When labor strikes - What you REALLY need at the hospital

by Jennifer Jordan (Subscribe to Jennifer Jordan's posts) Sep 11th 2008 8:01PM

Categories: Pregnancy & Birth, Places To Go, Mommy Musts, Resources

For first-time parents, the thought of bringing another life into the world--and being responsible for it--is daunting enough. Add to that all the advice, the stuff people tell you that you need and the endless lists of such things and becoming a parent can seem less appealing than ever. Then there's the matter of labor and the trip to the hospital. If you haven't done it before--and, for some, even if you have--the hospital can be the scariest part. Just how do you prepare for such an event, especially when you haven't the slightest clue about what will REALLY happen once you're there?

Lists are great for a lot of things. And there are plenty of lists of things to pack for the hospital out there on the web, some better than others. Ultimately, what each woman (and/or man) needs is going to be different, based on his or her comfort level and lifestyle, but there are some things it's a good idea to have in the hospital when the time comes. The first thing to do is to pre-pack what you think you MIGHT need. You never know when your child will arrive, and the last thing you want to be thinking about when your water breaks is whether or not you packed your house slippers as you scramble toward transportation.

Rather than tell you what you do need at the hospital, I can provide a short list of what you DON'T need. For example, in my experience at least, you do not need extra underwear. Nope. They give you these giant maternity underwear to wear over the giant pads they give you to help with...well...leakage. Sure, you may wish to wear something different home from the hospital, but I had a totally regular, easy delivery and I still was very thankful to have those giant honking underwear--which, by the way, are made out of some sort of mesh--they gave me.

You also don't need seventeen different cute little outfits, for you or your baby. Sure, now you may think you'll want to be the belle of the ball come photo op time after the birth, but once that happens you generally are not going to be interested in getting all dolled up. You're tired and totally preoccupied with your gorgeous new baby to bother trying to slip in to that matching velour sweatsuit thing you bought from Juicy Couture JUST for this occasion. Also, if you're like me and your little one was, er, little, he or she may not fit into the WORLD'S CUTEST OUTFIT you bought to bring him/her home in. Those outfits are great but I didn't see one kid actually go home in anything other than what the hospital graciously provided--long-sleeved wrap shirt, diaper, adorable hat with hospital logo, fashionable ID wrist band, etc.

Same goes for makeup. For one thing, makeup will NOT make you look less like you just had a baby. Sorry--not even the stuff from the best brands will cure you of that. Plus it will inevitably leak all over whatever else you brought with you making the entire bag of stuff useless. Lotion is a good idea though--and make sure you bring the kind that works on all your body parts. I was totally dehydrated after the birth so my skin was dry--all of it, from face to toes! Chapstick is also a good idea. You don't know parched until you've had a baby (unless you've spent some quality time in a desert).

The books, magazines and other hobby items you think you'll have time to peruse while you wait for an epidural or for the contractions to really kick in or for the nurse to bring you your babe--forget about those too. Perhaps you can bring something for your spouse or significant other to look at so he/she has something to do instead of totally freak out, but the last thing on your mind is going to be reading. Trust me on this.

Don't bother bringing food/snacks--they will not let you eat it, at least not before the birth. If there is a special treat you enjoy I'm sure you can have it later, but the thought of food was the farthest thing from my mind until well after my son was born. Before birth you will not be allowed to eat as there could be complications with any anesthesia you are given, etc. Also? Food follows the makeup rule: Chances are it will get mushed and all over whatever you do bring with you.

While I was in the hospital they wouldn't let me wear a bra, just so you know. It had to do more with making sure they had access to all of me during the labor and with breastfeeding after, but I must say I was actually rather comfortable (for once) without one. Perhaps you'll bring one to wear home, but you don't really need one in the hospital.

So what DO you need? I found having extra socks, house slippers and my favorite robe to be all I needed. You'll be wearing those lovely blue/green gowns they provide for a good part of your stay, so you don't need real outfits (except to wear home) but a robe helps if the temperature is too cold for your liking. I also brought my favorite zippy hoody sweater--it made me feel more comfy. Slippers are great for when you're walking around the hospital, which most likely they'll get you to do relatively soon after the birth, depending on whether or not there are complications. Just make sure you bring those with good treads--hospital floors are SLIPPERY.

Also, you will surely want your toothbrush. Eventually they will let you eat something, and, after you do, you're going to want a fresh mouth. I highly recommend buying a few extra just to make sure you have one on you that you can part with when you leave.

