Champagne story...my mom brought a huge bottle and well, we never opened it because of the NICU stay. So we just opened it yesterday at her baptism.
Another thing I keep mentioning to people in their labor bags (also great for things post-labor like the gym/working in the yard) is an endura cool towel that cools when you wet it. They have it on amazon and at bed, bath, and beyond.
Once they got me back in my room, I was like dying, dying, dying of overheat. My hubs was hot too but apparently some major hormone fluctuation post-delivery causes this.
Champagne story...my mom brought a huge bottle and well, we never opened it because of the NICU stay. So we just opened it yesterday at her baptism.
Another thing I keep mentioning to people in their labor bags (also great for things post-labor like the gym/working in the yard) is an endura cool towel that cools when you wet it. They have it on amazon and at bed, bath, and beyond.
Once they got me back in my room, I was like dying, dying, dying of overheat. My hubs was hot too but apparently some major hormone fluctuation post-delivery causes this.
OMG, you are so freaking organized. I think the only things I am planning on bringing that you don't have on your list are a pillow and a yoga/birthing ball.
I am becoming a crazy person. Pillow is now on the list and they have birthing balls at the hospital.
This weekend I also order samples for birth announcements and am finalizing all the addresses I will need and using the label printer at work in the upcoming weeks to get all the address labels done so when they are ready I just have to slap the sticker on the envelope. Clearly I have gone insane.
Not insane!! I did this before she was born and it was the one of the best things I did. I worked off our wedding guest list of addresses and updated as needed, printed out the labels and had them ready at home for the announcements. So glad I did this, it was enough to find the time to pick out a picture and design the announcement (I had some prepicked but didn't end up liking any of them with the photo I chose). I even had custom postage stamps made from Zazzle
You've got a good list - one thing I ended up needing that I didn't anticipate was saline spray for my nose. It was so fricken dry in there! I had H grab it for me when he went home. If dry sinuses bug you, throw a bottle in your bag. And lotion, I needed so much lotion for my poor, swollen Flintstone feet. I wish I'd had flip flops in a size up because my feet got so swollen after delivery.
A lot of the stuff really depends on how long you stay there. I'm glad I overpacked since I was there 6 nights. I did use my hairdryer, makeup, my own clothes, etc. I didn't bring my own pillow or blanket but I probably will next time since I'll likely have a repeat CS.
This sounds like a great list. I would add some snacks for your husband. I would also bring your own pillow from home for yourself in a ratty old pillowcase, because the hospital ones are not going to be comfortable. Don't forget Chapstick.
We're bringing pillows for both of us.
Also, my doula suggested some waterproof pads for the car ride. So we're getting some of those and keeping them and the breastfeeding pillow in the car.
Chapstick. Between pushes I made DH put chapstick on my lips lol.
Good list! I ended up just wearing the hospital gown and undies for most of my stay.
Take Burt's Bees and not Chapstick. Our hospital with DD (different for this pregnancy) wouldn't let you use Chapstick and actually talked about it in the labor classes. If they have to give you oxygen they said that Chapstick creates an issue because it can be flammable. They recommend Burt's Bees or something in line with that.
This sounds like a great list. I would add some snacks for your husband. I would also bring your own pillow from home for yourself in a ratty old pillowcase, because the hospital ones are not going to be comfortable. Don't forget Chapstick.
We're bringing pillows for both of us.
Also, my doula suggested some waterproof pads for the car ride. So we're getting some of those and keeping them and the breastfeeding pillow in the car.
Yes. I had waterproof pads in both of our cars and some old towels, in case of a water break. Mine didn't break until I was admitted though.
Do you have your going home outfit listed? I took both super stretchy yoga pants and a flowy shirt, plus a maxi dress. The maxi dress was what I wore home because the jello stomach felt weird with pants, and it was recommended to take something that wouldn't hit stitches in case I had a c-section (which didn't end up happening).
Do you have your going home outfit listed? I took both super stretchy yoga pants and a flowy shirt, plus a maxi dress. The maxi dress was what I wore home because the jello stomach felt weird with pants, and it was recommended to take something that wouldn't hit stitches in case I had a c-section (which didn't end up happening).
