what do I take with me?

Question

I'm 38 weeks and i've definintely hit the nesting stage, and I'm really anticipating the birth of my first daughter so much. I've packed her bag for the hospital. I have clothes to bring her home in, some wipes, and diapers, just in case, and a blankie and the car seat of course. But as for me what do I take? I'm planning on breastfeeding so should I take a breast pump so that I can pump while at the hospital? will they let me keep her in my room to feed her during the night or will she have to stay in the nursery for observation and stuff??

Answer 1

The rooming in part will depend on your hospital, at the hospital I deliver at they will let you keep your baby almost the whole time. Usually they take them for an hour or two in the morning and do all of the tests and stuff during that time. But stick to your guns, they always came and tried to take my babies and then gave them formula when I didn't want them to. Unless there is an unforeseen problem with your baby you shouldn't have need of a breast pump, you should just be able to breastfeed your baby normally. As for what to take, my first two births I packed everything on those lists. But I hardly used any of it. All I used was my normal toiletries and clothes to go home in. Plus a camera and some movies we took to watch while I was in labor (induction), but mostly those were for my husband. Personally I mostly stayed busy being in pain during labor, or after-wards you are always just taking care of your baby or sleeping or filling out all of the stuff they have you do.

Answer 2

First off congrats on your daughter. You will not need the diapers and wipes. The hospital supplies all that stuff. You will need to take your pump if you are in the hospital long enough to use it. I was only there 24 hours. All hospitals are different but most let you keep the baby in the room with you unless the baby has a problem that needs to be watched. You will need clothes to come home in for you, preferably jogging pants and a t-shirt, a very good bra, socks, old under wear, (they will get messy,sorry but they will) hair ties, make up, brush, if you are using music during birth or other objects like a ball then you will need to take those things,toothbrush and deodorant. I took many things that I didn't need. Try not to over pack you will have enough to worry about. Good Luck and God Bless you and your child.

Answer 3

You can keep your baby in the room with you but i did not overnight cause i kept on thinking what if when i go to sleep someone kidnaps him.
I do not know about the breastfeeding part because i bottlefed.

For you & your daughter:
Robe
House slippers & socks
Hairbrush and Hairbow
Chap Stick
Loose outfit to go home in
A few dollars for vending machines
Panties
Your own pads (They will give you them though at the hospital)
Toothbrush
Deodorant
Take the baby book so you can get the footprints put in the book
Camera's
(You do not need diapers or wipes because they will have all of that at the hospital)
Socks for baby
Onesies (1-2)
Take a nursing bra with you

They will give you hygeine products at the hospital. Don't take all kinds of stuff that you know you won't be needing.
Good luck

Answer 4

Congratulations!! Take some comfy sweats (those hospital gowns get to you, especially if you need to stay a few days), toothbrush, deodorant, magazines, a camera and journal, maybe some snacks and drinks if you don't like hospital food (I had visitors bring me in food when I gave birth)

As far as the breast pump and keeping the baby in your room overnight, check with the hospital regarding their policies. I know that most hospitals encourage mother/child bonding and "rooming in" as much as possible. If the baby has any type of health concerns, they will probably want to keep her in the nursery at least the first night. If you have a c section, they will probably keep the baby in the nursery the 1st night to give you a chance to rest and recover from surgery. Good luck :)

Answer 5

You shouldn't take a breast pump. Unless you have difficulties and have to stay for awhile, you should be home when your milk comes. I had my first baby on a Friday and it was Sunday night or Monday before my milk came in. You shouldn't need a pump for the colostrum. I got to keep my daughter in the room as long as I wanted to. It might be different at different hospitals though. When you go to preregister, you should ask them. They told me that if I needed a break, to let them know and they would take her. But I kept her with me all the time, except for baths, pictures, shots, etc. You really just need clothes and normal stuff that you would take on a vacation. They give you heavy pads to wear while you are there for after delivery. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Absolutely take your pump, just in case.... i don't know in case what, but just in case... that way you don't have to use the hospital's pump that has been used by a billion women before you. Also remember to bring a nursing bra. Most hospitals have the babies room-in now, but you'd have to ask yours in particular to find out for sure. There are lots of lists online to help you remember what to bring just do a quick search in Yahoo. OH and something I'd remember to add, bring your own maxi pads (any brand) as long as they are the over night ones. Also, bring kleenex and hair elastics. These things I forgot my first time around and totally wont forget again LOL.

Answer 7

Bring some comfy clothes: sweats or a big dress (you won't shrink right back to pre-pregnancy size, so leave yourself some comfort room). Bring a couple of tennis balls in a sock (don't laugh: it's for back labor...takes the pressure off your spine). Bring a bag of hard candy (Lifesavers or Jolly Ranchers, whatever you like: throat drops...just trust me, you'll want them after your delivery). Bring your favorite shampoo and body wash. If Daddy's going to be there overnight, bring an inflatable mattress and a pump to blow it up: hospitals are good to moms, but they're murder on dads.

Hospitals tend to have breast pumps available for new moms, so I wouldn't hassle with packing it. And you'll want to ask the hospital about having your newborn stay in your room. Most of them allow it, provided there are no complications with the birth.

Congratulations, and good luck!

Answer 8

Depending on the hospital, but most will not take your baby unless you ask them to. Definatly take your breast pump cause youcan start trying to pump immidiatly. It helps to get the milk to come. Tke comfy pajamas, extra (large) underwear, socks, travel size shower stuff, you own pillow, babybook (so they can put the footprints right in it just ask and they'll do it right after the baby is born) take all your number to let everyone know, change so your husband can get food and drinks (most hospitals dont take debit), take you going home clothes but make sure they are bigger lose close cause you will most likley still look pregnant. Thats all i can think of right now but i hope this helps

Answer 9

that depends on the hospital. if they are willing to care for the baby while you sleep run with it. because it's going to while before you get that much sleep again. as for what to bring lots of night gown type pj's that are either breastfeeders or that button down the middle. not too sure how common it is after I gave birth i had worst hot flashes and sweatted a lot. that side effect could have also been because i had saddle block. good luck

Answer 10

The lists you've gotten so far are pretty good -- but what's with the breast pump? Your nursing baby's suckling will be the best way to stimulate your milk. Besides, the first milk has all of the colostrum, which your baby needs.

Just nurse her and save the pumping for when you have to be separated from each other.