Speaking of packing

[cnf2013]

For all you BTDT moms, what did you find essential to bring with you to the hospital and what ended up being unnecessary? 

[threetaboos]

I packed way too much last time. I really only needed one outfit for me and the new LO. I spent most of my time in the hospital gown and kept ds in the onsies the hospital provided until we went home. I also brought my nursing pillow there but found it easier to use regular pillows in the bed. I also brought books, CDs and movies but didn't even touch them. (And I was there 5 days.)

[ruemorgan]

YES, SNACKS!!

[tarheelmom]

Cell phone, nook, laptop, chargers; this time I could get away with just my phone to cover everything.

Flip flops for going back and forth to the bathroom. Clothes to go home in for me and baby.

There are vending machines galore in our hospital, so we didn't need really snacks from home; plus, the nurses were great about bringing anything/everything I asked for food and drink wise. They let you order a couple different lunches if you weren't sure what you'd like or were just extra hungry and brought snack carts around multiple times per day.

[jumpingpuddles]

Necessary: phone and charger, nursing tanks and low rise, super loose yoga pants, snacks, very basic toiletries like a toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant and hairbrush, cute going home outfit for baby if that's your thing.
Unnecessary: pads (I used the giant hospital ones, plus they have plenty of smaller ones too), underwear (hospital mesh ones!!!), diapers for baby, any other clothes for baby (they have stuff there), makeup (I did wear some on day 2 with baby 2, but not baby 1).

[Deleted]

Necessary: I wish I had brought my boppy pillow. I couldn't get a good position for nursing and was so tired that I needed more pillows than I had to support the baby while nursing. Baby onesies, I kept DD dressed in the clothes we brought. Basic toiletries, clothes to wear home and maybe a few to wear once you get cleaned up (you never know how you're going to feel. I used the gowns provided by the hospital bc it made nursing easier and I needed access to my lady bits for ice packs etc.

Unnecessary: I wouldn't bring electronics for me personally. I spent the entire time soaking up every ounce of DD. I never took my eyes from her. We were there for a few days and never even turned the TV on. Pads and other feminine needs are provided by the hospital. Diapers are provided by the hospital.

[yummeecookee]

Jul 3, 2015 8:00:04 GMT -5 jumpingpuddles said:

Necessary: phone and charger, nursing tanks and low rise, super loose yoga pants, snacks, very basic toiletries like a toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant and hairbrush, cute going home outfit for baby if that's your thing.
Unnecessary: pads (I used the giant hospital ones, plus they have plenty of smaller ones too), underwear (hospital mesh ones!!!), diapers for baby, any other clothes for baby (they have stuff there), makeup (I did wear some on day 2 with baby 2, but not baby 1).

+1 to all this. I was especially glad I bought nursing tanks. They were clutch for when I was first learning to BF plus it's nice to get out of the hospital gown

[Deleted]

I had some shitty nightgowns and a robe. I would say those were the two most important things for me. Wearing the nightgown allowed the doctors to check me out without having to pull pants down. The robe was also nice because the hospital was chilly, and it was probably nice for the boys to cuddle into it as well.

Unnecessary- Pads! I ended up not using any because I had so many at the hospital.

[anonymouseliza]

Ditto the hospital gowns until just before we left, but if it had been a scratchy or uncomfortable gown, I would have wanted my own. Baby was in their onesie, but I may bring extra clothes from home this time. I wished I had changed her sooner. Did bring my own swaddling blanket, it seemed nicer, and a special outfit for the hospital pictures for DD. I brought travel sizes of my normal toiletries, but the hospital did provide them. I didn't even shower forever, so I didn't need stuff and don't wear make up, but some people just feel a lot better if they do. Snacks. Carseat.

Never touched the laptop, I will skip this time. I didn't bring the boppy, but I might this time to get a better sense of to use it properly. Did not touch the books or movies we packed, though we did occasionally watch tv. Did have small bag for DH that worked well.

[anonymouseliza]

Yes to chargers. Find out about the tracking device they will on baby; footed pajamas wouldn't work with ours because they attach them to the ankle and an alarm would sound if they were jostled too much. Apart from that, the hospital did not care if you dressed them or left them in hospital clothes, but so.e hospitals prefer you leave them for whatever they need to do.

[Squishy622]

The one thing I was happiest that I brought was a lightweight bathrobe. I got a Gilligan & Omalley one from Target. I wore it over my hospital gown during labor (those open backs are so dignified...) and over nursing tanks later.

I don't remember why but I didn't use the boppy we brought at all. Will leave the BFing pillow supply at home this time.

[obscurereference]

For me, I liked being in my own pjs. I brought nighties that were easy to nurse in and easy for the nurses to do their thing. I skipped baby clothes. Both my kids were just in a diaper for the first few weeks. I wanted to maximize skin-to-skin and got tired of taking the onsies on and off. When the baby wasn't on me, I just wrapped them in a blankie. I did take my own swaddle blankets. I can't figure out how to swaddle with a rectangular blanket which is what they have at my hospital! Other than that, phone, charger, toiletries, and flip flops. Going home outfit and blankets appropriate for the weather. But honestly, you could bring nothing and probably be fine.

