With my first born, my water broke four weeks early – at work. It’s a fear a lot of pregnant woman have; I was one of them. Like many women, I am a planner so it was probably God’s way of telling me that not everything can be within my control.
Since I went straight from work to the hospital I wasn’t able go home and pack my bag, so my husband packed it for me. Six years later I still laugh at some of the weird things he put in the bag (like my bikini bottom for the bath tub to labor in…but no top). With my second child, I was packed eight weeks before my due date, just to be safe. Here are the top 10 things I find to be essential to pack in a hospital bag:
1) Big Underwear- Most hospitals will provide disposable ones (which honestly I actually liked) but it’s really nice to have your own as well. And trust me, after delivery the last thing you will care about is having cute underwear. Plus, you will most likely be stuffing it with pads the size of a diaper. TMI? No, it’s real life, ladies.
2) Socks, slippers or flip flops – These were essential for me as I walked up and down the hospital hallway in attempt to get my contractions to speed up.
3) Nightgown and other comfy pajamas- Something comfortable to sleep in besides the hospital ones. With my daughter, I purchased a “Pretty Pusher” which I would do again if I were having more kids. It made me feel comfy and somewhat put together during my labor, delivery and afterwards. Plus, it looked really cute in pictures-not that I will be having any of those framed.
4) Breath Mints- Labor and delivery is hard work. For both you and your partner. Ok, well mostly for you. But trust me, the last thing you want is bad breath in the room when you are trying to focus on your breathing.
5) Phone Charger
6) Information to initiate your leave of absence/insurance- After each of my kids I called within a couple of hours to initiate my leave of absence and to get them onto my insurance. It’s easy to forget this so I suggest just getting it done sooner than later. Other tip-if you have an employee ID number, write that down and have it handy. It’s amazing what you will find yourself forgetting after the marathon of labor and delivery you have just gone through.
7) IPod or something to have music on– I had a play list specifically ready for my labor that I could have playing in the room.
8) Going Home Outfit For Baby– I suggest pure comfort here versus frilly or trendy.
9) Toiletries– Make up removing cloths, deodorant, eye drops, mascara and lip balm were my essentials. Keep it simple and fragrance free for that new bundle of joy you’re going to be kissing. Bring shower things as well.
10) Bathing suit if you plan on laboring in the tub (which I highly suggest!).
What did YOU find absolutely essential to bring to the hospital?
