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What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/4/2008 10:00:55 AM
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jandckennedy
Posts: 9
Joined: 7/2/2007
From: North Carolina
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My gorgeous wife and I are expecting our first child, a little girl (Madison), in about 6 weeks. My wife is petite, and I'm not 100% sure that she'll make it all the way out to the due date. We are trying to get stuff together for the trip to the hospital, and need some help. Here's what we've got so far:
infant car seat - duh!
bag for mom & me (clothes, cell chargers, cash for the cafeteria and stuff like that)
onesies (NB) - about 8-10
wipes
diapers
swaddler
blankets - about 5, plus one to use with the car seat as she'll be here in the dead of winter
burping cloths - about 6-8
pj's for Madison - about 3-4
outfits for Madison - probably about 8 or so
loads of little socks, hats and mittens
pacificiers
bottles
breast pump, storage bags & accessories
cd’s for to play for Madison (Little Einstein stuff, classical, etc)
small plush toy to keep with Madison for a day, then bring home to our puppy so she can learn her smell
So, are we overdoing it, or should we pack more? What have we forgotten?
Also, what is something from your experience at the hospital that might benefit a new mommy & daddy? Anything form tips about how to pack the diaper bag to extra stuff to bring along, to things that we can get the hospital staff to do to make things easier. Any advice is welcome.
Thanks and God bless,
John
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/4/2008 10:22:46 AM
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macokjc
Posts: 289
Joined: 2/24/2008
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I know it probably varies from hospital to hospital, but I've had 4 babies (expecting my fifth), and these things on your list we never used:
Onesies - we always used the hospital. If you have to provide your own - I can't imagine that you would need more than 3. Most hospitals put them in t-shirts because it makes it easier to constantly check their vitals.
wipes, diapers, swaddlers, blankets - the hospital will provide these. Since it is winter - you will need a couple of blankets or a car seat cover for the trip home. I would only bring a swaddler if you want a nurse to teach you how to use it.
burping cloth - same as above
They give you pacifiers -
maybe 2 pairs of sock - good luck keeping them on, and they really only need mittens if they start scratching themselves. We always used the hospital hats and maybe brought one for the take-home ride.
pj's and outfits. We only brought one outfit - the going home outfit. Normally you are in the hospital for LESS than 48 hours after delivery, unless there are complications or it is a c-section. Either way, you won't need pajamas and outfits.
You won't need bottles - they probably won't let you use your own if you are doing formula. If your wife is nursing, she won't need a breast-pump. She might need nursing pads. The only reason she would need a breast-pump is if the baby is early and can't nurse. If that is the case - you will have a couple of days to go home and get one. (Unless she wants a nurse to show her how to use it.)
Little Madison will be more interested in hearing her parent's voices than listening to CD's - but your wife might enjoy some music.
My 5th is due in 9 weeks - and these are things on our list: Books to read while in labor and recovery (I love to read) - card games to play - announcements to fill out after the baby is born - car seat and cover - 2 blankets - snacks (chocolate) - cell phones, laptop, money (etc.. I think you have that covered) - pens and paper - 1 onesies and 1 outfit (for going home). Pajamas and change of clothes for mom. I think that about covers it.
Have you gone on a tour of the maternity ward? That is always very helpful. It also depends on what kind of birth your wife is looking for. Those going for the more natural delivery have other things on their lists. I am one who just kind of goes with the flow and happily accepts all pain meds. Don't be afraid to speak up and tell the nurses what you want or need. It is their job to get you through this happily and healthy. (It's never right to be demanding, but don't be shy in asking for what you don't have or what you need.)
Last thing - being petite does not mean you will go early. I am only 5 feet tall and I always make it full term. My last baby weighed 8lb. 7 oz.
Hope that helps. Congratulations on your new addition - you are entering the best times of your life. 
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/4/2008 10:58:55 AM
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jandckennedy
Posts: 9
Joined: 7/2/2007
From: North Carolina
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Thanks for all the tips. I pray that everything goes smoothly for you and your little one in the coming weeks.
We've already had the tour of the ward - spent a week nearby when my wife had to deal with kidney stones.
Thanks again and God bless!
John
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/4/2008 11:11:33 AM
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lexie
Posts: 2959
Joined: 6/27/2005
From: Toronto
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When I had my daughter, I packed a whole lot and used absolutely none of it. (I was there for 24 hours.)
I agree that wipes and diapers will be provided by the hospital. My daughter had two outfits for going home. One was pink and one was yellow just in case a mistake was made on the ultrasound!
