So maybe this is a post that you'd be more likely to see on a mom blog, but these things have been on my mind and so you're seeing them here on Eat Drink Pretty. I hope you don't mind.I am 33 weeks pregnant. This pregnancy has been flying by. So fast. I heard that pregancy goes by slowly and that has not been true for me at all. Now watch I say that and the next 7ish weeks will drag by....I think it helps to keep busy (and I definitely have been with work, baby showers, getting the nursery ready, etc).
Lately I've been thinking about packing the hospital bag. A few mom friends/colleagues have said to be prepared and have your bag packed. A few of them have went into pre-term labor and ended up running around the house throwing items into a bag and not having the things they needed.
There are some great hospital bag check-lists out there and so obviously the items I have pictured above aren't comprehensive (I didn't include things like nipple cream, etc)...but if I have forgotten anything glaring, please comment and let me know. Or are there any unexpected items that wouldn't show up on a check-list that you would suggest I bring?
Here is a list of my must-have items so far:
1. Coming home outfit for Juliet: I found this sweet vintage rose one piece that I adore. I can't wait to see my baby girl in it! I'll bring an alternative option or two in case this one doesn't fit.
2. My iPhone: I don't leave the house without it so of course I'll be sure to have it with me in the hospital. I have started a labor/delivery playlist on my iTunes and also plan to bring speaker adapters.
3. Infant car seat: I received this Maxi Cosi car seat for a baby shower gift from my mother-in-law. Erik and I plan to install it in our car within the next week or so. Question for you mommas out there, I'm thinking about adding an infant insert for more support in the car seat. I've heard these are actually not supposed to be used because they take away from safety of the car seat. Is this true? This is the one I'm thinking of using.
4. Camera: I'll be sure to pack my Canon Rebel xsi. I have no clue if Erik will remember to take a single photo or if I'll remember to remind him to, but I really hope we are able to capture some great images of our sweet girl.
5. Diaper bag: I am in love with my Timi and Leslie Charlie bag. It was a gift from my family at my baby shower. It's HUGE and will fit everything I need (I think).
6. iPad: do I need this? I thought it might be nice to have to pass the time; watching movies, etc.
7. Chap stick: I've heard that hospitals are very dry and to not forget lots of chap stick. My fave is vanilla-flavored Soft Lips.
8. Video camera: I have a flip cam and I love it because it's small and super portable. Again, who knows if we'll remember to take video, but I hope so.
9. My favorite lotion: Bliss Sage Body Butter. I love the way it smells and it moisturizes well without being greasy.
10. Laptop: I'm thinking of bringing my MacBook Pro...but is this overkill on the technology? I thought perhaps I'd be ambitious and upload photos from my Canon...but maybe I won't even have time to think about doing this? I know I can always use my phone to text friends/family photos.
11: Boppy: when I visited my sister-in-law in the hospital when she had baby Chloe she had her boppy and seemed to use it a lot.
12: Breast pump: do I need to bring this to the hospital???
So what do you think? What am I missing? What am I planning on bringing that is completely ridiculous? I'd love your advice!
I have no clue about this subject, but maybe some snacks? Hospital food is gross.
ReplyDeleteKatie
I am not a mom so I can't comment on what all you need to bring to the hospital but I can't wait to meet Juliet!
ReplyDeleteLibby
I would say forget the breast pump, you can use the lactation consultants and nurse or if you want you can use the hospital pumps. I would also suggest packing some comfortable outfits for you after the delivery. You want something you loose and comfortable but something you can nurse in and feel up to seeing people. I would also pack a pair of slippers, the floors are yucky and are slippery in just socks
ReplyDeleteYou don't need the pump. I would definitely bring some snacks for after delivery and some for your husband during delivery. Bring a cute pair of comfortable pajamas and I brought my own pillow. Sleeping as much as you can before you go home was a priority.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't bother with both the iPad & the laptop unless you intend for one to be primarily for your husband's use. If they're both primarily for you, then one should be enough. I typed up my birth story while I was in the hospital, so I appreciated that my husband had brought his laptop, but your mileage may vary.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely add snacks. And cash and change for cafeteria and vending machine ease. I loved having my own PJs, plenty of ugly oversized underwear, my own pads (hospital ones suck), my own washcloth and towel (again, hospital ones sucked), and my own pillow (use a bright pillowcase to clearly mark it as yours). It looked like we were moving in, but I appreciated the creature comforts from home during my week-long stay.
