I’m a psycho planner, and I’m cool with it. This often requires me staying up the entire night before a big event or trip due to the fear of forgetting something that I just had to have. Naturally, when it was my turn to pack my hospital bags, I scoured books and the Internet to come up with the “perfect” list of pushing essentials. I never wanted for anything during my admission – except for Sushi and to cuddle with my sweet baby While this list may not be for everyone, I hope it serves as a good starting point!
First of all, many people recommended that I pack two bags – one for labor and one for after. I think this approach could work for some, but I organized mine a bit differently because some items I knew I would need the entire time. We did not bring in everything right away, and we made sure the inital essentials were packed together to go in first.
I used my “go to” bags, the huge, plastic Ikea ones because:
1. They are cheap, if they were lost, damaged, or dirtied, who cared?
2. They can hold tons without ripping and have a wide opening for easy access. Take that, grandma-bag syndrome (where everything falls to the bottom and you cannot.find.anything!). Now is not the time to be searching. Another tip: Save yourself a potential headache. Take the time to review what is packed where with your labor partner. There is nothing more frustrating than not knowing where things are or what things look like! You need to focus your energy on staying calm momma, not watching someone rummaging through your meticulously-packed bags.
Bring 4-5 plastic grocery bags for organizing items, dirty clothes, and for containing additional items acquired during the admission (think diapers, bottle nipples, gifts, etc). You will be surprised what you end up with during your stay!
Pack a separate “food” bag that is easily accessible throw in candy such as gum, blow-pops, jolly ranchers – I was told these are ok after the food “cut-off” during labor, but of course check with your doctor first snacks for dad to be and snacks for mom after the delivery (be sure to pack energy-boosting portables like almonds and bars) plastic, refillable water bottles (why bring in water when you can just use a water fountain and that awesome hospital ice!) a Ziploc bag containing $10-$15 in coins for vending machines, be prepared to not love what’s for dinner and also be prepared to miss some of the hospital meals as there will be people in and out of your room constantly
What to pack and leave in the car when you are getting close 1-2 towels, car seat protective cover in case your water is leaking (better to be safe than sorry!) Candy for distraction (gum, blow pops, mints – whatever you love!) Snacks and drinks so you can stock up before being cut off Pen and paper Tennis ball or something to squeeze for stress relief Extra pair of underwear, change of clothes (this baby is going to come when she wants to come, even if you are in the middle of a shopping spree!) Sanitary pads Handi-wipes Make sure your insurance cards are easily accessible as well as a folder of important papers you are bringing with you
For mom during labor Stress-relief items (handheld massager, stress squeezer (tennis ball works well for both!), ice bag and/or hot pack (you will need to check with your doctor before using these), lavendar massage lotion, iPod, headphones, movies…Silly Putty worked wonders for me!) Handi-wipes and/or antibacterial hand soap Ready to go facial cleansing towelettes are refreshing when you are confined to your bed Tennis shoes and/or non-slip shoes for walking if you are allowed to do so Soft, comfortable socks Chapstick (the breathing and medicines can really dry you out!) Saline nasal spray Eye drops Eyeglasses, extra pairs of contacts Hand lotion Watch, pen, and paper if you want to track things yourself – honestly, once Camera with charger (don’t forget your chargers!) Extra pillow or two from home, you could even bring your fancy maternity pillow or body pillow if you have one. Be prepared for the labor bed to be uncomfortable because the bottom half is removable for the main event. Hair ties, hair bands, hair brush Ear plugs and sleep mask – trust me, your “rest time” may be in broad daylight and you need your energy
For mom after delivery 2-3 nursing bras and a handful of nursing pads Lanolin if you are attempting breastfeeding to provide comfort 4-5 pairs of old, comfortable underwear from home that you will probably just toss (the mesh ones the hospital provides can shift and, let’s face it, there’s nothing like being in your own pair of undies!) Sanitary pads that are long and for heavy flow – the hospitals’ are from the dark ages Comfortable loungewear – nothing too tight “down there” (I found maxi dresses to do the trick because they were comfortable and easily adjusted for breast feeding and pumping) Robe (although you can just use hospital gown backwards) Toiletries Flip flops for the shower Compression socks to assist with swelling reduction – check with your MD first! Nursing tops and sleepwear as hospital gowns can be itchy and quite hot
For dad Toiletries Comfortable clothes Flip flops for shower Sleep mask, ear plugs Pillow from home Entertainment gear – whatever will keep him occupied!
For baby
Birthing hospitals often provide all the essentials for baby. Check with them first to make sure you are not doubling your efforts! I am sure you have been eyeing those pretty burp clothes and bibs for quite some time, but consider just using the hospital’s so you can save your nice things for home. Pacifier of choice if you will be using one 2-3 wrap-top shirts with buttons that are easy to get on/off, socks, mittens, hat Blanket Car seat “Going home” outfit Baby journal to snag a precious footprint and jot down special memories
That should do it! Please comment on anything you also found to be helpful. Good luck!
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