What to take to the hospital??

[cugirl]

I am 35 weeks as of tomorrow and Im due Nov 1st.  I have been trying to pack my hospital bag for weeks now.  I have looked over several different lists and some have they same things and some have different things listed to take.  I was wondering what you ladies packed to take to the hospital.  Also was there something you are glad you packed because you absolutly needed it or something you wished your had packed?
In my bag I already have:
Toothpaste, several pairs of socks, 2 pairs of PJ's, underwear, lip balm, cream, hair brush.
Do I need a robe? And any suggestions on a going home outfit....I know something comfy, maternity clothes or baggy clothes before pregnancy?
In the diaper bag I have:
2 outfits (the one peice with the footies), 2 bibs, a blanket, burp cloth, socks, nail clippers, NB diapers, wipes and I already have the car seat in the car.
I still have not decided about breastfeeding or bottlefeeding (I know Im such a slacker!!!) If I bottlefeed what do I need to take to the hospital?
Sorry this is so long...but thanks in advance to all the responses!!!! I really appreciate all your help!!!

[kellym]

Surely at 39 weeks I'd like to hear too! I have waaay too much, HA HA.

[emcy2]

I am going to bottle feed and they sell small cartons of already mixed formula, so I am taking those just in case the hospital dont have the same formula.
I am taking track suit bottoms and slippers too, as well as mini travel size shampoo, conditioner and deoderant.
one bottle of wine and an ashtray....just kidding!!!
Good luck
hugs
xxx

[kellym]

That's halarious. I was thinking last night... my baby is fully
cooked now at 39 weeks, I think I will have a glass of wine & a cig. Then I thought I would go into labor with purple teeth smelling like a Marlboro light and decided against it!

[cugirl]

What brand of formula are you using?
Im thinking about trying to use the enfamil lipil with iron since enfamil has already sent me several free cans.
I think I may try to go meet with the pediatrician and see what he recommends...and what I need to do considering he is in a different city than my hospital.

[JJety]

Definitely take your toothpaste and toothbrush.  They provided me with soap, but I can't remember if there was shampoo but it was nice to have my own.  You won't need PJ's, you'll just wear the hospital gowns (with good reason, because you're bleeding like crazy) - same with your own underwear, you won't need them except for one pair going home and make them a pair of granny panties that you don't mind if they get bled on.  They give you all the pads and disposable underwear you need for your hospital stay.  Definitely chap stick - bring more than one tube in case you can't find one.  And your hair brush, dryer, lotions, make-up (if you want it) etc.  Basically pack like you're going to a hotel.

I brought a robe and was glad I did.  It was nice to be really covered in a fuzzy robe when visitors came because the hospital gowns are airy, and it made for nice pictures to have a colorful robe on (mine was baby pink).

My going home outfit was a pair of sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt, plus jacket.  Make it something very stretchy and easy to get into (you're sore and move very slowly) and you still have a big belly.

For the baby, 2 outfits is good.  They give the baby a t-shirt to wear in the begining and that's good because the iodine from their cord bleeds onto the first clothes/blankets they use.  I did not use any bibs, but had a couple burp cloths.  You will only need blankets for the ride home; all other blankets are provided by the hosptial.  You won't need socks or nail clippers.  They'll give you a whole pack of NB diapers and wipes so you won't need any of those.  

Definitely keep the car seat in the car for a couple weeks prior to deliver (just in case of a pinch).

If you bottlefeed, you won't need any bottles or formula.  They'll give you everything you need (they are these little plastic bottles filled with ready-to-eat formula), and one-time use nipples.

I might write back again if I think of something else...

[JJety]

Oh, some cheap slippers might be nice because the hospital floor is COLD.  Make them something that can be thrown away if they get bled on (it can run all the way down your legs, gross, I know) and something that easily slips on and off with no use of your hands, again because you're sore.

