What's in my hospital bag?

I've sort of started packing/almost finished my hospital bag. I'm an over packer when traveling, but a minimalist when it comes to my hospital bag. Why? Because I don't bring anything I wouldn't be willing to throw away or that I can't disinfect when we return home. Not only is it likely that you'll get various bodily fluids on these items, but you're only in the hospital for 24-48 hours. All over Pinterest and the Blogosphere is talk of the "ugly hospital gowns". You're wearing a hospital gown because you're constantly in a state of undress, especially if you've had surgery. You're breastfeeding, laying skin to skin, and getting checked down there every few hours. You're leaking from various orifices, and holding an infant that's leaking from various orifices. I honestly can't tell the difference between the gown and the sheet when it comes to covering up during that time, and have never cared. In case you haven't noticed, I'm not a fashion blogger ;) As far as baby needs, most hospitals are going to provide everything you need for those first few days, but it makes sense to call and double check. Just remember, the more you pack, the more you have to unpack and clean when you get home...

Pre-Packing

Breast Pump (for instruction more than use)

Baby Blanket for carseat

Going home outfit for baby - warm, two piece, comfortable + hat

Going home outfit for me

Small amount of diapers, wipes & sanitary napkins in case something happens on car ride

Towel and travel size shower items (throw out)

Flip flops for showering in (throw out)

Super long socks or legwarmers (throw out)

Lightweight bathrobe for modesty when walking around (throw out)

A few pairs of boy shorts for post-partum (throw out)
2 Nursing bras and pads

* I use disposable diapers for the first few weeks while I recover, to avoid the extra laundry. No cloth diapers in the hospital.

** I wasn't kidding about throwing out a lot of what I use in the hospital. I'm even using a large Victoria's Secret "gift with purchase" tote as my bag so that I can throw that out as well, which might seem crazy, but hospital germs seriously gross me out.

Last Minute

Laptop and charger

Camera 

iPhone and charger 

Make-up and hair products
Insurance Information (Our military issued ID is usually sufficient)

*Keep in mind, you don't have to sign/fill out every form that walks into your room. I realized during my last delivery that 95% of the people walking into my room with forms to fill out were taking survey type information or getting my info for future use. It got so obnoxious, I had to keep covering myself up for strangers with clipboards. I couldn't believe they were allowed to "solicit" like that, but I started kicking them out and saying "no" at the door. Know your rights, and what's necessary ahead of time!

For Dad

Tooth brush and pajamas

* We've always lived close to the hospital, so he goes home to shower, tend to the dog, change his clothes, etc. He does spend his nights in the hospital though, so if we weren't close to home, he'd pack a full overnight bag.

I hope this list helps someone :) It really is so much more about your new baby than any entertainment, fashion friendly, luxury items you might consider bringing. Trust me, nothing else matters once he/she arrives.

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