Leading up to having Liam, I read post after post on what to pack to take to the hospital for delivery and recovery. I packed a little bit of everything (serial over-packer here!) so I would have ALL THE THINGS. Needless to say, I ended up with a ton of stuff I didn’t even pull out of my bag and definitely didn’t need. So today I’m here to share with you what this second time Mom is packing in her bag so you can leave all of the extra stuff at home.
1. Comfy and nursing friendly PJs
This was one of the things I got right my first time around and am so glad I did. I bought a black and grey nightgown (similar to this one) That i practically lived in in the hospital. It wasn’t specifically a nursing gown but it was easy enough to pull down for nursing and was loose and comfortable around my deflated belly and nether regions to accommodate the oh so sexy mesh undies they give you. This go round, I picked up this PJ set to wear in the hospital as well since the button down closure will be easy for nursing plus they are so freaking soft! These are also a perfect dupe for this department store brand!
2. Ab Binder
You can actually get these from the hospital (for free!) if you ask but after doing more research after having Liam, I have this pair of postpartum underwear. It has a corset attached to it to help shrink your deflated balloon-esque belly back to its previous state. Oh and your uterus too. Apparently you just had a baby and that needs to return to its previous state too but let’s be real, everyone just wants their belly to not look like they’re 6 months pregnant when they leave the hospital.
3. Toiletries
Let’s be honest, they can make a postpartum room feel as nice as possible but it’s still a hospital and not the Ritz. Pack whatever toiletries you want from home and splurge on a few nicer ones. You just delivered a human so you deserve the travel size Bath and Body Works body wash in your favorite scent and not just the leftover hotel one you have in your bag from your last trip. Don’t go overboard though and only pack the necessities. Odds are, shampoo and conditioner, body wash and the other basic toiletries will do the trick. But if you think you’re going to deep condition your hair or wear a face mask you’re dreaming.
4. A comfy robe
You’ve just delivered a child and every nurse in L&D and postpartum has seen some bit of you (or it feels like that anyway). While you’re spending an enormous amount of time topless feeding your baby, it will be nice to at least have some sense of modesty or to keep you warm. I lived in my robe in the hospital and for weeks once we got home.
5. Warm socks and or slippers
As nice as those socks with the no-slip grip are that they’ll give you, odds are you’ll appreciate some socks from home that are nice and fuzzy and warm. If you’re not a sock person, bring your favorite slippers from home.
6. Beauty items
I brought my blow dryer, straightener and full makeup bag with me last time and didn’t even think to touch any of it when I had Liam. However, I’ll probably scale back what I bring but still bring some of it so I can have some semi-decent photos taken and not terrify anyone. Realistically though, you’re not going to want to put on a full face of makeup and curl your hair after 24 hours of labor or after your stomach has just been sliced open. So be real with yourself on what you’ll really use (hello dry shampoo!) when packing.
7. Chargers
Between keeping family updated, taking pictures and videos, etc. your phone battery is likely to die pretty quickly. Make sure you have a charger for your phone, camera and/or laptop so you can take as many pictures as you want and upload to your heart’s content.
8. Snacks
Labor isn’t always quick and while mother’s aren’t typically allowed to eat in the event you must have an emergency c-section, your partner is bound to appreciate you having some popcorn or trail mix packed to snack on while you wait. I know, its torture to watch them eat if you’re hungry but if you’re in active labor, I promise you food will be the last thing on your mind. And if there’s something you’ve been craving and can’t have while pregnant, have someone prepped to bring it for you after you deliver. Mine was sopressata salame and unpasteurized parmesan cheese. And it was delicious.
9. Baby items and coming home outfit
Don’t think I forgot about the little one! The hospital will provide you with literally everything your baby will need while you’re there but I would recommend packing a nursing pillow, swaddle blankets and your little ones going home outfit. Your baby will be given a hat and little kimono type shirt to wear but I would suggest a newborn and 0-3 month outfit just in case you make giant babies like I do. Better to be safe than sorry! It’s also a good idea to have baby use a blanket and then have someone take it home to have your pets get familiar with the baby’s scent before you bring them home. We also live in an Instagram world so if you have any specific items you want to take pictures with in the hospital, make sure to pack those too. Ex. felt letter board, “my name is” name tag, etc. And don’t forget the car seat!
10. An extra bag
I’m sure you’ve been told already but you will be able to take a literal ton of stuff home from the hospital. Don’t be shy and ask for things you feel you’ll need. I also would stash a few things in my bag and ask for them to be refilled so I had more to take home. Don’t feel bad about it in the least bit. You’re paying for everything one way or another. You’ll also have received some gifts at this point that you will be able to stash in your spare bag too.
11. Going home outfit for yourself
While you can certainly go home in a nursing gown and robe, I packed super loose and comfy pajama pants (no one wants anything too snug on their lady parts with those super attractive mesh undies and extra thick pads) and a nursing tank with flip-flops. Comfort is key in those first few days postpartum!
I love that you including packing snacks for dad. Always so thoughtful!
They definitely came in handy last time. Haven’t packed any this go round though 😂