There are a lot of these posts on the internet. And, while this is my third baby, I’m no expert on either packing, or preparation in general. However, I have also read some truly horrendous posts about what to pack in your hospital bag (I mean, one of them suggested that you bring a pair of JEANS for God’s sake), so I feel like there may be a place for my more minimalist (and rational) approach.
When I was pregnant with my first, I read an article that told me to bring approximately 1 million things to the hospital. From a yoga ball, to three days’ worth of meals, I packed it all. I even brought a makeup case, because I didn’t yet realize how much more important a post-birth deli sub was than “looking good for the pictures.”
This time around, I’m trying to keep it as simple as possible. I’m also giving birth in a pandemic (hopefully, the tail end of one), and I don’t plan on staying at the hospital any longer than I have to. SO, without further ado, here’s what’s in (or what will be in) my bag!
Several GREAT Nursing Bras:
To be totally honest, you’ll probably be naked for the majority of your hospital stay (that’s why my next entry involves a great robe). But at some point you’ll need to get dressed, and a comfortable nursing bra will be your best friend.
I’ve tried a huge variety of nursing bras over the years, and hated most of them. I made the mistake of buying a LOT of relatively cheap options, when I really should have just invested in something higher quality. So, this time around, I decided to see whether the infamous (and expensive) Kindred Bravely bras live up to the hype. (Spoiler alert: they do.)
I purchased one of the Sublime Adjustable Crossover Nursing & Lounge Bras early in pregnancy, and I’ve been wearing it basically every day since. I’m normally a small in sports bras, but my ribcage expands pretty significantly during pregnancy, so I bought a medium. I love that it’s easy to wear and comfortable enough to sleep in, and the adjustability will be perfect for continued wear after baby is born . I recently ordered another one, and threw it straight into my hospital bag.
I also purchased the Ultra Comfort Smooth Classic Nursing Bra in pink and black. This one is also super comfortable, but offers a little bit more support (without underwire!) and will be great for nursing on the go when I finally decide to start leaving the house again…
When I head to the hospital during labor, I plan to either go bra-less, or wear the Auden Wire-free Nursing Bra that I purchased from Target earlier in this pregnancy. This bra is a little less cozy (although great for daily wear once you’re out of the pajama phase of postpartum), but it clasps in the back which makes it easier to remove for immediate skin to skin after delivery.
If you don’t like buying online, I recommend going in to a maternity store like A Pea in the Pod, or Motherhood Maternity to get measured for one. They do a great job of predicting what your body (and boobs) will look like after baby, and finding the right size and comfort level for you.
Underwear
While the hospital provides the adult diapers we all know and love, it’s worth packing a good pair of granny panties as well. I’ve bought some good, cotton, high-waisted underwear from both Target and Nordstrom, but this time around I went with the Kindred Bravely Postpartum Recovery Panties. I bought this set, and while they’re not the most attractive thing I’ve ever seen, they’ll get the job done.
A Cozy Robe and Button-Down Pajamas.
I spent most of my last two hospital stays in a robe, and my husband’s sweatpants, but this time around I plan on really jazzing myself up a bit and bringing some actual pajamas of my own. I recently purchased this short-sleeve pair from Kindred Bravely, as well as this long-sleeve pair from JCrew. I have usually been able to fit back into my normal size after delivery, so I ordered a small in both (knowing that they might be a little snug at first, but will hopefully last me long after the immediate postpartum period is over).
I also plan on bringing this crazy cozy robe from Parachute. I plan on wearing it right after delivery, and for much of the coming month at home. I got mine in a size small.
(Important note here: I do not want to give the impression that my body “snaps back” after baby. While I usually lose a good chunk of the weight pretty quickly, that comes with some caveats. First, I tend to have big babies, so a lot of the 40+ pounds I gain in every pregnancy goes to creating literal baby fat. Second, I get horrible acid reflux and nausea at the end of all of my pregnancies, and tend to loose weight over the last month–which is not a good thing. And most importantly, I have a chronic health condition that requires me to eat pretty healthy and, thus, not gain too much weight during my pregnancies (i.e: I would love to eat the cake, but I can’t). I know this is a lot of information that you likely didn’t want, or need, from a “What’s In My Hospital Bag” post, but I feel like it’s important for women to know the #facts about how every body is different, and no one’s journey is as easy as they may make it look–especially when we’re talking about clothing sizes.)
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Nursing Essentials
Over the past few weeks, I’ve purchased a bunch of supplies to help with the oversupply and breast pain issues I’ve experienced in the past (the Haaka, and these life-saving cooling pads to name a few), but I don’t plan on bringing them to the hospital. I think one of the most surprising things I realized after having my first was how long it takes for my milk to really come in (think days, not hours). Because of this, I plan on leaving most of my breastfeeding supplies at home.
I also know that some new moms like to bring their breast pumps to the hospital, but I think, in most cases, this is unnecessary. Breast pumps are clunky and annoying, and if you really need it, you’re probably better off using the hospital-grade one the nurses can supply you with.
