My hospital bags are packed, and I’m ready to go! I’ve always been a last-minute packer. I’m the type of person that will throw a bag together an hour before heading to the airport. When it comes to labor, I do not want to scram around trying to throw things together. My goal was to have everything packed away and placed by the door at the 37-week mark. Even my husband has his bags packed and ready to go, but that’s expected because he’s always prepared. He’s the person that packs 48-hours in advance.
*I have edited this post since giving birth!
I have learned a lot from watching “what I packed in my hospital bag” videos on YouTube and reading some of your comments here on the blog. They have been so helpful when it comes to putting my bags together. I know every labor and delivery experience is different, and some people find things more necessary than others. Some people make it to the hospital just in time to have the baby without any bags and still are completely fine! I don’t know why there is so much stress when packing a hospital bag, but the anxiety of not having everything you want with you is real. During our labor and delivery class at the hospital, our instructor gave us a list of items to bring for mom, dad, and baby. She also said that the hospital would provide you with so many essentials.
What I packed in my hospital bag
Today, I’m sharing everything I’m packing in my hospital bags. I will come back and update this blog after giving birth with things I used and which items I didn’t use. But just because there is something I used or didn’t use doesn’t mean you won’t need or want it. I used the guide my hospital gave me and the help from others. If there is any item you believe I’m missing that you loved, let me know in the comments!
Hospital Bags
Mama Bag
When I saw the “Mama Bag” on Amazon, I had to get it! It was under $20, and I thought it would be a perfect-sized bag for the hospital to keep snacks, electronics, and the miscellaneous stuff. If you have to get a gift for an expecting mama, this would be an adorable bag to include.
Diy Baby Bag
For some crazy reason, I felt like making my baby their little hospital bag. I purchased some iron-on stickers from Hobby Lobby and added them to a purple tote. I used this bag for all of their essentials, and it has room for additional products the hospital provides for them. I felt like they needed an official hospital bag as well.
Belly & Bag Baby Bodly Hospital Bag
The perfect way to cut all of the packing and shopping in half. I’ll talk more about the Baby Bodly bag towards the end of the blog, but what a time saver this was!
Baby Things & Mommy Things Bag
After purchasing the “Mama Bag,” the baby things and mommy things bags popped up on my recommendations. Of course, I fell in love with them and had to get them. They were under $12, and I figured I could use them for the years to come! I love the quality of them. I put the baby’s little mittens, hat, and socks into theirs. I put my phone charger, earphones, and USB chord in mine.
When to Pack Your Hospital Bag
This is totally up to you! I usually follow what my apps tell me to do regarding my pregnancy timeline. I wanted all of my bags to be packed by 37 weeks. I was born just before 36-weeks, so you never know when the baby will arrive! Once 37 weeks gets here, and you’re in the final stretch, moving around and packing gets harder. I also am ready to go if anything happens before my 40-week mark. You should start getting those bags put together towards the end of your third trimester! You can even put some items on your baby shower registry to help get things rolling.
Hospital Bag Clothing for Mom:
I am packing clothes for coming home, clothes to change into after giving birth, and an extra pair of pajamas if the stay is more extended than expected. With the weather being warmer in May, I didn’t know what to pack when it came to shorts or pants, so I did a mixture of both. I made sure to pack the softest, breastfeeding-friendly, and non-restrictive clothing I could find. It may seem like a lot to some, but I still feel it’s not enough. I know I’ll be in the hospital gown they provide most of the time, so that can help limit the clothing. Some people prefer to purchase their hospital gowns, but I didn’t want to get too carried away. Let me know if you wore the hospitals or brought your own, and if I should reconsider!
