Yesterday marked my 37th week of pregnancy, which mean little Bennett is considered full-term. After my appointment, we knew he was head down so I know I need to be ready. With that said, I have to admit I’ve had a hospital bag packed since May 1st, you know, just in case. As a first time mom, I’m sure I’m not alone in trying to figure out what on earth is necessary to take to the hospital. I searched the web and found several checklists, and asked just about every woman who has a child already.
After gathering up all that information, I edited based on the things that seemed to make the most sense for me. Now being that this has yet to happen, I of course don’t know if there are items that will never be unpacked from the suitcase, or if there are things I’ll demand Scott to return home to get, so I’ll attempt to review this list after all is said and done, but for now here is what is packed and waiting by the door:
no. 1 – Pretty Patterned Pillow from Home
Several checklists explained you’ll want the comfort of your own personal pillow during labor. Makes sense. I always take my pillow when we travel so that was sort of a no-brainer, but somewhere I read that you should pick a pretty patterned pillow case. I hadn’t thought about that but there were two reasons behind it: 1.) You don’t want your pillow to be mistaken for a hospital pillow so it won’t be taken away and mixed up with theirs, and 2.) Ninety percent of your hospital pictures will have your pillow as your backdrop, so pick something pretty but not distracting.
no. 2 – Vending Machine Money
This was a suggestion from one of the nurses at our hospital per one of our childbirth classes. Our birthing center has a pretty nice vending-machine-goodies selection, and since labor is never all that speedy, this is great for husband-Coke-withdrawals or crackers and candies for anxious grandparents. I had a roll of quarters ($10) and a roll of dimes ($5) that I stuck in the bag.
no. 3 – Camera
This will be the biggest event in our lives to date, so of course we will want to capture every second of it we possibly can. If you have a video camera, I’d bring that as well, but ours is old and you can no longer by tape for it (yes, it’s that old!), so the video function on my camera will have to do. At least it’s one item to pack instead of two.
no. 4 – Cell Phone Charger
We’ll all want to keep close friends and family up to date with the progress of the labor and delivery so a charger is a necessity. Luckily, Scott and I both have iPhones, and we had an extra charger, so it was stuck in the bag for us to share.
no. 5 – Hairband/Clips/Pony Tail Holders
Laying in a bed writhing in pain (until you get that epidural) is sure to leave your hair a hot mess, so I was encouraged to get a “cute” headband to help smooth your hair back and look semi-put together for your first family photos. I also packed some clips and pony tail holders, just in case I’d prefer them.
no. 6 – Chap stick
Lots of people have complained about the dry air in the hospital, so to keep your pucker smooth, I was told to bring my favorite brand of chap stick. You don’t want your babies first impression of your lips to be sandpaper, right? My all time favorite is Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick. Years ago when I was on Accutane, it was the only thing that would keep my lips from cracking. Be warned though, it is a large tube and if you get one everyone will ask if you’re using a glue stick on your lips.
no. 7 – Tic Tacs
This one is obvious. Not sure if you’re allowed to suck on these during labor, but after, if you want some fresh breath, you might not be able to get up to brush your teeth, so at least you can mask any stankness. I’m so crazy about fresh breath, so for me, this was a must.
no. 8 – Cosmetics
The time you go into labor has a lot to do with how you look when you arrive at the hospital. If I have to go in during the middle of the night, I won’t have any makeup on, so once labor is over I’d likely want to put some makeup on. If it’s the middle of the day, I’ll have some on already, but still need a touch up. For me I just threw in some essentials – concealer, foundation, mascara and colored lip gloss.
no. 9 – Toiletries
You have to stay overnight, so of course you’re going to need to shower at some point. I just went ahead and packed my travel bag with toiletries for me and the hubs…again bare essentials: shampoo, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, contact cases and solution, our glasses and the ever important deodorant.
