Packing

I just had my son three weeks ago and packed my hospital bag around 32 weeks. Some advice...don't pack alot of clothing because they give you those great gowns, and you'll be thankful because you bleed ALOT. I brought three comfy shirts and some pajama pants, and some socks that were skid proof (the floor is slick). I would recommend bringing shampoo and conditioner and something to put your hair up with. Other than toothpaste they provide underwear, pads, and ice packs. Bring a pillow (they tend to have flat plastic ones). Okay i gave you more info than you needed but at least i can help someone else be prepared! Oh and bring clothes for the baby a going home outfit, and a couple of onesies, blanket, and the car seat. I also just bought the trial size items

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I went to WalMart and bought a bunch of little trial size items such as shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. This really helped save room in the suitcase. Or you could buy little plastic bottles and create your own trial size toiletries using your 'home' items. If you normally wear make-up, don't forget to pack the basics..maybe mascara, lip gloss and a tinted powder. You most likely won't want to put on your 'full face' after the delivery, but these items will just help you freshen up. After all, you will probably have a lot of visitors during your hospital stay. Also, you didn't ask for this advice, but I will give it anyway...haha...after your delivery, try to relax and let the nursing staff and your family take care of you. Enjoy your stay as much as possible and rest up so you can devote all the energy that it takes being a new Mom! It may be the last time you get to rest for about 18 years!! (ok..so maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration :-)

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I would go ahead and pack now. You could go into labor early.
Look in some baby books for ideas on things to pack. I had 2 scheduled c-sections so there were lots of things I didn't need. Be sure to pack some non-skid socks to wear and some snacks for your hubby during labor.

I packed my bags at least by the 36 or 37th week.

Most important for me was flip flops, comfy loose nightgown, my favorite pillow & blanket. Something about having your own blanket & pillow makes it seem so much more comfy. Something to pass the time in case you have a lengthy labor... magazines, books, journal etc. I also liked to have hand sanitizer next to my bed. A lot of hospitals have them on the walls, but when I couldn't get up I felt better being able to some what clean my hands. Newborn clothes. I always liked to put our own clothes on them and out of the hospital issued ones. Hope this helps.

Although I was induced @ 38 weeks (my choice), I had a bag packed for me with toothpaste; shampoo; hairdryer; change of clothes, etc along with a receving blanket and an outfit for the baby at about 34 weeks in the event she came early on her own. I would definately make sure you have your things together as it would be easier to have a family member or your husband go home and get an outfit and blanket for the baby vs having one of them pick out clothes for you. I would look to have it ready within the next couple of weeks.

Good luck and congratulations!

Girl~ I packed like I was going on a comfy vacation! I packed a few sweat outfits and you will need a few good pairs of socks if you don't take houseshoes because your feet could swear and shoes make it worse, but the hospital floor will make your socks all dirty and so I would take some extra pairs for sure. With all the people that I knew was going to come and see us, I didn't want to look bad so I took powder and mascara with me too, along will my hair spray and mousse! Start packing now because you never know when you could go into labor. My friend went into labor at 32 weeks and had nothing ready! She was frantic at the hospital.

When you start going to the doctor every week thats when you should pack. Personally I didn't pack till 3 days before I went to the hospital. I wasn't dialating so I was induced so it was kind of scheduled. So just pay attention when you go to the doctor. Good Luck!

My daughter was 6 weeks early, so i say as long as you have passed the 3 month mark and you are not too superstitious, Pack away.

Hi A.,
I would go ahead and pack the bags now. So that when you finally go into labor you dont have to rush around packing.. lol... and if you think of anything else to add you will have plenty of time to repack. Doesnt hurt to prepare early.. GOOD LUCK!
Jen

I delivered at 33 weeks so in my opnion NOW would be a great time. I would be sure and get PJ'S that are at least 1 size to big in case of a c-section. I had a section and i did not won't anything touching my scar. I'm still that way now. If your a real picky sleeper you can get you some comfy twin bed sheets. and don't expect to get a good nights rest in the hospital because the nurses will be in and out all throught the night to check on you. Hope that helps.

I would pack now as there is no such thing as to soon. Good luck to you and the wee one and give him or her a hug for me.

Regards, V.
Moss Point, MS

The Sooner The Better! And its FUN!!
My mom bought me a BEAUTIFUL hospital bag that matched my diaper bag. It was the envy of all the nurses. I now use it for my daughters overnighters at her Mimi & Pops's house. I deffinatly recommend buying large comfy nightgowns at wal-mart for afterwards. Cute prints, dosen't touch c-section scar, covered my HUGE butt, usually have buttons down the front for easy breast access, cheap (once you loose the baby weight your gonna wanna toss em!) and I lived in them for months afterwards. Remember your husband! Mine had to go home a couple times for his stuff. Whoops! Also put in some crackers and snacks. You will get pretty ill if you have any anisthesia (sp) and the crackers will help when you get hungry. Might take a minuet to flag down a nurse, and your hubby might want something other than vending snacks.
Also remember to get a special outfit with legs or pants to bring the baby home in. I accidentally brought a gown that didn't work for a car seat. Silly new mommy!

God Bless and Good Luck

I am 31 weeeks and have mine packed, i did it over the weekend. With my daughter I started showing signs of preterm labor at 32 weeks so i wanted to be prepared this time

You should have packed your bag the very second that you thought you conceived!! ;-) winka winka

Good luck on the birth of your baby!