https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 25 May 2026 06:56:09 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-501127 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 22:21:37 +0000 Mrs. Pen 501127@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would bring some type of hospital gown. I didn't even wear the one at the hospital because it had two big slits cut at the boobs so it didn't cover anything anyway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-501114 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 22:11:34 +0000 wheres_c 501114@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NaturallyCathy: yikes so sorry! Glad he's ok now though, that must have been scary. You are so lucky you were allowed water! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-501099 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 22:05:38 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 501099@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelingbrit: I'm sorry you had to spend so long in the hospital. We weren't sure at first what to expect when we got there and we had a bit of a scare not long after delivering. LO was born 34 hours after my water broke, had his cord wrapped twice around his neck (one loose, one tight), and ended up getting whisked to the side to get looked over by a couple of NICU doctors as soon as the cord was cut! It was scary for a little while and even though he was given the all clear, they still ended up running more than the usual healthy baby tests just to make sure he didn't have an infection. I remember how bad I felt for him, knowing he was just born into this world and he already had his first IV port (I know there's another name but I can't think of it right now). I even remember trying to joke about how he had an IV port to match mine since they had to induce labor.</p> <p>For this next time, I want to be sure to have bottled water on hand prior to because when my mother-in-law brought us a few bottles, because of the pitocin and labor, I was nearly frantic to get her out of the room! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-501078 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 21:53:04 +0000 wheres_c 501078@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I ended up sending mom out for tea, cup a soup, applejuice since I was on a liquid diet. Had no clue that would happen.</p> <p>I also sent her to get detangler spray, my hair was a mess.</p> <p>The things that got the most use was my ipad, my fleece robe, notepad and pen.</p> <p>Don't think I used much else. So wasn't prepared to spend a week in the hospital. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-500988 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 21:07:23 +0000 prettylizy 500988@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Next time I would pack a second nursing bra (I wore a bra through my entire labour and after she was born.... I feel really exposed when I'm braless) and it was kinda nasty on the second day. I also would love to have remembered slippers too. I forgot to pack my own soap so I used DH's and I won't be making that mistake again either. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-500980 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 21:01:38 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 500980@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For grins and giggles, here's a rough list of what I've remembered from last time around as using and what you've kindly reminded me might be necessary (or not necessary for some!):</p> <p>Underwear; nursing bras/nursing tank tops; pajamas/pajama bottoms; robe; set of clothes (x2, one warmer, one lighter); toiletries; camera; extra batteries; phone; phone charger; snacks; puzzle book; notebook; pencils/pens; iPad; iPad charger; Newborn/3 month clothing; swaddling blanket(s); warmer blanket; baby hat/gloves/socks; non-slip socks/slippers; hair bands; water bottle; birth plan; insurance information; cash/change; an extra bag for goodies! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-500971 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 20:54:42 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 500971@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@London Mama: For me, I think I would pack better quality slippers. The slippers I packed reminded me of those I often saw my grandmother wear. They were thin on the top, shaped like ballet flats, with rubber soles. In other words, cheap and uncomfortable. Even though I did manage to get them sort of in my size, I think I would prefer slip on house shoes this next time around and not ones that I had to bend down to put on every time.</p> <p>@littlecasita1122: I forgot about the stuff! My husband had to make two trips as well, just for my bag and then all of the stuff that was given to us by family and friends. We had waited to find out the sex of our child until the birth so a lot of our gifts were gender specific - baby blue and boy cute. If this next one (which we're also not finding out about until birth) is a girl, I dread thinking of all the stuff we'll be getting!</p> <p>@Crumbs: I wore much of what they gave me but after my shower, decided to switch into the pajamas I had packed. My hospital actually encouraged me to get out and move around, get my strength back by taking a few laps around the maternity ward. As I think I mentioned in an earlier reply, my pajamas were a little too thin for comfort and I had neglected to pack a robe at all. While I didn't put on 'real' panties until the day I left, I did pack a few. I think, looking back, even with the mess I would have felt more me in some ways had I used more of my own underwear and not the mesh ones they provided for me. Still, I'm not sure I would pack more underwear for this second time around. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-500452 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 15:14:34 +0000 SugarplumsMom 500452@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would pack a whole lot less for sure. I was in no position to wander around pp, so the extra clothes I packed weren't used. I honestly didn't care what I wore, I just wanted to be comfy and I never left the hospital gown. I'm glad I didn't bring my own robe because I was a bloody mess and changed gowns a few times. I also shouldn't have fussed about disposable undies. Just use what they have, it makes life so much easier! