Comment from mandy
Time: August 29, 2008, 9:27 am

Bring your 6 mo. size maternity pants. Any special outfit for the baby..there will be a photographer. I don’t like their pics, but some do. Bring any special snacks for you. Some hospitals let you order meals for your coach, some don’t. Bring enough stuff to get you home from the hospital (long drive?)w/ the baby. diapers, wipes, paci, blankie, pads, carseat. If you forget your carseat, they will loan you one, but what a pain to return it.

Whatever you do, don’t bring your modesty. It all goes out the door when you have 10 medical students walk in & watch w/ grim faces.

Comment from Brittany
Time: August 29, 2008, 9:39 am

Digital camera you’ll want tons of pics. Definitely snacks. Mama will be starving long before meal time. Old panties. I personally like the little mesh things they give you but some people don’t. You don’t want anything nice because it will get ruined. Comfy pj’s or gown. I HATED the hospital gown. Boppy pillow especially if breastfeeding. otherwise it’s handy if Mom’s tummy is sore. Also be prepared for a c- section. I thought it would never happen to me and low and behold. I’ve had two (they’re awesome by the way). A birth plan if you want certain things.

Comment from Vanderbilt Wife
Time: August 29, 2008, 10:04 am

Here’s my post: http://vanderbiltwife.blogspot.com/2008/08/hospital-bag.html

I have as many questions as answers. Sorry!!

Comment from Leigh
Time: August 29, 2008, 10:09 am

hairspray and LIPSTICK!!!!!!!!!

Comment from Brandy T.
Time: August 29, 2008, 10:33 am

Things I LOVED having in the hospital:
1. pretty nursing gown and matching house coat to wear after baby is born and she’s all cleaned up. (Do not get pants - get a gown - and the housecoat is important when visitors come)
2. Mint flavored lip gloss from Bath & Body works. This SAVED MY LIFE! ok… not really… but it saved my sanity. When she’s in the midst of contractions and she’s feeling all sweaty and nasty, minty lip gloss will make her feel refreshed - like she just brushed her teeth or something. Not to mention, she can slap some on right after the baby is born and all those cameras are snapping away.
3. Lotion - this is where you come in, AB - massage, massage, massage - hands, feet, legs, arms, neck, shoulders, lower back, butt (I’m not kidding) - use that lotion and get to it! She will be forever grateful.
4. Boppy pillow.
5. A cute, soft, comfortable outfit for the baby. I got a pants, onsie, sweater, hat outfit so that I could easily adjust her outfit for the temperature.
6. cute, comfortable maternity outfit (or the equivalent in sweat pants) to wear home.
7. extra batteries for EVERY camera.
8. toiletries bag and make up - though if she forgets toothbrush, razor, etc. the hospital has some.
9. Seasons of Friends - seriously, in a 36 hour labor, we watched two seasons.

Things NOT to bring:
1. After-delivery underwear. Because I guarantee, any underwear she puts on will be thrown away after she’s worn them. Trust me on this. But the hospital has some really awesome (though totally ugly) one-size fits all miracle undies that are AMAZINGLY comfortable - and disposable.
2. Diapers, wipes, “necessary” baby stuff. My hospital gave me all this stuff. They told me that any pack of diapers (suction thingy, eye droppers, etc.) that they open for us cannot be used on another baby, so we were instructed to take it all home.
3. Pads. Hospital pads have come a long way, and I’m telling you right now that anything you buy in the store will not be big enough or absorbent enough for what she will need.
4. Reading material (for her). Trying to focus, even on a magazine article, will be difficult.

I WAY over packed for my trip to the hospital. And it was a REAL pain trying to get bags, balloons, presents, and baby into the car with a sore youknowwhat. Keep it simple.

Comment from Kelli
Time: August 29, 2008, 10:46 am

Must Brings:
-ipod docking station or something similar (the soothing music helped relax me)
-prayer verses that I put on the wall to focus on when I was pushing, when I got scared or nervous and when contractions were uncomfortable
-pillow with a soft pillow case from home
-a NEWBORN outfit for the baby (0-3 month outfits seemed to all be too big)
-comfy sweat maternity suit type outfit to wear home (I wanted to cry when I realized I still looked pregnant, but tell roomie it gets MUCH BETTER!)
-sock monkey slippers (because they are fun LOL)
-snacks for you and make sure you dress COMFY and have a sweater (my husband got cold because I wanted the room so cool)
-boppy
-waterproof mascara (for BOTH of you) and chapstick

Comment from Leigh
Time: August 29, 2008, 10:48 am

I have samples Got to have the right shade:)

Comment from Jennifer M.
Time: August 29, 2008, 11:08 am

I’ll sit down and make a better list later, but just off the top of my head….
1. A really comfy nursing bra. I got a FANTASIC one at Target… I’ll pull it out and look at the name if Roomie is interested. **Actually, bring a few bras… I was so engorged right after Chandler was born. My milk came in REALLY quickly and she was jaundice so she was super sleepy and didn’t eat very well. I soaked through a few bras during our hospital stay.