Finally, bring a packet of your personal info to give to either your spouse/significant other or directly to the hospital staff. This should include your insurance information and birth plan, if you have one. Trust NO ONE with your credit card or personal identification (SSN) information, but make sure your spouse/SO has this so he/she can provide it to the necessary parties to get you checked in at the beginning and properly checked out at the end. Do bring a list of important phone numbers, and a camera. You won't be allowed to use it during the birth, but afterwards you'll want those pictures that become the most priceless to you. And bring BATTERIES for goodness sake! The last thing you want is a dead camera!

What did you bring to the hospital that you ended up not needing? What about the gems you did bring that you highly recommend others bring too? Please share!

Source

Comments (16)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Jill 9-11-2008 @ 9:08PM

I ended up having an emergency c-section, and I was SO glad that beforehand I had gone to the travel section of my local store and bought mini versions of most of the things I use in the shower - shampoo, Dove soap, etc. When I got to take my first shower after the surgery, I was very much wanting to go home and having some familiar scents was nice. Definitely agree with the underwear thing though. I brought a few pairs, and let me tell you, anything that could possibly rub my incision was to be kept at least 4 feet away. I wish I had brought house socks or slippers - my feet were cold and the ones that they gave me were way too big.

A 9-11-2008 @ 9:21PM

A good reason to give birth at home. You have everything you need and the comfort of your own bed.

mamaloo 9-11-2008 @ 10:17PM

Not all hospitals are still using those crazy mesh undies, and many do not provide unlimited diapers anymore, either.

I advise mums to bring an outfit for baby to come home in, a sleeper for use at the hospital, diapering supplies, clean, comfy pjs (with good breastfeeding access), socks and slippers, a comfy outfit to come home in, a robe, travel toiletries, including a spot of makeup if it's important and a few pairs of maternity undies, because your belly will not have shrunk as much as you think it will.

Even all those things can be brought by dad at a later date, though.

Sandyone 9-12-2008 @ 8:06AM

Yeah, not all hospitals give you those great mesh undies. I LOVED those things, but I think it was my third child before I ever met a pair. In fact, I think those mesh undies are why I decided to have a few more.

melissa2 9-12-2008 @ 7:12AM

For my first, I went by the book, literally, and I brought clothes, something for a back massage (which never got used!), music, camera, etc... two bags full. What a waste, for the second I brought a pair of sweats, socks, a brush, and a bag of toys for the first (2 years old). That was it, mom brought the camera, and the hospital gave everything else.

Jan Bay 9-12-2008 @ 8:28AM

The hospital that we use is not in our home town. So, before the day we got directions from mapquest for the closest discount store so that anything I forget to bring could be bought. That might seem silly, but I have one of the stereotypical husbands that refuses to ask for directions.

Jan from http://www.unique-baby-gear-ideas.com/

RB 9-12-2008 @ 9:47AM

I say bring snacks for after the birth and eat on the way to the hospital. My water broke at 4am and we rushed to the hospital. I survived on the popcycles they gave me until my son was born at 9pm. The cafeteria was closed but the maternity ward did keep some meals (along with Dove icecream bars) in the fridge for those of us who may be hungry after a 13hr ordeal. The options however were slim and after all the trauma and not eating all day I was a bit too queasy for a slimy turkey wrap. I sugest packing a box of crackers just in case.

Tiffany 9-12-2008 @ 9:54AM

I've had 3 c-sections in 3 different hospitals. Make sure you specify whether you will be breastfeeding before they take the baby to the nursery. My first son was given a bottle instead of being brought to me. If you don't have much family around a good book might help. I spent many hours alone in my room with nothing on cable. And definitely make sure that you realize your belly will NOT have shrunk that much, bring comfy clothes that fit, such as maternity pants.

kat 9-12-2008 @ 2:50PM

Bring baby nail clippers--and ones for you, too. Babies are always born with long nails, and you may find you need to trim yours too...

Jennifer 9-12-2008 @ 3:02PM

I laughed when I read this!!! I wore a bra (the type you sleep in) the whole time I was in the hospital. I was a 34DD before getting pregnant, a 36E while pregnant and am now a 36F/G so there was no way I was gonna go without one, I did give them permission to cut it off me should they need access. Once I got my epidural the biggest thing on my mind was FOOD, I was starving and my stomach growled the enire time, they told me I couldn't eat til baby was out- well, my labor (first baby) was 6 hours w/15 minutes of pushing and I had a granola bar in my hand within 3 minutes of her being born, hunger can be a good motivator. I am an insomniac and was up all night so I did read my magazine wishing the whole time I had a book... I didn't wear my own clothes while in the hospital but I was only there for 1 day so maybe if I was there longer I would have; I did, however, change into my matching velour sweatsuit from Juicy Couture after I showered (diclaimer- it was my maternity one and it had been a gift- but it is a pregnancy MUST HAVE!) I finger styled my hair and put on make-up, it made me feel more human. When it came time to leave I did put my little one in a onsie with matching socks, mittens and a hat.