Super High Waisted Silky Jersey Shorts
I have been living in these shorts my entire third trimester. I purchased them at the Express Outlet store in a few colors, and they are the most amazing shorts I’ve ever worn. I plan to pick out a few smaller sizes for postpartum. Did not use
Maternity Leggings
Over the belly maternity leggings have been my best friend since my second trimester when clothing started to get a little snug. This brand is incredible for the price. They feel like my Lululemon leggings and have managed to last throughout my entire pregnancy. I think they’ll be perfect for holding things in and making me feel comfortable for the ride home. So many were telling me it’s good to have comfortable leggings but ones that help hold everything together after birth. I purchased these in four different colors and have worn them every single day. Wore these on the way home.
Cozy Ribbed Sweater
I’m not sure if I’ll need this, but it’s cozy and soft! I figured it might be an excellent cardigan to have to go over a tank top or t-shirt.
Silky Jersey Tee Shirt
These Jersey Tee Shirts go with the high wasted silky jersey shorts as a set, and they are just as soft! I plan to wear them forever! Used
Nursing-friendly Nightgown
I’m not sure if I’ll use it, but I brought a comfortable nightgown that is nursing friendly. The material is so soft, and it buttons down in the front for nursing. I read that bringing a nightgown is a must just in case you have to heal from a c-section. Did not use it, but used it as soon as I got home.
Nursing Bra
I should probably purchase more online, so I have them, but I found a super comfortable bra with great reviews, no back clasp (I can’t stand those!), and a great price on Amazon! Did not use it – I went braless for comfort.
Soft Robe
One of my sweet friends bought me the most comfortable robe to bring to the hospital. I’ve heard that the nurses are constantly coming in to check on you, and getting dressed and undressed is not comfortable while recovering after birth. She said she pretty much lived in underwear and the robe postpartum. I feel I’ll probably do the same, and it makes it easier to do skin-to-skin with the baby. Used
Oversized Sweatshirt
I figured an oversized sweatshirt for the ride home would be comfortable! Used
Loose Fitting Pajama Set
Again, I don’t know if I’ll use these, but I am bringing them in case we are there longer than expected. I made sure all the pajamas I purchased were easy for nursing since I’ll use them during my postpartum journey. I will most likely be living in them for the following weeks that we are home. Used
Postpartum Belly Band
So many people recommended bringing in a postpartum belly band because it feels weird when the baby is out of your uterus. They described it as mushy, and your organs are just hanging around, ready to go back into place. I laughed when someone told me that, but sign me up if a postpartum belly band helps keep everything together! I purchased one in a peach color; I can wear it for the following weeks under my clothing. I didn’t end up using this. I just wanted to be comfortable, and the belly band felt restricted.
Postpartum Frida Mom Disposable Brief Underwear
These were highly recommended! I bought a few boxes of the postpartum Frida Mom disposable brief underwear. I read that it feels good to hang around the house in these with padsicles and an oversized t-shirt. I know the hospital provides a lot of postpartum necessities, but I thought it would be nice to have these as a choice. I used these at home for postpartum recovery during week four and wore what the hospital provided. I had a lot of bleeding/fluid that required a huge pad, and it fits better with the hospital’s brief underwear. Once I got home, I switched to the large Always Discreet postpartum disposable underwear. You may want to bring a few of these to the hospital with you as well. The Always Discreet underwear worked so much better for postpartum recovery.
Vionic Sneakers
I’m bringing the most comfortable shoes that I own to go home in. I have purchased these shoes over three times in multiple colors because they are my absolute favorite. I wear them when I travel and all summer long. They are made with canvas and can be thrown into the washing machine. They slip right on, so you won’t have to do any shoe tying. Wore these to and from the hospital.
Headband
I am not a headband person, but this is a must for keeping hair out of my face during labor. Used
Socks with Grips –
I am bringing my fuzzy socks with grips to keep warm during labor and keep myself from sliding on the hospital floors. Everyone has said they are so slippery, and socks with grips are on most people’s hospital bag list. I LOVED having my warm fuzzy socks with me. As soon as I got the epidural, my feet were freezing.
