Not your usual vacay
I’m having some challenges with packing my hospital suitcase. According to Babycenter, it should be ready within two weeks, but I don’t want to take a bunch of things I don’t need or forget critical items at home.
Here’s a list of Babycenter’s suggestions, and what I’m thinking about bringing:
- A picture ID (driver’s license or other ID), your insurance card, and any hospital paperwork you need. My suitcase always has my passport in it, and I’ll make sure Tom has his ID, too.
- Your birth plan, if you have one. I don’t have a birth plan.. do I really need one? All of the things I want to happen during birth are standard protocol for the midwives I’m seeing, plus our doula and Tom know the details of the type of birth we’d like to have. I feel like if I write it down, no one will read it (nurses on staff, attending doctors, etc), and in my superstitious way, makes me feel like writing it down would emphasis the fact that not everything will happen the way I’d like it to, and that’s ok. I have a birth plan in mind, but am ready to roll with whatever needs to happen that day to keep the baby and myself safe.
- Eyeglasses. I definitely need these + contact solution and an extra pair of contacts. The glasses I have are super old D&G ones and I like them, but the frames fall off my face, so maybe this will be good inspiration to get them fixed.
- Toiletries. Brush, dry shampoo, face wash, toothbrush (I’m going to use a regular one and leave the electric at home), toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, coconut oil.
- A bathrobe, a nightgown or two, slippers, and socks. I’m trying to figure out where to find a non-frumpy yet conservative nightgown. All of mine are short, and I feel like I would be more comfortable in a knee-length or so one with a more modest neckline. I have no idea who will be coming to visit in the hospital. Maybe a department store?
I did order two sets of nursing pajamas, and will probably take the black ones with me. [The pink ones are to have at home]
These will be perfect for after the baby is born and I love the soft fabric. The embarrassing thing about them is that I can’t figure out how to use the nursing aspect of the top….
There are two layers of fabric and an internal hole in one of them, but the top doesn’t unsnap or lift up easily. Anyone else own Majamas? Please help me? {watch it be something totally obvious}
- Whatever will help you relax
I’m going to load up the iPod with relaxing, beautiful songs for the labor portion, and maybe some crazy reggaeton or rock music for pushing 😉
Also, I’m planning on bringing my large stability ball if they don’t have them available there, and my lavender linen spray from Bath and Body Works. Anything else that you think would be good for relaxation?
For your partner:
- Toiletries
- Comfortable shoes and a few changes of comfortable clothes
- Snacks and something to read
- Money for parking and change for vending machines
- A bathing suit, in case he wants to get in the shower or the tub with me. Chances are that I’ll be flashing the business, but he won’t need to do the same 😉
After you deliver
- A fresh nightgown, if you prefer to wear your own
- A list of people to call and their phone numbers, your cell phone and charger or, if you’ll be using the hospital phone, a prepaid phone card
- Snacks!
I’m thinking Larabars, Clif shot bloks (if they’ll let me have one during labor), coconut water, trail mix, packs of Sun Warrior and oats (in case I’m there for a couple of days). The good news is that the fam will most likely help us out with the food situation. My post delivery meal request: gluten-free bagel with lots of lox and goat cream cheese. I’m salivating just thinking about it.
- Comfortable nursing bras or regular bras. Done and done.
- Several pairs of maternity underpants. They make maternity undergarments? Interesting…
- A book on newborn care
[I’ll probably bring Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn]
- A notepad or journal and pen or pencil
- A going-home outfit
For your baby
- An installed infant car seat. Got the car seat, just need to install it.
- A going-home outfit. Not sure which one we’ll choose, but it will probably just be something comfy and warm, with legs (instead of a sleep blanket thing) so she’ll be able to ride in the car seat more easily.
- A receiving blanket
What not to bring
- Jewelry
- Lots of cash or other valuables
- Medications, including vitamins
- Diapers
- A breast pump
Techie necessities we’ll need:
-Flip cam
-Camera
-Laptop + charger
So, are there any other things you think I should bring? Anything that I really won’t need? A few websites suggest taking your own pillows, but I don’t really want to get hospital germs on them. Maybe get a couple of inexpensive ones to take with us?
And a couple more:
Do I really need a written out birth plan? and
How the heck do those maternity pajamas work?