no. 10 – Flip-Flops
Speaking of showers, someone said to take some cheap flip-flops to wear in the shower. Makes me think of dorm rooms and communal bathrooms, but I’m already looking forward to a shower after birth, so I deemed these necessary and put them in my bag.
no. 11 – Heavy Maxi Pads
These were left over from my sister-in-law’s birthing experience, so just in case the sanitary napkins the hospital provides don’t work for me, I have my own back up stash.
no. 12 – Cheap Cotton Panties
I know the hospital provides those lovely mesh panties, and some people have said they are fine, others have complained they are awful, so I decided to buy a backup. I got a pack of three cheap cotton panties that I won’t mind throwing away in case mesh doesn’t mesh with me.
no. 13 – Non-slip Socks
I’ve packed three pairs. This one’s pretty self-explanatory.
no. 14 – Nursing Appropriate Pajamas
My mom and I went shopping for these a few weeks ago and found two cute sets at Belk. They both are capri pant style with a nice stretchy waist band, and the top of one unbuttons to allow for nursing, and the other I got an actual nursing cami to wear with.
no. 15 – Notebook
If pregnancy brain is any indicator, my post-delivery brain is going to be rather jumbled. I was told to bring a notebook to jot down all sorts of information: keep a list of visitors, important tips from the nurses, and keep track of babies feeding.
no. 16 – Nursing Pillow
Some people have said this is totally unnecessary while others have said it’s a lifesaver. To err on the side of caution, it is in the car trunk in case I decide I’d like it. Better safe than sorry in my opinion.
no. 17 – Nursing Bras
Of course you need a bra that allows your baby easy access to your bosom, so I have a few for the hospital. In our breastfeeding class, the nurse suggested to only buy one or two before your milk comes in because you won’t know what size you’ll need once your milk arrives a few days later. Fortunately, my sister-in-law has allowed me to borrow hers, so I’ll stick with those and then get measured for some of my own later.
no. 18 – Nipple Cream
Not sure why this one makes me feel like blushing to write about, but I’ve added this in case I struggle with any soreness or cracking. From what I understand, our hospital doesn’t provide this, while some hospitals do, so check with yours to see.
no. 19 – Nursing Pads
We all know what these are for…and in case the hospital doesn’t have them…I do.
no. 20 – Babies Clothes
Since you never know what sort of delivery you’re going to end up with, bring about four little outfits for baby (in case a caesarian has you there for a longer stay). The hospital has little onesies for you, but what new mom isn’t dying to put their new baby in some of the precious outfits from all those showers? Our sweet friend Katelyn bought an entire newborn sized wardrobe for Bennett, so I’ve washed all the pieces and packed them in Dreft (isn’t that one of the sweetest smells in existence?). This includes his going home outfit which has a hat, onesie, pants and little jacket thing (yes I know it’s warm, but it’s so cute!). We’ve also packed scratch mittens, and some sleepers.
no. 21 – Baby Blankets
Again, I know the hospital provides their own, but I’m sure the ones we have received are far softer, and way cuter. They take up next to no room, so why not?
no. 22 – Mom’s Going Home Outfit
Comfort is key was a recurring theme from friends on this one. You’re still going to need some room for a belly, and depending on where your stitches fall (since it seems very few people leave without some high or down below) something that’s loose is a good idea. I have a maxi dress packed, with a cardigan. It’s only a three-minute drive home, but for pictures sake 
no. 23 – Collapsible Tote
Apparently the hospital sends you home with all sorts of little circes, so I read somewhere to throw in an additional bag to tote all of that home. Makes sense to me.
I should note that since we live so close to the hospital, I assumed Scott would want to go home to change (and likely shower there as well), so I didn’t pack any clothes for him. For those of you who have been there, done this, let me know if you think something should be added, or if you think something is completely ridiculous to even pack. I’d love any of your feedback. My hope is to help a few of my friends who I know are in the same boat as me: first time, clueless, mom to be.