2. Other people mentioned this so I will too… hospital panties. I LOVED them. They are hideous, but you don’t have to worry about ruining your own…. and they are fairly comfortable.

3. I brought pads to the hospital, but I found that they weren’t as absorbent as the ones the hospital provided. I ended up using the ones they gave me.

4. Outfit for the little guy. Maybe more than one… he may have an accident and you will want a back up.

5. Comfy maternity outfit for the trip home.

6. CARSEAT! I’m so excited that another baby will take a trip home in that blue and green seat!!!

7. Something to kill a little time… a book, cards, a movie, a magazine. You never know how long it may take for the pushing to begin.

8. Makeup, a hair brush… you know Amy Beth, the necessities. I shouldn’t even have to mention them!!

That’s all I got for now.

Comment from WayMoreHomemade (Donna)
Time: August 29, 2008, 11:17 am

Will roomie read this? because I have something I want to tell you that she won’t read.

email me if you want … aggiedc95 at yahoo.com

1. pretty pajamas. I saw someone above say no pants, just gown… I disagree. I had pants for both of mine and preferred it that way.

2. gowns for baby. The hospital usually provides a t-shirt of something for them, but I always have brought my own cute gowns. The nurses always know which baby is mine. AND he’s got to look cute for all the pictures. Besides, it’s much more pleasant to wake up to a cutely dressed baby in a gown in the middle of the night. JMHO.

3. You never know how long you’ll be there either before, or after (if she ends up with a c/s). SO, a good book, laptop, or movies.

Comment from Rachel
Time: August 29, 2008, 11:23 am

With Baby #2 we went to the hospital 5 weeks early and totally expected to be sent home. Because of this my husband wore a tank top and short. Needless to say my daughter was born about 12 hours later and my husband was FREEZING because I wanted the room to be Arctic temperatures! So our advice for you AB would be to make sure you dress in layers. The nurses do not look at you kindly when you go ask for a blanket for yourself.

Aside from that I can just say, “Here, here!” to all of the above. (Oh, and by the way, did you catch the 5 weeks early I mentioned in the opening sentence? You may be way early in your packing, but on the other had you may be just in time!)

Comment from Brandy T
Time: August 29, 2008, 11:33 am

Thought of a couple more things:

-bedroom slippers for walking around
-socks (some super deluxe fuzzy ones are nice)
-In addition to nursing bra above, take a nursing sleep-bra. I got mine at Motherhood Maternity and actually wore it all the way through labor ’cause it was SO comfortable, and when she’s all engorged, it’s not too pleasant having those things floppin’ all over the place at night.

Comment from Christine
Time: August 29, 2008, 12:57 pm

I waaaaaay overpacked for baby #1. We looked like we were moving into the hospital for a 3 month stay, I had so much cr*p with me! As it happened, I had an uneventful delivery and could not get out of there fast enough! Didn’t use 3/4 of the stuff we’d brought! We pared down considerably for the second kid and did much better!

Definitely bring -
-Your own pillows - Roomie will be happy to have her own and AB, you won’t have one at all if you don’t bring one!
-Socks/slippers, especially helpful during delivery b/c when your feet are over your heart for any length of time, they get very cold and that can be very distracting!
-Lip balm is good…all that heavy breathing makes for some seriously dry lips
-Favorite shower gel/toiletries - that post delivery shower is the most awesome shower you will ever take in your life!
-Nursing pads if you’re nursing, in addition to the nursing bra.
-Aquaphor ointment for baby’s butt. Put this on with the very first diaper and keep it on while you’re in the hospital. It will act as a sort of non-stick spray for when that first poopy diaper happens. The first few baby bowel movements are different than what will come later. They’re very sticky and a challenge to get cleaned up. Putting that ointment on his little bum will make them easier to clean up.
-Bottled water and snacks, especially if you deliver at 3 in the morning, like when the cafeteria is closed.

Comment from Irish Coffeehouse
Time: August 29, 2008, 1:06 pm

He, he… well if you suddenly wake up and contractions are less than three minutes apart an ambulance is needed. And whatever is in the suitcase, I can assure you is forgotten because you won’t remember the suitcase! lol

My labors are insanely fast, so don’t always go by the rule of thumb about the first one being soooo long.