Shower Shoes
I purchased some unisex shower shoes on Amazon for Kyle and me. They are great for post-birth showers to keep you from falling and to keep your feel clean! Did not use (but only because I didn’t shower at the hospital– read why here)
Memory Foam Slippers
I am bringing my favorite memory foam slippers for walking the halls during labor or for postpartum comfort. Used
Sleeping Eye Mask –
You can’t control all of the lights in the room, which will make it super hard to sleep. I found the most comfortable sleeping eye mask on Amazon and packed one for both of us! Used
Miscellaneous & Tech Items for Hospital Bag
Portable Fan
I’ve heard that the hospital rooms can be either super cold or hot! But during birth, you’ll want the fan on you! I bought a fan that can attach to the arms of the hospital bed. The best part about this fan is that it is wireless, and I can use it on the stroller in the summer. Used
Extra Long Cell Phone Chargers
You will want to have a phone charger that can reach your hospital bed. After an epidural, there’s no more getting up. Used
Laptop + USB cord to stream movies.
The hospital may have poor internet service, so pre-download the shows and movies you want to watch on your devices in advance. Did not use it/or bring it, but we brought the firestick to hook up to the T.V.
Cell Phones / White Noise
Instead of bringing a portable sound machine to the hospital, download a calming sleep app to listen with your headphones or download a sleep machine noise app that you can play on your phone. We use the white noise app every time we travel. Used
Wireless Earphones
I use my wireless headphones (the AirPods knockoffs) religiously. Make sure they’re charged up, and bring them with you! You may want to watch videos while your spouse is sound asleep, or it may help get you to fall asleep by listening to calming tunes or a podcast. I listen to a podcast to fall asleep every night. Used
Heating Pad –
I’ve been married to my heating pad this entire pregnancy. I put it on my back, and it helps take away my heartburn pain instantly! I hear it’s great to have with you during contractions. Did not bring it, but wish I would have!
Breast Pump for Lactation Consultant Session
I don’t plan to use my breast pump for a few weeks after giving birth, but the hospital provides a lactation consultant that can help navigate me when it comes to using the pumps and measuring for the right sizes! I’m seriously overwhelmed with pumping, so I’m glad they have someone there to help navigate it all. I purchased a pump through my insurance, so I hope it arrives in time! Did not bring it because it did not arrive in time.
Birth Plan
I don’t plan to have a plan, BUT there are a few things I’d like to happen if I can, and I’ll write those all down on a notecard to keep in my bag just in case. I think it has EPIDURAL in caps and in bold, which is about it. 😆
Gifts for Nurses
I know that some people make gift baskets for the labor and delivery nurses, but I think I’ll just order Crumbl cookies and pizza for them to share that evening! This was recommended by one of my good NP friends who works in the Nicu. I ordered Crumbl cookies instead of doing any gift baskets and they loved it!
Snacks For Hospital Bag
Sugar-Free Hard Candy
Our birthing instructor said that sucking on sugar-free hard candy is super helpful. She told me the sugar-free help you from having a dry mouth, so I went ahead and purchased some Jolly Ranchers! Did not use them, but we did eat the gummy bears postpartum 😉
Muscle Milk –
You can choose any kind of protein drink you want, but Muscle Milk is one of my favorites. I love how much protein it has, and it’s the perfect post-birth or even pre-birth protein source. The birthing instructor also recommended this. She said you’d be surprised that sometimes food is the last thing you want, but a quick protein source like Muscle Milk can help. Used
Trail Mix
Crackers
Lactation Cookies and Bars – Boobie Bars
Hydromom Electrolyte Drink Mix by Boobie
Prenatal Gummies
Trader Joe’s Snacks
Dried Mango
Unsalted Cashews
Figs
Yogurt –
We have a refrigerator in our room, so hopefully, I’ll have some fresh apples, yogurt, and other healthier options to bring with me before I leave!
You never know what your body may crave so you can bring some change for the vending machines, and your partner can even head down to the hospital cafeteria.
*packing snacks was a great idea. Kyle ended up eating so many of them during labor, and it was nice to have healthier options postpartum. I didn’t want anything heavy after labor and take the risk of getting sick.
