What I Packed And Actually Used In My Hospital Bag

Toward the end of my pregnancy, I had many of you ask if I was going to blog about what I had packed in my hospital bag. At first, that was the plan! But after I thought on it more, I figured it’d be more helpful to wait and share what I packed and ACTUALLY used instead.

Since this was my first pregnancy, I didn’t have an idea of what I’d actually consider essential aside from what other mamas and the hospital recommended to me. I did a really good job at packing light (if I do say so myself!) but surprisingly, I found that I did pack more than what I actually needed to. I used about half of what I had packed for myself. So let’s get right down to it all!

WHAT I PACKED IN MY HOSPITAL BAG:

Clothing:

L&D gown
Nursing bras (2)
Loose shorts/sweats (3)
Loose t-shirts/tanks (2)
Nursing dress
Socks (5 pair)
Postpartum undies (5)
Matching robe for photos
Open-front sweatshirt
Flip-flops (for the shower)
Sneakers
Going home outfit (loose leggings, thermal top)

Toiletries:

Shampoo/conditioner
Face wash & soap
Moisturizer & body lotion
Deodorant
Makeup
Makeup remover wipes
Hair ties
Brush
Lip balm/chapstick

Essentials:

Birth plan/preferences (multiple copies)
ID & Insurance card
Cell phone chargers
Laptop & charger
Camera
Notebook & pens
Folder
Bags for dirty clothes

Miscellaneous:

Pillow
Plush blanket
Water bottle with straw
Hairdryer
Curling wand

Postpartum:

Nipple balm
Breastpads
Tucks pads
Dermaplast
Maxi pads
Adult diapers (yep lol)
I kept the good bulk of my postpartum supplies at home since the hospital would have plenty.

WHAT I ACTUALLY USED IN MY HOSPITAL BAG:

I’ll dive into explanations further down! 😉

Clothing:

L&D gown
(1) Nursing bra
(1) Lightweight pajama pants
Nursing dress
Matching robe for photos
Open-front sweatshirt
Flip-flops (for showering)
Going home outfit (loose leggings, thermal top, sneakers)

Toiletries:

I used all of the toiletries that I packed.

Essentials:

Birth plan/preferences
Cell phone chargers
Camera (for first 48 photos)
Notebook/pen
Folder (to keep all the papers we got during our stay & discharge)
Plastic bags for dirty clothes

Miscellaneous:

Pillow & plush blanket
Water bottle with straw

Postpartum:

Nipple balm

WHY I USED WHAT I DID & WHY I DIDN’T USE THE REST:

I’m hoping that how I have this post organized is easy to follow and understand. If not, feel free to ask me any questions in the comment! 🙂

Clothing:

I wore my own gown to labor and deliver in. I’m petite so I wanted to wear something that’d fit more comfortable than the provided hospital gown. Not every hospital lets you wear your own, so check before you get one for yourself! I do recommend it. 🙂
An open-front sweatshirt was such a need for me. I experienced major chills the first week after delivery but especially the first 2 days after. I had an open-front one since I breastfeed. Definitely have some kind of sweatshirt packed!
I basically lived in a nursing dress and a robe for the time I was in the hospital.

I did NOT end up using or wearing…

My second nursing bra
Loose shorts or sweats
Loose t-shirts or tanks
Socks – I used the ones provided by the hospital – they were bright yellow but they were so comfortable!
Postpartum undies – I wore the mesh undies provided and actually LOVED them. Don’t count out the mesh undies! 😉

The reality is, you do not need a million pieces of clothing with you. I recommend having a loose nursing dress or robe (or both), loose pants, a sweatshirt, a t-shirt, and a going home outfit. That’s really all you need.

Toiletries:

I used all of the toiletries that I packed. I didn’t get to shower the day I gave birth and honestly, I don’t think I would’ve had the physical strength to do so. But, I did get a shower the next morning and it felt amazing! I know some states are different in regards to how long they’ll keep you before discharging you but if you’re there a couple of days, take a shower if you’re able to. You’ll be tired but trust me, you’ll feel refreshed. So worth it.
The makeup that I brought, as well as my hairdryer and curling iron all went to good use. We took our own first 48 photos so of course, I wanted to look nice for them.
One HUGE tip for L&D: LIP BALM. During labor, my lips kept getting so dry. I probably applied lip balm every 20-30 minutes or so. This one is my favorite!

Essentials:

My birth plan/preferences were a few pages long because I was specific about a few things (as long as all was healthy). I printed multiple copies to take to the hospital because I knew I’d see multiple nurses (during L&D, recovery) as well as my midwife and other doctors.
Mike was a dear and wrote down every time Taya would feed and for how long and when she’d have a diaper. It’s important to track both the first few days (and weeks) and pen & paper was the way to go.

I did NOT end up needing…

My ID & Insurance card – I was shocked by this but my hospital network has everything logged into the system already.
My laptop

Miscellaneous:

I brought my own pillow and blanket because I sleep best with them. Well, I didn’t get much sleep there haha but I was comfortable.
A NEED during L&D – my mouth kept getting so dry during labor. I wasn’t chugging water since it was annoying to have to pee and then I got an unplanned epidural… but little sips here and there helped so much.

Postpartum:

I did NOT end up using…

Breastpads – It takes a few days for your milk to fully come in so there wasn’t much leaking for me that first couple of days.
Tucks pads & Dermaplast – I did use these but didn’t use the ones that I brought. I used what was provided by the hospital. I ended up saving the ones I brought to use at home. Trust me, you’ll need them!
Maxi pads – Once again, I used the ones that the hospital provided.
Adult diapers – Same as above!

So, it turns out that I really could have left all of these postpartum essentials (aside from the nipple balm) at home. Not all hospitals are the same, so again, ask what’s included for postpartum care when you take your hospital tour. Also, side note – I was given padsicles, which are pads that are essentially ice packs for your vagina. Yep! They’re a thing, haha. I didn’t end up using them because thankfully, I didn’t have much discomfort. But! They’re something to look into making or buying for yourself if you’d like.