BTW-you can buy the mesh panties and bring them yourself.

ame s 9-12-2008 @ 6:38PM

Wow, girl, I am in awe of you! Not only did you have to tote around the baby-belly, you had to tote around "the ladies", lol!
I'm a bit jealous, too!
Only a fool would mess with you, you are one tough cookie! ;)

ame s 9-12-2008 @ 6:39PM

Home births can be great, but if I had attempted to do so with my first daughter, we would both be dead. I wouldn't even be around to have had my second daughter.

Jen Henry 9-12-2008 @ 9:15PM

Wow! It's like I wrote this post. I wouldn't change a thing...you were right on! With our first we packed everything that we were told in childbirth class we 'might' need.

2nd kid? We didn't bother with a class, barely packed a thing. I did pack a robe and slippers so that I would walk to the nursery without either falling down or exposing myself. I also treated myself to a nice bottle of body wash and then I took the longest shower of my life in the hospital the next day while the baby was in the nursery. I knew it would be the last time for quite a while I'd get an uninterrupted shower with a 16 month old and an infant at home.

Some days I dream about that shower......

http://furoreandfrenzy.com

Karen 9-14-2008 @ 12:40PM

I agree, don't bother packing books and/or magazines.

The CD's I packed didn't get played. It's amazing how annoying your "favorite" songs can be when you're in labor.

After my first shower I got right into my own clothes. I couldn't stand being in that hospital gown one more minute! I suggest packing a few different sets of comy clothes/sleepwear. Nightsweats are common after giving birth and I woke up shaking and shivering....soaked head to toe.....twice during the first night. I was glad to have another set of personal clothes to change into rather than relying on another hospital gown or the street clothes I arrived in. Sweatsuits, yoga pants, nightshirts, the "little" maternity tops you wore in your second trimester. And lots of socks. Nothing feels as good as putting on a new pair of socks right out of the package. This is your chance to pamper yourself with that one little luxury.

ROLLS OF QUARTERS....and lots of them! The cafeteria might be closed, but most hospitals stock their personal vending machines with mini meals from that days cafeteria selections, as well as hoagies and other fresh sammy's. Even though the items in the vending machines will be in the 2-3 dollar range, you can't count on them to accept your slightly crinkled bills. You'll want quarters.....or gold dollar coins.....for all vending machines.

The quarters will also come in handy for the pay phones. You would be suprised how seriously some hospitals inforce their "no cell phone" rule! If you are on your room phone with your friend at the same time hubby needs to check in at work, he might find the pay phone more accessable than going outside to use his cell.

Most hospitals have cable tv, but just in case yours doesn't.....or there's nothing good on at 4:00 in the morning.....bring some videos or DVD's to watch while hubby catches a few z's in the recliner.

2nd on the way 9-14-2008 @ 8:59PM

With my first child, I went in for my ultrasound. They decided to admit me, because they said that my fluid was low. This was at 9am on a Friday, i didn't deliver until after 2am Sunday (41 hrs) and you guessed it no eating once they admitted me. EAT before ALL appointments and especially if you think you're in labor. The hospital let me wear my pjs that i packed, but the top had to button. If you like cotton underwear, you probably won't like the mesh ones. The hospital had size 1 diapers, not newborn.

Stephanie 11-23-2008 @ 10:44PM

Let's not forget about the husband's bag. I left it up to him for our first delivery, and the poor thing didn't have a change of clothes and had to use my deodorant. For the birth of our second son, I packed him his own bag which included flip flops for the shower, clean underwear and socks, extra clothing, pjs, a razor, deodorant, and his favorite pillow.

As for me, I did bring and use a little bit of make-up and was glad that I had. I ditched the hospital gown by day 2 and was very happy to have packed my favorite stretchy black pants and a couple long sleeved shirts. I packed things for my feet (several pair of cushy socks, flip flops, slippers), as the last thing you want is your feet to touch the cold and probably not-so-clean hospital floor. I also thoroughly enjoyed the fact that I had my own shampoo and yummy smelling body wash. And I threw in the cell phone charger at the last minute and was glad I did.

Things I packed but didn't use: pads, underwear, nursing bra, cute outfits for me and baby when leaving the hospital.

http://www.mywonderfulwalls.com
http://www.mywonderfulwalls.com/howto

How To Submit Photos:
If you'd like your children (any age will do!) featured on ParentDish, upload photos into the ParentDish Flickr Pool. Be sure to read our main Flickr page for more information.