On Thursday night, I'll be going into the hospital for cervidil and getting pitocin for an induction in the morning. I'll be staying overnight on the 6th and (hopefully) giving birth on the 7th (my birthday!).
I have a bag ready, but as of now, it's pretty empty - what necessities did you bring with you to the hospital when you went into labor? Was there anything you wished you had thought to bring? Any suggestions or tricks I should keep in mind?
Thanks ahead of time!
2007-12-04 13:05:25 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Especially with the pitocin they aren't going to want you to eat or drink anything so definately gum and chapstick. Bring a book or similar item to kill the first several hours while you are waiting for the medications to kick in. Besides that be sure to pack your going home outfit. Somethingthat has plenty of room and stretch that fits over your belly now. You are likely to be very swollen after delivery especially since pitocin deliveries happen very quickly and cause extra trauma so you get extra swelling.(at least I did!) Also any personal toiletries. Most hospitals do have soap/shampoo available but if you have sensitive skin you won't be able to use it!
Also you are likely to want a shower as soon as they allow you. Between the physical effort of delivery and your hormones going crazy you will likely be very sweaty. I was desperate for a shower long before my epidural wore off with my son. Heck I cheated with my daughter's delivery and had a c-section and still had the sweats and I was ready for a shower long before I was allowed out of bed!
Also it doesn't hurt to have some breast pads in there in case your milk comes in fairly early or you're in the hospital for a few days. The nurses will have lansinoh ointment for your nipples but didnt' have any pads at my hospital.
Also if you don't like the smell of A&D ointment you might want to bring some aquifor or vaseline with you for baby's skin. Newborns skin will crack quite a bit after birth as it adjusts to being outside your tummy.
Oh and don't bother with your own night gowns...You are likely to be quite messy those first few days and wouldn't want to stain up your own pjs! Lochia stains are even harder to remove from clothing then menstral blood is!
2007-12-04 13:17:35 · answer #1 · answered by starfire978 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The hospital provides most of your toiletries but I was sooo happy to have a razor and see all of my legs to shave. If you are really sore this might not be possible. Also take something comfy to wear home...early maternity clothes work best. You will loose some weight with birth but still not be back in your clothes immediately. Take a day time nursing bra and a wireless one for at night. Your boobs will most likely ache for the support day and night if you are breastfeeding. Check with your hospital to see if you can use cell phones on the delivery floor. If not you may want a calling card and a list of important numbers so you...or someone else can spread the news. Don't forget the camera!!!!! I forgot this....a cute outfit or at least top for the baby. Most hospitals offers pics within the first day or two of life. A few other important ones: a robe for when company is there slippers for walking around hair clip snacks for after delivery (takes forever to get food and you will be hungry) your chosen Pediatricians name, number and address (will need it for paperwork after delivery) chap stick Best of Luck and enjoy!!!!
2016-05-28 05:32:24 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Naturally you want to pack all the same stuff you would for a vacation... personal products wise. Make sure they're hypo-allergenic, just to be on the safe side with the baby. Make sure to pack super comfy pajamas and a robe, and a warm pair of slippers.
A lot of hospitals will give you a "mom kit". It has a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouth wash, washcloth and a comb. Sometimes they give you some of the other personal products, but if you forget to pack yours and they don't automatically give you what you forgot.... just ask. They'll give you what you need.
Be sure to pack a bra. I forgot to do that with my last one. Could have SWORN it was in there.... but it wasn't. Also be sure to pack clothes that are kind of loose fitting, with an elastic waist band. Depending on the type of delivery you have (in spite of being induced), you won't want anything pressing too hard on your tummy.
You'll also have to pack an outfit to bring your precious bundle home in. The only thing you get to keep from the hospital, for the little peanut, is the hat he/she wears there. Pack a onesie, and some other clothes to keep him/her warm. You'll also have to have your own receiving blanket to bundle the baby in.
If this is your first baby, they'll teach you everything you need to know about child care. They may even give you a diaper bag filled all kinds of goodies for you AND the little cutie pie.
