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What to Bring to the Hospital?

by Toni Herrbach

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By looking at my header you would think I am an expert on what to bring to the hospital when you have a baby. But for some reason, this area has remained a mystery to me over the years. It never fails that once I am admitted I think of a million things I wish I would have packed and after the baby I am contantly sending my husband to the store or back home to bring me items I forgot.

So I decided to use my blog to ask for help. What do you bring to the hospital when you are having a baby? What items can’t you live without? Share your secrets with me so I can have this baby without constantly thinking I am forgetting something.

My bags are halfway packed and sitting in my room just waiting to be filled with all your great ideas!

Thanks for all the great ideas ladies, keep ’em coming! There are so many things you mentioned I would have forgotten or never would have thought to bring at all! I had to laugh at Amy‘s comment, who reminded me to bring my laptop so I can update everyone! I know the hospital has wi fi, but I am not sure how well it works. I will definitely be updating my blog, but might use twitter for more frequent updates. If you are a “birth story” junkie you can follow me on twitter to hear all about the big day in 140 characters or less!

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This post is linking to Works for me Wednesday, backwards edition.

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Comments | 73 comments

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Comments

  1. Elizabeth says

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    I would highly recommend Thermacare Heat wraps for back labor. Get the ones that go on your lower back. They are adjustable so they fit even a large pregnant stomach (I know this from experience) and they make back labor much more tolerable. In my experience, they work even better than massage. I also always bring a present for each of the older children from the baby (for us it is always a book or two), snacks and something for the children to do when they visit. A hospital room gets pretty boring for visiting children after the first couple minutes. For my last baby I also brought Lysol cleaning wipes to wipe off the TV remote and the phone because I heard that those don’t get cleaned regularly. I was glad for the Lysol wipes because those items did look pretty bad. Since I always crave cranberry juice after delivery, I bring a big bottle of my favorite kind. Those little juice cups they give at the hospital just don’t quench my thirst.

    Reply
  2. Gettysburg Mom says

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    I have a thing with hospital showers and always pack old flip-flops or something else to wear in the shower. Perhaps a remnant of college dorm housing?

    Reply
  3. 'Becca says

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    What I’m glad I brought:

    Huge book of one-panel cartoons to read during labor–they were perfect for my attention span, and the humor was helpful.

    Snacks for MY PARTNER so he didn’t have to leave me during labor. I was lucky enough to be in a hospital where the food was reasonably good and available on request 16 hours a day, and I’m disgusted to read about what some of you have endured! But the food there is only for moms, not dads, even though they’re expected to stay overnight!

    My own pillows.

    My own pads and lots of changes of panties.

    What I wish I’d brought:

    Mouthwash. I threw up during labor and couldn’t get organized to brush my teeth.

    Lanolin cream for my nipples.

    What my partner brought me from home when I wound up staying 48 hours after discharge because my jaundiced baby was still there, which I wish I’d packed for myself just in case:

    A good book. In this situation you DO have time to read.

    Ibuprofen. Once you are discharged, they won’t give you any.

    Warm layers of shirts. The NICU was surprisingly chilly, and I was shivery from sleep deprivation.

    Reply
  4. Tonya says

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    I would always take my own pads. I didn’t like the “boat-sized” ones given out.

    Reply
  5. Julie Stiles Mills says

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    I’m not having a baby this time. I’m having a hysterectomy, but this list is very helpful! Thanks! Definitely bringing the laptop! A book was a given!

    Reply
  6. Courtney says

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    The only thing I had to send my family back to get was more layette gowns, you know the kind that covered the hands. My baby came out with fingernails and he kept clawing his face. And of course I couldn’t live without my own pillow from home!

    Reply
  7. momstheword says

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    Loved the flowers your family sent. How sweet of your son to think of it! BTW, loved “Managers of Their Homes” too! I used to be on the Titus2 boards before they were shut down.

    As for what to bring…hmmmmm….we brought our video camera and tripod to put it on, regular camera, and my Bible.

    I would also suggest bringing a sandwich or something because my oldest was born at 5:30 in the morning and I was starving for some food!!! Also a diet pepsi would have been nice.

