My OB is a mom of a 1 and 2 year old and gave birth at my hospital. She gave me the tip of bringing a suitcase with all of our item in one bag (Divided by packing cubes). We definitely looked crazy but it was so much easier than juggling 3 different bags and going home I just chucked everything into that one bag.
My husband and I were able to do this with our stuff and most of the baby stuff with a carry-on size suitcase. I think we brought the diaper bag too although it wasn’t full. I’m glad we did because we ended up getting a lot of extra stuff from the hospital and also relatives who brought us gifts to the hospital.
Yup, only will have my carry on rolling suitcase that will have my stuff and extra clothes for my husband (cause he’s bringing his work backpack and not thinking he needs any spare clothes), the diaper bag that only has her going home clothes and two small burp rags for us to use to get the dogs used to her smell before meeting, and my breastfeeding pillow. Debating on taking my pump with me still - got 7 weeks til due date to decide.
@@P0e44 if you think about it 3 small bags (her, me, and my husband) were the size of one suitcase. It was sooo much easier. My child ended up being a NICU baby, so I actually ended up running out of things and used every last thing I brought with the exception of the announcement outfit because I couldn’t.
I didn’t bring a pillow the first time, and I will definitely be bringing one next time. I also had an electric blanket. It was so nice to have my own cozy blanket, and a few times I got really cold, so this saved me. Bringing my nursing pillow was essential too. A lot of people say that you can just use a lot of pillows, but my hospital was low on pillows. I was lucky to have two, and they’re not supportive. My arms hurt a lot postpartum, so I was so glad I brought my nursing pillow.
Electric blanket you are the mvp, after getting an epidural I thought I would be relaxing comfortably but I was shivering the whole time and so cold, I wish I had that!
The most solid advice in this entire video is ZIPPERS only!!!! Do not go with a long pants outfit full of snaps or buttons. My baby is 7 months and I’ve only put her in snap outfits that other people bought us and I was trying to be nice/take pictures.
I love supportive partners during this process, not judging you for ordering the pizza. This video is so helpful and reading all the comments has me emotional. I'm so excited!! I am about to pop with baby 3 but I still really needed this video. For me I don't remember the time at the hospital, or right before going to the hospital as much as I remember bringing the baby home. As soon as you have the baby you forget about everything and all the pain that you went through. Hence why I need these reminders
They didn’t mention what I thought were the most essential items for me when my LO was born - a white noise machine (to keep baby sleeping through the noises of the hospital), and a fan (for labor). I had a stroller fan clipped to the side of the bed while I was pushing and it was something I definitely needed throughout my labor.
I would add: if you do pack minimally that’s totally smart BUT I would have maybe packed a second replacement suitcase to leave at home just in case. I ended up in the hospital for ten days total because I had postpartum preeclampsia that they couldn’t get under control. I was SO sick of the clothes I had and everything smelled gross. I did send my mom/husband to bring me more stuff but of course it wasn’t exactly what I would’ve picked for myself.
I am planning on packing a "if I have to stay late, something goes wrong, end up with a C-section or if baby can't breastfeed" bag and just keeping it in the car so it's not cluttering the hospital room if I don't need it, but I have it "at" the hospital if I need it!!
What great timing! I'm almost 38 weeks, so my husband and I definitely need to have our bags on standby. I'm starting to see some early signs that labor is coming, so I need to get things washed, folded, and packed TODAY!
A l&d nurse told me to pack swim trunks for dad in case I want to labor in the shower so he can be in there supporting, massaging etc. "That way if we come in his junk isn't out" 😅
Make sure to bring a newborn size and premie size :) I didn't know my son would be so tiny and his newborn outfit was even too big on him!! Having a few different sizes is helpful.
Zippered outfits are great for baby, but snaps are amazing when in the NICU! Lots of wires and access needed and we thought snaps were the best for our little guy.
What about onesies with magnet closures, or the little kimono-style newborn outfits that close mostly with simple cloth ties? Snaps still don't seem like the optimal solution, given the amount of effort required and the level of exhaustion involved, if (or once) the baby is no longer in the NICU.
This video is right on time for me, I'm currently in the process of packing my own bag ^^ Fun to see the differences in American and Dutch requirements. We don't automatically get put in a hospital gown upon arrival when we choose to deliver in the hospital. So I do have to bring something to wear. And we are advised to bring two sets of babyclothing, in two different sizes, as our babies can apparently be slightly too big for the regular one-month-size at birth 😅
Thanks for the excellent list, I just packed my hospital bag for baby #3! I also added clear gatorade because I tend to get thirsty and need some extra energy during labor, and the hospital here restricts to clear liquids only. Also a wrap baby carrier because last time it was a life saver when I had to stay an extra day for monitoring and wanted to get up and walk around while keeping the little one warm and happy.