I have yoga pants, a nursing tank, an open/flowy wrap top on my list to wear that I figured I would wear home. I might have DH pick up a maxi from home if I end up with a c-section:)
Chapstick. Between pushes I made DH put chapstick on my lips lol.
Good list! I ended up just wearing the hospital gown and undies for most of my stay.
Take Burt's Bees and not Chapstick. Our hospital with DD (different for this pregnancy) wouldn't let you use Chapstick and actually talked about it in the labor classes. If they have to give you oxygen they said that Chapstick creates an issue because it can be flammable. They recommend Burt's Bees or something in line with that.
Post by patches31709 on Aug 3, 2015 16:57:24 GMT -5
I gave birth at 31 weeks so we threw a bag together last minute, but I had two prior stays so I kind of had a clue about what I needed and what I didn't. Here's what got used: nursing tanks (baby went to NICU so no nursing, but they were still the most comfortable to wear), comfy shorts, flip flops (one pair for walking around and the other for the shower), hair brush, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbands, face wash, contact lens solution and case, glasses, makeup (just eyeliner, concealer, and moisturizer), CHAPSTICK (my god, it is so dry in the hospital!), shampoo, snacks, kindle, phone, camera, chargers
I didn't bring my own undies - I just wore the mesh hospital ones. It was so much easier.
Do you have your going home outfit listed? I took both super stretchy yoga pants and a flowy shirt, plus a maxi dress. The maxi dress was what I wore home because the jello stomach felt weird with pants, and it was recommended to take something that wouldn't hit stitches in case I had a c-section (which didn't end up happening).
I have yoga pants, a nursing tank, an open/flowy wrap top on my list to wear that I figured I would wear home. I might have DH pick up a maxi from home if I end up with a c-section:)
Are you comfortable wearing yoga pants with big granny panties and a huge maxi pad in public?
I would suggest a second outfit. If nothing else, if you plan on wearing the pants during your stay, they may not be available for wearing home (there is a lot of bleeding).
I have yoga pants, a nursing tank, an open/flowy wrap top on my list to wear that I figured I would wear home. I might have DH pick up a maxi from home if I end up with a c-section:)
Are you comfortable wearing yoga pants with big granny panties and a huge maxi pad in public?
I would suggest a second outfit. If nothing else, if you plan on wearing the pants during your stay, they may not be available for wearing home (there is a lot of bleeding).
Doesn't everyone get wheeled out in a chair? I have no idea what I wore, but it could have been yoga pants with giant pad. I was only in public for as long as it took me to get out of the chair on the sidewalk and into our car. I had a long wrap top that covered my butt too.
I have yoga pants, a nursing tank, an open/flowy wrap top on my list to wear that I figured I would wear home. I might have DH pick up a maxi from home if I end up with a c-section:)
Are you comfortable wearing yoga pants with big granny panties and a huge maxi pad in public?
I would suggest a second outfit. If nothing else, if you plan on wearing the pants during your stay, they may not be available for wearing home (there is a lot of bleeding).
The yoga pants are for going home not really for at the hospital. I am figuring mostly nightgowns for there. I don't think I will be in public much. Wheelchair to car and car to apartment, hopefully won't run into too many people:)
These are some good additions, other than the birth plan those will be on the list! We did the hospital tour and they said we basically only "have" to bring ourselves, a going home outfit, and a carseat.
For the car seat - make sure you're also comfortable strapping a baby into it. Maybe that sounds dumb, but we did the car seat check several weeks before and I had kind of forgotten what she'd said about how tight it should be and such. I was so nervous strapping him in there the first time. The nurses weren't allowed to help, and I was kind of an emotional mess leaving the hospital as it was. Maybe other people aren't as clueless as I was though
I've thought about this but how do you practice without a baby?
Are you comfortable wearing yoga pants with big granny panties and a huge maxi pad in public?
I would suggest a second outfit. If nothing else, if you plan on wearing the pants during your stay, they may not be available for wearing home (there is a lot of bleeding).
Doesn't everyone get wheeled out in a chair? I have no idea what I wore, but it could have been yoga pants with giant pad. I was only in public for as long as it took me to get out of the chair on the sidewalk and into our car. I had a long wrap top that covered my butt too.
I thought so, but I had to walk. It seemed esp long considering I had a c section and hadn't left my hotel room the entire time.
