Let’s be honest, staying in a hospital for a few days to have your baby is nothing like staying in a hotel. Yes, you get your fair share of room service, but its at all hours of the night and for un-fun activities, like uterine massages (they sound much nicer than they really are- trust me). Most women can’t wait to get out and return to their comfy home and their own bed, but before you rush out those doors make sure you take your hospital “freebies” with you. When we were preparing to leave the hospital, a good friend of mine told me to scour the room for stuff to take home and I was shocked! I didn’t know that I could take anything with me, but am so glad to shared that nugget of wisdom with me. All hospitals run a little differently, but most items that are in your room can’t be re-used with another patient anyways so leave no pad behind! Another piece of great advice is to ask your nurses for additional items of things you think you’ll need. It never hurts to ask! We’ve put together a great list of mom and baby items that you don’t want to leave.
1. Diapers & Wipes
Even if your hospital uses a different brand than you plan on using, take all the diapers and wipes with you. Your newborn will go through diapers like they are going out of style. Remember, you already “paid” for them (or you will when your hospital bill arrives) and there’s no sense letting perfectly good diapers go to waste.
Source: Amazon
2. Mesh Underwear, Pads, Peri Bottle, Tucks & Dermoplast (aka Pain Relieving Spray)
The days after you give birth are, well, messy. You need to take a little bit more time in the bathroom taking care of yourself than you probably have in the last 9 months. The hospital has the best postpartum supplies and you’ll want to ask for as many extras as they will provide you. Ask for additional pain relieving items like witch hazel cooling pads, pain relieving spray, and those gorgeous mesh underwear and giant pads. Trust me, you can’t find pads like those in the store. A good idea is to ask your nurse for a few extra each day so you can get your own “stockpile” going, if you are afraid of asking for a huge pile upon leaving.
Source: Amazon
3. Bulb Syringes
Yes, you can buy those little nose suckers at the store, but there’s probably at least 2 already floating around your room. Bulb syringes aren’t just for boogers but are great if your baby is spitting up as well. Once your baby is older you can just throw them away or in the bath to be used for a unique squirting toy!
Source: Amazon
4. Breast Pump Supplies
At some point during your stay you may end up using a hospital breast pump. You will get a new (and free!) breast shield, bottle, valve and phalange that is usually compatible with individual breast pumps of the same brand. Take them all home! It will save you from standing in front of the sink incessantly sanitizing your pump accessories by having additional sets.