Baby nail clippers! Our first was born with talons in the hospital had no Clippers. Also we used Puck lights throughout the room including at the nurses station so that night there were no lights on.
This was helpful to see from an OB and a mom who knows well what the hospitals provide, and what essentials will make delivery a little more comfortable. Thank you! Almost 30 weeks with baby #2 but my firstborn was born almost 6 years ago so I have to relearn everything!
This video is right on time for me. Currently pregnant with baby #2 and we're due in August. Our eldest is almost 4, so It's been a while since I've packed hospital bags.
Absolutely agree for the silverettes. I didn't bother with any nippel cream and I was able to avoid cracked, dry, soreness, what have you. I will forever advocate for them. They are pricy but so with it.
Snacks and your favorite soft drink/juice are must haves. I had an emergency C-section a month ago and hemorrhaged. After I got out of the operating room, I was so thirsty I could drink a gallon of water straight up. When the nurse gave me the OK to drink water and juice, I could only get a small bottle of juice from her and ordered a couple of more cups from food service. I wish I brought a big bottle since my husband couldn’t leave and buy one until the second day we were there.
My Boopy breastfeeding pillow was a game changer. I had not taken it with me to the hospital but made my husband go home to pick it up. After an emergency c-section, it was essential to breastfeed comfortably.
I'm in South Africa and due in February. My hospital gave me a packing list - and boy, it is not light. We have to pack two packs of linen savers, two packs of maternity pads, 6-8 baby outfits plus vests, hats, socks and mittens, all baby toiletries and wipes and spirits, all toiletries for mom including wash cloths... oh, and diapers. We also have to split the bag to put more of certain items at the top for easy access by the nurses. I was dumbfounded at the amount of stuff I had to pack, and I haven't even added a pillow for me yet. I've decided to take some of the stuff out and have husband keep it in the car.
I am South African but gave birth in the states, all I had to bring were baby take home clothes, car seat, my toiletries and my going home clothes, everything was provided for baby
@@chantellsenekal2641 I'm booked into a Netcare (Unitas). Our closest hospital is a Mediclinic, and my dr used to practice there, so it used to be an option for the confinement. I have their list as well, and it is definitely a bit shorter/fewer things.
Hi guys! Watching you from England UK and I'm very happy to know that I'm receiving an open&honest feedback about pregnancy in general from truly specialists not just random people......love this video about packing 🧳. I'm due in 2 months ( first baby) and I like to be prepared.Your overall videos, especially the 24 hours post-partum it's been so helpful to set up my expectations.I love how open and amazing you complete each other 🤗. Stay blessed 🙏❤️!
We packed everything (including pillows and blanket) in one huge suitcase so all dad has to carry is one suitcase and a car seat. We also pack a sound machine/night light combo.
I ended up being in the hospital for 6 days due to my baby having jaundice. I packed crazy light because of everything I heard! We both ran out of clothes and after 3 days, the hospital stopped providing me with towels and pads 🤯 but didn’t want us to leave because of covid. It was a horrible experience. Next time I’m bringing a damn suitcase with everything I’ll need to be comfortable just in case.
The only thing I would add is a hands-free pumping bra! And possibly a cover. I had to pump some with my first and I wish I realized how much a pumping bra can be a lifesaver for not having to hold the flanges on the whole time, and a cover so when people walk in at all hours of the day you can cover up if pumping.
You guys helped me out so much. Ive been other “hospital bag” videos and those chicks were starting to stress me out. Their hospital bag list was looong and seemed expensive but you guys helped really did help bring back to reality. Thanks
due at the beginning of March…i love your guys’ videos!!! especially the hospital bag videos, it has been so so helpful when packing for me, my husband, and our baby boy!❤
Just a quick tip for breastfeeding baby number two and beyond, the abdominal cramping is insanely intense!! It is more painful and it lasts longer!! Congratulations!!
Always nice to watch these videos, specially as a first time mom that’s almost there and still working on my bags. I heard other people (nurses in Yt) mention to bring the boppy for breastfeeding. Also snacks and drinks for after (can’t always trust dad with all of that). Thanks for sharing!
I find it fascinating how different rules are applied in different countries. Here in Sweden they actually want the mom to keep the energy high throughout the process so they encourage having a favourite snack with you, and there is always someone who can fix a sandwich in the middle of the night.
I think it's mostly a holdover from the days when C-sections were done under general anaesthesia, because there is a small risk of aspiration. But most people just have a spinal block, these days, so it's a really rare circumstance in an extremely unlikely situation. I've heard that [the rules are] starting to change, but American doctors can be *very* conservative in their practices. [Edits bracketed.]
especially after a long labor. I couldn't eat for 29 hours of labor in hospital, and I hadn't eaten before because I didn't know I wouldn't be allowed to, so I went 36hrs without food.
