Out of all the pregnancy-related topics, this one might be my favorite. It was one of my favorite parts of pregnancy too because when it’s time to pack your hospital bag, that means the torture is almost over!! Yes, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel and the real excitement begins! The pregnancy season finale is almost here mama!
You should pack your hospital bag around 32 weeks. This way, in case you go into labor early you’ll have everything you need already ready to go. Remember, pregnant women get tired and distracted very easily, so do yourself favor and don’t wait until the last minute! I would suggest starting this process and continuing over the course of a few days, throwing things into the bag as you remember or acquire them.
Anywho, I previously published a post about what was in my hospital bag on my Little Things B Loves blog. That list is still full of great things but I made it after the birth of my first daughter. Now that I’ve gone through this experience twice, I have even more tips for Labr & Delivery necessities.
What You Don’t Need to Bring to Labor & Delivery
So let’s get to it! Before I tell you what to bring with you to the hospital I want to tell you what you don’t need to bring
– Tons of baby outfits: You’ll only be there about 2, maybe 3 days anyway if everything goes smoothly. No need to bring a bunch of outfits. You’ll be too tired for a fashion show and so will the baby! Focus on getting rest!
– Diapers and wipes: At this point, I’ve given birth in two different hospitals, in two different states. Both times I was given a new pack of newborn diapers, wipes, and pacifiers in our recovery room. Both times I was able to take whatever I did not use with me at discharge. So you won’t need to bring any of this to the hospital with you.
– Your labor plan: I typed out a labor plan for my first daughter and forgot it at home. Things went off the rails anyway so why even worry yourself with it? If there are important things make sure you discuss them with your doctor and partner prior to the actual day or at least early on so you have a better shot at things going your way.
What You Should Put in Your Hospital Bag
Labor Socks
This is not a necessity but I think it’s still important. In my first labor, I wore fuzzy stocks with no-slip adhesive on the bottom. The design read, “push”. They were so cute and girly. The second time I had blood-red socks that said ‘Mother of dragons’ on the sole. I was going for the kick-ass mom look and I totally crushed it. Having no-slip socks helps and if they are badass, that could give you a confidence boost.
Satin pillowcase
This is honestly essential, especially for those of us with curly hair! I sleep on a satin pillowcase every night, and you should too (click here to see why), so it’s really important to me. For my first labor, I forgot to bring it but I did the second time around. As soon as I got up to the labor room I put it over one of the hospital pillows. It made me feel more comfortable and at home the whole time. It also helped improve my quality of sleep after the birth.
Labor Gown
As soon as I was admitted from Triage and taken up to labor & delivery, I changed out of their hospital gown and into my own. This is the same gown that I purchased with my first daughter but never wore. Back then a nurse told me “well it’ll get all dirty so maybe don’t wear it now?” and I listened but I regretted it. Wearing this pink gown made me feel so cute and comfy (two things I value!) and it also garnered a lot of compliments and affection from my nurses. Post labor it did get a spot of blood on it but I didn’t care at all! I found mine at Amazon, just type in labor gown.
Journal
The first time around I didn’t bring this so a lot of details didn’t get taken down. For my second delivery I brought a journal and in between contractions or doctor checks I wrote down what was happening and at what times. I also wrote out lots of notes later on in the recovery room. Because if this, I feel like I remember a lot more from my second labor!
Camera
I brought my canon G7x with me both times but this time around I recorded a lot more beforehand after the birth. This allowed me to make a really nice labor & delivery video for my family and friends to watch. If you don’t have a camera use your phone! you can always edit those clips together in iMovie and preserve those first moments forever!
Nipple shields
If you plan to breastfeed please do yourself a favor and pack these in your bag! I loved breastfeeding both of my children but in all honesty, it was extremely hard those first few days. In the hospital, a nurse or lactation specialist will be there to help you learn how to latch your baby. In my case I had plenty of help but was never ablate get the hang of it before I ended up with sore, crack, and bleeding nipples. Nipples shields will prevent that and allow your baby to latch perfectly each time. If you want more breastfeeding help, make sure you check out my previous posts!
Baby Supplies
As I said, most hospitals will provide you with everything you need for your stay so no need to bring certain things. The only baby items I actually brought was a swaddle & bow set and a blanket for hospital pictures. I also brought a going home outfit and thats literally it. Don’t over think it. The more you bring, the more you have to keep up with and carry back home.
So there it is! Good luck with your labor! If you’ve already had a baby or two, did I miss anything? Feel free to add items in the comment section below 🙂
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