[pearl451]

You girls are soooo funny. I'm sure you would not be the first Mom in labor w/ purple teeth smelling like an ashtray!!!!!!! HaHa! I would take a bathrobe. I had to have a cathator(sp?) so I had to wear a hosp gown for the first night & I was so happy to have my robe to walk around in! I read all kinds of birthing plans & lists & you know what, all I needed was a pillow, PJ's Toiletries, robe, camera & going home outfit ( something you fit into at about 5 or 6 months. )

[Jenny77]

This is a wonderful question. I'm almost 37 weeks and am still trying to pack my bag. I get so overwhelmed though. Maybe this is aweful, but I keep thinking if I really forget something, we only live 10 minutes from the hospital so DH could go get it for me... Yikes.
I've heard a lot of women say to take one of your own pillows from home, but put a unique pillow case on it (to tell apart from hospital pillows).
How many pairs of pajamas should I take? one or two?

[kellym]

Is the whole bleeding thing really that bad?  That really scares & grosses me out. Does this mean I should buy pads for home?

[cugirl]

Thanks so much! Definately write back if you think of anything else. See Ive read so many different things about what to pack Im so confused!  Ive read to take bottles, formula, diapers, etc...then Ive read not to.  Do I just packed a diaper bag like normal with a few diapers and wipes.  Ive read to take clippers and not to.  All the lists go back and forth on what to take.  So its good to hear what people with first hand experience took....instead of some know-it-all that writes for a magazine and dont have any kids!!  I still dont know about the going home outfit...I guess I just have to dig thru my closet and find something.  Hubby already has his shirt hes wearing...my mom bought him the Mr. New Dad shirts  with the dad diapering the dog or the dad feeding the baby a bottle to the baby's butt...because the dad is holding him upside down.

[JJety]

Absolutely buy pads for home.  You'll definitely need some.

Yes, you bleed a lot.  It's just like a heavy period.  The part about it running down your legs is just the first couple of times you stand up after delivering.  It's not scary, it's just yucky.

[DollChina]

So glad you asked that question, I was just asking my friend.  I don't plan on taking a diaper bag since I live 3 miles from the hospital.  I might just bring a going home outfit for him.  The hospital should provide everything your baby needs.
Regarding your bag, just whatever you need when you go on a overnight trip.  Pillow, I have to have my memory foam pillow.  A couple magazines, just in case you have the mood to read and kill some time.  Candle if they let you burn one.  I like it since it soothes me.  I would bring a robe so I don't have to let everyone sees me in the ugle hospital gown.

[emcy2]

I have got huge pads for at home, and I am taking some to the hospital.
Regarding formula, here in the uk a popular one is sma so I have bought that.
Also the pain is over here there is no guarantee of how long your going to have to stay in hospital, my neighbour was out the same day, hope I am, I hate the restrictions of hospitals and you can never find a light for that marlboro!!!
hugs
xxx

[stephd]

I took my robe when I had DS only because I figured I would be wearing the lovely hospital gown while I was here.  Much more comfy than wearing pants or shorts or something (I had a C-section).  I would bring like (travel size) shampoo and soap with you unless you wanna use the stuff they give you at the hospital, I know I didnt like our stuff.  It smelled weird. if you bottle feed you shouldnt have to take anything with you.  they should have all of that there.  TOOTHBRUSH, you dont wanna use those HARD AS A ROCK THINGS!!  Good luck to you!!

[Jessime]

LOL, cute comments...

Please don't forget to take some baby lotion and some ointment just in case of diaper rash.  You sound like you have everything you need.  Me personally I would be lost without my hair band/ponytail holder.  If you have long enough hair you may want to consider if not don't worry about it.

Congratulations...  You're almost there!

Jessime

[JJety]

A quick idea - when you go in for your next doc appointment, see if he has a list directly from your own hospital of what to bring.  Usually they have a list that they give out at their childbirth classes and most doc's offices have them too.  I suppose some hosptials might not provide the diapers/wipes and maybe that's why some say to bring them, but I think it's common practice.  

