Some of you think I am an overpacker, and, yes, I would agree with you. However, I do not like to be without my conveniences, especially when I am not home and in a recovery mode. I want those creature comforts that feel like home and make being away from my home a little easier. Here are the most useful items and what I packed for the hospital stay.
Rechargeable Tap Light
Y’all know how much I adore the rechargeable lamps; I’ve amassed quite the collection now because I use them tailgating, entertaining, in our bathrooms, pretty much everywhere. I packed two for the hospital. I used one lamp on my bedside table and one lamp on the sink that was right when you walked in the door. The nurses loved them, too! When people are coming in at all hours of the night to check on you and get vitals, this was so nice to have the nurses tap this on and not the harsh overhead lights.
I took this kind of lamp that has a button on top and only displays light from the bottom of the shade. I knew we only needed a little light and this was nice. I have also used this at home on my bedside when I need to take a quick peek at the baby and be sure he’s good. The downlight is just enough to see without disrupting others sleeping in the room (aka hubby).
Bedside Tray
I keep this tray packed in my travel bag. I love having a bedside tray when I am anywhere that is not home. At the minimum, I keep my lip balm and flat hair claw in the tray. I also toss my little earrings in it, too. I like that this has my initials in a bright color so that I can see it and remember to pack the tray when leaving.
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Clipboard and Pen
A clipboard is very unusual but gosh was it handy! They gave us sooo many papers in the hospital. The clipboard was great at keeping them all together. We also had to record the feedings and diapers of the baby and it was nice to have a hard surface to bear down on because there was not much available surface space in the hospital room. I grabbed this at the last minute at the suggestion of a friend, but if I had time to think more about it, I would have grabbed this clipboard that opens up to stash papers.
My Pillow and Pillowcase
I can’t sleep without my pillow; I take it anytime I travel. It was a nice comfort in the hospital especially since the hospital bed is so uncomfortable. I would suggest putting a colored pillowcase on it so you doesn’t blend with the all white linens from the hospitals. If I had thought ahead, I would have had one embroidered with a bible verse to encourage me through the labor process. That would be a great gift!
Pillbox
Different hospitals are going to have different rules on this so check with your doctors first, but I was allowed to bring in my usual medications and take them. Some hospitals require they dispense them to you, but as my nurses tried to dispense the ibuprofen and acetaminophen, I was able to tell them I brought my own. I’m sure this saved us money by not paying for their higher priced basic drugs. The pillbox was handy because I was able to share with them what meds I take daily and at what times and then I was able to add in the pain meds and stool softeners and all other stuff they suggested.
Use DIXON20 on these cute pillboxes!
Pajama Sets
I could not stand wearing the hospital gown. I had thought about purchasing a special labor and delivery gown, but then I couldn’t justify spending the money on something to wear one time that I wouldn’t wear again. I kinda wish I had purchased one or at least asked for a different gown. The hospital gowns were so old and the ties were a bit worn out and wouldn’t stay tied. While in labor at the point I could still walk around, I did not like that the gown was down to my calves, but then having those cords and attachments at my stomach and coming out the bottom near my ankels. It was hard to walk around and go to the bathroom with that.
I felt so much more myself when I was able to shower and put on my own robe and nightgown set. After delivery, they put a fresh hospital gown on me and I was too tired and too out of it to even ask my husband to grab one of the sets I packed. Next time, before the pushing begins, I will have him pull that out of our luggage and be ready to go. It wasn’t until the next morning that I was able to shower and put on my own robe and nightgown set. I felt like a new woman. I just feel better when I am in an outfit. Scroll to see the ones I packed and what I have been loving while recuperating at home, too.
Our Own Blanket
I did not need an additional blanket because…hormones, but my husband nearly froze in the hospital room. The air vents were directly over his futon/sofa/sleeping situation and he was so cold. He even went home and got a sweatshirt! I would take your own blanket because you never know how cold it will be.
Water Bottle or Tumbler
Staying hydrated in any type of procedure is important and I was so glad to have my own tumbler with water and I was especially thankful to have one with a straw. There were times my hubby would bring my water to me and hold it for me to sip out of; the straw is crucial. I love this big 40 oz tumbler (it’s a very similar to a name brand, but less expensive). It holds a lot; we have nicknamed “the big gulp.” LOL.
Organized Travel Compartments
Because I had an epidural and couldn’t walk and was really uncomfortable afterwards, my hubby was so dear and waited on me so well. It was so nice to have things organized so I could say “hand me the green bag with my blue initials,” or “will you get the baby’s swaddle out of the Bitty Green Co bag? It’s labeled on the outside,” or “will you get my packing cube labeled with nursing bras?” This was so much better than him digging around our luggage, taking everything out to find one thing, and getting frustrated over searching for it when we were already exhausted from being up all night. Even the nurses commented on how organized and handy the Bitty Green Co bag is!
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Ear Plugs
This is a recommendation from my hubby, ha! Before I got the epidural, I was moaning through those contractions. I honestly had no idea I was being loud with them. I recall it being bad in the wee hours of the morning. Hubby said he put in ear plugs so he could sleep. He could hear me if anything got bad or if I truly needed him, but the ear plugs muffled all the hospital sounds and me so he could get some sleep. Someone out to get sleep in this process!
Extra Long Charging Cord
So many people suggested bringing an extra long charging cord and I’m so glad we packed this one. It’s a 3 pack; each cord is 10 feet long and it’s a lightning charger so it charges faster. This charger was excellent because the outlets are no where near your bed in the hospital.
Flat Hair Claw
Having my hair pulled up is a must! I love the flat hair claw. Even while in labor and then falling back from exhaustion, this did not hurt my head. A must have for laying on your hair while it’s pulled back.
What essential, but not typical items, do you pack for hospital stays or any other type of travel?
