What should I bring to the hospital when I go into labor?

Tessa - posted on 04/20/2009

a donut seat(the life saver looking inflatable butt pillow)if not having a c-section,it works wonders in keeping pain at bay when sitting up after delivery,some hospitols provide them...and elastic hair ties.

Chris - posted on 04/20/2009

Yeah, something for your hair and the carseat should stay in the car. I would bring pillows but remember, the more you bring, the more you have to find someplace to put it when you are in labor, and the more you have to take back home. You will have a baby and flowers and balloons to take home too.

Chris - posted on 04/20/2009

After 4 children, i say as little as necessary. The hospital will provide you with diapers and wipes and some toiletries. I would bring my own shampoo and conditioner and soap. I would also bring some comfortable pajamas and something for the baby to go home in. Otherwise, as little as necessary.

Trisha - posted on 04/20/2009

i took my own pillow and blanket because, the pillows there are horrible.i brought pj, and clothes to go home in for me and my babies, the hospital usually will give you a diaper there so dont worry about bringing your own i got like 4 with my first baby. and i brought my cell phone charger because i knew people would be calling that more than the hospital phone so i made sure it was fully charged......and make sure you bring your granny panties lol those big ol pads you have to wear after dont work to well on thongs lol!!! well anywho good luck and congrats even tho i dont know you!!

Emily - posted on 04/20/2009

Comfy clothes(pj pants and tank tops) flip flops or crocs for the shower. I loved my ipod, i had some nice big firm pillows because the hospital ones are kinda thin. clothes for the baby, ( they provide diapers and wipes unless you prefer another brand), travel size toiletries, car seat, blanket for baby. I also brought phone chargers especially if you are planning on a lot of phone calls, your phone list too. head band, or pony tail holder, magazines. Good Luck

Stevie - posted on 04/20/2009

well something for you to wear on the way home some pjs your body care things things for your partner i packed a few outfits for him also and a camera i also had my slippers but didnt really need them they gave me some socks and some bills or change for thebaby the car seat instaled already is best haha and the diaper bag with a bottle or two some travle formula if you are bottle feeding a few diapers and wipes andsome outfits we didnt go straight home after we left we stayed the night at a close family friend so they could meet the baby so maybe some extra close if you might not go home right away and some pads for sure and some panties lol anything that can make you comfortable if you have a pillow you just love or something take it if music calms you down in painful situations take some take something that can help you with pain like a stress ball or something blankets pack likeyou are going to a hotel while your on your period and with your baby lol ;)

Crystal - posted on 04/20/2009

You should defiantely already have your thigs packed into a bag. Defiantley take your toooth brush and paste, your comfortable(favorite) pillow, something comfortable to wear, all your babies things they will need first. pacifier, bottles, coming home clothes, diapers, wipes, etc.. Good Luck

Alyssa - posted on 04/20/2009

#1 your labor coach! I couldn't have done it without them. I would also suggest a yoga ball to sit on during labor, if the hospital doesn't already provide it. It was an amazing asset during my labor. A robe. A bunch of crappy underwear to wear after the delivery, depending on how long your in the hospital for after the birth. Believe me you're not going to want to wear the ones provided by the hospital and things are messy down there for quite awhile. Everyone else seemed to cover the rest.

Amber - posted on 04/20/2009

This are just my suggestions! I totally overpacked... so this is what I would do if I did it all again:



Jammies

Probably just 1 outfit to wear home (I stayed in jammies the whole time until I went home)

Small fan (the room is usually warm for the baby)

Fuzzy socks/slippers

CHAPSTICK

Basic toileties (toothbrush, deodorant, hairbrush)

Hair scrungie/headband (just use the same one every day)

Cracker snacks (or change for vending machine). The food I had from the hospital was pretty good and I got to pick from a menu like room service! So find out about that before you go. There was a pizza place that even delivered there!

Digital camera (I took the video camera, but never touched it.) Extra batteries just in case!

Underwear that's one size bigger (you'll thank me later!) - about 4 pair

*don't worry about bringing pads - the hospital will give you some that work better than anything you are going to buy. The first few days you NEED the big ridiculous things!

