List of what to pack for delivery

[sgt6852wife]

Can anyone give me a good list or a good website for a list of what to pack for my delivery?? Thanks!

[NicMom]

I wore the mesh undies for the first few hours then switched out to my own pads and some grannie panties I bought from target. Much more comfortable! For sure bring your own pads because the hospital ones are really thick and don't work that great. Get the overnight pads because they are longer and you'll be laying down or at least semi reclined for awhile.

When shopping for good after baby grannie panties I look for coverage they need to be big enough to stay up and snug, but not tight. The nurse will be looking in your undies to watch for bleeding problems so keep that in mind also nothing that's too hard for them to get into. It's really just a peek they lift them up and back a bit to see the pad.

My number one item that I never saw on a list was my built in bra top. Like the tankini tops I wore it under the hospital gown and it was perfect. When people came to visit while I was in labor my boobs were kept in check and under wraps not just under a hospital gown. I wore a nursing tank bra right after the baby was born and I got cleaned up. Also nice since your lounging, but need easy access for the baby.

Slipper socks are another good one because your footing isn't always the best after having a baby. I was wobbly for the first 6 or 7 hours and regular socks on a tile floor could have added to my fall risk.

[sgt6852wife]

Thanks ladies! My dr office told me they suggest to start packing your bag and get the car seat in the car by about 34wks...haha we don't even have a car seat yet!! My last baby shower is in 2wks and I know my grandma bought it, so we're good there! We don't even have the baby furniture put together, I feel sooooo un-organized!!

One other question, a friend of mine told me that instead of the mesh undies they give you to wear men's boxer briefs, then just pitch them when they get messy. They seem way more comfy to me, but then again I have no clue!!

[bayybeecakes]

Must-Haves:

[  ] Insurance info, hospital forms and birth plan (if you have one)

[  ] 2-3 pairs of warm, nonskid socks that can get ruined (for walking the halls before and after labor)

[  ] A warm robe or sweater you don’t mind sacrificing to the cause

[  ] 2 maternity bras -- no underwire -- and nursing pads (whether or not you plan to nurse, you’ll appreciate the support and leak-protection)

[  ] Lip balm (hospitals are very dry)

[  ] Toiletries and personal items -- hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup (as if), shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lens case and solution (remember, travel-sized products are your friends)

[  ] Eyeglasses

[  ] Headband or ponytail holder (avoid clips -- they’ll probably poke you)

[  ] Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor (candy with sugar will make you thirsty)

[  ] Pen and paper

[  ] Lots of change for the vending machines and non-perishable snacks (you’ll probably be hungry after labor, and the hospital cafeteria could be closed)

[  ] Cell phone and charger, phone numbers of people to call after birth, prepaid calling card (if your hospital doesn’t allow cell phones)

[  ] Camera, film or extra memory card, battery or charger

[  ] A gym bag packed with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products for your partner



Take it or leave it:

[  ] Extra pillow (with a case that can get ruined, in a pattern distinguishable from hospital white)

[  ] Comfortable going-home clothes in six-month maternity size and flat shoes (or, just wear the clothes you came in… sorry, but they’ll probably still fit)

[  ] Bath towel (the hospital will likely supply a small, very thin one)

[  ] Hairdryer

[  ] Your favorite brand of soap, shampoo and heavy flow sanitary pads (the hospital supplies these things, but bring your own if you’re picky)

[  ] A few pairs of maternity underwear that can get ruined (the hospital will have disposable pairs, which some women find handy and others find gross)

[  ] A ruin-able nightgown (you can use those lovely hospital gowns, but your own might help you feel more human)

[  ] Breast pump, if you plan to use one

[  ] Slippers that can get dirty

[  ] Very light reading (think mags and newspapers, not War and Peace)

[  ] Your MP3 (loaded with your favorite tunes, of course)

[  ] Massage oil and tools like rolling pins or tennis balls, and lucky or inspirational objects (honestly, we doubt you'll use 'em…but feel free to prove us wrong!)



Leave Home:

[  ] Any clothes or nighties you really like (they will get ruined)

[  ] Stopwatch (your nurse or a monitor will take care of timing contractions)



What to Bring For Baby:

[  ] Approved car seat

[  ] A coming-home outfit

[  ] Warm blankets (for the ride home)

[  ] Outdoor gear like a snowsuit and hat, as seasonally appropriate (remember, babies are extra sensitive to cold)
[  ] Outfit for baby's first pictures

[amandamae1126]

Ladies - I am due any minute (or at least it feels like it) and your suggestions were SO helpful! I have a bag packed of the essentials I think I will need, but you ladies mentioned some things I don't have yet!

I'm sure I won't use all that I packed, but it's nice to have it there just in case I do want it!

[Spiket77]

On the birthing clothes comments...Everyone told me to do bring clothes to labor in BUT...as I walked into the birthing center I was tearing my clothes off and didn't care that I was nude.  

- Drink mix with electrolytes, like gatorade. Helps keep you going.
- Easy to eat snacks. Nothing real chewy or crunchy. I ate greek yogurt which is high in protein.
- Food for right after delivery. You will be starving!
- Music is good, we also used a ocean sound and thunderstorm sound CDs
- 2 tennis balls, if you have back labor and need counter pressure on your back, tennis balls will save your partner's wrists
- Doula! A doula can make a huge difference in your labor experience.


And something to do around your due date.... put a towel and plastic bag on your car seat. I was leaking fluid the whole way to the birthing center and luckily my husband thought to put down a plastic bag and towel over our car seat.

[JoyRenee]

I wish I could LIKE comments here like on FB because I would have totally liked BeeHappy's comment!!! Water = good!

[BeeHappy76]

I am pregnant with my 1st so have not been there before, but a friend told me her big recommendation that no one told her about would be to bring a shower cap  if you are planning to spend time in the shower or tub and don't want your hair to be wet the whole time, and also swim shorts for hubby if you want him to come into the shower with you (she found the shower to be the most helpful thing to ease labor pain).

[junebaby11]

pillows! Those hospital pillows aren't the greatest. I had to stay over night once ugh . & someone once suggested to me music so you can get "in the zone" haha

[kellibubba]

Im just going to write down a few things as I feel its more personal than some website. + half of what i took last time i  didnt even use..
So I would pack.
A few cheap undies. like about 7/10. Cause they will get messy.
3/4 packs of pads. I have a few diffrent ones.
Something comfy to labor in. I didnt wear anything last time, but this time i will be
Breast pads.
Toiletries. I have some luxeries like a nice bodywash and a little makeup for photos IF you want.
Clothes that fit you when u were about 5/6 months pregnant for going home
A nice outfit for bub to come home in.
Nappies/bunny rug/bottles/hat.
Some things to eat during eraly labor. I didnt eat anything last time.
Some nice comfy socks. lol

I still havnt packed my bag yet and im 32 weeks...