Hospital Packing List

[Band_Groupie 3]

I actually got my sippy cup at Wal-Mart. Playtex has one that looks like a small travel coffee mug....not SOOO babyish.

Thanks! I hadn't seen those.

[mandilou 1]

The sippy cup is a great idea! I'll have to keep that in mind.

[Shanyab 0]

I'm bringing my laptop and my cell phone that has tv on it. I still have work to do that day so my husbands going to bring it to me. P.j.'s for me since I am so tall, a snap front sports bra to hold the girls in, a ponytail holder and a small brush and my favorite pillow and small blanket ( I get cold very easily ) that's pretty much it for me.

[nfl1 0]

I was banded Jan. 20 and brought a small gym bag only. Wore the sweats and large turtle neck in (no bra) and out... I didn't wear a bra for 1.5 weeks, one incision is right where my bra band would be, so it wasn't worth it.

I brought an audio book, gas X, chapstick, washcloth, extra undies and pad...but all I needed/used was the chapstick and clothes I wore in and out (and the pillow to hold to my belly on the ride home). I was so tired from the anesthesia, that all I did overnight and morning was walk (to get the gas moving), sleep and watch tv.

[Barkri12 0]

When to pack your hospital bag?

Hospital bags are often left to the last minute, as there are so many other preparations required for a new baby. At the end of 36 weeks your baby is full-term so could arrive at any time, this is when you should have your hospital bag packed, if you have not already done so.

Where to start?

Do not panic. We have compiled a list of essential items for your birth bag; this list is a culmination of midwives' suggestions and mothers' feedback over the last 2 years. Do not forget that partners love to be involved. You could delegate some, or all, of the task of putting your hospital bag together while you relax in preparation for the big day.

What to pack in your hospital bag?

Some people pack a whole suitcase for their hospital births and a few are unprepared and just manage to bring themselves. This list covers the essential items you should take to support your hospital birth and why. There is also list of suggested luxury items afterwards which mothers have found comforting and relaxing to have with them in hospital:

Essential Hospital Birth Bag Items

During Labour

1. Sponge
   For cooling mother during labour
   
2. Lip Balm
   Thirsty work can leave you with dry lips
   
3. Bendy straws
   Makes it easier to drink from glasses or cups if you are focussed on labor
   
4. hair band
   To keep hair out of your face
   
5. Tissues
   There won't be a dry eye when your baby arrives
   
6. T-shirt/Spare top
   Useful for either the mum or the birth partner if their top gets soiled or wet during the birth.
   

After Labour

1. Nursing Pads
   Useful whether you choose to breastfeed or not
   
2. Flannel
   Soaked in warm Water and placed on your perineum after the birth to relieve soreness
   
3. Pants
   Either cotton or disposable pants which you are willing to throw away after use
   
4. Maternity Towels
   
5. Absorbent Mat (you can also buy disposable changing mats instead)
   Great for protecting the bed, chairs, car seat. Useful for when waters have broken and also to use in the first 48 hours after childbirth.
   

Wash Bag

1. Toothbrush
   
2. Toothpaste
   
3. Shampoo / Conditioner
   
4. Body wash
   
5. Hairbrush
   
6. Deodorant
   

Baby Bag

1. Baby grow
   
2. Newborn nappies
   
3. Baby hat and mittens
   
4. Hooded baby towel
   For wrapping up your baby when it's first born
   
5. Cotton buds or wet wipes
   

Luxury Hospital Birth Bag Items

Home from Home

1. Night dress
   Which does up at the front so you can breast feed your baby easily
   
2. Dressing gown
   
3. Slippers
   

Relaxation

1. Massage oil and massager
   
2. Lavender oil
   Lavender promotes relaxation and is a popular choice of oil for use in labor. It can be added to massage oil, or to Water and sprayed around the room
   
3. Music and music player
   To create a calm ambiance for you to labor and give birth in
   

And finally...

Don't forget to put your baby seat in the car so that you can take your new baby home safely and start enjoying the new addition to your family.:cursing:

[itschoice 0]

Where is your list of things you need to have ready at home when you get back?:cursing:

I know, I know, I did the same thing and made my lists too. I just can't seem to finish all the Soups and stuff I bought and wonder how much money I spent that I could have saved:ohmy:

[jujuvee 0]

I was banded 2 days ago. Surgery was at noon I was in recovery at 2 and home at 6. All I needed was my chapstick, I brought a very small bag just in case and left it in the car and all that was in it was my phone, lapband book and tetris!

The clothes I wore in I wore out, minus the bra. Don't over think it.

[Band_Groupie 3]

When to pack your hospital bag? Hospital bags are often left to the last minute, as there are so many other preparations required for a new baby.

Don't over think it.

I'm still getting the Raz? LOL! I know, I know, it's only 1 night at the hospital and I'm not giving birth this time, so I have pared down.

Where is your list of things you need to have ready at home when you get back?:cursing:

I know, I know, I did the same thing and made my lists too. I just can't seem to finish all the Soups and stuff I bought and wonder how much money I spent that I could have saved:ohmy:

Don't think I don't have one for home LOL! I've been making soups and broths from recipes here (way tastier than the canned stuff). I know they won't go to waste...I could hardly keep any to bag up as my family kept eating them.

[WannaBe1/2TheWoman 0]

LOL...don't feel bad, Band-Groupie....I'm a "list" person too! Unfortunately, I don't have my surgery date yet, so I'm trying to keep myself busy with my reading and research. I'm so anxious to get on with it, that I'm almost tingling from trying to subdue my excitement and stay focused on other things in my life, like my JOB...lol.

The LBT Web site is such a god-send; so full of information, excitement and entertainment. Since I'm at least a month out from surgery, I don't know what I'd do without this site!

[Band_Groupie 3]

We'll get there soon Sherry (us 'April Hopefuls')! My secret plot to make time speed up....Lists, lists, and more lists!!!