Maternity Hospital Bag Essentials

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Let This Be a Lesson to You

At 36 weeks, I saw my doctor around noon, reviewed my birth plan, then headed back to my office for the remainder of the workday.

All was fine, and my big plan for that night was to pack my hospital bag. I felt yucky by late afternoon, so I left work about an hour early. A mere 45 minutes later, with a couple of strong contractions, my water broke a short distance from home. Boy, was I glad I'd left the office! (Lesson #1: listen to your body.)

I made it home, called the doctor, and got ready to go. But wait! I wasn't at all ready; my bag wasn't packed! (Lesson #2: pack your bag at least a month ahead.) So, into the bag went everything but the kitchen sink. Operating under the delusion that heavy labor wouldn't start right away, I brought lots of things to do. And operating with more than a modicum of indecision, I brought multiple outfits for me and for baby, nursing clothes (why? don't need those for the first few days!), several things to read, and a pile of unwritten thank you notes! And into the car went my giant exercise ball, a couple of my own pillows, and a portable sound system. Yes, I was delusional at the time. But now I know better, and here's what I suggest a sane woman bring to the hospital.

What (Not) to Bring to the Hospital - And How I Learned

FOR MOTHER, BRING:

NOTE: Of course, these are items should supplement your everyday needs: any prescription medications, prenatal vitamins, contact lenses/glasses, favorite facial and hair care products, basic cosmetics, and anything else you simply can't live without for a couple of days.

1. Birth plan. Your doctor should already have a copy (keep it simple) and go over it with you, but you never know who will actually deliver your baby, so bring another signed copy. You may not be up to thinking or talking coherently later, so put it in writing ahead of time!

2. Comfortable robe and shower shoes: for moving around during labor, and for trips to the nursery for a newborn care class. Make sure both are washable - childbirth is a very messy business.

3. Don't bother with nursing pajamas. Wear hospital gowns, two at a time, after baby is born. The aftermath of childbirth is also a very messy business. You'll be extremely glad someone else is doing THAT laundry. Just put on your robe for pictures. And leave your favorite pillows at home. You don't want to ruin them either.

4. Your favorite lip balm. Hospitals are very dry. Childbirth can be - or seem like - an awfully long process. And all that puffing and panting and screaming and crying and, well, leaking, is very dehydrating. Have a sip of water or Gatorade every so often; have an ice chip or two. And, for goodness sake, use your lip balm! You'll thank me for it! Really!

5. A mindless book or magazine, notepad and pen, health insurance info, phone list, and phone card (and/or cell phone w/ charger!). You may want some of these items while in labor - if you're one of those strange people who doesn't think contractions are painful, or one of the lucky ones with an early epidural. More likely, you'll want them during your recovery time. Something to read if left alone too long, and something on which to make lists or take notes & phone messages. You'll want a list of phone numbers (or PDA) so you or Partner can share the good news. Bring a cell phone or phone/credit card for that.

6. A breastfeeding book, if you've found a good one. This is your best chance to read up - and to ask questions of the lactation consultant and nurses.

What (Not) to Bring to the Hospital - And How I Learned

MORE FOR MOTHER:

7. A good razor and a nail file. Let's face it, you haven't even seen your toes in months, and have had very little visual contact with your legs. Take advantage of the shower seat before you leave the hospital to shave your legs. It's about as comfortable as you're going to get at this point, so go for it. You'll feel much better. Bring a favorite mild shower gel and/or lotion as well; something pleasant and familiar is welcome. This is also a good opportunity to file down your nails. Mine grow exceptionally long during pregnancy, which can be extremely dangerous to that tiny newborn during diaper changes. File them short while you're lounging in the hospital bed; you won't have time for it when you get home.

8. Empty duffel or tote bags. You're going to leave the hospital with so many goodie bags, formula samples, information packets, and coupons, you'll need something to put them in. Accept any and all freebies you are offered (this includes the hospital diapers, maxi pads, and delightful disposable mesh panties - no, I'm not kidding), because I can guarantee that you will be glad to have them! Since you're not going to want to carry even more things with you when you leave the hospital, ask Husband to bring any flower arrangements and/or balloons home with him the night before you are released. Just imagine yourselves with 1) water-filled vases of fragrant lilies and thorny roses, 2) a plethora of tangled, bobbing helium balloons, and 3) your delicate new baby in an unduly complicated new car seat - all together in one vehicle - and you'll understand why.

9. A maternity dress and comfortable shoes to wear home. Don't even think about something with a waistband; it will only depress you, and possibly cause even more discomfort. Sitting itself will be uncomfortable for you, and you'll probably be wearing those stylish disposable mesh panties, so a dress is the most convenient way to go.

10. A good bra (or two in different sizes) is a good idea. You may not want ANYTHING near your breasts at that point, depending on how sensitive they are, but you will want something supportive for the drive home.

DON'T:
~ wear rings to the hospital, unless you hang them on a chain. I blew up like a balloon the day after birth, and couldn't pry my engagement and wedding rings off for at least a week. I'm lucky they didn't have to be cut off my finger.

What (Not) to Bring to the Hospital - And How I Learned

FOR BABY, BRING:

1. Newborn mittens and booties. My son was born with the longest fingernails and toenails I could've imagined! And he always managed to squirm his little arms out of the blankets he was wrapped into like a spring roll, scratching himself all over the face. The toenails can be just as dangerous. You are NOT going to want to try filing or cutting them yet, even when she or he is asleep, so bring the mittens!

2. An easy outfit with a hat to wear home. No waistband to irritate the umbilical cord stump. Something that will show up well in the hospital picture (bright?). And something that won't be too complicated for you to manipulate him or her into.

