I never thought you really needed much to have a baby. Got your vagina right? Packed!
However, if you're having a hospital birth(and aren't squatting against a tree), there are a few things that would make your stay a little more pleasant. Here's the list I came up with based off of some girlfriends tips, feel free to let me know what you took, or are taking. I could use all the help I can get!!
For You:
Pillow: Hospital pillows are about the thickness of a communion wafer – maybe it's so you can't smother someone with them to get your inheritance early, dunno – so it's always nice to have a pillow from home. Not only is more comfortable, but your pillow kind of smells like your bed and that's always comforting.
Flip flops: There's a good chance you will need to walk around at some point so a lot of women take slippers. A friend of mine told me to take flip flops because you can wear them in the shower and I will be forever if the shower in the hospital looked liked a scene out of Seven. I've heard feet may also swell beyond the width of a slipper, so the flip flops would accommodate the charming loaves of baked bread formerly known as feet.
Socks
Sports bra or Nursing Bra: You may or may not need this one but it's nice to have if you want to contain the post birth boobs.d
PJs and robe:There's only so long you can walk around in one of those shear sheets with your ass hanging out before you lose your mind.
Underwear: Bring something ratty that can be thrown out or burned later. You will have to wear some kind of maxi pads to deal with lochia (a lovely term, can't wait to experience this.) so this isn't the time to pack a thong. Maternity underwear is probably your best bet to guarantee a comfy fit.
Maxi Pads: Most hospitals will supply you with maxi pads to deal with the post birth bleeding, but I suspect they are shipped by the crate with ACME printed on the side. They are usually thick and kind of diaper'ish so it's nice to have something that has wings, propellers and whatever other cutting edge technology maxi pads keep coming up with. That said, hospital pads are free so load up on the thunder pads if they don't bother you.
Nursing pads: This was originally on the "Don't Bother" list, but many women in the comments said that they did need them so tuck a few in your bag. They don't take up much space and you can always use them as coasters if you don't end up using them.
Towel: You can never go wrong with a towel – they are the multi-tools of a hospital stay. Use it to sit on if you're in labour on the way to the hospital to spare your seats if your water breaks (a bit). Take it in the shower with your during your stay. Cover anything gross that you may need to lie on like a questionable pillow or couch arm. It's always a good go to item to always have on hand.
Trash bag: Don't take this to the hospital but leave it in your car to sit on if your water breaks before or on the way to the hospital. Saves on detailing and isn't a bad thing to have in your glove box anyway.
Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, brush, contact lens solution and case, glasses, chapstick, hairband or hair tie, hand sanitizer, or anything else your would take to stay over night somewhere. There are some gross moments that sometimes comes with birth so don't add chapped lips to them.
Lanolin or nipple cream: If you're planning to breastfeed, take this along just in case the road is a little rocky.
Makeup: You can also add makeup to the list if that's important to you for photo ops. I'm sure ill look like death, but a little makeup may help that "hot puffy straight out of hell" look.
Gum and Gatorade: I don't know what kind of desert air they pump through a hospital, but it's dry. My hat goes off to you if you work in one because I don't know how you don't look like a raisinette. I ate ice chips by the metric ton when I was in labour but the odd stick of gum and sip of gatorade really hit the spot when I wasn't allowed to eat. Gum is also good for your spouse who may have been drinking a gallon of coffee just before getting up in your face to say your doing a great job and to practice breathing exercises. Feelings may get hurt if you scream, "your breath smells like the ass of alley cat" in the heat of the moment. Take gum.
Snacks: If you are in labour there is a good chance you will not be allowed to eat in case you need to have surgery quickly, however, if you've been given the green light to nibble have a little something delicious on hand so you're not stuck with hospital apple sauce at 3am.
Trashy magazines: Especially if you're being induced, there is often a lot of hurry up and wait time. Take something light so you don't have to think too much and you can just thumb through. When it's time to go home, try to leave them as well. It's doubtful you'll want to read them at home and the nurses or other patients may enjoy reading them too.
I.D. and Insurance: "I'm sorry, you want to know who I am and who to charge for this birth?!"
