Sam

What is the usual things to pack when going to the hospital to give birth?

mamab

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

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

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

I agree, the first time around, you are clueless as to what to bring, penguinmama, I love that you bought your laptop,lol

TracyW

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

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

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

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

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.

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