First of all, I am not bringing much. I don’t want to be there long. We were there too long the first time with Pookie and Geetle, 5 days.
I found this list on the internet. I am sure they mean well, but I do not agree with all of it.
Suitcase
Leave in your car’s trunk during labor.
* Two to three bras with good support. If you plan to breastfeed, you will want to bring some nursing bras. ( I only have 2 maternity bras.)
* Two to three nightgowns with front openings for breastfeeding and lightweight robe. (I wear my PJs at home for a week before washing them. Why would I do different at the hospital?)
* Slippers with non-skid bottoms. Wear them a few times prior to break them in. (I agree with this one.)
* One or two pairs of underwear. The hospital provides a pair of disposable underwear, sanitary pads and breast pads. (Yep, good idea)
* Baby announcements. (You might have the time to fill these out while you are in the hospital, but why start stressing that soon. Take a nap instead.)
* Baby book (nursery will footprint baby if requested). (Again, too soon.)
* Cosmetics, deodorant and hair items. (yes)
* List of telephone numbers of friends and relatives. (I think you take 2 numbers, your mom and your MIL. Let them call the other people.)
* Toothpaste and toothbrush. (yes)
* Sleepwear, toiletries and clothing for partner if staying over in hospital. (yes)
* Loose and comfortable going home clothing for you and your baby. (yes)
Labor bag
Be sure to bring this bag into the hospital with you when coming to Labor and Delivery. It contains everything you will need for your labor.
* The full name and address of your baby’s doctor. (you should have called the Dr. before you left home.)
* Hair barrette (yes)
* Powder, cornstarch or body lotion (I guess this is for massage. Personally, I think I just want my hand held. I am not too big into massage.)
* Glasses or contact lenses (with solution and case) (yes)
* Lubricant for dry lips
* Warm cotton socks
* Mouthwash or breath spray (I think this would make me throw up)
* Watch with a second hand (don’t hospital rooms come with clocks?)
* Pen or pencil and note pad (for tic-tac-toe? I would use this to make BAGD sign all sorts of legally binding contracts in which he agreed to give me special privileges and rewards once I got the baby out. A little something for all my hard work.)
* Telephone numbers
* Extra pillows (label with name) (This is funny, because I am pretty sure when the twins were born, they discharged me from the hospital with like 5 free pillows. Once you “birth” on them…I guess they are yours to keep.)
* Focal point, if desired (
* Small paper bag (I really have no idea what this is for? Vomit? Stashing keepsakes like your hospital bracelets? Puppet shows?)
* Childbirth handbook (I found that the best resource for childbrith is the nurses. They have seen it all and know what to tell you. Just listen to them.)
* Money for vending machines and telephone (Our hospital has a secret free snack room that they only show to the husbands of the women in labor…heehee.)
* Camera with extra film, fresh batteries and flash bulbs as needed (yes)
* Distraction material for early labor such as cards and books
* Tape player and music tapes for relaxation
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I took so little with us, I had to ring my mum post birth and ask her to bring stuff in!
I was planning a home birth… and didn’t pack a hospital bag (I did NOT want to go to the hospital), so when after 2 days of labour, the midwife said I should really go in, I was a tad unprepared!
But you sound all prepared, and know what you’ll really need when you’re there. That’s much better than taking every little thing in case you possibly need it (tweezers… we took tweezers with us the first time, I have no idea why!)
I will say it was nice to have a pro do the footprints in the baby book. They know how to contain the wigglers.
I THINK the paper bag is for if daddy hyperventilates. the hospital will likely have such items as a paper bag and a sedative handy for such situations.