I do plan on bringing a nursing pillow (The Breast Friend specifically), some nipple cream, and some bamboo nursing pads (which I likely won’t use). I have found that The Breast Friend is the best nursing pillow for newborns, as it straps tightly to your body, and can elevate the baby more than a Boppy, or a regular pillow would. (I still recommend buying a Boppy, though. You’ll use that sucker for everything.)
Toiletries and Bathroom Supplies
While the hospital I deliver at provides soap and shampoo, there’s something comforting about having your own stuff. I plan on bringing travel sized containers of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion, as well as a basically disposable pair of shower shoes from Old Navy.
I packed two travel toothpaste kits (one for the hubs, because you know he’ll forget his own), hair ties, soft headbands, face lotion, lip balm, deodorant and mouthwash. I also packed my handy-dandy Crocs to wear around the hospital room and bathroom.
Hospitals also provide “perineum care” kits, but after my son was born, there was a hospital wide shortage of Tucks (gasp!). So, just in case, I always pack a few giant pads, and a container or Tucks, because they really are that crucial. I also purchased the Frida Mom Peri Bottle to have at home, because the one they provide at the hospital works, but isn’t anything to write home about. (If, that is, you’re writing letters home about postpartum perineum care…)
Lastly, I packed a few washcloths and some baby wipes, because there’s just a lot to clean up in the hours after giving birth…
Baby Outfits
Fun fact: you don’t need to put clothes on your baby at the hospital. The hospital provides diapers, and that sweet little receiving blanket, and since the baby will be sleeping basically the entire time you’re there, there’s not really any point in extra clothing. Funnily enough, I distinctly remember packing up to head home after giving birth to my daughter, and suddenly realizing that clothes were recommended outside the hospital room.
So, I plan on bringing three outfits: two onesies and a sleeper. Not because I anticipate on doing three, voluntary outfit changes, but more because a lot of fluids can end up on a onesie, especially when it’s brand new, and intended to be worn for a mere hour or so.
Food
Hospital food is the pits, and you’ll probably be hungry, and thirsty, in the hours, and days, post-delivery. While I plan on sending my husband out for an Italian sub as soon as possible, I also know that snacks are crucial. I plan on packing a few coconut waters (electrolytes are your friend), some candy (because I’ll have earned it), perfect bars, trail mix, and a loaf of my favorite banana bread (I like having some kind of breakfast food that I know isn’t packed full of sugar and preservatives).
In pre-Covid days, a few of my lovely friends visited the hospital to bring us takeout. I’m definitely going to miss that perk, but am also SO glad that our hospital is taking the “no guests” policy seriously. I’ll just have to wait a few days for my hand-delivered Taco Bell.
Entertainment
Some people enjoy bringing a Bluetooth speaker so that they can listen to their own music during labor and delivery. The hospital I plan on delivering at has Bluetooth speakers in every room, so, if this is important to you, I would ask your OB if it’s something you might already be provided with. (I, personally, can’t listen to music during labor. Nor can I be touched. Both of which were somewhat surprising to me…)
I do plan on bringing my phone and an extra pair of headphones (ones that I won’t be upset about if I end up forgetting to bring them home). I may also bring an iPad to facetime with family and friends after baby is born, but since my stay is likely to be short, I’m not sure whether it’s worth the risk of losing and/or breaking it.
I have a few apps on my phone which are helpful for tuning out the nighttime hospital noises (such as the Calm app, and Rain Rain Sleep Sounds), and I definitely plan on using them during the quieter, postpartum moments. I also downloaded a few audiobooks, not because I need to squeeze some reading in immediately after giving birth, but more because I find audiobooks relaxing, and often use them as a sleep crutch when I’m stressed.
Birthing Supplies
Things like a birthing bar, yoga ball, or peanut ball (that last one is the BEST) can be super helpful during delivery. However, lugging a yoga ball into the hospital is a real nuisance. The hospital that I plan on delivering at actually provides all of these tools–you just have to know to ask for them. So, if you have something specific you want to labor with, I recommend asking your OB in whether or not it will be available at the hospital before you go out and buy your own.
Other
I also plan on packing a few important “essentials,” such as an extra long phone charger, a notepad (I prefer to write doctor’s notes on paper), a pen, headphones (maybe two pairs of these), compression socks, regular socks, a cozy sweat-suit, some Clorox wipes (because, Covid), and hand sanitizer. I’m sure I’ll throw a bazillion other things in at the last minute as well, and perhaps I’ll come back and update this if any of them end up being important.
That’s It!
THAT’S ALL FOLKS! I hope that this list was informative, and made you feel a little less like you have to pack the entire nursery for your hospital stay. And remember: the baby care nurses are truly angelic, and can pretty much find you whatever you may have forgotten, or didn’t anticipate needing. Also, they are true newborn experts, so use them while you can to ask all of the questions you may have. (Don’t worry, I know a few, and they’ve definitely heard something dumber than whatever you have to ask…)
Happy packing, happy birthing, and be sure to leave me a comment or two if you think I left something important out!