What's in My Hospital Bag: The Second Time Around

My hospital bag was pretty pathetic when I had Jay. I didn't pack any clothes for myself aside from the sweats and t-shirt I packed to come home in. I thought the hospital would have shampoo for me. Pretty sure my tooth brush didn't make it in there either. I really have no idea what I was thinking. I had a ton of things for Jay in there that weren't needed (diapers, 5 changes of clothes, nose sucker...) since the hospital provided all of that, and found myself every hour wishing I had packed things that didn't make it on the list.

This time around I'm going to be a lot more prepared. My hospital bag is already packed, minus the few things I'll throw in there on the way out the door (phone charger, tooth brush, camera etc...), and the list for those items is right next to my bed. Hopefully this time I'll find the hospital just a bit more pleasant since I'll have the things I need with me. 

Wallet: This might be a no brainer, but just make sure you have some cash, credit cards, your insurance card, and drivers license. When I delivered Jay they wouldn't let us out of the hospital without paying $400 first. We had no idea that was going to happen, but were glad we had our debit card on us!

Phone and Charger: This also may seem obvious but just don't forget it. Especially if you're getting induce since this will probably be your entertainment for your long hours in the hospital, and the means by which you'll contact family members.

Camera: Along with charger and memory cards. You're going to want all the pictures you can get those first couple days. Mainly to remember how cute they are when you get home and are overwhelmed and realizing you have no idea what you're doing ;)

Clothes: For some reason I thought I had to wear the hospital gown for the following 2 days after I gave birth. This is also my public apology to everyone who saw my boob the first day and a half when I didn't know the pocket in my hospital gown was actually a hole... and not a pocket. This time I'll be bringing some yoga pants, tank tops, and a bathrobe to wear while I'm in the hospital, and another outfit to wear for going home. 

Toiletries: Because if you don't bring your own, you'll be super upset and washing yourself from head to toe with a bottle of baby shampoo you found in your room. (This just reminded me to add body wash and my comb to my list of last minute things to pack!)

Journal: You'll want to write down everything while it's still fresh in your head. I tell a couple different stories on how Jay was born depending on the day, but mainly I just can't remember everything because I didn't write it down right away. Disclaimer: When I tell Jay's birth story I don't make up elaborate details, it just depends on what I can remember while telling it. Mainly he came 8 hours before my induction, I slept through most of labor and pushed for 20 minutes... there's not much to tell.

Things for Husband: Last time I don't think I packed a change of clothes for Derek. He had to go home and shower and change himself and then come back to me and Jay. This time Derek will be well equipped with a change of clothes, contacts, deodorant, and a blanket. The hospital didn't have a blanket for Derek the last time and he slept for two nights on a small couch using a car seat cover as a blanket. Poor guy. 

Things for Baby: This time around the only thing for baby that's going in the bag is a coming home outfit, a headband, and blanket I sewed a couple weeks ago. Considering our baby is going to be in the NICU for quite a while, the hospital is going to have everything she'll be needing.