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Bring a few different sizes of “going home” outfits for the baby! My twin brother and his wife only brought newborn clothes, and not a single thing fit! It’s good to have multiple sizes. 🙂
wow, good to know!
I have read that you really shouldn’t purchase “newborn” clothes at all and instead just get 3-6 months size wise because they grow so fast those first few weeks!
I don’t know, my first daughter was born at 40 weeks and 2 days and she needed preemie sizes!
Both of my babies also wore preemie for the first week or two….neither was preemie. Both full term. I buy all of my mommy to be friends a preemie outfit and they are so thankful as it is usually the only thing that fits without their baby totally swimming in it:)
I would ignore the size on the tag and just take a couple of outfits that look like they fit differently. Carter’s preemie clothes are very tiny and the only ones that are truly designed for 3-5lb babies (my daughter was a preemie and outgrew them by about 4.5lbs). Other brands that carry preemie (like Little Me or First Impressions) run bigger than Carter’s newborn. Just like with adult clothes, the size on the tag doesn’t necessarily mean anything!!
newborn clothes were huge on my little guy and he was born a little over 6 lbs. but you should definitely get some use out of 0-3 month clothes. they grow out of everything super quick but that’s what babies do. and the clothes aren’t super expensive so it’s nice to have clothes that actually fit.
oh, and i totally agree with bringing more than 1 size b/c like i said, newborn clothes swallowed him!
Love your glasses! And the white shirt…As to all the other stuff… I have to pass on that one…
A bathing suit, in case he wants to get in the shower or the tub with me. Chances are that I’ll be flashing the business, but he won’t need to do the same
HAHA! definitely just burst out laughing, you are too cute! loving those glasses on you too!
The first time I took everything that baby center said I needed. I wasn’t allowed snacks during labor, but we were allowed to video record the birth. Most of what I took I didn’t use we were there 3 days total. My Dad had come into town for court for the divorce from my Mom. It wasn’t awkward at all at the hospital with them both wanting to be there @@, he ended up staying in the recovery suite with us since they had a pull out couch so he didn’t have to get a hotel. The second and third times, a different hospital than #1, I still wasn’t allowed snacks during labor and the hospital didn’t allow videoing of birth. They didn’t allow pictures either, but after the baby was born we were allowed to take out the cameras. I took toiletries and a set of comfy clothes with us. We were there just a tad over 24 hours after the birth for 2 & 3. I prefer to recover in the comfort of my own home so I try to get out of there as fast as possible.
I would highly recommend bringing your own pillow. Just use a cheap pillow case, it’s totally worth it. As far as snacks go, those will most likely be for your hubby. I was not allowed to eat during labour 🙁 But right after the birth, the hospital had great snacks like muffins and juice already on hand. I also brought a pair of slippers. But don’t bring nice ones. I made that mistake and my water broke all over them! Ummm, ya, those went in the garbage.
What is the rationale for not letting you eat during labour?
It’s in case you have to have a c-section.
The rationale is because if there were some unanticipated emergency during your labor and they had to put you under general anesthesia to do an emergency c-section that you could vomit and choke. It’s the same reason why you can’t eat/drink before any other kind of surgery. Most women just stick to ice chips, and honestly, I was so nauseous during labor that I couldn’t have eaten anyways! You’ll still be in the hospital for at least a day after her birth though, so bring snacks for afterwards!!
I totally agree with bringing a decent pillow with a throw-away pillow case for your hubby (and a blanket too)! The rooms are cold and the furniture is hard. He needs his rest for bringing the baby home too 🙂
OH, I see. But I think that glucose shots and so on would be ok as they would be quickly absorbed and not be in the stomach if surgery was required (the problem being that digestion shuts down for a time if the abdominal cavity is opened, right?). I’m thinking that glucose and electrolytes would be needed to keep labour going well and maybe improve speed of recovery.
I suggest bringing as little as possible (I can’t imagine having time to read, for instance..) because it’s a pain in the neck to haul it all home when all you care about is your baby 🙂 The only thing that looked funky was the maternity underwear… the hospital provides super sexy undies that fit a pad as big as your face. I’m not sure how those PJs work; there’s usually a flap that comes down or if it’s a wrap type, you just slip your boob out (classy, yes). My only other suggestion is SLIPPERS or cozy socks.. my feet were freezin!
hospital mesh undies were the best ever. seriously loved how comfy they were!
