Questions about what to pack in Hospital Bag

[GuavaGirl]

I've looked over several lists of "what to bring to the hospital" and I just have a few questions. ....obviously I haven't done this before.


Aromatherapy: What are some good essential oils for labor & how do you use them during labor?

Hard Candy/Lollipops: Why are these recommended? Should I pack some?

Favorite picture or focal point: Does anyone actually bring this? Did you use it? Ideas?

Bathrobe: I never wear one. If it's good to have at the hospital, I'll get one, but tell me how it comes in handy at the hospital.

Snacks & Drinks: What kind of things are good to bring?

Birthing Outfit: Should I wear the hospital gown, or bring something else to labor and birth in? I kinda hate hospital gowns, but what can I wear instead?

Pajamas/Night gown/Clothes: Do they need to be a certain kind, for nursing? Do I need to have some sort of nursing top on at all times? What do you wear after birth?

Breath Mints: A good idea?

Rescue Remedy: Has anyone used this?

Dermaplast, Tucks, stool softener, tylenol, etc.: I think my hospital has these things. Should I get my own or not?

Maxi pads: What kind? I usually use a natural brand, but I've heard they don't quite cut it. What brand/kind/absorbency/how many should I bring?

Breast pump: Do I need to bring this?

Ice peri pack: ???

Baby clothes: What should I bring and how many?



Note: I'm not much of a minimalist and like to err on the side being well prepared...... or over packing


Thanks!

[jsh7809]

Just wanted to say, I'm watching this (it's my first baby too)... very interestedly! I keep thinking of things I want to pack and then realize how big the bag(s?) could easily get!

Here is what I'm thinking will be most important to me:

Some healthy snacks like nuts and fruit (in case the hospital tries to keep me from eating)

Ipod with meditations on it that help me relax

Either a "worry stone" or some kind of totem thing I can hold and focus on during some of the pains (I'm thinking about making a kind of Venus of Willendorf from Fimo clay)

I've thought about bringing a copy of the baby's ultrasound - but not sure if that's silly or unnecessary

I like my bathrobe, but might just bring fuzzy socks and a few nightgown type of dress things. I too don't love the hospital gowns but I also don't know how much I'm gonna care.

Camera (I'm a professional photographer) setup!

List of numbers and people to call when we're ready (cause I doubt DH will keep everyone in mind)

I'd love to see what other women think...

[cileag]

I recommend wearing hospital stuff for the birth--they have gowns and robes, so you don't need to bring a robe. They are also bfing friendly so you'd be set there too for pp. If you really like your own clothes, then bring yoga type pants, and a tank top, breastfeeding bra, and another loose top--that's pretty easy to nurse in.

They also provide baby clothes--t shirts and blankets and diapers, so you just need a going home outfit.

Don't need the breast pump--they have them
Don't need the boppy--pillows are easier to learn on and assist with.

The hospital provides ice packs, pads, mesh underwear etc.

In fact, they really provide everything for mom---what you bring is really up to you in terms of unique needs or wants you might have.

Snacks/hard candy--those are usually for labor--the snacks for early on and then the hard candies for when you're restricted.

Here's what I had in my just-in-case transfer bag:
chapstick
yoga pants/bra/tank/long sleeved shirt outfit
onsie and sleeper and bunting for baby
toiletry kit
granola bars

I tend to err on the minimalist side though.

[staceychev]

I'll just answer what I can... some of the items I can't comment on! (Oh, and by the way, I didn't do natural birth, so that would affect how I'm able to comment.)

Originally Posted by GuavaGirl

Hard Candy/Lollipops: Why are these recommended? Should I pack some?

Definitely nice to have to suck on. Your mouth gets nasty. Plus, if you're like me, food will seem incredibly gross and unappealing, so this was definitely a nice-to-have. (That being said, I only had a couple during my whole time there.)

Favorite picture or focal point: Does anyone actually bring this? Did you use it? Ideas?

Strange. No. But, once again, had an epidural. (Seriously, though, everything was such a fog, especially after the epi was turned off, that I can't imagine being able to focus on something like this.)