Comfort Essentials for Hospital Bag
Pillow
I’m bringing an older pillow from home that I can just toss out when I’m done. Used! This was such a game-changer. The hospital pillows are like paper. I highly recommend bringing one or two pillows!
Cozy Blanket
I bought a heavy and cozy blanket at Homegoods to take with me. I read that the hospital blankets and pillows they provide are thin as paper. Used. Just like the pillow, it was so nice to have a warm cozy blanket. The hospital blankets are thin as sheets.
Nursing Pillow
I’m bringing my Boppy nursing pillow for breastfeeding, and the lactation consultant recommended it. Did not use.
Towel
They also said that the hospital’s towels are like sheets. I am bringing some older towels that I can toss out when I’m done. Did not use it, but if you plan to shower at the hospital, you’ll definitely want to bring one.
Water Bottle
I have not parted ways with my water bottle since getting pregnant. I drink about 140 fl oz of water each day. I’m even waking up to chug my water bottle in the middle of the night. I used to go days without craving water, but it’s all I have wanted since getting pregnant. I’ve heard it gets even worse when you’re nursing. Used
Exercise Ball
I thought hospitals provided these, but it was on our what to bring list from the hospital, so I purchased one and will just bring it in the box and have Kyle inflate it once we get to the hospital. I’ll leave my other one at home! It’ll be nice to have one for the downstairs and one for the upstairs when I get home. I remember my niece loved being bounced to sleep with the exercise ball. Did not bring and did not use.
Lavender Essential Oil Roll-On
You don’t want to bring a diffuser because the scents can carry into other rooms, and you’ll want to be sensitive to other patients. I plan to bring my lavender essential oil roll-on to put on my pillows and wrists for breathing. Used
What I packed for baby
Going Home Outfit
I wasn’t too picky about what they’d be going home in, especially since I won’t know the weather or the gender. I just bought a cozy white outfit and some zipper onesies for their comfort. It was good to have options because he didn’t fit a lot of the clothing!
Multiple Swaddles
My sister-in-law told me that the nurses come in to check the baby a lot, so you won’t want to keep dressing and undressing them. Keeping them in a swaddle helps make it easier for them and you. I brought about five swaddles for the baby. We also plan to take home the swaddles and let our dogs sniff them before introducing them to the baby. We will also put a dog toy with the baby as a gift to them from the baby. Highly recommend bringing zipper swaddles! I mentioned this in my labor blog, but you’ll get better sleep at night if they have a safe swaddle instead of being wrapped up. My sweet boy kept breaking out of the hospital swaddle.
Zipper Onesies
I bought several comfortable onesies for them to make changing in and out super easy! I also like that they’re soft and lightweight for the May weather. The Old Navy NEWBORN onesies fit the best.
Mittens –
I know that babies have super long nails, so I purchased some mittens for them to protect their faces from getting scratched. Used
Custom Swaddles With Our Boy/Girl Names!
I had an Etsy shop make some custom muslin swaddles with our boy name and girl name! This is going to be a fun way to announce the gender and name to our friends and family.
Baby Bodly so kindly gifted me with a packed hospital bag with all the carefully-sourced birthing essentials. This eliminated so much time purchasing products and putting shampoos and soaps into travel containers, and it helped me decide what to bring. It contained items I would have never thought of. This would be an incredible gift for someone expecting in your life. The bag is filled with essentials, and I plan to use it after birth as a diaper bag! It’s easy to clean, comes with a changing pad, and it’s so conventional. The bag has so much room for clothing and other essentials.