At our hospital the doctors preferred the baby in just a diaper and t-shirt and swaddled in a blanket.
You definitely won't need outfits for the baby, even if you have her in clothes a onesie should be enough. Our hospital also provided hats for the babies.
As for the bottles and breast pump, if she is breastfeeding this isn't needed. Besides for the first few days, she will be providing your baby with colostrum. I've tried pumping colostrum, it's not fun. If your wife is going to breastfeed, it is better that she continually try it at the hospital where the nurses can guide her through if she is having any problems. (I say this from experience, I had a lot of problems when I came home and didn't know what to do.)
My daughter slept most of her first 24 hours. I think she woke up twice to feed. I remember asking my pediatrician if I should be waking her to feed her and they said no, to let her sleep. So in the end, I just hung out in bed with my guests keeping me company, and I didn't need very much. My bag will be packed very different the next time around.
Also, remember that you can't put your baby in a snowsuit or bunting bag when you put them in the car seat, so you'll need a few warm blankets to put over the baby to get to the car.
Congratulations on the arrival of your daughter!
_____________________________
I want to be more than an ordinary servant.
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/4/2008 11:58:05 AM
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pbaribeault
Posts: 1097
Joined: 4/29/2005
Status: online
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A good plan is to pack separately
(1) The essentials for hospital admittance and the early parts of labour and/or an emergency where there is no time or space for an extended labour (probably an old purse)
documents,
a book,
cell phone,
cash & 1 credit card
MP3 player & headphones,
camera with memory card & batteries,
basic hygiene kit (toothpaste, brush, pitstick, hair brush, clips/elastics)
Then, once she's admitted, settled etc. You go out to the car, take away her coat & boots and get (2) The really cozy labour luxuries bag
socks,
snacks,
CDs, player & batteries, speaker
laptop with movies & power supply,
massage stuff,
a swimsuit top,
a housecoat made of towel stuff,
a tiny battery fan,
a black-out sleeping mask & ear plugs
stuff for you: snack, clothes, hygiene kit, phone number list
Then, after the birth, first nursing etc, and both are sleeping, you go out to the car and get rid of the labour stuff and bring in (3) Short-stay bag
For Mom:
Notebook & pencil,
Flashlight or book light
Housecoat & PJ pants (or sweat pants)
Old button-front sweater
Warm socks & slippers
Nursing bra, pads, lanolin
Old undies that you are prepared to throw out after use
Favorite brand of pads, if she has a preference (hospital will provide)
For Baby:
8 Diapers, wipes
2 Sleepers & 2 onsies (no need for socks with sleepers!)
2 receiving blankets/burp cloths (hospital will have some, but not so soft)
Scratch mitts
1 nice blanket and/or swadler
Then, if you want to overdo it pack bag (4) of things you might need for an extended stay -- the stuff on your list mostly belongs in this bag. Leave it at home, because if you need it, you (dad) will probably go home to sleep anyways, and you can bring it back with you once you know you are in for an extended stay. What you have listed is sufficient for a 5-10 day stay. In that bag you also might want to think about a 2nd nursing bra, more bra pads, more old undies ready to be thrown out, more menstrual pads, more warm socks, a shower kit, some post partum vitamins, her own pillow, even a nursing pillow.
You can keep departure-stuff in the car, packed into the car seat: a going home outfit for each Mom & Baby (including socks) (it's nice if they match for pictures), the warm stuff needed for the baby in the car seat, and bring Mom's coat & boots back in. This you make a make a trip out to the car with all the stuff from the hospital room, and bring it in only when you are ready to leave.
Hope that helps.
You seem really focused on after the baby, but labour is hard work, and post-partum is no picnic.
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/4/2008 12:03:12 PM
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his_chosen
Posts: 1099
Joined: 4/11/2005
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For the first, I packed everything but the kitchen sink. For the fourth, we were down to just the basics--
toiletries--sample size of shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush/toothpaste
nightgown/robe--only used with ds1 since we were in the hospital for 3 days. The others, I just used the hospital gown
going home outfit for mom--something loose that fit early in pregnancy, elastic waist incase of c-section
going home outfit for baby--one pink, one blue (just in case!)
car seat, blankets
You won't need a diaper bag for the trip home from the hospital. Again, with ds1 I packed everything I might possibly need. After that, it was diapers (2-3), wipes, burp cloth, extra outfit, plastic bags (news paper bags work great for dirty diapers!).
_____________________________
You have a choice. You can throw in the towel or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face.
