I didn't bring everything in with me initially. Just the things I knew I would need until I was moved from the labor and delivery unit to the mother/baby unit.
Labor & Delivery:
Makeup-- Yes, I'm vain. I know. But I didn't want to cringe at all the pictures from my birth. Obviously this is something you can do before the hospital if you want but my pain tolerance is... high. So I always go to the hospital thinking I'll be sent home. Don't want to waste the effort just for that.
Eye drops-- If you're wearing contacts.. and it's late, eye drops are a must. I didn't bring them with me but my sister saved the day.
Rice bags/heating pad-- Unless you're being induced, you'll be in some level of discomfort at the hospital. For Klaus' birth it didn't take very long to get an epidural but for Winnie there were a few hoops I needed to jump through before an order was even put in for an epidural. Then there's a possibility of the epidural wearing off/not working. Long story short-- some sort of heating device feels really good, even if you aren't experiencing back labor.
Photographer-- I LOVE having pictures from my labor and delivery. I guess it isn't for everyone but those photos are priceless to me. Such tender moments were caught. We didn't have one for Klaus and I soooo wish we did. My sister photographed Winnie's birth and it was incredible. She was extremely professional about it and was a fly on the wall during the process. If you're on the fence about birth photography-- DO IT. No regrets.
Wallet-- Photo ID, insurance card, etc. :)
My labor bag is small. You can bring stuff to entertain yourself but I love talking to the nurses, my hub, anyone who will listen really. I LOVE birthing babies so I relish in the moment. ;)
Recovery:
Robe-- Did I mention I'm vain? Yes. That is established. But even if I wasn't, I really don't enjoy the hospital gowns. I wore a fluffy pink robe the entire time. It was wonderful and made me feel pretty.
Nursing tank tops-- I wore this one and this one. I brought nursing bras but didn't use them. Tanks were enough and I covered up with my robe when we had company/got too cold.
Nursing pillow-- I brought my boppy and even slept with it around me so that when baby woke up to eat, I didn't need to adjust anything. Some people swear by their nursing pillows, some don't. For me it's a matter of ease.
Sweats-- I had thin sweats to wear. Loose leggings, really. They are heaven. I'd link it but I'm pretty sure my MIL got them off Zulily.
Slippers/grip socks-- I'm not a huge germaphobe but TRUST ME. You do NOT want to be bare foot on a hospital floor. I've seen bodily fluids wiped up with a paper towel. No cleaning products. No cleaning products! *gag*
Snacks-- Utah had fantastic food and tons of it. California? I packed a bag of snacks just in case... and ate allll of it. The food was pretty bad. Stereotypical hospital food. If you're like me, you are ALWAYS hungry when nursing. Snacks, snacks, snacks. Protein bars, fruit, carbs.
Water bottle-- My nurses had a hard time keeping up with my postpartum camel tendencies. It would've been nice to have a bottle my hubs could go fill up. (Utah has nice and big water bottle for you- in case you're delivering there.)
Long, huge pads-- A lot of blogs will tell you to not bring clothes you want to take home. I never had an issue with leaks because I wore long, huge pads. No exaggeration. Two feet long, half a foot wide. My hospital only gave me two so having a back up like Depends is good. I felt comfortable wearing my own clothes because of them.
Coming home outfit-- I don't remember what I went home in for Klaus. With Winnie, I just wore sweats and a v-neck. But you do need something unless you want to go home in what you worn while you were in labor.
Toiletries-- I brought the whole shebang. And used all of it. I took a shower each day I was there and did my hair and makeup the second day. It was great. But if that isn't your style then bring the bare minimum.
Flip flops-- Remember the need for slippers or socks? The showers? Worse.
Here's a list of things I would ask the hospital if they have and if they don't have them, you'll want to bring them with you:
- Tucks pads
- Dermoplast
- Lanolin
- Nursing pads (only 1 or 2 pairs)
- Mesh underwear
- Peri bottle
(I brought a list with me to ask during the hospital tour. I'd recommend calling to ask if they don't offer tours.)
For Baby:
Coming home outfit-- Something for baby to leave in. Klaus just had a cute onesie. Winnie... she came home in an oversized half tee. Weird if you know me but I was just so happy to have her coming home with me right away, I didn't care what she was wearing. So that cute coming home outfit I made? Yeah. Didn't get used.
Blanket-- I brought a warm option and a light option and used both of them.
Extra outfits for baby-- Winnie was in the room with us the entire time so it was up to us to clothe her. I would suggest getting some of these. They make changing your newborn so easy.
Pacifier-- Ever heard of a WubbaNub? Get a WubbaNub. If you're baby doesn't take a pacifier, that's fine but if they do-- you'll thank me for getting one. A pacifier stuck to a stuffed animal? You'll have a harder time losing it or dropping it.
Carseat-- Obviously. It's a bit of a requirement.
Happy Packing!
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