What to pack when going to hospital?

14 comments on "What to pack when going to hospital?"

• mamab
  February 12, 2007 at 10:40 am
  

  Obvious things would be a change of clothes for your wife, coming home clothes for the baby (make sure you have socks and a hat, an extra baby blanket), a car seat (an absolute MUST before you can take your child out of the hospital - you can go to the local police department to have them check to see that you have it installed correctly), a camera, lots of film and batteries.
  
  You'll also need to take some overnight sanitary pads for your wife for after the birth, socks for during the delivery (it gets cold in those rooms), a phone card to call everyone you know (or get prepared to carry tons of change for the phone booth), toiletries (shampoo, deodorant, makeup - if desired). If your wife can't sleep on anything except HER pillow, make sure you bring that along.
  
  I think alot of people pack waay to much in their hospital bag. Most of what your wife or baby will need will be provided by the hospital (unless you're trying to cut down on costs and there are some things you can provide for yourself).
• penguinmama
  February 12, 2007 at 7:55 pm
  

  phone card/change can be left out if you have a laptop and wireless connection (That's what I did.)
  
  Otherwise, I agree with mamab's list.
  
  You might also want some sort of music to play during labor; some sort of sports-drink (you might have to imply it's yours... but she will get thirsty, and if she isn't prone to puking, there's no reason why she can't drink some!); a bathrobe... hairbrush and/or comb are nice things to have, too.
• lyricb
  February 23, 2007 at 6:37 am
  

  I was so naive when I went to the hospital to have my first baby. I packed a little toy for the baby, thinking she would like to look at it. That kid couldn't have cared less.
• Sam
  February 24, 2007 at 7:39 pm
  

  I agree, the first time around, you are clueless as to what to bring, penguinmama, I love that you bought your laptop,lol
• TracyW
  February 27, 2007 at 6:08 pm
  

  Everything "mamab" said and one thing that helped me was some body splash spray - my favorite scent, sweet pea by Bath 'n Body Works. Since I was stuck in bed for the first day and 1/2 a little squirt of the body splash was a HUGE help in making me feel better. Also, a phone list of everyone's numbers (or program them into your cell phone) ~ sometimes you forget small details in the excitement of the moment.
• whoanelly
  March 1, 2007 at 7:02 pm
  

  i'd also add to everyone else that you should bring some fruit and other snacks...hosptial food sucks ( and if she'll be having a section, she'll see a lot of it...i was so happy when people brought me good stuff
  
  also i would say to bring a nursing pillow if she's planning to nurse and comfy nursing bras. the first few weeks of nursing are the hardest...especially with a first baby. the normal pillows kept slipping and i felt like i needed ten more arms than i had. it's just not as natrual as it seems without some practice. the bras i used ( and still use...10 mos and counting are from bravado designs. they have lots of styles and the ones i used at the beginning are different than the ones i use now that my size has regulated. i would say the original nurser is the best for that period of time...they are stretchy, but supportive , really comfy and full access. they have an awesome website...just google bravado designs and you'll see. they are great stuff
  
  good luck, whoanelly
• fldasha
  March 15, 2007 at 4:43 am
  

  I had my bag packed 2 months before my expected due date. This was the advice of my OB-gyne. It contains 5 sets of baby things, adult diaper, baby diaper, 3 sets of my dress, my pregnancy record, test and ultrasound results, digital camera and handy cam. We also brought food and water.
• kaismom
  April 9, 2007 at 8:13 pm
  

  A birthplan, oils, toiletries, a keepsake to help center yourself. Oh and I highly recommend a squishy ball, it is what pulled me through during labor. Oh and a silk comfy robe with slippers!
• Kaytee
  April 9, 2007 at 8:21 pm
  

  I know that when I went in a few of things that were the most important to me were my boppy, for nursing, and lanisoh (sp)nipple stuff) They helped so much, especially since my dd was on the small side and would only latch in the football hold. Also if you plan to breastfeed, bring along a sign to put on the babies basinet that says "nursing baby do not give me a bottle or pacifier" or something ot the like. As sad as it is, it is common place for nurses to give bottles when in the nursery.
• SageMother
  April 12, 2007 at 2:25 pm
  

  When I gave birth, 3 days before dirt, I remember the stories about hese really long labors and not being able to eat.
  Take some hard candy for the wife to suck on. Makes a huge difference!
• Sillygurl2l8
  June 16, 2007 at 1:52 pm
  

  bringing the baby book is a good idea. When you are sitting there in the hospital passing time you can jot down a lot of important info and keep track of date and times, how you felt, when you went into labor....all those important things!
• Kaytee
  June 16, 2007 at 1:54 pm
  

  I wish we could have had hard candies or something, I was so hungry since I was induced I hadn't eaten in 12 hours. Another reason why I will go to a birthing center next time. You can eat whatever and whenever you want.
• Sillygurl2l8
  June 16, 2007 at 2:05 pm
  

  lol I was in the hospital for two days being induced with my oldest. I was only allowed to eat one time during those two days!! If I wasn't in so much pain or rested I would have starved to death lol
• Kaytee
  June 16, 2007 at 3:01 pm
  

  That doesn't make sense to me. I feel for women who have long labors as well, no wonder they have to push for hours, they are tiered from pushing a human being out their you know whats and then the idiot doctors won't give you any food aka ENERGY.