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/4/2008 12:05:48 PM
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kernsfamily
Posts: 1434
Joined: 4/26/2006
From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
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Going for a few "unconventional" things (from experience!)
ALOT of good "reading material"!.....have trade magazines/publications from the office that you're supposed to read, but never get around to? now you can catch up!...or at least a few good books....(there's ALOT of "down time" and "waiting"!)
make sure you have plenty of change and dollar bills for a coke or snack from vending machines (or bring a few favorites of your own from home)....
the phone number for a few of the nearby pizza delivery places, along with any coupons, isn't a bad idea, either!....hospital food is the WORST!!! (my wife had our first kid in a hospital....she was born around 7ish at night....at around 10:00, once everything had "settled down" and was taken care of, we ordered from papa johns!)
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/4/2008 12:42:04 PM
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Mrs.Wifey
Posts: 4871
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: The Gorgeous plains of Colorado
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quote:
ORIGINAL: his_chosen
For the first, I packed everything but the kitchen sink. For the fourth, we were down to just the basics--
toiletries--sample size of shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush/toothpaste
nightgown/robe--only used with ds1 since we were in the hospital for 3 days. The others, I just used the hospital gown
going home outfit for mom--something loose that fit early in pregnancy, elastic waist incase of c-section
going home outfit for baby--one pink, one blue (just in case!)
car seat, blankets
You won't need a diaper bag for the trip home from the hospital. Again, with ds1 I packed everything I might possibly need. After that, it was diapers (2-3), wipes, burp cloth, extra outfit, plastic bags (news paper bags work great for dirty diapers!).
That's basically what we packed when DD was born, I didn't see any point in taking 5k items.
Even if your wife is breastfeeding and needs a pump, they will have one at the hospital. I would leave yours at home.
_____________________________
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/4/2008 12:52:40 PM
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journeyman7
Posts: 67
Joined: 11/11/2007
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It sounds like you have most everything covered on the packing list. The advice I would give may seem like common sense, but you really never know when the time will come. I have one child and although we to planned, I was a little unprepared because our daughter came about two weeks before her due date.
My advice is always have the house, car, and yourself ready to leave on notice. For instance, if you have pets, ensure you have the food ready for them for a couple days. Depending on your length of drive to the hospital, you will want to ensure you constantly are on a full tank of gas. To ease the tension on the drive to the hospital, it may be a good idea to drive the course and know where you are parking, where the elevators are, etc.
If you are planning on having relatives there or coming to the hospital, I would also suggest setting up a phone tree. Probably the last thing you want to do when your wife is in labor is to make calls to family, friends, etc. informing them that she is in labor; not to mention most cell phones have less than par if any service in hospitals and going outside is always a gamble. Have one key person that you will call and have them call everyone for you or set up a small phone tree of notification.
If you have not installed your car seat, it may be a good idea to install this in advance as well. I have found that some car seats are a pain to install correctly. Make sure you have a nice, tight, and secure install. I mention this because it is amazing how many people have their car seats installed incorrectly or adjusted wrongly. It is obviously not rocket science installing a car seat, but on the other hand it sometimes is trickier than one may suspect.
I think this about all my pointers. I wish you the best and it is a tremendously exciting time when your child comes into the world.
God bless,
_____________________________
Mt 16:24 -
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/4/2008 3:23:00 PM
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kohls356
Posts: 368
Joined: 8/22/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jandckennedy
infant car seat - duh!
bag for mom & me (clothes, cell chargers, cash for the cafeteria and stuff like that)
blanket
Out of your list this is what I would bring plus comfortable outfit or sleeper to bring your baby home in and something warm to put over the carseat for the ride home.
Don't forget your camera and video camera with extra batteries or charger and memory card.
You really won't need much for the baby because the hospital should provide everything that is needed during the stay for the baby. I don't know how long the average stay in the hospital these days is but you won't need any clothes for the baby until you come home. The hospital will want the baby to be in the t-shirt they provide and they have blankets.
If you want to try a pacifier then I would bring my own but you may not need that.
Your wife will need more than baby. She will need a nice comfortable gown or other comfy clothes and basics like shampoo, toothbrush etc. They don't supply those but will have them for a hefty a price to your insurance company if you would need them.
You won't need bottles, and there won't be a need for a breast pump or storage bags because there won't really be anything to pump and store.
This is an exciting time but you want to keep it simple. Remember you will have to take all that back home with you and you don't want to be trying to remember if you have everything when you go home.
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/4/2008 10:01:27 PM
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Auben
Posts: 1608
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: Where pines tower and cranberries float
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I've had 4 children and I've found that the first time you overpack for the baby and underpack for the parents.