A bra/pads is up to you. I had relatively "small" boobs (about a D or so?), and I went braless while in the hospital. (I was constantly whipping out the boob, so it was just easier)

IF YOU PLAN TO PUMP AND HAVE ONE ALREADY - take it with you! The lactation nurse will show you how to use it without having to come back later. This is a GOOD thing!



For the baby

carseat (of course!) - get it checked/installed NOW. You want to be prepared!

an outfit to wear going home

a hat or two (hospital hats suck!)

socks

mittens (the babies fingernails will be crazy long!) - you might want to bring clippers and/or a baby emery board, too. Their fingernails are HARD to trim when they are new, though. Almost connected to their skin. The nurses can help!

a blanket (for the carseat). You will most likely use the hospital receiving blankets the whole time - so just one blanket for the carseat is really all you need.

Sometimes the photographers come in for "special" photos - so maybe an outfit for that.

You might want to bring a sleeper gown (they are so cute!) with the open bottom (elastic) to wear in the hospital. The baby will be swaddled pretty much the whole time anyway, though.

Don't worry about diapers - the hospital normally gives you a bunch. Same with wipes. They will also give you the nasal aspirator and other basic newborn stuff. (Bring a diaper bag to put all this stuff in) They will also give you formula samples if you go that route (if you plan to breastfeed - take the samples anyway! Just in case... you'll have a 'free' backup and not have to run out and get anything right away).



What else... hmmm... you really don't need all that much! The hospital really provides for a lot of basic needs. I had a TV and a radio, and frankly I was too into the baby to really focus on any of that anyway. Forget anything like a book or puzzles... you will never crack them!



You'll want to also have a separate bag for your hubby. For him, tell him to pack like he's going to a hotel for a weekend. What would he want? Suggest wearing shorts/pants twice - to pack less!



Someone mentioned a phone list - and that is a GOOD idea. I actually created a "tree" before I left. I contacted one or two people - and they in turn contacted specific people... who contacted other people...etc. It worked wonderfully!



Someone also mentioned getting all the sleep you can in the hospital - and I couldn't agree more!! You will be soooooo sleep deprived VERY quickly - so sleep as MUCH as you possibly can! When the baby is sleeping... SLEEP!



Good luck!! Congratulations! I wish I were where you are! My son is now 5.5 months, and I would love to do it all again! :-)

Sherry - posted on 04/20/2009

another idea that I forgot to tell you was of corse covered with some of the other's information about camera ect....not all hospitals still do the handprints and feet prints but go to a school supply store and purchase an ink pad water washable in the color of the baby book and that way you can cont to get the prints through all the childs years and keep them in the book.

Jessica - posted on 04/20/2009

With my first i just brought the basics everyone has been saying. but he was in the Neonatal intensive care for the 3 days we were there and i was bored cause they dont let you stay in there the whole time, so for my second i made sure, just in case she ended up there too, (which she did but only one day and we went home the next) that i brought a book and a puzzle book, and a magazine. i plan on doing the same for this one. you never know. hopefully i wont need them this time but its always good to have something!

Sherry - posted on 04/20/2009

Being an OB nurse for over 30 years I would say, bring as little as possible...less things to lug to the car when you go home. Briing toiletries, nursing bras, if you plan to nurse, comfy jammies. Everything else will be there for you. Don't lug in the car seat until the day you are going home, as it just takes up space in the room and they are not all that roomy to start with. ALSO..if this is your first baby go over the booklet on how to use your car seat before you have the baby. If you can, borrow a baby size doll and actually adjust the belts and get the doll in and out. I know this sounds silly, but if I had a dollar for every set of parents who don't know how to use their car seat, but expect us to know how without the manual I would be a rich lady not needing work:)

Good luck with the baby!!!! Oh and you will not need diapers or anything like that for the baby while you are in the hospital. If you want to bring a few outfits so that the baby looks cute for company thats fine, but most hospitals supply diapers, tee shirts, blankets hats, formula if you are formula feeding ect...the less you bring the less you will have to drag home.

Samantha - posted on 04/20/2009

Good luck. Along with all the things others have mentioned I brought along a lavender room freshner. The kind with jel and just sit it on a high shelf. Lavender relaxes you and the nurses just loved it. Takes away that sterile smell.

