WHAT YOU NEED IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG
- Hospital registration forms filled out
- Phone charger - with extra-long cord or extension cord
- Tooth brush / toothpaste
- Chapstick (aquaphor) - your lips get so chapped
- Shampoo / conditioner
- Hair brush/ hair ties
- Shower sandals - showering made me feel human again
- Glasses / contacts
- Junky robe or a big zip up sweatshirt (to wear over the hospital robe)
- Comfy socks or slippers
- Cord banking kit
- Pajamas - I did not use this and stayed in the gown with a zip up
- Take home outfit for baby - I'd say to do a onesie and not get fancy with pants and a top. I thought I cared what Nellie wore home, but ended up using what was easiest. If you have a more complicated outfit just save it for day 1 or 2 at home and take pictures when you're more settled)
- Empty weekend bag - to take the underwear, products, and pads from the hospital
- Boppy for breastfeeding
- Nipple cream for breastfeeding
- Nursing pads
- Pumping bra and/or nursing bra
- Pillow - I did not bring this. I was so tired I could have slept on anything. But some friends swear this was a necessity.
You really don't need a lot and make sure what you bring for yourself to wear is maternity clothing or very large. You'll look 6 months pregnant when you leave. A bummer, but the truth. Better to be prepared for this. I didn't even lose as much weight as the size of Nellie when I left the hospital.
WHAT TO HAVE AT HOME FOR RECOVERY
- Overnight maxi pads WITH WINGS (and then as your bleeding gets less you can use normal pads with wings and eventually panty liners).
- Motrin/Advil
- Colace
- Dermoplast
- Mesh underwear (from hospital) or inexpensive full tush underwear
HOSPITAL TIPS
Someone told me this and I was glad I had the advice - let the baby sleep in the nursery. Tell them to bring the baby to you for feeding (if you’re breastfeeding). You might as well get the sleep you can while you’re there. It's also nice because the nurse bringing the baby to you can help you with breastfeeding.
If planning to breastfeed make sure you ask right away to meet with lactation consultant- you need to make sure you see her before you leave. Be pushy about it, because they are busy and don’t always see everyone,