03-7-2008 - What to (and not to) pack for the hospital

My mood while writing this blog: Ok

Okay ladies, I've seen a lot of questions on this very subject, so while I have NOT packed my bag YET, I have done this twice before so maybe I can help...and jog my own memory myself so I have a visual list of what I need to pack! :~)

For Baby: (not as much as you think)

1. 2 or 3 onesies

2. 2 or 3 cute outfits (one for the hospital pic)

3. 2 recieving blankets (the hospital has these)

4. socks/booties and hats to keep warm (no matter what the weather is like, you'll need these b/c some babies-like my 1st-have a hard time keeping their body temp up)

5. nail clippers (I had to clip Ally's nails right after she was born b/c she had scratches on her face)

6. wipes--only if you have a preference b/c the hospital provides these and diapers as well--so my advice: don't waist your money, you'll have years of buying these, take the free ones while you can!

7. as far as pacifiers and bottles go--again, the hospital gives your baby these unless you have a preference or are nursing

8. if nursing--a pump! and maybe a boppy if you have one

9. bibs and burpies (burp cloths)

Believe it or not, you don't need anything else, except a carseat/carrier the last day. If you over-pack, you are only going to regret it, b/c you'll be exhausted and just wanting to take your baby home, but you or your poor husband will be making fifty trips out to the car taking all the stuff you packed and all the gifts/flowers/and free stuff from hospital which will only stall you from going home. And by the way--you don't need a diaper bag at the hospital! Don't break your back bringing all this stuff you won't need, trust me! :)

Now, for you:

1. nursing bra and nursing gowns and shirts (if nursing)

2. comfy pjs (2 or 3)

3. comfortable underwear, that you don't mind getting blood on, b/c most likely you will--think the worst period ever!

4. socks or slippers or BOTH!

5. chocolate!! seriously, you'll thank me later! :P

6. magazines/book--if it's a long labor, you'll NEED something to read!

7. cell phone---and wall charger, just in case

8. pocket change for vending---very important for hubby and kids! :)

9. camera

10. if your hospital has internet access, and you have a laptop, AFTER baby's born, have hubby bring it in for a day, take pics w/ digital cam, DL them on laptop and send to friends and family--then have him take it back home so you don't have to worry about it getting stole while you're sleeping

11. brush/toiletries/makeup/hairdryer, ect...razor and shaving cream--you'll want to take a shower/bath as soon as you feel better!

12. robe

13. If you wear contacts--don't fail to pack your glasses and a contact case and solution--but one little thing I found out very recently (last night actually) is that they have needles w/ saline solution in them..so good to know in case you forget the stuff!! (Like I did!)

14. You really might want an extra pillow if your labor is long or you're going in early/pre-term b/c those labor and delivery beds are VERY uncomfortable--they aren't like the bed you get after you have baby, they have this big hump in the middle so they can take half the bed off...and that thing makes it terribly hard to sleep.

And that's pretty much it, unless I've forgot something.

Remember, the key is, DON'T over do it, you won't use HALF the stuff all the magazines tell you to pack, and you'll only wish you had packed lighter when it's time to go. And if that doesn't get your attention, think about when you get home--you'll be so tired and ready to get started on your new life w/ baby, the last thing you'll want to do is unpack a crapload of stuff you didn't hardly use for 2 or 3 days tops (given no complications), and have to wash and put it all away. Just get the essentials and let the hospital take care of the rest.

One very last piece of advice (probably the MOST important): ladies, while you're in the hospital, GET SOME REST! You won't get to take those nurses home w/ you and you'll wish you could! Take advantage of the help, it doesn't last long and once you go home, it's ALL on you! So rest up and let the nurses take care of baby as much as possible--I wish I'd done this w/ my 1st, but I've learned by now!

GOOD LUCK! :)