What to pack in hospital bag?

[Nimbus254]

I'm having a scheduled c-section on January 22nd, and wanted to know what items I should pack in my hospital bag. I'm so absent-minded this pregnancy that I don't recall what things I needed at the hospital during my last pregnancy four years ago. And with the holidays coming up, I'd like to get the bag ready now so that I don't have to worry about it later on.

Also, are there certain recovery items that I'll need after coming home? I know overnight pads are a must after having a baby. I had a vaginal delivery the first time, and needed Tucks pads and some kind of ointment because I tore pretty badly and was stitched up. Are there any things like that I'll need for my c-section incision?

Thanks!

[oscamaya]

A couple of pairs of pajamas and some socks. I remember I only packed one pair of pajamas and they got dirty so I had to wear hospital gowns (b/c DH kept forgetting to bring my jammies every time he came to the hospital.)

[MrsPinecone]

Pack everything you think you will need, and then take half of it out.

I have my c/s on the 5th of December, and all I am taking is toiletries, a better hair dryer, coming home outfits for both of us, and electronics and chargers. I wore the hospital gowns-- they check you way too often to fart around with pajamas.

The rest is just more crap to carry home.

ETA: nothing special for the incision. I went home with Steristrips and was told to keep it clean and let the strips wear off by themselves.

[AshburnMom]

I suggest WARM socks, a robe and your own pillow! Definitely remember the chargers, memory sticks, camcorder/camera stuff! With a c/s you'll probably be in there longer so maybe some magazines or knitting or whatever you like to do w/downtime? With my second, we also got some special stuff for my DS - "big brother" shirt and a little present and reminded everyone to be sure and make a fuss over him too!

Good luck to you and MrsPinecone! PLEASE post pictures! We love babies!

[CoffeeMom]

WIPES! The hospital I delivered at only had those dry wipe things that were totally useless for cleaning away the meconium. Other than that, some things that probably aren't totally necessary but are nice to have:

Jammies
Flip Flops
An extra pillow or two from home (I thought the hospital ones sucked - the were so flat I had to stack two under the baby to nurse)
Snacks for DH and yourself
Toiletries
Hair Dryer and make up (if you're the type to hate getting your photo taken without that stuff - personally, I didn't care what I looked like lol)
Something for Baby to wear home
Socks for Baby to wear home
Scratch mittens for baby (or just extra socks to put on hands)

[CoffeeMom]

Just going to add - ROOMY shoes/socks for when your feet swell up

[isis]

Lotion! My SIL had a C/S and she was itching like CRAZY. The hospital usually has some (both her and I got the origional Nivea, but I didn't care for it, she was ok. and the hospital charges out the wazu for that stuff, it was like $12 for a little bottle!)

[carisal]

yay!! definitely dont forget the snacks.... !!!

and film/extra memory for the camera, cell phone charger

pack different sized outfits for the baby to go home in. I only packed 0-3 month clothes when I had my girl, and they were falling off her(6 lb 12oz).... and , I've heard of babies not fitting into the 0-3 and needed 3-6 mo from the get go....

hard mints were my best friend, too. :)

[collectorofbells]

chapstick

a robe....wear the hospital gown..but there's no reason to show London and France to the whole hallway either!

slippers that slide on...bending is going to hurt...why do it if you don't have to?

a travel clock and or a cheap watch and penlight....hospital rooms just don't have clocks!

[jhall1977]

If you do take pajama bottoms, make sure to get some that aren't going to sit on your incision.