Tech stuff: If you're like me, you'll need to take your cell phone (even if you're not allowed to use it) to get everyone's number if you want to make a call. You can also play games and surf the web if you're in a bit of a labour limbo. Take your charger too. Ipad, computer, cameras, etc.
Pen and phone numbers: Pens are always scarce and you, or your partner, are going to need to fill out forms. Phone numbers are good to take so you can keep playing Angry Birds while your husband goes off to call your hysterical Mother to say, "the baby still isn't here yet."
Birth Plan: I've talked about birth plans and how my plan was "to have a baby", but it's never a bad idea to have a general plan of what you'd like to do (or not do) so everyone is singing off the same song sheet.
Camera: Someone, at some point, will want to see a photo of this kid so here's a good chance to capture a couple.
Going home outfit: Let me be really straight here, you ain't leaving the hospital wearing pre-baby clothes so don't bother packing them. Pack something clean and comfortable and that's it. Maxi dress. Yoga pants and a t-shirt...even a Nun halloween costume. Doesn't matter, just make sure it's comfy.
For Baby:
Diapers: Most hospitals will give you a few but it's a good idea to bring your own whether you're going to use cloth or disposable.
Wipes: Again, hospitals may or may not supply you with wipes so it's a good idea to have them on hand.
Soothers: Soothers are awesome and I will fight that fact to the death. Take a few different kinds with you to see what fits the bill,
Scratch mittens: Newborns have wafer thin nails so wait until you're a little "with it" before you trim their nails (whether with trimmers or by biting them) as there isn't a huge difference between the feeling of their nails and the feeling of their skin. There are plenty of things to feel guilty about with being a mother so let's not add removing the tip of a finger to the list in the first few days.
Hat: The hospital will often give you a hat, but take a little one just in case.
Receiving blanket: Like a towel, receiving blankets can be used for a variety of things. Wrapping a baby up. Used as a nursing cover if you're not feeling comfortable with putting on a boob show yet. Wiping little mouths, hands, feet. As a car seat cover to block the sun when you leave the hospital. You can't go wrong. I recommend a cheap thin one as they seem to be the most versitile in the beginning.
Going home outfit: I think some people go all nuts with this and dress them like they are greeting the queen. If you aren't sentimental about this, take a onesie or sleeper to take them home in.
Baby book: If you have a baby keepsake book and a kind nurse that has time to help you out, you may be able to score some footprints from a seasoned pro that can get a good impression for you.
Nursing pillow: I wasn't going to add this to the list because you don't want to rent a uhaul to take all your crap to the hospital, but a lot of women listed this as an essential. Breastfeeding can be really tricky for some people so every little bit helps. Even if you don't want to take it in for the initial check in, you can put it in the car and send someone down for it if you want to use it.
Car seat: I don't think there is any hospital out there that will let you leave the hospital without a car seat (I guess if you're taking the bus home it's another story). So leave it in the car and bring it up as you're packing up to leave.
For Your Spouse:
Toothbrush, deodorant and underwear: My friend thought she was going into labour and called her husband at home and told him to pack a bag and meet her at the hospital. It was a false alarm but when he got there he had packed a tee-shirt, football jersey, some toothpaste (no toothbrush) and a pair of her socks. I shit you not. More than likely your spouse will be able to leave and take care of himself (or herself) but if never hurts to take some emergency essentials just in case they unhinged in the flury of birth.
What not to take:
Jewelry: You will need to take it off and leave it unattended. Leave it at home.
Baby nail clippers: Manis and pedis along with hair brushing, bathing, etc. can wait for home so don't bother bringing those things along.
Lastly, it's always a nice gesture to leave a "thank you" for the hospital staff.
Nurses in particular do a lot of gross shit for you while you're in there so, even if it's small, it's nice to say, "thank you for holding a bed pan while I vomit. I really appreciated that."
Hope the list helps and let me know what I forgot.
