To be clear, this is not really stealing. You’re technically paying for this stuff as part of your hospital stay. I’ve been told by my nurses to take certain items, and I’ve asked my nurses for additional items to take home. Sometimes though, I have hidden “essentials” just to have backups at home.

During my hospital stays in the past for my pregnancies and births I made a list of supplies I wanted to round up before I went home. The morning I was going to be discharged, I’d ask my nurse if I could have some extra things to take home. Usually they will oblige, again remember the nurses are there to help you in any way they can.

Let’s start with the female personal care items. “TAKE THE MESH UNDIES, ALL THE MESH UNDIES!” They really are quite nice so don’t fear the mesh undies. Embrace them. You can wash these but to be honest I just toss them. After about a day at home anyways my bleeding is minimal so I just like the big pads! If you can, snag a couple packages of the gigantic monster pads, a peri bottle (very helpful for cleaning in between showers), and two packages of disposable wash cloths.

I’ve never had one in the hospital but if this new hospital has it I’m definitely going for it. Ask for an abdominal binder. Whether you have a vaginal birth or C-section. Seriously, this thing is wonderful. Your belly feels so weird after being stretched to the max for months and then deflated like a balloon. The binder helps give support and sucks everything back in. If your hospital doesn’t offer one you can get one of the fancy, expensive ones or just buy a belt from the health and fitness section at your local Wal-Mart or Target. They work just as well.

Now on to the baby stuff. I’m just going to list everything:

• small tub (they usually have one or two in your room) 
• diapers 
• wipes 
• pacifiers 
• formula 
• bulb syringes 

If you are breast-feeding you can ask for some extra accessories if needed. Lactation consultants will usually give you a bag of stuff to take home. If yours doesn’t automatically give you things, ask for them. Remember, it never hurts to ask.

While not on the topic of stuff, here are some other things I’ve learned while in the hospital:

1. You’ll forget about being self-conscious. I’ve never been nude or semi-nude in front of so many people in my entire life. I also never had so many people touch me in so many places in my entire life. I got over myself and any body-conscious feelings I had very quickly. It helps to think that this is their job and they see naked people all the time so you’re just another naked person. Or that’s at least that’s what I hope medical professionals think.
2. Accept your nurses’ help. They’re there to help and care for you. Let them.
3. Speaking of nurses’ help, don’t feel bad sending your baby to the nursery so you can get some rest.
4. Keep in mind that the pain won’t last. The pain is only temporary, well, at least for most people. It’s a few days of pain and discomfort, and then it gets better. And when it’s all over you have an amazing prize; your beautiful baby.

There you have it. I hope some of you found this post to be insightful and helpful.  Are there any items that I'm missing or maybe you have one you couldn't live without that I want to try for this pregnancy!