Baby boy can be arriving anytime now that I’m 36 weeks pregnant, so you bet my hospital bag is all packed and ready to go! I did a decent job at packing my hospital bag when I was pregnant with my first, so I went off what I packed then but with a few big changes.
If you’re a first-time mama, I know you probably have a million people in your ear telling you what you need to pack for your hospital stay (among many other things). That is not what I’m here to do at all! Your hospital bag will be a reflection of your needs. I’m going to be sharing and showing you what I have packed for my hospital bag and if you can take a tip or two away, then I’m glad to have helped! I will say, however, that you should call your hospital and ask for a list of what they do supply there for you and your baby.
We’re just going to dive right in today! As always, everything will be linked throughout the post and at the end.
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What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag: A Second-Time Mom’s Guide
One of the big changes I’m making to my hospital bag system is this: I’m packing two separate bags. I’m packing one small tote with the items I’ll need and want for my labor experience. Then I’m packing a rolling carry-on suitcase for my recovery and hospital stay. Last time, it was such a hassle bringing in all our bags into L&D right away. I think it’ll be much more practical to have a small tote with me at first and then have Michael go fetch the rest from the car after we’re in my recovery room.
– WHAT I’M PACKING IN MY LABOR BAG –
- Nursing bra and oversized t-shirt to labor in
- Folder with at least 8-10 copies of my birth plan + preferences
- if you have set goals for your birth experience, you’ll want every nurse/doctor that you’ll possibly be dealing with to have a copy
- tip: bring tape and tape it up on your board in your room
- Fuzzy grippy socks
- Large water bottle with straw
- tip: add encouraging and motivational stickers to it! I got mine from this Etsy shop!
- Palmer’s Swivel Stick Chapstick (my favorite!) It’s very dry in L&D, so you’ll be reapplying chapstick a ton
- Makeup bag with:
- basic makeup to touch up if I want to
- hair elastics
- deodorant
- Phone charger
- Light snacks
– WHAT I’M PACKING IN MY HOSPITAL BAG FOR RECOVERY –
CLOTHING / ACCESSORIES:
- 1 Knit Cardgian
- 1 Plush Robe
- 1 Nursing Gown
- 2 Nursing-Friendly Tops
- 4 Pairs of Socks (2 grippy, 1 knit, 1 no-show)
- 1 Pair of Sweatpants
- 1 Pair of Pajama Pants
- 1 Pair of Lounge Shorts
- 1 Shorts & Tee Pajama Set
- 2 Nursing Bras
- 1 Nursing Tank
- 2 Pair of Undies in size up
- Flip-Flops for showering
Okay, I know the above seems like a lot of clothing to pack for a two-day hospital stay (standard for where I’ll deliver). While I basically wore only two main things in my postpartum stay last time, I was still glad I had a range. One thing I will never forget about was the postpartum chills and shakes that I had with Taya. I was freezing! Like, really freezing. Then I would be super hot all of a sudden. Layers are important to have, which is why I have a range from shorts to sweats and tanks to cardigans. I personally would rather be overprepared here.
I do plan to take some first 48 photos in the hospital. I don’t have a matching robe or anything fancy this time. Instead, I want photos to be raw and real with a mix of “nicer” ones.
Going home outfits aren’t a huge deal to us since we’re literally doing just that… going home, haha. My going home outfit consists of a pair of loose, black leggings, a loose t-shirt, a long cardigan (to hide my diaper butt lol), and slip-on vans. Cute and comfy!
POSTPARTUM:
I’m actually not packing anything for postpartum recovery because my hospital provides everything I’ll need for my stay there – from dermoplast and mesh undies to pads and tucks. I may end up packing a couple of Always Discreet Boutique disposable adult diapers just so that I have them as a comfortable option for going home.
Again, please call your hospital ahead of time so you know what they provide for you! While most hospitals provide recovery products, some might not.
TOILETRIES:
- Hair-Dryer & Curling Iron
- Makeup
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Face Wash
- Body Wash
- Razor
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Floss Plackers
- Q-Tips
- Makeup Remover Wipes
- Deodorant
- Body Lotion
- Hairspray
I pack travel-size toiletries of everything I’ll need from shampoo to body wash. I personally feel more human and more like myself when I have my hair freshly washed and curled, which is why I’m packing my hair-dryer and curling iron. As I mentioned earlier, your hospital bag will be tailored to your needs, so you might not pack everything that I do – and that’s okay! I pack all of my toiletries in this super handy travel bag.
FOR BREASTFEEDING:
- Disposable Nursing Pads
- Washable Nursing Pads
- Earth Mama Nipple Butter
- Snuggle Me Organic Nursing Pillow
I’ll be using up the leftover disposable nursing pads I have from my first while at the hospital and if needed, I’ll break out the washable nursing pads. Earth Mama Nipple Butter is my personal favorite! I didn’t bring a nursing pillow to the hospital last time because I didn’t want a ton of clutter, but I do wish I brought one. My arms had no strength in them after labor so I had to use a million pillows to properly hold Taya the first few days. I know having the nursing pillow will be a huge help to me this time.
MISCELLANEOUS:
- ID & Insurance Cards
- Notebook/Pen to jot down any important notes from the doctor
- Folder to keep important papers
- Long Phone Charger
- Sanitizer
- WishGarden AfterEase – supplement for afterbirth contractions
- Plastic Bags for dirty laundry
- My Own Pillow + Blanket – comfort is everything postpartum!
- Extra Tote/Duffel Bag for diapers, wipes, and postpartum supplies that the hospital provides for you. Take it all. You’re paying for it!
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– SHOP THE POST –
Whether you’re a brand new expecting mama or a seasoned mom, I hope my hospital bag packing list was helpful to you! I’d love to hear of some of your must-haves that you have in your bag that I might not have packed in mine. Let’s chat!
XO,
