8 Comments so far

1. Julie on March 17, 2007 6:09 pm

   I’ll post more later but just off the top of my head you might want some hard candy or sour candy to suck on in early labor depending on how early you get to the hospital. I’m just curious, hope it doesn’t sound rude when i ask it, but why are you bringing a puzzle book? I wore those mesh ones and the hospital’s maxi pads, but it is always a good idea to have some of those on hand anyway. I’ll look back to see if I find anything else that was helpful when I was there. Sometimes they say money or a calling card in case the cell isn’t working or small amount of money for the husband to buy snacks and your id and stuff…

2. Jennifer on March 17, 2007 6:45 pm

   Robe

   Hard Candy (because at some point during your labor I think they only let you have ice chips – no liquids so hard candy would be helpful)

   Maternity Underwear

   Slip on shoes for wearing home

   Maxi pads (unless you want to wear those great big things the hospital gives you that feels like you’ve got a loaf of bread between your legs – LOL)

   Your own pillow – sometimes those hospital pillows are awful and you’ll feel more comfortable with one of your own.

   That’s all I can think of for now – if I think of anything else, I’ll leave you another comment h

3. meowmix on March 17, 2007 7:59 pm

   Take some more clothing options for you. More pants, shorts, and shirts you can nurse in. And your own underwear in case you hate the mesh ones. I had some leakage issues so I needed more pants and undies than I had brought. Also, some lansinoh, although my hospital gave me a tiny tube that was perfect because it really doesn’t take much! If you’re planning on trying a certian pacifier (and don’t believe the whole nipple confusion thing) take that along, although the hospital will have some version available. Hats for Bailey if you don’t like the hospital ones. She’ll need a hat on pretty much the whole time you’re there. Snacks for you and your husband because hospital food sucks.
   A couple pens because you’ll have lots of paperwork to fill out.
   A notebook or something to record when Bailey poops, nurses, etc because the nurses want to know all that stuff and to help you keep track of when you last had pain meds and when you can ask for more
   If I think of anything else I’ll let you know…

4. Lynanne on March 17, 2007 8:23 pm

   I never bother bringing any of my own clothes (exept for bras and clothes to wear home). Not to be gross, but the first 48 hours you shed a lot fluids. Dealing with the stains is the last thing I had energy for when I get home. I’d rather the hospital deal with laundry than me. (likewise on baby clothes except for an outfit for pictures and to wear home)

   If you want your own pj’s you might consider a gown instead of a shirt and pants. The hospital staff will want frequent access to your nether regions, especially if you have stitches (from tearing, etc). It’s also nice to be able to change ice packs, pads etc, without dropping your drawers. Also, if you (gasp) have a c-section (I NEVER planned for this) you won’t be able to wear pants.

   I must be weird but I liked the hospital’s maxis. Yes it’s like a loaf of bread but my usual brand didn’t absorb quickly enough so I was constantly feeling squishy or leaking when I stood up. After 2 days I happily went back to my usual brand.

   I had to chuckle at the sudoku book also. Maybe it could go on your husband’s list? Unless they let you have an epidural very early in labor, don’t plan on doing anything brainy. Even then you might be too excited/distracted. Better to bring a deck of cards to plain a mindless game of Go Fish (etc) to pass the time.

   I’d second bringing your own pillow (make sure its not colored pillow case lest it get confused with the hospital ones). You’d be amazed what a huge source of comfort this one item will be.

   Another comfort item could be a photo or object with a happy memory. This can give you something to focus on during contractions (especially if they won’t give you an epidural right away)

   If your hospital has whirlpool tubs, a bath pillow is nice to have.

   Ugh…I still need to get going on packing my bag…

5. Lynanne on March 17, 2007 8:25 pm

   ack–on the pillow… make sure it IS a colored pillow case (not white)

6. J'Lo on March 17, 2007 8:38 pm

   Wow, that’s a pretty good list. I’m impressed. I think my bag is missing a few things, although that’s what husbands are for.

7. Anonymous on March 18, 2007 3:15 am

   One thing that I was really glad I took was my hairdryer. Nothing felt better than clean, freshly dried hair after that first shower.
   Oh, I don’t know which hospital you are delivering at, but St. John’s does have wi-fi on some floors.

8. Hyser Family on March 19, 2007 2:03 pm

   After my first shower I changed out of the gown and into one of those knit cami-like p.j.’s the one that look like a little dress. It was just more comfortable to me and I could pull the straps down and still nurse w/ out trouble. Can’t remember if you had it, but I had my mom bring me a bit of makeup for after my shower. Not because I cared a lot, but everyone is snapping pictures and people were stopping by — I just didn’t want to look like death warmed over. My hospital gave me warm rice socks… might want to check w/ yours to see if they do, one less thing you would have to pack. I think you are very prepared!! And you are right — if you forget something, Jonathon can go home at some point and get it, or your mom can bring you whatever you need. Oh — depending on how small she is, you might want to pick up a preemie outfit — I know K was tiny, but she was swimming in everything and we had nothing that worked for her first pictures at the hospital. So… you could have a back up plan just in case what you have is too big. I just can’t wait to see Bailey!