I'm definitely bringing my own pillow or two the second time around! My neck hurt so bad when I was lying on my side in the bed after getting my epidural!! Also, I'm going to bring a premie outfit in case my second baby is also on the smaller side. My 1st was only 6lbs 5 oz and the newborn outfit was too big on her.
I would add bringing a pumping bra just in case! If you need to be separated from baby, baby needs to go to the NICU, some other issue where you need to start pumping … my little one unexpectedly went to the NICU and while the wonderful staff helped me create a pumping bra out of a belly band, the real thing was so much better. I also think having a pair of moccasins/sandals/slip-ons that mama can step into on her own without help (even if you have an unplanned c-section) and wear out to the car or public areas of the hospital or down the hall even … clutch.
This is so wild to watch from Canada. They dont give you anything and when they do they act like its a huge favour. My sisters partner was sent out for formula the day the baby was born. Bought the wrong stuff three times, had no way to warm a bottle in the hospital room. Lactation consultant was a joke when she finally showed up two days later. It was an actual fking nightmare.
That’s socialized medicine for you. “But it’s “free”!”… yeah, but it’s also shitty. The more socialized our medicine becomes here the states the crappier the care becomes.
There are a few things I have debated taking so I'm planning to pack them separately and leave them in the car so they are easy access if needed, but I can avoid taking too much into the hospital.
More than one going home outfit would also be ideal if you don't know what size your baby will be. You can have one Premium Outlet one newborn outfit or one newborn outfit and one zero to three month outfit if you tend to have a bigger babies
My first child I went to the hospital with nothing because my husband said we're just coming back. That wasn't the case lol Really they take care of you, so this list is perfect.
I already had my baby last month, why did I still want to watch this? 😂 Joggers are seriously the best. I was thinking if I would bring anything more than what I brought, I would bring a few sets of nursing pads. Though I guess the milk supply isn't in yet that early...just something softer than the bras.
I had my baby last month and I wish I'd had a sleep eye mask! The computer in both the labor and delivery room as well as the recovery room had a screensaver that the image changed every ~20 seconds. Some images were light and others were dark so the level of light in the room was changing ~20 seconds which made it really hard to sleep during the short periods of time I could rest.
I will say I’m taking my own panties, pads, and depends with because the hospital mesh undies only covered half my plus size butt and that was not comfortable lol! I was so greatful I packed my depends last pregnancy.
A question to potentially address in a Sunday Q&A: what are your thoughts on circumcision? Pros and cons? Due with a baby boy in March and going back and forth. Thanks!
The rest of the world finds this sort of thing horrifying. To us, it is like cutting off finger tips incase they don't grow up to keep their nails clean.
Husband and I are for circumcision... and my husband REMEMBERS his! He was around 6 years old with no anesthesia. If we have a boy, we will do it before baby is 1 and will have anesthesia. It's cleaner, healthier and safe when done correctly. It is also part of tradition, culture and religion around the world.
It's a holdover from when women would get C-sections under general anaesthesia. There's a (very low) risk of aspiration. But people almost always are awake for C-sections, now. I have heard that it's starting to change, little by little. I still have to check, with my hospital. But American doctors can be *very* slow to change the way they've "always" done things.
I’d add lidocaine spray and pericare/incontinence pads/hot-cold compresses to the list (I know you mentioned that they have them in the hospital, but I’ve seen the ones we give our patients and they’re extremely flimsy.
I had my second before covid and the hospital provided so much stuff. I had my third in mid 2021 and the hospital didn't provide 25% of the stuff they did with my second. This time around I'm just taking all my stuff with me peri bottle, ice pads, Always underwear, etc. I'm not taking any chances.
I have a question for you doctors… how do you feel about the infant head supports you can buy for their car seats? I have been told not to buy them but I noticed it kept babies head more stable.
I brought nursing tanks as well (but not the ones with removable pads) and a cardigan so that after I changed I could wear the tank and have easy access to my boobs, but also a cardigan thats easy to take on and off as I get hot/cold. Best idea I had lol
I'm currently 35 weeks and Im only taking one suitcase with wheels for husband and me and the baby's bag so I can pack it with the extra things they give me at the hospital plus bring her cute leaving hospital outfit (in two sizes since shes coming out at 37 weeks) and birth announcement plate. We just dragging those wheels, we are only carrying the baby haha. I also have a toiletry bag inside with things for husband and me. Im not taking shampoo, conditioner etc. Im not washing my hair at the hospital. I will be fine.
My baby was on the smaller side and the diapers were falling off! Had to send my mom to the store down the road for some newborn diapers 😅 I'll probably pack a few of those next time just in case.