I second that. They really were comfy.
Definitely no on the birth plan. I had filled out some stuff at the hospital and none of it mattered because I had to have a C-section.
I’d highly recommend nursing tanks vs the bras (you can get ’em at Target). Also, the strapless, terry beach cover ups would make great pjs because you just have to pull the top down and not mess with the rest. (I basically lived in tube tops the first week – or five.)
I got great lightweight robes online via Walmart (surprisingly nice) and Kohls. I’d also check out those gift sections of department stores where you buy grab-and-go, completely impersonal gifts.
I would also bring some makeup. There will most likely be a lot of pictures and you might want some lipgloss or light makeup.
yes, forgot to add that to the list!
I agree with this!! And a hairbrush! All my hospital pictures need to be burned – between the lighting/no makeup/no sleep/swollen from fluids… its baaaaad
I agree with Ashley about having a couple of options for the going home outfit. I came home with an almost nine pound baby who was bursting out of the newborn outfit I’d originally wanted to bring her home in.
Also, remember that what you wear during labor and delivery may not be suitable for keeping, if you catch my drift. My doctor was kind enough to remind me to take off my bathrobe before we got down to business (I had been a little chilly in the room) and I’m glad she did.
The other thing that I ran into (at least at the hospital where I delivered Sarah) was that we weren’t allowed to eat or drink; I could do ice, but that was it. Something about just in case they had to do a c-section and not having anything on your stomach. We had snacks for John (my husband) but that was it.
Make sure whatever you bring for yourself to wear afterward is comfy and stretchy, and maybe even have a couple of layers. I alternated between hot and cold, and my mom wound up bringing me a sweater because I didn’t think to pack one (October in Houston is not necessarily sweater weather, but I was a bit chilly in the room.) I didn’t have that kind of nursing pj, but mine sort of folded up when the baby was nursing. Maybe that’s how those go?
I followed all the lists to a tee when I delivered 2 months ago and I will just say, no matter what you will forget something and you will not use 50% of what you pack. Ha!
If you plan on breastfeeding I recommend adding a boppy to your list. I also would probably not take the books, you will be way too busy holding, loving, cuddling with your new baby to even look at a book.
I took clothes, a robe, undergarments etc and didn’t use any of it except my going home outfit. I wore the hospital gown the whole time, it was comfortable, easy to breastfeed in, and I didn’t have to take it home and wash it!
Oh yeah, and make sure you have extra room in your bag, or bring an extra small bag to take home all the awesome loot they give you in the hospital! They provide diapers and wipes for the baby and all sorts of pads and feminine items for you that will be very handy for the first week or two.
If I remember correctly you’re planning on cloth diapering. We are as well but for the first week we used disposables cause man, the meconium poops are DISGUSTING and I can’t imagine cleaning that off of cloth. Ew.
We took our own pillows and I’m so glad that we did as the ones they had were awful. If you have reservations about getting “hospital germs” on them you would definitely want to purchase a couple cheapies to take because (sorry if this is too graphic) fluids tend to get everywhere during labor! And the other thing we were told to take and it was a lifesaver was CHAPSTICK! Your lips get so-ooo dry from the breathing and the air is so dry in those rooms even my husband needed some. 🙂
I second the chapstick!
Based on what their website says:
“Crisscross top easily pulls away for nursing and has pockets for breast pads.”
It sounds like you just pull the fabric down and to the side to nurse, and the whole is for inserting a breast pad. Hopefully, someone who has used Majamas can confirm my suspicion though.
that’s what i was thinking. if they do hold nursing pads, that is AWESOME b/c i had to buy a sleeping nursing bra to go with my nursing pajamas b/c there was nothing there to hold it in place. and you WILL need nursing pads once your milk comes in (for me it was 4 days postpartum)!
*hole. My grammar is on vacy . . . permanently.
I work in labor and delivery and most hospitals won’t allow you to have any snacks as a precaution. Things that I have seen people use/forget are: extra batteries for the cameras, a baby book if you want footprints, going home clothes in lots of different sizes because often times they may not fit in the newborn size.
Okay, can’t help you with the baby questions, but I’m curious about the coconut oil in your toiletries… what do you use it for???
I was curious about this too!!
probably for the face. I use coconut oil as a moisturizer at night. It works wonders for your skin!
