What should I pack and when?

Question

I'm at 37 weeks but I would like some advice from those who have had already went through this of what I should pack and when.
The hospital is going to be at a military base, so they have a strict rule that I can't eat anything that I bring from home unless it's clear/see-through like a sucker or apple juice.
I was able to tour the place and they have whirlpools to help relax in but what do you wear in them? I don't have a preggie bathing suit, lol.
Also, when you leave the hospital, what kind of clothes would be more comfortable to wear? Would my maternity jean capris' elastic band hurt around my waist or should I just bring PJs that tie?

Answer 1

PACK NOW...............you could go into labor at anytime and your maternity cloths will be fine to wear after you give birth as for the whirlpool i don't know

Answer 2

Pack now...37 weeks is full term and so you could go into labor anytime! :-) I didn't pack early enough with my first baby and I didn't have anything I needed in the hospital, and when people went to get things for me, they never brought back exactly what I wanted.

I would bring: robe, nightgown, nursing bra and pads if you're breastfeeding, several pairs of ratty old panties (they will get bloody probably), long overnight maxi pads (the hospital ones are crap), camera, going home outfit for baby plus one extra outfit (which you may need until you get the hang of the whole diaper thing), pretty blanket for pictures, lotion, hairbrush, deoderant, toothpaste, toothbrush, hair ties if your hair is long, chapstick, and the baby's carseat (which you can't leave without). For going home, you need something looser than your prepregnancy clothes but not as big as whatever you wore into the hospital...probably whatever you wore at 5 months pregnant would be a good size. If the pants are too loose, it won't matter much (besides, take a safety pin or two) because they'll wheel you out of the hospital in a wheelchair and then your husband will carry the baby and carseat into the house, so you won't be standing much in the pants.

I don't know about the whirlpool, but you can call the labor and delivery department of the hospital and ask what you wear in the whirlpool. If they let you, two hospital gowns...one with the opening in the back and the other open in the front so you're covered all the way around...would be good, because you wouldn't have to mess with carrying sopping wet clothes home with you.

Answer 3

I guess you can take fruit in then?

Assume you will wear your maternity clothes. Your tummy may not go down straight away. And also take in some of the clothes that you were wearing, say half way through the pregnancy. Stick to loose things around the waist, I had a c-section and anything tight around there was annoying and rubbed on my scar.
Take some of your favourite perfume in. It wil make you feel nice after you have a shower after the birth and your new baby will get used to your smell!
All the best!

Answer 4

Yes, pack RIGHT NOW! :-)

I agree about getting very loose fitting clothes in case you need them; I also had a c-section, which was unplanned, and the maternity shorts I'd brought were useless..had to send the hubby out to a Target near the hospital to find a big old sundress I could wear home!

The one unusual thing I was glad I packed was a little bottle of lavender oil and some cotton balls. I dropped some oil on the cotton and left them on the table next to my bed...very relaxing, helped me feel calmer (and the baby too, I think!) and helped eliminate that "hospital" smell.

Lots of luck!! :-)

Answer 5

For mom:
Nightgown or shirt to wear during labor if you don't feel comfortable in a gown provided by the hospital (they should be loose fitting or something that can be completely opened in the front)
Robe or bed jacket
Socks
Slippers
Nightgown and/or pajamas (if breastfeeding, then bring ones made for nursing)
2 - 4 bras (nursing bras if you plan to breastfeed)
3 - 6 pairs of underpants
Toiletries: toothbrush/toothpaste, soap, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, lotion, comb/brush, lip balm/chap stick
Rubber band/Scrunchie or hair clip to pull hair back during labor
A photo or object to be used as a focal point during labor
Going home outfit (something comfortable/loose fitting i wore a night gown home take one in case you have a c-section you never know if an emergancy c-section will be needed also i hear from my mother wearing anything witha inseam hurts)
pads or tampons

Optional:

Lollipops or hard candy to keep your mouth moist during labor
An activity (such as pre-addressing birth announcements or crossword puzzles) or a book to keep busy during early labor
Your baby book - you can record your delivery details and first moments with your baby and the nurses can put your baby's hand and foot prints on the appropriate page while they are inked for the hospital records
Cord Blood Collection kit (if you decided to collect your baby's cord blood)
Makeup, lipstick, scented shower gel or body powder to make you feel better after labor
Eyeglasses or contact lenses (keep in mind that you can wear your eyeglasses during labor, but you must take out your contacts)
Watch
Address book
A few small gifts or one for all of the nurses that helped care for you
A small gift for the other children at home from the baby

For partner:

Insurance information
Hospital preregistration information
Change of clothes and toiletries, if they're allowed to stay in the room

Optional:

Things to be used during labor: soothing music, something to be used as a focal point, tennis ball, rolling pin or lotion for massage, watch, paper/pen, snacks
Book or magazine for reading
List of people and phone numbers to call
Camera/film (make sure it's preloaded and in good working condition before you go)
Camcorder and/or cassette recorder with tapes

For baby:

T-shirt, socks, hat
Going home outfit
Bunting/jacket (depending on season)
Receiving blanket (and a heavier blanket if it's cold)
hospitle should provide a FEW dipers take some in case.
Car seat (Keep in mind that you can't leave the hospital without it)