I didn't change out of my hospital gown until after baby was born then I was able to put on my own clean comfy jammies plan on bringing them same jammies when I go have baby #2 im high risk for preeclampsia so I'm 2 weeks away from the 3rd trimester where high blood pressure started to creep up but had no other symptoms of preeclampsia so mama over here is nesting early I'm not due until March but I am wanting to get everything ready for baby boys bag early just in case I might pack my bag early cause the jammies I wanna wear while in the hospital for a couple of days after giving birth I don't wear them now so next week I'll be trying to buy Christmas gifts and baby boys clothes and essentials he needs I also was induced at 33 weeks with my 1 year old daughter so this mama anxious and wants to be extra prepared with my bag ready and babies bag ready
My hospital supplies everything for me but almost nothing for the baby! It’s super odd they gave us a couple diapers, a small package of wipes, the little hat & one Velcro swaddle. I had to ask for a blanket 😂 they also had a tshirt but they were 3 months size & my babies are usually smaller than that so I can’t use that either! Another odd thing was I was expecting to have somebody double check how I had the baby buckled but nobody did that & then when I was going to my car, they didn’t even check the base or even ask about it. That was also weird because my sister gave birth 15 days later down the road and they had a complete opposite experience
Hi Drs. Bjorkman! Amazing useful videos! I am currently preparing to become a first time mom through IVF, im in all the pre-conceptional preparation (vitamins and stuff).. as part of this im quitting smoking and i found there is not much information regarding how long should one stop smoking for each risk, there is information about how its best to quit 1 year prior to pregnancy and how after quitting for 3 months most couples regain their fertility. However i could not find any information, regarding how long it takes to recover your "baseline" risk in issues like SIDS, low birth weight, etc. This is really making me nervous, what if i dont quit long enough and my baby has SIDS and its my fault!! (I know, dramatic future momma brain). By any chance do you have that data?
From my experience and what I've heard from others the answer is yes. But all hospitals are different so I would just ask what their protocol is on that.
I had my baby in New Zealand and after the birth they told us they don't even supply diapers and wet wipes. So my husband ran to the next supermarket and had to buy all the baby might need 😂
I would have loved one. Do take one. My arms got tired trying to support the baby all the while learning how to get baby to latch. My back/shoulder muscles ached from the strain which caused even more problems with breast feeding. Packing cubes or ziplock bags with clothes in them. Something to put dirty laundry in. Great video!
I'd pack it but you might not need it. Mine never left our car because my hospital provided me with so many pillows that I was able to use a bunch of pillows they provided me to support my baby while working on figuring out our latch.
I didn't pack it and ended up having my mom bring it up when she visited. You could use the hospital pillows but I found them uncomfortable and they didn't provide enough support
I’m so conflicted on the pillow lol. I think in their first video they said keep the pillow at home because it will get nasty! But now I’m the second video have the pillow!
I recently tried out a new type of pillow, and my first attempt was comfortable, but just a *bit* too thick for longterm use. It's what I'm packing for the hospital. We're inducing (because I have cholestasis), so I'll want a good night's sleep *before* the labor, too (since they're ripening my cervix overnight).
The most important things for the hospital for me were my eye mask and a robe. Absolutely essential to make naps comfy. I had a c section, so the other necessity was comfy slippers that fit my swollen feet.
It’s not a big deal to pack too many baby clothes in my opinion since they’re so tiny. I only brought one with me but I ended up having to stay several days due to complications and so my husband had to run home to get more clothes since I was still learning that boys will pee the second you open the diaper 😅 he soaked me and him on many occasions
Things I didnt bring first time but will if I ever do this again: Magic bag. Wrecked my upperback/neck during labor (when the OB did a manual stretch of cervix, while I was not receiving any pain management yet, without telling me this was gonna hurt like ****) and I spent 4 days agonizing and begging the staff for something to help with that but the only thing they cared about was my stomach, how much I was bleeding, and if I was passing gas. NVM that the neck pain was so intense I couldn't breastfeed properly. Terrible experience. As for anything "the hospital will provide" sure but if you are in the states, at what cost?! Heard it's 15k-30k to have a baby in hospital, what the heck? Glad I am Canadian.
One thing for baby is socks 😂 Hospitals don’t have socks for babies (at least not in Germany) and those tiny feet are always getting lost in those onesies 😃
Hello Doctor. I am due for delivery in March last week. Thankyou for the detailed video on Hospital Bag. It was indeed very helpful. I just have a query that should I carry Breast Pump and the feeding bottles and bottle sterilizer too as I have a scheduled C-Section. Thankyou & Regards!!
My daughter is having a scheduled C-section next week. She asked her OB and she said the hospital has all of that, but you might want to ask your personal OB or ask the hospital you are delivering at to be certain.
I was told by my midwife just put something in a group basket so there's enough for everyone. Options: coffee or energy drinks, liquid IV or water flavor packs, easy snacks, badge personalizers, pens, hairbands, gum, etc.