Packing the Hospital Bag/Is it too early?

[Anonymous]

I am due in early Feb. Sooo, about at 32 weeks now and the enormity of all the crap one has to take care of has just started to set in. On top of that, I also started a new job less than a month ago (yeah, they hired me with a bun in the oven!) so I feel like I am SO running out of time!

When is the best time to pack the hospital bag? Is it neurotic of me to think about getting it out of the way now? Friends tell me that you need TWO bags and not one. Is that correct? One for you and one for the baby? Or was that one prenatal and the other post partum?

I'd love some suggestions on must-haves. What did you bring that you were glad you brought? Was there something you wished you'd brought? Was there stuff that 'the books' told you to bring that you needn't have brought along?

I looked on the old site but didn't find a thread on this topic.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Honestly, if you'd feel better getting it out of the way now, just go ahead and do it. You'll want the remaining few months to be as stress-free as possible, and if this helps then you should do it.

I brought two bags to the hospital -- one for labor and one for post-birth. The labor one was filled with everything they told us about in the birthing class -- from a rolling pin and tennis balls which were supposed to relieve labor pains to magazines and cards to keep me busy. (I went a little overboard, I know) I didn't use any of it. My second bag was filled with pajamas, slippers, robes, an outfit to take the baby home in, and a book. I used the robe and slippers (which are must-haves IMO), but that was pretty much it.

[Anonymous]

Keep in mind you aren't going on a vacation and unless you live really far from the hospital you shouldn't need that much stuff. In fact, the L&D nurse told me that she always giggles to herself when these women come in and the hubby is pulling along suitcases!!!

Just one bag
- a onsie for the newborn to go home in (the baby will be swaddled and/or have a hospital onsie while at the hospital)
- t shirt and maternity jeans for you to wear home
- lounge arrange flannel pants to lay in while recovering
- socks
- toiletries
- a book or magazine in case you need to wait for the contractions to progress


You can always have your hubby/family run home and exchange clothes the next day if you so desperately need so (it makes them feel important).

Check on the maternity tour what the hospital provides for birth - a bathtub, birthing ball, etc.

Bring your own pillow if you insist on your pillow, but be sure to put it in a different colored pillow case as a visual cue for you to take it with you to go to post partem.

I guess I'm more of a no-fuss kinda gal who packs light anyway...



Sounds like you got some serious nesting going on - congrats!

[Anonymous]

In february you'll need something warmer than a onesie for the baby--terry cloth sleepers are great. you may want to get a bundle me or something similar for your carseat.

some people like to wear their own pjs (separate bottoms and top are best for nursing) others stick to the hospital gowns (don't forget you'll have some bleeding). But it's good to have something decent for photos.

[Anonymous]

I agree with PPs that you don't end up using most of what you bring. I did not pack until about a month before, but if you are up for it now, it would be nice to get it out of the way. I brought a couple of my own pillows which I ended up using during labor. Other things were outfit to go home in (maternity jeans and maternity t-shirt), warm socks, some snacks (water, nuts, raisins), toiletries, onesie for baby for home plus hat and maybe something warmer since it will cold in Feb, that's about it.

Congratulations and good luck

[Anonymous]

Don't bring anything that you learn about in class - no tennis balls, massage oils, popsicles. What a waste of a bag!!

You should bring:
a boppy if you're nursing
a robe (something you won't mind having your picture taken in) plus one nightgown. I would avoid pants because they're always checking on you post partum.
nice toiletries - I can't tell you how good a luxurious shampoo and bodywash will make you feel!
maternity clothes to wear home, plus a nursing bra if you're nursing
an outfit for the baby


I also packed way in advance. You never know if the baby comes early, and you may think of things to throw in as time flies by. On top of the bag I stuck a piece of masking tape with a list of things to bring that I couldn't pack until the last minute:
camera and phone
extra battery or charger
phone numbers (mohel number if you're Jewish and it's a boy)

good luck!

[Anonymous]

One item I wished I'd brought that I've never read or heard anyone else mention is nail clippers and a file for yourself. I had these gorgeous long nails due to taking my pre-natals, but these were a definite liability the second my son was born. If you think you'll try breastfeeding, I found it was difficult to stick my finger in his mouth (which you'll need to do when your baby doesn't latch correctly) with these long claws on my fingers. I was always afraid of scratching the inside of his mouth or scratching his face. The first thing I did when I got home was cut off my long nails.