I don’t usually comment on blogs but I wanted to see if I could answer the nursing pjs question. I just had my 4th baby 4 months ago so I like to think I have had some experience in the nursing area! Anyway, from the look of those pyjamas, I don’t think there is anything too technical with them…just pull the top down and under your breast while baby is feeding and pull it back up to cover when you are done. The hole is just to help hold the breast pads in when you are not feeding. At least, that is what it looks like to me…there is nothing to undo or anything like that so it seems like the simplest answer. Anyway, good luck with everything…I am sure you will do great!
I think with the PJ’s, you just pull the top down on either side to breastfeed. The hole in the back is where you can slide in a pad to catch any leakage from the breast. This is so you don’t have to worry about a bra, or some way to keep a breast pad in!
Suggestions on what to bring:
*Lip balm & lotion! My lips & skin were so dry!
*Your own soap & bathing products (you are going to want a nice, long shower after labor).
*I wouldn’t worry about a modest nightgown… you’re going to need access to the bewbies for BFing.
*Definitely a pillow, even a cheap one. Hospital ones are uncomfortable and give me the heebie jeebies.
*Chargers for everything.
*Our hospital provided it, but you may want to ask your midwifes what they provide for any discomfort *down there* after labor, like witch hazel.
Not to worry about:
*Books
*Underwear (they provide super sexy mesh ones that will fit the elephant-sized pad)
*Birth plan (sounds like your support people will have your back!)
As for the nursing pajamas… I’ve never used those ones, but they usually either pull up from the empire seam or just pull across at the V-neck.
are those dehydrated zucchini??? I’m sure this is common practice but my friend works in l&d and they put pads, and ice packs in the maternity undies.
yep!
On the Majama’s website it says those pockets are for breast-pads! Not sure if that’s what you’re asking about, but it does make sense. Good luck packing! It sounds like you have it covered. I have nothing to add as I am not a mamma yet, but I have read on other blogs that people bring their own pillow cases for picture taking purposes. I think because there are a million pics of you and the baby and you’ll want to have cute pillow cases!
Wow! I think it is so awesome that you will be prepared, and have the things you will need to make yourself comfortable for your stay at the hospital (which can really be no fun at all) I do think that once the baby is here though, you will have a hard time thinking about anything but your new bundle of joy!!
Hospitals are always so cold. You may want to bring warmer pajamas. Also, a Boppy/Breast Friend…my friends have advise me to bring one along when I go into labor.
I wouldn’t bother bringing nice outfits from home to wear in the hospital even after. I didn’t make it to the toilet fast enough the next day and totally peed all over myself in front of the sink in the bathroom. I even had an issue at home, thankfully in the kitchen, a couple days later. Obviously, not everyone is going to have bladder issues, but the way she was sitting on it my entire pregnancy and how she got stuck in the canal apparently it got wrecked in my case. Everything went back to normal so no worries on that front, but not everyone discusses these aspects of pregnancy and labor so just a heads up!
socks! in the event that you need to have an epidural (ya never know)…you’ll be thankful you had them. the epidural made me shiver uncontrollably, my legs a bit cold & my feet were like ICE. it doesn’t happen to everyone, but they’re a small thing that were crucial for me.
and bring your own pillow, PLUS your breastfeeding pillow. I know it sounds like a lot, but you’ll want them both. And depending on how long your labor is, the Pilot will be thankful for the second pillow too 🙂
and I agree with not bringing the books. I asked the nurses a million questions that were prob covered in the books, but it was so much easier to talk things through, especially when you’re that tired.
The majamas work like this…the criss cross top is easy to pull down for nursing and the hole part is to insert nursing pads. Hope this helps 🙂
Now, I’ve never had a baby but I hear you’re supposed to yoink anything and everything that’s not bolted down in the hospital room haha. Like all the diapers, the disposable underwear (good to have so you don’t, ahem, soil your own with the afterbirth business), etcetc – it’s already paid for by the insurance anyway.
Yes. This is very very true.
SO TRUE!!! I packed the diapers in the diaper bag and they gave me even more. Every bit helps…
YES!! The underwear were great b/c you really didn’t want to have to get yours ruined. And the elephant sized pads too!!
I second this! I’m especially glad I brought those blue folded up things that help save the sheets at the hospital (I can’t think of the name of them now). They were great later on when my baby had a huge blow out– I would change her on it and just wrap it all up in the blue thing and throw it away.
