June 2008 Weddings
Dear Community,
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
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Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Moms: Hospital Bag
So what do you really need? I see tons of advice/info out there and I'm so confused. I want to have the stuff it makes sense to have, but I also don't want to over pack! I plan to breastfeed too. Thank you!
Re: Moms: Hospital Bag
I know it's long, but here is my used/ did not use list, hope it helps!
Here is my L&D checklist of things I packed and a review of what I used and did not use to help any soon-to-be mommas decide what to do, and so I don't overpack so badly with our next child!In General:
-2 pillows with pillowcases-- I just used one but I could have gotten away with none. It was nice to have my own pillow in the hospital, though.
-towels -- Did not use. The hospital towels are scratchy but honestly, I only showered once at the hospital and I simply didn't care. It wasn't that bad.
-purse with i.d., makeup bag, hairbrush and toiletries- USED ALL
-birth plan- USED
-insurance card and any hospital papers- USED
-Pediatrician info - Just needed to know her name.
-Folder for new paperwork- They gave us one.
-Cell phones-- USED
-Laptop/ iPod touch-- USED
For Labor:
-warm socks- Used while walking, but not while laboring because I was in the tub. Used postpartum.
-Lip balm- USED
-Loose underwear- Did not use. Used mesh underwear provided by hospital.
-Hair ties/ headbands- Used hair tie.
-video and digital cameras- USED
-Music/ CDs- Did not use, wouldn't have noticed music anyways.
-Box of high quality kleenex- Did not use. They had great tissue at the hospital.
-Slippers- USED
-Labor gowns- USED TWO. I had one for the actual delivery and one for afterwards for the hospital stay. I used them both, although I didn't use the one for the actual delivery as much because I was in the tub.
For DH:
-Change of clothes or comfortable pants/ tshirt- USED
-toiletries- USED
-mints/ gum/ snacks- USED, he ate those packs of crackers and cheese and we were really glad to have them. I should have packed more snacks because the hospital food sucked and sometimes WJ, my mom, sister, or I got hungry at random times.
For after delivery:
-Fresh nightgown with openings for breast feeding- Did not use. I wore the hospital gown my mom designed for me which had it's own velcro and buttons for breastfeeding. If I didn't have that, I would have wanted a nursing nightgown.
-Nursing bra- USED. I used the type that is stretchy with no underwire. I wore it in the tub and for a large part of my postpartum stay. I wore the bra I came in home since it was a short drive.
-Nursing pads- USED but the hospital provided some.
-A going home outfit for mom- Did not use, wore what I came to the hospital in (jeans and a sweater.)
-Lanolin cream- Used.
-Bathrobe- Would have used, but our hospital heat was on blast and it was too warm to wear. Would pack again in the future anyway.
-Baby Book for vitals and hand/footprints: Used for visitor signatures but did footprints at home, they don't do them at my hospital anymore.
-Boppy- USED A LOT, would say this is a major thing to bring. It helped DH and me tremendously and also was helpful to people who came and wanted to hold her.
-Proctofoam- Didn't bring, hospital provided it.
-Bactine-type spray w/ lidocaine (Target brand)- USED! This was a lifesaver for me in postpartum recovery but I didn't really use it at the hospital as much as at home.
-Nursing pajamas with nursing tank- Did not use. I got belly checks with gushing blood so often I would not have wanted to be in pants whatsoever.
-Hair dryer- USED, I wouldn't have wanted to lay there with wet hair post-shower. Mine is too thick and takes too long to dry on it's own.
For Baby:
-Going home outfit for baby with hat/cap- USED
-heavy receiving blanket for winter baby- USED, my mom crocheted a beautiful blanket that I put over her when we left. I did bring lighter receiving blankets of her own that I also used. The hospital ones were worn and not so nice. I am glad I brought her own.
-socks/ booties- Did not use. Her outfit had them and otherwise she was swaddled.
-sleeper- Used. We had Natalie in her own clothes for a big portion of her time in the hospital.
-Car seat with Kiddopotamus Posh Pouch cover- USED and I LOVE the Kiddopotamus!
-Extra empty bag for gifts- Didn't really need. Gifts people brought came in bags and we were given a cart to take things down to the car with.
She came 3 weeks early, and I hadn't packed my bag yet. It was on my to do list for the day she was born. Oops.
I packed my two nightgowns that had buttons for nursing (I just got cheapo walmart ones in case they got messy), a hair brush, a hair tie, my hair dryer that I didn't use, my cell phone charger, and... I think that's it. I should have brought my camera (DH came straight from the airport so we didn't have time to grab it). After she was born, my mom got a coming home outfit for both of us and she brought my slippers.
I wish we had brought some money for the vending machines. They don't take 20's. It was such a busy time with so many visitors, I didn't really feel like I missed anything. I think it depends more on what you are used to. I don't wear makeup, but that is just me. My concern wasn't fashion, but I didn't want to flash anyone my cheeks either.
Afterwards, I would recommend getting some tucks and the spray!! I have to agree with Kim, that was a lifesaver. And if the hospital has any of the icepack maxi pads, TAKE THEM HOME!!!!!!!!!
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I packed yoga-type pants, t-shirts, nursing tanks, underwear one size bigger than I normally wear (so the huge pads will fit in them), and socks that I could throw away (hospital floors are gross).
I packed travel size shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. I also brought a toothbrush, toothpaste, face lotion, a razor, face soap, brush, chap stick, hair ties and q-tips.
I packed a notebook, pen, cell phone, camera, video camera (and chargers for all of them).
I packed 3 outfits for Carter (one piece jammies for in the hospital, an actual outfit to take him home in).
I used everything. And make sure you bring an extra bag to bring home stuff from the hospital (diapers, booger sucker, thermometers for the baby and pads, spray bottle, witch hazel pads, etc for you).
Also, I agree with mrs.dilligaf that the icepack maxi pads are the BEST.
Claire Elizabeth 12/31/2011
Married Bio
My boring blog
Agreed.
I feel like DH went home a lot to get me things (had an unplanned c/s which means more days in hospital).
But in reality it was change of clothes, tolietres (down to my straight iron), pillows, laptop, chargers, food, etc.
Lol, I wish I knew my tolerance. I have never been hospitalized before so I have no clue! I do know I'm not allowed to wear my own gown while laboring/delivering.... My mom just bought me a bunch of mom sweatpants. I had specified no elastic cuffs (thinking yoga style pants) so she bought 3 pairs of sweatpants with no elastic cuffs, but an elastic waistband.....they are hideous. Anyway, probably perfect lounging in the hospital gear!
Oh yea, I wore a gown in L&D. For sure.