The Mom’s Survival Kit: Essential Picks for Your Hospital Stay!
The Essentials
So your due date is approaching and you are frantically reading countless articles, watching youtube videos, tik toks, reels and anything you can get your hands on to find out what you need. I get it, I was once in your shoes. I am a first time mom and I was that person, who wanted to make sure I knew what I needed before I came to the hospital. I tend to be an over packer for EVERYTHING and I really did not want to over pack for the birth of our daughter. So, I researched a ton of different items, asked friends, and family members what they actually used for labor and delivery and this is what I came up with.
When To Pack Your Hospital Bag
A baby can be delivered from 37 weeks, that may not happen for you but it’s something to keep in mind. With that information, It gave me peace of mind to go ahead and make a list of what I actually needed to pack by 36 weeks.
Once you make your list, it’s best to go ahead and pack items you are not currently using. These would be items you do not mind sitting in your luggage or weekend bag for a few weeks, which we will discuss below.
What To Pack Your Items In?
I know this may seem strange to some, but I am an organizer, so I tend to really think things through. In my experience, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to use a duffle bag/weekend bag or a mini suitcase. That may be something you want to consider. I ultimately decided on this suitcase because it was a hard shell case, which made it easy to keep clean.
It can fit ALOT of items and I knew if it was dirty is was extremely easy to clean. A plus it that it rolls and I knew my husband would be the main person carrying our items so that just made it even easier for him to utilize.
Extensive List
Mama, you want to make sure you are going to be as comfortable as possible. This may be your first pregnancy or your third, no matter what you will want to feel comfortable before and after labor.
- Clothes: the best rule of thumb would be an outfit to the hospital, gown (if you want your own), after birth outfit, and a going home outfit. For all of your outfits, I would recommend those to be loose fitting. For your gown, you can purchase your own if you wish. However, I used the hospital one while I was in labor and tossed it after. After labor, I put on my nightgown, and it was a LIFESAVER! If you are planning on breastfeeding, I recommend you to have an easy access top/nightgown. The one I used, had buttons on it so it made night feedings very easy. *I brought a pair of long grippy socks, to put on after birth but used the pair the hospital gives to you during labor* For your going home outfit, I would wear loungewear. Definitely bring two or three nursing bras. Bring one for going home, and some for your hospital stay. For your hospital stay, I recommend the “night time bras” so your are not dealing with clips all day long. These are my favorites, that I still use 8 months postpartum.
- Postpartum Care Products: Your hospital will HOOK you up with mesh undies. However, I did not like those, for me they were not supportive enough. You can use the mesh undies (from the hospital), or underwear pads depending on your comfort level. However, I had purchased postpartum Underwear that were way more comfortable than depends or the mesh undies. If you have a specific type of pad you like, bring those. However, it is really not needed. The hospital will give you as many as you need while you are there and before you go home. Also, the hospital will provide you with ice packs, peri bottle and medicines. You will need to bring dermoplast. I know you will read elsewhere to buy postpartum kits, but truthfully theses are the only items I used.
- Breastfeeding/Pumping Mama’s: Now this is a MUST, I repeat MUST have. If you’ve never breastfed before, I want you to be as prepared as possible. Once your sweet bundle of joy arrives, one of the first things you will do after your “golden hour” will be latching your baby. The first few weeks will be the hardest for breastfeeding because of the cracked nipples. Don’t worry, I promise it gets better. To help with your cracked nipples, apply a nipple cream after every feeding and anytime you feel discomfort. This is the cream I used, nipple cream, it also served as multi-purposes because you can use it as a lip balm! These are not a must have but it really made a big difference, silverette nursing cups. They are very healing without having to use a cream on your nipples, if you wish or you can do both. They are very cooling and heal your cracked/bleeding nipples. If you are planning on pumping only, I recommend bringing your pump, in case you need any assistance using it. Nipple pads disposable and reusable ones are amazing. You will also want a Hakka or my personal favorite, milk collector cups to put on the opposite side when you are nursing. You will really only needs those when your milk really comes in, a few days after birth. This is a fantastic way to start freezing your extra milk.
- Toiletries: Make sure you do not forget to bring these items! You will want to pack lip balm, hair ties/clips, toothbrush, toothpaste, mini shampoo/conditioner, body wash, body lotion, makeup remover (if you will wear any), deodorant, hair brush, contacts lenses & solution, glasses (for those night feeds), and makeup (if you desire). A way to know what you will for sure need, is to right down a list of what items you use every day. Go ahead and pack those items if you have extras or keep that list with your suitcase/bag. My favorite travel case for toiletries, and accessories.
- Snacks & Drinks: Bring any of your favorite snacks and drinks. The hospital will provide you with a reusable water bottle, if you prefer your favorite one, bring that. Remember, the hospital will supply you with food at anytime of the day, these are just extras for a favorite snack and drink pick you up!
- Shoes: This is a main category because you will want to pack shoes that you can shower in. Crocs or flip flops are great because they dry quickly, so you can use these to shower in and walk around in if you wish. If you want two sets, bring your shower shoes and a pair of slippers.
- Extras: A long charging cord is nice, you just never know where a plug in will be in the hospital If you are nursing, you may want to bring your nursing pillow to get used to using it and for extra support.
Printable Checklist Below
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