What the Baby Bodly Hospital Bag Has in it:
- Weekender Bag + Changing Pad
- Waterproof Toiletry Bag
- Grippy Socks
- Travel-size Shampoo + Conditioner + Body Moisturizer + Body Wash + Bath Bar
- Aluminum-free Deodorant
- Cotton Balls + Cotton Swabs + Mini Nail File + Shower Cap + Fillable Spray Bottle
- Organic Maxi Pads
- Bamboo Toothbrush + All-natural Toothpaste
- Hairbrush + Hair Ties
- Beeswax Lip Balm
- Facial Towelettes
- Honey Sticks
- Massage Ball
- Thank You Cards + Pen
- Disposable Bamboo Nursing Pads
- Organic Nipple Balm
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Universal Portable Phone Charger
- Flip-flop Shower Sandals
Extra Products I packed for my Hospital Bag
Burt’s Bees Lotion
This is one of the products I mentioned in my second-trimester blog. I cannot live without my nighttime Burt’s Bees facial moisturizer. Used
Hatch Mama Nipple + Lip Butter
I use this day and night! I plan to put this in my bag as well. Used
Burt’s Bees Facial Wipes
The Baby Bodly bag provided the facial cleaning Burt’s Bees wipes, so I also threw in the refreshing Burt’s Bees wipes! I love the coolness of the cucumber. Used
Hair Ties
One thing you never want to leave the house without! You can also donate items you don’t use to the hospital for other mamas. So if I bring an entire pack of hair ties and do not use them, I can donate them if I want! I think that’s a great idea. That’s why I don’t feel bad about overpacking. Used
Postpartum Healing Spray
The hospital will provide you with healing spray, but just in case, bring some! Used
Mascara
I haven’t worn makeup during my pregnancy. I can count the number of times I’ve worn makeup, and it’s on one hand! I put it on for my baby shower and some maternity pictures, and that’s about it. I don’t plan to bring my makeup to the hospital aside from my mascara and the foundation I put on my dark circles. Call me crazy, but I don’t want a glam shot after giving birth or feel the pressure of putting on makeup. But if makeup is your thing, bring it! No judgment at all. Used
Tarte Clay Foundation
I always use the clay foundation from Tarte. It goes on like butter, and I only apply it underneath my eyes to hide my dark circles. Used
The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist
The Baby Bodly bag provides the ultimate hospital bag checklist that includes your driver’s license, insurance cards, paperwork, a birthplace, and more!
Preparing for Postpartum At-Home
Not only should you be prepared for your hospital stay, but being prepared at home is a big one as well! You don’t need any added stress when bringing home the baby. I’ve been making sure our house stays spotless, our home is organized, all baby items are clean and put together, and I’ve created a little station upstairs to keep my postpartum necessities together. My mom will be staying at our house while we are at the hospital to take care of our dogs, and she is going to do some grocery shopping and meal prep while we are gone.
Disposable Underwear Highly recommend! I went through two packs.
Padsicles
Placed in the freezer!
Nursing Pads
Peri Bottle
Highly recommend bringing this to the hospital. It was much better than what the hospital provided.
Frida Mom Wipes
Nursing Nightgowns
Washed and placed at the front of my closet.
Nipple Frozen Gel Packs
I placed it in the freezer! I used these a ton the first few weeks but eventually, the pain goes away!
Water Bottle
Lactation Cookies
I love the How Sweet Eats recipe and will have a massive bag of them in my freezer ready to eat. I also have other location bars, snacks, and water bottles upstairs for the middle of the night feeding sessions.
I hope this hospital bag post helped you! I will come back to update this post in a month or so! If there is anything I’m forgetting, please let me know in the comments!
Questions for you!
- What was the number one thing you used in your hospital bag?
- Are you expecting? Have you packed your hospital bag?
- Is there anything I’m missing?
You should take a night light. So much softer than hospital lights for night feedings!! It was the best thing I brought along with my maternity pillow!
Good luck and congrats!!
Thanks for the suggestion, Marine! I’ll look for a portable one!
Hi Taralynn!
I’ve been following you way back when your blog was on Tumblr and I’m finally leaving a comment.. even though while I read your blog posts I’m constantly commenting out loud and my husband looks at me like I’m a lunatic 😂 Anyways one of the number one things that I’d recommend packing and I rarely see people suggesting is to bring a folder or binder!! There is SO much paperwork and important documents that they send home for baby and I just had to stuff it into my bag. Disorganization causes me anxiety so I wish that I came prepared to keep everything orderly! My other recommendation as odd as it sounds is eucalyptus oil.. I chose to get an epidural but I also wanted to make sure that I could move around as much as possible prior to that and I swear it helped ease the pain of contractions. Good luck with your birth and enjoy this special time that God is giving to you and Kyle. It truly is one of the best experiences that life has to offer.
