I’m breezing right past week 39 of my third (and tell my husband, FINAL) pregnancy. My bag is packed and I am ready to roll/waddle into the labor and delivery ward knowing I have the necessities and a few comforts of home. Having had many of these items in my bag the first and second time, I recall that anything to make the hospital stay a bit cozier in an otherwise sterile environment, helped me feel more comfortable despite how the actual birth went down. Ha! Let’s get into it.
FOR MAMA
· Although I spent a majority of the time in a hospital gown, a pair of button-down pajamas (for easy nursing) was key once you’ve officially given birth. Keeping in mind darker colors when adding to your bag.
· A sleep mask – should you be able to log some Zzz’s midday, this will be key.
· A cozy cardigan. I much preferred this to the robe I packed in my first hospital bag.
· Postpartum recovery leggings (for when I leave the hospital) – I wore them so often for my entire PP recovery each time and have gifted them to my new mama friends. My favorite pair is from Bao Bei and the quality has held up quite well. I’ve had a C-section and a successful VBAC and they were part of the wardrobe rotation for weeks after both types of birth.
· A nursing bra – really this is part of the “going home” outfit. I don’t think I ever once put on a bra while AT the hospital.
· Cozy socks or slippers that you don’t care if they get left behind. In my other hospital bags, I was able to snag a pair of slippers that I had kept from a hotel stay, but this time I tossed in a cheap pair from Target.
· Flip flops (for the shower) and also to wear home if your feet are swollen for a few days after giving birth.
TOILETRY KIT
· Nothing too unusual here, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and mints. You never know if you’re going to be one of the lucky ones that throws up during labor – it’s good to have your bases covered.
· Lip balm (a must!), shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, facewash, rosehip oil and tallow are my moisturizers of choice. Hospitals are notoriously cold and dry. Anything you can bring to hydrate your skin, do it!
· A brush, hair ties and a head band
· Motherlove Nipple cream – many hospitals will have toiletries and postpartum things available, but I grew to love this specific brand and prefer to use what I routinely would at home.
SNACKS
Do NOT sleep on this category! Labor and delivery is basically an endurance sport and you’ll want some nourishing (non-hospital food) options to have handy before, during or after. I obviously can’t pack produce in advance, but if I remember to shove a few bananas or apples in my bag as I’m heading out the door when it’s go-time, I’ll grab those too! Here is what I have packed for myself and Steven.
· Beef sticks – not to be confused with snapping into a slim jim – the paleo valley beef sticks are my fav for quick and easy protein. Chomps or Archer are two other brands that are 100% grass fed beef and are available in many stores.
· Trail mix -- (raw organic, cashews, pistachios, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, dried blueberries & chocolate chips)
· Solely organic dried mango fruit jerky
· LMNT electrolyte packets– this will be my first time bringing these in my hospital bag. I have been a huge fan of them for my entire pregnancy.
MISC ITEMS
· A strand of Christmas lights – sounds silly, but it’s truly one of the best things I have packed each time. Hospital lighting is pretty aggressive and tossing a strand of lights in the corner of the room sets the perfect mood for those middle of the night wake ups from the baby or the nurse coming in to press on your abdomen and make sure your uterus is getting back into position.
· A mini portable, clip on fan – THIS was an actual life saver, specifically after the delivery of my twins. Your body has massive hormonal changes after giving birth and for me, the hot flashes were no joke. I used it often in recovery. Think of this purchase as something you can also attach to your stroller or car seat on a summer day to keep baby cool.
· A travel diffuser and essential oils – this is something I don’t necessarily use at home, but again offers a level of comfort that feels less like staying in a hospital and more like being in a spa. Having the aroma of lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint is calming and may not be a “must have” but I’m definitely bringing it again this time. The nurses always appreciated this one too.
· An extra-long phone charger – you will never get that hospital bed within reach of an outlet with a tiny useless cord and you know you’ll be messaging friends and family about your new arrival and taking 58 bajillion photos of little Sally, so don’t forget this one. Absolutely A MUST!!
· A portable speaker – and a few epic labor playlists for whatever vibes you’re looking for. Could not would not do away with this. The hospital is boring and the TV options are terrible. If you’re going to be confined to a single room for a couple days, have some great tunes ready to go!
· Your own towel – the hospital towels are pathetic and scratchy. Having my own brought me joy when I finally got to shower.
· A pillow and extra pillowcases – this is another luxury you won’t want to overlook. Bring pillowcases that aren’t white so they don’t get lost in the shuffle of hospital bedding.
FOR BABY
I have always kept it pretty minimal for the baby as they won’t require a ton of extras while you’re in the hospital.
· A neutral onesie and a “going home” outfit – we didn’t find out if it’s a boy or girl, so this casual cream number I have packed is a hit either way.
· A receiving blanket – this was mine when I was a baby circa 1987.
· A letter board for a hospital photo op and announcement
· A polaroid camera – Always sweet to have a physical photo for a baby book or the fridge.
· A car seat – the single most important thing for leaving with the littlest member of the family. I’m not a car seat expert, but have used and loved the Uppababy Mesa infant car seat with each of the Perrins kids and I can appreciate that this specific one doesn’t treat the fabric with flame-retardant chemicals.
FOR DAD
· I packed extra toiletries and snacks to share
· Blanket and pillow – the hospitals are incredibly lacking in this department. Do what you can to jazz up that miniature cot for dad.
· Sleep mask
· Water bottle
· Cozy clothes
** Important note: Don’t forget your ID, insurance card, a birth plan and any additional medical info that’s pertinent to you or baby during your stay. :)
** PRO TIP: Pack an extra empty bag to stock up on things the hospital is bringing into your room. Diapers, wipes, MESH UNDIES. Grab as many of those bad boys as you can get your hands on.
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