Among all of the things going through your mind in the last stages of your pregnancy, hospital bag preparation is one of the most crucial tasks. Not only do you need items for the baby, but also to keep you comfortable through labor and throughout your stay.
Mama’s bag
Clothing: If you would like to wear your own gown keep in mind that it will need to open in the back. This is necessary if you are getting the epidural or the spinal block for a cesarean section.
Bring at least two or three pairs of postpartum-friendly clothes. Prioritize comfortable clothing no matter what your birth plan is. Whether it’s matching pajama sets or nightgowns, know that you are going to be healing and need to bring clothes that allow you to do so.
Comfort items: Bring things that will help you with pain management because you will be dealing with a lot of it. This can vary for each person, but I do have some suggestions.
- Self-care bag! Have your toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, body wash, skincare products and any other items you use daily.
- Phone chargers! Have chargers with you because there is no telling how long the process will take and you will likely be playing on your phone quite a bit. There aren’t many places you will be able to plug in your phone around your hospital bed, so consider a wireless charger/power bank. Be sure to take plenty of pictures!
- A heating pad/handheld fan! I, for one, cannot stand to be overheated when I am in pain. I purchased an $8 handheld fan at Walmart over the summer to have at the hospital, and it saved me. They’re perfect for your husband or partner to hold! If you prefer to be warm to ease pain, bring a heating pad.
If you’re like me and require an emotional support fan to sleep, they sell mini fans that you can plug into your power bank and leave on your side table.
- A pillow! Hospital beds and pillows are the worst. I had three pillows layered behind me and one to sit on and it didn’t make a difference. I was happy to get the epidural just so my back would stop hurting. Needless to say, bring a few from home.
- A massage gun! For your back pain and your husband’s/partner’s.
- Postpartum care! Bring self-care items you will need to make recovery bearable. Perineal soothing foam, pads, adult diapers, breast pumps, breast pads and even snacks! Whatever you think you will need, bring it.
Baby’s bag
Toys! When it comes to the new arrival keep in mind they will be sleeping most of the time. Toys really aren’t necessary, but one stuffed animal for keepsake pictures won’t hurt.
Clothes! Bring onesies! Hospitals can be cold so I recommend long-sleeved onesies with footies and a few short-sleeved variations for when they are swaddled. If you don’t want to torture yourself make sure they have zippers rather than buttons. Fighting with buttons and a fussy baby during diaper changes while sleep deprived is its own special hell. A very special experience, nonetheless, but don’t do that.
Diapers and wipes! If you or your husband/partner have sensitivities to certain diapers or wipes, bring your own to avoid any reaction to the ones provided by the hospital.
–Baby care essentials! Swaddles, grooming kits (their nails hurt), diaper creams and more!
–Feeding supplies! Whether you are pumping, or plan on introducing formulas, make sure to have items for feedings on hand. Though the hospital should have formula and breast pumps on hand should you forget.
Dad’s/partner’s bag
-Self-care bag! Have your toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, body wash and any other needed items to get you through the stay.
-Phone chargers! Have chargers with you because there is no telling how long the process will take and you don’t want your phone to die. Be sure to take plenty of pictures!
-Pillows! Bring a comfortable pillow for whatever they have you sleeping on!
-Caffeine! You’re the main line of support so ensure that you’re caffeinated and ready to go. If you don’t prefer caffeinated beverages, try protein shakes instead.
-Snacks! Food will be brought in for mama-to-be, but likely not for you. Have some stuff to snack on and maintain your energy. Have family members bring you food if you aren’t a fan of the cafeteria or leaving your partner for long.