[BeachBum678]

What I used:
- Phone and charger
- Camera (you could just use your phone, but I'd recommend a "good" camera if you've got one)
- Going home outfit for me/Going home outfit for LO
- Light reading (think: magazines, etc)
- Nursing pillow (this probably varies, but it was great for us, partly because we had a few elderly relatives visit who were happy to have the extra support holding the new baby).
- Flip-flops
- Toiletries kit (toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, nice body wash)

What I didn't use:
- pads (hospital provided)
- lots of extra clothes and underwear (I pretty much wore the gown and mesh panties the whole time)
- diapers (hospital provided)
- books and movies (it's an exciting time, and you'll spend a lot of it visiting, sleeping, and just soaking in the new baby. I couldn't manage anything deeper than People magazine)
- snacks (hospital provided)

[anonymouseliza]

I feel 90% certain the hospital gave us a list at the tour of what was recommended and what wasn't recommended based on what they provided or what might interfere with hospital policy/procedures. It's worth asking the patient education center (or equivalent) if they have a similar list.

[ladygray]

My own pillow. Hospital pillows suck. Big one for sleeping for me, bringing my own.

A robe/something to put over the gown when you have visitors. With all the PP bleeding/my own diaper changing, I didn't want to put on my own pants until basically we left. But I brought a big, cozy zip up sweatshirt and wore it for coziness and modesty's sake when people visited.

My own shampoo/soap/etc. I forgot the first time and the hospital stuff is the worst. I like a lot of showers PP, several a day in the hospital. It's a messy business, giving birth.

A cozy throw for my bed. Those hospital blankets are not cozy or warm.

My kindle. My DH can nap on a dime and clearly baby does, but I would be so amped and then would be sitting there alone (the only one awake, I mean.) kindle.

Chargers. Snacks. Going home clothes for me and baby. Sleeping gear for DH - know what the dad sleep situation is and plan accordingly.

[obie1680]

I will pack
Bathrobe I have a great black one from target
Nightgown
Clothes to go home in
Baby onesie to go home in
Boppy
Camera
Phone
Snacks

I packed more than I needed with DS. This time it will be simple if I do need anything DH can go home and get it or even my mom. We only live 5 minutes from hospital. I don't even need toiletries hospital provides all that including a toothbrush!

[Sparkly]

100% necessary:
-chapstick
-lanolin/nipple cream (hospital had some, but it took me asking a few times to get it, I actually preferred the brand I brought myself)
-tissues
-hair tie or clip
-cell phone & charger
-boppy or other nursing pillow

Also nice to have:
-one nicer outfit (nursing PJs) to put on when having visitors -- I wore hospital gown/robe the rest of the time
-slippers and/or flip flops
-something comfy/loose fitting to wear home
-something to take baby home (we were required for her to wear the hospital "uniform" - white kimono tee and diaper - for the duration of our stay)
-my own pillow from home
-bare minimum toiletries: shampoo/conditioner and shower gel (all I got was a bar of soap), face wipes and/or wash, toothbrush/toothpaste, brush/comb, deodorant
-changes of clothes, toiletries, pillows/blankets, and snacks for DH

I brought a bunch of other stuff (mainly clothes for myself -- totally unnecessary) and just checked out my packing list from last time... I'm LOL'ing so hard. So much unnecessary stuff.

[Lollipop]

I'm bringing a change of clothes for me, and an outfit for the baby. Probably lip balm. Barring complications, I'll be home <24 after baby comes so I won't need a bunch of stuff.

Last time, I stayed in the hospital gowns until it was time to go home, I'll do the same this time. Our hospital provides everything you can possibly need for your stay, and they send you home with extras.

I won't be bringing makeup or shower stuff, because I most likely won't be there long enough to need a shower.

[bunnyfer]

This time I'm packing an outfit for me and one for Ds. I will pack a laptop, my Kindle and my phone. I'm also bringing an extension cord as the plugs were to far away to plug things in. I never touched half the extra clothes I had, or the books or magazines. I will pack some flip flops though this time.

[younglove316]

My favorite thing I packed was a robe. I stayed in the hospital gown the whole time but when we would walk around,the robe was great to have. Cell phone charger, a going home outfit for both LO & I, and I think that's about it for me this time.

[Deleted]

If you're nursing (and I was), it's essential to bring a nursing tank and some super comfy yoga pants and maybe a thin robe and warm socks. I had people in and out of my room all the time and having the nuring tank and pants as opposed to staying in the gown was the only way I could stay covered up. I would have "hot flashes" from the hormonal changes and the robe would come off but my feet were always cold. Get the grippy kind or some slippers to get to and from the bathroom and any other areas you may need to go to (sitz bath room, nursery if necessary, NICU).

