Hospital Bag

Just wondering when you all are packing your bag for the hospital. What will be your item that you can't live without?

 

Good question...I haven't done this yet myself...and it seems like forever since I did it for my DD (4 years ago). I have less than 3 weeks to go so I should start thinking on this

 

We have our birthing class tomorrow. I'll probably pack next weekend - they'll give us a list tomorrow, so I know what to take.

I don't have anything that I can't live without. I also don't know what to expect at all - this is my first pregnancy.

 

QUOTE(~ Sandy ~ @ Jan 18 2008, 11:13 PM) [snapback]579318[/snapback]
Good question...I haven't done this yet myself...and it seems like forever since I did it for my DD (4 years ago). I have less than 3 weeks to go so I should start thinking on this


Well, good luck, let me know what you're one can't live without item is. It will be interesting to see if it is what you may think it might me.

 

Our classes start in a few weeks, so I guess we will get a list as well. There are lists in several of the books I have read as well as on this website, but it is often more helpful to hear from others what they really needed or wish they had. It has been a long time since I have been through this so it feels like a first pregnancy, I really don't remember a lot about this part of it. Enjoy your classes and good luck.

 

I packed mine at 32 weeks (after being discharged from hospital bedrest, but I wanted to be ready!!!). My must haves were my slippers and Burt's Bees chapstick!

 

Here is what I have packed. Keep in mind that Irish hospitals are somewhat different from US ones; I believe in the USA you are often given the clothes for the babies, nappies etc....

For mom:
moisturiser
face mist
shower gel
deodrant
cheap/ disposable knickers
3 Nightgowns
2 face cloths
Slippers
flip-flops
2 Packs Sanitary Towels (maternity)
2 Bath Towels
1 Hand Towel
1 Bra/Nursing
breast pads
Dressing Gown
Moist wipes
digital camera
disposable camera
socks
lip balm
book
Lansinoh nipple cream
cereal bars
hair bands
plastic bags to send home dirty washing
glucose sweets
toothbrush and paste

For babies:
10 gowns/grows
6 vests
Disposable nappies (huggies are smaller than pampers)
4 towels
2 warm blanket
2 baby wrap
Packet cotton wool balls
2 hats
jar of vaseline
2 cardigans

 

I packed according to the list they gave me in my birthing class and didn't end up needing 3/4 of what I brought. I had a c-section, so I stayed in the hospital gowns and used the stretchy mesh underwear the hospital gives you until I went home, but this is what I used:

- Robe & slippers for walking to the bathroom and around the halls
- Socks
- Chapstick
- Lotion (hospitals are so dry)
- Set of clothes to go home in
- If you are not planning on breastfeeding take a sports bra (a small one from pre-pregnancy or early pregnancy days). This apparently helps your milk not come in (I didn't know about this and found it to be very painful)
- Toiletries (my hospital didn't provide these and taking a shower was heavenly for me)
- Clothes to bring babies home in
- We had a 3 ring binder to keep track of visitors, write down questions for the docs, log gifts received, ect and also it was a place to keep all of the paperwork that we were being given
- Snacks for DH (my DH went home every day for a few hours to shower and change clothes, so he didn't need a lot of stuff there)
- Car seats for the kids to go home in

That is about all I can think of. If you are not having a c-section, I am sure you would want to add some stuff to the list for the labor portion, but I wouldn't know what you need. Good Luck!

 

Yep, I too just used the hopital gowns, pads, and mesh underwear. It was just so much easier. I wore home my maternity velour sweatsuit, so that was the only clothing item I brought with me.

 

I can't recall where I read it recently, but I read that women expecting multiples should have their bags packed around 30 weeks. The other multiple-experienced moms may have more to say in regards to that.

Personally, I've gotten to where I rely alot on what they provide at the hospital - except of course, making sure that babies have clothes to wear. I personally just use the disposable undies, hospital gowns and toothbrushes/etc. that they give me. But I always bring my own pillows in non-white cases (so they don't get mixed up with the hospital's)!

 

My bag has been back since December sometime LOL Packed it and stashed in it my closet. Figured this way I wouldn't have to worry about it and if something happened and I went in early I was all set. I like to be prepared. You should see how early I pack when going on vacation LOL

Dianna

 

Thank you all for the wonderful advice. It is very helpful, it is good to know what isn't necessary from the long list of items they give you. Thanks again and good luck to you all. :hug99: Jen

 

My own pillows/boppy and a notebook to write down feedings/diaper changes were very important to me w/ my first....so I can't forget those. Your own toiletries are great to have, too.

 

QUOTE(Mama2Eric&2peasinpod @ Jan 19 2008, 08:59 PM) [snapback]580338[/snapback]
My own pillows/boppy and a notebook to write down feedings/diaper changes were very important to me w/ my first....so I can't forget those. Your own toiletries are great to have, too.



