Friday, July 9, 2010

Organize your hospital bag

What should one take to the hospital when going in for a delivery?! Im sure we have all done some researching, asked our moms and friends what they took, what we should take and so on. There are lots and lots of lists out there of so called necessities and honestly, I never found one that fully satisfied me. And even though I had been through this already, with my second delivery, I still found myself searching for tips on what I should take.

So this is my take on it - I hope it helps!



- Gown/pijamas. Take 2-3. The hospital does provide you with a gown but I find it not only hideous but also extremely revealing (two huge slits on my front are not my idea of confortable). I personally liked wearing pjs better. I felt more at ease with my movements, but it will really depend on how you are feeling. It's hard bending to put on pants, even if you had the perfect normal delivery. Anyway, I brought 2 pjs this time and 1 gown and I'm glad I brought them!

- Underwear. Another item provided by the hospital. They give these great disposable ones that you can use and then throw away - wonderfulness! However, I like to bring my own. The ones given my the hospital made me itch and were rather unconfortable. So I'm glad I brought my won (3-5).

- Socks, it does get chilly so it's nice to have a few pairs on hand.

- Slippers - last time I had slippers and it was great, this time, I also brought some, but I'm favoring my flip flops a little more (maybe because it's summer... I don't know).

- Toiletries - shampoo, conditioner, soap, tooth paste and brush and all that jazz - bring! I also liked having liquid soap and a loofa.

- Makeup - who ever said you need to look like crap after you delivered?! He-llo!!! You need to look gorgeous and prettier than ever, after all there will be lots of picture taking! So please, do put on some make up before the going into the hospital and bring some along with you! It will not only help you look better, but it will also help you feel better! Also, put on some cute little earings too will ya?! No woman should ever be seen with at least some little amount of sparkle!

- Nursing bra - a confortable, rather loose bra. It's likely your milk won't come in until you leave the hospital (though it might), and if it does, you do not want to be wearing a tight, underwired braw. Trust me! 

- Boppy pillow and nursing cover. Not necessities, but I have found it helpful to have them. The boppy pillow is wonderful and will make breastfeeding a lot easier, and the cover is very convenient when visitors come in and you're just about done and starting.

- Food. Yes, you will be fed, but where are you going to find food at 3am when you get hungry after a feeding (or an attempt at it)??? When I had my little boy, I friend brought some muffins and fruit when she came to visit instead of flowers. I loved it! It was the best gift and a wonderful idea. I got so hungry during the night and those muffins saved me! So unless you have a wonderful friend with wonderfully thoughtful ideas like I do - take a few snacks, or make your husband do a grocery run after the delivery!

- Cute going home outfit! Please, no sweat pants and a t-shirt! I'm sure we've all watched What not to wear and can agree, that Stacy and Clinton would be appauled at such a sight! You can look cute and be comfortable at the same time. A dress is always a safe bet, it's confortable, not tight or constricting and easy to put on. I'm not saying skinny jeans and high heels... just something cute. :o)

- CAMERA!!! Can't forget that one right?! Cam corders, a laptop and a blog/facebook account are also important in sharing with everyone the cuteness and perfectness of your baby!


But the most important thing is to not stress and enjoy your stay. If you forget something, or realize later that you should have brought that other random item - it's ok! Surely you don't live hundreds of miles away from the hospital and your hubby can make a quick run home to get whatever it is your crazy self desires!

That and the car seat, because you can't take baby home without it! ;o)

9 comments:

Paty said...

there are several things I wil do different this time around when I deliver my next baby. I didn't take too many things with me when I delivered my girls but I did learn a few things.

Totally agree on the pijamas: those gowns are super thin, you can see through. I'm bringing my own next time.

slippers: I'm opting out of these and going for flip flops instead regardless of the season. Here's the reason: I took my super comfy memory foam slippers and during one of the times I got up to go potty (while in labor) I started leaking amniotic fluid and it got on them. I didn't like that and the slippers became history after that, they went in the trash.


