There is something very real about packing your hospital bag. It’s one of the last things on your pregnancy to-do check-list. Maybe that’s why I put it off until week 39 (It’s recommended/encouraged to have your hospital bag packed around 36 weeks….oops!).
But I finally did it and things are now really starting to sink in…baby Haskell will be here any day now! We are so excited!! So, as a first-time mom, I wanted to share with you what I packed in my hospital bag:
- Birth plan – bring a couple of copies
- Chapstick – apparently your lips will get very dry during labor
- Loose-fitting clothes — I am bringing some maternity tops and leggings/yoga pants for post-birth
- Toiletries – makeup/shampoo & conditioner/contacts & glasses. To pack my toiletries, I’m using the Large Cosmetic ReActive bag from Vera Bradley. It has tons of pockets and space! Highly recommend.
- Flip – flops for the shower
- Slippers/socks
- Water-bottle with straw
- Your own pillow (but bring a pillowcase that won’t blend in with the hospital ones)
- Snacks for after labor (or for during, depending on your hospital/birth centers policies) and for hubby (like granola bars, Gatorade, ChexMix, little cookies, trail mix, and I baked some muffins that I froze and will be taking too, for some comfort food 🙂 )
- Phone charger — long cord
- Camera with extra batteries
- Laptop/books/general entertainment for hubby
- Nursing bras/nursing tanks – LOVE this nursing tank and this nursing bra.
- Cardigan/robe – not to wear during labor, unless you’re okay with it getting messy
- Nipple cream – I’m using this one from Target
- Nursing pads – Got these from Target
- Sports bra/tanktop to labor in, in case the hospital gown gets too hot
- Going home outfit and swaddle/blanket for baby
For my hospital bag, I’m using my favorite duffle bag from L.L Bean. It’s durable, has plenty of space, and the perfect size to pack everything I need.
Packing the hospital bag can be a little overwhelming, especially for a first-time mom like myself. I found that there are a ton of helpful resources online on what to pack and what not to pack (a simple google search will point you in the right direction. Or, pregnancy apps like TheBump and WhatToExpect have great lists available, too!)
Remember, that every hospital/birthing center is different, so make sure you call ahead and see if they allow certain things – like cameras or food/drink. For example, I want to be able to labor on a yoga/birthing ball so I called my hospital to make sure they had them or if I had to bring my own. It’s always better to be over-prepared 🙂
