Full disclosure, I did not use everything I packed (I will note what I used and what I did not). I also suggest having the bag in your car (not at home like I did). I ended up being sent directly to the hospital from a routine appointment and my husband had to leave during early induction to go home and get our stuff. Here is what was in my bag for Frankie and myself!
Items for Frankie J.
- I knew I wanted a cute set for pictures in the hospital and I couldn't find anything I loved at any mainstream retailer. Of course, Etsy had exactly what I was looking for. This ended up being even more special for us because our hospital offered a newborn photo session. We have the most adorable pictures of him in this set that I will cherish always.
2. 3-5 white onesies (not needed)
- The hospital ended up providing these for us and we used theirs.
3. 3-5 outfits
- I ended up having a c-section and was at the hospital longer than if I had had a vaginal birth, so we did use more outfits that most probably would. Frankie did spend his first days in just the long sleeve onesies the hospital provided (mostly because I could not move to change him and due to exhaustion). After his first bath, we had the hospital staff put him in his Halloween outfit (it was Halloween) and we changed him into little one pieces after that.
4. Going Home Outfit
5. Pacifiers (if you are going to use them)
- Our hospital also provided them, but did not tell us. I noticed most nurses had opinions on breastfeeding and pacifiers telling us to wait. We did not wait, and in my experience, Frankie took the pacifier and nursed just fine. Until recently, he took a bottle fine too. I do not tend to believe in the "nipple confusion" theory. Using a pacifier has also been proven to reduce the risk of SIDS.
6. 2-3 swaddle blankets (not needed)
- I just knew I wanted the option of using my own swaddle blankets (which I did not really use). The nurses were really great about swaddling Frankie J. for us (we were NOT good swaddlers) and they always had warm hospital blankets on hand which helped soothe Frankie J.
Items for Mama
- I ended up using these more than any of the bras I packed. They were the most comfortable and I could sleep in them and wear them during the day.
2. 2-3 Nursing Bras (did not use these)
3. Bathrobe
4. 2-3 sets of pajamas/lounge clothes
- I was SO happy I did this. I was not allowed to shower for a few days after my c-section and once I was I remember the feeling of showering and putting on "real" clothes. Lounge clothes are preferred just because you will be sore and uncomfortable for a while after giving birth. I did splurge and buy myself some new sets so that I could feel good and give myself something to look forward to. I made sure they would be nursing friendly because my plan was to nurse.
5. Hair ties (you will not want your hair down in your face while giving birth)
- I knew I didn't want to rock the tall hospital provided socks once I was able to be in lounge clothes. I still wear these and they were a good/affordable option on amazon.
7. Slippers
8. Phone Charger
9. Laptop (did not use)
10. Kindle (did not use)
11. Pregnancy Pillow
- This was something I needed to help me sleep pre-delivery and I knew I would need it to help me during labor. It ended up being invaluable during my stay and I also used it to help me nurse.
12. Diaper Bag (for ride home)
*** Make sure you take any diapers, wipes, and ointments from your baby cart in your room if they are opened. The hospitals aren't allowed to re-use them and they end up getting thrown away. We used these diapers and wipes for our downstairs diaper basket. ***
13. Toiletries
- The hospital does provide you with some, but I knew I was going to want my own from home just to make me feel more like myself. I packed my own razor, toothbrush, and makeup too. I didn't do full makeup while there, but just a little to feel a little put together. I realize everyone is different and this might not be important to you.
14. Water bottle
- This allowed me to drink plenty of water and avoid the little hospital cup fulls that they give you.
- I had brought it because I wanted the nurses to show me how to use it, but I ended up not really needing it while there. They also gave me a hand pump, which I highly recommend taking home with you to have on hand. I am obsessed with this breast pump and cannot suggest it enough. It is rechargeable which means you can travel around the house with it or take it with you in the car/airplane if needed!
I am sure I have missed something and it will come to me after I hit "publish." If that is the case I will either edit the post or add the additional items in the comments section. I'd love to hear from you guys on what you found useful in the hospital that I may have missed! Leave a comment below and let's help some future mamas out!
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