    A tennis ball was nice to apply pressure across the back with. A book is nice if you have some time to read with all the visitors you’ll have.

    Also, clothes to wear home for you and baby. I also took a list of phone numbers to call. I wrote down all the visitors on a piece of paper for his baby book.

    BTW, I finally put a picture of myself on my blog, so if you want to see who you’ve been talking to all these months pop on over!

    Reply
  8. Lisa at Saving Money...Living Better says

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    This won’t help you at the hospital, but I just gave you a Lemonade Stand Award at http://savingmoneylivingbetter.blogspot.com/2009/04/lemonade-stand-award.html

    Love your blog and can’t wait to hear more of your story!!!

    Reply
  9. Caroline says

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    Our hospital suggested bringing the baby book so you can get the baby’s foot print in it. Mine had removable pages so I just took it out.

    Reply
  10. Julie says

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    My official de-lurking post:
    You’d think with my youngest being 7, I wouldn’t remember all this, but I’ve had a few pregnant friends recently who all wanted advice also, plus I’ve been thinking a LOT about having another. So here is my vitals list.

    For you:
    nursing pads
    toothbrush and paste
    hair brush and tie
    deodorant
    pads (the hospital’s SUCK!)
    undies (same reason as the pads)
    nursing pads
    toilet paper (I’m not a fan of their sandpaper)
    socks
    robe
    clothes to wear home (2 sets in case the baby vomits/poops on you before you get out LOL)

    For baby:
    going home outfit (2, in case they mess up the first before you get out LOL)
    nail clippers
    blanket for going home
    aspirator (not all hospital’s give you one)

    food (or money) for your hubby (most hospitals wont feed him)
    cell phone and charger
    camera
    baby book (gotta get those footprints!)
    journal
    books/magazines
    money for the vending machines
    calling card (if you don’t have a cell, or if your cell dies)

    Hope this helps!

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  11. Amie says

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    Seconding Anne. One of the many benefits of having a baby at home is not having to pack anything. And I have done it both ways.

    That said, bring 10 copies of your birth plan, each wrapped around a box of chocolates. Give them to everyone who will care for you.

    Reply
  12. miss mary says

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    Yourself for one!! 🙂 Hey it’s april fools day and I guess I’m fooling around.

    Your robe and slippers, toothbrush,toothpaste-hairbrush/comb
    baby outfit, recieving blanket

    Oh the best thing (a way out)it would be nice to let someone else have it for you…. I’m Kidding! :-O

    God Bless hun…Big Hugs

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  13. leah says

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    I’m in the same boat as you – trying to pack my bag for a baby due in a couple weeks…This time, I’m pretending my hospital stay is a mini-spa vacation. The baby will be hanging out in the hospital nursery with 15 paid, un-sleep-deprived professionals, while I get some R&R (except for breast-feeding times). Along with all the other necessities, I’m bringing my Bible, journal, a good book, some fancy body lotion, and possibly a nail file and polish. I’m going to milk it for all it’s worth before I enter the “night-of-the-living-dead” phase of my life.

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  14. Wendi says

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    Looks like you’ve gotten lots of great suggestions already! One extra thing that I brought with me for #2 & #3 was a big manila envelope – I put everything the hospital gave me (birth cert info, ssn info, vacc booklet, etc) inside it so I would be able to find it later. On the outside I wrote down info that I thought I’d like to remember later like nurses names & birth info.

    Reply
  15. Erna says

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    I have so often gone to the hospital on a whim that all I have had in the bags at the time was diapers, socks, a hat, baby mittens, and an outfit. For me, I would quickly throw in my brush, toiletries, pajamas, and the like. I have often wish I had slippers or flip flops for showers in my bag. I didn’t even have my camera on hand for all births, except for the first but the quality of my brother’s digital camera at the time wasn’t anything to rave about (sigh). I gave birth to my second solo after living in the hospital for a month. Toiletries, clothes and items for the baby are essential. Everything else can be done without but snacks for the man might be a good idea! I live on apple juice when I’m going through labour and prior to it . . . I don’t get too hungry but maybe snacks for you too?

