Packing Momma & Baby's Hospital Bags

Happy March Everyone!

I wanted to take the time to type up what I packed in both my Momma and Baby bags for the hospital! I find this very important in planning for the arrival, and feeling prepared once there.
My husband and I took a birthing class at the hospital, and during that class we were given some paperwork. One of those pamphlets was a checklist of what to bring and also what they will provide for us while there.
After that I began to curate my own list of things that I thought would make me feel prepared and comfortable during our time at the hospital.
Now after going through the entire process, I must say that the items I packed were all pretty much bare essentials for what I thought I would need, and that I actually used. I ended up using every single item except 1 from my entire bag. So I wanted to share with you what those items were, so that you too can feel just as prepared!


Momma's Hospital Bag!


Clothing

1. PJs - I did bring 2 pairs, and used both. Keep in mind that they come in to squish on your stomach and check to make sure everything is going down properly..so bring something that is both comfortable and stretchy.
2. Comfortable clothing for going home in - I brought loose sweatpants, (and also wore a pair of maternity leggings into the hospital) and a loose fitting sweatshirt and long sleeve. You want to be sure that the clothes you bring are not something that you're going to be uncomfortable in, or that bother anywhere you had surgery or incisions for those who may have a C-section.
3. Nursing bras.I have a nude, and also a black one. These are comfortable and supportive, even if not nursing. I got mine at target here.
4. Maternity or PostPartum underwear. These honestly were THE BEST. The hospital will give you super stylish mesh underwear! ha...
Although this is practical for the first few days afterwards, because well.... you don't want to get blood on your normal clothing..so these being the best option. But once it subsides, you are then able to begin wearing your own clothes if you choose. These were a god send. They were stretchy, supportive, comfortable and thick (which helped to feel tightened and pulled in by the belly area).
5. Robe! This one was great to have especially right after for breastfeeding, skin to skin, and walking the halls. I had a super cozy cotton one that I also got at Target. Super easy to take on and off..and no effort needed.
6. Hospital Gown- I had every intention to wear my own gown, as the thought of wearing one that has been worn a bajillion times by people that go through the same thing..grossed me out a bit. I know they are washed, etc. however I just wanted my own. Also, the first one they gave me to wear, had a bunch of huge holes all over it, so ended up having to get me a new one. Well...by the time we got to the hospital, and once everything was underway..the last thing I wanted to do was get up to change my gown. And once you get the epidural, you can't leave the bed...so .. I actually did not end up wearing my own. I wish I would have. However, now I have it for any future babies! You can always feel free to change into this if you have company coming to visit. Again - I was so exhausted...the thought of changing was not appealing to me, so I opted to remain in the one from the hospital (also, remember...bleeding, etc.).
7. FLIP FLOPS: I almost forgot a pair of these..and remembered last minute to throw them into my hospital bag. These worked out great, since the swelling is so extreme, no other shoes would fit me except my moccasin slippers. However, these flip flops are perfect for anyone who may want to shower with them, and for sliding on to walk the halls, etc. Also - the nice thing about flip flops is if they get dirty, or you want to wash them after coming from the hospital, they are easy to wipe down.


Toiletries

1. Toothpaste & Toothbrush
2. Face Wash
3. Lotion!
4. CHAPSTICK!! Your lips get sooo chapped. I kept reapplying mine over and over again.
5. Facial Wipes - if you want an easy quick way to feel clean, rather than using actual face wash.
6. Shampoo & Conditioner- I stocked up on some travel sized items at Walgreens to pack into these bags, versus bringing full-size items along. This way it takes up less room, and you will only be there for two nights give or take.
7. Deodorant- I like to use non-toxic deodorant. So this Kopari one is a great option and smells like coconut. This brand also has an amazing coconut oil skin cleanser.
8. Qtips
9. Nursing Pads: I got the disposable ones, which worked great. I threw a few of these into my bag to get me through the few days at the hospital. Due to all the constant leaking, these were a MUST -- and I did not feel like spending the time washing and rewashing reusable ones. Without these, I was soaking straight through other bras and shirts. You can even wear these at night time, with a comfortable cami or bra.
10. Earth Mama Nipple Butter: While breast feeding and pumping..this stuff worked wonders.
11. Earth Mama Perineal Spray: This was very soothing after delivery and surgery, and helps with freshness and discomfort. It smells like cucumbers. It also has an upside down sprayer, for easy use.
12. Another good one that the hospital provided to me was Dermoplast Pain Relieving Spray. You can pick this up from any store or Amazon.
13. TUCKS: Cooling pads. Trust me, these are wonderful for after delivery. I was lucky enough to score some from my awesome nurse, who made me a care package before coming home.
14. Sitz bath soak: This is for after you are home, and feels good to soak in the tub. You could also bring this to the hospital with you if you wanted..as where I delivered had a huge whirlpool tub that I ended up using the second day. My nurse also put Lavender essential oils into the bath as well for me. This was a mini luxury afterwards.
15. Feminine pads - the hospital will also give you some of these..but get the kind you prefer, and make sure you have a stock at home for afterwards.
16. Cleansing Bottle - the hospital will also provide one of these. But since you cannot wipe after using the bathroom, you are advised to spray clean with warm water.
17. Dry Shampoo - This is great, if you are not up for getting in the shower, or need a refresher.
18. Makeup Bag- to be honest, I did not even use mine, as makeup was the last thing on my mind..but if you are wanting to refresh and put makeup on for guests or pictures then you may want to consider packing it. I went the natural route here...

