Let’s be real here, pregnancy is an all around overwhelming emotional process. From start to finish 🙃 especially your first. We brought Lulu into this world July of 2019 and it rocked our world, in a good way, of course but having your first child is life changing! That being said, my very best friend is due with her first, a little boy on New Years Eve, so I am dedicating this series of posts to her. I hope this helps other new or soon to be Mama’s out there! 💛
This post is all about the hospital bag 🙌 What to bring, what not to bring, what the hospital provides and so on… First off, the actual bag, I used a carry on suitcase but you could easily fit your items in one of these cute duffels:
Non-essentials I packed for me (most of them were for picture opportunities 😅)
- Hospital Gown – The hospital will obviously provide you a gown. I bought my own from Gownies because I liked the buttons in the front, they made it quick and easy to do skin to skin with Lulu as soon as she was born.
- Shower Sandals – I have a complex with public showers haha so these were an essential for me. I still use them as house shoes today!
- Milkmaid’s Mommy & Me Set – This was really cute for next day photos.
- Cute Warm Socks – Lulu’s gender was a surprise so I though these socks were super cute.
- Nursing Gown – This was an essential for me, in fact I purchased a few. Let’s be real, your body just went through quite a bit. These nightgowns are easy to slip on (I lived in them for weeks) easy for breastfeeding/pumping too.
Essentials –
- Breast Pump! – This may not be an essential for every women. I actually did not bring my breast pump and regretted it. I regretted it because the nurses were willing to show me how to use it so when I got back home and started using it I had to call my doctor (in tears) for some advice. I ended up exclusively pumping so this pump was literally attached to me as much as Lulu was!
- Willow Pump – Again, not essential or needed at the hospital. However, for this exclusively pumping Mama, down the road this hands free pump was a savior of my sanity.
- Nipple Cream – Trust me, buy it and use it after every feed/pump.
- Nursing/Pumping Bra – Hands down most comfortable nursing bra, this is a must have!
- Personal toiletries/makeup/hair essentials – That first hospital shower will make you feel like a whole new person. Bring your usual “getting ready” items, put that makeup on 😘 it will help you feel “normal.”
- Car seat – They won’t let you leave without this 😆 Have it pre-installed in your car before you head to the hospital. Your local fire department will help you install, to ensure safety FYI!
- New Born Clothes – During the hospital stay (usually 48 hours) Lulu wore a onesie, swaddle, socks and a hat. You are encouraged to do skin to skin and the hospital will provide onesies and swaddles so no need to overpack new born clothes. I linked a cute outfit for the day you take baby home. I also like the “Hello World” outfits. A simple footie pajama is great too 😊
- Books/Games – This is could be an essential 😉 obviously some labors are super quick or too intense for “relaxing.” One I received my epidural I still had hours before Lulu arrived and I found it nice to play card games to take my mind off of everything going on!
- Snacks! – The hospital (at least mine) will not feed a laboring women 😳 I brought peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, snacks and hydrating drinks such as coconut water. I had to bring it in a mini cooler since the hospital room did not have a mini fridge. Check with you hospital about what they provide in the room!
- Your pillow/blanket – I was so happy I brought my own pillow, remember you will be sleeping in the hospital for one to two nights. I also brought one of my own cozy blankets.
- Your phone and chargers! – I made a Spotify playlist for the hospital, I recommend making one of music that makes you happy and relaxed.
Items you can leave at home – The hospital will provide this –
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Bottles – It’s crazy but baby in the first day eats so little they actually syringe fed Lulu (after breastfeeding attempts). We were pretty adamant about breastfeeding so we actually purchased donor breast milk through the hospital until I figured it all out! I am so grateful to those Mama’s that donate their milk 💕 The hospital should also have formula in ready to go bottles if needed, confirm with your OBGYN.
- Mesh Underwear
- Postpartum Maxi Pads and Perineal Ice packs
- Tucks Cooling Pads
- Perineal Spray
- Peri Bottle
- Pain Relievers/Stool softener
- Towels/Washcloths (Think hotel bathroom, they provide this! You will need to bring your own bath items.)
Help my best friend out and leave your must haves in the comments below for her hospital bag! I love Mama’s helping other Mama’s ❤️
