I searched online for information on what to put in my hospital bag and ended up packing one full diaper bag for baby and one full small rolling suitcase for me. Erin, who is due in December, asked me a great question: what did I pack in my bags that I didn’t need up using. It turns out as many moms had suggested that while I did use some of the contents, for the most part I overpacked by a lot. Anyone whose seen Matt and I pack for just a weekend would not be surprised that I overpacked for the three of us.
After having had a C-Section I really appreciated the ease of having the nursing staff bringing fresh nightgowns to me each morning and night. Some moms have enjoyed wearing them their whole stay, while others prefer wearing their own clothes at some point.
I was two days post op when the nurses offered me the chance to shower. I was thrilled to be able to do so. I felt so fresh and clean afterwards and as we had many visitors scheduled for that day I put on my own clothes including a nursing tank top, very soft oversized shorts with a draw strong.
I wasn’t sure if William would nurse while covered. When he was hungry with multiple guests I was able to successfully use the scarf to cover us both while he ate.
One of the best things I packed were personal items given to us for our baby – this blanket and cap set and burp cloths from my aunt, both of which we used for the photo shoot with a professional photographer contracted by the hospital.
Still, our bags came back home with many things not used. These include the wine themed nursing nightgown as the hospital ones had much more extensive breast access, yet I do use it at home. I used some of the hospital toiletries, so I only used some I packed. My breasts hadn’t started leaking then, so I didn’t need the breast pads I packed as well.
Best of all as seveal moms had told me the hospital even gave us things to take home including for him including some wipes, diapers and syringe bulb for clearing out a stuffed up nose.
~ Danielle
Over 40 First Time Mom 