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  16. michelle says

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    Everyone here has great ideas! I’d add…adjustable bedroom slippers.

    With my son, my feet swelled so MUCH after his birth that I couldn’t wear my shoes home! I had to walk to the car in socks–and it was pouring rain!(The military hospital where we delivered did NOT have curbside pick ups at the maternity ward!)

    Reply
  17. Aunt T says

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    Dunkin Donuts.

    Reply
  18. Milehimama says

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    My must haves:
    Basic toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
    Camera
    CHAPSTICK!
    lotion
    (Hospital air is so dry!)
    Word puzzles, pencils, etc.
    Address book to call everyone
    Snacks (I’m diabetic when pregnant – so after the baby’s born… mmm… Snickers!)

    Reply
  19. Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect says

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    When I had my daughter, it was an emergency at 33 weeks. So I didn’t have a bag packed, and what I took was purely a result of adrenaline. I took a change of clothes (comfy yoga pants and a 3/4 sleeve t-shirt, plus underwear and a comfy bra), a book, deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste, contact stuff (I figured they’d make me take them out, even if I wasn’t there for the long haul…which I was) and glasses, and my laptop. I think I also brought a magazine for my husband. 🙂

    Reply
  20. MJ says

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    Nobody has mentioned this one yet, so maybe I’m the only one affected by this:) but when I had my 3rd (fast, med-free, huge baby) my throat hurt SO bad afterwards, the nurse said it was because I was “vocal”:) So maybe some lozenges or hard candy? Mittens for baby’s hands in case he/she has long fingernails. A sweater for you too, I’ve felt the hospitals are always chilly at night, and when youre holding a baby to nurse, you can’t exactly cover up all the way! Good luck!

    Reply
  21. Megret says

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    Well, I ended up with c-sections both times, so I learned the hard way to bring a gown, not pajamas, to wear during recovery (waistband wasn’t fun!).

    I also stocked hard candy, magazines, my own pillow (comfort from home), and a washcloth from home (to put on my forehead — again, wanted it from home vs. hospital).

    Hope this helps!

    Reply
  22. Mama Koala says

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    Bring a book and/or magazines–helps the time pass!

    Also, would love to hear your thoughts on my diaper rash and double stroller dilemmas.

    Reply
  23. Superchikk says

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    Small bills for vending machines and/or snacks. I wasn’t always hungry, but Husband was. A note pad and pen. Anything that you NEED at home to feel like a person – makeup, hair stuff, etc. An extra pair of contacts. I had to wear my glasses for two days and almost went crazy. Phone charger, of course. List of phone numbers so someone else can make all of those calls if necessary.

    We also made up “stat cards” – business card size cards that had our son’s name preprinted on them with blank lines to be able to fill in his weight, length, etc. to give to people. He has a bit of an odd name, so I knew no one would be able to spell it if we didn’t do that. Everyone LOVED it and we’ll do it for the next kid too, odd name or not.

    Reply
  24. Lois says

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    OKay, just to make you laugh, with my first pregnancy I actually packed a book! As if I would have time to read!!! I always brought my own pillow. All the above suggestions have it covered, so I won’t go into any more details, but thought you would enjoy the story of me packing a book!!!

    Reply
  25. Samantha K. says

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    I didn’t read through all of the posts so I don’t know if this has been mentioned yet – I brought acid free cardstock with me for all 3 of my births and my midwife made prints of our babies’ feet for us. I am so glad that I have this precious keepsake! I also made sure to bring a journal so that I could write about the birth experience while it was still fresh in my mind and I had time at the hospital.

    Reply
  26. amoore says

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    Robe, some pajamas that look like something you wouldn’t mind your brother in law seeing you in, and a towel. The whole time people were visiting I hated being seen because I was still somewhere in that not quite dressed feeling place. Oh and food. What is with hospitals sending back the extras at 7:00?! Have the baby at 7:30 and you’re scavenging for cheerios till morning.

    Reply
  27. The Masked Mommy says

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    Snacks! Man will it save you a lot of trips to the vending machines. I don’t know why they think they can feed a newly nursing mother at only meal times. Sheesh! I’m always STARVING after I have a baby. Good luck!