Good luck and God Bless you. Babies truly are a blessing and a precious gift.
2007-12-04 13:18:04 · answer #3 · answered by penguino8165 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely recommend- camera and additional batteries. An additional SD card if you only have a small one.
Brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, whatever cream/soap you use for your face (the stuff at the hospital makes mine itch). An inexpensive MP3 player with your favorite music and headphones. A boppy pillow if you plan to breastfeed. A small notebook to record anything and everything for your scrapbooking later. Basically, bring as little as you can. They provide most stuff and you aren't there long enough. You'll be taking lots of stuff (plus a baby) home.
Congratulations!
2007-12-04 13:12:24 · answer #4 · answered by CarbonDated 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Snacks and reading material for the father. Something to meditate upon if using Lamaze. A ball to squeeze instead of the fathers hands. The ball can also be used to massage your back if you have back labor. Lot's of video cassettes, batteries for digital camera. Some paper to document the events of the birth. List of phone numbers (cell phone with charger). Something very comfortable and somewhat appealing to wear after so you feel pretty. A little make-up if you're into that. Breast feeding bra/pajamas. Appropriate clothing to bring baby home in (according to weather). Hope this helps. Baby book if you want foot/hand prints in them when they do them for the record.
2007-12-04 13:11:07 · answer #5 · answered by privatecriminal2000 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Bring as little as possible with you. A nice nightgown, nightshirt or whatever you wear to bed normally, and slippers, would be nice plus a toothbrush, toothpaste and any deodorant, cremes or light perfume you may wish to have. Shampoo, blow-dryer plus comb and brush should top it off. Just things to make you feel comfortable and not so yucky! Good luck and congratulations! By the way...do not bring anything of value with you like jewelry or money and credit cards.
2007-12-04 13:12:43 · answer #6 · answered by Chris B 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Slippers, Socks, comfortable nightshirt or jammies, Tooth brush, tooth paste, underwear, a good supportive bra. magazines. Baby clothes, receiving blankets, a baby binky. Take your information about your baby's pediatrician. They will send someone to examine your baby in th hospital. But, you will have to make an appt. I called and made my son's appt from the hospital as well as my 6 week follow up. It made things easier and less stressful. You will have enough on your mind when you get home with your little one. Try to eiliminate as much little stuff as possible. Good Luck and Congrats.
2007-12-04 13:36:26 · answer #7 · answered by beentheresurvived that 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ok.. as a mom of 6, yes, 6, I will tell u to bring baby clothes, baby blanket, first outfit for home, lotion, ( u, not the baby) shampoo, conditioner, pouf,( if u use one), clothes for home, ( no u can't fit into your skinny jeans, not yet) um... slippers, for u, your robe, ( those rooms do get cold) makeup if u watn to, your brush, comb,hair pretty's, mirror, for makeup, camera, for the baby pictures, money for munchies,a book, if u want to, a something to keep u busy when u aren't tired, and the baby is sleeping, What i had wished i had brought??? My slippers, and my word-search book, and a pen. Do bring a pen. U never know when u will need it. oh.... and a boppy pillow for breast/ bottle feeding, and baby sleepers. maybe a bib, breath, and keep calm, u will soon be a mommy.
2007-12-04 13:16:46 · answer #8 · answered by Dragonflygirl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bring booties for your feet - they will get cold. Also, you may want to bring a soft comfy robe, the hospital gowns are not real warm and fuzzy.
Of course, you will want the necessary toiletries, do include pads, and a hair brush and pony holder to keep your hair back.
And of course - don't forget an outfit for the baby! Good luck!!!
2007-12-04 13:10:59 · answer #9 · answered by Laura H 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would take a robe, house slippers (use the hospital gown while there) hubby can bring clothes for you the night before you go home--something comfortable (maternity or sweat pants) something for the baby to wear home and thats about it.
2007-12-04 13:12:41 · answer #10 · answered by Mignon F 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