I posted my Hospital Bag write-up last month that took into account the different checklists and recommendations from online and personal sources.
I thought I’d do a quick follow-up post to share what was useful, useless and very much needed.
Click here for my original post. But below is my list of items that were packed and it’s usefulness after delivery noted in bold…as well as added items.
For me
- Nursing gown and robe
– My hospital provided a very comfy robe. I actually didn’t want to use my own robe from home after seeing how much blood there was post-delivery. Trust me, if you had a natural delivery there will be alot of blood. So bring something that you don’t mind getting soiled or giving up.
- Nursing tank top – I liked my nursing tank but I preferred the support of my nursing bra. It was comfortable when visitors came by though. Sometimes those robes don’t stay closed! LOL
- Nursing bra – Very very comfortable! I preferred the non-wire, sports bra style nursing bra. It provided great support and looked like a tank top when worn under a robe.
- Going home outfit (very comfy) – Again, go for something you don’t mind getting soiled. I was still bleeding pretty heavily by the time I was discharged. I’d like to add, bring flip-flops (maybe even in a larger size). My feet were so swollen post-partum that they didn’t fit when we were discharged. And they’re very useful when walking around your room or shower. I say go for the $1 flip flops from Old Navy. They’re cheap and comfy.
- Toiletry bag (shampoo/conditioner, chapstick/lip gloss, headbands, nipple cream, unscented lotion, brush) – I used everything in my toiletry bag. By Day 2, I really did want to feel human again and a little lip gloss went a long way to making me feel pretty. Don’t forget your toothbrush for you and your husband! Thanks to my BFF Jen for having those ready to go for us! Oh, and want some easy curls without the heat? Try this! I had my hair in a nice bun in the evenings and great curls the next day!
- Underwear – old, disposable and comfortable. I used the mesh ones from the hospital because they held the ice packs and pads in place really well. But I did wear my own when we left the hospital. It felt nice to feel human again.
- Slippers (thanks Noy!) – make sure they’re skid proof because the hospital floors can be slippery. And remember, blood will likely get on it too.
- Towel – Yes, bring your own because the ones they provide are itty bitty and not very comfortable on the skin. Go for a dark color to hide any staining. 🙂
- Pillow – Didn’t need it for myself, but the husband used it on his very uncomfortable chair/bed. I’ll add a blanket to that list too. While a mom’s comfort is usually first and foremost, the husband deserves some comfort too.
- Cell phone + charger – I’m always connected so this was a must for me.
- Kindle – I never even took it out of the bag. I was so immersed in my little one or trying so hard to get to sleep
For baby
- Going home outfit (soft, warm and cute!) – I brought 0-3 mos. I really needed a newborn size. Poor thing was swimming in her clothes! And bring several because she’ll need a few during your hospital stay.
- 49er onesie…..just in case she’s born during the Super Bowl – the niners didn’t make it and she was too small to fit into her niner gear. 🙁
- Blanket – absolutely!
- Nail clippers (just in case) – nah, didn’t need them.
- Baby book for her footprints – Yes! I was able to get her foot and hand prints done before we left. 🙂
- And of course, the car seat!
For Him
- Call list – I gave this to my sister instead. Mike was too pre-occupied and way too exhausted to worry about updates. Kudos to the sister for her regularly scheduled updates. I know our family and friends appreciated the updates during the 23 hours of labor. 😛
- Camera (with a checklist of pictures he needs to take) – absolutely! I was lucky that our L&D nurse was not only a friend, but a photographer. While I was ready to knock out, she was snapping away.
- Video Camera (bloggie) – didn’t use it but would still pack it…just in case.
- ipad – never used it. He tried to sleep as much as I did.
- an empty bag to fill with hospital goodies. – YES! Lots of goodies for me and baby. I coveted the ice packs for “down there”, the tucks pads, the freeze spray, the diapers, wipes and sock slippers. 🙂
Post Delivery List Here are a couple more things I recommend for going home.
- Get the stool softener!! The staff wasn’t planning on giving me any until I asked. After a vaginal birth, I was seriously terrified of having to use the bathroom. I asked for the stool softener after receiving that much needed advice from other moms. They added it to my cocktail of meds and I was able to secure a prescription after.
- Get the squirt bottle! They provided one for me to use to wash myself down there. Trust me – you’re not going to want to wipe. Squirt away with warm water to clean yourself after using the bathroom. Don’t leave the hospital without it!
Please leave a comment to share what you had in your hospital bag or any other suggestions you may have for your hospital stay.
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