I honestly didn’t use half the stuff I brought with me – but better safe than sorry!
One thing I don’t see — a Boppy/My Breast Friend (whichever one you get). Oh – and hair ties. Don’t forget hair ties!! Almost everything you can ask for (lanolin, pump, mesh underwear that I wanted to live in, toothbrush, etc).
I seriously overpacked for my first son. I never used any of the pjs I packed; the hospital gowns were fine. I do suggest packing several pairs of granny panties and your own overnight sized sanitary pads. Also, you’ll definitely need a robe and socks. 🙂
Bring some pillow cases instead of pillows, then you can toss them after and be hospital germ free!
What about an outfit for you to bring home baby in? Something comfy and stretchy for sure.
Personally, I would use the disposable underwear the hospital provides, at least for the first 24 hours. While it’s almost uglier than you could imagine, it’s comfortable and disposable! It also fits the pads as big as your face (mine were as big as my torso, actually!) whereas my normal underwear or even my grannie panties NEVER would have fit those pads.
It sounds like you’re a nightgown girl, but I’m not and with my second I just brought normal, comfortable pajama pants and a long sleeved T-shirt. It was heaven to wear normal comfy clothes v. some weird “I just had a baby so I’m wearing something I normally wouldn’t!” clothes. And I second the comment on slippers/slipper socks. Comfy warm slippers felt like heaven.
Make sure your hospital is going to give you a sitz bath. If not, get one and bring it with!
If you’re not comfortable taking a stool softener, bring the natural option you would choose instead. Trust me, you are going to want the help.
YES! To the sitz bath! Make sure you have one or that the hospital gives you one. That was a bit of heaven for the first week after birth.
Wish I could help with the pjs.
I really wish I had a robe at the hospital. That would be my only suggestion.
You can find cute nightgowns at places like Macys.
Re: the nursing pj’s, from their website: Crisscross top easily pulls away for nursing and has pockets for breast pads.
I remember reading Daily Garnish’s suitcase packing post and a commenter mentioned tons and tons of pads for afterwards. I’m a long way away from having a baby so I don’t really want to think about that whole aspect of it too much, but it was something I had never thought about until I read that comment so I thought I’d pass it along!
Hi Gina-
I would suggest you pack a pair of cheapy flip flops for you & the hubby to wear when you are in the shower. I know they sterilize & clean everything really good but…thinking that other people’s bodily fluids were co-mingling on the shower floor kinda grossed me out!
Also, bring your own maxi-pads. After labor, they’ll put you in these little mesh boy short thingys & you’ll definitely need the monster sized mattress (um…I mean pad…) immediately following birth. But the day after, you may be able to get away with using the overnight pads. They’re still big & bulky but they are a bit more comfortable than what the hospital provides.
Bring baby wipes or soft towels. Again, the hospital provides wash cloths to use for when doing diaper changes but the towels are so rough. Sandpaper & baby’s soft skin is never a good combo :(!
Congratulations! You’re in the home stretch!!!
I’ve never commented before on your blog, and I don’t know what has already been written, but I would say that those nursing pajamas would be sufficient and you might not even want any other nightgown or anything. Also, I just had a baby girl a few months ago and I wish I had brought the boppy for nursing to the hospital– next baby I definitely will! I was always uncomfortable when I was nursing her, but that would have made it so much easier! Also, I wish I had brought my own swaddles– the blankets they have are small and not easy to swaddle– I love miracle blankets as swaddles. Or Aden & Anais. Those are my suggestions. Good luck!
I don’t think you need to worry about the birth plan. If you, Tom, and midwifes all know what you want, that’s good enough. I suggest definitely streamlining. The least amount of stuff you have to fuss with when you’re in labor and then afterwards with a newborn, the better. Chapstick and a bit of makeup were definite musts for me as well. Also, keep in mind that things you think you might like can change super fast when you’re in the thick of it. I brought music and ended up turning it off because I couldn’t focus and it started annoying me. I also brought oils and things for the hubby to help with, and that too annoyed me when the time came. I think it’s good to bring if you think you might use them, just know that things sometimes change.