If you can get your hands on a list from your own hosptial of what to bring, then you would get a much better understanding of what your hosptial does provide.

[cugirl]

So how did you do with the C-section..I hear stories where people still hurt like months later and then I hear stories about it not being that bad and that they would defiantely do it again that way. My dr estimated at my last appt that the baby would be 8 lbs something...but I have till November 1st to go...so who knows if its accurate or not.  I wouldnt mind having a small baby but 8 lbs I want a C-section...lol.  I definately dont want to rip or be cut...Id rather be cut when doing a c-section!

[JJety]

Oh, and take those Listerine breath strips too.  Those are the best.

[Elicam]

if you live in England, you should have a list of things you MUST take with you when you give birth.

These things include blankets and clothes for the baby. You will also need to bring your own nappies and pads for the hospital.

If you look in your maternity record book there is a list of these things. They like you to have everything on that list. There are also optional things as well.

You probably will find it hard to sneak out for that fag, they won't leave you alone for a minute. Mind you if all goes well, they tend to let you out on the same day to make way for the next one.

[emcy2]

thanks for your advice, I dont have a list as yet but have antenatal class on thursday so will ask there, I was wondering, do you think I need to take sterilised bottles in with me as I am not breast feeding?
To be honest I hope they do send me home on the same day, I hate hospitals especially UK ones!!!

[Elicam]

I am not sure, as I am basing what I am saying on my sil and she breast fed. I will ask her if she still has her list and if it says anything about that on there.

They don't really give you much stuff there so you I would probably say yes. But will let you know as soon as I find out.

[emcy2]

thanks hunny

[CrystalO]

You're awesome!!  Thanks so much for all the helpful advice!  I've still got another 20 weeks to go, but you've given me some great ideas for when I get a little closer. :)  And thanks for being so honest about what to expect...gross, yes, but definitely worth knowing. :)  I never would've thought about the iodine bleeding through the baby's clothes!!

[JJety]

No problem.  :-)

I thought of something else - If you're breastfeeding, pack your nursing bra.  By delivery time I had already been wearing mine round the clock because I leaked but if I was not I might have forgotten it.  They're so easy to just unclip and feed from one side without all your business hanging out.

[twiceadopt]

our hospital gets free formula - single servers + nipples - from the major manufacturers so if you decide to go with bottle-feeding, they'll probably have some for you ready to go. despite what they say about hospitals being clean, there wont be anywhere for oyu to sanitize newborn bottles and nipples.. so if you're bringing your own, get the ready-to-serve ones.

[HIS GIFT TO US]

keep it simple remember whatever you take has to be unpacked & cleaned once your back home:)
I took cheap flip flops to wear as house shoes & in the shower & I threw em in the trash as we packing to go home LOL
You may laugh, but I took bottles from home of all the bathroom things that were almost empty so once our stay was up the bottles were empty so I could also trash them & have less to unpack once we were home:)

Main thing CAMERA, VIDEOCAMERA the rest someone can go get if you need it

[emma10]

Since you say you haven't decided yet on feeding, I'd just point out you won't EVER have to worry about disinfection, sanitization, nipples, brands or mixing if you breastfeed. Just reading that all made me dizzy. I'm lucky if I get to hospital with my clothes on and a toothbrush.  

I would say too that sometimes nice snacks or breakfast food (like bran or fresh fruit) helps with the post-delivery trauma--going to bathroom for first time is not helped by hospital food.