I usually pack 2 bags. One for labor and one for afterward.
In the labor bag you can have things like:
camera
batteries
pen
baby book
phone/phone numbers
snack (for you and mother)
breath mints or hard candy (sucking can sometimes be soothing)
some kind of back rub thingy (if she likes that)
change for vending machines
games (card or board)
music (CD or MP3)
warm socks or slippers
something to keep the hair back
robe (she may have to walk the halls and those gowns are embarrassing)
We kept this bag in the car at all times.
For afterward I packed:
loose or maternity clothing for mother
pads
pajamas (nursing or 'easy access') and under things
quick change for father
toiletries
2-3 onesies that snap down the front (not a necessity but they are so much easier to change)
socks
coming home outfit
1 blanket (or cover)
car seat
I kept this bag at home and my husband would get it sometime after the birth.
Just remember that hospitals in the US provide all of the necessities (even a onesie and blanket). An infant doesn't really like toys. Any feeding materials (including a pump or burp rags) will be provided. You can bring additional clothing if it will be fun for you but small babies don't really like things over their head and the hospital is always warm.
I wish you the best John. Enjoy your time with your new little one.
_____________________________
Tamara
~Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time~
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/11/2008 10:02:15 AM
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jandckennedy
Posts: 9
Joined: 7/2/2007
From: North Carolina
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Thanks to everyone for the advice. You've all been very helpful, and we've managed to cut back on what we're bringing with us.
We are so excited about our little girl!!
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!
Thanks,
John
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/15/2008 4:17:53 PM
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Roberta_
Posts: 7416
Joined: 9/28/2007
From: East Bay Area
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Hi John, just checking to see how things are going for you and your wife?
_____________________________
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/18/2008 8:26:06 AM
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jandckennedy
Posts: 9
Joined: 7/2/2007
From: North Carolina
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Roberta_
Hi John, just checking to see how things are going for you and your wife?
Thanks for asking! Things are going pretty well so far. We are exactly 31 days from our due date (Jan 18), and we have an appointment this afternoon. We went in a couple of weeks ago and my wife had already "dropped" a little bit ahead of schedule, so they're going to do an ultrasound and check the baby's size. He also said that they may change the official due date depending on what they find out today.
DW is ready for the pregnancy to be over. Lots of sickness has returned in the last week and a half. She's also ready to hold little Maddie in her arms (frankly, so am I)! But we know that she'll come when she is ready and when God appoints the time. We are just so excited!!
I'll see what I can do about another update when we get home from the Dr.'s office.
Thanks,
John
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/26/2008 7:08:24 AM
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jandckennedy
Posts: 9
Joined: 7/2/2007
From: North Carolina
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I just wanted to pop in and thank everyone again for their help. DW's water broke at home Monday morning around 4:30am and Madison was born at 6:09pm. Everything went smoothly. Madison measured 5 lbs, 5 oz and 18.5 inches long. Mommy and baby are doing great, and we came home from the hospital on Christmas Eve. What a wonderful Christmas gift!
Now that I'm a father, I have an even harder time understanding how much God loves me - I could never send Madison to die for anyone, much less for someone that I don't know or wouldn't appreciate that sacrifice. But that's exactly what God did for me through Jesus. What a great love!!
Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas. I know I did!
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/26/2008 9:34:16 AM
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zoebob
Posts: 8860
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: land of limbo
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COngratulations.
Just a note though. God sent His Son for people he knows and loves.
_____________________________
L-R: DD1, Ellies DS2, DD2, Ellies DS1
L-R: Ellies DD1, Ellies DD2, DS, Ellies DS3
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/26/2008 12:49:12 PM
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clag4christ
Posts: 2631
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: We just moved to the big state of Texas!
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Congratulations!
_____________________________
<-----Jael as Tinkerbell - Halloween 2008
If you don't want people to insult your intelligence; don't make it so obvious that you have none.
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/26/2008 12:58:08 PM
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Roberta_
Posts: 7416
Joined: 9/28/2007
From: East Bay Area
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Congrats!!
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RE: What to pack for the hospital trip? - 12/29/2008 7:48:42 AM
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jandckennedy
Posts: 9
Joined: 7/2/2007
From: North Carolina
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quote:
ORIGINAL: zoebob
COngratulations.
Just a note though. God sent His Son for people he knows and loves.
Right. Meant for people who don't know me or wouldn't appreciate that sacrifice.
Thanks to all for the congratulatory remarks. Maddie will be a week old today!
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