I wore the hospital gown during labor and delivery but after that showered and wore Pj pants, a nursing tank, and a robe. It was super comfy and easier than a nightgown because I didn’t have to worry about how I was sitting, if I forgot to shave, etc. The undies the hospital gives you are great for the first few days since you will be wearing a HUGE pad! When I got home I wore boy short type undies for the first 2 weeks or so since you will still probably be wearing some sort of pad. I would bring slippers or some sort of warm socks as hospitals tend to be chilly!
Definitely take a baby book or at least something to get baby girl’s hand and foot prints. I didn’t and I never got a copy! (In fact, the hospital never even mentioned anything about it!) I’m still sad about it! My sister brought the baby book along and the nurses were more than happy to help out!
About the pj’s: Doesn’t the top just pull down or over to get to the “exposed” area? I’m eager to know now too!
Oh, and the girls are right about undies. I wanted the biggest, granny panties ever after having our daughter. Ugly, but sooo worth it!
Oh my I never thought about how much stuff you would have to bring. It sounds like you’ve got it under control.
Don’t bring any of your favorite PJs, because… ummm… bodily fluids. Will.Be.Crazy for a few days. And you don’t want to ruin anything you really like! Did they show you the pad you have to wear after birth in your birthing class. It’s GINORMOUS. I couldn’t stop laughing when I saw it. And I saved one to show my teenaged sisters. LOL.
I’d say you wouldn’t need a written out birth plan if you’re having a midwife. I went in with one (I had a midwife too) and she didn’t really look at it, we just talked about it.
You’re so much more on top of things than I was. I had my baby at 38 weeks and hadn’t packed a bag yet. I packed right before we left for the hospital! Things would have been easier had I been more organized like you!
Hi Gina! I do not have children, but I did hear from someone..I think it might have been Sherry over at Young House Love…that it’s a cute idea to bring your own pillow and pretty pillowcase from home. Pillow because you never know what those hospital pillows will be like. And a pretty pillowcase because you’ll have lots of pictures taken in bed propped-up after the birth, and the pillow will be in all the pictures. I think Sherry bought a cute colorful pillowcase from Target or something just for the occasion! Just a funny superficial suggestion. 🙂
Little speakers to play the music? A bic band or something equivalent to hold your bangs back? Maybe something to flavor your water if you can’t have food, like powdered water flavoring? Or bring your own aguas frescas? deodorant 🙂 Also if you’re a light sleeper at all I’d suggest earplugs and an eye mask for afterwards, I know you’ll be exhausted, but sleeping in the middle of the day might still be tough. Also some breast pads for those fancy new PJs!
no previous birthing experience here, so I could be offbase with this rec, but I am obsessed with ralph lauren sleep shirts. They are knee length, button all the way down (might be good for access up top) and so comfy. And cute! I got one on major sale at nordstrom, and one at TJMaxx. They have them at most department stores I think.
Here’s an example..mine don’t have ruffles though, haha.
http://www.dillards.com/product/Lauren-by-Ralph-Lauren-Heritage-Essentials-Button-Front-Ruffle-Sleepshirt_301_-1_301_502777729
Yes definitely bring a Boppy! It was so useful for helping position my baby while he learned to nurse. I’d recommend some DVDs for the laptop or novels to help pass the time – the pain made me unusually snappy so it was great that my hubby and I each had our own forms of entertainment to pass the time, especially during the two days we stayed after. And definitely bring the baby book to record details you might later forget!
Totally agree about the Boppy. When you’re not using it for the baby, then use it as a neck pillow. Gosh, my daughter is 15 months old, and I still get some kind of use out of the Boppy every single day.
If germs freak you out, then buy an extra $10 cover and pitch it when you leave (although I’m not sure why you couldn’t just wash it in hot water).
I say bring a pillow for yourself and the pilot! I had one for me but felt bad that my husband didn’t. Also, I brought shower stuff, makeup & all sorts of clothes for myself and didn’t use any of it. I’m such a girly girl too w/my makeup but I was so sleep deprived and SORE that all I could manage was to brush my teeth and rinse my face off.
Also, I’d recommend bringing your pump too just in case there is an issue w/supply or a bad latch. That way you can get comfortable w/the pump and stimulate your milk supply. Oh and bring diff size clothes for your baby, you never know what will/will not fit! And pilfer the hospital room! Take everything that’s not bolted down!