For the car seat - make sure you're also comfortable strapping a baby into it. Maybe that sounds dumb, but we did the car seat check several weeks before and I had kind of forgotten what she'd said about how tight it should be and such. I was so nervous strapping him in there the first time. The nurses weren't allowed to help, and I was kind of an emotional mess leaving the hospital as it was. Maybe other people aren't as clueless as I was though
I've thought about this but how do you practice without a baby?
A teddy bear night work. It seriously took us forever to figure that out the day we were discharged! Thankfully a nurse helped us out.
My attire: I wore yoga pants, nursing top and a jacket after delivery. For part of the first day, I wore the hospital gown because it was easier for them to check on things. I still needed a big pad that evening so I would recommend a skirt or wrap/sweater that would hide bulges if you have guests. I brought a dress to wear as a going home outfit. I took a robe and never wore it. I never wore a nightgown, the time blurred together and yoga pants are comfy to sleep in.
Personal Items: Hair and makeup supplies. Styling tools. Shampoo and soap. Pillow. Towel (didn't bring one but wished I did). Chapstick. Lotion.
Breastfeeding Items: my pillow was used to prop the baby, but a bobby would have been nice. Info from your breastfeeding class to review when you forget. Notebook to write down feeding times and any other notes. They provided nipple cream. I never used much.
Baby Items: a couple of outfits. We used the hospital blankets and attire during our stay. Blanket for the car.
Chargers. Camera. H had a list of phone numbers to text with updates.
On the food front. I gave birth in the middle of the night. I hadn't eaten dinner. I was starving in the morning, but they weren't ready for breakfast yet. The nurses went on a hunt for food. Baby is new, your husband won't want to leave to get food. Bring snacks.
Also, I was allowed one entree but unlimited sides at the hospital. H would go get food, but one of the nurses told me that I could just get more sides with my meal and split it with H. I am not sure if that would have gone over well, but it was an option that the nurses encouraged.
Not it an item to bring, but it was helpful to have a code to tell someone when you wanted visitors to leave. I had a hard time getting some people to take a hint so my husband and mom helped to clear the room.
one thing I would add is the hands-free pumping bra. I used it to try to get my milk in faster and pumped colostrum for the baby. She got it via syringe.
I've thought about this but how do you practice without a baby?
A teddy bear night work. It seriously took us forever to figure that out the day we were discharged! Thankfully a nurse helped us out.
We don't have one of those either! I guess I could buy one for her room and use that to practice.
I used the cat to practice with the k'tan but I don't think she'd let me strap her into a car seat.
I can totally see myself being panicky and hormonal and not wanting to break the baby and dissolving into a pile of tears and frustration at the hospital re: car seat.
I guess we could also try with the actual baby before it's officially time to go...
A teddy bear night work. It seriously took us forever to figure that out the day we were discharged! Thankfully a nurse helped us out.
We don't have one of those either! I guess I could buy one for her room and use that to practice.
I used the cat to practice with the k'tan but I don't think she'd let me strap her into a car seat.
I can totally see myself being panicky and hormonal and not wanting to break the baby and dissolving into a pile of tears and frustration at the hospital re: car seat.
I guess we could also try with the actual baby before it's officially time to go...
Labor: Chapstick Snacks and gaterade for H Ponytail holder I packed a nightgown but ended up wearing the hospital gown Packed a robe and slipper socks but didn't use til postpartum because I ended up not leaving the bed for labor (I labored at home 8 hours before going to the hospital). Cell phones and chargers Wallets
Postpartum: Robe and slipper socks Nightgown Snacks Few pairs of underwear (but ended up using the mesh ones the whole time) Yoga pants Nursing tanks Nursing bra Socks Tennis shoes Tongs for the shower Shampoo Conditioner Body wash Bath towel (so much softer and bigger than the hospital ones) Pillow Boppy Lanolin Make up Brush Hoodie (it was February) Baby book (but didn't use it) Baby blanket so we could get the baby's scent on it to send home for the dog to get used to Baby going home outfit
I ended up wearing my nightgown and robe the whole time and wore the yoga pants, nursing bra and tank home. That was easiest for the multiple daily perineal checks.
Was too tired to car about doing anything other than washing and brushing my hair. We just used all hospital linens and undershirts on the baby till we went home.
Are you comfortable wearing yoga pants with big granny panties and a huge maxi pad in public?
