Hospital bag
Packing your hospital bag, a topic that many soon to be moms are excited for because that means they are just one step closer to meeting their little one.
When it comes to packing a hospital bag there are two different types of people. There are the minimalists who bring next to nothing and then there are the maximalists who bring EVERYTHING. With my first baby I leaned more on the maximalist side but with the twins I realized that I didn’t need half the items that I packed the first go around.
The best tip I can give you for how to pack your hospital bag is to be intentional with the items you are packing. Also, realize that hospitals don’t all provide the same items for new moms so, if possible, ask what items your hospital will provide for you. That way you are not wasting money on something that will be provided with your hospital visit (because that visit isn’t going to be cheap so save your money where you can).
Let me share items that I would recommend packing in your hospital bag and items that you don’t need. Before I proceed, keep in mind that you do not NEED a hospital bag to begin with. People deliver babies unexpectedly all the time. Packing a hospital bag just provides that extra bit of comfort for when you are recovering in a place outside of your home, but again, they are not needed.
Items I would recommend:
1. Dermoplast
Some hospitals will carry this item. The hospital I went to does not provide this to their new moms. Since I had a second degree tare my first delivery, this provided extra pain relief for the “downtown” region.
You never know where the wall outlets are going to be in a hospital room so its nice to have a long charging cord just in case. I ended up packing two charging cords so my husband and I could both have one.
3. Chap Stick
Your lips are going to be chapped. Especially when you start breastfeeding a few days after delivery, your lips will need the extra love.
4. Snacks
Medical staff will not let you as the expecting mother, eat before giving birth, however once you give birth you will be STARVING. Your body will thank you for having snacks in your bag. Snacks will also come in handy at night when the hospital cafeteria is not open. Your husband/support person will also thank you for bringing snacks – make sure to pack things they enjoy as well.
5. Toiletries
Bring your toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, and conditioner. You can pack makeup if you want to, but I never even touched my makeup bag while I was in the hospital. Pack deodorant! You will thank yourself later for packing deodorant.
6. Comfy going home outfit
You will still look 4 months pregnant when leaving the hospital. Your belly does not shrink back down right away, in fact it takes weeks for the uterus to return to its normal size. So do not pack your pre-pregnancy jeans. Pack clothing items that will be comfortable and that are dark colors. More than likely, you will leave the hospital wearing an adult diaper so also keep that in mind when choosing what pants to pack. Your will still be bleeding so dark colored clothing items are recommended. I wore a black maxi dress out of the hospital both times, so I didn’t have to worry about pants.
7. Items for your partner
Make sure your partner has the items to make them feel comfortable as well for the hospital stay. Bring a pillow for them and a change of clothes. You can bring blankets, but the hospital will always have extra blankets to provide you.
Items I do NOT think are needed:
1. Water bottle
They will provide you with a water bottle so save space and do not worry about packing one. They will also provide your partner with drinks upon requests.
2. Pads
The hospital will provide you with long, nighttime pads to wear in your adult diaper that they provide you with. They will also provide you with a cool pad. This is a pad that you fold in half, and it instantly cools off – great for if you tare during the birthing process. If you run out of supplies while still in the hospital, just ask your nursing staff for more. They will provide you with pads and diapers. Now, even though I do not think you need to pack these in your hospital bag, I do recommend getting them for once you return home.
3. Cute hospital gowns
You can get cute/more comfortable hospital gowns on Amazon but if you’re going to wear a gown while staying in the hospital, you might as well just save money and stay in the gown that the hospital provides you with. The gowns in the labor and delivery wing are nursing friendly as they have buttons or ties on the shoulders so you can undo a side if needed.
4. Ear plugs/eye masks
The nursing staff will be coming into your room at all hours of the night to check on you, press on your tummy, and ask/provide you with medications as needed. You will want to hear when they come in and see when they come in. You will also want to see your new baby sleeping soundly next to you (if they are not in the nursery). Getting used to your baby’s cry is something you need to do so blocking out the sound is not something I would recommend.
5. Sound machine
Many people will tell you to pack a sound machine for the baby. There are enough noises in a hospital to keep your baby calm. The noises might not mimic the sound they heard while in your tummy, but they will sooth your baby to sleep just fine. We packed a sound machine the first go around and we never used it while at the hospital.
Items to pack for the baby:
1. A going home outfit
Everyone is excited to take the “going home” photo or “announcement” photo. I packed a newborn sized outfit as well as a 0–3-month outfit for my first pregnancy because we knew he was going to be a larger baby; we just didn’t want his going home outfit to swallow him. With the twins I packed preemie and newborn outfits because I knew they were going to be smaller (I didn’t realize how “normal” they would be). This gives you size options just to make sure the baby is not going home in crazy oversized outfits.
2. Car seat
Make sure to have the car seat installed and ready to go before you arrive at the hospital. The hospital will not let you leave without checking to make sure the car seat is installed properly.
Items that the hospital will provide for baby:
1. Diapers and wipes
2. Mittens/nail file if needed
3. Blankets
4. Pacifiers
5. Bottles
6. Formula if needed
Other hospital tips
1. Use the nursery
You just used all your energy to birth a human. Take some time to yourself and rest properly before you no longer have the nursing staff to watch baby. They will bring your baby back in for nursing times and to create a bond with you, trust me.
2. Ask them to explain
If you are a first-time mom, it’s okay to ask the nursing staff why they are pressing on your stomach/what to expect and when/what is normal post-birth. They have heard every single question, so no question is going to be a silly one.
3. Pumps are provided
If you need to pump, or are planning to pump, the hospital has pumps you can use while there. They have a machine that you obviously cannot take with you but then they provide you all the pumping parts that you will then have the option to take home. The pump I used while in the hospital was the same brand I had at home so I took all the pumping parts with me since they could not be used for another patient.
4. Take all the items with you
Before you leave the hospital make sure to take everything that they gave you. Take the left-over diapers, wipes, pads, water cup, pumping supplies and any other items that they will not be able to reuse for another patient. Once something is open that item cannot be given to another patient and since you are paying for the hospital stay, make sure to take those items.
5. Stick to what you want
You will be met with nurses who will speak their mind about things. Just stick to your guns and remember that you are the parent and its your body. For example, if you do not want the pain medication, do not take the pain medication. I refused the pain medications after birth because I know my body does not react well to them. You know what’s best for you and what’s best for your baby.
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