What to pack?

Question

Im 31 weeks pregnant and wondering when should i start to pack for the hospital and what should i pack?

Answer 1

You should start packing and have that handy.

For labor

•Your birth plan
•A watch that counts seconds for timing contractions (Hospitals usually have clocks and monitors nearby.)
•A bathrobe, nightgown, slippers or socks, and whatever other clothing you'll want so that you will be warm and comfortable. Wear something you won't mind getting blood-stained during the delivery or postpartum. Nightgowns that open in the front make examinations or breastfeeding easier.
•Eyeglasses if you wear them. (Contacts may become uncomfortable -- they also would be removed during any surgery.)
•Toothbrush and toothpaste (Hospitals usually supply this, if necessary.)
•Hair ties or barrettes if your hair is long enough to get into your eyes or face
•Lip balm for dry lips
•A colored washcloth to wipe down with (A white one might get mixed up with the hospital laundry.)
•Any birth book you may want to refer to
•Favorite music and a CD player if the hospital doesn't provide one
•Camera and/or camcorder with charged batteries and accessories. Check with the hospital ahead of time to be sure they allow camcorders in the delivery room, and be sure to have extra film and tapes on hand.
•Massage equipment like oils, lotions, and tennis balls or a plastic rolling pin to roll across your lower back
•Suckers, hard candy, or honey sticks, unless you have a medical condition that precludes them. Sugarless candies may not make you as thirsty as sugared candies.
•Special snacks or drinks you may want during labor (Noncitrus juices, sports drinks, and fruit popsicles are good options.)
•A pad and pencil to write down any questions you may have for your health care provider
•Anything else you want to put in your room to make you comfortable -- like photos or your favorite pillow
•Snacks for your labor coach, as well as money for the vending machines and parking
•A phone card for keeping in touch with out of town family and friends. (You often can't use a cell phone in a hospital.)

After the baby is born

For you



•Nursing bras and pads
•Sanitary napkins (Hospitals also have them on hand.)
•Clean nightgown and maternity underwear. Although the hospital or birthing center will usually supply you with something, you may find your own to be more comfortable.
•Slippers
•Clothes to wear home. Remember that now isn't the time to try to fit into your favorite pre-pregnancy jeans. Bring something that fit comfortably when you were about six months pregnant.
•Favorite toiletries (including lotion, since your skin may be a bit dry from a loss of fluids)
•List of people to call after the baby is born
•Extra film or videotapes
•A book or magazine for both you and your partner
•More snacks! Having a baby is hard work and you might be hungry afterward. If the hospital kitchen is closed (or if you don't want to rely on hospital fare), you'll be glad to have your own food on hand.

If you don't have anything on hand, you can always recruit a family member or friend to go out for something. Healthy snacks like raisins, nuts, and whole-wheat crackers can help keep you regular, too.



For baby



•Car seat. You will need one to bring the baby home. Some hospitals can also loan new parents a car seat.
•Going-home outfit. Make sure to bring a sleeper with legs -- rather than a gown -- so that the baby will be warm and comfortable in the car seat.
•Receiving blanket appropriate to the outdoor temperature
•Diapers (Hospitals may provide these.)
•Socks or booties
•Cap

Answer 2

I had my first child in october. I didn't pack a lot. I only packed nursing bras, nursing pads, underwear,hygene products, hair products, socks. For my son I packed a pair of clothes to come home in. Oh and don't forget the carseat. The hospital gives you pampers and wipes. Some people will tell you to bring magazines, books, puzzles, etc who has time for that. I was in so much pain after my csection that I could care less about a magazine. My son was born at 38 weeks. I packed around 31-32 weeks, and carried my bag with me everytime I had a doctors appt. Congrats. I know you can't wait to have your baby

Answer 3

I would pack soon ... just in case.

Looks like you have some good lists so far. Don''t forget snacks for you and the Coach. If you are planning on breastfeeding, La Leche League's Book The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. A mirror if you want to watch the event from that perspective. A blanket, if you are the cold type. A picture of your other children if this is not your first or the ultrasound photo so you can keep perspective on what you are working for.

Good luck! I hope your labor and delivery go well.

Answer 4

I would start to get ready now. Better to be prepared and have to wait than not be ready at all.....I just had my 2nd. She was born on Jan 3. I took 2 pairs of sock, ( I got blood on the ones I had one from the delivery be prepared for that to happen), 2 pairs of undies, one change of clothes to go home in ( you'll still be about the size you were at 5-6 Months), tolietries (shampoo, tooth bursh, ect), a few pads (hospital will send you home with some), clothes for baby to go home in (they will cloth baby until then and you get to keep the outfit too), they give you diapers and all the things they use to care for baby when you leave too. I would say that's all you need. You can take music and player, cards, other things you want to make the birth as personal as you want it. My 2nd was only 5 hours from start of labor at home to delivery. Thank goodness I live 5 mins from the hospital. Remember they are going to give you some supplies and some meds. If you truly don't want to be charged for some of those things than I'd call the hospital and talk to someone about what you want and what you'll bring from home. They can note it and you'll make sure to bring it. IMO it's just easier not to have to worry about that.

Good luck and God Bless

Answer 5

Pack after 36 weeks.

Two sets of clothes for dad.

Socks for you, atleast 5 pair of undies. You own pads, for your heaviest period. The ones at the hospital are horrible after that first day of gushing. yoga or pajama pants, shirts that button up are nice for nursing.

The clothes you wore when you were 5-6 months pregnant will fit you just right on the trip home. You'll want one of those outfits.

The going home outfit for baby. Socks for baby, they dont have those at the hospital. Some onsies. My hospital didnt use baby wipes, but wetted down gause strips. So i brought my own wipes. Thank God.

Your pillow.

All your regular travel toiletries. Minus the scented body washes, those will only irritate down below.

Answer 6

I would pack in a few weeks.
And what to pack. Baby clothes, bring a car seat.
diapers, bottle,if you have to travel far from the hospital.
for you Clothes I brought tylonel then the hospital won't charge
like $10 a pill. tooth brush etc. A book to read.

Answer 7

Here's some suggestions:
Bathrobe
Slippers
Warm Socks
Toiletries
Plenty of Pads
Massage Ball
PJ's
Outfit for Baby
Diapers
Blankets
Car Seat
Cell Phone and Charger
Books (probably won't need them)
Make Up
Relaxation Tapes (never used them)

Answer 8

There's a good book "what to expect when you're expecting".

There is a whole section in the back with a list of what to pack and how much.

Answer 9

You should think about packing in the next few days, just so its ready. You will need 2 nighties, sanitary pads, your personal toiletries, towel, dressing gown, after birth clothes ( elasticated waist ), Your baby will need, nappies, baby grows, hat, blanket, going home clothes, oh and you will need some breast pads. good luck!!

Answer 10

I'd start to get things ready.....you will need pads, spare pj's with front opening (if breast feeding) breast pads, bras, OLD undies, slippers, toiletries, clothes to leave the hospital in and for the baby... bunny rug for the baby.....and a camera to take your own photo's. Good luck.......remember to breathe.