Your own pillow, fo’ sho’. 😉 Socks because it’s cold, but maybe some with stick’ums on the bottom since all the hospitals I’ve been in have slippery floors. I wouldn’t worry about undies — it’s doubtful you’ll be able to wear yours comfortably. As for your own gowns, it always sounds nice, but post-partum care is messy, and I’d rather mess up the hospital gowns than my own. If you want to wear yours, I’d probably go with a short one because it’ll be easier for folks to get to your business…you’ll have your tummy checked, c-section (if necessary) wound checked, whoo-ha businazz checked…really, it’s a messy thing and you’ll find you’re always lifting your gown.
And yes, snacks…hospital food leaves a lot to be desired in the way of nutrition.
We were required to stay at the hospital for 48 hours (with a perfectly normal birth) so I really liked having cute jammies/loungewear for those two days. I bought stuff that was good for breastfeeding but also for seeing visitors and I felt cute and appropriate the whole time. I also had a little cotton robe that went with eveyrthing and loved it.
The other thing that we did and I loved was we rented a movie on our laptop and watched it the second day after alla the visitors had left. It was kind of fun hanging with my hubby and our new little girl and watching something fun. Again, we were there for 2 days so it had gotten a little boring by that time but I have a really fond memory of that.
And for sure your boppy. I forgot mine and it was a big mistake. No birth plan, it will all go how it is supposed to go 🙂
There are some Etsy sellers that make pretty cute hospital-friendly nightgowns for Mama’s at the hospital- cute prints so you are not washed out in photos, but easy to use w/ IV lines, nursing, etc. Check out “Mod Mum” on Etsy (I don’t know the seller, but a friend of mine ordered a gown from there and it was very cute.)
awesome, thank you!
I have delivered four children and they have all been routine vaginal deliveries with epidurals. I would recommend a pair of inexpensive or cheap flip flops for the shower…sometimes you share a room and sometimes things may not be as clean in the bathroom and in the shower. ….especially after delivering a baby. After you deliver, for the first day or two, you will bleed quite a bit.
If you are nursing, put the regular bras away for a looong time. They will not be comfortable especially after your milk comes in.
I preferred the nightgowns in the hospital…makes using the bathroom and changing padding easier. If you are stitched up or develop a hemorroid, the nurses will come to check you and will need access and it is much easier to wear a gown than to strip down each time…
Leading up to and labor and delivery, you will most likely only be allowed ice chips….nothing to eat or drink….that is a good thing in case surgery is needed. I was starving, starving after delivery each time….so snacks are a great idea – especially if you deliver whent he kitchen closes.
Being flexible on a birth plan is a good idea. The professionals know what they doing and they put your and the baby’s health and safety first.
Nursing is not easy…it does not necessarily come naturally at first. Hang in there, do the best you can. In my experience and with 7+ years combined nursing little ones, there is no such thing as nipple confusion and a little formula here and there does not change anything except keep people (mom) sane :).
Even if you water breaks, no need to race to the hospital. Take your time, take a shower (you may not see one for a few days), put your make up on, shave legs, etc.
My hospital provided baby wipes and everything necessary for the baby. I never really like the little hospital caps and all the babies look the same from the nursery window, so maybe a cute pink hat to make her cute right away.
loved all of these tips! thank you
I wan’t going to go to the hospital right after my water broke, but I am so glad I did b/c as I later found out, my babe was breech (even though my doc told me he was head down the night before) and if I had labored much at home and the cord came out first, I may not have had a baby to bring home from the hospital when I finally got there. (a little morbid, but true)
The less you bring the better (except I think the things on your list are perfect) but you are right not to bring a pump or diapers or pads…they have it all and you don’t want to lug a bunch of stuff, as you have more important things to do! 🙂 I say bring a pillow for your husband, but honestly you won’t even notice what kind of pillow you have. And you probably won’t read much or write…OH! Bring a big towel for yourself. The ones our hospital had were dinky!!! And slippers 🙂
Dinky towels must be universal for all hospitals. 🙂
Lol. I just keep agreeing with everybody elses comments, but I definitely have to go ahead and second this one as well! I’d never been the patient in a hospital before and thought the bath towels were hand towels. I guess I thought I was at the Hilton!!
Again, if you’re freaked by germs, then just by one of those $5.99 bath towels from Target and pitch it when you leave, but it’s a good idea to bring.