Dear Niece: The Only List You Need of What To Pack To The Hospital

I sat in the hospital for hours waiting for some giant bird to bring me my baby.
Eventually they rolled me away to the OR... there was not bird.

The clock is now ticking on baby’s eviction notice and thus comes the time to prepare for the hospital! Being your first, you never know how slow or fast everything will progress so I suggest having a bag ready ahead of time with the stuff that can’t be packed in advance easily accessible.

I prepared a bag and went to the hospital and some stuff was never touched and some stuff I had to have brought it afterwards. So here is my list of what you need to bring.

1. Documents. Your ID, insurance card, preregistration documents, special instructions, birth plan, etc. Have a folder or envelope with everything in it. Call the hospital and ask what documents you will need so that you can make sure you bring them.
2. Clothes. You will need whatever you plan to wear home. You will still not be able to fit into pre-pregnancy clothes so pack a comfy maternity outfit for the ride home. For your stay you will need underwear, either the ones you’ve worn while your pregnant that you don’t mind tossing or disposables if you can afford them. The hospital will provide these mesh underwear that I found to be more of a hassle and mess than my own. You don’t want the pad moving around on it’s own. You might also want a night gown or sweats and a shirt. You can always wear the gown the hospital provides but I did not feel comfortable in it and much preferred wearing my sweat pants, especially for visitors. I’d also pack some flip flops or other slip ons though some lists suggest socks with grips. You will need something on your feet to walk around both before and after the baby so take your pick. You will also want a pair of flip flops to use in the shower. So wear some sort of slip on sandal to the hospital that you can also wear during your stay and pack a pair for use in the shower. Many lists suggest a comfy nursing bra. I didn’t need one, with my carpel tunnel there was no way I was going to be able to maneuver a bra. But if you think you will, pack one.
3. Personal care stuff. Pack as if you will be going on a brief hotel stay. The kits with small travel bottles are really cheap or you can opt for the travel size of stuff. The hospital will provide you with soap and shampoo and stuff but I find I feel more cleaning using my own stuff. So pack some shampoo, conditioner, body soap/wash and tooth paste. If you use extra shampoos or soaps when you regularly shower, leave them home. You can get back to your regular shower routine once you’re home. For this, plan on just the basics to get clean. I’m not picky about toothbrushes if they are not going to be for long term use so I would just ask for one at the hospital. But you can also bring your own from home or buy a cheap $1 one that you can toss before leaving the hospital. Some lists suggest chap stick. If you use it often, pack it. If you can’t even remember the last time you used chap stick, don’t worry about it.
4. Hair care. Bring your brush and extra hair ties. Before you even go into labor have someone you know will be there practice putting your hair up. You won’t need much practice if you ask your mom to tie it. But if you only happen to have a friendly male, their hair tying skills may end up more like a comedy show. So just do a run through because hair in the way just sucks and I found it too painful with the IV in to do it.
5. Pads. Those supper long, over night ones that are extra absorbent. I found the ones that the hospital provided weren’t of any help though I’m told the kind and quality vary by hospital. Don’t chance it. Also, a pack of the flushable feminine wipes. It helps feel cleaner. While we’re on the subject, I was given a squirt bottle to use because wiping was difficult due to the c-section and my severe carpel tunnel. I’d ask for one even if neither circumstance applies to you. I found that it really helped me feel so much more clean (and you know me, I’m no clean freak).
6. Baby’s coming home outfit. It should be something simple, not too many pieces and it should include a cap. One small blankie for the ride home should be enough. No need for diapers or wipes, the hospital has plenty. Maybe socks, I found Nicholas’ feet were always cold. He used one pair his whole stay, so no need to pack more than one pair if you decide to do so. The hospital provided a shirt that was too big so I’d suggest a one of the front snap shirts in size newborn if you think that would bother you. It bothered me but that is personal preference.
7. Baby nail clippers. Nails grow, fast. Some are born with nails. It’s a tiny little extra that will help.
8. Glasses. Even if you only need them for reading. There will be forms and pamphlets to read and fill out.
9. Pen and paper. I suggest a small notebook. You might want to keep a log or a helpful nurse will give you advice you want to write down. It works to write it on the back of forms you already have but it’s easier to track if you have something dedicated to jotting things down. Doesn’t have to be big, even the tiny ones will do.
10. Cash. Because you may get a craving being held captive by a cash only vending machine. Or to pay for parking.
11. Phone and Charger. Not only to make calls but it will be your connection to the world and your most handy camera. If you do get bored you will have plenty to do with your phone. Make sure you don’t forget the charger because you never know how long your stay will be.
12. CAR SEAT! While you won’t need it for your trip to the hospital, make sure it is ready to go before you go into labour. Read the instructions and practice installing it. Adjust the straps to the smallest setting and learn how to adjust to fit. Make sure you are comfortable with using it so that when it’s time to bring baby home there aren’t any questions about it.
13. Camera. This I think is optional because phones take pretty good pictures. If you think you or someone else there with you will be willing to take pictures of baby then pack it, but don’t stress over it.