Bathrobe: I never wear one. If it's good to have at the hospital, I'll get one, but tell me how it comes in handy at the hospital.

It's nice to wear for a walk in the halls if you would like to feel a little more "decent" around other people--nurses, strangers visiting other people.

Snacks & Drinks: What kind of things are good to bring?

I wasn't interested in food at all for the entirety of my 18 hour labor. After I gave birth, DH went out and got me pizza (delivered in NYC, so there was plenty available!). We did pack snacks for DH, and he definitely ate that.

Birthing Outfit: Should I wear the hospital gown, or bring something else to labor and birth in? I kinda hate hospital gowns, but what can I wear instead?

I wore a hospital gown, because it gets filthy and it was nice to just get rid of it after the birth.

Pajamas/Night gown/Clothes: Do they need to be a certain kind, for nursing? Do I need to have some sort of nursing top on at all times? What do you wear after birth?

I just had new jammy pants that my mom bought me and a t-shirt or tank top, I think. If you're concerned about "decency," get nursing PJs (they will come in handy after you come home, too). If not, just lift your top! If memory serves, I brought a couple of pairs of jammies for fear of bleed-through.

Breath Mints: A good idea?

Mmmm. Sounds good.

Dermaplast, Tucks, stool softener, tylenol, etc.: I think my hospital has these things. Should I get my own or not?

Hospital provides. In fact, mine had Tucks that they kept cold, which are awesome. I suggest putting some in your fridge for when you get home, too.

Maxi pads: What kind? I usually use a natural brand, but I've heard they don't quite cut it. What brand/kind/absorbency/how many should I bring?

They provided me with them. I don't use pads normally, so this was helpful. They were really long and really bulky, but you're bleeding so much at first that you kind of need it. They also provided these "underpants" that were made of mesh, almost like fishnet stockings. Those things rocked. Couldn't tell you were wearing anything.

Breast pump: Do I need to bring this?

I can't see why you would.

Ice peri pack: ???

My hospital gave a peri bottle and ice something, but I can't remember what.

Baby clothes: What should I bring and how many?

Hospital provides onesies and blankets, so she was just in them until we left and then I put her in her going-home outfit. (Which wasn't warm enough--she was born in July and we went in on an 85 degree day and the next day it was 68 and rainy!) We only stayed 24 hours, though. You might want to bring more than that if you think you'll stay 48.

[couponmom85]

Ok CHAPSTICK IS A MUST!
I had the Worst Dry lips After it was all done, Must be the DRY Air in that Hospital!

Might I suggest, Bring 1 , 0-3 Mth , 1 3-6 Mth, outfit (Maybe onesies In those sizes As well) Because my family had to RUSH out and Buy 3 Outfits for him to wear cause he was 10lbs and Couldnt fit in the NB or 0-3! lol
So its Best to Be prepared Even the Nurses went out and Brought Him a pack of Size 1 Diapers since they only had NB size Ones LOL!

Bring Snacks for DH cause Some hospitals wont offer DH's Drinks or Snacks.
At the one i delivered at they were Nice and Would bring him drinks.
They also Give You popsicles

BUT at one my friend had her baby at they were REALLY Rude To her DH and wouldnt bring him anything.


Bring Your own Pillow.

Dont forget a Camera

List of People for DH to call

PJ's for getting up to walk around in, and for going home in. (Sleep pants and A Shirt are Much more comfy than anything else)

If i remember something else i will add it later. Seems i had a Brain lapse LOL!

[KatWozBlue]

If you don't want to bring your own pillow, bring like a light blanket you like and a pillow case, its nice to cuddle up with something that smells familiar.

Also, I really didn't want to leave the hospital in maternity clothes so I brought a pair of drawstring sweat pants and a loose nursing top. Bring your hubby a clean shirt too and pj's if he is staying in the hospital. Stock up on travel toiletries.

I brought a couple of apples, both my kids delivered after the meal time and it was hours before they brought me a tray, I was starving.

Oh, my cell phone didn't work in the hospital so I brought a calling card to make long distance calls.