Thank you, I would have forgotten the notebook. It is a good idea to bring your own toiletries also, I use organic products so this is a good reminder also. By the way I have an Eric also, he is 12 though. Thanks again. Jen

 

QUOTE(Emily@Home @ Jan 19 2008, 11:04 AM) [snapback]579653[/snapback]
I can't recall where I read it recently, but I read that women expecting multiples should have their bags packed around 30 weeks. The other multiple-experienced moms may have more to say in regards to that.

I was planning on having mine packed at 30 weeks, as well as having the car seats installed, etc.

 

I'll start to pack my bag this week! At my birthing class the instructor said most ofthe stuff on the list in the boolet we got was not necessary, but she did go over some things to bring. On one list I had it said to bring your cell phone and charger, but when we did the hospital tour, they told us you can't plug anything in unless you get it approved first. That just sounds like a pain!

I'm planning on wearing the underwear they give you at the hospital. I'll bring 1 nursing nightgown. My hospital gives breast pads. Toiletries I must bring, lotion, chapstick. I will probably bring my ipod so I can sleep - although I probably won't get much sleep as the babies room in

OH! I'm also bringing the EZ2Nurse pillow. Class instructor said that was a good idea. Now I just have to buy it!

I'm also going to have 2 bags - one is for DH but it will also have my stuff for labor. Then I will have my bag for after.

 

I didn't pack anything, really, for my son's birth, except my contacts/solution because they made me wear my glasses to the hospital the day I was induced. Oh, and my inhaler since I have asthma, but I ended up not needing it.

I wore the hospital gowns, stretchy undies and footies. (I LOVE those hospital slipper socks for some reason and collect them any time I or my hubby has any kind of procedure in the hospital.) I was in the hospital for only 1-1/4 days after my son was born - I couldn't wait to get out of there! - so I didn't need much.

 

QUOTE(anippy @ Jan 22 2008, 10:03 PM) [snapback]585035[/snapback]
I didn't pack anything, really, for my son's birth, except my contacts/solution because they made me wear my glasses to the hospital the day I was induced. Oh, and my inhaler since I have asthma, but I ended up not needing it.

I wore the hospital gowns, stretchy undies and footies. (I LOVE those hospital slipper socks for some reason and collect them any time I or my hubby has any kind of procedure in the hospital.) I was in the hospital for only 1-1/4 days after my son was born - I couldn't wait to get out of there! - so I didn't need much.


I love the hospital slippers too. I don't like to hang around the hospital either so I know what you are saying. Thank you for sharing.

 

QUOTE(HinSD @ Jan 22 2008, 08:41 PM) [snapback]584932[/snapback]
I'll start to pack my bag this week! At my birthing class the instructor said most ofthe stuff on the list in the boolet we got was not necessary, but she did go over some things to bring. On one list I had it said to bring your cell phone and charger, but when we did the hospital tour, they told us you can't plug anything in unless you get it approved first. That just sounds like a pain!

I'm planning on wearing the underwear they give you at the hospital. I'll bring 1 nursing nightgown. My hospital gives breast pads. Toiletries I must bring, lotion, chapstick. I will probably bring my ipod so I can sleep - although I probably won't get much sleep as the babies room in

OH! I'm also bringing the EZ2Nurse pillow. Class instructor said that was a good idea. Now I just have to buy it!

I'm also going to have 2 bags - one is for DH but it will also have my stuff for labor. Then I will have my bag for after.


The pillow is a good idea, I haven't decided what I will use for BF yet. Thank you for your suggestions.

 

My pillow!

 

QUOTE(Irishlisa @ Jan 22 2008, 10:45 PM) [snapback]585091[/snapback]
My pillow!


That is a definite, I even started bringing my own to hotels.

 

I have packed
-slippers
-3 pair socks
-4 pair panties
-toothbrush & paste
- hairbrush
-deoderant!!
-shampoo and conditioner
- face wash
- lotion
-yoga pants and nursing tank for comming home
- hair clips
-notebook and pens
-lip balm
- baby oil for massage
-flipflops
-6 "wifebeater" tanks with nursing slits in them to wear under hospital gown
Camera and extra batteries to be added along with robe
Brestfriend pillow to go also
Breast pump ready to go

Diaper bag
3 diapers each (cloth with covers)
outfit for each
undershirt for each
breastpads and lanolin
paci's
sanitizer gel


We were told not to bother with bringing carseats until it is known what they weigh and when they will be able to leave.

 

Thank you for your list. It is very helpful. I guess I will need to pack mine soon, just in case. Good luck.

 

just wanted to point you towards the list that's at the top of the forum, I actually printed it out the other day to help me pack. I've got my bag packed- will add or take away a few bits here and there as time goes by but it's ready to go if needed. also have one for my ds (he'll be staying w/ my SIL) and I have a small bag for the last minute stuff- like snacks, cell phones, etc)-- need to get one together for dh too- BUT for the most part it's done.

one thing I don't remember if it's been said above (I skimmed thru pretty quick) but bring your baby books so that the nurse who is getting the footprints can get them into the books for you. thought that was a neat idea-- don't know how practical it'll be, but it sounds good