I am 31 weeks along and expect to have a scheduled C-section at perhaps week 37-38. Please suggest the MOST important must have items in hospital bag for both myself and the baby Inshallah. I am delivering at a US hospital in the east coast. I feel like my mind is running a blank right now…hehe although I have 2 kids already
If another thread with this info exists please add the link. I only found one and it seemed to be specific to CAD hospitals. Thanks.
Also I am totally forgetting, after what days do they take the IV lead off so you can wear a normal shirt…otherwise thinking just to bring a chaddar/shawl and some easy pajamas to keep warm.
I assume you are going to stay in the hospital for a day or two after the ceasarean.
You can pack for yourself: towel, pyjama, socks, some clothes, toilet stuff
For the baby: clothes, jacket, hat, maybe zamzam water, seat for in the car
i don’t think theres much of a difference between the canadian hospitals and the american hospitals so you can very well go with the info on the other thread you found.
For yourself:
[ul]
[li]Clothing you will need[/li][LIST]
[li]Several pairs of panties[/li][li]Nursing bras and breast pads[/li][li]Light dressing gown, nighties/pyjamas, non-slip slippers[/li][/ul]
[li]Sanitary pads and toiletries, including unscented soap and shampoo[/li][li]Additional items[/li][ul]
[li]Pillows[/li][li]Watch or small clock[/li][li]Pens/pencils for taking notes, completing forms, etc[/li][/ul]
[/LIST]
For the Baby:
[ul]
[li]Receiving blanket and clothes, including sleepers, onesies and an appropriate outfit to go home[/li]
[li]Diapers, Vaseline, wipes[/li][li]Car seat (please note that it is a legal requirement that all newborns leave the hospital in a sanctioned car seat)[/li]
[/ul]
don’t bother with real clothes in the hospital. it makes it difficult when docs come to check on you, esp after a csection.
-your own toiletries (and for hubby too if he’s going to stay with you)
-slippers
-shawl/nursing cover
-maybe a cardigan in case you feel cold
-phone and charger
-book/kindle/ipad/etc for entertainment purposes and chargers
-going home outfit for you (loose-fitting)
-going home outfit and blanket for baby
Hospital gown is all u need while admitted. You will be provided maxi pads and disposable mesh undies while there and at discharge.
Ask for breast pump if are having difficulty lactating … common after csection.
Shawl for extra warmth
Toothpaste n brush, shampoo
Discharge Clothing for u n baby … take easy to wear stuff. Post c-sec you will be sore stiff … I came home in nightgown n loose plazzo pants.
thanks for the info guys. I am taking a hospital tour tomorrow so I will be more clear what is given/not given and whether we get a private suite or not. Depending on that hubby can stay or not stay. I know last time all the pads/disposable panties etc were given. I can’t for the life of me remember what day my main IV was taken off and what day I was finally given solid food. I was there for 4 days with my last C-section. I want to take the basics and some more for my ease. I am now thinking to bring my own pillow( as hospital ones suck)…then again i’ll be so drugged up on morphine not sure I will even notice.
A large squirt bottle! It was invaluable for going to the bathroom after my C since i couldn’t really sit properly, and more discreet/useful than a traditional lota type thing.
Flip flops in a larger size in case your feet are swollen post-surgery. Mine were awful.
Somegroovychick recommends a squirty bottle, don’t bother, the hospital provides “Peri Bottles” for post c-section patients.
Don’t bother with diapers, wipes, etc, they provide EVERYTHING and in fact give you some to take home.
Also remember, after the baby is born, the stores of the world don’t close so you can buy things as you go along and also don’t forget, the father will be available at your beck and call so if you DO forget something he will be more than happy to go get it for you.
Last thing, enjoy your 3 days in the hospital, rest lots, don’t feel like you have to watch the baby 24x7 while in the hospital. Let the nurses take care of the baby, that’s their job and they love doing it, so take advantage and REST because when you go home you won’t HAVE the choice and you WILL have to watch your baby 24x7.
They give squirt bottles at the hospital too along with other necessary stuff. I took a bag full of stuff and only thing i used was our clothes on the day we were discharged rest was provided at the hospital
I took the hospital tour this past weekend. Pretty much like S02/Ehl and you said I will be provided with mostly everything. Exception being now they don’t provide as many freebies (diapers, wipes, formula) on discharge. Especially since they are encouraging breastfeeding, so unless you are really unable to, they discourage formula. Of course if you need it they will give it to you, but non to take home it seems.
As for rest your right, but I am not sure how it will work. They said since they are trying to encourage breastfeeding, the baby will be in the room with mom for the most part. Even some shots will be given in room. However if mom is feeling sick then she can request baby to be taken to nursery for a while. I wonder how that will play out realistically. I would prefer baby goes to nursery at night so that I can sleep. Let’s see.
And as much as I know the stores don’t close, dunno why I am being so crazy and thinking he won’t be able to figure out what I really need…hehe so trying to get everything ready at home before I go. I need to get over it and take it easy now. Thanks guys.
good hospital!!
