Answer to all your "what to bring" questions

[StaceyLu]

So I have had a lot of first timers ask me what they should bring the hospital and I couldnt remember everything so I looked through my "What to expect" book and thought I would forward what it said to all of you. It is split into 3 sections "Labor and Delivery" "Postpartum" and "Things I thought were useful". Hopefully this will help out the first timers questions and give a refresher for those that have already been through this before.
If anyone can add anything that they found useful, not listed, or would like to comment on what they found really useful for them pls let us know! (I also made some comments next to some of the items in italics on what i thought of them or if they were useful to me!)
Alright here we go!

What to bring for the labor and delievery room:
-MP3 player, Ipod, cd player, along with some of your favorite tunes, if music soothes and relaxes you
-A camera and/or video equipment along with extra batteries or charger
-Entertainment: laptop, sudoku or crossword book, handheld video game player, knitting, or whatever diversions you think will keep you from focusing too much on your labor (I brought a book, but never opened it)
-Favorite lotions, oils, or anything else you would like for massages. (never used)
-A tennis ball or back massager, for firm counter back massage, should lower backache be a problem. (also good for those who have back labor)
-A pillow of your own to make you more comfortable durring and after labor (To me this is a must!)
-Sugarless lollipops or candies to keep your mouth moist (I prefered ice in the hospital)
-A tooth brush, toothpaste, and mouthwash (MUST!)
-Heavy socks, should your feet become cold (make sure you bring more than one pair)
-Comfortable slippers with nonskid bottoms, in case you need to do some walking while in labor and so you can do some walking inbetween feeds after labor
-A scrunchie, clip, or hairband, if you have long hair to keep it out of your face and tangle free. Also a hairbrush if you think it will come in handy (Must have!)
-A couple of sandwiches, or other snacks for your coach so he/she wont have to leave your side if he/she get hungry durring labor
-Change of clothes for your coach, for comfort sake and if he/she plans to sleep over in the hospital
-A cell phone and charger

What to bring for postpartum:
-A robe and/or nightgowns/pj's, if your rather wear your own rather than the hospital's. If you plan on breastfeeding make sure it opens in the front. Keep in mind that even tho pretty nightgowns and pj's can boost your spirits, they may get bled on and stained. (comfort was my biggest concern)
-Toiletries: shampoo and conditioner, body wash, deodorant, hand mirror, makeup, and any other essentials of hygiene or beauty you feel you might need.
-Your favorite brand on maxipads, though the hospital will also provide some....skip the tampons ladies (I thought the hospital ones were fine but some women prefer their own brand)
-A couple of changes or underwear and a nursing bra, if you plan to breastfeed
-A supply of snacks: trail mix, soy chips, cereal bars, and other healthy treats to keep you from starving when the hospital food doesnt cut it or hunger strikes between meals (it also will help save money, most hospitals have food places in them but they are expensive)
-A list of phone numbers of family and friends to call with the good new; a phone card or calling card number if you dont have a cell phone, you get no reception in the hospital, or they dont allow cell phones. (sometimes in the rush of things you can forget to call people so I think this is very important to sit down and think of all the people you need to call so that you can just go down the list when the time comes and make sure everyone is alerted)
-A going-home outfit for you, keep in mind that you will probably be sporting a sizable belly (I made a mistake with this one, I would bring a pair of sweat pants and a loose shirt, comfy.....think comfy!)
-A going home outfit for baby; a kimono or stretchie, t-shirt, booties, a recieveing blanket, and a heavy bunting or blanket if it's cold; diapers will probably be provided by the hospital, but bring some extra just in case
-Infant car seat. Most hospitals will not let you leave with the baby unless he or she is safely strapped into an approved rear-facing infant car seat. Its also the law!

Things that were not listed that I found useful!
- Chapstick (hours of labored breathing and licking your lips can lead chaped lips...this was one of my LIFESAVERS)
-Baby outfit for pics (Most hospitalsdo newborn pics and if you want your lil bundle to wear something special bring it along!)
-Pacifier (I didnt use one but i saw lots of mothers who did)

 

[MSugarKane]

May. 26, 2008 at 7:03 AM A pillow of  your own I think is the most valuable thing not to forget to bring, especially to labor and delivery...use a colorful pillowcase so the hospital knows its yours

[Mommy2Be6507]

May. 28, 2008 at 11:30 AM thnx for the info!!

[1mom08]

May. 28, 2008 at 3:11 PM yeppers thank you Stacey! you were very helpful in packing my bag for the hospital!!!!! the pillow is the last thing lol I will grab it on the way out the door when i go in labor lol