I am and always have been an over packer. Well, for some reason I just couldn't figure out what to put in my hospital bag, so I kept it to a bare minimum...and it worked out perfectly. I used just about everything that I put into the bag for both myself and the baby and didn't miss much. So here is my very practical list:
1. Several pairs of Hanes, cotton, hi-cut briefs one size larger than my normal size.
**I actually wish that I had gone two or even three sizes up since post-partum swelling is no joke! In
fact, I only put these on the day I left the hospital. Otherwise, I wore the soft mesh underwear that the
hospital provided and it was much more comfortable with all of the swelling.**
2. One soft, comfy, nursing pajama set - pants, nursing tank, and robe.
**The first day in the hospital was spent in an ugly hospital gown which was necessary due to a
foley catheter, IV, and constant checks for bleeding issues. When I was finally able to change into
real clothes, I actually didn't like the nursing top on this particular set. Otherwise, it was pretty
comfy.**
3. Two pairs of comfy pajama pants and three separate nursing tanks.
**My own Bravado nursing tanks from Babies R Us were the best. By the end of my third day in
the hospital, my nipples were in so much pain that I started to consider giving up the idea of
breastfeeding. These tanks were fantastic as I was able to put on some Lanolin, unclasp them, and
let my bruised and scabbed nipples air out. The fabric and the fit are much better than my Target
nursing tanks.**
4. Slippers
**These went on as soon as I was able to get up and out of the bed. I recommend old fashioned slip
ons - no socks or moccasin type things - because A) swelling and B) Especially after a c-section, the
last thing you can or want to do is bend down to put on slippers or shoes.**
5. Toiletries
**I showered and did my hair at 4:00AM on the day I went to the hospital. And I still felt icky by
the end of the day. Being able to shower, put on deodorant and brush my teeth was amazing.**
6. Bottled water
**My best friend actually suggested this, and I am so glad I took her advice. The hospital air is dry.
Also, it was much more convenient to have my own stash of bottled water as opposed to having to
call the nurse's station every time I wanted a drink (I drink TONS of water so that button would have
been being pressed nonstop!)**
7. Camera
**Hubby was responsible for this and he did a fantastic job**
8. Make-up
**Visiting hours were only an hour long. I wasn't about to put on make-up only to wash it off an
hour later. I look like shit in pictures, but hey. I did just give birth. I was allowed.**
9. Two newborn size gowns with matching hats
**The hospital provided kimono tops, knitted hats, and receiving blankets. However, it was nice to
finally put her in real clothes. And gowns make life super easy when changing diapers.**
10. Going home outfit
**That adorable white going home outfit I had bought months ago ended up being HUGE on our
little peanut. So hubby ended up having to go home and bring another newborn onesie. Oh well -
she looked tiny and precious either way.**
11. My own pillow
**The hospital pillows are flat and icky - I was really glad to have my own.**
12. Books
**I thought I would need these to keep myself occupied but honestly, if I wasn't sleeping I was just
staring at our baby girl, talking to my husband, or watching tv. The books never made it out of the
bag.**
And that was all that was in my bag. The only things I asked my husband to bring me was more bottled water and another outfit for the baby along with a maternity t-shirt for me to wear home (I had forgotten a going home outfit for myself - oops!)
Our hospital provided everything we needed for the baby, pads, medications, and lanolin for mommy. When I do it again, I won't change a thing unless we happen to be at a different hospital and circumstances dictate that I must (for example, if they don't provide diapers, wipes, etc.).
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