Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

They gave me wipes at WHC, and sent me home with more.

Sibley didn’t. I pooped myself during labor and when they helped me up to go to the bathroom afterward, I fainted and they wanted me to go right back to bed. I was like I need to wipe myself!!!!! That was the worst part of the entire ordeal. Talk about losing dignity.

They would have helped clean you up. It was safest for you to be in bed, should you lose consciousness again.

Anonymous wrote:

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

They gave me wipes at WHC, and sent me home with more.

Sibley didn’t. I pooped myself during labor and when they helped me up to go to the bathroom afterward, I fainted and they wanted me to go right back to bed. I was like I need to wipe myself!!!!! That was the worst part of the entire ordeal. Talk about losing dignity.

Thanks for all the responses. I appreciate the tips on what to pack but my question was about size vs. number of bags to bring. I think we’ll go with the wheeled suitcase, the carry on size if we can dig it out of storage. And maybe pack a foldable bag for all the extra freebies!

As little as possible because they will give you most of the stuff you'll need. Things I found I wanted though: my lotion and lipgloss (because hospital air is super dry), and also some hard candy or lozenges--I don't know if it was the dry air or the various medications I was on, but my throat and mouth were also really dry. Then going home outfits for you and baby, a warm blanket for DH and a comfortable robe for me. Plus charging cords and phones etc, toothbrushes, clothing for DH.

For baby #1, I brought a small duffel bag for me and baby. Here are the things I brought that I actually used: toiletries, a going home outfit for both me and baby, a swaddle blanket, pjs, a robe, slippers, shower shoes, a charger and a big tote bag to take home the post partum care and baby supplies the hospital will give you.

The hospital provides everything else, including mesh undies for you, post partum care stuff, diapers for baby, and feeding stuff (breastfeeding supplies like pads and nipple shields or formula).

At that time, DH was allowed to go home and come back to the hospital so he didn't bring anything at first but after baby was born, he went home to shower and change, then came back with a backpack with a change of clothes and a few toiletries.

We are prepping for baby #2 now and will probably bring 1 carry on sized rolling bag with stuff for me, DH and the baby in it since he won't be able to leave the hospital. We'll also bring snacks since DH won't be able to leave and get food if the cafeteria is closed.

Bring an eye mask and your own pillow. Otherwise it’s hard to get sleep. Not that you’ll sleep much but it will help between the constant interruptions.

And bring home the peri bottle, huge pads, and disposable underwear!

Long charger, something for everyone to go home in, lots of snacks and drinks.

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

They gave me wipes at WHC, and sent me home with more.

We packed all of our things in a carryon sized roller bag. My husband brought a blanket too in a big tote, which we also used to pack the hospital extras. We were in the hospital for 36 hours, total, but I changed into old sweats and a nursing tank as soon as I got my IV out, because it was way easier to nurse in than the awkward hospital gown snaps.

Anonymous wrote: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.

I think in VA you have to pay by check for the birth certificate, so I would pack a checkbook just in case.

Electronics, deodorant, extra long charging cord, go home outfit for you and baby. Leave room to take everything not nailed down. They will give you everything else. Ask for more disposable underwears and those giant pads. Use their gowns, you’ll be surprised how many you need. Oh shower flip flops - for stability.

I don’t think DH can leave and come back like before bc of covid so he’ll need to bring anything he needs