Hospital necessities

Someone recently asked me what they should bring to the hospital when they go in to give birth. My answer was that “it depends”. Some things that might be important to you might not have mattered to me, but I’ll give you an idea of some of the things I found came in handy - also, you’ll want to find out what the hospital gives you. We were given only one diaper and had to supply our own after that. (On the other hand, my hospital bill was six dollars each time, and that was only because I requested a room with a phone so I didn’t mind the $15 for diapers.)

Things that I found to be necessities:

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• Pads. The super-absorbent and long ones. And a lot of them because for a little while you’ll probably want to put on two at a time.
• Change. If you don’t have a phone, you’ll need it for the payphone, but it can also come in handy if you find yourself wanting a cup of coffee before the breakfast is delivered, or if you’re breastfeeding and end up nearly starving to death in the middle of the night. I forgot to bring any money so that first night had me REALLY looking forward to breakfast.
• Receiving blankets. My hospital provided a lot of great ones that were really big and perfect for swaddling but it’s nice to have some f the regular sizes to throw over your shoulder for spit-up events.
• Slippers. You’re not going to want to put shoes on every time you need to get out of bed, but those hospital floors can be cold.
• Comfortable underwear. I’m told some hospitals provide you with mesh, disposable underwear but mine didn’t.
• Pajamas. The first night you may be so tired that a hospital gown won’t bother you. But if you’re having guests the next day, you’ll want some presentable pajamas and a robe if you’re not feeling like getting fully dressed.
• Pen and paper. You can use it to jot down what time you fed your baby and changed diapers (and the contents thereof) so that when the nurse asks you at 7 in the morning, you won’t be struggling to remember. My nurses loved me because I always had detailed lists of when I had done everything. It’s also good if you think of a non-urgent question you’d like to ask a nurse or doctor later.
• Snacks. While the change will work for a vending machine, you may not want Cheetos at 3 am. Bring some of those cracker and cheese spread packs, cookies, muffins, fruit, little fruit salad or applesauce cups, whatever won’t spoil that you like.
• Something comforting. I brought a picture of my first daughter when I went in for my second birth, as well as a picture she had drawn for me. It helped when I was missing her late at night. It could be something like that or a pillow, blanket, whatever.
• A camera, but take care not to leave it unattended in your room.
• If you want, you can bring some shampoo, soap, lotion, makeup, etc. I never did shower until I got back home because I didn’t feel like it, but some people swear it helps perk them up even if they’re tired. I did use the lotion though, and although I didn’t put on full makeup, I felt a little more presentable after brushing my hair and putting on some tinted lip gloss before visiting hours.
• Maternity pants. You still won’t fit into your old jeans so bring something comfortable to wear home. Also, bring slip-on shoes or boots because they’re easier to deal with and if you’re like me, your feet might swell a bit.
• And please, definitely bring an infant car seat. It’s illegal - and dangerous! - to leave the hospital without one for your baby.

What would you add?