What to Pack!

[Mishee9]

Here's what I'm packing, please post your ideas if I've missed any!!


1. Nightgown or pajamas. Preferably in a dark color that won't show stains. Also, keep in mind it may be easier to maneuver in a nightgown (think about having to use the bathroom: pulling up a gown or having to pull down pants?)
2. Slippers and socks, also in a dark color
3. Bathrobe in a dark color
4. A soft, fluffy throw blanket (one for you and maybe one for your partner?)
5. Nursing bra, pads and tops. Glamour Mom makes great nursing tanks.
6. Underwear: loose fitting, cotton and probably disposable!
7. Sanitary napkins (I also am bringing a box of Depends just in case)
8. Toiletries: toothbrush (don;t forget one for your partner!), toothpaste, lotion, face soap, body wash, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, etc, pretty much anything you would pack on a weekend pleasure trip.
9. Lip balm, lips can get pretty chapped in a hospital environment
10. Dermaplast spray: it's a topical lidocaine spray that may help you use the restroom after a vaginal delivery but numbing the area. Ask your doc if it's ok.
11. Going home outfit: one that is soft and loose fitting (especially if you've had a C-section). And a comfortable pair of flat shoes/sneakers.
12. Going home outfit with a hat for baby, based on the weather.
13. CAR SEAT!!! And be sure to have installation checked: www.seatcheck.org
14. Cell phone to tell (either via voice or text) loved ones about your new bundle of joy!
15. Camera, video camera, charged batteries, extra film or empty memory card
16. MP3 player, portable DVD to listen/watch your favorite tunes/movies
17. Phone numbers to your favorite restaurants so you can order your favorite meals! Or maybe, you'd like to buy lunch or dinner for the wonderful nursing staff.
18. Snacks/drinks/hard candy for you and your partner
19. A little medi-bag filled with: Tylenol, Advil, Fiber tablets, Stool softeners, vitamins, supplements, antacids
20. Laptop, if you have internet connection, to send those 1st baby photos
21. Make-up/cosmetics (you'll be thankful you have your face on in those post-baby photos and for visitors!), a hair dryer, hair accessories like scrunchies/ clips/headbands/rubberbands
22. Books/magazines
23. Baby book or journal if you want to record those first moments, and maybe even have the hospital do the footprints!

[natobasso]

A great 'food' item was Emergen-C vitamin C powder. Put it in water and viola: Instant nutrition!

Bring that cell phone too so you can make last minute calls.

I found I packed way too much because we were only at Best Start Birth Center for 7 hours or so, but your list is great and very comprehensive.

[joliebebe]

I'd recommend also packing your breast pump, if you have one, especially if you've never nursed before. The nurses at the hospital where I delivered my first child were really grateful I had mine because it was easier to access and they didn't have to fill out paperwork to rent the hospital pump, nor did they have to charge me for using theirs.

Also, bringing your own pillow or blanket for pre or post delivery is very comforting, and it seems you sleep better with that familiarity.

[mom24]

That is a great list! Since I am due in 5 weeks...I probably should start thinking about this huh? lol

Shan

[evenovak]

My baby is due in 1 week I appreciate the comprehensive list...I definitely added some things to my own list!
I don't like to overpack because I'm terrible at unpacking so I wonder whether many of these things aren't available at hospitals and birth centers (ex: pads, depends, dermaplast, medicine, lotion, etc.)?
Thank you!

[Kara]

Great list! I hadn't thought about chapstick, but I'm definitely adding that to the bag!

Check with your hospital before you pack. I was pleased to find out that they provide disposable underwear (and sanitary pads both for flow and the cooling kind) so I didn't have to decide which pairs I didn't mind having ruined.

Also, if you decide to take your own pillow from home - use a coloured pillow case so that it is easily identified as your own. I would suggest a darker color and perhaps an extra pillowcase. I got two leftover/clearanced pillow cases at Target for about $3.

[tingzon72]

As the resident lactation consultant, I have to add my 2 cents...

No one said nursing pillow!

If anything, that will be a top priority for the nursing moms.

Namaste,

Veronica

[Tortilla]

My sister in-law gave birth about a month ago and the hospital had a nursing pillow for her to use there as well as an ample supply of pads. They also sent her home afterwards with a few days worth of pads and a pack of newborn diapers. Still there is nothing quite like having your own things to make you more comfortable. Another very important thing is a cell phone charger.

[Liniac]

Hi, I just want to make a comment--I arrived at the hospital with a ridiculous, embarrassing glut of stuff (I was being induced and my OB said to expect a C-section, so I was prepared for a 6 day stay, which I wound up with).

Anyway, I wanted to bring all these comfortable clothes, t-shirts, pajamas, nursing tops giant ugly underwear, even though a couple people told me that I'd just use the gowns and stuff the hospital provided.

Well, I didn't believe them, but they were so right. I did bring all that crap, but never got out of my yucky, icky hospital gown and the weird, net-like undies the hospital provides. You can't imagine how messy and gross you get and yet how much you don't care, until you go through this. You won't want to get any of your "real" clothes near you for several days. So, my advice is to bring stuff to wear home but don't bother with bringing stuff to wear while you're there. Really, you won't care.

I did like having my toiletries (shampoo etc) for when I got in the shower about the 4th day there.

[JaneJ]

Sounds like everything was covered pretty well. I would have an some extra phone batteries (http://www.pregtastic.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2868#post2868) on hand. I wasn't allowed to charge the phone on the wall outlet at the hospital they said it could interfere with the medical equipment.