    Reply
  28. Amanda says

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    Some extreme action leave-in hair conditioner and plenty of bobby pins!

    I ended up staying in the hospital for seven days, and even though I had kept my hair up in a high bun the entire time, by the fourth day when I was finally able to take a shower (yeah, gross), my hair was one giant rats nest. It was really, really bad, taking a full week and a whole bottle of Infusium to work out all the knots. This time around, I am going to have the huz brush my hair and rub in some leave-in a couple times each day. Or maybe I’ll see if I can have someone throw my hair up in some tight braids before hand?

    Reply
  29. Heidi @ ggip says

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    Just don’t forget the camera, and your glasses and contacts (and cases for both of them). Just about anything else can be picked up at the local drugstore!

    Reply
  30. Heather @ Domestic Extraordinaire says

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    warm socks for me & baby. Larger blankets to swaddle the baby in. Snacks-they never seemed to feed me when I was hungry. Plus when I had The Chicken I had her at the Naval Hospital in Jacksonville and their eating schedule was not what I normally did. Breakfast at 6, lunch at 11, dinner at 4 and that was it. If you were sleeping they didn’t drop off your food. Ahhh! extra batteries & charger for your camera.

    Reply
  31. Suzanne says

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    Snacks. Seriously. I had my dd around midnight, after only eating ice chips since 5 am. I was *starving* and the hospital kitchen was closed. My hubby bought me some crackers from the machine, but I so wish I’d had a snack from home!

    Reply
  32. Amy Walton says

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    Your laptop, of course! We need up to date posts!

    Reply
  33. Leanne says

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    A packet of plain biscuits or crackers. I was surprised at how hungry I was between those structured hospital meals when I had my daughter.

    Reply
  34. The Messy Mom says

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    All the typical things that were mentioned, but I also brought a lot of relaxation items, which included my laptop for a customized playlist with soothing music and a slide show of photos that I enjoyed looking at. I have a post about what I took with me

    http://www.themessymom.com/2008/09/natural-child-birth-tip-3-comfortable.html

    Reply
  35. Audrey says

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    I was very thankful I had a hat for my baby. The hats the hospital provided us turned out to be for preemies, and they were too tight on my son and left marks on his head. He wore the Winnie The Pooh hat I brought to take him home in the whole time we were in the hospital. And if you intend to use them, a pacifier. The hospital my second son was born in didn’t give me one until I asked, and then my son didn’t like the shape.

    Reply
  36. Jennifer says

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    Ok, here is what I did with my second child… Imagine that you are going away for the weekend what would you pack?? Comfy clothing (for me pj’s and t shirts) undergarments, socks and slippers. My own pillow (cuz I am like a two year old and it brings comfort) thank you’s, a notebook to doodle my thoughts in (for you this may mean your laptop) and a good book. Not a learning book, nothing “work” related a good romantic book (or something that you will thoroughly enjoy reading during your quiet time) I also pack my own hygene bag like most do when they go on vacation, my own shampoo and conditioners, lotion, and a shaver now that you can reach your entire leg’s (I was big with bot of my kids and couldn’t shave for the last two months, cuz i couldn’t reach) also I bring my planner and phone book so i can call any one that I want and make whatever plans are coming to me at that moment. Fill out thank you cards as you get visitors and also ahead of time. Then again I will mention that I don’t know how long you will be there both my babies were c-sections (mine don’t like to leave it in there) so I was at the hospital for 4 days each time. Hope this helps.

    Reply
  37. Tiffany says

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    slippers, my own pjs, lip balm, basic toiletries & make up, going home clothes, and we always brought a cd player with the cd our kids STILL fall asleep to Twila Paris’ “Bedtime Prayers, Lullabies and Peaceful Worship”.. great for calming Christian music during and after labor, and especially good at night to help mask all that hospital noise. I also brought a small notebook to take notes on the baby’s schedule in… continued using it for first few weeks of nursing, and now use it for yearly doctor’s check ups. OH! and wipes! the last time the wipes the hospital had were HORRIBLE, so bring the disposable wipes you like. We also brought a nice box of chocolates to give the nursing staff as a thank-you. GOOD LUCK! I’m praying for a safe healthy delivery for you!

