My train seems to always park itself in Procrastination Station!
I packed my hospital bag 2 days before I was due to go in to deliver Baby Girl. I DON’T recommend waiting that long. I imagine nothing is more stressful than having to pack a hospital bag and trying to remember all the important necessities while being blessed with beautiful contractions. Luckily, I didn’t go into labor early and I was able to pack my bag contraction-free. I WAS scheduled for C-section so I think I felt like I could wait till the last minute… but ya really NEVER know. So ladies, pack that bag early! Or at the least make a list before hand!!!
Need some help? Not sure what to pack in your hospital bag? It CAN be a little overwhelming. But I’m here to help. Here is what I packed. Now, I’m not promising I didn’t forget anything… I’m only human (and may or may not still be plagued with “baby brain” 😉 ) But hopefully this will get ya started…
FOR MOMMY:
ID/Insurance card/any hospital paperwork you might need
cell phone AND charger
camera AND charger or extra batteries
magazine/book
(you may not have time to read but you never know. My first LO was in the NICU so I had some down time. It was nice to have something to keep me occupied when I couldn’t visit baby or watch another minute of TV)
loose fitting clothing
You will want something comfortable to wear and probably don’t want to spend the entire stay in those fashionable hospital gowns ;). I think loose dresses are best. And keep in mind, you will probably still look about 6 months pregnant. OH JOY!!!
socks/slippers/comfortable shoes
nursing bra
underwear
And I’m not talking your cute Vickie’s underwear! I’m talking about some sexy full coverage, dare I say… Granny Panties. C-section mommas, make sure you have something high-waisted that won’t rub on your incision. I know… extra sexy, right?! AND… I hope I’m not the first to break it to you but the glamorous truth is, not only do you get to give birth, but then you get to bleed. Just think of it as the longest and heaviest period of your life! GOSH girls, aren’t we lucky?!!!! So yeah, don’t bring your best undies!! 😉
And while we are on this glorious topic…
maxi pads
The hospital will supply you with them but you may want to bring your own.
nursing pads
toiletries:
toothbrush, hairbrush, hair dryer, straightener, makeup, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, hair ties,… anything you think you may want to make yourself feel “normal”!
pillow
I recommend bringing your favorite pillow. Something to make your stay more comfortable. I also suggest covering it with a pretty colored pillow case. For 2 reasons, one, because it’s pretty and will look nice in photos, and two, so it doesn’t get mixed up with one from the hospital. BUT… mostly because it’s fun for photos 😉 !! Tiffany got me this pillow case when I went in for Monster. I love the pop of color it gives in the photos and the thought behind it!
snacks/quarters for vending machines
This isn’t just for you though… but for your husband/SO/birth coach too.
FOR BABY:
baby nail file
clothing/going home outfit
receiving blanket
The hospital will supply them but it might be nice to use your own.
gifts for ‘sibling exchange’
Jim and I decided to let the girls exchange gifts when they first meet each other. We took Miss Monster out and let her choose something special to bring her little sister and we choose something for her from the baby. We heard this is a nice way to introduce them and make the occasion even more special! (Monster picked the ladybug for her baby sister and the baby will be giving Monster the doll. I figured a baby from the baby was appropriate! It works, right?)
Hmmm… I think that’s it! Did I miss anything? Is there anything YOU would recommend? If so please share! I want all you gorgeous mammas out there as prepared as possible!!!
GOOD LUCK LADIES and CONGRATULATIONS on those beautiful babies on the way!!!
Now go pack that hospital bag!!!!
😉
xx,
Heather
** OH… and don’t forget the car seat!!!!!! It doesn’t go IN the hospital bag but you will need it properly installed before bring your little one home!
