Any tips on what to bring, what's not neccessary? Also, what did you all pack to wear home? I mean I know I wanna be comfy but I also wanna look as cute as possible since lots of pics will be taken that day. Thanks!
You'll still need your maternity clothes, but maybe the ones from early on. Don't bother to pack some cute or new undies or pjs because there will still be a lot of blood. Or at least don't spend a fortune on some cute pjs, because chances of a stain are pretty high. A nursing bra and some nursing pads will probably serve you well, even if your milk hasn't come in. You just never know!
Take some Colace with you, and possibly try to take them a few days before you think you might be going into labor. Trust me, you'll want that part to be as quick and painless as possible!
Pack 2 outfits AT LEAST for baby to go home in. Chances are, he'll barf on the first one or pee on them while you're changing his diaper. Little water hoses, those little boys are! I wouldn't bother with gowns or onesies for while he's in the hospital, because they'll provide a little kimono top AND he'll be wrapped up most of the time.
Of course, take your toiletries just like if you were traveling. Oh, and purchase a can of Dermoplast to take with you. That stuff will feel like heaven on your hoo-ha when you go to the bathroom!
And a tip: horde the ugly hospital panties, ice packs, and binkies. You'll be thankful for the undies for the first week so you don't spoil yours. And ice packs (and dermoplast) will be your best friend for a few days.
Here's what I packed and reviews on the items, of course I ended up with a c-section so things may be a little different if you have a natural delivery.....
Robe - Never wore it. I didn't leave the room in my hospital gown.
Cute PJ's (pants & top) I bought from VS (Pink) - Glad I took them. I put them on after my shower and wore them while company was there. I also wore them to walk around the hospital in during recovery. I felt as "cute" in them! Bought them a little tight while pregnant and they fit perfect during recovery. I was still HUGE and swollen when I left the hospital.
I took some new Black Sweatpants and a Coral Long Sleeve Top to wear home. I was comfortable. It was cute without being overly, trying to hard cute. I was still BIG and my swelling didn't go down for several days after I was home. I still looked really pregnant.
Socks - Your feet will get cold, bring several pair
Houseshoes - Feet were too swollen to wear, I walked in socks.
Little Mirror and Make-up - I put this on every morning just like I would have at home. Made me feel better. I had to do it from the bed the first morning, so the little mirror came in handy.
Hairbrush & Ponytail Holders - I wore a ponytail the entire time. I just made a "cute" one.
Some Hanes Underwear - Cheap but still "cute".
Good Support Bra - I didn't breastfeed but still needed one, you'll need a nursing bra and pads.
Overnight Maxi Pads - I liked these and continued needing them after I was released. Stock up!
Soap, Shampoo, Deodorant, Toothpaste & Toothbrush etc. - Bring what you use everyday.
Lip Gloss - This was great for during delivery, my lips were getting chapped. Also great to put on throughout the day. Made me feel more "normal".
Items for Daddy - I packed him clothes, toiletries, etc. - He never left the hospital so he needed everything I packed.
Cell Phone, Charger, Video Recorder, Digital Camera, and Disposable Camera. You'll need them all!
Cash - Vending machines, etc.
For Baby - Outfit to wear home, Hat, Blanket, Bib, Pacifier (if you're going to use one, I thought it was helpful to get them started on the one they'd use at home), & carseat. Hayden wore this......
It's all the same blue, even though it doesn't look it on screen. He Looked Really Comfy and Cute!!
Hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions!!
it looks like rar210 and missmee got it all just about. i only have a couple of things i would add.
i got a couple of packages of fruit of the loom plain white breifs. the cheepies. but those were more for when i got home. i used the things that they gave me in the hospital.
i would pack a robe instead of p-jams. i just asked the nurse for a couple of extra hospital gowns so i could change when i felt like it and i put on my robe when i had visitors or when i was walking around.
for the first day when i was bleeding alot, i used the big diapery pads that they give you, but the second day and after i got home, i used stayfree four wall protection pads. AMAZING!! they didn't leak and they were much more comfortable than the generic cheepo ones they give you in the hospital. and while i was in the hospital i wore them with the mesh undies they give you too.
for the baby, i would bring a couple of those sweet pea night gowns. they will be constantly be taking his temp. and checking him out so it is easier to dress him in something that doesn't have a lot of snaps. they just slip right on and off and are easier to change diapers, especially in the middle of the night.
i would deffinatly bring the baby extra socks. they tend to get their feet in their poop when you change them. and i wouldn't worry about bringing blankets. they will give you as many as you need in the hospital, but i would snag all of the ones from the hospital.
pretty much just snag anything they put in the baby cart for you.
throw about $20 in singles in your bag for the vending machines maybe a little more if you have a c-section or if you are in labor for a really long time.
colace is a great idea, i didn't need to take any with me, they gave it to me at the hospital, but i wouldn't take any in the days before you go into labor. it might increase the chances of you pooping while you push and you really don't want that. taking it in the hospital with your first meal after you have him should do fine.
or
with a t-shirt that is not a onsie that snaps in the butt.
Thanks for the tips girls! And I definitely plan on hoarding the hospital panties, my mom did when she had her hysterectomy (sp?) and said they were very comfy. Oh, and I checked and my hospital supplies dermoplast, hurray! Now I just have to get everything into a bag and then I think I'm ready...
or
with a t-shirt that is not a onsie that snaps in the butt.