I liked your list, and totally agree on the keep it simple. If something is forgotten, you can have someone get it later, not a big deal.

Aline Carson said...

There's one thing I would for sure do differently next time is to take some loose pajamas! I took some cute pajamas, but they were all super tight with that kind of fabric that stretches and marks everything. NOT GOOD. First of all it's NOT comfortable and second of all, right after you have a baby the baby bump is STILL there even though you're not preggo anymore.
I also took flip flops and liked it very much. I took some slippers but never even used it. Something I took but didn't wear was a robe, it was a very thin light one which I shoul've wore because it was so comfy. Anyway, I totally agree with everything you wrote, I had a c-section and the day after I had the baby I washed my hair, used a blow dryer and a straighting iron..hehe..And before I went to the hospital I went to the hairdresser to do my nails and hair. Okay, some of you probably won't have time to do that but if you do...Please do! Because after you have the baby there will be very little time for pampering.

Jenny Taylor said...

The list is great! I also did things a little different with my second delivery.I took my own PJ's and a lightweight robe, which was really good. I also already knew I was having a C-section, and that made easier picking what I would feel comfortable wearing there,and to leave. The first time around I didn't take any make-up,but the second time I did, and it totally makes you feel better. I also had my hair and nails done before going in, because like it was said, you really don't have a lot of down time those first few weeks!

Ana'deen said...

Cute picture! I specially love the Coach handbag of course... Cool post by the way. I'll be sure to check back when I'm preggo and close to delivery. Might as well do it right the first time around huh? :)

Camila said...

I still haven't figured out the whole pj's thing even after 2 deliveries. I've ended up having 2 c-sections, and for the first day or so it's really hard to get up and change myself, my nurses end up doing that for me. I have to say though, even though the hospital gowns are ugly, too thin, and usually waaay to big for me, they are convenient. Mine usually have snaps on the shoulders, which makes breastfeeding much easier. And if they get dirty, I don't have to deal with them...
I think next time I'm making my own gowns. Something with a cute comfortable fabric with snaps on the shoulder. I have found free patterns online. I'll let you all know how it turns out (it might take a couple of years though... not planning on another baby for a little while longer).

Camila said...

I still haven't figured out the whole pj's thing even after 2 deliveries. I've ended up having 2 c-sections, and for the first day or so it's really hard to get up and change myself, my nurses end up doing that for me. I have to say though, even though the hospital gowns are ugly, too thin, and usually waaay to big for me, they are convenient. Mine usually have snaps on the shoulders, which makes breastfeeding much easier. And if they get dirty, I don't have to deal with them...
I think next time I'm making my own gowns. Something with a cute comfortable fabric with snaps on the shoulder. I have found free patterns online. I'll let you all know how it turns out (it might take a couple of years though... not planning on another baby for a little while longer).

Camila said...

I still haven't figured out the whole pj's thing even after 2 deliveries. I've ended up having 2 c-sections, and for the first day or so it's really hard to get up and change myself, my nurses end up doing that for me. I have to say though, even though the hospital gowns are ugly, too thin, and usually waaay to big for me, they are convenient. Mine usually have snaps on the shoulders, which makes breastfeeding much easier. And if they get dirty, I don't have to deal with them...
I think next time I'm making my own gowns. Something with a cute comfortable fabric with snaps on the shoulder. I have found free patterns online. I'll let you all know how it turns out (it might take a couple of years though... not planning on another baby for a little while longer).

Cau said...

Thank you for your comments regarding the Hospital Bag...
Funny thing is I was about to googled this topic, because I told myself I would get my Hospital Bag done this week (even though I'm only 28 weeks, but unfortunatelly had already 2 visits to the L&D) :)
I'll definitelly follow your advice!

Unknown said...

what is the pink bag's brand? I'd like to buy one for my baby girl.

thanks!