What items do I need to put in my L/D bag for the hospital?

Question

I'm a little foggy on this. I know I will need nursing gowns/bras and some regular clothes to go home in. What else did you find useful? What do you recommend taking to the hospital?

Answer 1

you will need very comfy maternity clothes to go home in (i went home in a nice pair of pants/shirt jammies with a robe.)  snacks for ur helper because you don't want them leaving to go get something to eat, super absorbancy pads (but the hospital will also provide these)...  i brought playing cards and a book, my own pillows, and a bunch of stuff that i can't remember so obviously it wasn't important!  just pack extra underwear cuz the lochea afterwards is no joke!!!  hope it helps and congratulations!!!  even if you don't bring anything or you forget stuff it will be okay...  some people don't bring anything and they still bring home a baby :)

Answer 2

A comfy pillow. A robe and slippers. A list of phone numbers I might want. A camera.

I brought nursing gowns and bras, but the lactation consultant instead recommended what while I was learning, to leave off the bra and to wear the hospital gown so that I could unsnap the sleeves and expose my entire chest when trying to get the baby latched on.

Answer 3

your own bathrobe and some comfy cotton pants

lots of changes of socks(you'll see why)

your own pillow and/or blanket

lip balm(hospitals have dry air)

some music or something to read

a list of phone numbers and a calling card if necessary

comfort items for your spouse

toiletries

a camera

some change for the vending machines

a boppy-if you plan to nurse, its hard to nurse a newborn in those beds or even the chairs in the room

Answer 4

You may want to take some body wash, shampoo and conditioner to shower after wards because you may feel really icky, i know I did.  Clothes for you to go home in.  A camera for pictures.  Clothes for the baby to go home in.  Phone number list if there are people you are suppose to call and a phone card if you are going to have to call long distance.  Your insurance card and Drivers license/ID.  Copy of your birth plan.  Any medications you take.  

Answer 5

Ok I work in the postpartum floor so I have a lot of experience with this.

Pencil

small notepad of paper

hairband/headband

Bath items (you need everything but soap pretty much)

Pillow

Socks

slippers (not white)

comfy undies ( a couple pairs)

nursing bra without underwire  (but only to go home in)

nipple cream

lip balm

thick pads

camera/videocamera

phone and charger, contact numbers including ped

My Brest Friend pillow

baby hat

mittens for baby (little socks actually work best)

picture outfit for baby

going home outfit for baby

swaddle blankets to take home in

May want:

snacks

trashy magazines

music

nail file for baby

breastpump (if you want them to show you how to use yours)

Local takeout menu/number (in case you get sick of hospital food)

Location of local pharmacy to drop Rx off at

PS- if you're a vag delivery you might want to stock up at home on Ibuprofen, thick pads, witch hazel pads (hemmorrhoid type pads used for episiotomy pain), Dermaplast spray (in first aid section- also for epis).

Answer 6

Buy little samples of shampoo and other toiletries. You will definitely want to take a shower. Don't forget a toothbrush, razor, shampoo, body wash. Don't forget a brush and socks. I forgot socks with my first one, and (I know this is gross) but after my water broke, they got really gross, then I had nothing on my feet. They provide diapers. Take a couple outfits for the baby to go home in. Take some magazines for while you're in the hospital after baby is born. I would also recommend taking snacks. It's a long time in between meals. they actually forgot to bring my dinner one night. It was awful b/c you cant eat during labor and I was really hungry. Hope that helps. Good luck and congrats. :) Also, make sure you pack your bag early b/c you never know when you'll need it. And keep it in your trunk. I didn't have mine when I went into labor and I had to go back and get it.  

Answer 7

Don't forget to bring something cute for the baby to go home in and some pads cause you will need that.  Also, don't forget extra stuff for hubby if he is staying with you at the hospital.