3. A receiving blanket to cover your baby carrier/carseat. Baby won't be able to regulate temperature yet, so will probably need a blanket, even indoors.

4. A small diaper bag, with a couple of diapers, wipe cloths, and a spare blanket. If you're going directly home, you shouldn't need any more than that. And you probably won't even need that, but better safe than sorry!

5. A pacifier, but only if there's one particular kind you really want to use. Otherwise, the hospital has them. And most babies don't need them anyway.

6. A camera, with extra film/. This is for baby, not for you, since you're most likely not going to want people snapping your picture at this time. But you might not mind being behind the camera, especially to capture the expressions of some of your visitors when they hold your little bundle for the first time.

What (Not) to Bring to the Hospital - And How I Learned

HAVE THESE WAITING AT HOME:

1. Super maxi pads. Superthins just don't cut it. Go for the big boys. You can't have too many of these... Enough said.

2. Motrin. This is the one pain reliever that only shows up in trace amounts in breast milk. So, after baby is born, out with the Tylenol, and in with the Motrin!

3. Absorbent nursing pads. I liked the Gerber ones. They're thin, comfortable and disposable. After things settle down a little bit, you can switch to the thinner ones, but go for absorbency at first.

4. Lanolin nipple ointment. It's very soothing. (I got a tube of Lansinoh brand - a La Leche League favorite - in the hospital, and didn't need to use it forever, but it's particularly welcome at the beginning.)

5. Newborn diapers (about one week's worth). 12 changes per day x 7 days = 84, give or take a few. The size 1s are much less expensive, and come in bigger packages, so switch to those as soon as possible (i.e., as soon as the cord falls off).

6. One dozen dark colored wash cloths. During the first week or so, baby is cleaning out his or her entire system. This, like childbirth, is a very messy business. Baby wipes may be too tough on baby's delicate skin, so a washcloth with warm water is a much kinder, gentler choice for cleaning up baby. Since meconium will stain quite thoroughly, your best bet is to pick up a dozen inexpensive dark colored cloths that will not show the stains. Just wash and reuse until you get past this stage, and then you can throw them all out.

7. Talc free baby powder. Yes, research shows that the talcum powder our parents used on us could have caused us all kinds of breathing problems. Yes, we all seem to have survived it, but look for the talc free anyway.

8. Alcohol swabs. Handy for cleaning the cord area. Much more practical than the two-handed juggling act of cotton balls and a bottle of alcohol.

9. Dye and fragrance free laundry detergent. "All Free & Clear" is a good one. Dreft is great, but unnecessary for most babies. And the All can handle everyone's laundry.

10. A sympathetic friend or relative. This person should be understanding enough to run out to pick up anything you might have forgotten, competent enough to hold the baby for a minute or make you lunch, and kind enough to know when to leave.

Websites You Should Know

Kid Surplus - *Excellent Deals! - Even Breast Pump Accessories: This site offers many choices in apparel, toys, gear, and even maternity items, all at a great discount!
Hanna Andersson: High quality cotton baby clothes that keep their shape and color.
Baby Gap: Lots of essential and basic baby clothes.
Robeez: Easy comfy baby "shoes" all leather, machine-washable, and baby can't take them off! Great designs - and they even have booties!
Babystyle: Maternity and baby clothes, gear and toys.
Baby Bargains: From the publishers of the Baby Bargains book, this site provides updated recalls, safety assessments and new model reviews.
Birth Plan Tool: Use this tool to help create a birth plan.
Birth Plan Website: Another place for birth plan details and info!
Kiehls Lip Balm: The best lip balm ever!
Lands End - Little Tripper: Great compact diaper bag for short trips - or get the Do It All full-size diaper bag to carry everything!
Lands End giant totes: These carry everything but the kitchen sink: they're durable, stable, and huge - and the sip-top is very handy!
Burts Bees Talc Free Powder: This is wonderfully soft, and it smells fabulous.
Tweezerman manicure kit: Take advantage of that time in your hospital bed - do your nails! Try this quality kit.
Sensi shower sandals: You'll want something comfortable on your feet - something you can wash off, too. These are comfy AND cute.
Lansinoh - a miracle ointment: This is unbeatable for breastfeeding moms!

Great books if you want to immerse yourself in baby stuff!

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Seventh Revised Edition (La Leche League International Book)

by: La Leche League International

Amazon Price: $13.00 (as of 01/01/2010)

So That's What They're For!: The Definitive Breastfeeding Guide 3rd edition

by: Janet Tamaro

Amazon Price: $9.32 (as of 01/01/2010)

What to Expect the First Year, Second Ed

by: Heidi Murkoff, Sandee Hathaway, Arlene Eisnberg

Amazon Price: (as of 01/01/2010)

The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two (Revised and Updated Edition)

by: William Sears, Martha Sears, Robert Sears, James Sears

Amazon Price: $14.29 (as of 01/01/2010)

Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, Revised Edition: Birth to Age 5 (Shelov, Caring for your Baby and Young Child, Birth to Age 5)

by: American Academy Of Pediatrics

Amazon Price: (as of 01/01/2010)

Maternity Hospital Bag Essentials

Let This Be a Lesson to You

What (Not) to Bring to the Hospital - And How I Learned

FOR MOTHER, BRING:

What (Not) to Bring to the Hospital - And How I Learned

MORE FOR MOTHER:

What (Not) to Bring to the Hospital - And How I Learned

FOR BABY, BRING:

What (Not) to Bring to the Hospital - And How I Learned

HAVE THESE WAITING AT HOME:

Websites You Should Know

Great books if you want to immerse yourself in baby stuff!

More Lenses to Visit

When you just can't get enough info!

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