Hellobee

Here is what I packed for my hospital stay with Aliya.  Note:  I had a vaginal delivery with no complications, so we only stayed in the hospital two nights.

1.  Smart phone/tablet – This comes in very handy if you want to make a public announcement to your friends and family about your LO’s arrival.

2.  Spa slippers and/or socks – My friend, who is a Labor and Delivery nurse, gifted a pair of spa slippers for me to wear around the hospital since 1) it can get cold in the hospital; 2) spa slippers tend to feel more comfy than outdoor flip flops; and 3) you can ruin them with whatever glorious fluids are exiting your body post-delivery and you can toss them at the end of your stay.

3.  Lip balm – Kiehl’s is my favorite, but of course any lip balm will do!  My lips would get awfully dry during labor, so being armed with lip balm was a life saver.

4.  Hair ties/headbands/bobby pins – If you have long hair like me, you will probably want to have something that will keep your hair out of your face!

5.  Makeup/Toiletries – I know some mamas have mentioned they loved having their own shampoo/soap/conditioner and towels from home, but I did not really need these at the hospital where I delivered.  But if you are vain like myself and would like to make yourself up a little bit for photos with your little one, pack a little makeup bag!  I have the NARS blush pictured here since that is one of my everyday makeup essentials (a little lip balm/gloss and blush can do wonders)!

6.  A going home outfit for mama -I recommend a pair of your maternity bottoms with a loose fitting top.  Most people forget to mention you may still look six months pregnant immediately after delivery.  Kudos to the few women who can fit into their pre-pregnancy jeans on the way home from the hospital, but I am guessing the majority of us will still need our fat pants.  You can also wear your “going in” outfit for going home (space-saving tip).

7.  A going home outfit for baby – I found a onesie, pants, socks/booties, and a knitted hat to be sufficient.  I know some moms who would bring a one-piece sleeper/pajamas because it was easy and comfortable for the baby.  The most important thing for me was to make sure my baby was comfortable and wearing something weather-appropriate.

8. Camera/video camera – Bring everything you need to help document the day!  I forbade my husband from video-taping the main event, but we have plenty of pictures of our sweet little newborn.

9.  A swaddling blanket/blanket – I packed 1 blanket to swaddle my baby for our departure from the hospital.  At the hospital they should have plenty of blankets for you to use, but you will need your own for your trip home.  I was always amazed at how quickly and tightly the maternity ward nurses could swaddle my baby!

10.  Laptop + favorite DVDs – A couple of weeks before my due date, I called the hospital to ask 1) if they had free Wi-Fi and 2) if they had DVD players attached to their TVs.  I had no idea how long labor would take (I think we have all heard of the 20+ hour labor horror stories), and I knew just lying around waiting would drive me nuts, so I packed some of my favorite DVDs – episodes of Friends – and watched them on our trusty laptop.  I wanted something that was light and funny (not dark and ominous)  to help take my mind off of the labor and impending delivery.  I am so glad I had these with me.

TIP:  Have DH pack a separate overnight bag.  He will probably only need his toothbrush and pajamas, but you will want the extra space to RAID YOUR HOSPITAL ROOM.  Take everything that is not bolted to the wall – diapers, wipes, comb, onesies, nasal aspirator, Dermoplast, spray bottle, nipple cream samples, formula, etc.  Your room is a gold mine, and after all, you are footing the hospital bill right?

Optional:

Snacks – I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes during the last part of my pregnancy and I was determined to indulge in some chocolate after Aliya was born!  So I packed two Twix bars – true story.  I may have packed a few snacks for Mr. Checkers too.

Personal PJs – I know some mamas who wanted to be more comfortable in their own pajamas, but I was fine in the hospital gown.  Half the time your boobs are hanging out, and post-delivery I could barely move my legs to get pants on.  Not to mention all of the blood and urine and gunk coming out of you.  Unless you are open to throwing these items away at the hospital, you might want to save your favorite silky pajama bottoms for home.

Extra pillows/nursing pillow – We actually packed our car with my nursing pillow, but never brought it into the hospital.  I was fine asking the nurses for extra pillows and was able to nurse just fine.

Mamas, what were some of your essentials and non-essentials?