I started searching for "What to take to the hospital" early on in pregnancy and found approximately one million mommy bloggers who just knew that they had the perfect list. Most of these lists were for nursing moms, so that in itself was not the best fit for me. To be fair, the majority of them were sponsored posts or very detailed "buy this" sort of things...
Here's our cart leaving the hospital. Sorry you can't see any of the things...that door hanger was sort of enormous.
So, for myself and those who care, I am documenting what I actually pulled out of the suitcase and used. We packed the majority of things in a hard sided rolling suitcase. I did this instead of a duffel for two reasons--1, Moose would be bringing it up after check in by himself and 2, I wanted to be able to find things in it!
For mommy:
When we arrived at the hospital, we checked in and immediately I put on the hospital gown. I don't think it is important what you wear to the hospital because you will have it on for approximately 10 minutes. I left my socks on and that is it. I think if I had to do it over again, I would've asked to leave a sports bra on for the time being simply for my comfort level.
I took my own pillow and blanket because they keep me cozy. I don't go anywhere without my Clemson blanket!
We were admitted at 7 pm and those three things (socks, blanket, pillow) are basically all I used until after labor. I did have my phone and phone charger as well for entertainment. I had brought my Kindle, but really just played on my phone and napped instead. *I did play on my laptop for awhile and catch up on blogs, but I truly don't think it would be a necessity* I also brought an extension cord and it proved to be wonderful ;) I felt really yuck at one point around 6 AM when laboring and put on fresh make up and brushed my hair.
After labor, they moved us to the mom and baby wing. I was told I could shower when I was no longer numb from the epidural (and knew that would be over an hour). I wanted OUT of the hospital robe, so I put on a gown, cardigan, sports bra, and new socks. I had bought my pre-pregnancy size in the gown and it fit fine. I know I was still pudgy and bigger than "normal", but gowns are typically roomy. I used the mesh hospital undies for the first couple of days. We were moved around 5 pm, so I waited until the next morning to shower.
The next morning, I showered using my own toiletries and dried my hair/put on make up. I wore flip flops in the shower (yuck). I then put on leggings, another tunic/gown, a cardigan, and a fresh sports bra and socks.
I went home that afternoon, so I changed into my "going home" outfit around 3 pm which consisted of cute leggings, a tunic (non-maternity, just sized up), a tight pre-pregnancy tank top to contain the squish (maybe I'm vain), flats (crucial), and some cute jewelry.
To note: If I had stayed another night, I might would've wanted to change into yet another set of leggings and a large tshirt or gown/tunic...but maybe not!
So..if you're keeping tabs:
Gowns (2)
Socks (3 pair)
Sports Bra (2-3)
Cardigan (1)
Sports/Maternity Cotton Leggings (1)
Flip Flops
Going Home Outfit
Flats to wear home
Make Up (I was induced, so I tossed my full set in the day of)
Shower Toiletries
Hair Dryer
Phone
Phone Charger
Extension Cord
Laptop/Charger
For Baby:
As soon as we arrived in mom/baby, they washed Eva Kate and asked if we wanted to dress her. We put her in a gown/bow immediately. She slept in that gown that night. We put her in another gown/bow on day two. Then, she changed into her cute going home outfit that afternoon. The hospital provided formula, swaddling blankets, diapers, and wipes.
You also have to have a carseat installed. We left it in our car until time to go home because it takes up so much space. We brought a pretty blanket to cover her with in the carseat because I did not want to use the hospital ones.
List:
2-4 gowns
Going home outfit
bows
socks
car seat
cute blanket
For dad:
Moose came dressed in jeans and a tshirt. Remember, we were induced that night, so he changed into basketball shorts and slept in that. When we were moved to L & D, he did not change and says he regrets that because he felt dirty all day. He did change into a new set of basketball shorts, tshirt that night to sleep in, and then he went home on Tuesday morning to shower, change, and feed the dogs. By that time, he knew we were going home that day and so he just came back to the hospital in his "going home" outfit.
List:
Basketball Shorts (2-3)
TShirt (2)
Undershirt (2)
Flip Flops
Deodorant
Phone
Phone Charger
Other:
I had packed a bag of snacks, and we barely touched them. I would suggest 2-3 things for dad to munch on and maybe a couple of his favorite drink.
Favors--we made cute little candy bar wrappers for visitors and nurses.
Door Hanger--duh ;)
Extra Bag--I packed a TJ Maxx bag to stuff anything from the hospital in and it proved very helpful for all the stuff you get in the hospital.
SO...
just for a comprehensive list:
"Carry On" sized rolling suitcase
Mom
Gowns (2)
Socks (3 pair)
Sports Bra (2-3)
Cardigan (1)
Sports/Maternity Cotton Leggings (1)
Flip Flops
Going Home Outfit
Flats to wear home
Make Up (I was induced, so I tossed my full set in the day of)
Shower Toiletries
Hair Dryer
Phone
Phone Charger
Extension Cord
Laptop/Charger
Baby
2-4 gowns
Going home outfit
bows
socks
car seat
cute blanket
Dad
Basketball Shorts (2-3)
TShirt (2)
Undershirt (2)
Flip Flops
Deodorant
Other
Snack Bag
Favors
Door Hanger
Spare Bag
We had other things, but these are the specific things we actually pulled out of the bag and used during our stay...from induction Sunday night at 7 until we went home Tuesday night at 5.
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