Goods to Take FROM the Hospital

I want to start this post by saying that everything you are given in the hospital is paid for by your insurance so it's not stealing.  Some of it will be charged to your account even if you don't use it because once something disposable is in your room, it's an infection control issue to let other patients use it.  This includes unused diapers and formula (a fact I wish I had known when Princess was admitted).

For Mommy:

• For the pumping/breastfeeding mommy - take all the breastfeeding supplies you are given.  I only pumped for two weeks but my lactation consultant gave me an extra set of supplies to keep in the NICU and special extra large flanges (I wouldn't consider myself busty but your nipples blow up when you are breastfeeding - fact).
• Bath basin - I took two, one to soak my pumping supplies and one to soak our bottles once Princess came home (see my post on washing bottles for more info on this).  They are perfectly sized for soaking these items.
• Perineal ice pack or what I call "vagina ice" - these feel great on your sore vagina! I didn't have any tears but I imagine they also feel great for mommies who suffer from tears.  I asked for more before I was discharged so I could continue icing at home.  I loved my vagina ice during recovery and HIGHLY RECOMMEND taking as much of it as you can before you are discharged.
• Pads - the hospital pads are ridiculously large but SUPER absorbent.  They will save your panties when you get home.
• Any other items used to help you recover

Perfect picture taken from another Mom's blog "Ten Things to Swipe from the Hospital"

For Baby:
     - I would have your partner, mother, friend, or whoever is helping you out stash this stuff each time they leave.

• Diapers
• Formula (if applicable)
• Bulb syringe - the hospital one is better than the one I bought at the store. If you are paranoid about choking like I am you will want one in every room of the house. The NICU had to change her syringe every week so I always just took it home instead of having them throw it out so I could accommodate my neurosis ;).
• Receiving blankets - these were recommended by my NICU to take home for swaddle baths.  I also used to bring home Princess's old hospital blankets for her puppy brother to get used to her smell before she came home.
• Any baby hygiene supplies - the NICU provided us a brush, comb, bath wash, and baby oil

Baby stuff is expensive so you should stock up on this "free" stuff while you can.  Happy saving mommies!