When packing my hospital bag before Christian was born, I had a feeling that I was overpacking, but at the same time, felt more comfortable being overpacked instead of under packed.
Now that I've lived through the hospital and birth experience, here is what I would change to my
original list!
I've crossed out the items I didn't need or use and included explanations.
For Me
1. Labor outfit - Black skirt, black tank top and black sports bra (I'm going to wear this instead of the hospital gown...unless I change my mind)
I ended up wearing the hospital gown! Once I was there and was being induced, I just decided the hospital gown was easiest and actually pretty comfortable. The nurses actually recommended I just free boob it and not even wear my sports bra so it would be extra easy to try breastfeeding right after baby boy was born. And yes, it was nice to be able to get dirty and leave the dirty gown there at the hospital.
I did end up wearing the skirt to bed the night Christian was born, though! The nurses still were checking my bottom and this was a comfy option with a nursing tank so I would probably still pack the skirt.
2. Robe
I did wear this once while walking the halls at the hospital during labor.
3. Slippers
Same with these. Wore them while walking the halls during labor.
4. Bobby pins to pin my hair out of my face
Actually never used these! But my hair was pretty short.
5. 2 Nursing tanks
I wore both of these! To bed and to go home.
6. 2 Pairs of yoga pants
I only wore one pair and that was to go home. I would have wore both pairs but I ended up wearing the dress I wore to the hospital on the day we had visitors.
7. 2 zip up hoodies
I wore one of these as well. We could control the temp of the room but I still was a little chilly one night.
8. A black strapless cloth sundress (I'm going to wear this instead of a gown while we are at the hospital and after baby is born)
I ended up wearing the dress I wore to the hospital instead. But if I hadn't this would have been a great option for visitors!
9. Meds
Apparently you aren't supposed to pack your own meds! The hospital has to give them to you!
10. 2 Bath Towels (1 for me and 1 for hubby)
We definitely used these, but didn't need to because the hospital had towels, but it was still nice having our own.
11. Facewash
Used it!
12. Breast Cream
The hospital gave me this too! And it was way better than what I had brought (and heard was good).
My new recommendation: Motherlove Nipple Cream
13. Granny panties
I can't remember if I ended up wearing these or not? I think I wore one pair on the day we went home? Otherwise I wore the hospital's awesome panties! Still have a pair! They really work well with your massive pad!
14. 2 pairs of socks
I think I only used one pair.
15. Chapstick
Used it!
16. Glasses
Used them every day!
17. Hard candy
No need for this
18. Water Bottle
The hospital kept us stocked with a pitcher of water and glasses but it was really nice having my own water bottle, especially one with a straw, that I could easily sip from while nursing.
19. Make up Bag
Used it of course!
20. Pillow
The hospital pillows weren't really all that terrible, but it was nice having our own
21. Toothbrush/toothpaste
Used it!
22. Shampoo
Used it! Once we moved to post partum they actually brought us some pretty decent shampoo, but for my shower in labor and delivery the morning after induction had started, I was glad to have my own.
23. Earrings (I heard this is nice to feel more pulled together for pictures)
I ended up forgetting to put them on/didn't bring a pair that matched the necklace/outfit I wore in our hospital pictures but if I had planned better this would have been really nice!
24. Hairdryer? Might not get used but I can be hopeful, right? :)
I definitely did not have time to use this!
For Hubby:
Pretty sure he used everything we packed!
1. Water Bottle
2. Drink mixes for his water
3. Snacks (Granola bars, jar of peanut butter)
4. Razors
5. Shaving Cream
6. Glasses/contacts
7. Pillow
8. Boxers
9. Socks
10. 2 t-shirts
11. Hoodie
12. iPad
For Baby Christian:
I put all of his stuff in a gallon size ziplock bag.
1. Car Seat
2. Hat
3. Blanket
4. Going Home Outfit size newborn AND size 0-3 months
I would add that no matter what the season, babies can't regulate their temperature and hospitals are cold! On the day we went home it was in the 70s and the nurse encouraged us to keep him in his pants and hat cover him with a blanket. He was also wearing a onesie. So plan on the warmer side for clothes I think.
5. Burp Cloth
The hospital had cloth diapers that I used instead.
6. Socks
A few pairs!
7. Nail clippers
8. Boppy
I would actually add to this list:
9. Long sleeve onesies to wear at the hospital while wrapped in a blanket (or other cute/warm outfits). While we didn't really NEED this, we wanted him to look cute when we had visitors and to be warm. The nurses also were like "go ahead and get him dressed in whatever you packed" and I was like "Shoot. We didn't pack anything!"
Other Items:
1. Card Games
If we wouldn't have had so many visitors, these would have been REALLY nice! We would have gotten pretty bored otherwise, I'm sure!
2. Magazines
Same with these! However, since I went in the night before to start the induction process, we may have used these a bit waiting for things to get started.
3. My purse with insurance card and driver's license
We never had to use these, but they are something that just are always with me anyway.
4. Baby Book
Got his little foot prints! :)
5. Hand Sanitizer
We may have forgotten to have visitors use this :( And some visitors just used it on their way through the door since the hospital had some attached to the wall! :)
6. Camera and extra batteries
We honestly didn't take a single picture with our actual camera....we just used our phones!
7. Chargers (Cell/ipad)
Got lots and lots of use!
8. Childbirth Book
Didn't use this either...
I would still add these things last minute:
1. Pillows x2
2. Make up bag
3. iPad and charger
4. Cell chargers
5. Magazines
6. Hair brush
7. Hair dryer
There you have it! Now...to remember this for next time! :)
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