    Reply
  38. Amyswandering says

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    Burt’s Bees lip balm, vitamins, cell phone charger, thank you notes to work on, a snack for hubby, and a tv guide. You’ve already gotten lots of great suggestions!

    Reply
  39. RLR says

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    Notebook/pen/folder – I’m a note-taker by nature, and like to keep all those papers together.
    Chargers for your cell phone, laptop, camera, etc.
    If you already have a lovey or special blanket (or similar) for your new baby, take it to get photos. I take pics of my kids at milestone ages (birth, monthly until a year old, quarterly the next year, then yearly after that) with the same stuffed animal to see how much they have grown.
    I like to pack my own baby wipes. Hospital where my son was born only gave you a small pack – don’t remember the wipes situation when my daughter was born, so we must have been ok 🙂
    Medela wipes for cleaning breast pump parts (if you are using).
    I wish I’d had a decent sized towel for the shower!
    I knew I’d be in the hospital a bit longer for a scheduled c-section, so I took regular clothes to wear during the day and a clean set of pjs for each night. Putting on real clothes (as soon as I could!) made me feel a bit more normal – and I was much more comfortable when I had visitors.
    Wow – I thought I wouldn’t have much to write since it’s been 2.5 years since my daughter was born! Best wishes!

    Reply
  40. Molly says

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    Your ipod. I think I ammused the nurses with my hiphop dancing during labor, but hey, it was a huge distraction. I brought my makeup and curling iron and it was so nice to have them after delivery. Good luck! Can’t wait to see the new little one!

    Reply
  41. Shirley Dunn says

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    Dont forget the camera – that was always my most important item. All the other stuff can be brought later but if you forget the camera, you’ll never have that special moment after the baby’s born. I carried the camera around in the car along with my bags for several weeks in case I went into labor elsewhere.

    Reply
  42. Christa Bartlett says

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    Whatever you do, don’t take any pillows or blankets that are white because the hospital will try to keep them.

    I take my pillow, a robe, a book, the laptop, iPod, camera, and cell phone with all appropriate chargers. I take supplies for toothbrushing, showering, and such. I take going home clothes for me and the baby and a change or two for my husband. I hate wearing socks with a passion, so I make sure that there’s a trusty pair of crocs in my bag to serve as houseshoes.

    Just don’t forget the carseat.

    Reply
  43. Jesse says

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    Your husband…and a paper and pencil to make a list of things for #8.

    Reply
  44. Crystal says

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    My own pjs (I was only in a robe for about 4 hours), chapstick, hairbrush and instead of those awful mesh underwear and pads I brought Depends. Sooooo much better.

    Reply
  45. Anne Alagna says

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    Oh! Good question! I wont be any help. I had all my babies at home with everything I could want right at my fingertips. =D

    Reply
  46. Vanessa says

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    Do you have a boppy pillow for the baby? If so, you may want it with you especially if your tummy is tender.

    Reply
  47. charlene says

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    This is not a frugal purchase but so worth it. Evian spray. Get it at Sephora and maybe get some free samples with it. I loved misting my face while I was in labor because I was so hot and dry lips and thirsty. This made me feel refreshed. I bet you can make your own with a spray bottle and maybe some lemon. The Evian is so nice and cool though.

    Reply
  48. Amy @ MomsToolbox says

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    GIFTS!
    I always bring a bowl filled with chocolates and lollipops for the nurses station… along with a sweet note thanking them for taking such good care of us. I also bring refills and take the bowl to the recovery floor and refill there, too.

    Reply
  49. Kara says

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    Pillows, cell phone, laptop, brush, shampoo and conditioner, toothbrush and toothpaste, nursing bra, comfy clothes to go home in, outfit for baby including socks, blanket, hat. Books, magazines, movies. That’s all I can think of for now.

