About this time last year
So, I have a question for all you mommies who have delivered in a hospital before… what do you REALLY need to pack?
I had Milo in a free-standing birthing center after 6 short hours of labor. They released us 4 hours after he was born. What I packed? Some Gatorade.
Fast forward two years later. Oliver took his sweet time entering the world after 8 hours of labor at home. What I packed? Nothin.
Two years later… we plan for our first hospital birth (I am Strep-B positive, plus there are not a whole lot of good options for home-birthing here in the great state of Missouri since it was illegal only a few years ago). Only, I have no idea what to expect. Pretty backwards, isn’t it?
So please, ideas and suggestions are welcome as we enter uncharted territory once again!
Well, I overpacked, but I’d recommend packing for a weekend away, then subtract any daytime clothes and add nursing gear, phone numbers and papers (insurance forms and birth plan). Waterproof shoes were great for me, as I spent hours in the shower. 🙂
illegal in missouri? wow. here’s what I would pack: fresh undies, some snacks, a camera, onsie to take babe home in, a change of clothes for you, stuff you need to take a shower, and a birth plan 🙂
good luck!
Congratulations on the soon-to-come baby! You have such a lovely family!!
I agree with the above, but you also might want to take an iPod and some books. Depending on the time of day you deliver you might have to spend TWO nights (it was horrible) before they will discharge you. We had to be there for 24 hours but since I delivered in the evening they wouldn’t discharge us after the time was up because it was so late in the day and it took forever once we were cleared to go to actual get out of the hospital.
Thank you, Kathleen! That is very helpful!
I agree with Kathleen. I was worried about finding a nightgown I could wear that was comfortable & would also allow me to breastfeed. I ended up just wearing the hospital gown; it was easier. I packed some DVDs of movies & shows we like to watch in the room (I had a c-section so we were there for 3 days). You might want some music, or other stuff to keep yourself busy when the baby is sleeping, but that all depends on how long you’ll have to stay in the hospital.
Man Lauren, all your births are going to be so different! I usually pack: comfy clothes to lounge/sleep in, toiletres for the shower, glasses if you wear contacts, sandles (either for the shower or to just walk around your room in), a couple of outfits for the baby, definitely your camara, and really that’s about all! They’ll have most of what you need for the baby. And I always tell myself, the husband can run home real quick to pick up any necessities if you forget something. I can’t wait to hear when the next Knight boy enters the world 🙂
Thank you, everyone! I am definitely getting a better idea of what to bring. Now we just have to wait…
I just wore what the hospital gave me (including the “disposable mommy undies”). Something to entertain yourself…plus they’ll likely give you a full new diaper bag so maybe just one thing for baby to wear home (he can rock the t-shirt/diaper while there). A do not disturb sign is not inappropriate. It is OK to request not to be bothered, you won’t get much sleep, sorry for that. Just remember while hospitals have your best interest in mind, many things they do involve their schedule so don’t be afraid to speak up. It’s your birth. So says the nurse. Be your best advocate.
I hope you have as good an experience or even better as you had with Milo and Oliver. I know it will be different but the bottom line is getting “Odysseus” out safe and sound and no more reflux for you! xoxo.
p.s. an epidural feels like getting in a hot tub with a glass of wine in case you were wondering!
Ha, ha, ha! Annie, you are hilarious! And helpful. Love you.
Also, “Odysseus” means “wrathful,” so I’m thinkin’ no on that one. Not that it was your idea. 🙂
I’m cool with skipping Odysseus…besides, you don’t want to abbreviate your 3 kids names with M.O.O. do you?
I’m not sure if this has been listed, but lip balm! A must! x
Just remember to do whatever the doctor says because they know all and have only your best interests at heart. Forget about your desires and bend to their will.