Having a baby? Wondering what to pack for YOU? Look no further!
I am an over-packer with everything—weekend getaways, week-long vacations, overnights, even day trips. So I obviously overpacked for the hospital for having our baby. As always, I didn't need everything in my bag...and there were even things I had forgotten. So here's my list of essentials and things you can keep at home:
Your bag: Don't worry about packing everything in a cute tote bag. Keep your nice bags at home. Pack everything in a bag that you don't care about because this bag is going to be squished in the corner of the labour and delivery room...and then it will be lying on the floor next to your bed in the mother and baby unit. As clean as hospitals are...I just don't trust how clean the floors are. I used a couple of IKEA bags. They were perfect!
SNACKS! Granola bars, energy bites, lactation cookies. Bring snacks that you'll be able to happily digest and enjoy. After labour I was exhausted and starving...but I was too tired to eat. The only thing I could fathom eating was a granola bar. I think I ate two in one sitting. The hospital was pretty accommodating to my dietary needs, but some meals were pretty bleak and I was HUNGRY. I was grateful for my extra granola bars and when I woke up in the middle of the night to nurse I was glad to be able to reach into my bag for snack. Make sure your partner packs snacks too!
A big water bottle. The hospital styrofoam cups are good for the ice chips, but they aren't big enough for the thirst that will ensue.
Travel shampoo/conditioner and body wash
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Bath towel: The hospital towels were very thin, small towels. I was happy to have a big, plush towel to wrap myself in after taking my first shower post-labour and delivery.
Extra long phone cord
Headphones/earpods. I didn't listen to music or podcasts, but while I was trying to rest while the epidural did its thing, I listened to a couple meditations to help me fall asleep.
Your own pillow
Dollar store slippers that you can wear around the hospital and then throw out once you're discharged (because...dirty hospital floors).
Multiple lip balms. Don't just bring one. If you're like me, you'll lose it in the bottom of your bag and be frustrated that you can't find it. And trust me, you will WANT your lip balm. The hospital is dry!
Don't worry about a cute robe. Before having our baby, I saw so many IG posts with people and their babies in adorable night gowns and robes. So I of course wanted the same. I brought a couple nighties to choose from, but I only ended up wearing one and then took it off after I sweat through it during a nap. Holy moly, the night sweats were REAL postpartum. I was usually just in my undies in the hospital room or wearing one of the hospital gowns.
A cute scrunchie. The only thing that I felt "cute" in for a photo with baby was my cute little bow scrunchie. And I'm glad I had it!
Ditch the makeup bag. If you have time to put makeup on after having a baby, I am truly impressed!
Hairbrush
Adult diapers. Yup, your read that correctly! Don't just pack diapers for your baby. I loved using Depends postpartum. It was so much easier to quickly pull on and off than having to change a massive pad.
Ditch the books and magazines. When there's the rare chance that baby doesn't need your full attention, take the time to rest and sleep.
Breast pads
Nipple cream
I'll update the list as I remember things, but if you have any must-haves that aren't on the list...let me know! I'd love this list to be a collective resource by multiple mamas...not just me!
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