Pack clothes for you! You don't need the pump. Be sure to bring snacks for the hubby. For some reason you leave the hospital with way more than you brought, so extra bags for lugging stuff can be helpful. This probably goes without saying, but don't forget the CHARGERS!! Dead phones and cameras would be a real buzz kill. I'm so excited for you. It is a pretty awesome club to join (the mom club...that is).
ReplyDeleteI think you can skip the ipad, especially if you have your phone and computer. If you have a typical delivery/stay I'm sure you won't need it! I also say forget the breast pump, if you need it you can use the hospital grade pump. I would also suggest some comfy pj's and a nice robe for you. Our son came unexpectedly 4 weeks early and I did not have anything packed either:/ We ended up staying in the hospital for a week so the pj's, slippers and robe were what I lived in!
ReplyDeleteRE: the car seat, I would not get an infant insert and I believe adding something that isn't a part of the seat will void the warranty should you have an accident, but don't quote me on that:) Our son was 5lbs the day we brought him home and while he might have looked too tiny, the car seat worked just fine.
You are patently ridiculous/retarded. How do you need that many electronic devices and/or cameras? It's birth.
ReplyDeleteIf you'd read the post without your jack-ass blinders on you might have noticed that while these are things she's likely to take, she also asked for suggestions about whether or not some of them were really necessary.
DeleteIn my opinion, every woman is different and giving birth is a huge deal - so whatever makes the mother feel better is okay. If that means she brings a bunch of electronics that she'll never use, then so be it.
Wow, rude and anonymous. Enough said. Jenna take whatever you think you'll need to be comfortable! There are always enough hands to pack it all away :)
DeleteI was told car seat inserts are bad! They are not tested with them, therefore they do not advise using them. I was happy I brought yoga pants, a robe, and socks! I would also bring baby wipes- some hospitals only have dry ones and those are not fun! I also brought several outfits for Sage, all were too big!
ReplyDeleteI would say definitely bring some nice pj's and slippers that you'll be comfortable in. I loved having comfy slippers to walk around in. Like the other ladies, I would skip bringing the pump, too. I also agree with Callon to bring baby wipes - I was so glad I did because the hospital does only have dry wash cloths, and wipes just feel cleaner. It's definitely nice to have some movies to watch, too. I'm so excited for you!
ReplyDeleteI say, bring whatever makes you feel comfortable. Every labor is different and you really don't know what kind you're going to have going into it. I've had friends who had zero time for anything other than doctors and nurses poking and prodding them. I know others who were in the hospital for 2 days waiting for their little bundle to show up, and I'm sure they would have really liked having an iPad to watch movies on!
ReplyDeleteYou can use two receiving blankets rolled up and tucked on either side of baby to offer more support without affecting safety - that's what we did! And my hubby appreciated the iPad - gave him something to do after I had my epi and we were just waiting for me to dilate... I slept!
ReplyDeleteAnd to the incredibly rude "Anonymous" comment, this is a special and exciting time for every mom, and to make an attack on such a sweet, first time mommy about anything is pretty rotten. Seriously, if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.
ReplyDeleteI love how prepared you are! So when I had my son 8 months ago we seriously packed a duffle bag and didn't even open it! You don't need things like nipple cream because they will have it there. You won't need a binki or diapers or wipes because they'll also have it there and will send you home with lots. I didn't need my diaper bag either. I didn't use my laptop but my husband did so you should be fine with the ipad I think. Take an extension cord that way if there aren't any outlets close to the bed you can charge your phone and still use it. Mine was going off constantly after I had my baby. I would take some pretty pajamas to wear or leave in. I would also take shampoo, conditioner and a razor. I showered the morning after and really wished I'd brought stuff to shave with! I discharged after 24 hours so it may be different if you stay the whole 48 but I was NEVER bored during that time. I was tired and busy loving on my baby :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much to all you sweet mommas for the great advice (and for sticking up for me to the meanie anonymous commenter).
ReplyDeleteYou could pack a second bag with some of the things you think would be nice for a longer stay and just leave it packed in a corner/your car until you need it. I like to be over prepared too so I understand!
DeleteHi Jenna!!
ReplyDeleteSkip the breast pump. If you need one, the hospital will provide one for you.
