Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Pack Your Bag - Hospital Bag List


When I was pregnant I struggled with what to pack in my hospital bag. I tend to be a light packer and many of the lists I found online seemed very high maintenance to me. For all my pregnant girlfriends out there, here is my hospital bag checklist:


1. Your shower stuff (shampoo, conditioner, soap etc.)

2. Your oral healthcare items (toothpaste, etc.)

3. Your body care (deodorant, body lotion, etc.)

4. Flip flops or slippers

5. Comfortable nightgown(s) that you can breastfeed in (opening in front or with straps you can slip down) also that you don't mind getting stained. I found the hospital gowns terribly uncomfortable.

6. Robe you are comfortable wearing in the hospital hallways (you will want to walk around a bit to help you heal)

7. Socks (a couple pairs)

8. Going home outfit (stretchy yoga pants, maternity top, blousy sundress, etc. - you will be sore "down there" and will still have a big tummy, so don't wear anything that is too tight)

9. Shoes to wear home (remember, your feet may be really swollen)

10. Going home outfit for baby and a blanket

11. Reading material and other "time killers"

12. Snacks for your days in recovery (don't bother bringing food for when you're in labor - you can't eat)

13. Make-up, hair binders, etc. (I didn't bother with the make-up...it was the last thing I was concerned about)

14. Breastfeeding items like pads, and ointment...lots of ointment (I liked the Medela line of products best).

15. Feminine pads to wear home (I liked Always Infinity Nighttime). Prepare for a heavy flow for the days (possibly weeks) to follow.

16. Maternity underwear and nursing bra to wear home.

17. Your own pillows with pillowcases that aren't white (so the hospital cleaning crew doesn't mistake them for theirs).

18. Your own bath towel (I regret not bringing one and the hospital's towels sucked. Be sure it's not one of your "good" towels though, you may stain it)

19. Music to play during labor and delivery (I brought our Ipod docking station and listened to soothing music the whole time - it REALLY helped me relax).

20. Lip balm (your lips may get really dry during labor)

6 comments:

KIm J. said...

Thank you for such a great list! I am preparing a bag of my own and was at a loss for what to bring. I didn't want to over pack!

Kwana said...

Great list. I could have used it all those years ago with my kids. I didn't have socks and went home without in inches of snow with twins.

Brenda said...

Great list. Wish I had it months ago. Your tips on towels and going home clothes is right on the money. No one tells you you need maternity clothes to go home in.I still looked 6 months preggo when I left. I had to squeeze into my small drawstring pants.

Catherine Longworth said...

This will be very helpful, T! This is yet another reason why you were my personal assistant at my wedding - always prepared!! Thanks for including this. I am taking notes :)

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