Hosp. Stay

I think everyone else has mentioned everything I took with me. I remember being sooo HOT in the hospital after having my daughter, which is not normal for me so it was weird! haha I'm usually cold wherever I am. My poor fiance was freezing while I was melting! haha

So, I guess I would suggest bringing a small fan or something to keep you cool.

Also, someone mentioned bringing a pacifier... I was told that if you are breastfeeding, you shouldn't give the baby a pacifier until the breastfeeding is going smoothly. You don't want to confuse her!

I agree with Tina- I took pillows from home that I picked up pretty cheap in case they got trashed. They made all the difference for me, plus when my daughter was born, my mom and husband fought over who got the extra one! LOL

I've never heard of a hospital telling a new mom to use a washcloth instead of using wipes! Both hospitals where our kids were born supplied those as well as diapers and formula (if desired).

I preferred having short socks to keep on all the time (I'm cold-natured). That helps when you have to get up to go to the bathroom, etc, because you don't have to worry about putting slippers on.

Also, if you aren't going to have extended family there to make calls for you, you might want to pick up a calling card. Most hospitals won't let you use a cell phone these days.

Good luck and congrats in advance!
J.

If you are going to be breastfeeding I would pack Lansinoh, but the hosp. I delivered at always gave it to me. Definitely pack a boppy pillow and your personal pillows. If your husband is staying at the hospital with you make sure to pack his essentials.

I would definitely pack a BABY BOOK for the little footprints. I would also pack a very cute little pink outfit for the baby to take her first pictures in, the outfits at the hospital weren't very cute. I would also pack a very good supportive bra. How about a tube of your favorite lipstick or gloss to put on for all those pictures that are gonna be taken by family and friends. A woman has to look her best regardless of the circumstances.

well i just had my baby on tuesday and i took all of the stuff you listed plus i took some snacks, word search book, and some change for the vending machines. the one thing i didn't take that i wish i would have was a pillow from home, the hosp pillows get so flat!!!!

good luck and i hope you have a fast and safe delivery!!

Snacks that you and whoever's staying with you like, plus change for the vending machine if needed. Also, some hospitals have trouble w/ cell phone reception, so if you're going to need to make calls, then bring a prepaid phone card that you can use on the land line. The hospital should have wipes and pads...

I brought my robe and jammies, but as much as I bled, I'm glad I used the hospital gowns instead! Don't forget maternity clothes for after...you won't fit in your regular clothes just yet.

If you are going to let her have a pacifier.. i would take yours and not use the hospital one so she will get used to that one and not some odd ball one they have. Also extra blankets and diaper rash cream. I also used my own baby lotion on my daughter's skin because theirs stunk!
Boppy Pillow
chapstick
your own poillows (i'm just love my own..maybe just me)

Hope all goes well..give us and update!

Hi - here are a couple of websites that helped me with my packing. Also, the hospital should have some suggestions. My hospital gave us wipes, but I wished I had brought our wipes warmer b/c the wipes were so cold!

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/childbirth/185...
https://www.stv.org/babyworld/slippers/

B.~
Don't forget your Baby Book!!! You gotta get those little feet prints!!! I also took booties, newborn mittens, and a cute little boggin for the noggin.
I also recommend some snacks to go in your bag, as you may not always get a snack at just the moment you would like it! And the hospital vending machines can get pricey.
Best Wishes!
T.

There is nothing wrong with the small age gap between the babies. I have a 3 year old and a 2 year old. Both BOYS.
I didnt have the gift of extra family keeping my oldest Son while I was in the hospital, so we brought a playpin for him to sleep in, my hubbie carried it like a backpack. I took "easyMac and cheese", and cooked him warm food using the Hosp. Microwave. and plenty of neccesities for big brother. I didnt take any real outfits the second go-round, just some really cute pj's that are acceptable in public. I had pain killers and other Rx's i had to get from the Drug store after Hospital Discharge.
***Dont Forget the CAR SEAT, they wont let you leave with baby with out it.***
I got a bulk of my favorite snack and packed a few for the stay.
I also hid the hospital diapers and got refills when I claimed I ran out. (FRee Diapers)
EVERy thing you use for you and baby (MED's, Pads, Pumps, Bottle, Nipple, Pacifiers, Diapers, Wipes, Baby Wash, Lotion, Pillow covers) Are provided by the Hosp. it is Free if you have insurance.
I Caution using your own pillows, if they get amniotic fluid on them it will NEVER come out and will smell really wierd. Buy pillow protectors if you take your pillow.
Good Luck, best wishes. PS Snapfish does a better job with newborn photos. WWW.snapfish.com

My oldest was three when we had our second. (I was induced with both so planning was easy). We had a games & movies backpack for her to go to the hospital. Even though she was going home each night with my parents it sure made spending a lot of each day at the hospital more bearable. We also took a snack bag with lots of munchies for us, family and friends. (Actually I think my mother-in-law coordinated that one) but it was super nice to have some snacks and drinks. Vending machines don't typical have drinks for little kids, so it was nice for her to have something handy.

I suggest you take some gifts for the 2 year old. He may get a little jealous when the baby comes and big brother gifts when he comes to visit mommy in the hospital will make him really happy. Try to get stuff that will entertain him while he is visiting, like coloring books & crayons, so he will be quiet and not disturb the mommy & baby in the room next door.

I would pack a separate bag for your 2 year old with some old and some new toys. (that way, you know you have something he likes, in case he doesn't like the new toys) You may want clippers or a file to deal with the baby finger nails. (hospital staff recommended biting them off, but I've never even bit my own nails) You may also want a really soft brush if you expect any hair on the baby!

(for me... I would also want a "Do not Disturb" sign for any poorly timed visitors!)

Honestly, I'm a little minimalistic, but I wouldn't take anything I didn't HAVE to have. (yes... I HAD to have my makeup) I just don't like the idea of hospital germs getting on all my stuff! I know, it sounds anal, but hospitals are not the most healthy places to be!