I’m looking forward to your update already! I definitely overpacked for my first birth, and that was a c-section with a longer stay. You definitely packed a lot, but I’m convinced that’s a first time mom requirement 😉 I do find it strange that your hospital doesn’t provide exercise balls or nursing pillows, though! I had both at every hospital when I gave birth.
– special gown vs hospital gown… I had no choice for my c-section. And I just wore an oversized old t-shirt for my med-free birth. I wore the hospital gown for my epidural birth, and maybe it’s because I held out for the epidural until the last second – but I did not care one bit what I looked like or what I wore, and I’m immmmmmensely glad I didn’t have to wash a soiled-from-birth gown. I say there’s wiser ways to spend your money 🤷🏻♀️
– belly band – life saver after birth! Made me feel so much better. But I think if I could only bring one thing, it would be the grippy, cozy socks.
And what I learned most for my third birth was to pack the stuff I’d need for the hospital stay into a small suitcase, and the stuff I’d need for the birth and immediately after into a bag. Makes things a LOT easier.
– lol at the headband, I don’t remember that clearly, but I’m pretty sure I ripped anything and everything off my body and threw it across the room at some point 😂😂😂
– very very smart to value comfort over photographic value for both baby and yourself. I brought a way too elaborate going home outfit for my first, then I got smarter and just brought cozy, comfy zip-up onesies. BUT I will say that I very much cherished having maternity jeggings to wear the day after giving birth/to go home in. Made me feel good, and they were still very comfortable. PS I still sometimes buy and wear maternity jeggings because they are just the most comfortable pants in existence 😅
– not expecting, never expecting again, been there, done that 😉 were I forced to ever give birth again, though… big, bold, capital-letter epidural all the way, haha! I do cherish the experience of a completely med-free birth, but it’s not something I need to do again 😆
Sending all the good vibes for a wonderful birth experience for the three of you!
Hi, Nora!
Yes, probably a lot, but I’ve always been an over packer. I’d rather not use things than wish I had them. Actually, the hospitals list was a lot longer than what I even packed which surprised me. I thought it was crazy our hospital didn’t provide the exercise ball as well, but definitely going to bring mine!
You’re brave for doing the med-free birth! That’s definitely NOT something I want to do lol and I understand it’s sometimes unpreventable so I’m just going in and walking out with whatever birth story comes my way.
I would definitely ask for APNO (all purpose nipple ointment) before you leave the hospital. It’s a prescription and was an absolute life saver during those first very painful weeks of nursing. Bringing a baby book so that they can put babys hands and feet prints right in is a must, as well. Best of luck!
Just had my baby 3 weeks ago! I think you’re well packed! I ended up getting a lot of extras to bring home from the hospital, I packed a couple of the large lululemon shopping bags at the bottom of my hospital bag for this purpose and I was glad that I did! I think the best thing I did at home was get two sets of peri care items, one for the master bath and one for the downstairs bath. The Frida Mom padsicles were my BFF! The pump lasinoh lidocaine I found hard to use so I got the Dermoplast spray they use in the hospital. Hope everything goes well for you!!
Thank you!!! so many great suggestions!!
Nice list! I bought a simple gown to labor in and it was just so comfortable. I loved it! Also, 100% yes on the essential oils. I have a sensitive nose and it was really nice to have something that smelled SO good with me! Everyone that entered my room appreciated it.
So good to know!
Good luck! The best advice I received, when I had my baby almost a year ago, was from a nurse who told me to leave all of the birth stories I have heard at the door and just focus on my own birth story. Advocate for yourself if you need to. You know yourself best.
