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After watching thousands of patients have their baby in the hospital — today, I want to share 3 things that people don’t think to bring to the hospital, but will find very helpful if they do. You won’t see it on major hospital lists (and you can certainly live without them), but many patients find it useful!
In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Hilary — the curly head here at Pulling Curls®, but many of you also know me as The Pregnancy Nurse® — I’ve seen a LOT of hospital bags, including my own 3 pack, so I’m an expert on this one!
Portable fan
Every hospital is SO different. Some have absolutely great airflow and good A/C and some of them really struggle (especially here in Phoenix on really hot days). Having a portable fan can be a lifesaver. Now there are a few options:
💨 Do not discount a hand fan — these can often provide the best airflow, are super portable — and honestly your partner might admire you (and honestly — you deserve it!). I have certainly used various things to admire a patient in labor. 🙂
💨 You can also use a portable like this. These are great for short needs.
💨 But, my favorite is a chargeable like this. You can clip it to your sidebar and blow it directly into your face when you need it — leaving everyone else free to attend to other needs. Honestly, I like ours this way. I have taken it camping and cruising. It’s a handy thing to have on hand just in case.
Pro tip: SOME hospitals have small fans in the room — it’s smart to ask if that’s something they have and can provide, or if it would be smart to bring your own. I love a hospital tour!
These can be useful both in labor and after birth. You may often have something of a hot flush as your body tries to get rid of all the extra fluids you’ve been carrying and a fan can feel great!
Looking for more employment tips? — be sure to check out these posts:
Washable shoes
The hospital will (or should) provide some caught socks that you can wear as you walk from bed to your bathroom. The floor box they slide with all the liquids in the room (trust me) — Well, these are great. But honestly, they are cheap and I find they often stretch or twist on the patient’s feet.
They can be super annoying.
Also, as you get hot during labor (or postpartum), the idea of having something on your feet is NOT appealing to many people.
I’m a big fan of a pair of flip flops or clogs that you can wear to the toilet (and possibly the shower too).
Personally, cheap flip flops aren’t my favorite, and I’d still like the ones I’m not married to — so something thus it would be my choice.
What is important in footwear:
- They could get dirty – like really bromic. You’ll want something you can either throw away or clean with soap and water.
- Not wearing your favorite socks? Don’t bring them. I have thrown away more pairs of patient socks than I care to mention.
- Gravity is their enemy. Liquids just flow down and often land on slippers, socks, or whatever else you think is smart to bring — so check out #1 on this list.
Quite often I’ve had patients try to put on their outside shoes — it was just sad, so get some cheap flip-flops or crocs to put in your hospital bag.
Labor Movement Cards
Just like any great test — you arrive at the big moment and all of a sudden everything you ever knew about Shakespeare is just gone. You had all these ideas about how to move in labor and incorporate movement into your work — but you have no idea what they were, now that you’re gone.
This is why the labor movement cards are a win >> Just a few little reminders of ways you could move to help labor progress. I’m a big fan of them.
It is very easy to forget things that you KNOW are important when you enter the unfamiliar environment of the hospital. That’s why I love the little things!
Want to feel really ready for the big day? My online prenatal course for couples covers everything from what to pack to what to expect once you get there.
Don’t forget the important parts anymore because you’re doing them both on the same page and everything comes naturally!
What did he do? you to bring to the hospital that you loved? Tell us in the comments!
