What and When to pack the hospital bag?? And a few other questions

U would be surprised how much you want your hubby with you after you have a baby. I wanted him right there the whole time...he helped me out sooo much. I had to have a c-section and he would bring the baby out of the bassinet and "fetch" more water and snacks and things like that for me...I would have been lost without him.

And no one ever tells you this but I found with breastfeeding the intensity of the hormones are insane...you will want your hubby there...

Anthony stayed the entire time. we lucked out and got a private room with 2 beds so he got his own bed to sleep in...

Best of luck!!
~Flora

Breast pads in case your milk is in and you have leaks.

Also, the list of peole to call and numbers if your hubby is going to do it or a friend/family member is going to call people.

Picture outfit for baby. They will take picture of baby in hospital and you may want a different outfit than the coming home outfit in case he/she spits up on it or something. Just a thought.

 

THanks Traci! My hubby only has to text/call 3 people, he's got them in his phone with notes already. My Mom already has her list.

Good idea for the picture outfit for baby!

I know another poster said not to worry about bringing baby wipes...  but I just want to tell you that not every hospital is the same.  My sister had a baby last summer, and I was staying with her in her room.  Good thing that I use baby wipes on myself (for after a BM) because the hospital we were at (a large metropolitan hospital that has a huge maternity ward) did not supply them at all!  They gave you these little (very rough textured) washcloths to use to wipe your baby...  and my sister's baby got a really bad rash from only using them one time!

I would bring some more stuff to do.  Like a deck of cards or a craft that you enjoy that is easy to transport (like knitting).  You may or may not be able to get adequate sleep, and all the baby does is sleep anyways...  so you may be bored out of your mind!

The undies that they supply are really weird looking, and really uncomfortable...  but they are really stretchy and you will be bleeding so much and be so sore that you really will be glad that you have trashy undies that can just be thrown away every couple of hours.  So bring your own comfy granny panties if you must...  but with the understanding that they will not be salvageable.

I also WILL be bringing my breast pump.  Even if I don't use it.  My sister did end up having to pump at the hospital...  and they gave her a hard time before getting her an electric breast pump to use.  (But then again, we were at a big hospital, and she is on medicaid...  so I don't know if that's makes any difference as to why they seemed so tight-fisted.)

Thanks Amanda!

I am going to a small community hospital (with excellent ratings and affiliated with the Children's Hospital) so maybe things will be different. I also have private insurance (United Healthcare) - not that they should let that matter but I know how business / politics work.

Maybe I will pack a full diaper bag and leave it in the car, then if I need something I'll just send hubby out for it.

I'm 37 weeks and half packed.  That is I have the baby's stuff ready to go. 

A onesie, diaper rash stuff, coming home outfit, baby lotion (they do not lotion them in the hospital but the mommies can bring it if they want them to), a dress for hospital pictures, diapers, burp cloth, nursing bra.  I did pack shampoo, conditioner and body wash for me.  I think I'm gonna bring the boppy to nurse with. 

I agree with the breast pump.  The lactation nurse will probably let you know that they advise you to exclusively breast feed for the first month (unless you are supplementing with formula) That way it gets your body used to producing milk constantly.  If you're pumping it in the first month your body will not make as much.  That's at least what I was told lol.

Thanks Karen! I can't believe how soon your little girl is going to be here!

I prefer to always have my own shampoo/conditioner/body wash because I have such sensitive skin I don't like to take chances.

OK I'll leave the pump at home, Chris can always bring it later if they want me to have it. I plan to nurse exclusively for the first few months.

I packed the pjs and what not but honestly just ended up wearing the hosptial gown for fear of accidents//leaks. I had a nice robe that I would have on if guests came or I wanted to walk around or to the nursery to get the baby. As for underwear I wore the mesh ones they gave and used the hospital pads until I had to go home and then I did have one pair. I wore some comfy yoga pants and a matching jacket with slip ons to go home.
My hospital had toiletries for showering, etc provided but I also had a private room with shower so it all depends.
Everything else looks good.

Thanks Samara!

 Yah Liz I can't believe you are getting so close! Boppy of course, I love my lansinoh(think that how you spell them) nursing pads they are the biggest and thinnest and the BEST! I brought the Always plus size purple pads with wings b/c there pads SUCKED!!! Use there big ugly panties only b/c they stretch and come up high and somehow when you just give birth they are the most comfy, plus yes you bleed all over them so why ruin yours! If you don't have some already the medela nipple therapy cream. It helps numb your nipple and sooth them when starting bf'ing. I wore a nursing tank from instead of a bra, Glamourmom's are awesome!!! Pillow for after you have baby to sleep. My hubby stayed with me that night to help me out b/c i had complications. Bring a comfy outfit for him Craig got blood on his clothes. He can also bring snacks and quarters for venting machine!!! 
     Oh make sure you ask for ice packs for down there. Change it out every 2 hours. Sometimes nurses forget about that and IT HELPS THE SWELLING!! 
GOOD LUCK!!
Jessica