Cell charger, toiletries, extra pads because sometimes the nurses take a while to get a new pack to you, breast pads and some lanolin (if nursing).


UNNECESSARY: A bunch of clothes for the baby. You will need a photo outfit and a going home outfit. Anything else you put on them will be taken off and either thrown in the bottom of the bassinet or lost as soon as they're taken to the nursery for any procedures. They put them right back in the t-shirt/standard blanket burriot swaddle and bring them back to you. This made me pretty angry when I had my first child, but it is what it is. Diapers, wipes, bottles etc will all be provided for you. Even pacifiers are given to you.

Word of advice: Take everything in the bassinet when you leave (extra diapers, wipes, maxi pads, etc), you've already paid for it. If you can somehow convince your nurse to give you an extra bulb syringe, please do! They really do have the best ones and you cannot buy anything like it on the market. A hospital bulb syringe saved my oldest's life when she aspirated formula after projectile vomiting it everywhere (milk protein allergy). If I hadn't had that super strong bulb syringe (which I actually ended up using so hard so fast the first one burst, thank goodness I had two) she would probably not have survived or her life would be very different at least.

[Deleted]

Bring an extra bag for all of the gifts people bring you and so you can stuff all of the diapers/wipes/anything not nailed down from the hospital (seriously, like @wren said take it all!)

I think everything else is pretty much covered. I do look back & laugh at the fact that I brought my Kindle when I had DD...I was there 5 days (jaundice) and never even touched it.

And just remember, the more you "over pack" the more of your stuff will sit in that bag for a month, maybe more. You will have no time/energy to unpack it once you get home.

[Deleted]

OH! And I left all my flowers there for the nurses at the nursery and MFM's clinic and OB desk. They loved them!

[Deleted]

Going home clothes for myself & LO, little bit of makeup to feel somewhat put together when visitors come, Boppy, basic toiletries, car seat, laptop, camera, phone & chargers. Oh & stuff for DH too

I lived in the hospital provided stuff while I was there, which was a nursing friendly gown & a robe & hospital socks. I didn't want to risk getting blood on anything of my own. (TMI warning: a couple times when I needed to get up & pee, I dripped blood on the floor on my way there since when you stand up you may experience sudden gushes. If BFing - expect these gushes along with intense cramping each time LO latches on as well. I'm not looking forward to that again.. I'm told it gets worse every time. )

I didn't bother with snacks since I couldn't eat anything until after LO was born anyway & if cafeteria is closed, they have a little snack area in the halls that provides free milk & jello & a couple other little things during off hours. If I am famished, I'll just send H out on a Taco Bell run. (That's right - I said Taco Bell - guilty pleasure)

This time I will plan to do the same. I always bring a go home outfit, but my MIL usually brings me a new comfy going home outfit I love even more

[musicalsilver]

Jul 3, 2015 6:22:25 GMT -5 threetaboos said:

I packed way too much last time. I really only needed one outfit for me and the new LO. I spent most of my time in the hospital gown and kept ds in the onsies the hospital provided until we went home. I also brought my nursing pillow there but found it easier to use regular pillows in the bed. I also brought books, CDs and movies but didn't even touch them. (And I was there 5 days.)

Pretty much this.  Except I didn't bring a boppy last time and wish I did.  Trying to nurse LO with stacks of hospital pillows was kind of awkward, and I think I'd like to have the boppy.  I really appreciated changing into my own clothes to go home, but I was happy to stay in the hospital gown for the rest of the time.  It made nursing and the nurse checking me easy.  I used my laptop only minimally, and pretty much just browsed the internet on my phone when I had downtime and wasn't trying to sleep.  I think I'll leave the "entertainment" I bring at my phone. 

Oh, and along the same lines as @jen4033 - I definitely peed myself one of the first times I got up to pee (I'd waited to long, and those muscles were in sad shape).  I was very glad to be in all hospital issue stuff for that ;-)

[Unknown]

Snacks x a million!!!!

I'm like the opposite of threetaboos,

I liked having my own nightgown and robe. I was in for 4 days w/ a c/s and I could stand the hospital gown. I wish I brought my Boppy the first time around, so I will bring that.

Pretty much a change of clothes for me and baby, plus snacks and make-up. I poo-poo'd make-up the first time around, until I looked at all the post partum pictures of us as a family. Hubby looks hot and refreshed and I look shiny and swollen. A little powder would have gone a long way.

[Sparkly]

I agree with Unknown, this time I probably will bring (and use) a little makeup and maybe my own robe so that I don't look quite so much like death in family pictures. Labor messed with my skin and the few pics we have in the hospital are not good. I would like to have some photos with DD meeting the baby, and I would like to look maybe slightly better than I did last time. But as a FTM going into (and through) it at that time, I was all... do not care about any of it.

[Lollipop]

Now that I'm thinking about it, I might bring some makeup. But then again, maybe not, because last time I ended up SUPER pasty and makeup would've just made me look orange.

So, Casper or oompa loompa? Which is a better look lol.

Clearly, I need to think about this.