I don’t know if your hospital provides a baby hat, but ours did, and it was something I didn’t realize I would use as much as I did.
The Frida underwear are amazing! Also, bring your absolute favourite shower gel/soap. There is nothing like that first post-birth shower.
Yes! That is so true. I always take what people tell me about their birth with a grain of salt since EVERYONE is different!
I think they do provide hats/bows! I just brought one cozy one for the baby, but maybe I should pack a few more!
You may want to pack toilet paper. The hospital provided rolls where ROUGH and its not a great time to wipe with sandpaper.
Good to know!!!
That is a great list!! I have had two c-sections and having just really comfy baggy clothes was top of my list and what I used the most. That and the Frida underwear which you’re already taking. I’d also recommend taking the Frida peri bottle to the hospital with you if you have room. I noticed it was on your at home list but wasn’t sure if you packed it as well. It is a million times easier to use than what they give you!!
Thanks, Lindsey!
I didn’t plan to bring it because the hospital said they provide one, but I’d rather have the easier one! I’ll make sure to throw that in my bag!
I had to be induced and ultimately had CS. I was in the hospital for 4 nights. I could see how a lot of things you packed would be helpful for a lot of just in case moments. I honestly didn’t use a 1/4 of what I packed and I will pare it way down for our next baby. I used the gown until I could shower and use my own robe and pjs. They supplied socks, a cup, postpartum supplies and such. I definitely recommend your own belly band. I didn’t care for mine from the hospital. A dress for going home was a good option for me. Skin tight clothing didn’t sound appealing and they didn’t recommend it for me. Depending on your comfort level, I didn’t even bother with a nursing bra because you have to nurse so often and on each side. Modesty went out the window for me since so many people had to “see” me. Your own pillow and blanket are a must. I was always hot until I gave birth and then I was freezing. The blankets are rough and thin, just like the pillows.
I didn’t dress the baby until we left and we used the hospital swaddle blanket the entire time. Outfits and blankets are great for photos though.
I’m sure you’ll be amazed at how much you did and didn’t use.
Good luck! You’ve got this mama.
Thank you, Hayleah!
I would skip bringing the water bottle. The hospital will provide you with a big one and will refill it constantly!
I was going to do that, but heard they use styrofoam cups! I’ll bring it just in case!
Oh what a bummer! I totally feel ya! Ours gave us one to take home and I used it for weeks! We are praying for you in the coming weeks. Can’t wait to see your little one!
The water bottle with straw you have is actually perfect for the hospital, you can have it filled with ice water & it will stay cold plus I honestly was too tired to even be bothered to tip a cup to my mouth so straw cup is perfect! You’ll be so thirsty!
I just had my baby girl on 4/8. She ended up coming 3 weeks early and most of my hospital bag was packed except a few last minute toiletries and phone chargers. The one thing I kicked myself over not bringing to the hospital was my boppy nursing pillow! I thought I wouldn’t want to lug it there so I left it. The pillows at the hospital are not supportive though and we’re such a pain to pile up every time I fed baby. I also think it’s great you got the Frida mom postpartum kit. Hands down that’s been the main kit that’s been helping me feel more comfortable postpartum. The cooling witch hazel wipes, healing foam and Ice pack pads are so relieving in these days postpartum. The briefs are also amazing!
I also really loved bringing my own hospital gown. I got mine from kindred bravely and it was super comfy and very easy to get on and off for feedings. I wore the gown they provided for birth and then changed into my own once we got moved to the postpartum room. I highly recommend it!!
Wishing you the birth experience you dream of and that everything goes well! ☺️
Congrats on baby girl, Alexandra!
Thank you for all the recs! I love the idea of bringing a gown to change into after birth. I’ve been looking at the KB gowns!
xo
I’m not sure what type of swaddles you packed, but it might be a good idea to include a Velcro one as an option! I’m a labor and delivery nurse and that’s something I always recommend to parents because swaddling with a blanket can be tricky!