Karen - posted on 04/19/2009

camera, battery charger, cellphone and charger. a bobby if u plan on nursing and gas drops!!!!! my baby had gas the day we were leaving to go home so bad he cried for hours. even the ped doctor agreeded he had gas. the hospital i delivered at did not use them. So i made sure daddy went to get them !!! within 5 min he was as happy as could be............. And your babys book i had them print his hands and feet as they did there records!!!!

Shannon - posted on 04/19/2009

don't forget the camera and video camera like I did. You will want those memories kept fresh. Also, you might want to purchase a baby book and visitors can sign it and the nurse will put your babies footprints in it.

Emily - posted on 04/19/2009

A camera!!! Yes everything everyone else mentioned you can have in a bag ready to go, but have your camera in your purse, with you at all times. My water broke at 3:30 am when I was at work, 6 weeks early. No time to go home and get anything (I was only in labor for an hour!!!). Everything else people can bring to you when they come to visit, but for my daughters first 2 days in the NICU, I only have the pictures that other people took for me. I was so focused on her, I didn't care if I was in a hospital gown, with unwashed hair and no makeup. Even if you don't go into labor early (and I pray that you don't!) if you're not at home when you do, you may not have time to get home.

Brenda - posted on 04/19/2009

Here's a great article for this:



http://www.babyzone.com/pregnancy/labor_...

Brenda - posted on 04/19/2009

You might take swim trunks for your husband/sig other so he can shower bathe with you during labor. I suggest taking slipper socks because your feet will swell and you may not be able to get slippers on. Chapstick or some other lip balm because between heavy breathing and dry air you'll need it. With my first, they clipped his nails when they gave him his bath, so that one is just up to you. I won't be taking them this time. And take your baby book if you're doing one because you'll want to fill it in while you have a chance. A lot depends on what the hospital provides. I'm not taking diapers or clothes except the baby's going home outfit and a blanket or two to take him home in. I didn't take any pjs or anything except a robe to wear over the hospital gown and that was fine with me. That way I didn't get my own stuff messed up.

Misty - posted on 04/19/2009

bathropbe, slippers, makeup, toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, soap, shampoo, anything you may want to snack on, loose clothes to go home in, a couple outfits for baby, a book

Rachel - posted on 04/19/2009

Be sure to bring your camera.. when bub is born you will be so snap happy and want to catch every moment ( i know i did )

Also bring lots of underwear if your there for a week you wont want to be stuck wearing the hospitals undies. anything that makes you more comfortable. Breast pads (helps a lot with leaking it doesnt make you feel very nice) and i know it might not seem important but you may want to take make-up that you usually would use because for me, when the guy came around to take our photo for the newspaper was the day after i gave birth and i felt horrible with no make up and looked just so worn out and yucky! was a shame i would have loved a nice photo of us in the paper. Also shampoo and conditioner. And nail clipers will help for bubby so he/she doesnt scratch thereself if they have long nails :) good luck xxxx

Nicola - posted on 04/19/2009

As its your first i would take some extra bags for all the cards and pressies you will get makes it much easier taking it to the car even if you just pack them in the car.

Helen - posted on 04/19/2009

a bag of snacks for your partner - the last thing you want is him disapearing down to the machine because he is hungry and lots of cartons of drinks. Some dried apricots etch because the hopsital portions of veg ar tiny and boiled to death ( i was in for 4 days before and found that i was very blocked up and the labour made it worse1 very painful for 3 days when i got home) In the Uk the hospital does not supply more than 2 or 3 nappies so you may need some. Also get your partner to take everything you don't need home each day as you can end up will a lot of stuff ( with my bag, baby's bag, all the presents and the car seat my husband had to make 4 trips to the car when we went home, but you could not park any where near so took ages to load everything)

Ashley - posted on 04/19/2009

Definitely everything that the other ladies said, definitely comfy pjs for yourself, unless you want to stay in your adorable hospital garb the whole time. lol. Make sure you bring your camera, most important. and bring something to keep you and daddy occupied (not that your baby won't do that, but something that doesn't scream at you because it wants to be feed and changed. lol) and make sure to bring snacks for you and your partner. Don't forget baby clothes and most importantly the baby's car seat. We did not need diapers and wipes for our son because the hospital supplied those until we left, of course and in fact we even got to bring the left overs home with us. I would suggest bringing your own pillow and blanket also so that you are super comfy! :)

Kristie - posted on 04/18/2009

Another good thing to bring is a folder with a copy of all your important information like license, insurance, birth plan etc. It was good because they give you many papers to take home and it is good to have a place to keep everything. During such a hectic time you need some organization- so you don't have to look for it later.

