Hospital Bag essentials?

Question

First time mom here.  I'm 36+2 today and figured I should probably pack my hospital bag soonish. I just finished googling what to pack, and am wondering what all you experienced mom's found super helpful.  Also what did you find completely useless? Help!

Answer

Part 2: apparently my post was too long.

I put some breast pads, nipple cream, perineum aide, etc in my bag. Probably more for the ride home.

I just packed a carry on sized suitcase with changes of clothes for my husband and myself, bath robe, jammies, SLIPPERS, personal care items. Outfit for going home tip: make it BIG and comfy. Honestly, I bought a new nursing nightgown; I may wear it home with a pair of leggings and a scarf. Last time I could not get into my maternity jeans after birth because I was so swollen from meds and IVs. Yes, I cried! Very disheartening.

I packed a diaper bag for Baby, with the usual diapers, wipes, burp rags, binkies, hand sanitizer, etc and put 2 coming home outfits of different sizes. Remember hats, some kind of warm jacket or fluffy sleeper and blankets! You also need to keep in mind that a sleep sack or nightgown is not an option because they need to be hooked in the car seat.

Oh my goodness! I just realized...I think I'm ready 🙃🙂🙃

Answer

Mostly everything is "just in case"! You never know what will soothe you or food you will be able to stomach in labor. I barfed and had horrible heartburn my first time. That's why I'm passing on any narcotics this time.

I'm taking aromatherapy oils, massage oil, heating pads, iPad for music. The hospital has a birthing ball. Long over the knee cashmere socks! (Nothing makes me feel snugglier.)

That being said, last time I was in labor, I wanted to lay there really still and not let anyone touch or talk to me! But my feet did get cold.

I'm taking some gummy snacks, red raspberry tea bags, honey. I will probably send a support person out for a smoothie or food from cafeteria if I get truly hungry. Our hospital is a block away from a really nice market with a deli. Stuff for energy!

Make sure you have a little stash of change and cash, just in case your options for food are limited to vending machines. If you have a husband, he will need food and coffee to keep him awake at night.

Photo ID and insurance card! I'm taking a photocopy of mine and putting in my bag with my birthplan. That way if I "forget" I will have a backup.

Answer

This is my first time too, so the one thing I would suggest is calling the hospital to ask what they provide for you and the baby. That should help a little bit. Good luck!

Answer

My second baby - I'm bring a few comfy pants for me incase I have to have another CS - 2 outfits for baby. Travel size toiletries (toothbrush, paste, deo, shampoo, soap) and my phone charger - I also brought my boppy last time.. it really helped with learning to breastfeeding since it's why you'll use at home! Everything else hospital provided 😊😊

Answer

Definitely contact your hospital and ask them. Different hospitals supply different things. Ours recommended to bring clothes for baby so they weren't dress from the gen pop collection 😂 but nappies, wipes etc provided. We also were told to bring maternity pads for our 4 day stay, that they're provided in L&D but not in the private rooms.

Other things I've heard from other mums I know:

Your own toiletries to feel human again, bath wash, shampoo etc.
Your own pillow if you like your own.
Mints (breath is apparently horrible during labour)
Admission docs and antenatal card.
Phone charger
Breast pads
Maternity bras

It also comes down to how long you're in hospital for. I know I'm minimum 4 nights but some public goals can be sent home straight from L&D.

Answer

Snacks!!! Of course the hospital will feed you, unless you have baby at midnight and the cafeteria is closed (happened to me), but you will still want snacks on hand!!!

Answer

This is my second time. I'm taking 6 body suits 4 sleepsuits, 15 nappies, a pack of cotton wool pads, water wipes, 2 hats, 2 Muslin squares, 4 bibs, a cardigan and a blanket.
For me I'm taking a spare outfit, something to labour in, some pjs for after, 4 pairs of underwear, 2 nursing bras, breast pads, a pack of maternity towels, a towel for after bath or shower, standard toiletries.

Answer

Don't worry about bringing anything for baby besides a going home outfit unless youre cloth diapering. They'll have diapers at the hospital.

I always bring 2 comfy outfits for myself (yoga pants, etc) warm socks or slippers, a robe to go over the hospital gown, my toiletries, phone charger, camera and that's just about it!

Hospital Bag essentials?

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