This was helpful for a couple reasons: my pregnant brain wasn't very functional. I had trouble remembering what I had for breakfast, let alone what gifts we had been given or who I had already sent Thank You's to. It's also really nice to look back now (and in the future, next time I'm packing for the hospital) and have a reminder of how I did things the first time around.
I went over my packing list for my hospital bag time and time again. I had my bag packed early, which was wise since I ended up going into labor nearly 3 weeks before my due date. I thought I was so smart and so prepared. The unfortunate part was that I packed all the wrong stuff!
I got some of it right, of course. But I barely used most of what I had brought - and there were things I wished I had packed that I didn't think of. I plan on having more babies someday, so the lessons I learned will ultimately turn out to be valuable... But until then, I will share my education with my readers. (For more about my pregnancy experience, read my post When I was Pregnant... )
I tend to organize and categorize almost every aspect of my life. You can take a look at how I pack my diaper bag to see what I mean. If I were to pack a bag for the hospital right now, this is how I would do it:
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| zooey wants to come too |
*The hospital provided diapers, wipes, a variety of maxi pads, disposable undies, nursing pads, swaddling blankets, hat and undershirt for baby, booger sucker, baby shampoo.*
Category 1: Clothing myself (main bag, small suitcase is the easiest)
- Robe - I didn't mind the hospital gown, but a robe would have been nice when walking the halls (instead of doing the double hospital gown thing)
- Slippers or grippy socks - hospital socks are lame. They never feel comfortable to me (probably because they have no heel). Flip flops would be nice too.
- Grungy nightgowns or jammies - post-birth stuff is gross, but I'd much prefer to wear my own comfy jams. You will need easy shirt access for breastfeeding and/or pant access for post-birth exams.
- Big undies - the hospital provides disposable underwear, but it's meshy and uncomfortable. Honestly, I'd probably rather wear a diaper (and maybe next time I will! I've heard adult diapers can be really nice to have for post-birth bleeding).
- Comfortable nursing bra - especially nice when guests come to visit the babe, to avoid feeling totally exposed/saggy
- Maternity pants to wear home - comfy ones. Like, really super stretchy, comfy, cottony ones. I can't emphasize this enough. They must be comfy. I was sooooooo puffy after Little J was born due to all the fluids they pumped into me (part of the epidural procedure) that I was almost as big leaving the hospital as I was upon arrival.
- Cute nursing top to wear home
- Sweatshirt - in case of chilly rooms or chilly weather
- Water bottle - I'm super attached to my red water bottle, and I doubt I could have labored without it
- Snacks - enough for myself and for Jared for the recovery days. I recommend fiber bars, since stool softeners tend to never be quite enough for my stubborn bowels (gross, sorry!)
- Notebook for recording memories, thoughts, and feelings about delivery. Also great for taking notes from the nurses!
- Extra bag or box to carry any flowers, gifts, hospital gear (we brought home everything the hospital gave us - diapers, maxi pads, etc)
- Toiletries (separate toiletry bag, with smaller pouches within for organization)
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- shower supplies
- hairbrush (the hospital provided a blowdryer)
- chapstick
- hair ties, bobby pins & headbands for sweaty, unkempt labor hair
- makeup
- facial wipes
- deodorant
- lotion
- soft toilet paper - hospital tp is not kind to your sore nethers
- Cute outfits for baby to wear home - I'd give myself a couple options, to allow for baby's size, the weather, my mood...
- Baby mittens - to prevent scratches from sharp little baby nails
- Weather-appropriate travel supplies - hat, blankets, warm booties, car seat cover, etc. When we brought Little J home, forest fires were raging just outside of town, so we needed extra blankets to protect him from all the smoke in the air.
- Lanolin for sore nipples
- Boppy - this was my best friend when I was nursing Little J. Next time I'm in the hospital, I will want this little sucker with me from the start!
- Vaseline - a layer of petroleum jelly on baby's bum will provide easier cleanup for those first few sticky poos
- Car Seat - snapped safely into the car, ready for baby to come at any time.
Category 4: Tech (piled atop the normal contents of my large purse)
- Cell phones with chargers
- Camera with charger or extra battery
- Video camera with charger
- iPod (or iPhone) & headphones - I brought mine last time, but for some reason I settled for the hospital music channel that played elevator music behind a slideshow of Colorado scenery. Next time I'd like to make a specific "calm" playlist to get me through contractions (and actually use it!).
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| i put baby stuff in that bottom zipper pouch |
- Sweatpants and Sweatshirt for chilly delivery room
- Extra T-shirts, undershirts, socks and undies
- Toiletries:
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- deodorant
- Important documents (insurance stuff, etc.)
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