Aimee - posted on 04/18/2009

A Doula!

Cathy - posted on 04/18/2009

Think comfy, oversized loungewear, and slippers.

Music is a nice distraction, and phone numbers to call friends...you can go a little batty being cooped up for a couple days.

Jennifer - posted on 04/18/2009

Oh, I forgot - a headband, elastics, bobby pins, whatever you choose to keep your hair out of your face during labor. I put mine in pigtails, then put on a headband.

Jennifer - posted on 04/18/2009

I would check to see what the hospital provides. My hospital had a big package of Huggies plus cleaning supplies in the drawers under the baby's bassinet, so we didn't need to bring diapers. The also told us that we could take all of it home with us. They also provided me with a bag filled with disposable underwear and pads of various sizes. I know some people didn't like the disposable undies but they didn't bother me. The teacher of my birthing class recommended buying a pretty new nightgown to wear after that first shower and I'm glad she did. It made me feel a little more human-like. I made sure to get one with a button top so I could nurse. I brought a cotton maternity dress to wear home which was great since I had an unexpected c-section.

The nursery nurses put a pair of socks on my son's hands to keep him from scratching his face. They fit better than those little mittens and he liked the soft feeling. He also liked to grab the washcloth and rub it on his face, so my husband brought a very soft blanket to bring him home in.

Tierney - posted on 04/18/2009

Comfortable pjs for you....a go home outfit for the baby, blanket for the baby, carseat, diaper bag, CAMERA, VIDEO CAMERA, deodorant, and other girly things, something to keep the hubby occupied....mine went stir crazy being in the hospital for that long

Tierney - posted on 04/18/2009

Comfortable pjs for you....a go home outfit for the baby, blanket for the baby, carseat, diaper bag, CAMERA, VIDEO CAMERA, deodorant, and other girly things, something to keep the hubby occupied....mine went stir crazy being in the hospital for that long

Sarah - posted on 04/18/2009

hi i dont no if you plan on getting photos done when you are on the ward, but if you are make sure you pack a nice blanket to wrap him/her up for it, im so glad i did when i was in having my lil boy.



also, i asked the nurse to cut my babys finger nails when i was in hospital and they refused, said that a baby has still got skin underneath and it isnt totally safe to cut them so young

Tracy - posted on 04/18/2009

i had to get my partner to buy me a hand held mini fan as i was so hot and i was told i could have the one on that belonged to yhe hospital as it gives the baby a chill an believe be you will need it when your in labour.

Dannii - posted on 04/18/2009

hey! congrats first by the way! as for ur comment, as having 3 little ones myself i have good experince with hospitals! lol! there fore i would pack: for the baby: 6 baby grows, 6 vests, scratch mittens (4) nappies, carseat( unless partner brings it 4 u later) baby blankets, nappy sacks. and a hat and a light coat for the baby to go home in. oh n loads of bibs and a small towel to wipe up little sicky milk the baby brings back up.

as for you i would pack: lots of big knickers! hurrah! socks, a dressing gown, some comfy night wear, and some comfy tracky bottoms and a couple of tops. for ur hair take a few bobbles or hair bands, ( coz wen ur in labour u sweat loads!) toiletries( un perfumed body wash tho coz wen u have a bath / shower aftee the baby is born done below will be sore..) makeup- depending if u wear it, body spray, magazines( coz it can get boring in there and plenty of money for the tv/ phone or the shop in the hospital. dont take fizzy drinks.. n a camera ! hope it helps!

