What you REALLY need in your hospital bag
I wrote this list a when babe three was due any day while it was all so fresh in my mind and since pregnancy and newborn brain can do a number on you, I thought I would share what is in “the bag,” or should I say, bags? Bags, plural, naturally.
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I have historically been both the queen of totes and an over-packer extraordinaire. I have been gaining small strides over the years with streamlining packing, but I think that is mostly because packing for 5 humans instead of just little ol’ me will do that to you. However, I still have totes in my totes and would not change it for the world. And this weekender bag makes me drool.
Here is a list of the bags I packed (not including what I packed for my big kids that were headed to Grandmas):
1. Labor & Delivery Bag
2. Bag for Hubby and I
3. Baby Bag
I will also share my favorite labor and delivery power verse at the end with a printable prayer card I made just for you, my sister!
Now, let’s get specific.
LABOR+DELIVERY BAG
My plan was to deliver naturally in a hospital. Because I had already experienced a more natural birth met with a lot of angst from the staff at the hospital, I knew that this time, I needed to be more prepared! Bring the things. Plan the things. Be okay if all the things go sideways. I believe in planning as much as you can and tossing it, when necessary. I would prefer to have a plan I do not use than to need more structure and support because I did not prepare myself (“Hi, my name is Emily and I am a recovering procrastinator”….“Hi, Emily”).
Snacks
Pretty much the top of my list. Hubby wants them. I have them as soon as the baby arrives, because the hospitals meal schedule rarely works with the schedule of a baby’s birth and I swore after my first birth that I would never again let the stale-emergency-late-night-turkey sandwich the hospital offers to pass my lips. Also, bring some electrolyte powder. You can have this even if they have you on liquids only during labor, too, SCORE! Here are a couple of my favorite options for my husbands favorite bag, naturally…these and these were hubby’s favorite and this one and this one (for less than $2.50!!) were mine (pregnancy and post-partum!).
Gear
Tennis balls or one of the massager-type things like this. I loved mine and used it for both of my epidural-free deliveries. I would have probably even used it in my first delivery, since back labor was so intense, but I had yet to be introduced to its splendor. Just get one. Lay on it. Let your spouse or birthing partner help press it into your lower back. Trust me. And a heating pad. I like this one because it is large and you can adjust the level of heat. It is great for back labor and post-partum. Bonus: it comes in three colors!
Headphones and a couple of playlists. I love, love, love this meditation. The first five “songs” helped me so much through pregnancy, labor and delivery. It reinforces the book Supernatural Childbirth, which I also recommend as a prep for labor. Read more about my experience preparing for and actually doing a natural labor and delivery here. I also had a labor and delivery playlist that focused a lot on Scripture, storms, and overcoming. Here are a couple of the favorites that made it into my playlist:
“Woman” (feat. Montell Jordan) by Beckah Shae
“Do Life Big” by Jaime Grace
“Come Alive (Dry Bones)” by Lauren Daigle
“Stronger” by Mandisa
Hair ties. I find curling pins to be helpful too, if you have long locks that need help being tamed like mine when I gave birth. They’re much sturdier than traditional bobby pins and I have been known to do more than one crazy trick to hold my hair up decently with just one of these puppies. Even with my shorter hair now (versus waist length when I gave birth), I still use them almost daily! These no-pull elastics are ammmmazing, too! If they stretch, just pop them in a cup of hot water and they will bounce back to life and usefulness.
Playing cards. You probably will not feel up to this, but you might. And these cards have a unicorn on them, so…you are welcome, sweet sister. And wouldn’t you prefer to play a game of Monopoly Deal or 5 card stud than just focusing on the uncomfortable contractions, if you find you are able to hang? I liked having the option. I am not one for TV, so this was a great alternative. Plus, my hubby and I really enjoy Monopoly Deal. It is kind of our thing.
Fuzzy socks. Well, they don’t have to be fuzzy, but where’s the fun in that? Bring socks to keep your toes cozy in that hospital room and off the cold floor for trips to the bathroom or labor positions where you are moving about. I always bring about three pair. These would suit the fuzzy bone splendidly.
Slippers. Why? See above with the socks. Same mindset applies here. I like having options. Mine are camoflauge men’s slippers for $8 from Walmart. Do not go big here. Cheap is good, your water could break on them. This pair is perfect. And if you want to smile when you look at your feet, grab these unicorn slippers for only $2 more, SCORE! (I hope you are catching the unicorn trend…)
PERSONAL EFFECTS BAG
Basics for the hubs. I completely forgot to prepare a single thing for him when we had our first child. He does not need much, but remember that you and the baby are the hospital’s priority, not him. So, bring him an extra comfy outfit, something to sleep in, socks, and basic toiletries. He might want to shower at the hospital, especially if he is actively involved in delivery.
