The hospital bag~ What you really need!

The REAL Hospital Bag

Things you need:

• Bathrobe- I didn't really use it at the hospital but I wear it all the time now
• Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, face wash, lotion, toothpaste, a pack of toothbrushes (who will remember to pack these when you are in labor!), contact case, glasses, razors
• Chapstick
• Candy- your hospital may not allow candy but when the nurses aren't looking you can sneak on and it really helps with the dry mouth
• Nursing bras
• Nursing PJ's
• Undies or wear the mesh ones they give you at the hospital
• Birth Plan
• Notebook/pens- to keep track of breastfeeding. The nurses will ask you when/how long and your baby brain will make it hard to remember
• Breastfeeding book- YES! I was reading this all the time at the hospital
• Coming home clothes
• To pack last minute: hair drier, makeup, camera, chargers, flipflops
• Towels- the hospital gives you two really small ones
• Pillows- the hospital gives you two really thin ones.... Jamie appreciated his! I was jealous

What you don't need:

• Pads- they will give you tons at the hospital (make sure to steal any extras) but make sure you have some for home
• Hand sanitizer- the hospital has it
• socks with grips on the bottom- I didn't end up needing them
• soothies- they will give you some nipple cream!
•  magazines- who has time to read a magazine?! Maybe if you dilate really slow you might want one...
• Make a labor play list (for relaxation)- I used this before we went to the hospital but if you get an epidural you really won't need it

Diaper Bag

Needs:

• Blanket
• A going home outfit- I won't spend too much time or $$ on this because seriously he's in it for 2 seconds and unless you take a picture no one would ever know what he's wearing.
• Mittens
• Socks
• NURSING PILLOW- we used this all day and night it was really helpful for breast feeding
• Pacifier if you want to use one- the hospital gave us one and this is still his favorite

Don't need (the hospital provides you with):

• diapers
• wipes
• swaddle blanket
• burp rag

Daddy Bag

Needs:

• Extra Blanket
• PILLOWS
• Pajamas
• Clothes
• Tolietries
• Snacks
• Chargers
• IPAD

*Have people assigned to bring you food especially for your hubby. The hospital only gives you food not your hubby. And if you deliver at midnight make sure someone brings you food because you will be STARVing!

*Consider having someone come when you are getting discharged to help your husband pack up the car. Poor Jamie had to make so many trips to the car.