Here's what I found most useful during my 3 day stay (I had a section)
Yoga pants - you'll still look and feel 5 months pregnant, so comfort is key
Socks - to keep your feet warm!
Flip flops - to shower in
Travel size shower products - the hospital doesn't provide toiletries
Chargers - for your phone and camera
Spare change for the vending machines
Bibs, burp cloths, several outfit changes for baby (I packed a going home outfit in newborn and 0-3. Chloe was tiny, and needed the newborn size!)
Makeup (the vanity in me wanted to look nice in photos!)
I would bring a pack of Thank You cards!!!! You will get so many gifts from people and it's a lot easier to wirte them out at the hospital rather than at home with a newborn baby..
ReplyDeleteI also wrote a few Thank You notes to some of the nurses that helped deliver my children.
Michaela
Yes, skip the pump! They have one at the hospital if you absolutely need one! You also don't need the diaper bag for the baby. Just pack a couple of diapers and wipes in your bag. We also enjoyed playing scrabble with Henry, but that's on the ipad too!
ReplyDeleteHi Jenna!
ReplyDeleteHere are the things I found most useful, and I'm sorry if it duplicates what other people have said:
Bring PJ's! I wanted out of that nasty hospital gown as soon as I could. I had an emergency C section due to my little guy being breech... but planned on some comfy clothes for laboring in, and then other clothes for after. Socks & slippers are a must. I also brought a comfy outfit to wear home.
Shampoo, soap, face wash, makeup, brush.
I wouldn't bring the breast pump with you, but make sure you have one in case you have problems with your milk coming in. I had to use one at the hospital and the night we came home, but didn't have one yet, so we bought one at the hospital on our way out! BTW, I have the freestyle pump too and loved it.
BABY WIPES!!! The ones at the hospital are so awful. Sasha saved us by bringing some for us and it was the best thing ever.
Snacks- you might be hungry during labor and it's nice to have something right there, and for the rest of your stay too. Also, cash for the vending machines.
Do you have a carseat cover? You will want one along with a blanket to keep little Juliet warm when you take her home!
Good luck with everything! Looking forward to seeing pictures of the little one.
Jenna! So exciting! Yes, do bring your iphone, camera and video camera. We ended up getting video after our son was born and it makes me cry every time I see it. We completely forgot to take any photos during labor and that is completely fine. We used our real camera and our phones a ton. My guess is you probably won't have time to use your computer and iPad. We had a very long labor and still really didn't have the time for it, but since the iPad takes up very little space, why not just go for it?!
ReplyDeleteMust haves:
-healthy snacks
-socks or slippers that you are really comfortable with.
-your own pillow and small blanket (this was comforting to me after our baby was born)and a pillow for your hubby. The hospital guest beds/chairs are not that comfortable.
-diaper bag---some people said you don't need it and you probably don't, but we packed it for the baby, so everything baby needed was in there---outfits, receiving blankets, wipes etc... It just makes it easier to find things in your room after and since you love it, go for it!
-your favorite pajamas and a super comfy and soft sweater or sweatshirt for over your nursing tanks (if you have them)
-small gifts or cards for nurses. I wish I would've done this. Instead I sent something after to the five nurses who were INCREDIBLE during our super long labor and delivery. You will end up being so thankful for the nurses-they are amazing.
So excited to hear of Juliet's arrival in a few weeks! Thinking of you!
Great list! My suggestions-
ReplyDeleteALL THE CHARGERS!!!!! (laptop, cell phone, etc...) and a pre-made group email or text contact list was helpful to send out that initial announcement/picture to all our closest friends and family.
leave the diaper bag and infant insert at home. My hospital didn't let me leave with the insert (or the bundle me for that matter) due to safety. I added the bundle me when I got home as it was november in new england! You won't need the diaper bag. the hospital gives you a ton of diapers, wipes, etc... bring a couple home for the car ride and pack the going home outfit in your bag.
Also, most hospitals give you a little goodie bag. i took out anything unnecessary and stuffed it with the hospital goodies- the blankets, little t-shirts (kimono style, good for baby's healing belly button), mini pacifier and the nose aspirator (smaller than the one i had purchased at babies r us) were all favorites.