Miscellaneous

1. Pillow from home! This one was a must for me..as I bring my own pillow with me anytime I stay overnight somewhere. BUT if you're like me and enjoy clean white linens, make sure to switch it to something besides white for your trip to the hospital so that you and the cleaning staff can tell yours apart from the rest of the other hospital pillows!
2. Blanket from home. Same as above. I brought my favorite soft plush blanket to sleep with at night, to make me feel more at home and comfortable. My husband also used this to sleep, while I was up, or not using it. But we brought both pillows and blankets for the both of us.
3. Towel from home. This is completely up to you...I know with everything that goes on, a lot of people do not want to get their own dirty. However, a towel to me is like a blanket from home. I wanted a plush large towel, versus the stiff, bleachy, small towels they provide at the hospital.
4. A long phone charger! We had to plug everything into a side outlet, so if you want to be sure you have your phone nice and charged for calling family, taking pictures, or posting announcements -- make sure to bring a long charger. I think the one I had was 6 feet and worked perfect.
5. A TUMBLER!!!! This one was a must for us. You are so extremely thirsty throughout the entire thing. Also, once you are there you cannot eat or drink anything, so make sure to eat something before being admitted to the hospital. I made this mistake, and did not..as I was wayyy to nervous and antsy. They do let you drink clear liquids and eat popsicles..but all I had for almost two days was ice water. So I brought a nice heavy duty one that kept the water nice and cold, and could hold a large amount. I also made sure mine had a straw, for easy drinking.
6. Hair tie & Hair clip - to keep your hair up and out of the way.
7. Hair Brush
8. Stool Softener... this one is pretty self explanatory. The last thing you want to do is struggle with discomfort after having surgery. They will also give this to you while in the hospital, however make sure you have some for afterwards at home as well.
9. Dry/Wet Bag: I used this for any dirty or soiled clothes, etc. I also have one of these in our diaper bag so incase we are out and about and the baby has soiled clothes or burp rags, etc. You can put them in here to take home later to wash! They keep out the wetness and smell from the rest of your items.
10. Leather Diaper Bag Backpack by Miss Fong: I have gotten soo many compliments on this bag. I am in love with it. It is sleek and modern, and fits everything you need. It hardly feels like a diaper bag. I will be using this for years to come.

Next we will be getting into...

BABY'S HOSPITAL BAG!

1. Swaddle: This is if you want to opt out of using just strictly the hospital ones. Or if you want to take pictures / announcement photos. There are so many beautiful swaddles out there. Some of my favorite are the Aden + Anais brand.
2. Blanket: We had a couple options for pictures, that we were unable to use. One of my favorites is one that we use in the carseat to cover him up. This is a thick muslin blanket (MangoPudding) brand off Amazon!
3.Coming Home Outfit!! I bought an adorable sweater suit top and bottom from Zara kids. He is still a little too small to fit into it! So... Will keep it for a future use, and put it into his keepsake box. It is SOO adorable.
4. Pacifier - this one is the one we use the most.
5. Journal! I found a nice leather bound journal from Marshalls or TJMaxx. I use this to write down all the times he eats, the quantity, and any BM. I also write any additional information down for the day so I can remember ie: Bath, gas drops, if he had a blow out..etc. This really helps my new sleep deprived mom brain to keep things in order. I am also glad I kept track, because the pediatrician will ask for specifics, and I would not have known these off the top of my head without writing them down!
6. Anything else you may want for props, pictures!

Extras:
- Letter Board: We were unable to use a lot of the things we brought, as our little peanut was stuck in the NICU for a week..
- Boppy this works well for feeding and when visitors come to hold the baby.
-Car Seat Cover: if your baby is born during a cold month to take them home. Also - make sure to have your carseat installed into your car beforehand. This saved us some time messing with it! :) They also ask for you to bring your carseat into the hospital, so that they can do a carseat breathing test with baby before bringing them home in the car.


Honestly, you do not need much for baby..as in the hospital they give you all the things you will need to care for them during that time! Just to name a few of the things you can ask for or that they will give you while there:
-diapers
-wipes
-ointment
-receiving blankets/swaddles and hat
-formula if needed
-bottles if needed
-breast pump and supplies if needed
So make sure to not over do it, and keep it nice and simple as to not get overwhelmed!
I hope this has helped to prepare some of the momma's out there to get things in order for themselves and baby!
Thank you for reading along!

Love, Emma Luna