Ria - posted on 04/18/2009

What everyone else suggested is great. I personally also brought a plush, comfy bathrobe, comfy socks and slippers. We also had a laptop so we could be in touch with the outside world. I wasn't able to use it much, but it was great for my husband. I was in labor for more than 16 hours and I wished I had a body pillow and a good book. Good luck to you and congratulations!

Jeanne - posted on 04/18/2009

Make sure you have a bag that is already packed at least two weeks before your due date cause you could go at any time. Bring socks and slippers as your feet will get cold and if you need to walk during labour, it's nice to have your slippers to avoid slipping. Make sure to have the toiletries you need, you can always throw in your toothbrush and hair brush at the last minute. You'll probably need to nightgowns (or pj's), a robe, a change of clothes to come home in...make sure that it is comfortable, because you might be sore after birth, and several pairs of comfortable underwear (thi is not the time to get into a thong) as you might soil some or want to shower more than once a day depending on how hot the hospital is. Make sure to bring some reading material or stuff like crosswords in case you need it during early labour. I know this might sound ridiculous, but make sure to bring some snacks for daddy, something like granola or energy bars cause daddy has to keep up his strength as well. You might want to bring some breath mints or gum for yourself (ask the doctor if that is ok), because you are not allowed to ingest anything during labour so brushing your teeth doesn't always work. Make sure to pack what you will need for the baby to come home as well as diapers, nursing pads, pads for yourself and the childs carseat. Check with the labour at the hospital you are delivering in, some supply the diapers and clothes for the baby at first and some don't, the same thing with formula if you do not plan to breastfeed, but you'll still need the breast pads for when your milk comes in. Make sure to bring an extra blanket and sweater for the baby in case the weather is chilly when you bring him or her home. Good luck to you and your hubby and I hope you have an easy labour and delivery.

Helen - posted on 04/18/2009

Quoting Heather:

What should I bring to the hospital when I go into labor?

Food...chocolate...i was surprised how hungry i got during labour. The midwife gave me her penguin bar bless her.

The next day my other half thought hed be really nice and buy me tons of chocolate....i didnt quite fancy it after that! lol.

xxx

 

Amanda - posted on 04/18/2009

I would definitely bring your own pillows because most hospital ones suck!!! :) I also brought a robe for when I had my hospital gown on I didn't have to worry about hanging out everywhere. Other than that all of the above suggestions were good. I definitely over packed with my first and did alot better for my second. Good luck and congrats!!! :)

Vanessa - posted on 04/18/2009

i wish i had brought my son's baby book...the first few months were so hectic i forgot to get his little hand/footprints for the baby book. i found out from a friend that the nurse will do this for you if you ask...

Terri - posted on 04/18/2009

Most books say to take a lot of things like candy and something to help you focus while your having contractions as well as music like an iPod. I would suggest camera or video cam if you want, money for vending machines if you have a long night,, change of clothes, hairties if you want your hair up or back, basic toiletries like a toothbrush/toothpaste and hairbrush for when your little one arrives and you're able to get up, phone #'s of your relatives, cell phone charger and camcorder charger if applicable... good luck and congrats!!

Leia - posted on 04/18/2009

a deck of cards, some labour can be long and tedious, as well as a journal were two things of the many already listed that got me through, I actually wrote to the baby and she is now 9, and one day Ill give it to her....good luck!!

Joy - posted on 04/18/2009

Quoting Margie:

The one thing I wished I would have brought for my baby was fingernail clippers. I am not sure about all babies but my baby came out with long jagged fingernails and she scratched her face the very first day. I did bring the scratch mittens but her wrists were too small and they would not stay on. Also hard candy, I was not allowed to have anything but ice chips while I was in labor but my husband snuck in some hard candy which was nice.

I took nail clippers when my son was born because it was on all the check lists and in all the books.  The nurse came in while I was clipping his nails and FREAKED OUT on me because she said that babies' nails are still connected to their skin and that they can feel it when you cut them.  I don't know if it's true or not.  I never read it anywhere and I'm pretty sure it didn't hurt him because he slept right through it.  So I agree...bring the clippers.

