Now that my delivery date is less than 6 weeks away, I need to start thinking about packing my hospital bag. Because I’ll be getting a c-section, my hospital stay will be longer than the 24-48 hour average stay post vaginal delivery. My hospital requires you to stay 4 nights post c-section, so I’m definitely going to need a lot of personal items. But I’ll also be in the hospital long enough that Mr. Bee will be able to go home and bring anything I might need.
Check out our hospital bag essentials below, and click here for a printable pdf. This checklist + some of the items on the list would make a wonderful gift for a friend! Please let us know if you think we should add anything to this list!
Packing Your Hospital Bag part 1 of 8
1. Packing Your Hospital Bag by Checklists2. Mrs. High Heels' Hospital Bag by Mrs. High Heels
3. Mrs. Tricycle's Hospital Bag by Mrs. Tricycle
4. Hospital Bag Essentials by Mrs. Checkers
5. What I took to the hospital by Mrs. Tea
6. Hospital Bag by Mrs. Chocolate
7. What's In My Hospital Bag by Mrs. Confetti
8. What was in my hospital bag by Mrs. Garland
pea / 18 posts
Our hospital required a copy of our marriage certificate to fill out the form for the birth certificate since my husband and I have different last names. Just a thought that folks should check with their hospital on whether thy need to bring that documentation.
GOLD / pomelo / 5167 posts
With all the lists out there, I think you always forget one thing. For us, food. Trust me, hospital food is no bueno.
wonderful pomelo / 30692 posts
Oh my gosh, I love this! I’m definitely going to have to use this when I’m having a baby!
GOLD / apricot / 337 posts
Oooh I would have loved this when I was packing my bag! I brought a balance ball (as suggested by our childbirth class, but never used it) and also brought my completed hospital registration forms so I wouldn’t have to wait too long to get admitted.
apple seed / 3 posts
I had a c-section with my daughter and I ended up having someone pick me up cotton underwear that went above the scar so the elastic wouldn’t be riding right on it. Just a thought for c-section mommies.
blogger / apricot / 349 posts
this is awesome… thank you!
apricot / 370 posts
some socks are good if you don’t like the cold hospital floor, and i’m rather short (5’0″ and that darn bed was so high, it was so painful getting in/out of bed, so I wish I had like a step stool, though now that i think about it, maybe i shoulda asked if the bed height could be lowered.
apricot / 464 posts
I really really wish I had brought a big fluffy towel. I labored some in the tub and the towel they provided for me was tiny and scratchy.
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
My hospital bag list had 53 items, categorized according to labor, baby, toiletries and general. I like to be prepared!
kiwi / 686 posts
You should add lists for Birth Center Bag and Home Birth Kit. I’ve been trying to find a good Birth Center list for a blog, but that seems to be lacking online.
guest
Here are some of my tips:
–Be sure to wash your baby’s clothes and blankets before packing.
–Install your car seat and be sure to get it checked (I’m a car seat technician and have seen 8 done correctly in 3.5 years!)
–Not sure how to use your breast pump, bring it along so the staff can show you how to use it.
–Bring your own baby wash…one that is free of hazardous chemicals. Unfortunately, many baby products and personal care products for mama contain toxins :-(.
–Don’t forget about dad/you labor coach.
guest
Great list and I’m really glad I read the comments due to MadMomma’s comment! My husband and I have different last names too so I’ll be bringing our marriage liscense just in case now.