This is 2 days after baby Grant was born.  I was still at the hospital and I thought of what I wouldn’t want to be without during that stay.  The video covers the top 5 things to pack.  Some of you may have different thoughts/things that are “essential”.  SHARE THEM with us!!

Then, below the video, I included my entire list that includes almost EVERYTHING you would need.  Ultimately, remember that the hospital has almost everything you would ever need.  Don’t stress out about the packing.  You probably won’t end up using half the things you lug there.  C’mon, when you think about it, women give birth in cars, in forests, and in toilets!!  The fact that we’re IN a hospital takes care of most everything! hehe

Things to pack:

1. Comfortable clothes to go home in – bring big sweats and your maternity stuff.  You’ll still have a belly and you’ll be wearing MEGA pads, so anything loose is good.
2. Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, face soap, moisturizer, shampoo, lip balm, disposable contacts, glasses.
3. Nursing bra – I loved the pullover type b/c it was comfortable to sleep in and easy access.  This can also help with the soreness.
4. Breast Pads – (There isn’t much leakage at first, but I didn’t want the Lanisoh to stain my bra.  I don’t think it does, but it seems so thick and gooey.  It’s good to have for future anyways.)
5. Slippers for the bathroom and shower.  Perhaps another pair for walking around the hospital.
6. Pen and pad to keep track of feedings and dirty diapers.  It’s good to start a log right away.  I’ll send you the log I ended up using.
7. Camera – Do NOT forget this!  The hospital won’t have this for you!
8. Chargers!  Phone chargers, camera chargers, bluetooth chargers, etc.  We forgot my phone charger and Peter had to drive back and get it.  You’ll want to talk to friends and family while you’re waiting AND right after baby is born.  It helped calm me down and I enjoyed that a lot.
9. Outfit for baby to go home with and a baby blanket.
10. Pillow from home.  It’s not necessary, but I loved having it when I was having contractions.
11. Robe!!!  I wish I packed a robe.  I was embarrassed when random people came in to visit without notice.  I was hanging out and I wish I had a robe to just throw over.
12. Snacks for you and your hubby if you get hungry.  Definitely EAT before you go to the hospital.  Once you’re admitted, you can’t really eat anything other than ice chips.  You might get hungry.  I scarfed down a big Subway sandwich AS I had contractions?  It saved me.
13. Phone list and don’t forget your insurance numbers!!!  You definitely need to remember to call your insurance in time…otherwise, baby won’t be covered.

I did not use the following items that I did bring:

1. CDs
2. DVDs and laptop (The TV show selection was terrible, but I didn’t feel like getting anything out to watch…too much trouble.)
3. Magazines, cards and other distractions.  (After I got my epidural, I actually took a few naps.)
4. A blanket from home – too bulky and you don’t need this.  They will have extra blankets.

Things to get from the hospital:

* Do NOT feel shy about grabbing everything in sight!  Bring an empty duffle bag to put all these supplies in! J  I’m serious.

1. Lanisoh – ointment for the nipples.  They have sample tubes and a little goes a LONG way!  You don’t need to buy this.
2. Diapers, wipe cloths, hospital baby swaddling blankets (grab the ones he/she uses), caps, all the supplies in the baby cart!
3. Pump supplies – ask the nurse to start pumping while you’re there.  She will give you the pump accessories and supplies to start out.  You just bring that home and then you don’t need to buy it.
4. Pads, gauze underwear, ice packs – you’ll get these for your afterbirth process.  Sounds scary, but it’s not.  Take as many as you can b/c you’ll use them when you’re home.
5. Nose sucker – take the nose sucker they’re using.  This is the one we still use.  I took 2.
6. Formula and nipples – take as many of the formula bottles WITH the special screw on nipples.  Even if you don’t want to give formula right away, you might need these later and formula is EXPENSIVE!  Ask for a whole extra pack of formula.

Other thoughts:

1. I had to move from labor and delivery to the private room that I stayed in for 2 nights.  The less Peter had to move, the better.  This is especially when you’re leaving the hospital and you have the baby, lots of stuff they give you and flowers.
2. Definitely ask to see the lactation consultants.  Do not rely on the nurses.  Many of them are helpful, but the lactation consultants are really helpful.  Try to take a breast feeding class before the baby is due.  I didn’t remember all the information immediately, but at least I was familiar with what I was supposed to do.  You and the baby both need to learn how to breastfeed and it is amazing to watch the baby learn how to eat!  It’s frustrating, but the lactation consultants should be able to give you a lot of pointers or at least boost your confidence.  Also, get her number for questions afterwards.
3. Make sure that your doctor has your prescriptions of Colase (Stool softener) and pain killer written out for you.  I used the pain killers and I ordered the stool softener.  Make sure you have Advil or ibuprofen (safe for baby) at home.  I used this for the first few days for the pain.
4. Sitz bath – I used this a lot the first time, but not at all with baby #2!  It helps to keep it clean down there and it soothes any pain.  Definitely get one at CVS, Drug Fair, or something!  I had to run out and get one on the 3^rd day.
5. Did you read any sleeping books yet?  I can tell you everything I know, but it helped to have these books read and on hand as reference.  I read “On Becoming Baby Wise” and “Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child”.