Margie - posted on 04/18/2009

The one thing I wished I would have brought for my baby was fingernail clippers. I am not sure about all babies but my baby came out with long jagged fingernails and she scratched her face the very first day. I did bring the scratch mittens but her wrists were too small and they would not stay on. Also hard candy, I was not allowed to have anything but ice chips while I was in labor but my husband snuck in some hard candy which was nice.

Joy - posted on 04/18/2009

I had my bag packed and ready for the last month of my pregnancy. While in the hospital I realized that I had over packed. If all goes well with you and the baby, most hospitals only keep you for 48 hours after you give birth. So you don't need to pack the kitchen sink like I did LOL! Next time, here's what I'll bring for me : toiletries (deodorant, shampoo, tooth brush, hair ties, brush), pads (the longest, thickest ones with wings you can find), 4-5 pairs of underwear (because the ones they give you at the hospital are a joke), pj's (or whatever you feel comfy sleeping in), a few button down shirts (if you plan to breast feed), a nursing bra and breast pads, a few pairs of comfy pants with elastic or stretchy waist (so you don't have to sit around all day in your pj's or hospital gown), flip flops, and an outfit to wear home. That's really all you'll need for you. You can bring a book or some magazines if you want. I did but never got a chance to read anything. There is always someone coming in with something for you to read and sign, there's tv, there's visitors and most importantly, there's your new baby. You'll have plenty to do and probably won't have time or the desire to read. Tip : get all the sleep you can in the hospital! You'll need it.

To bring for the baby : car seat, 2-3 onesies, a special outfit to bring baby home in (if you want), a recieving blanket (we "stole" the one from the hospital LOL), mittens (so the baby doesn't scratch him/herself) and footies or socks, and a camera. The hospital will supply you with diapers and wipes. The hospital where my son was born told me to take all the diapering supplies from the bassinet drawers when I was packing to go home.

I can't think of anything else you will need to bring. When I packed, I used the check list on BabyCenter.com and half of the stuff I didn't even use. It just made my suit case heavier for hubby to carry. The one thing I did that helped also was to make seperate lists, one for me and one for hubby. Things like the camera, change for vending machines...that kind of stuff was on his list. Oh, also you want to make a phone list of the people you want notified when the baby is born. I made that my husband's "job" also, giving him the honor to tell friends and family about our new son! Good luck and congratulations Mommy!

Veronica - posted on 04/18/2009

I brought my pillow with me and I'm glad I did because the hospital pillows were horrible. Take whatever is going to make you more comfortable...I went in with two full bags and my pillow. =]

Rachelle - posted on 04/18/2009

Bring a comfy lil blanket/towel for your baby! They have the worst scrathy little towels they wrap your baby up in after they have their bath

Ellen - posted on 04/18/2009

There are so many lists out there.... I suggest traveling light. Just the necessities. Anything you decide you just need to ave and don't you can send someone to get. All the visitors are "What can I do to help" there's something they can do. With our first baby we brought the soothing music, everything suggested by our labor coach. We never got it out of the car because things just went too quickly, and DH just wanted to be there. We even had his parents park the car because it was crazy. 2nd baby - just went with a few essentials. Magazines, change of clothes and toiletries for me. Few baby outfits and car seat for her.
Now I've had friends with 20+ hours of labor they needed a few more things than I did. What excitement for you!

Amanda - posted on 04/18/2009

oh and i forgot you should bring dollar bills and/or change for the machines if you decide you want something else.

Amanda - posted on 04/18/2009

make sure to bring flip flops for the shower, your baby some clothes (we dressed him the two days we were there in his own clothes), i brought my own shampoo and conditioner, and we brought our dvd player to watch movies and help take our mind off of being in the hospital.

Yanika - posted on 04/18/2009

Everything Wilma said is important, but one thing i wish i had while in the hospital for 2 days was healthy food/snacks because the hospital food made me gag...yuck. A camera is also important!

Wilma-John - posted on 04/18/2009

For yourself, just your basic nescessities. Comfy PJ's, toiletries, clothes to go home with, music etc. For your baby, bring carseat, sleepers, diapers, wipes, toque, blanket(s) diaper bag etc. Hopefully that helps you out a bit...probably didn't cover everything.