What NOT to bring:

• Purse or Diaper Bag. Just put everything in one bag. The hospital will likely give you goodies, samples, etc. and people may pop in with gifts and before you know it someone has to make several trips to the car before you go home. Reduce the amount of stuff and just take a duffle bag. If you want your baby’s stuff separate from yours put it in a large ziplock bag.
• Valuables. Take off all your jewelry and leave it at home. Don’t pack anything that is worth a lot of money or is irreplaceable. Don’t risk something getting lost.
• Make up. It’s just an extra thing in your bag that you just don’t need. You can doll yourself up some other day.
• Too many things to do. You won’t need a book or ipad or music player. Chances are your smart phone does it all anyway.  Download some music on your phone that makes you happy and relaxed and excited for baby.  You will likely be busy with baby or too tired to want to do any of these anyway. If you must, you can have stuff downloaded on your phone but don’t pack the extras. Just more stuff that takes up space and makes your bag heavy and you risk losing it.
• Extras for baby. Baby won’t need any toys or books. Baby won’t need outfits or a hair brush. No need for blankies either. Baby will be in shock from going from a gushy water sack to this bright, dry, non-cozy existence. While awake baby will need your attention, your voice, your hugs. There will be plenty of time for toys and the such at home.
• Some lists mention your own towels, wash cloths, and pillows.  I found that nurses are willing to provide all the pillows you need so why carry an extra one?  Yes, the bath towels tend to be a little small but you can ask for extras to dry yourself.  Even if you were to have a c-section you won't be staying in the hospital long enough to make it a huge inconvenience to you.  Why carry the extra stuff?

Two final notes:

1. Births are an exciting time for the whole family but the actual birth is all about you. Think about who you want and don’t want at the hospital and make sure everyone knows. Don’t worry about hurt feelings, this is about you and making sure you are comfortable during the process. You don’t need the extra stress of people you don’t want there. Some women like having their whole family and friends there, some just want their spouse, and every combination in between.
   
   Once you’ve decided who will be there, make sure someone is there with you at all times. (Note to everyone else: DO NOT LEAVE HER ALONE!) There are a lot of amazing doctors, nurses and staff in hospitals but unfortunately there are also some not so nice ones. They can try to bully you into things, laugh at your choices, and just make you feel bad. Make sure someone is there to help stand up for you! Not because you can’t do it on your own but because they prey on the insecurities that come with such an exciting and nerve wrecking moment and without a witness it’s your hormonal and emotional word against their years of experience.
   
   You will be able to tell which are the nice ones right away, they will make you feel safe and welcome and will smile at you and talk to you as an equal. You can let your guard down with these nurses and you’ll wish you can take them home with you! But as soon as you get a bad feeling, they start talking down to you, talking to you like you’re a child and don’t know anything, keep your guard up and make sure someone is there. Ask for someone else if you need to.
2. Read about about what happens before, during, and after a c-section.  Even if you are expected to have a completely normal and natural birth, arm yourself with this knowledge.  I have heard many mothers tell about how terrified they were when the possibility of c-section was brought up, how unprepared they were for what was to come, and how difficult everything was because they didn't expect a lot of what comes with a c-section.  I remember I was completely calm when it was mentioned while those around me panicked.  I had read about it so I was able to prepare myself mentally and emotionally for what was to come.  Knowing what was going to happen and what to expect made the experience so much better.  So even though you probably won't need a c-section, go in prepared mentally.