When I packed a hospital bag the first time around, I felt like I was headed away for a week. I packed everything that was on every ‘suggested’ list I could find online, and probably more. However, since I gave birth with midwives, my maximum hospital stay was twelve hours; had I not gotten an epidural, it would have been around 4 hours. Needless to say, the large suitcase I packed (plus a diaper bag for the baby) went largely untouched.
Knowing now what I didn’t know then about my hospital stay and what I would actually need, my hospital bag is going to look quite a bit different. However, if you’re using my list to pack, remember a few things. At my hospital (is it a Canadian thing? I don’t know), there are very few things provided. Every hospital-packing list I’ve read mentions to clear out your room; take pads, underwear, diapers, nipple cream, peri bottles, everything. Well, for some reason or another, none of those things were provided. So there may be a few things I’ve listed that you can forget about, because your hospital is well stocked and generous. Also, since I live 5 minutes (in traffic) from the hospital, and my stay will be so short (barring any complications), I’m really not packing for any extended length of time. This is more of a ‘labour’ bag than a ‘postpartum’ bag.
2. Tena pads: A tip from my midwives: instead of buying Always pads, or something similar that tend to stick to stitches, the Tena incontinence pads are bigger, more absorbent, and don’t have that ‘dry’ layer that is plasticky and painful.
3. Nursing bras: These Gilligan O’Malley bras from Target are wonderful. Plus, since my milk won’t have come in, I really just need something that gives easy access to baby.
4. iPod docking station: For music during labour.
5. Labour dress: This ‘swim coverup’ was $7 at Walmart, and it is super comfortable. All of the necessary points for access (in case of IVs, epidural, shots, and nursing) are totally available, and it covers up more than a hospital gown. Last time, I had to take it off when I got an epidural, but since that’s not in the plan this time, I should be able to keep it on.
6. EOS lip balm: Because hospitals are dry.
7. Yoga pants: Leaving the hospital less than 12 hours after giving birth, I still looked VERY pregnant. Yoga pants were comfortable, stretchy, and since I bought them for $20 at Costco, I didn’t care if they got ruined.
8. Exercise ball: I laboured for ages at home on my exercise ball, and I made Mr. O pack it in the car when we headed to the hospital. I didn’t use it for long, but having it was wonderful. I’ll definitely bring it again.
9. Water bottle: Tiny styrofoam cups that need to be refilled every three seconds? Not really great for keeping up fluid levels. So I packed my own 1L Contigo water bottle.
10. Clif bars: Rules differ about eating during labour, but with the midwives, we are encouraged to keep eating and drinking throughout the process. I stocked up on Clif bars, trail mix, and other easy snack foods to keep with me (also good for Mr O, should the cafeteria be closed).
. . . . .
What did you pack for the hospital? Was your bag different the second time around, or mostly the same?
pomelo / 5621 posts
I’m in Canada too and things weren’t just ready available to take home. They had mesh undies but you had to ask if you needed a new pair.
Your bag looks pretty much like what I would take if I had to pack one all over again.
guest
I second the Tena pads!! Those are the absolute best since they’re so soft and easy on the stitches!
pomegranate / 3105 posts
sweet!! I haven’t gone overboard! Thank you for this
grape / 87 posts
I had everything I needed for my hospital bag, but I wish I was prepared for the things I needed once I returned home.
blogger / kiwi / 626 posts
I definitely overpacked the first time and the second time I think I underpacked a little. I had to steal a t-shirt from my husband to wear the second day we were in the hospital. Your list looks great though! Especially the food items! I wish I had packed more granola bars and other easy foods.
bananas / 9973 posts
Just starting to pack for my second time around! I barely touched the pads and undies I brought to the hospital. Ours provided plenty. Our hospital also had yoga balls at request, but I seriously was in too much pain to ever get around to using it. I definitely liked having my own button-up PJs and Boppy the first time around and plan to bring those again. The Boppy helped me when DD would only sleep in my arms and I had it to help “hold” her while I also caught a few zzz.
apricot / 358 posts
Wow! A post that actually makes me feel good about the American healthcare system. I feel like I brought way too much last time because the hospital provided just about everything you could think of– pads, mesh underwear, breastfeeding supplies, water bottles, Chapstick, gowns, baby onesies, hats, diapers, swaddlers, you name it! I’m sure I’m paying for all of this with my health premiums, but it was nice to feel provided for.
One thing I’ll definitely bring again is electric candles. They made laboring in a hospital room so much nicer. All the staff commented on how relaxing they were.