Packing the Hospital Bag

Even though I am scheduled for a planned c-section, there is still a chance that I could go into labour at anytime. So, I’ve packed my hospital bag ahead of time to ensure that if anything were to happen, I’d be ready.

There are three main categories: items for me, items for Baby and items for hubby.

Things for me:

• 1 long (knee length) house coat/robe for walking around

• 1 short (waist length) house coat/robe to wear in bed over the hospital gown for warmth

• 4 pairs of chenille socks

• 1 pair of leg warmers

• 4 pairs of highcut panties

• 1 pair of flip flops

• 1 pair of yoga pants

• 1 fleece hoody

• 1 nursing sleep bra

• 20 disposable nursing pads

• 1 full pack of sanitary pads

• Nipple cream

• Lip balm, lipstick, eyeliner, eye shadow, blush, brushes

• Hair brush, bobby pins, hair ties, headband

• 2 toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, body wash, lotion, Vaseline

• Camera, camera charger, phone, phone charger

• Pen, paper, baby memory book, birthing plan, insurance papers

• Health card, hospital card, drivers liscence, house keys

• Cord blood kit

• Gum, lollipops, granola bars

• 2 garbage bags for dirty clothing

For Baby:

• 1 full pack of diapers

• 1 full pack of diaper wipes

• 1 newborn onesie

• 2 fleece sleepers

• 1 fleece hat

• 1 pair of socks

• Emery board and nail clippers

• 1 blanket (for the car ride home)

• Baby car seat

For Husband:

• 2 t-shirts

• 4 pairs of underwear

• 4 pairs of socks

• 2 pairs of yoga pants

In general, c-section births usually require a three day stay at the hospital. My list seems to be fairly basic, containing only the essentials. I guess we’ll find out soon enough if I’ve over-packed or not. I’ll do an update on what we didn’t use at the hospital when I return. Stay tuned!