I didn't like the mesh underwear so a friend gave me disposal underwear (like depends) and they were great, didn't shift, ice pack fit nicely and I wore them while in the hospital and I will do it again this time.

Good luck!

[Bluegoat]

Originally Posted by GuavaGirl

Hard Candy/Lollipops: Why are these recommended? Should I pack some?

These can be nice to keep your mouth moist, especially if the hospital doesn't allow you to drink.

Bathrobe: I never wear one. If it's good to have at the hospital, I'll get one, but tell me how it comes in handy at the hospital.

You don't need one if you don't wear one. You may find it cool in the hospital or want something with more coverage for outside your room.

Snacks & Drinks: What kind of things are good to bring?

They may have some things like particles. Juice, crackers and cheese, fruit, can all be nice. Also, they will not feed your birth partner and snacks may not be available for purchase at night.

Birthing Outfit: Should I wear the hospital gown, or bring something else to labor and birth in? I kinda hate hospital gowns, but what can I wear instead?

You can wear the gown, but some people find it undignified. If you bring your own, something that allows easy access to your nether regions is best - a big man's shirt, or a wrap skirt. It may get messy though.

Pajamas/Night gown/Clothes: Do they need to be a certain kind, for nursing? Do I need to have some sort of nursing top on at all times? What do you wear after birth?

It's good if they open at the front for nursing. Some of the "nursing" pjs don't work well, they don't give enough space. Something that buttons down the front might be best. The hospital gowns are not great for this, you have to be totally exposed. Bring underwear you don't care about and don't mind ruining. Socks too and slippers - wards can be cold.

Breath Mints: A good idea?

Very good for birth partner while you are in labour - stinky helpers will gross you out. Also, if labour is long, you may want them too. Mouthwash is also a good idea.

Dermaplast, Tucks, stool softener, tylenol, etc.: I think my hospital has these things. Should I get my own or not?

If they have them, no. Stool softener might still be required once you get home, it's hard to say.

Maxi pads: What kind? I usually use a natural brand, but I've heard they don't quite cut it. What brand/kind/absorbency/how many should I bring?

I bring a big box of overnight weight Always, but whatever brand you prefer.

Breast pump: Do I need to bring this?

No.

Ice peri pack: ???

Probably the hospital will have these.

Baby clothes: What should I bring and how many?

In the hospital, you'll just need some little shirts and maybe a hat. A sleeper if you like. For home, something warmer. Two outfits can be good in case you manage to mess up one on the way out - baby poop can be explosive. If it is cold, you will need some blankets to use in the car-seat. Some hospitals do not supply diapers.

[evjolin]

this doesn't answer your question, at all. but a friendly suggestion from my sister in laws that they shared with me over christmas: buy "cheap, huge" underwear now (before baby is born) that you can just toss. also, go out now and buy 2-4 post baby outfits you can wear in and out of the house. their point is that you won't want to go out and get this stuff post baby, but you will need it. one of them lives in leggings and a zip up sweatshirt....easy breastfeeding access :-)

[Mandynee22]

My hospital provides the snacks and drinks. There's a kitchenette right in L&D that people are welcome to use the whole time they're there (inc when in labor). There is juice and water and bagels and things like that. So you might want to check and see if it's necessary.
I never used lolipops or hard candy. I think it's to promote saliva/lessen dry mouth. Ice/water/juice alwayts worked fine for me.
The hospital had the best maxis (the size of a house which is what I find is best LOL), the best throw away undies to put them in and the world's hugest tucks so I never brought that.
I prefer the hospital gowns and slipper socks cuz they get blood on them and I'd rather leave it there LOL. I brought clothes to go home in. Maternity or stretchy is fine. Also two outfts for the baby if you'll do pictures there, just in case LOL
Besides your own toiletries and something to wear home, they'll probably have everything (or mine does). Bring an extra bag for the stuff in the room. They just throw it all away anyway, you might as well take it IMO

Check the phone policy before getting calling cards too. Mine has free calling and long distance but a lot don't

[Pepper44]

Aromatherapy/essential oils are a wonderful thing to bring! I brought orange/citrus and peppermint. Both will perk you up and the citrus really calms nausea in transition. Jasmine after the birth is very relaxing for you and baby. Plus it's just really nice to smell something other than hospital odor.