    Reply
  50. DeAna Boren says

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    There are some great articles & lists on Babycenter.com that answer this very question. I relied on them heavily when it came time to pack for the hospital with my kids. Here’s a link: http://www.babycenter.com/packing-for-the-hospital-or-birth-center

    Reply
  51. Michelle Cox, "Made by Michelle" says

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    Real clothes. I hate the hospital gowns! Especially when it’s time to nurse! Sweatpants and a nursing top with a zipper sweatshirt. That was the easiest way to stay warm, comfy, and be able to prepare for nursing.

    Showering toiletries. The sooner I can shower, the happier I feel. And it’s okay to put on make-up when in the hospital. 🙂

    Reply
  52. Katy says

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    If not your own pillow, at least a pillowcase, preferably not white so you don’t forget it.
    Something to tie your hair back with
    Snacks / beverage of choice
    Slippers or some comfortable socks
    Toothbrush

    Just so you’re prepared in your packing, with PIH / pre-e you may have to stay an extra day or two after delivery. Most times delivery solves the BP problems, but not always. I wound up having to stay an extra day due to fears of HELLP.

    Reply
  53. sara says

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    lip balm and a hair tie or your favorite thing to keep your hair up and out of the way. Maybe a boppy or nursing pillow as well as a book.

    Reply
  54. Natalie says

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    New Socks.
    Extra underwear.
    Journal (take advantage of the quiet time while you have it!)
    Camera (of course!)
    “cute” outfit to wear home- one that will sort of make you feel skinny again! (until you look at the photos and realize you weren’t as skinny as you thought- that happened to me 🙂
    Comfortable lounge wear (robe, pjs whatever) to get out of the hospital gown ASAP
    “beauty kit” shampoo, makeup, etc.

    Reply
  55. Beth@Not a Bow in Sight says

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    Boppy (or other nursing pillow) was a must for me. My own pillow from home to sleep on. Definitely a robe. Comfy socks 🙂

    Reply
  56. Amanda Dill says

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    Lotion! (I had other stuff, but others beat me to it…hehe.) Post-labor dehydration can wreak havoc on your skin–I took baby lotion with me when both my boys were born. No worries about bothering wee new noses that way. 🙂

    Other than that, I’d make sure to bring your own shampoo/soap. The junk they give you is not…well, it doesn’t smell all that great. If you can find travel-sized stuff (or bottle your own, they sell little bottles at the dollar store) it’ll take up less room in your bag.

    And don’t forget something for the kid to wear home. 🙂

    Reply
  57. Ashley Benz says

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    I love this About site (pregnancy.about.com) but this is a particularly helpful list of stuff to bring to the hospital:

    http://pregnancy.about.com/od/laborbirth/a/laborbag.htm

    Reply
  58. AmyG says

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    Chapstick!! My lips were so dry and I was glad I remembered to pack mine. Your own pads, as well. I’m not one that likes to wear the big thick pads, so I was glad I brought my own.

    Reply
  59. Ashley says

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    Things I couldn’t live without:
    My own towel
    My own toilet paper (theirs was like sandpaper)
    Robe
    I changed into my own jammies as soon as I got to recovery
    Makeup! I felt a million times better when I put on a little mascara and lip gloss.
    Folder, pen, paper for the million things you end up with.
    Breast pump. I liked using my own instead of the hospital one because I needed to get used to it anyway.
    Snacks!!! Hospital food blows.

    Reply
  60. Stephanie says

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    Hair Brush must be on the list… when I had Levi I forgot mine and boy did I feel YUCK without brushing my hair. I take a book! I got a lot of reading done while in the hospital, and I got a lot of rest… I also bring my own pillow:) There is just something about having your own pillow 🙂 As I think of more I will let ya know 🙂

    Reply
  61. Christina Taylor says

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    I would add: eye covers and ear plugs in case the lights are too bright in the room, and noise in the hallways. Nice piece of paper to have nurses do a set of footprints of the baby’s (sometimes they do it, sometimes not)for you to put in baby book. Chapstick was a must have for all 3 of my labors! Nail file, I dont take care of mine, so they break at the worst moments. A few snacks for late night munchies (jello was not my thing!). Change the batteries or charge for all cameras before you go! Throw away socks if you like to walk around. God Bless you, hope it is quick and pleasant.

