacks. (For daddy during labor and you if they allow, and for both after delivery. Most hospitals only provide meals and usually only for mommy. Also make sure that food is non-perishable. Some hospitals do have a frig that they will allow patients to use, but I would check first.)*
drinks. (For daddy during labor and you if they allow as well as for afterwards. You might want to check with your hospital first, but they do usually supply mom and dad both with drinks, so you might not need them.)*
*You may not need either of this items if you plan on eating out of the vending machines or cafeteria. If you brought your own snacks and drinks, it would be save some money though. Oh and you don't have to bring all of the food and snacks in when you come. Just get it as you need it out of the car. You should be able to get a cup of ice to cool your drinks.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Items for the baby
-----------------------
baby book. (That way you can get their footprints printed in them. Some hospitals stamp their feet on sticker paper that you can add later to the book too.)
2 pair of socks or booties. (You don't need both. Just make sure that you have tiny socks or booties. Zachary's 0-3 months socks were too big on him. He even had big feet! It was actually because of his tiny ankles. hehe! We had to get him newborn socks from BRU to wear for the first few weeks until his ankles chunked up to hold up the other ones. hehe!)
a pair of mittens. (It is up to you. I didn't use them last time though. If you don't bring them, you can either use the flip over on the long-sleeved onesies or even a pair of socks.)
1 or 2 caps. (Usually hospitals will put one on your LO shortly after birth. You may want a clean one for the ride home though.)
4 onesies. (I would bring newborn ones, 2 short-sleeved or 2 long-sleeved. If you bring long-sleeved ones, they usually have ends that flip over to cover your LO's hands up, so you might not even need mittens.)
a sleeping gown. (I put Zach in one shortly after he was born. It was easier to change his diaper without waking him too much. Plus it made the diaper change quicker!)
a coming-home/hospital pics outfit. (I had Zachary's hospital pics taken in the same outfit that I brought him home in.)
a receiving blanket and a heavier blanket. (The hospital will swaddle your LO in one of their hospital blankets, but they won't let you take them home. A heavier one incase the weather is chilly (it also might be chilly in the hospital to them too) or to cover your LO's carrier when leaving the hospital.)
2 burp clothes. (I just use square cloth diapers.)
a pacifer. (I don't plan on pushing one, but I will have one with us just incase.)
a big sibling gift. (From your newborn to your older child/ren. It is nice to give them something so that they don't feel left out.)
10 diapers. (The hospital will usually open a pack for your newborn when they are born. Just incase they are stingy, you may want to bring some. Remember one diaper for every 2-3 hours.)
wipes. (Like above, you may just want to bring some just incase. You can also use a warm washcloth. Most nursery nurses use them to change your LO anyway.)
carseat/carrier. (Make sure you have it in the car. You don't need to bring it in with you until you ready to go home though.)
*You may want to leave the baby's bag in the car until after delivery as well as the carseat/carrier.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Some items that you might want to take that I didn't
----------------------------------------------------
pjs, nightgowns and robe. (I used the hospital gowns to labor in. After I took my shower, since I was bleeding, I still use their gowns. You can use another gown as a robe, so you don't have to bring that either. I just prefer to not get my stuff nasty and not have to deal with washing it later. hehe!)
massage oils and massage tools. (To use during labor especially if you are going natural.)
I have 2 kids & live in Fall Branch, Tennessee
3193 postsposted 24th Jul
Quoting USAF Wife:“ I have already had a nice tour of a delivery room lol... false labor two weeks ago, that was tons of fun... but I only got to see the room, not the nursery or anything so I wanna take the tour!”i might have to steal a baby if i see the nursery. i just want to borrow someones until i have mine. just to feed that mommy need thats in full kick i swear id give them right back...same and sound.
I have 1 child & live in Colorado
537 postsposted 24th Jul
Quoting fukuana:“ thats a good point. otherwise im annoying and will ask what they are doing every second...maybe itll get us amped up too.”
i know my bf derek is. but im sure its just about the outfit ;p haha jk hes excited to see the baby too.
I have 1 child & live in Chula Vista, California
posted 24th Jul
Quoting USAF Wife:“ haha ok, yeah my bag is actually next to me, and I am a loser I packed the baby her own little bag haha”I packed Evan his own little bag too!
After looking at my list, it does look huge, but it is only because of my explanations. I wrote my list up, then explained why certain things for my Sept mommies.
