When you’re planning on a new baby, and getting ready for your due date, thinking of all the things to bring with you can be so overwhelming! How big of a bag do I need? Am I over-packing? Should I be packing clothes for babe? Am I going to shower?!
Every mama knows the struggle of getting their
bag packed (and repacked and repacked… thanks nesting) before heading to the hospital, so don’t think you’re alone. We’ve put together a little list to help you with the must-haves for your hospital bag: First off, you’re going to need a great bag. You don’t anything big and bulky, but please, I beg you, don’t try and fit everything inside a messenger bag. Something like the
Ju-Ju-Be Wherever Weekender Bag is going to give you enough room to fit all your essentials without feeling like you’re bringing a carry-on with you to delivery. This bag will also be a dream for the overnight trips and weekend getaways you’ll be taking…at some point, right? Depending on how long you’ll be staying, most mamas stay two nights for a normal vaginal birth, and up to five nights for a c-section birth. If you know ahead of time, or have a scheduled c-section, then absolutely pack for your stay, but if you’re planning on going in for a vaginal delivery, I recommend bringing 2-3 comfortable outfits with you. Your husband, or a friend, can always head home to grab you more if needed! Here’s a rough list of clothing I brought with me when I delivered babe #2:
- 2 pairs of sweat pants/pajama pants
- 1 cozy robe
- 3 pairs of thick socks
- 3 loose shirts (easy to remove/shift to nurse)
- 1 hoodie/sweatshirt
- 3 pairs granny panties (You heard me right. Granny. Panties. Preferably the high tops.)
If you are planning on nursing, or this is your first little one, so you’re not sure what on earth is going to happen between you and babe, don’t panic! The majority of nurses are going to expect you to nurse, so if you plan on bottle feeding, make sure you tell them. Chances are you’ll be rocking the topless look a lot during your stay, but it’s smart to arm yourself with an easy-to-use, comfortable nursing bra. You’ll want to have one when you get dressed while at the hospital, when people come to visit, or when you head home. Otherwise, I recommend packing some nursing pads, because mama, that milk is gonna come in, and it is gonna make you a milky mess in a hot minute. So get yourself something soft for the girls and super absorbent like the
Bamboobies Boob-ease Organic Soothing Therapy Pillows--yes, they do feel as good as they sound.
Most mamas plan on staying at least one night in the hospital, so unless you plan on using a paper-thin top sheet for warmth while you’re there (no, mama. Just, no.), then you should plan on bringing some comfort from home. A nice warm blanket, like the Saranoni XL Throw Blanket, is going to keep you comfortable throughout your entire stay. If you’re planning on getting an epidural, you can expect to get the weird chills at some point after getting the anesthesia, and nothing is better than snuggling a blanket that smells like home. I was not one to want to shower at the hospital, but I know some mamas (especially our warrior mamas who go natural) who are super sweaty and sticky after delivery, and want nothing more than to shower. And even if you don’t want to shower, you’ll be staying the night, so having the necessities like your toothbrush or contact solution is kind of important. So here is a rough list of toiletries you might want to bring with you--also I’m talking travel size everything, mama!
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Hairbrush
- Deodorant
- Face wash/facial cleansing wipes
- Contact solution/case and glasses
- Prescription medication (let your nurse know, and they’ll regulate your dosage during your stay)
- Makeup (Totally up to you. None for my first, full face for my second.)
If you plan to shower:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash
- Shower shoes
- Towel
Sidenote: Do not worry about bringing pads, ice packs, or anything involved with the pain post birth. My advice-- the less you bring with you, the more the nurses will send home with you. So take all the witch hazel pouches (ask for extra cause they’re magical), pads, and mesh panties you want.
Whether you’re having baby number 1 or 4, it’s normal to get nervous about what you’re bringing with you to the hospital. Hopefully this list gives you some ideas, helps you narrow down your humongous list (thank you nesting) and reminds you that you’re not alone! You got this, mama!
