When I was pregnant I had no idea where to begin with my hospital bag. I decided to list the items I feel are necessary and beneficial to bring with you to the hospital when you give birth.
3 nursing outfits If I had known I’d be at the hospital for 3 days I would have packed a lot more. I spent the first two days wearing the same hospital robe. Feeling very uncomfortable when friends came by to see me. I would have felt much better in an outfit that covered my backside and I could easily nurse in. Some examples: Nursing gown, nursing t-shirt, nursing bra Thin Jacket Sometimes I was pretty warm in the room I stayed in. But the second I left the room to go anywhere it was a bit chilly. So it was nice to have something small to cover up with when I walked around. I also used it to cover up when I breastfed. SweatPants I definitely was not going to be wearing jeans right after birth. They are way to tight and uncomfortable after a long hot day. So Sweatpants were exactly what I needed to feel relaxed. Plus it hid a lot of my swelling. (Make sure they are loose fitting!) Fuzzy Slipper Socks with Grips So I actually did have these and They were so comfy on my swollen feet after birth.
As someone who was really excited to breastfeed. I was far from prepared. I didn’t realize I would leak milk consistently throughout the day. Or that my nipples would be very sore and him latching would be extremely painful. Next time I pack my hospital bag I would make sure that I brought: nursing pads: to catch milk leaking and not mess up my bras nipple cream: to heal and prevent dryness breast pump: because my nipples were so sore I was struggling to nurse Isaiah at the time. ( I used one from the hospital to borrow during my stay. Check to see if yours will to.)
Toothbrush/Toothpaste It’s always nice to be able to brush your teeth Hair shampoo/conditioner My hair wasn’t done. Again I was not prepared and I think having shampoo and conditioner would’ve been very very helpful. Just to have my hair looking decent after giving birth when i took pictures. Instead it looks so crazy I sweated out my hair, it was frizzy, and I was sweaty. Hairbrush/Comb After a good hair wash I have to detangle that’s just how my hair is. A mess. So because I love it I have to brush it! Razor/shaving cream I also had these items because I knew I would like to have freshly shaven legs when I left the hospital in my last day outfit. It’s just a nice comfortable feeling and I am really glad I brought these for myself. It’s not a necessity of course but it was fun to finally shave again with the ability to bend over easily and see what I was shaving. Washcloths/Towel You’re to want something to wash and dry with after showers. (The hospitals do provide these as well)
Boppy Pillow Diapers/Wipes Baby Outfits Baby Hat/ Socks/mittens Swaddle Blankets Formula Pacifier Baby Bottles
Snacks After birth I really wish I had more snacks to eat. Trying to eat a full meal while nursing Isaiah every two hours was not easy. Little snacks to have throughout the day that we’re still fulfilling would have been easier than an entire plate of food. I was offered jello and popsicles but because I am not a fan I mainly had apple juice as a snack during my stay. So having snacks of my own that I enjoy would have been a plus. But if you don’t mind the hospital food choices then you’ll be fine. Phone Charger Sadly, I’m addicted to my phone so I needed my charger to keep it on. I made sure that I checked emails and messaged and called whoever I could remember to let them know I had my baby. I had a 10ft cord I bought from a $5 store. Journal: not really a document but great to keep records of feeding and sleeping times. Helps you build I schedule in the future. Either read a book or magazine. Maybe sudoku or just something to keep you relaxed it’ll be kinda quiet. Pillow/blanket for comfort You’re