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-500418 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 14:38:25 +0000 littlecasita1122 500418@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would pack one of our swaddle blankets for LO - the Miracle Blankets worked so much better for him in the early weeks. I would also bring an extra empty duffle bag with me - we got so many presents and just "stuff" to bring home that it would have saved my husband a trip if we could have shoved everything into one bag. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-500407 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 14:31:52 +0000 London Mama 500407@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd pack slippers or easy slip on shoes in a larger than normal size, my feet swelled after giving birth and I ended up hobbling around in DH's flip flops </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-500242 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 12:34:17 +0000 kml636 500242@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I ended up in a soft comfy robe the whole time- did not wear any of the pajamas or nursing bras until I came home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-500103 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 10:42:34 +0000 MaisyMay 500103@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NaturallyCathy: Ask them to show you how to double swaddle. When LO is being fussy and trying to break out of her swaddle, I'll swaddle her in an A&amp;A blanket and then put her in the swaddle blanket. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-500100 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 10:40:10 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 500100@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MaisyMay: Seriously, if you and @mrskc: hadn't reminded me, I would have left those at home this time! I did have a cute blanket that my mother sewed up for us - a safari scene in bright pastels, since we didn't know whether it would be a boy or a girl - but even that my son managed to wiggle out of every single time! And it was bigger than the hospital provided blankets! I think this time, the swaddling blankets will be joining us and I will get them to show me repeatedly until I manage to get this next one wrapped up like a burrito. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-500090 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 10:31:53 +0000 MaisyMay 500090@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, I remember! I packed a swaddle blanket too. They showed us how to swaddle her at the hospital, but I wanted to make sure I knew how to use the blankets as well, plus her swaddle blanket was cuter than the blankets at the hospital, so cute photo op. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-500088 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 10:29:43 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 500088@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@FutureMrsMcK: Funny, I actually packed my laptop and charger for it but I think I only used it once while we were there - to update my husband's Facebook picture! Earlier in the month (January), we actually went to the zoo and took some pictures. One of the pictures we took was of a stork (a crane, really, but no one paid much attention). When our son was born and we were waiting in our room for him to come back after being checked out, I updated his FB picture to the stork - and that was it! At the time, it was hilarious because people were bombarding our parents for details because we were staying mum about the whole thing. Not sure what we'll do for this next one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-498180 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:14:43 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 498180@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskc: I didn't find out about how great the Aden + Anais swaddling blankets were until some months after my LO was born. Had I known, I think I would have packed them the first time around. Of course my LO was an escape artist in getting out of swaddling blankets but maybe having them earlier would have helped with that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-498161 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:11:07 +0000 lovehoneybee 498161@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>More snacks for DH and co, less clothes. I didn't bother taking a shower at the hospital, either. I didn't shower until I got home (so gross in retrospect, but whatever). The only things I really used from my bag were my toothbrush, Kindle/phone + chargers, yoga pants and a nursing tank.</p> <p>ETA: When DH brought my mom home that afternoon he brought back my laptop, my pillow, and his sleeping bag (for himself). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-498160 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:10:46 +0000 heffalump 498160@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I stayed in the hospital gown the whole time and didn't wear any of the clothes. But I think I'll still pack clothes again.... just in case. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-498156 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:08:55 +0000 Weagle 498156@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: I did the same. I couldn't stand up without passing out until the morning we left, so I just stayed nasty. It was terrible. Hopefully I will put some more clothes to good use next time, but I'll still pack much less. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-498127 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:01:53 +0000 DillonLion 498127@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I packed a warm fleece robe and I was so warm and sweaty that I couldn't wear it. </p> <p>Also, no need for makeup. A shower and some moisturizer was plenty to make me feel put together. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-498116 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:58:41 +0000 mrskc 498116@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I packed too many clothes for myself. It was easier to just stay in the hospital gown. I would bring more snacks next time. I loved that I brought my Aden + Anais swaddle blanket for LO. Much cuter for pictures and much nicer than the hospital receiving blankets. I also loved that I brought my own towel. Oh and I'm glad I brought my own pillows. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-498035 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:27:40 +0000 Bluebonnet 498035@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I packed all sorts of clothes I did not wear (I wore my robe and the hospital gown). I did not like my going home outfit (it was too tight around my belly), so I will plan better next time.</p> <p>I also wish I had an extension cord for my phone charger. I couldn't reach it from my bed when charging, which was annoying because I was always in bed. </p> <p>My iPad was a lifesaver. I would bring that again (loaded with interesting movies). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-498027 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:24:06 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 498027@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@autumnlove: I think I only packed one outfit for my LO and didn't bother putting it on him until it was time for us to leave. The only difference I might make about this next one is probably picking an outfit that's all-in-one. I think last time, I did onesie, pants, socks, hat, mittens, sweater, etc. Of course, he was born in January, this next one's due in March. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-498020 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:21:56 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 498020@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@boiledpnut: I only packed one set of clothes and a set of pajamas. The pajamas I would do over, but this time I'm going to find a nicer pair. I didn't realize until I was there, using them, that the light green stripping that seemed so nice was in fact very thin. I felt more exposed in it than I did the hospital gown in some ways.</p> <p>As for the clothes, I actually ended up borrowing a sweatshirt from my sister (who had flown in from California). I only packed one pair of clothes because I didn't want to risk getting any of my 'regular' clothes - the clothes I liked wearing even while pregnant - messed up. I might pack an extra set of pants and shirt this time around, though. Last time, I went to the little class they held for parents taking their babies home in the aforementioned pajamas? Next time, I want to wear something closer to normal. I was one of only a couple not in regular clothes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-498008 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:19:04 +0000 autumnlove 498008@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'll bring an extension cord for my phone charger...so I can look at HB! Pack less grooming stuff and only bring one outfit for my LO! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-498004 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:17:29 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 498004@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MaisyMay: I think last time my DH included a pack of cards but they went unused too. Not that we didn't think about it, I think it just took us too long to figure out what we were in the mood to play. </p> <p>And during labor (mine was induced by pitocin), my mother was distracting me by letting me watch one of my favorite movies on her iPad - Labyrinth. I will definitely be sure she has the iPad with her this next time too. Netflix is a life safer because I could never figure out how to 'order' movies in the hospital. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-497996 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:15:10 +0000 MaisyMay 497996@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NaturallyCathy: I went through 2-3 books during labor (fast reader) but I never did ask anybody to play Scrabble with me! I got people to play cards with me though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-497994 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:15:02 +0000 boiledpnut 497994@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Definitely would have packed more snacks. I wouldn't have packed as many clothes for myself since it was easier for me to stay in the hospital gowns. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-497985 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:13:17 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 497985@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MaisyMay: I actually brought snacks that were never eaten by anyone except my DH (who stayed with me all of one night, he had to get the house ready). I think I may still bring snacks but I'll definitely include more that are to my tastes and less to his.</p> <p>I brought a variety puzzle book last time - even marked the pages of the puzzles I liked prior to putting it in my hospital bag. Every time I would try to do a puzzle, though, there would be some well meaning nurse/family member/visitor popping in or I would be trying to sleep. Not sure if I would pack one again, we'll see how antsy I get closer to time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hospital-bag-do-over#post-497973 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:10:44 +0000 Mrs. Grizzly Bear 497973@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: I took shower a day afterwards because it was absolutely necessary - my hair was like a rat's nest because at the time, it was nearly hitting my waist. No amount of brushing, braiding, or etc was keeping it in check. Thinking back, it was probably one of the most uncomfortable tasks after birth but when I was cleaned and dressed again, I did feel a little more human. So I would include my toiletry set again. Thanks for the reminder! </p>