As for your own pj's/robe, I personally would not have wanted them there. You will be bleeding-- a lot-- and I didn't want to risk ruining my own stuff.

Also several people have mentioned maternity jeans for going home in, but if you end up with a C-section, you will not want jeans rubbing against your incision. I wore sweatpants home.

Hope that helps!

[Anonymous]

I recommend 2 bags. One for labor and delivery and one for post partum. And I totally disagree with PPs who say don't bring the stuff you learned to use in class for pain management. Yes, you will likely have things you don't end up using, but what if you do use them?? I can't understand that - not bringing them in case you don't use them?? Anyway, the one thing I really enjoyed was having my own music. I brought a small cd player with relaxing music that I had done my relaxation exercises to. It was great. I also had snacks in that bag, for hubby. And lip balm. In my post partum bag, among the obvious things, I also brought my pregnancy journal and my phone book.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Thanks, guys. OP here...I was wondering about the maternity jeans. How big is what remains of the tummy after the baby's out? In terms of comfort, the thought of sweatpants seems nicer than jeans; but that could be a personal preference.

I *am* planning to nurse, so I'll get on the stick re the nursing bra etc.

Do keep the suggestions coming.

[Anonymous]

Hi again OP,
It depends on how much weight you gained during preg, how much fluid you retained, etc. as to how big you'll be when you leave the hospital.

Most likely, your pooch will make you look like 4-5 months preggers - also depends on your frame.

Nursing will also help "shrink" things down there and you'll feel cramping (like PMS) as the blood vessels constrict and slowly shrink to pre-baby size.

Just wait, before you know it you'll be writing advice to other soon-to-be mommies.

[Anonymous]

I guess everyone has their own preferences re:pj's/robe. I was in the hospital for 5 days (unplanned c-section) and was very glad that i had my own pj's. Once I was able to get up and move around, it was soooooo nice to be able to shower and get dressed in my own clothes.

I would also recommend packing some big granny style panties. There was no way I would've been able to wear my regular underwear with the incision. Leaving the hospital I wore cotton maternity pants, jeans probably would've been to rough on the incision.

PPs gave you good suggestions about other things. I definitely second the boppy if you plan to breastfeed, and bringing your own toiletries (my hospital didn't provide shampoo, glad I packed my own!).

Good luck packing and have an easy delivery!

[Anonymous]

Everyone has made good suggestions. Doing it again, I'd pack about half the stuff I brought, but here's what was really useful:

my iPod and small speakers for labor--I got tired of the hospital relaxation channel and wanted my own music
snacks for my husband during my labor, and for me afterwards. They won't let you eat during, but you'll be starving afterwards, and it will be a while before they can get you something to eat
boppy or in my case, "my brest friend" pillow if you're planning to nurse
shampoo/soap/etc.--that first shower is wonderful
phone list of everyone to call, and notes such as "call whenever it happens" or "don't call in the middle of the night"
phone card, since we were not allowed to use cell phones in the rooms

I elected not to bring my own gown and robe, and was fine with the hospital-provided ones.

[Anonymous]

Better to pack early. I packed half my bag 4 days before and my husband rushed around to pack the rest after I went into labor. Definitely not ideal situation.

I don't know where you are delivering but hospital gowns are not the same! Mine was completely open in the back and I didn't need people to see that much of me (like my FIL). So, I would recommend packing a robe.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, guys. OP here, again. I'll be delivering at Georgetown Univ. Hospital and haven't toured the Labor and Delivery unit yet.

My mom plans to be here for the delivery and will stay for awhile after (I have a new job and can't take much time off). She'll want to stay with me in the hospi while DH goes home for some shuteye. Which means, she'll need her own bag! Good grief!

Thankfully mom and DH get along and I am hoping they won't slit each other's throats. (That's a whole other thread altogether, though. )

I recall from a previous unrelated surgery at GUH that the gowns were fully backless and I wouldn't want anyone seeing that! Plus, I get cold easily, so packing the robe is a good tip, thanks!