Packing your Bags

[Gina209]

Has anyone packed their Hospital Bag yet?? My husband & I decided that right after the New Year were going to pack our bags. The first weekend in January, I'll be 36 in a half weeks Pregnant and we want to get them packed nice and early just in case!
My question is, what are some things I should be packing? I figured PJ's for me, change of clothes to go home in...a going home outfit for Caiden, a blanket, his carseat, diapers, shower stuff and maybe some things for me to do incase its a long hospital stay...like a book or word puzzle. Is there anything else I'm missing? First time Moms, what are you packing? And already experienced Moms, what are some things you forgot to pack and now know for sure that you need?? Any help would be appreciated!

When is everyone else planning to pack their bags??

[KM604]

I am planning on packing this weekend, I have a feeling I will be going in earlier then expected (I'm 33 weeks today).  But I am pretty much packing the same as you, but I am including a few outfits - newborn and premie size just in case.  I had one friend tell me the premie sizes fit her daughter better and another friend who had a bigger baby, he could barely fit in the newborn - so that's why I want to bring a variety.  I also will pack some mittens, hats and socks for the baby, just in case (I don't know how it works in the hospital with that stuff).  I also heard from 2 different people that night gowns are a must have, especially if you have a c-section.  I'm bringing a robe too, it's probably cold in the hospitals. Hmmm...can't think of anything else right now.  Oh yah, socks for me :)

[Gina209]

Yea I keep getting a feeling I'm going to go earlier as well! Just last night I was sleeping and I woke up to BH Contractions. Well at least I think thats what they were..unless Caiden was just kicking me really hard in my lower pelvic area. But I had never felt it before and it hurt a lil bit. It happened on and off for about 15 minutes than went away. But I was all paranoid that I was going into labor..I was lying there waiting for my water to break! LOL
Than I woke up this morning feeling all crampy and icky...so I think he's getting ready! My next appointment is Jan 5th (a week) and their going to see where his head is and positioning...so it'll be interesting! But packing my bags just makes it that much more surreal!!

[agomez333]

This is #4 for me so here is what I am packing... I will have the diaper bag for Zechariah with blankets, clothes, a hat, socks, burp cloths a brush in case he has a head full of hair like me other kids did and a few diapers. Most hospitals supply the diapers while you are there and let you take home the remaining diapers in the pkg you use. I will also have a wash cloth and baby wash as they really don't wash the baby. You aren't allowed to give them a bath until the umbilocal falls off, but you can wash them with a wash cloth and baby wash. Then he will smell good!!
For me I am bringing lotion, shampoo, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash ( I have a bag for traveling with all toiletries in it already), the hospital has you wear their gowns, so I will not bring a night gown as I do not want to get blood on one since you will be bleeding quit a bit right after, a nursing bra or two, clothes for going home like scrubs or sweats, socks and slippers and clothes for hubby. We will have change for vending machines and cash for the cafeteria for hubby. The car seat of course will be in the car ready to go. Some reading materials and a list of phone numbers of people to call after he is born. A carmera and video camera (you want to have thee packed as they are easily forgotten), extra batteries and cord just in case. I will have some kind of music to play in the room...something relaxing for during labor. I am also bringing the breast shields from my pump so the lactation specialist there can see if they are the right size or if i should get a bigger/smaller size. You might also want to bring a list of questions for a lactation specialist if you plan to breast feed and copies of a birthing plan if you have special requests. For example, I am strongly opposed to the use of forceps and will not allow the Dr to use them. I do not want an epidural either so these things are good to have on paper as some people are not capable of dealing with a ton of questions during intense labor. Also, on the birthing plan you can include that you want the baby with you all the time or as much as the hospital permits, and that you do not want a bottle used for feeding but you only want the baby feed by you cause you are breast feeding... These are important details as I have had some horrible experiences with the hospital staff in the past. They are much better now a days at allowing you to keep the baby in your room at all times unless there is a test that need to be performed.
These are all things you and ur partner/hubby should discuss before hand so he can speak for you when necessary. I hope this helps as these are the things I am bringing and will have ready before we go to the hospital!
Good luck to all I can't believe it is coming so soon!!

[Fay1984]

oh Gina thanks for the post i was confused too ..
agomez thanks A LOT ...never though of some of the things you mentioned ..i guess you wont be sure unless you tried it before...
i think i might be going to pop Adam early since i have what they thought were very strong BHs when i was 30 weeks which developed to painful contractions now at 34 weeks...i just hope to keep him atleast till he is 37 weeks or so ...
HOPE EVERYONE AND THEIR LITTLE ONCE THE BEST...AND LETS ANTICIPATE A VERY SAFE DELIVEY !

[Momofthreecrazykids]

This is my 4th as well :)  

For the baby, it's kinda different because this is my first winter pregnancy, so I have to think of the types of clothes to keep it warm...I'm going to bring~WIPES (the hospital I go to doesn't have wet wipes...they're dry and you add water to them and they're harsh), a couple gowns, socks, baby slippers, 2-3 blankets, a couple hats, mittens, comb, burp cloth and CAR SEAT!!

Myself, I'm going to bring a robe to walk around in, 3 pairs of socks, 2 nursing bras, 3 pairs of underwear, a couple night gowns, comfy clothes to go home in, SLIPPERS for sure, shampoo, lotion, make-up (never know), brush, conditioner, rubberband for long hair, bath sponge, toothbrush and toothpaste, mouth wash, something to focus on when I'm laboring, tennis ball for back labor, frozen juice pops for labor (something to suck on other then ice chips)...I think that's about it.  

Just remember you're bringing home more then you took in.  My hospital supplies baby clothes and diapers, sometimes a brand new diaper bag with books for the baby.  The supply, baby shampoo, lotion, a comb and a hat... but those wipes they do have are harsh and I would NEVER use them...

Good luck to you all and hope we all have a safe and WONDERFUL delivery!!  :)  Happy New Year!!!!!

[jdamico]

yeah like the other two expeirence   mom  those are the  basic things u will need to  bring.
    the  basci thing u would need if u were  going away for u  and then   diapers  wipes clothes ( couple different size items) blankets  hats  mittens  Car seat seeing as most palces wont let u leave the hopistal with out one .
i  still remember the one thing i  forgot both times  wheni had my kids it was  my toothbrush   i had to have mymother go and  buy one for me in the gift shop both times. this year  for  Xmas mom  got a brand new  with case and  all she said she is in  charge of bringing that  when  she  just in case i  forget it lol

[katebud]

I'm going to take most of the above mentioned, and my own VERY SOFT TP!!!!!!!!!!  :)  I read that tip on a website the week before last.