I would add your favorite shampoo and body wash. That first shower after delivery is DIVINE and the soaps that the hospital provides aren't great
Your own pillow (I used mine for delivery as well)
A comfy going home outfit, you will still be in your maternity clothes. I never used the robe, slippers, and outfits I brought to the hospital. There's alot of "stuff" still going on (fluids, etc...) and I was more than happy to mess up a hospital gown and give it back then to have to bring my nice things home in a laundry bag.
Best of luck! What an exciting time!
one more thing- a pack of jolly ranchers, the only thing i could have once the epidural was in!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea of what you should bring since I'm not a mom, but I think you should pack a bottle of bubbly so you and Erik can celebrate the arrival of Juliet with some champagne (do they even allow this in hospitals?!). It would be very EDP of you! :) XO
ReplyDeleteWell i'm from Australia so unsure how relevant my tips are. I stayed a week at a private hospital. I would say ipad could be good for some browsing. I am not sure how much laptop time you will have though? I say leave the laptop, spend the time just soaking up baby!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the snacks. My hospital food was yum, but no snacks and meals were at odd times so I did get hungry.
Comfy pj's, comfy underwear & maybe an easy dress to wear for visitors.
Ural (as in the stuff you drink when you have a UTI)- This was a tip from a midwife. If you have a V birth, drink some of this before your first loo trip. It takes the sting out. (Hope thats not TMI lol but I found it a GREAT tip)
I agree on bags to take stuff home with you.
Most of all, enjoy every moment! This is the most A-Mazing time of your life!
I would only bring the Ipad or the laptop. I wouldnt bring the breast pump. If you struggle, they will have hospital grade pumps there for you to use. Also? I hated the boppy for breastfeeding. Our carseat came withthe infant insert attached,you should probably research your specific model.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to pack the baby book so when the hospital does their hands and foot prints you can have them in her baby book.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all the wonderful suggestions and advice. I feel so lucky to have so many smart mommas as readers!
ReplyDeleteI always wear a nursing tank top under my clothes when I'm breast feeding. I have no qualms about folks seeing a glimpse of my chest, it's the stomach flab that I can't stand. Plus, they're really comfy for lounging. The ones at Target are my favorite: http://www.target.com/p/Gilligan-OMalley-Womens-Full-Sling-Nursing-Cami-Assorted-Colors/-/A-12857838
ReplyDeleteI haven't had any babies yet - but I photograph newborns in the mother/baby unit of our local hospital weekly so I see and hear a lot from mommies!
ReplyDeleteYou do not need the breast pump - you can use the hospitals!
I would say laptop or ipad.
comfy pjs/slippers/robe for you!
hair ties/elastic hairband thingys for you!
Snacks.
Those little baby mitts or extra baby socks to put over their hands. They can scratch their tiny faces to bits with a quickness!!
I packed all sorts of stuff, I ended up needed mainly rest. Skip the breast pump, I'd say. You'll be busy grinning ear to ear. Newborns sleep tons, enjoy it while it lasts. Walking is hwat will wear you out! :)
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS!
Congratulations! You will not need the breast pump, the nurses will teach you how to latch the baby on your breast, I would hold off on bringing you electronics you won't be there alone long enough to use them and things have a way of "going missing" in Hospitals. Bring a comfortable outfit for you, and old undies you don't mind ruining. People always forget to mention that you will have very heavy period like bleeding after giving birth so you don't want pretty underwear to get ruined. Lip balm is a must it gets very dry, and a baby outfit.
ReplyDeleteOh and flip flops! For the shower
ReplyDeleteI hated the boppy for feeding ,I found that a pillow seemed to work best for me.
ReplyDeletedef agree with most people on here on not bringing the pump, they give you the option to straight breast feed or they have these nifty little single serving bottled formulas that they give you...and FOOD!! omg, i think i died while i was in labor (they induced mine) but it took ALLLLLL DAYYYY long and by the time it was over i was STARVING, but exhausted. uhum, SOCKS (i got comfy non-slip fuzzy socks, they were AWESOME ((dollar tree))) chapstick is a deffff... and like colleen said...bring undies you can ruin... you bleed a lot.... mine was so bad after for the week or so i was bleeding i layed in bed at home in depends XD.. (hey they worked!!)
ReplyDeletehope any of this helps XD and Congrats!!
Extra pillows! The hospital pillows are flat and not too comfy (at least where I delivered) and extra pillows were key to getting comfy. We brought a few for me and one for my husband too. Best of luck and congrats!!
ReplyDelete