Getting Ready for the Hospital | What to Pack

Many people ponder for weeks over what to bring to the hospital for the birth of their child. They research lists online, ask friends and continue to slowly pack until the time is ready. I did things just a little bit different. :)

I drove myself into triage at 36 weeks pregnant at 11:25 p.m. in the evening, thinking I was just "checking a box" (aka getting checked to make sure my blood pressure was okay) and then planned to come back home. What did I bring with me? A NORTH FACE FLEECE and my small purse, after all I was just going to come back home, right? Well, needless to say I never stepped a foot back outside of labor and delivery for a whole seven days and I left with my beautiful baby boy in tow. How's that for planning? :)

I will admit that I started thinking about what I needed in a hospital bag. I chose which one I was going to take from my closet and started researching what other people brought. I heard everything from 'don't be afraid to roll a suitcase in' to 'top 50 things to have in your hospital bag'. Needless to say with the overwhelming amount of information, I bought a nightgown and matching robe (which I ended up never wearing), and put my hospital what to do book in the bag (that I also never touched). I thought I had four weeks, so I started working on other projects and thought I would come back to it.

So, now that I was in the hospital with one sweater and my cellphone and keys, I started to ask the nurse what I REALLY needed my family to grab for me. This is where you start:

1. Outfit for the baby to go home in
2. Outfit for yourself to go home in

That's what you ABSOLUTELY need. Don't let the overwhelming amount of information on the Internet make you think otherwise. I was in the hospital for a total of seven days and this is what I truly needed. Now sure, there are some extras that I wanted, which were:

1. Flip Flops

I wore mine in because it was part of my outfit, but I did wear them at times throughout the week. I will tell you that the hospital provides socks with slip resistant bottoms that work just as well, and I wore those quite a bit too.

2. Travel Size Shampoo & Conditioner

My family brought me this because after four days of looking terrible it was the only thing that really made me feel better. Quite honestly, if I asked the hospital I bet they could have provided this as well.

3. Deodorant & Toothbrush

Again, I'm sure the hospital has little travel sizes, but this was easy for them to grab with the shampoo and conditioner.

4. Camera

Not everyone wants the pictures my sweet Mother took of me actually pushing the baby out, but if you do- this would be another thing to grab. (A cell phone would also work, and the hospital usually has a professional photographer come in and snap a few photos before you leave if you're interested.)

5. Cell Phone Charger

I'm sure they've had quite a few left behind on accident, but of course if you're glued to a room for seven straight days, you may want to bring one of these. I happened to have one in my purse, but I realize that may not be the same for everyone. :)

There's a lot more that can be added to this list of course, but I think it's important to start with the necessities (what you absolutely need) and then start adding in what you want or would like.

What were some of the must have items that were on your list?