Pregnancy

You're going to a hospital... not Siberia!

Rest assured, if there's anything you truly need, you will be able to get it from the gift shop or a nearby store.

Focus on what's important:  your health and the baby.  That's all that matters.

It does help to interview friends who have delivered at the same hospital.  Each facility offers different levels of service, different products, and has different procedures.

You might want to reconsider packing some of these items:

Special nightgowns, underwear, and pads.

Here's why you'll need less of your own clothes than you think.

Nursing pads, creams, and pumps.

You'll receive a whole bag of free samples at the hospital, from Lansinoh to nipple shields to nursing pads. 

Not only that, but you're not likely to leak anything in the first 2 days since your body is still producing more colustrum than milk.  Should you need extra nursing supplies, most hospitals have breast pumps available for rent and a lactation consultant who will show you how to use them.

Your own diapers and baby clothes.

Included in your hospital stay are the diapers and tiny little infant wrap shirts.  Use them! 

You'll only need a special going-away outfit (or 2) for photos, and enough diapers to last you on the way there.

Special blankets.

One is good for photos, but not for everyday hospital use.  Most hospital rooms include a stack of freshly laundered flannel blankets perfectly sized for newborns.  They are great for swaddling the way the hospital recommends.

Too many snacks.

My hospital offered a free, fully furnished refrigerator for families, with juice, sodas, crackers, and energy bars.  There was also a coffee bar downstairs and 3 fast food restaurants a block away.

On my last OB visit I noticed Quizno's Subs in the elevator.  The delivery person gave me a menu and let me know they offer free delivery for orders over $8.  Would it be easier to pack a couple of menus instead of a grocery bag?

Special lotions and toiletries for Mom.

New babies can have sensory overload.  It's best for nursing if they smell you, not artificial scents.

Many books, journals, and magazines.

I brought everything I needed to keep my mind occupied, but I ended up cluttering my nightstand instead. 

Your laptop and/or cell phone.

Check your hospital's policy before admission.  What good is a laptop if there's no free wifi? 

You may want to let your partner tote the cell phone (including picture sending responsibility).  After all, who wants a rude awakening just when you've finally dozed off to sleep?

I hope these tips -- learned from my own overpacking experience -- will help you! 

If you packed something that you absolutely didn't need, tell us in the comments below.