What to pack

Posted by Nikki Montgomery on

9/19/11

bagWe are only 8 weeks away from D-day so it's time to start thinking about putting the car seats in the car and packing the hospital bag. 

Since I've never done this before I really am not sure what to pack. I heard that some people over pack and don't use half the stuff they brought with them. I don't want to do that, but I don't want to go unprepared either. 

We asked on Facebook this morning and got some great suggestions:

 

  •  Beer....since u havent had one in almost 9 months :)
     
  •  Lip balm
     
  •  A journal or some paper. To jot down those feelings in the middle of the night when it is just you and baby.
     
  • No need to pack underwear, chances are you won't be wearing yours home. Packk things to do... books, word search, cards. Cause if you have a loooong labor like I did (56 and 17 hrs) you'll get pretty bored.
     
  •  Yep, puzzle books, magazines, your own lip balm for sure, I brought my own pillow. A journal is a great idea too. Your own toiletries, and anything else that will make your hospital stay more comfortable. When the time comes I will be sending my prayers for a smooth delivery. Good luck Nikki, you two will be fantastic parents!
     
  •  If you plan on breastfeeding then bring breastfeeding tanks. Slippers and some yummy snacks. Hospital food gets really old really fast.
     
  •  I wore my own undies home! I wld pack some just in case...maybe a few older pairs, not the Victorias tho! LoL Slippers are a must, or those slipper socks, my feet were always cold. Comfty clothes for you and some Adorable outfits and blankets for babies pictures! Camera/video camera. All your own bathroom stuff. 
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  •  lip balm cell phone and charger jammies and pillow
     
  •  Camera...I forgot mine when I had Blake!
     
  •  you must bring your own pillow and dont have a white pillow case so you know what one is yours! and a baby book and they will put the foot prints in for you. Good luck, I am so happy for you!
     
  •  All i did was pack a tipical overnight bag however with comfy clothes & two pairs of jammies so i could wear those instead of hospital clothes. Slipper socks a must!! All toilties, baby book, breast feeding items, grab one of two of ur own bottles depending how u r feeding u can wash them there! Anything else ii'll let u know!! Oh & for sure ur own pillow!!!!
  •  Camera!!!
  • Aloe infused socks at walmart! They are over by pharmacy and beauty. They are the best thing ever to take to the hospital! The keep you cozy.
  • if you crossword/soduko puzzles, a book of them. Your laptop if the hospital doesn't provide them.
  •  Outfit for you to bring baby home in! Lol
  •  Your own pads because the ones they give you in the hospital are way too big.........
  • List of phone numbers (if you use speed dial and don't have them memorized) and family info with grandparents, great-grandparents, ect with correct spelling so you don't forget to include someone in the announcement(s) or misspell their names.
  •  Shaver!
  •  Housecoat, comfy pj's, soft blanket --- they give you thick sheets or rough blankets and their housecoats pj's are not comfy "modest".
  •  I have been told hard candy. You get very dehydrated when you are in labor and hard candy keeps your mouth moist.
  •  i think you will need something for the baby..lol something pink....
  •  Yes to what Cyndee said, and they charge you for anything extra you use! And a bigger bra. You wouldn't believe what happens to your boobs. And of course the clothes and blankets for the baby to bring her home.
  •  If you are going to have the baby use a pacifier, bring the type you want to use. Otherwise, you are stuck with the kind the hospital provides. Yes, pacifiers are all different just like bottles. So, if you don't want to get stuck with an expensive kind or a kind that is hard to find, you might want to think about that. Also, you could keep your bag in your car so it is always with you. And if you were to go into labor early and don't have your bag, it's not a big deal. As long as you have it packed you can always have a relative or friend bring it to you! There are great checklists online at babycenter.com too.
  •  TAKE AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE.... unless you plan to rent a trailer to bring home all your baby goodies & presents!! If your insurance allows, stay as long as you can! Have the hubby take home all your gifts & goodies the day BEFORE you are discharged, so on the big day,,, it's just the three of you! I had to straddle two HUGE flower arrangements between my feet! But DO take your own t's or tanks to wear, and forget modesty... by the time you go home, each time you see someone walk in with scrubs on, you'll probably be showing them your boobs, bottom or butt without them even asking! And sometimes that's embarrassing when it's just one of the janitors! You'll do fine, it's so exciting isn't it?!!
  • I delivered at St. Michaels last December & do not be worried about bringing your own food girly! They give you a menu and you get three meals a day (as well as your guest), you can order as much food as you want being the patient as well. The "celebration dinner" is so good! You can even order shakes off of the hospital menu. I thought the food would be gross, but I missed it when I came home after having my baby. You should also bring nursing pads for the leakage delivery may bring and also some nursing bras if you plan on breastfeeding. I tell everyone that I don't care how far I live away, I want to deliver my next baby at St. Michaels because it was such a great experience. Not to mention you also get a massage while you are there from a massage therapist and a gift certificate to come back after you are released for a free one! If you have any questions just lemme know. I was a first time mom in December so I know how you're feeling:)
  •  As the date gets closer remember to keep your legs shaved and fingers and toe nails clipped! :)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  •  Most important!!! Don't forget to pack josh! Lol
     
  •  I was so happy that I packed comfortable clothes to wear the next day. Recovery at the hospital was a little rough and I was very thankful for my sweat pants!
     
  • Comfy clothes, pillow, candy to suck on, slippers, baby clothes, camera, chap stick
Thank you all for the wonderful suggestions.
Do you have anything to add? Or subtract from this list?

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