I also had pants the second time around and enjoyed them more than gowns because of modesty while laying in bed.

I agree with everything so far but would consider adding:
bubble gum (incase you wake up and haven’t brushed your teeth lol)
and preparation H pads or any type of soothing pad- only to be used if approved by the nurse and/or doctor. They were so comfy feeling after delivery incase of an episiotimy or tearing.

If nursing, bring nursing cream. Cracking and soreness is to be expected.

And plan in advance now a few things:
As labor progresses who is and is not allowed to be in the room*
When Roomie is getting cranky and just not in the mood, who then should leave to not return until everything is completely done and taken care of*
Now is also a good time to approach the topic of how and when to inform the father*

*Note: Be prepared for these decisions to change and/or for Roomie to repeatedly change her mind as labor progresses.

Comment from halfmoon girl
Time: August 29, 2008, 1:17 pm

Ok, I am pretty low maintenance. other than an audience of 10 family and friends, I didn’t bring much with me as my goal was to escape from the hospital as quickly as possible- only because I have 2 nurses in the family, plus a midwife who would be a phone call away if I needed anything. I am going to post about something that I would not do labour without. I will come back and let you know when I have done it.

Comment from halfmoon girl
Time: August 29, 2008, 1:40 pm

http://shorestories.blogspot.com/2008/08/fetus-friday-hospital-bag-items.html

There’s my post. Let me know if you need more info.

Jane

Comment from Lauren
Time: August 29, 2008, 2:27 pm

I am not sure if someone has already said this, but make sure you bring diapers, wipes etc… because I have heard that most hospitals charge out the wahzoo for that kind of stuff if you get it from them.

Comment from Shelly
Time: August 29, 2008, 3:40 pm

I think most things have been covered so far. I agree that packing now is not too early. To settle the gown/pants dilimma, I would suggest whichever she is normally most comfortable wearing at home.

Two small things that were major with me since I had a C-section–Facial wipes & a ponytail holder or headband. I didn’t realize I would have a hard time taking a shower–the shower in my room must have been built for someone who wasn’t taller than 4′! Also, it was easier to use the facial wipes than to bend over a sink to wash my face.

Lauren mentioned bringing your own baby stuff since the hospital charges for that stuff. If the nurses end up opening them without your knowledge, its pretty much too late anyway. One thing I was pretty fanatic about was that I was not going to introduce a pacifier at the very beginning. One night when the nurses took him to the nursery, they used a pacifier, so you should know going in that you may not have control over something like that.

I’m new to your blog, so if someone has already mentioned this, I apologize for any duplication, but something I wish someone had told me: Babies DO NOT just sleep, eat & p**p!!!!! Some don’t sleep much at all. Some eat WAY more than others. Also, don’t judge the baby’s temperament by the first two weeks. You are ALL getting accustomed to life together.

Comment from Jennifer
Time: August 29, 2008, 3:43 pm

Well, I was going to make a list, but the lists already here pretty much have it all! I will add—–snacks! For you and Roomie! Hospital food is, well, hospital food. So, snacks! That or lots of quarters for the vending machines!

Comment from debbie d.
Time: August 29, 2008, 4:02 pm

I don’t have a lick of hospital planning information…but I say, with less than two months away…get the “what to do with the puppy wuppies when we head to the hospital” plan in place now.

Comment from Cindy
Time: August 29, 2008, 5:17 pm

Your phone so you can text me. (like I NEED to tell you to bring that appendage!)

Your own pillows
Slippers
FOOD
chapstick
Some room in your heart to keep it from BURSTING.
camera, cords, etc.

Comment from Bethany
Time: August 29, 2008, 5:22 pm

Here’s my post: http://beyondthismoment.blogspot.com/2008/08/fetus-friday-its-momma-time.html

And here’s my packing up advice:
*First, I want to re-emphasize the camera, batteries, toiletries, reading material (after labor I was bored SILLY), music, pillows and snacks for both you and Roomie that were already suggested. And don’t forget the car seat! =)

*As for the nightgown/PJs - PJs might be more comfortable, but I had a few exams to check tearing/episiotomy and bleeding while I was still in the hospital. Pulling pj pants down for those exams may be more effort than roomie wants to put in.

*For Baby’s outfit - they tend to need one layer more than you or I would wear so plan accordingly for the day you take him home. I also brought onesies for my babies to wear in the hospital. Bring a blanket too, to cover him up in the car seat.

*For Roomie’s outfit home - avoid jeans or slacks (even maternity jeans or slacks) like the plague. They just aren’t comfortable to pull on and the pressure in the nether regions when sitting just isn’t fun. Loose-fitting knit or sweat pants, or even a skirt, are better bets.