    Reply
  62. Mama Bear says

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    robe, slippers or flip flops, own pillow, change of clothes, baby’s things, nursing bra and gown, chapstick and lotion, car seat(leave in car obviously), toothbrush and paste, hairbrush, laptop (movies?), phone contact list, change for vending machines, snacks for later, books and magazines. Best wishes!!!

    Reply
  63. Rachael says

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    My must haves were good socks and my own pillow and blanket. Beyond that I really could have cared less at the time:)
    Good luck this time around!

    Reply
  64. Maggie M says

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    See, I would even bring a lap top to the hospital, or a cell phone for that matter. I wouldn’t be up for that. I would have hubby bring a camera or video camera for pictures. If you wear eyeglasses or contacts, you’ll need those. Your toiletry bag should contain just some make-up basics and a lipstick, deodorant, small shampoo & conditioner and travel size hair products that you commonly use, toothbrush, toothpaste and a brush. Do pack your own sanitary napkins and a couple of pairs of underwear, a nursing gown and your own robe and slippers. You also need an outfit to wear home (I’m thinking sweat shirt and loose pants or sweat pants), nursing bra and pads, socks and shoes. And, you need something for baby to wear home like a long sleeved onesie and slip on pants and socks, or a sleep-sack and a t-shirt, or a Carters jumper with the feet in them, a baby beanie, mittens and a couple of warm receiving blankets. Make sure you have the baby car seat already in the car, with a blanket. Remember, baby is leaving a warm hospital/nursery environment so you want him/her to stay warm, and maybe a newborn pacifier. That should get you & baby home in good shape:) Good luck:)

    Reply
  65. Jenn @ Beautiful Calling says

    at

    With my limited hospital experience I find them to be very dry. Lip balm and hand cream are my suggestions along with snacks. I’m all about food lately. (John nurses a lot so I’m entitled to be all about food!)What if you get there and don’t like your meals?

    Reply
  66. Lori says

    at

    Sounds silly, but a hairbrush!!! After each one of my kids you would think I would remember to pack a hairbrush so when I got out of the shower I could brush my hair! But no! Each time I forgot and had to use my fingers! LOL

    Reply
  67. Linda says

    at

    How about a power strip to plug in all your adapters and chargers — that way they are all together and you don’t accidentally leave one.

    Reply
  68. Amy says

    at

    A notepad and pen were vital for me- to make lists of thank-you’s to write, to write down bits of information for the baby book, to make lists for my husband, etc, etc. (Of course if you’re taking a laptop then nevermind.)

    Other things that were important to me: my body lotion & shower gel (my dry skin + hospital grade products was not good), my own feminine pads (hospital stuff was like sandpaper), and my pillow.

    The only other things I really “needed” were a big Mountain Dew and a Snickers bar…. my much-anticipation rewards to myself after gestational diabetes. 🙂

    Reply
  69. jenny says

    at

    a hair brush, i forgot mine they gave me a crappy comb, oh it was horrible! and some cheap panties,the mesh things they gave me where also horrible

    Reply
  70. MB says

    at

    Slippers, house shoes, whatever you call them. Had to have those. Socks. Robe to throw over my gown. Toothbrush/paste, makeup, glasses/contact stuff, shampoo/conditioner, comfy pants and shirt to wear when ready. Deodorant. Nursing bra. Camera (still and video). Trying to remember…it was less than 8 months ago for me, but other information has since replaced that data. 😉

    Reply
  71. Amanda Nordstrom says

    at

    Your own robe. The ones they give you at the hospital expose you in the back. I walked around with a blanket and wished I had brought a robe.

    Reply
  72. Misty says

    at

    PS, check out my CD post… 🙂
    http://ericandmistynewsome.blogspot.com/2009/03/cloth-diapering-101-very-picture-heavy.html

    Reply
  73. Misty says

    at

    Toiletry bag. Laptop (free wifi at hospital, I blogged more in the hospital than any other time), cell phone and CHARGER, going home outfit for me and baby, list of people to call or text if needed, a toy for big sis (although, that would probably be overkill for you, mine was 2, and the only one), my OWN pillow and a nursing gown. And change of clothes for hubby if he’s staying. I’m easy though.

    Reply

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