[lib and jrs mom]

just to add a little something.  if you are nursing make sure to take breast pads because if you're in the hospital more than 2 days your milk will probably come in and it does it with a vengeance.  a nursing bra is also wonderful.
one thing to mention since i didn't see it mentioned much.  something for dh.  i had a csection, so i was in the hospital for 5 days.  dh took a pair of slippers (he stays the night with me the help recover quicker), a couple crossword puzzle books, a pen and notepad (i had him keep track of all the visitors because i was so tired), a hat for those really bad hair days, and an extra set of clothes because you never know when those bundles of joy we worked so hard to grow might puke, poop, or pee on them and he may not want to race home to change (especially if there are visitors).  also, change for the vending machine for him and some quick granola bars or something for quick energy.  
we're getting ready for the hospital stay (csection scheduled for nov. 3rd) so i'm just trying to add in the stuff i know we're packing.  we only live minutes from the hospital, but when i have a nice new incision and a brand new little one i need dh with me as much as possible.
btw, i don't know of any hospitals that allow candles d/t the oxygen and other gases being used frequently.
good luck to all those getting ready to have their little ones join them, and have fun packing :)

[mandymoo1983]

in australia we dont get anything like that we have to supply own formula,pads,clothes just about everything they supply cloth nappies diapers whatever you call them over there bottles for the formula.
ladies just be real careful of these stinkin hospitals i breastfeed my baby now 3 months old anyway however she had a couple of bottles with expressed milk early into the peice due to not latching on properly anyway the bottles were dirty they had dry milk on the tops ect how gross they are supposed to sterilise everyone as different people use them for breast milk formula ect.i dont mean to alarm anyone but yeah there are women out there delivering who may have something you dont want that have just used the bottle ask about there sterilising policy and what they do ect.to the person that asked about needing pads oh my hasent anybodt ever told yes you bleed for around 6 weeks post partum so yes plenty of pads you shouldent use tampons though anyway i could go on and on good luck to all you who are delivering soon better off you then me lol i am a sucker for punishment as i delivered to babies in less then a year 1 8lb9oz the second 8lb14.5oz and guess what it was the best thing anybody could go through enjoy.

[cugirl]

Im due Nov 1st but hoping to go earlier...lol.  So why 5 days with the c-section.  I know people that have stayed 1-2 days.  So I see you would do the c-section thing again since you have one scheduled.  Anything I need to know just in case I have a c-section?

[MissouriLady]

I am currently 39 weeks, due date is oct. 4.  I've not really spoken to many women about what to take to the hospital, except my mother.  
So my bag includes, going home outfit for me and baby, toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, gel, hand sanitizer, go to walmart/target and buy the travel sized containers, like $1.00 for an item.  This way you don't have this huge heavy bag full of toiletries to tote around or shall I say for the hubby to carry around.  Plus then you don't have to unpack all that stuff b/c more than likely you'll use up what you bought.  Plus, it won't be too big of a deal if you forget any of the travel size toiletries b/c they were cheap.  
Also in my bag I have lotion (shea butter) my hubby uses this to massage my feet, so hopefully he'll be kind and use it while i'm in labor.  So i also have an extra t-shirt to wear and a robe, like others say, it's nice to have pics taken and not be in the hospital gown. :D  Slippers or some really comfy socks and underwear, maybe a few pairs, just in case you don't feel comfy going "commando" when visitors are around.  nothing better than walkin down the hall and showing everyone your bare butt, why not show them some cute granny panties?  LOL  

A few other important things:  Camera, Videocamera, a magazine to read for you or for hubby, maybe a deck of cards (visitors may enjoy having something to do while you sleep)  and I have my "baby book" packed.  This way you can write down who visited, the time baby was born weight, lenght, etc.  Just nice to have that around to record events that happen within the first 48 hours, so you don't forget.  
As for my hospital, they provide pretty much everything for the baby.  DON'T take bottles to the hospital, too much of a hassle, leave them at home so they are ready for you there and you don't have to unpack.  Same with formula, the hospital should have that.  They more than likely will have pads for you, just make sure you have some at home, b/c more than likely your hubby still won't feel comfortable buying you pads at the store....if he is comfy, that's awesome!

Good luck with your pregnancy!