However, if you're having a hospital birth(and aren't squatting against a tree), there are a few things that would make your stay a little more pleasant. Here's the list I came up with based off of some girlfriends tips, feel free to let me know what you took, or are taking. I could use all the help I can get!!
For You:
Pillow: Hospital pillows are about the thickness of a communion wafer – maybe it's so you can't smother someone with them to get your inheritance early, dunno – so it's always nice to have a pillow from home. Not only is more comfortable, but your pillow kind of smells like your bed and that's always comforting.
Flip flops: There's a good chance you will need to walk around at some point so a lot of women take slippers. A friend of mine told me to take flip flops because you can wear them in the shower and I will be forever if the shower in the hospital looked liked a scene out of Seven. I've heard feet may also swell beyond the width of a slipper, so the flip flops would accommodate the charming loaves of baked bread formerly known as feet.
Socks
Sports bra or Nursing Bra: You may or may not need this one but it's nice to have if you want to contain the post birth boobs.d
PJs and robe:There's only so long you can walk around in one of those shear sheets with your ass hanging out before you lose your mind.
Underwear: Bring something ratty that can be thrown out or burned later. You will have to wear some kind of maxi pads to deal with lochia (a lovely term, can't wait to experience this.) so this isn't the time to pack a thong. Maternity underwear is probably your best bet to guarantee a comfy fit.
Maxi Pads: Most hospitals will supply you with maxi pads to deal with the post birth bleeding, but I suspect they are shipped by the crate with ACME printed on the side. They are usually thick and kind of diaper'ish so it's nice to have something that has wings, propellers and whatever other cutting edge technology maxi pads keep coming up with. That said, hospital pads are free so load up on the thunder pads if they don't bother you.
Nursing pads: This was originally on the "Don't Bother" list, but many women in the comments said that they did need them so tuck a few in your bag. They don't take up much space and you can always use them as coasters if you don't end up using them.
Towel: You can never go wrong with a towel – they are the multi-tools of a hospital stay. Use it to sit on if you're in labour on the way to the hospital to spare your seats if your water breaks (a bit). Take it in the shower with your during your stay. Cover anything gross that you may need to lie on like a questionable pillow or couch arm. It's always a good go to item to always have on hand.
Trash bag: Don't take this to the hospital but leave it in your car to sit on if your water breaks before or on the way to the hospital. Saves on detailing and isn't a bad thing to have in your glove box anyway.
Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, brush, contact lens solution and case, glasses, chapstick, hairband or hair tie, hand sanitizer, or anything else your would take to stay over night somewhere. There are some gross moments that sometimes comes with birth so don't add chapped lips to them.
Lanolin or nipple cream: If you're planning to breastfeed, take this along just in case the road is a little rocky.
Makeup: You can also add makeup to the list if that's important to you for photo ops. I'm sure ill look like death, but a little makeup may help that "hot puffy straight out of hell" look.
Gum and Gatorade: I don't know what kind of desert air they pump through a hospital, but it's dry. My hat goes off to you if you work in one because I don't know how you don't look like a raisinette. I ate ice chips by the metric ton when I was in labour but the odd stick of gum and sip of gatorade really hit the spot when I wasn't allowed to eat. Gum is also good for your spouse who may have been drinking a gallon of coffee just before getting up in your face to say your doing a great job and to practice breathing exercises. Feelings may get hurt if you scream, "your breath smells like the ass of alley cat" in the heat of the moment. Take gum.
Snacks: If you are in labour there is a good chance you will not be allowed to eat in case you need to have surgery quickly, however, if you've been given the green light to nibble have a little something delicious on hand so you're not stuck with hospital apple sauce at 3am.
Trashy magazines: Especially if you're being induced, there is often a lot of hurry up and wait time. Take something light so you don't have to think too much and you can just thumb through. When it's time to go home, try to leave them as well. It's doubtful you'll want to read them at home and the nurses or other patients may enjoy reading them too.
I.D. and Insurance: "I'm sorry, you want to know who I am and who to charge for this birth?!"
Tech stuff: If you're like me, you'll need to take your cell phone (even if you're not allowed to use it) to get everyone's number if you want to make a call. You can also play games and surf the web if you're in a bit of a labour limbo. Take your charger too. Ipad, computer, cameras, etc.
