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As we get closer...Hospital bag

Hey Ladies-

To those of you who have been here before...what are the necessities for the hospital bag.  I know clothes, toiletries, snacks and such, but what are things that you all absolutely have to have at the hospital that maybe isnt on a standard check list?

Thanks!!!
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676143 tn?1312941771
I packed like I was going on vacation the first time around and I didn't even use a fraction of the stuff that we brought.  Here's the things of my own that I actually remember using:

-change of clothes for trip home (You could actually wear what you came to the hospital in)

-your own pillows mainly for DH - the hospital will set you up w/as many as you need

-hard candy to suck on during labor - I was allowed to have like 2 pieces of jolly ranchers every hour - the nurse didn't want me throwing anything up

-socks or house shoes to walk around in - around the room and to the bathroom - that's about as far as you'll need to go :-)

- I stayed in the hospital gown the whole time - for fear of secreting who knows what on my own clothes - but you can definitely bring your own pajamas to wear - and possibly a nursing bra

-toothbrush/toothpaste (the hospital usually provides a toiletry bag w/soap/shampoo, too)

- change for vending machine or just bring some of your own snacks and drinks - mainly for DH - you get fed 3 meals a day while you're there but he doesn't.  

-a journal to write down the experience as it's happening - DH did this the first time and it's really cool to look back at

-your little one's baby book for hand and/or foot prints to be done at the hospital before you leave.  (You could do this later - but it's easier for them to do it)

-something to entertain yourself with if you're induced like I was and aren't in much pain just sitting around for hours waiting for the real contractions to start - like a book to read or sudoku or something.  The nurses kept telling me to sleep during that time, but yeah right, I was too excited/nervous.

-outfit for baby to go home in

-I came to the hospital w/ my hair pulled up - but if you don't - bring a ponytail holder if you have long hair

-I used the huge obnoxious hospital maxi pads at first, but I think I switched to my own on the 2nd day - I got the always super max overnight w/wings - or whatever the strongest absorbency they have - but they are soooo much thinner and less obnoxious than the hospital ones
Helpful - 0
1456473 tn?1365827455
spare change for juice/vending machine. or anything you think you would like during labour to nibble on
Helpful - 0
1456473 tn?1365827455
juice, dilute, i got fed up drinking water lol! sweets to suck on/ chew on, even energy drinks (sugar ones, not caffeine) things to tie back your hair, baby blanket, own pillows/hot water bottle for comfort? a bra/bikini incase you wanna get naked but not totally butt naked, spare pjama bottoms + old underpants with great absorbing sanitry pads, leaking is quite a possibility if you have been sitting/lying down a few hours after birth, you may need 2/3 packs as everyone bleeds. i didnt realise it would have been as much! antibacterial hand gel is handy, toothbrush + tooth paste, comfy loose clothes to come home in, outfit for baby to go home in, 3/4 body suits/sleep suits and 3/4 vests, nappies, socks for baby + you, slippers, towels if you want to shower, little bottles of soap + shampoo. a hand held fan if you had one? if you get too hot, a damp cold cloth on your forehead will work just as good. if you forget anything let a family member know so they can bring it down to you. oh, painkillers lol ones you can take after baby is born. enough clothes for 2/3 days. should be everything lol
Helpful - 0
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