Pregnancy – What’s in my Hospital Bag

My bags are packed, I’m ready to go!  Here’s a visual list of what’s inside!

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, I’m bringing a lot of stuff.  “Overkill” is my middle name.  I started collecting my labor gear when I was 29 weeks!  This is because a friend I met in prenatal class went into labor at 33 weeks + I freaked out + started getting my bag ready!

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I saw her I asked, “Did you have a hospital bag packed???”.  She didn’t have anything packed because the baby came so early.  But the two most important things she had during labor were: 1) chapstick and 2) her bottle of water.  So you see – you really don’t need much!  My Type A list for the hospital are a combination of things that I put together from lists I got from my prenatal classes, my doula + what I’ve read on the world wide web.  Who knows, I may not use 90% of it, but just to know that I have everything, makes me feel happy.

1) Mouthwash – If I’m laboring + Jeff gets in my face with bad breath, I might punch him.

2)  Toiletries

3)  Toothbrushes

4)  Toothpaste

5)  Body Scrubbers – I’m really anal about having these Japanese scrubbies.  I don’t know how people wash themselves without them.

6) Hairbrush

7)  Hair ties – very important!  It will make me go bezerk if my sweaty hair is all over the place!

8)  Glasses – which I probably won’t use because they’ll get all fogged up

9)  Contacts

10)  Chapstick – EVERYONE says you’ve got to have at least chapstick.  Apparently your lips get hella dry during labor.

11)  Makeup – Just in case if I’m feeling vain + want to put on a little somethin’, somethin’ when I’m feeling better.  Probably won’t want to bother, but at least it’s in there for the option!

12)  Toilet paper – weird, but I heard the toilet paper at the hospital is mad scratchy + rough.  Not to be graphic, but postpartum when my lady parts have been seriously mangled, I will be appreciating this.

13)  Massage tools – During labor Jeff will use these, because his hand masseuse skills leave much to be desired!!!  Sorry Jeff, but massage is NOT your forte!

14)  Earplugs – For napping if I happen to be at the hospital for a while + I need to catch a couple Zs

15)  Eyemask – More napping

16)  Tylenol

17)  Oral Arnica – for pain relief during labor

18)  Bach’s Rescue Remedy – to calm nerves or anxiety

19)  Topical Arnica – To rub on trouble spots to ease the pain of labor.

20)  Emergen-C – a fizzy little pick me up when I’m sick of water.

21)  Snacks + Food – Yes, I know these have tons of preservatives + sodium!  But I’m going to want something warm + comforting after giving birth!  And the Larabars for energy!

22)  Insulated Cup with Straw – Lots of lists recommended a drinking vessel with a straw.  When you’re in the zone laboring it’s nice to have the ease of the straw, instead of leaning your head back + your birth partner pouring water down your throat.  I got mine at Target.

23)  Rebozo – a labor tool that aids in relaxation + to help in optimal fetal positioning.  Read more about it here.

24)  TENS electrode pads – My doula has a TENS machine that she will bring on the day.  The machine delivers pulsing electric currents that are believed to treat pain.  I think it might also be helpful as a distraction + to focus on the pulsing as a way to get your mind off the labor pain.  Read more about it here.  I don’t know if it’ll work, but I’m up for trying anything!  I bought these rectangular (not square -they’re too small) pads from Mama Goddess Birth Shop online.  If you live in Vancouver + order online they’ll deliver it to Little Earth (a great baby/kids consignment store) on Commercial Drive for free pickup!  Here’s the link to purchase.

25)  iPad

26)  Camera

27)  Chargers

28)  iPhone

29)  Gifts – Chocolates for the nurses + a gift for my doula!

30)  Baby book – for the nurses to stamp the baby’s little feet

31)  Breastfeeding book – just for reference + something to read

32)  Extra Bag – for bringing home freebies the hospital may give me.

33)  Folder – for any documents that I bring to or from the hospital

34)  Pen

35)  Breastfeeding Sign – something I read in my breastfeeding book to have the nurse put on the baby’s bassinet as a kind reminder to the staff.

36)  Birth Plan

37)  Going Home Outfit – Oh yes, my mom made me this wonderful, fleecy, Southwestern pattern gown + I’m going to proudly wear the hell of it when I leave the hospital!

38)  Gowns – bought cheap at the thrift store just in case if they get ruined.  I don’t want to wear the hospital’s gowns + I’m bringing two in case one gets all mucky + bloody.  Sorry, have to say it.  They’re sleeveless for the nurses’ ease at taking blood pressure, or if they have to put me on an IV.  And the bodices are V neck + loose for breastfeeding.

39)  Robe – to wear if I want to walk the hallways.

40)  Granny Panties –  super sexxxy.  They say the hospital gives you disposable granny panties + giant maxi pads because you will be bleeding everywhere.  Yaaay.  But I’m bringing two pair just in case.

41)  Socks – Apparently your feet get really cold during labor?

42)  Xtra Large Ziplocs – For putting your bloody gown or panties in.  Yummy.

43)  Nursing Bra – this isn’t really a nursing bra.  I haven’t committed to buying one yet, I’m going to give this Patagonia one I have a try for a little bit.

44)  Uggs – comfort to + from the hospital

45)  Flip Flops – for if I want to be in the shower during labor.  I’ve read advice from nurses saying that even they wouldn’t get into the hospital showers barefoot.  Fungus.  More yum.

46)  Slippers – I lurve these super fugly Isotoner slippers!!!

47)  Jeff’s Board Shorts – for Jeff to wear when I need help in the shower.

48)  Change of Clothes for Jeff

49)  Jeff’s Flip Flops – again, the hospital shower = icky.

50)  Receiving Blanket

51)  Baby’s Going Home Outfit – I packed a newborn AND a 0-3.  Friends gave birth to smaller babies + suggested I have a newborn outfit on hand.  Again, all thrifted.

52)  Baby’s Hat

Okay!!!  That’s all folks!  I heard to not bother packing diapers, nipple pads, maxi pads + certain things of this nature because apparently the hospital will give you some.

If you have any suggestions or additions or anything at all that you found helpful, I’m all ears!  I’d love to hear from you!!!  Ta-taaa!!!