Ask the Mamas: Your Hospital Bag

Posted on July 31, 2012 By Cari H. ask the mamas

Each week, we will ask our mamas a question from our readers that pertains to babies, toddlers or parenting. Make sure to check back each Tuesday to see their responses!

Do you have a question you’d like to ask the mamas? If so, send us an email with your question to askthemamas@mamasaywhat.com.

MSW reader Brittani asks:

“What was packed in your hospital bag when you had your baby?”

Slippers, clothes and underwear for going home (didn’t wear my own clothes or underwear during the stay, just used the hospital provided gowns and underwear), toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, facial lotion, facial cleanser, hair dryer, hair brush, and contact lens solutions. Oh, and eyelash curler and tinted lip gloss. ~Rebecca S.

Waaaay too much! I didn’t think the hospital would have much or that I wouldn’t want to use what they had, but I did! I would say to pack minimally and take advantage of what they have for you and baby there. Oh and headbands to keep my messy ‘do out of my face while still looking a little decent and cute. ~Annette M.

I packed a lot that I didn’t end up using. The most useful thing I packed though was a bathrobe and yoga pants. After having a c-section, I didn’t want to wear anything too constricting around my waist, like jeans or anything with a button. ~Mary Ellen M.

Of course a toothbrush and toiletries, but I would say one thing I didn’t have that I definitely could have used was a robe! I had a c-section so I was stuck in my bed for two days in the hospital gown and would have loved to put a thin robe over the top of me. Especially since I was nursing and people were walking in and out of the room and my chest was pretty much exposed to the world! A Boppy pillow was a lifesaver, too! ~Heidi C.

I’m not 100% sure what was in there since I packed it in a hurry and my husband added items while I was in labor. I procrastinated with my hospital bag, thinking I still had plenty of time. When I found myself in labor at 37 weeks, making sure my bag was perfect was suddenly not very important. I do know that I had a change of clothes in there, plus my hairbrush, our digital camera, Chapstick and hair bands. I forgot my toothbrush and my own toiletries so I had to ask the nurse for some shampoo and conditioner and my husband brought me a travel toothbrush. In hindsight, I really wish I had brought my own pillow, my own PJs and flip flops for the shower. ~Alex T.

We had an extra blanket and pillow for my hubby and my in-laws brought an extra blanket and pillow for me! Plus a cooler of goodies and stuff to snack on during labor, a reusable water bottle (which out of everything I had — this was the most important!), a change of clothes for my husband and myself, diapers, wipes and clothes for my little one (my hospital did not provide these), pads and junk panties for me postpartum (my hospital did not provide these) and my Hypnobirthing binder/CD/and birth affirmations. We also had my camera, toiletries (toothbrush/toothpaste, brush, deodorant, etc.) My husband brought his cell phone (I didn’t have one at the time) and a book which never got read. I packed pretty lightly (except for the huge blankets and pillows) as I did not expect to stay very long; midwives in Ontario are able to discharge you from the hospital as early as four hours postpartum. I was so hungry after I gave birth, it would have been an awesome idea to basically have a meal ready for me to eat! Next time… ~Jessica S.

I swear I packed like I was going on a week-long trip out of state! I made sure to have the essential toiletries for myself —toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc. I also made sure to bring my flat-iron and make-up (hey, gotta look decent for all the photos, lol!). As far as clothes went, I bought a pack of cheap Walmart undies to avoid the mesh things the hospital gives you. I also brought a few sweatpants and t-shirts to be comfortable. And for the baby, I brought our breast pump, a few outfits, bottles, pacifiers, our Boppy Pillow, hats and mittens. I may have been over-packed, but I wanted to be prepared! Oh, don’t forget your camera, the battery charger and phone charger! You’ll be lost if one of those go dead! ~Sam A.

I was the procrastinator… I wasn’t packed at all when I had Alexis at 36 weeks. My husband went home and got stuff but I don’t remember what he brought back. ~Christy A.

I swear it looked like we were moving in to the hospital! We packed all of the normal toiletries; shampoo, conditioner, soaps, toothpaste, etc. All the good stuff you’d use to get ready in the morning. On top of that, we brought enough clothes for a week. That ranged from yoga pants, sweat pants, capris sweats, tanks, t-shirts and a hoodie (in case it got cold). I also brought a nightgown with me, but I never used it. We brought snacks, like granola bars, peanut butter bars, and nuts. We brought drinks, mostly bottles of water. Chapstick, lotion, electronics (don’t forget your chargers!), laptops (with DVDs) and our nursing pillow were the big things that I used a lot and I’m glad I didn’t miss. And a huge bonus was bringing our own pillows! Best idea ever! All in all, we ended up using everything because we were there for almost a week! ~Sarah H.

What was packed and what was used were two different things for me. Next time I will downsize my suitcase (yes, I brought a suitcase and not just a little bag) to just the basics. Comfy pants and nursing tank, sandals to slip on to make it easy to walk around the room, a couple pairs of comfortable intimates, brush, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair tie and basic make-up, magazine, Boppy Pillow, camera and video camera, baby’s going home outfit and a snuggly soft blanket for baby. ~Jaimie S.

A change of clothes for me and baby, toothpaste and toothbrush, snacks, magazines, hair ties, lotion and lip balm. I was a light packer. ~Amanda P.

L is not that old and yet, I feel like packing my hospital bag was eons ago! I packed a couple pair of yoga pants, three nursing tanks and cover up shirts, flip flops, a new pack of not so pretty underwear and my toiletries bag (make-up, face wash, toothbrush/paste, a brush, and my hair dryer). I also brought my laptop, digital camera and cell phone. For L, I brought a going home outfit and a pair of nail clippers (thank goodness, because he NEEDED them!). I feel like those were at least the essentials, I’m not sure I needed/used much more than that… although this time, I am planning on bringing a nice small cover-up robe and a few more hair ties. ~Corey P.

My pillow, toiletries, comfy lounge wear, going home outfit for little man, My Breast Friend nursing pillow and a big bottle of wine! (kidding on the last one) ~Erin F.

The advice given here is solely based on our individual experiences and in no way is it going to be perfect for every mama, every baby and every situation. None of us are medical doctors. If you have a question regarding a medical topic we can give our opinions, but please consult with your doctor. We are not liable or responsible for the results of following any specific advice in any given situation.

By Cari H.

Cari lives in the Los Angeles area, where she was born & raised, with her awesome husband & fun-loving son (born March, 2010). She loves to read, spend time with friends, bake, travel, and photograph anything and everything. She tries to get crafty, but that doesn't always work out so well. She is the first to admit that she hates to clean her house and is always looking for ways to make it easier. As a work-at-home-mama, when she isn't chasing her toddler around she is a newborn, maternity, and family photographer and managing the day-to-day operations for Mama Say What?!