I brought my own pillow and blanket from home for comfort.

As far as what to wear in labor...I planned on wearing a hospital gown but ended up totally naked. For my birth in April I plan to have her at home, so I'm going to wear a sports bra or be naked. Labor makes you do strange things...last time I just ripped off all my clothes and refused to wear anything!

You might want to bring flip flops or house shoes that slide on easily for walking in the halls or even just in your room.

I don't normally wear a bath robe, but I felt over exposed in the hospital gown and I had visitors in my room a lot. I wish I had gotten a robe! I didn't want to wear pants because of the bleeding and soreness down there...

I recommend bringing suckers. Not because of food restrictions, but just because sometimes your mouth gets dry and bad tasting yet you might not want anything sloshy or filling in your belly. The suckers really helped me. Bring orange ones to help nausea!

Bring power snacks for your birth partner and for yourself after the birth. Granola bars, protein bars, fruit, drinks, etc. Don't count on the hospital food being edible...ours wasn't.

I like Always Overnight pads. The hospital provides some pads, but they were kind of uncomfortable.

We brought several little outfits for my DD, and the hospital had things for her to wear also.

Definitely bring a stereo or ipod for music if you are going to be having a natural birth!

Don't forget shampoo, make-up, toothbrushes, etc. You can also bring a laptop, most hospitals have wireless access and it's really boring laying around if you have to stay for a few days.

[noobmom]

I didn't bring any of the following items:
Aromatherapy: didn't use/need
Hard Candy/Lollipops: good idea, I think I'll bring some this time
Favorite picture or focal point: didn't use/need
Bathrobe: didn't use/need
Birthing Outfit: wore hospital gown
Breath Mints: didn't use/need
Rescue Remedy: didn't use/need
Dermaplast, Tucks, stool softener, tylenol, etc.: hospital provided
Maxi pads: brought some, but ended up using the hospital ones
Breast pump: didn't use/need
Ice peri pack: hospital provided

As for these:
Snacks & Drinks: I brought snacks I could eat if I got hungry during labor. You're not generally supposed to eat, but well, I brought some peanut butter. I figured if I needed the energy, a spoonful of peanut butter couldn't be that dangerous and hospital rules be damned! Turns out I wasn't hungry at all until quite a few hours after the birth. At that point the hospital had all the snacks/drinks I needed. I don't know if DH was technically allowed to have them, but he did. How would they know unless they watched you while you ate? We did pack some granola bars for him, but they were not eaten.

Pajamas/Night gown/Clothes: I wore the hospital gowns until it was time to leave. The nurses will want to check you for bleeding pretty frequently, so if you bring your own clothes, don't bring pants. As for a top, yes, you want something you can nurse in, but you can nurse in practically anything. Just make sure to bring a nursing bra or two. (I'm still nursing #1 so I'm always wearing a nursing bra anyway.) Pack an outfit to leave the hospital in--something you wore at the end of second trimester or beginning of third would be good. Oh, and definitely bring some slippers or flip flops or thick comfy socks. I hate walking around a hospital barefoot.

Baby clothes: Baby will mostly be just in a diaper/top and swaddled at the hospital. You only need an outfit to go home in. I would bring a newborn and a 0-3. Also, bring a blanket or two to tuck around the baby after he/she is in the carseat.

[GuavaGirl]

Lots of great info!

Feel free to add more.

[jillmamma]

A couple more I thought of are:
* any medications you are taking including vitamins (I am on depression and allergy meds, and definitely don't want to miss a dose of my depression meds or pay the price the hospital would charge for it!
* glasses if you wear them, or even if you wear contacts a spare pair in case you can't/don't want to wear your contacts

[berrymama]

The previous suggestions look good I think. I am an OB nurse and I think the one thing people ask for the most that we don't have is baby nail clippers or nail file.
Make sure your take home outfit for baby has legs (isn't a gown) because while those can work in a car seat, little legs will be exposed.
Maybe some kind of white noise (fan/radio), to drown out hospital noise and get more sleep.