Pen and phone numbers: Pens are always scarce and you, or your partner, are going to need to fill out forms. Phone numbers are good to take so you can keep playing Angry Birds while your husband goes off to call your hysterical Mother to say, "the baby still isn't here yet."
Birth Plan: I've talked about birth plans and how my plan was "to have a baby", but it's never a bad idea to have a general plan of what you'd like to do (or not do) so everyone is singing off the same song sheet.
Camera: Someone, at some point, will want to see a photo of this kid so here's a good chance to capture a couple.
Going home outfit: Let me be really straight here, you ain't leaving the hospital wearing pre-baby clothes so don't bother packing them. Pack something clean and comfortable and that's it. Maxi dress. Yoga pants and a t-shirt...even a Nun halloween costume. Doesn't matter, just make sure it's comfy.
For Baby:
Diapers: Most hospitals will give you a few but it's a good idea to bring your own whether you're going to use cloth or disposable.
Wipes: Again, hospitals may or may not supply you with wipes so it's a good idea to have them on hand.
Soothers: Soothers are awesome and I will fight that fact to the death. Take a few different kinds with you to see what fits the bill,
Scratch mittens: Newborns have wafer thin nails so wait until you're a little "with it" before you trim their nails (whether with trimmers or by biting them) as there isn't a huge difference between the feeling of their nails and the feeling of their skin. There are plenty of things to feel guilty about with being a mother so let's not add removing the tip of a finger to the list in the first few days.
Hat: The hospital will often give you a hat, but take a little one just in case.
Receiving blanket: Like a towel, receiving blankets can be used for a variety of things. Wrapping a baby up. Used as a nursing cover if you're not feeling comfortable with putting on a boob show yet. Wiping little mouths, hands, feet. As a car seat cover to block the sun when you leave the hospital. You can't go wrong. I recommend a cheap thin one as they seem to be the most versitile in the beginning.
Going home outfit: I think some people go all nuts with this and dress them like they are greeting the queen. If you aren't sentimental about this, take a onesie or sleeper to take them home in.
Baby book: If you have a baby keepsake book and a kind nurse that has time to help you out, you may be able to score some footprints from a seasoned pro that can get a good impression for you.
Nursing pillow: I wasn't going to add this to the list because you don't want to rent a uhaul to take all your crap to the hospital, but a lot of women listed this as an essential. Breastfeeding can be really tricky for some people so every little bit helps. Even if you don't want to take it in for the initial check in, you can put it in the car and send someone down for it if you want to use it.
Car seat: I don't think there is any hospital out there that will let you leave the hospital without a car seat (I guess if you're taking the bus home it's another story). So leave it in the car and bring it up as you're packing up to leave.
For Your Spouse:
Toothbrush, deodorant and underwear: My friend thought she was going into labour and called her husband at home and told him to pack a bag and meet her at the hospital. It was a false alarm but when he got there he had packed a tee-shirt, football jersey, some toothpaste (no toothbrush) and a pair of her socks. I shit you not. More than likely your spouse will be able to leave and take care of himself (or herself) but if never hurts to take some emergency essentials just in case they unhinged in the flury of birth.
What not to take:
Jewelry: You will need to take it off and leave it unattended. Leave it at home.
Baby nail clippers: Manis and pedis along with hair brushing, bathing, etc. can wait for home so don't bother bringing those things along.
Lastly, it's always a nice gesture to leave a "thank you" for the hospital staff.
Nurses in particular do a lot of gross shit for you while you're in there so, even if it's small, it's nice to say, "thank you for holding a bed pan while I vomit. I really appreciated that."
Hope the list helps and let me know what I forgot.
Good list Jaime! :) I don't know about the hospitals in Ohio but I found a lot of that unnecessary in Scottsdale (ie- towels, pads). Def bring the lanolin cream and something else you may want to add- the soothing nipple pads- I would put them in the fridge/freezer in your room and put on after your nurse. They were miracles to me.
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