Packing for the hospital?

Question

I am due in 11 days (yah!! hopefully sooner) so I want to go ahead and pack my bag for the hospital. I don't have a clue as to what to pack, this is my first baby. What did you pack? What do you think is absolutely neccessary, that one thing you couldn't live without? I have a list of things in one of my pregnancy books that suggest what to bring, but it is mostly things that I don't plan on using like cds to labor to. I don't know how other hospitals are, but mine requires that I stay two days after birth, 3 for a csection. Also, what do I need to pack for the baby? The hospital said they provide everything I need for baby while I am there, but will I need to pack her a bag? BTW, I live an hour from the hospital if this helps on what the baby might need. Thanks so much, I just don't want to pack things that will be of no use, but I want to be prepared.

Answer 1

I'm a doula and a birth and parent educator. The hospital will provide the majority of the things you need. If you prefer to labor in your own gown rather than the hospital's then you'll need that. Keep in mind though if you are planning to have an epidural then they will need access to your back, thus their gown being better. Chap stick for you lips when breathing is helpful, mints, snack for dad( in case your laboring for a while or over night and overnight bag for dad). Maybe a pillow from home. It has a familiar smell and that can bring comfort.  In PP you may want to bring Always pads for the lochia and breast pads. The hospital brand tends to be bulky. You want to bring a change of clothes to go home in, but make sure that they are maternity clothes not pre-pregnancy clothes. As for baby, of course the car seat and an outfit for pic, going home outfit, maybe extra blankets ( but normally not needed). Other than that, that's it. Most hospitals will supply everything else.

Keep in mind when you get to the hospital you may not be able to eat. You may want to eat a fruit salad or something lite before you go to the hospital. Just in case your laboring for many hours. Your body is working and it will need the fuel. Also, remember to change your positions every 30-45 minutes this will aid baby in making the necessary turns through the birth canal. Upright, squating or all fours pushing is the best way to go. Never, supine or flat on your back if you can help it! If you come to a point where you are not making progress go to the restroom and/or change your position. I know you didn't ask for this, but I hope this helps too!

Good Luck and Happy Birth Day!

Answer 2

I would take one night gown that you can nurse in if you have chosen to do so, if not just something comfy with slippers. A robe so that you can walk around the ward, it gets kinda sore sitting in the bed for a couple days. Use their gowns on day one, you may leak blood that first day/night.

Digital camera, laptop (if you are allowed) cell phone. So you can download and share photos immediately announcing your great news.

Going home clothes for you and baby. The hospital will keep her how they want her dressed for easy care while she is there.

Your what to expect book, insurance info so you can call them while you are sitting in the hospital, snacks that you might want...hospital food really isn't very good.

Toothbrush & Shampoo, the other hygiene stuff will be at the hospital.

I think that is about it. Hope this helps! I WAY overpacked for my first one, but the other two were a breeze once I had a baby under my belt. Best Wishes! Hope you don't have to wait 11 days!

Answer 3

t- shirts, lounge pants, ugly underwear, nursing bras (breastfeeding) or sports bras (not breast feeding)  Your own shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, hairbrush, toothbrush, makeup, thick socks or slippers.  Boppy pillow, breast pump, car seat, receiving blankets.  At least one outfit for baby to go home in.  Your own pillow.  Camera, cell phone with wall charger, handheld game or word find.

The hospital will have all formula, wipes, diapers, a nasal aspirator etc for you to use.  Also pack a small diaper bag for the way home, burp rag, bottle with formula (they may give some to you).

Good luck!

Answer 4

just take clothes for you to be comfy in after labor (your still going to look about 5 months pregnant so dont take your old clothes quite yet) and dont take anything you dont mind getting dirty or ruined as your going to be bleeding after delivery. take a nice comfy pillow becuase hospital pillows SUCK. im taking some hair bands like the kind that get bangs and all those stray baby hairs out of your eyes becuase they annoy me and i woudlnt want hairs poking me in the eye while im in labor. um take a few pairs of underwear (id say 3 for each day just incase you need to change them)

for the baby make sure you have your car seat, a going home outfit, a camera!, if you have a dog at home i suggest taking an outfit and having your mom or someone run it over to your house a day before you come home so the dog can get used to the babys scent.  

Answer 5

FOR YOU:

a few pair of comfy pj's (I brought 3)

comfortable outfit to wear home

socks

slippers

tooth brush

big underwear( the pads they have are HUGE lol)

hair brush

these items were my must-haves I brought a few other things like make-up ext.

FOR THE BABY

two different outfits for they ride home in-case the weather is different than expected ( like one for cooler weather)

two different sized hats (one small one large)

a few pair of socks

a few onesie

a few receiving blankets

My hospital had all the diapers and wipes I need.

If you forget something the hospital has everything you'll need so don't be worried, they even have clothes most of the time my daughter was in the little shirts they provided.

Answer 6

you'll most likely be in the hospital for up to two to three days, so you'll want some clothes, mostly sweats, bring some toiletries.

for the baby bring an outfit for it to wear home from the hospital carseat, if you had binky that you want the baby to use instead of the hospital ones bring those too. and things to entertain yourself

Answer 7

For the baby, the only thing I really packed was a comfortable outfit to ride home in. Then, you obviously need the car seat as well.  The hospital will provide a little shirt thing, blankets and diapers.  And formula if you are not breastfeeding.  Not much else needed there!  As far as for you, pack some pj's or nightgown if you don't want to wear the hospital outfit, pack some socks and slippers, toothbrush, hairbrush, hairties, maybe some small sizes of stuff to shower with.  For your outfit home, don't plan on fitting into your regular clothes.  Most women can still fit just fine in their maternity wear.  So just pack something roomy and comfortable.  Maybe pack a book or some magazines to read- although you'll probably be napping when you're not with your baby.  Oh- and of course a camera!  And maybe some phone numbers of people you may need to call.  

Answer 8

Bring Diapers.. size new born and size one.

If you plan on breastfeeding.. button up clothing..

pillow,

soothers come in handy,

clothing for you and the baby,

shampoo and soap.

Answer 9

Ok  -  for you :

~ If you have favorite / comfy pillow or blanket that helps you rest.

~ Also, a couple of outfits for you (unless you plan on lounging in the Hospital gowns after delivery), but regardless you will atleast need 1 outfit to go home in. * A couple pairs of big granny panties

~ A list of phone numbers of  who to call after delivery (phone card if needed or cell phone charger)

~ Bathroom items - shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, Q tips, any makeup , pads that you like - some Hospitals use small ones and you'll need bigger ones if you go vaginal delivery and especially if you tear.

~ Camera, batteries, and any camera supplies

~ Change for snack machines, if you want something particular in it

~ Baby book, if you want to go ahead and fill in the birth info while in the Hospital

BABY :

~ Car seat (hubby or bf can bring it in towards the end of your Hospital stay).

~ I did pack a diaper bag for my now 10 month old twins. I used the diapers, wipes and creams that they had. I wanted to have them in cute little outfits in the Hospital instead of the little onesis that they put on them.

~ Make sure that you have the cute little "going home" outfit for the baby.

CONGRATS!!

Best of luck!

* Oh yeah, and if you are planning on breastfeeding - if you have a pump you can always take it with you and if you have any questions about it, you could get the lactation person to help you with it.