Before I had Charlie, a friend of mine with the same OB told me that our hospital gives so many goodies, I should bring an extra bag to take it all home. I gave birth to both Charlie and Olive at the same hospital and when I checked out, the nurses put together a mama bag and a baby bag for me. These are some of the things you might expect to take home!
The disposable underwear and pads were so big that I’d much rather use my own. But all the other mom goodies were really nice to have — especially the peri bottle. The pain spray, sitz bath and donut are not typically given to moms, but because I stayed an extra 5 days in the hospital, one of the nurses was extra generous. I did take several of the hospital swaddle blankets, but other than that I didn’t ransack the room. I just wish I had requested a couple more newborn hats because they’re the only hats that fit Olive’s little head! The nurses are usually very nice about giving you anything you need, so I hope you get to take home lots of goodies too!
cherry / 182 posts
I loved all the free stuff that the hospital gave us, and will definitely be requesting extras this time around!
One little tip: I read somewhere that if you tell the hospital that you plan on breastfeeding (even if you’re not), they will give you more, or a bigger bag of formula samples. Supposedly, the formula companies distribute two kinds of goody bags, with the larger/better one designated for the moms who plan on breastfeeding because they are the ones that need to be “won over.” It sounds like a conspiracy theory and I’m really not sure if it’s true, but if you would like more formula samples it’s worth a try!
pomegranate / 3053 posts
Yeah, most nurses at the hospital will give you almost anything you want. In my experience, it really depends on who. We got so much diapers and formula that we didn’t have to buy some for a while, especially the diapers. I also got a BUNCH of sterilized nipples for those little bottles of formula you have to supplement with if you’re not producing enough breast milk to start. I also got like two sets of Ameda breast pump supplies b/c that’s the breast pump they provided me at the hospital. Too bad I have a Medela pump so I couldn’t use any of them except for the bottles. I also got a BUNCH of pads but, like Bee, I’d rather use my own that aren’t as huge and thick. We also got a bunch of pacifiers (like 3 or 4!), breast shield, stuff to clean down there (like the peri bottle and stuff), and also a little newborn bathing set (teeny tiny tub for a towel, shampoo, and a comb). I just remember leaving the hospital (twice) with a huge bag of stuff. It’s all really useful stuff and saved us some time from getting them right after we got home. I also got a Similac goody diaper bag with random newborn stuff in there as well. I’d say don’t’ hesitate to ask for stuff you need. Worst thing they can say is no.
grape / 90 posts
I didn’t know the hospital gives you all that stuff — awesome! I’m seriously loving all the useful lists and info from this blog. Thanks, Bee!
persimmon / 1255 posts
Wow, you totally scored. We only took home about half the items you listed (mainly open packages of stuff we were using). And since no “goody bag” was offered, I was already feeling guilty about taking those items.
I actually liked the disposable panties. They were so lightweight, it didn’t irritate or cause any soreness.
kiwi / 718 posts
one of my girlfriends told me that I need to take my breastpump up to the hospital when I deliver b/c they will give me all free parts {tubes, containers, etc} if I do, but I had no idea about everything else. I will definitely be asking about some of the stuff I need!
olive / 52 posts
I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, but check with your nurses before you start filling up a bag — there are hospitals who will charge ridiculous amounts per item ($42 for Dermaplast, for example). I have a friend who was charged by her hospital for each pair of mesh panties she used!
I didn’t get hit with those charges at my hospital, and it sounds like the rest of you didn’t either, but I would really hate for someone else to stock up and then get a huge bill for all of the “free extras” they thought they were getting!
cherry / 128 posts
@geekinheels – yes, formula companies do like to distribute samples because studies have shown that receiving formula samples decreases breastfeeding rates (ergo, increases formula sales). Which I have an ethical problem with because it becomes a larger public health issue. http://breastfeeding.blog.motherwear.com/2011/09/more-hopsitals-banning-the-bags-new-study-says.html
But more hospitals are eliminating commercial samples; some do their own bags. I got pads, chux pads, disposable underwear, peri bottle, travel mug, wipes, diaper samples, herbal tea, and a travel kit with toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc. The bag was UGLY, though.
persimmon / 1329 posts
i barely got anything from my hospital. my experience seem atypical.
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