Bring along an empty tote bag - take everything that is not nailed down - wipes, bulb syringe, baby hair brush, diapers, witch hazel pads, sitz bath, etc.
Plus, the LC hooked me up with a bunch of free samples when she did her rounds.

They try and push you out ASAP, assuming healthy delivery, so you probably won't be there more than 1.5 day. No need to over pack. Just your normal over-night bag.

Having said that, I had a cart loaded down with flowers, balloons, bears, etc congratulations - type things. I wasn't prepared for that and Iwasn't even there that long.

DH went home to change, shower, catch up on work email, etc.
So no need to bring too much for him.

He called the insurance company, HR, and did a few other housekeeping things .

Bring a cc to pay for your co-pay, birth certificate copies, and any other add-ons.

Toothbrush, going home outfit, deodorant, phone charger and wipes for your behind.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not OP but now I’m confused - what do you need that fills a weekender bag? I filled up the proposed diaper bag and thought I’m good to go

This. Where do you think you’re going Op? It’s a hospital, not a hotel. You can just dirty up their gowns and save your clean stuff for when you get home. The last thing you or your partner want to do is a bunch of laundry when you get home.

I guess I need to clarify. Should we each pack an unfilled bag of what we need or one big bag that’s unnecessarily big (but not huge) but more convenient to move.

The best thing I packed was a portable stroller fan that clipped onto my bed. I was soooo hot the whole night after delivery

Minimalist. Use the gowns, underwear wear, etc. that’s provided. There will be yuck everywhere And you will be happy to not have it on your clothes. Do bring comfy socks, slippers, a cozy housecoat, and something to wear home. Ideally, put on what you’ll wear home before you go to the hospital to start with.

Same with baby clothes. Bring your going home outfit only. Use their blankets and learn to swaddle.

*dont bring anything special, even if labelled. If it’s accidentally ends up in the hospital laundry, you are unlikely to ever get it back.

Yes to your toiletries, phone, electronics, etc. Lip balm and good lotion. I peeled like a lizard a few days PP.

And, even if you have a C Section, grab the peri bottle from the washroom before you get discharged.

Anonymous wrote:Which hospital? I barely needed anything at VHC. Also how far are you from the hospital?

I packed:
-PJs
-underwear
-socks
-toothbrush and toothpaste
-shampoo, conditioner,soap
-headphones
-book
-charger
-phone
-change of clothes for baby
-swaddle
-blanket for baby

Forgot to add, I didn’t need the PJs and underwear. I wore what they gave me including the disposable underwear. Also didn’t need the swaddles. The hospital has their own.

Which hospital? I barely needed anything at VHC. Also how far are you from the hospital?

I packed:
-PJs
-underwear
-socks
-toothbrush and toothpaste
-shampoo, conditioner,soap
-headphones
-book
-charger
-phone
-change of clothes for baby
-swaddle
-blanket for baby

Anonymous wrote:Not OP but now I’m confused - what do you need that fills a weekender bag? I filled up the proposed diaper bag and thought I’m good to go

This. Where do you think you’re going Op? It’s a hospital, not a hotel. You can just dirty up their gowns and save your clean stuff for when you get home. The last thing you or your partner want to do is a bunch of laundry when you get home.

Things I’m glad I packed: ear plugs, long charger cord, granola bars, lanolin (although they will give you this too).

In retrospect I would have walked in wearing a going home dress and not packed more clothes. I was in the hospital gown within 20 min of arrival until 20 min before we left.

All you need for the baby is something to go home in. They will give you diapers and everything else.

If you can do it all in one bag, that's best. The less you have to move around the better. And if you do need a c section, you'll be in many different rooms before you finally need the bag: pre-op, operating room, post-op, recovery, then to the actual room you will stay in.

Not OP but now I’m confused - what do you need that fills a weekender bag? I filled up the proposed diaper bag and thought I’m good to go

Anonymous wrote:I brought a weekender for baby and me, husband brought a small bag. If you and baby are healthy you might only be there for like 24 hours because of covid! I really didn’t need much at all

Healthy but at risk for c-section. Mostly minimalist, so don’t expect to have a ton. It’s more handling the number of bags. I was thinking of using a small diaper bag for the baby’s stuff so it’s easier to find.

I brought a weekender for baby and me, husband brought a small bag. If you and baby are healthy you might only be there for like 24 hours because of covid! I really didn’t need much at all

We both brought a weekender bag. I was probably on the more minimalist side of packing though.

What type and how many bags did you pack? I feel like we should just pack one suitcase for the three of us rather than carrying two or three bags. It also has wheels rather than my usual weekend duffle. Any tips?