Congratulations!! Your list seems pretty all encompassing so I think you’ll find you have everything you need! I would only say, consider bringing a pair of shoes that aren’t constricting on your feet. My feet swelled SO much after giving birth, they literally broke my old navy flip flops because they were so big. Not good! I also really loved the Honey Pot postpartum pads, they had a really nice cooling effect for an extended period of time. They rivaled the padscicles from the hospital but without all the ice melting.
You’re going to be a great momma! So so excited for you!
Bring an extra empty bag so you can snatch all the hospital goodies! And always ask for extras! Maxi pads, disposable underwear, you name it, you grab it and take it home
With you!
Great list!
I second the robe/gown for postpartum. Breastfeeding is awkward and constant in the first few days, so struggling with straps and small holes is annoying. Easier to just be loose and open. Secondly, this isn’t needed for the hospital, but lots of nursing tank tops have been useful for me once you get the hang of it. I still wear them every day at 6 months postpartum. So excited for you!
Hi Taralynn,
Chapstick was my best friend in the hospital. I also brought my kindle for middle of the night feedings. I didn’t have one when my daughter was born, but when my son was born last June I was grateful to have it. I would latch him (he was an absolute champ) and then I would read while he ate and my husband slept.
This miiiiight be TMI, but that first postpartum bathroom experience can be rough. I learned my lesson after my first birth and I asked to be given a daily dose of miralax to kind of help move things along and painlessly as possible.
The nurses are probably going to ask you about a million times what the baby’s diapers and feedings were like. I downloaded an app to track diaper outputs and breastfeeding times/durations so I could just pass my phone off to them every time they asked.
Home stretch mama! Good luck xoxo
So excited for you! I’ve been following your journey since your OG days.
Currently I’m in my second trimester, so I’ve been loving all of your pregnancy posts.
I am a birth doula, and love your list! The only thing I’d add that most all of my clients loved was a hand stress ball, or something similar. They really utilized it during those contractions where they wanted to break someone’s hand lol.
PS. Do you have any postpartum/newborn book recommendations?
This was really interesting to read! The only thing that popped out for me was nipple cream. Obviously absolutely do what works best but I had a lactation consultant tell me that the best thing for nipples (healing/cracked/preventative measures) was to squeeze a little of your own milk out at the end and rub (softly) all over your entire nipple and let air dry. It was the only thing that ever worked and I tried everything including tea bags for soreness. Happy Birthing! Can’t wait to see what you and Kyle have! I am actually expecting as well so it’s really exciting!
Sounds like you’re pretty well-covered! My top favorite things that I brought was my robe & slippers — it was a bit of home with me at the hospital, plus the rooms can get a bit cold (and the hospital socks they provide are always ill-fitting). I know you said you weren’t planning on using your pump for a few weeks after, but I would toss in a pump bra just in case. For some moms, their milk does not come in for up to 5 days — me included. And using the pump while at the hospital will help signal your body that hey, you need to start making milk now and STAT. Of course you can also have the baby latch on but the baby will be sleeping a lot of the time too so that’s when you can use the pump. Like you already mentioned, the hospital already has a hospital grade pump for you to borrow and they’ll provide the pump kit as well — bottles, flanges, tubing, all that good stuff. But I cannot tell you how invaluable the pump bra is to keep things hands-free!
Your bag is super well packed! I am so excited for you guys as you get ready to welcome baby 🙂 The only suggestion I would have is to bring big, reusable bags!!!! Like the ones you can get from TJMaxx or Marshalls! They are great as a make shift hamper, to take things home or to take baby gifts you may get! Trust me on this one! You bring everything to the hospital well packed and neatly organized but when going home, things just get tossed together haha Also, bring some soft wipes or your own toilet paper for YOU! Hospital toilet paper is rough down there! It seems silly but you won’t regret it!
Take stool softener with you!! The hospital usually gives it to you but not always. You will need it. TMI but that first poop after giving birth is nerve-wracking esp if you tear at all. The stool softener helps so so much. And keep taking it when you get home till you’re healed.