I have 2 kids & live in Fall Branch, Tennessee
posted 24th Jul
Quoting Zach and Evan's Mom:“ I packed Evan his own little bag too! After looking at my list, it does look huge, but it is only ... [snip!] ... huge, but it is only because of my explanations. I wrote my list up, then explained why certain things for my Sept mommies.”
haha, it is VERY detailed lol. I packed like 5 outfits for Anara lol, I don't know what she will fit in or anything so I had to be prepared!!!
good call on the puzzle/magazine thing... I have a crossword puzzle book I have been wanting to finish, I will pack that!
I have 1 child & live in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
posted 24th Jul
Quoting USAF Wife:“ haha, it is VERY detailed lol. I packed like 5 outfits for Anara lol, I don't know what she will fit ... [snip!] ... good call on the puzzle/magazine thing... I have a crossword puzzle book I have been wanting to finish, I will pack that!”Yeah, I kind of overpacked clothes for Evan too. You just never know what size they will be though. I have heard of even 10 pound baby needing preemie outfits, so you just never know! Plus it is fun to play dress up with your LO! hehe!
Also don't know if you noticed it on the list or not, but definitely bring a small notebook. It is nice to keep track of how your labor progress, what happens when and so on. I did it with Zach (my firstson) andused my notes to write up his birth story for his scrapbook.You could alsouseit to write your little one a note during labor. If you can! LOL!
I have 2 kids & live in Fall Branch, Tennessee
posted 24th Jul
Quoting Zach and Evan's Mom:“ Yeah, I kind of overpacked clothes for Evan too. You just never know what size they will be though. I ... [snip!] ... write up his birth story for his scrapbook.You could alsouseit to write your little one a note during labor. If you can! LOL! ”
I don't know if I could write him a note... itd be like I had turrets or something... "Your almost F*CK here and I just DAMNIT wanted you to know AHHH that I love OH HELL you" lol, but I will pack a notebook just in case lol
I have 1 child & live in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
posted 24th Jul
Quoting USAF Wife:“ I don't know if I could write him a note... itd be like I had turrets or something... "Your almost ... [snip!] ... F*CK here and I just DAMNIT wanted you to know AHHH that I love OH HELL you" lol, but I will pack a notebook just in case lol”
LOL! At least she will know how you felt during labor! haha!
Well, sweetie, I am off to bed. It is 4am here, so I should at least try to get some sleep before dawn. hehe!
I have 2 kids & live in Fall Branch, Tennessee
538 postsposted 24th Jul
Damn. I need to get on this whole hospital bag thing. lol I gotta get it together soon!
quoteI have 1 child & live in Missouri
180 postsposted 24th Jul
Hospital bags.. sounds so simple.. "pack like if you were staying the night somewhere..." But with the whole "nesting" vibe we have going on... its like, we want to make sure everything is PERFECT!
So.. I am 35 weeks today... and I STILL have to finish my bag up
I bought all my "travel size" toiletries yesterday....Today I am going to go buy my robe.
It is my mission to be all packed by next week: Week 36
quoteSo.. I am 35 weeks today... and I STILL have to finish my bag up
I bought all my "travel size" toiletries yesterday....Today I am going to go buy my robe.
It is my mission to be all packed by next week: Week 36
I have 2 kids & live in California
posted 24th Jul
update.... I packed my sons first teddy bear... My best friend gave me my daughters first teddy and she is SUPER attached to it.. even now.. 5 years (wow.. 6 in Sept. ) later.
So she sent me one forthis baby.. its all packed ready to go and meet baby
.. she (my bestie) lives 4 hrs away in Santa Cruz County Calif.
quoteSo she sent me one forthis baby.. its all packed ready to go and meet baby
.. she (my bestie) lives 4 hrs away in Santa Cruz County Calif.
I have 2 kids & live in California
504 postsposted 24th Jul
Quoting Zach and Evan's Mom:“ This is what I have on my list. It may sound like alot, but it really isn't. hehe! Personal products ... [snip!] ... deal with washing it later. hehe!) massage oils and massage tools. (To use during labor especially if you are going natural.)”Yours sounded like mine lol...Have to have the travel size things their shampoo and everything sucks lol. And I also used their gowns didnt want to mess my stuff up
I have 2 kids & 3 angel babies & live in Kingman, Arizona
posted 24th Jul
Quoting Proud Mom Of 2 Boys:“ Yours sounded like mine lol...Have to have the travel size things their shampoo and everything sucks lol. And I also used their gowns didnt want to mess my stuff up ”Yeah, why dirty my pjs! Plus less to unpack AND WASH when I get home! LOL!
I have 2 kids & live in Fall Branch, Tennessee
posted 24th Jul
I still kinda want my own robe for when guests visit.. I hate my ass hanging out if I have to get up... and its so transparent...
quoteI have 2 kids & live in California
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