Truthfully, the less you bring the better off you will be and the less you will have to carry out along with baby, balloons, flowers, gifts, carseat, etc.

Comment from Xandra@heart-of-service
Time: August 29, 2008, 6:22 pm

This may sound a little strange, but bring your own towel. Buy one in a dark color for this trip…splurge a little and get a nice, thick soft one. The towels at both hospitals where I gave birth were roughly the size of dinner napkins, and not nearly big or absorbent enough to dry me off after I was able to shower.

I mention buying a dark color so that you don’t ruin a nice towel with stains from the post-birth–ahem–fliuds.

Xandra

Comment from Shelly W.
Time: August 29, 2008, 8:29 pm

All of the above is helpful, but you have to sift through and think about what works for YOU. I agree with Bethany who said the less you bring the better–you’ll find you won’t need half of what you bring.

The one thing I would make sure to pack would be a soft, fluffy robe. My last baby (10 years ago–yikes!) was born with a few complications, so she had to be in the NICU for a week. I cannot tell you how many times I had to trek down the hall to see her. Plus, we attend a big church with a large pastoral staff–almost all of the pastors came to visit me (long story) and I would have DIED of embarrassment without my robe. (Well, O.K., I almost did die of embarrassment, but it would have been worse without a robe.)

Comment from Kelly @ Love Well
Time: August 30, 2008, 12:10 am

I agree with a few of the others. Sort through these fabulous suggestions and see what’s important to you. Example: I’d leave my pillow at home, because there’s little to no sleeping in a hospital anyway. (They have to come in every 2-4 hours even in the middle of the night to do temp checks, blood pressure, etc.)

But overall, less is more. You won’t be there that long, anyway, and if you’ve forgotten something urgent, you (AB - not Roomie) can always run out after the baby is born and retrieve it.

Comment from Calista
Time: August 30, 2008, 1:08 am

I would make sure to bring a couple of outfits for little man, becuase they spray everything as soon as you take their little clothes off for the first couple of weeks. I took a fave blanket to lay them on for their pics as well, it’s better than the yucky backdrops some hospitals have, and we know it’s all about the pics…LOL I think some verses to put on the opposite wall for roomie to focus on when when she is not doing so well. And remember AB, sometimes Mommas say some not so, Ahem, kind things when in the throws of child birth. You guys will be fine….

Comment from Sherilyn
Time: August 31, 2008, 6:10 pm

Since we have already discussed the clothes Mummy will be wearing post-baby from the hospital, I’ll skip that part. For my hospital stay I followed the list & OVERPACKED! All I really used while there was my chapstick (all that heavy breathing gets your lips a bit dry), camera, & a good book to read. Honestly, other than that, you’ll be sleeping, nursing, or changing diapers.

Comment from Missy @ It’s Almost Naptime
Time: September 1, 2008, 1:28 pm

Be sure to bring his baby book into the delivery room so that you can put his little footprints directly in the book. Also friends who visit can sign the guest page.

Anything else you forget, you can run home and get for her.

And right before she goes to the hospital - tell her to take the longest hottest shower of her life - it will be a while before she gets another. Birthing is nasty nasty business but they won’t let her shower for 24 hours after delivery (because she can - and probably will - pass out if she tries to stand for that long). I always gave myself a sponge bath asap.

Another thing Amy Beth - tell friends not to visit until you give them the go-ahead. Her birth might be hard and if so, the last thing she will need is a string of nonstop visitors. No surprise visits until given permission.

Comment from Kara
Time: September 26, 2008, 3:17 pm

I’m a little late in reading this since I am new to the blog, so…
My 1st baby I packed WAY TOO MUCH. When the 2nd two came (twins) I packed lighter and it was much easier…all I really needed was…MY pillow, chap stick, clothes to come home in, toiletries for a shower, a separate bag for the baby with an outfit, little blanket, and pacifier if you are going to use one. The hospital will give you all the diapers, wipes, and little stuff they use. I took pajamas, but never wore them. The doctors and nurses are constantly coming in to check on you even the next day and they were a pain. I did like my robe for when I took little walks…don’t want your booty showing with those pretty hospital gowns! Snacks are always good! And of course the camera! Some hospitals even have Wi-Fi so you can take the laptop…

My favorite item was a journal book….the first page had all the friends and family I wanted somebody to contact after the baby finally arrived! I kept track of my contractions before I went to the hospital in the book. I also had my mom write down different key events as they happened during labor & delivery. It was helpful because everything becomes a blur pretty quick! After the baby arrived I loved having my journal handy to write down when friends & family came and if they brought gifts. I also used it to chart when the baby ate, pooped, peed…all of that! It is nice to have it all in one place to go back to later!