You will need something to change into after delivery. I don’t bother with undies, I like the granny panties that accommodate the mammoth pads, ice packs, and witch hazel galore. Don’t judge. If you opt to wear your own, make sure they are cheap and you do not mind having them ruined. Also, buy 1-2 sizes larger than usual so accommodate the “accessories” mentioned above.
Bring 1-2 comfortable nursing nightgowns and robes. You will not want to hang out in a hospital gown after that placenta is delivered and you have peed once, trust me. I always bring two sets and I use these puppies like crazy at home too. They are worth the investment. And a cami. Because the ladies will be unpredictable sizes because of nursing, engorgement, and post-partum body changes. It is okay. Just get a couple camis and thank me later.
Here are some of my favorite nursing camis, robes, and nursing nightgowns. The Jessica Simpson nursing stuff all feels soft and buttery and holds up well over time. I have like 6 of these white camis, but they have a ton of cute prints available, if that is your jam! I just adore the print and gorgeous lace lining on this nightgown and this robe is adorable and matches perfectly! This set is super cute, too!
Bring a set of washable nursing pads or a couple of disposable ones. Your colostrum will not leak much while you are in the hospital, but I always have a little leaking, especially while I am nursing the new little, so I prefer to wear them. A few pairs should be plenty.
Here are my favorite disposable (I have tried them all) and washable nursing pads (these are my favorite because they are super soft and do not bunch up).
A nursing cover. This one is my favorite (and that is saying something, I have like 6). It is so hot where I live, I find both baby and I prefer the lightweight muslin covers. Plus, they feel like butter. So, that is pretty much always a win.
And I always bring my breastfeeding survival kit, which I have yet to actually use in the hospital, but I am dedicated to making breastfeeding work and figure that it is best to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. My kit includes a nipple shield like this one and a salve to help with cracking if your little has a rough latch, I love this organic nipple butter and use it later on after the hospital. It’s safe to nurse with on, which I love.
BABY BAG
Keep it simple here. Hospitals vary greatly on what they provide IMO, but diapers and wipes are standard. My kiddos have super sensitive tushies, so I don’t use their wipes, THESE are my favorite. They are still affordable and much gentler. I swap to the Earth’s BEST DIAPERS when we get home, but just use what the hospital provides while we are there. Those michonium filled diapers are not on their bums long enough to stress me out.
I also bring my own baby wash (this foaming one is my kids’ favorite still), baby lotion like this one (it smells heavenly…as if a newborn can smell any better), and this healing balm that I use as a diaper rash ointment (just in case). And this body oil is my absolute favorite for preventing and treating cradle cap.
I like to have the clothes with built-in mittens, that cannot be pulled off! Standard onesies with built-in mittens or footed sleepers are great, too. I bring a total or about 4 outfits or onesies and hats and socks, if necessary to match. Bring a swaddle blanket and a couple of burp cloths or cloth diaper inserts that make great burp cloths. Of course, I always get a cute going home outfit, swoon. Although, it really is only in one picture…if you are really on your game. It is more for the kid when they are an adult to me. The “keepsake” that you want to pass down. I do not save much for our kids, but this is one of those key items that I want to give them one day. We went with this one for baby P. It was perfect since we did not find out the gender!
OTHER ITEMS:
A Boppy or BreastFriend. Seriously, saves my neck and shoulders while nursing like manna from Heaven, y’all.
Pillows for you+hubby.
Carseat. Do your own research here. We had this one and loved it!!
Print out of pre-registration materials and a copy of your OB’s records (especially if you are Rh Negative, you will need proof of your shot, as well as any vaccines you opted for)
Labor positions print out for your spouse/birthing partner of the labor stages. This is especially helpful if you are having a natural childbirth, but I would argue it is just helpful all around for your husband! Check out pinterest for a slew of good ones.
ABOVE ALL…
Remember that the bag does not really matter. You have got this, sister!! If you forget 90% of this, you will still have a baby. You can always send the hubby to target for a car seat and a onesie; do not worry too much. That being said, I know I feel more rested when nesting sets in when I am at least a little prepared, so I hope my experience is useful for you. I would love to hear if you feel there are other necessities in the comments!
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