I would suggest a second outfit. If nothing else, if you plan on wearing the pants during your stay, they may not be available for wearing home (there is a lot of bleeding).
Doesn't everyone get wheeled out in a chair? I have no idea what I wore, but it could have been yoga pants with giant pad. I was only in public for as long as it took me to get out of the chair on the sidewalk and into our car. I had a long wrap top that covered my butt too.
Because I thought this was pretty weird/funny. Two days after giving birth, even though my dd was still in the NICU, an aide walked me out of the hospital. I had the choice to walk or be wheeled out, and I walked. Then, a month later, when we finally got to take our dd home, I had to take a wheelchair with her in a chairseat on my lap. We thought it was pretty funny.
Chapstick. Between pushes I made DH put chapstick on my lips lol.
Good list! I ended up just wearing the hospital gown and undies for most of my stay.
Take Burt's Bees and not Chapstick. Our hospital with DD (different for this pregnancy) wouldn't let you use Chapstick and actually talked about it in the labor classes. If they have to give you oxygen they said that Chapstick creates an issue because it can be flammable. They recommend Burt's Bees or something in line with that.
Well you learn something knew every day. I'm glad my face didn't burst into flames when they put the oxygen mask on me!
Take Burt's Bees and not Chapstick. Our hospital with DD (different for this pregnancy) wouldn't let you use Chapstick and actually talked about it in the labor classes. If they have to give you oxygen they said that Chapstick creates an issue because it can be flammable. They recommend Burt's Bees or something in line with that.
Well you learn something knew every day. I'm glad my face didn't burst into flames when they put the oxygen mask on me!
I'm not sure exactly why it happens, but they just kept telling is it's flammable and to bring something other than Chapstick. I mostly use Burt's Bees anyhow so I never tried Chapstick (and I didn't need oxygen) so I'm just going off of what they said and their powerpoints said.
Well you learn something knew every day. I'm glad my face didn't burst into flames when they put the oxygen mask on me!
I'm not sure exactly why it happens, but they just kept telling is it's flammable and to bring something other than Chapstick. I mostly use Burt's Bees anyhow so I never tried Chapstick (and I didn't need oxygen) so I'm just going off of what they said and their powerpoints said.
Oh I have no doubt it's true! I've just never heard this, and no one said anything when I was there.
Champagne story...my mom brought a huge bottle and well, we never opened it because of the NICU stay. So we just opened it yesterday at her baptism.
Another thing I keep mentioning to people in their labor bags (also great for things post-labor like the gym/working in the yard) is an endura cool towel that cools when you wet it. They have it on amazon and at bed, bath, and beyond.
Once they got me back in my room, I was like dying, dying, dying of overheat. My hubs was hot too but apparently some major hormone fluctuation post-delivery causes this.
Great list! For the stuff you use everyday (think contact stuff, charger cords, etc) I found it beneficial to have a written list of that stuff with my mostly packed bag. That way when my water broke overnight I could just go down the list and grab stuff (after I had dry underwear, a pad, and dry pants on that is) and call out to my husband to grab XYZ for his bag. He still forgot his deoderant and shaving stuff though
Oh yeah! Pack your own bath towel...hospital towels suck. And see if they have hair dryers, mine didn't and I felt good enough after to dry my hair so I made J grab mine on one of his trips home. My flat iron too
Post by jennistarr1 on Aug 5, 2015 15:20:23 GMT -5
Another note: I had 3 bags. a very simple one for labor. There was a much bigger one in car with all the stuff for the hospital stay (clothes, toiletries). Then there was a going home bag.
If H was ever running out, I could send stuff in one of these bags home with him too (dirty clothes, things we weren't using)
Grab a handful of ziplock bags (maybe quart size)and maybe like 2 paper plates and throw them in your hospital stay bag. I found it hard to eat on schedule, and they would come for my tray before I was done. I wanted my tray gone (because they didn't come back until the next meal period). There is just so much other stuff to do (visit NICU for me, visitors, lactation nurse is there) so it would be nice to be able just to save some of the food you still want to finish (I had a fridge in my room). One thing I did was order an extra pbj sandwich at some meals and if I didn't eat it by the next one, I would just toss it because it got hard. But if I had a ziplock bag and I could have kept 1-2 around.