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If you know me, then you know that I am a compulsive organizer and excessive over planner, and these character traits only amplified when I got pregnant. (We ordered our crib and dresser when I was only ten weeks pregnant because “what if it was back ordered because of Covid.”) Needless to say, my hospital bag was packed and by the door before I even hit my third trimester.
Not only did I have my bag packed super early, I spent lots of time researching what to put in it. I hadn’t ever done this before so I had no idea what I needed. I looked all over instagram and Tik Tok to see what other moms recommended. There were definitely items in my bag that I would consider a “necessity” and others that I didn’t touch. I’m going to compile a list below of everything I brought and also items I wish I would have had.
Portable Fan – I didn’t have one with me, and honestly didn’t miss it. However, the hospital that I delivered at lets every patient have control of the temperature in their room so I was able to get it as cold as I needed during labor. (Poor Colin was freezing and was so thankful I made him pack a sweatshirt in the middle of August.) If you’re unsure about the temperature and are worried you’ll be hot, definitely bring one.
Nonslip Socks – Brought these and loved them! Especially when I was doing laps around the L&D floor. Funny story – When my OB came to break my water she told me to take them off if I wanted to keep them and wow was she right!
Tripod/Phone Stand – I was adamant that I did not want to record my birth and I stand firm that I do not want to record the actual birth. However, I do really regret not having one of our phones recording just our heads or even just the sound. It was so amazing and I wish I could go back and listen. If you hate the video, you can always delete it, but you can’t redo the moment over!
Stars Above Nightgown – I did not have these and desperately wish I did. I only had one set of pajamas with buttons and I wish I would have had more and in the form of a nightgown. Buttons are a necessity when trying to figure out breastfeeding. I got some after a few weeks at home and LOVED them for nighttime feeds.
Auden Nursing Bras – I did have these and they are AMAZING. Trust me when I say you want these nursing bras in the hospital and not the ones with the clips. There’s no wire in them, no hooks, and they are so comfortable.
Medela Soothing Pads – Thankfully the hospital had some of these and they were a MUST. I mean a MUST. Breastfeeding was so painful after about 10-12 hours and these were such a relief. I put them in the fridge while Callie was nursing and then put them on when she finished.
Silverette Nursing Cups – I wouldn’t say these were a need in the hospital but I swear by them for when you come home. They’re very beneficial when your milk has come in because the breast milk works to heal.
Nursing pads – not necessary in the hospital for me because my milk hadn’t come in.
Nipple Butters – mine hurt so bad that these really didn’t do much for me. The soothing gel pads were much more effective for me.
Always Discreet Underwear – yes, these are diapers and yes they are amazing. I used one of the hospital pads/mesh undies and HATED them. I lived in diapers for the first week and it was the best decision ever. I never tried the frida mom boy shorts, but liked these so much that I will definitely be using them for next time.
Frida Mom Peri Bottle – I’m sure if you are expecting, you’ve seen this and heard only great things, and I’m here to tell you the same thing. It was absolutely amazing.
Sound Machine – I am a very high maintenance sleeper and knew the sounds throughout the hospital would interrupt my sleep (what little I got) and a sound machine was so nice to have to drown some of the noise out!
Toiletries – a full blown shower was the most amazing feeling ever after giving birth. Shampoo, conditioner, face wash and body wash are a must as well as deodorant, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. I was the girl that brought makeup, but honestly don’t know if I will next time.
Long phone charger – outlets are not close to the bed so this is very helpful.
Water bottle – I’m picky about water bottles so I wanted to bring my own.
Pillow and Blanket – Like I said above, I am a high maintenance sleeper so anything to make it feel more familiar/like home helped me and made me feel better!
Roku – We brought ours and actually did use it, but I wouldn’t say it’s a necessity.
Let me hear some of your “must haves” or “could’ve done without.”
My must have would be pony tails and chapstick!!!!!
Agreed! Chapstick was so necessary because of how dry the hospital was!! And I could always use pony tails!