You’ve seen the overwhelming infographics on Pinterest for what ShOuLd be in your hospital bag. I am here to tell you, six days post delivery, you do NOT need that much stuff. There are 3 bags you need to bring: yours, babies, and your significant other’s (that they are responsible for packing)
As I gave birth during COVID, we did not get to tour the hospital so I had no idea what would be provided so I could have even packed less had I known how much stuff they would provide! I will denote what I could have left at home below! You may be able to contact the maternity center at the hospital you will be delivering at too to see what they provide and/or if they have a recommended list of what to bring on their website
Mom:
I personally lived in the hospital gown until the day we left because why wouldn’t I? I was recovering from a vaginal delivery, passing blood clots the size of whole eggs, and learning to breast feed. I was in no mood to put on “real” clothes until I had to. We were in the hospital from Wednesday evening to Saturday morning. I personally packed a suitcase with the following for me:
- Silk robe (for an IG photo, let’s be honest)
- Leggings, cami, and tennis shoes to go home in
- Fuzzy slippers (super comfy to walk around the hospital room in)
- Brush
- Makeup (again, for pictures, you won’t regret taking 10 min to get yourself ready before any pictures are taken)
- Skin care products
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Long charging cord for phone
- Laptop
- Cord blood banking kit
- Nipple cream
- Diaper bag
- 1-2 outfits (we only used 1 outfit when we left the hospital, between all the checkups that occur from what seems like 9200 nurses, it’s much easier to just leave them in a swaddle)
- 1-2 swaddles or blankets (the hospital should provide swaddle blankets)
- Name plaque (again, for pictures)
- Wipes (could have left at home)
- Newborn diapers (could have left at home)
- 3 days worth of “regular” clothes, Josh brought 2 pairs of workout pants, 3 t-shirts, and 1 pair of jeans
- Toiletries
- Nice camera (again, not necessary for everyone)
- Gopro to film (again, not necessary for everyone)
- Underwear
- Socks
- Shoes
- Charger
- Laptop
Thank you so much for posting this. I am due 2/19/21 and I appreciate all of your pregnancy posts and blogs you have been doing. Congratulations on your little bundle of joy!
Thank you for this!!! You took one for the team going before the rest of us lol! I’m due 9/24 over here!
Amen sister! Gave birth four weeks ago and this is great. I’ll add, my particular hospital did not provide the numbing spray (seriously hospital?! Lol) and I think this is rare but good suggestion fo call ahead or just throw it in there. I also recommend bringing the adult diapers!! WAY better than the pad/mesh undie situation! The “pads” they gave me didn’t even stick to the inside of the undie… had to layer that then the witch hazel pads on top, and balancing those while you pull them up is a pain ? congratulations Bowmar fam!
Team 9/24!
I just tried to make my list last night so this is perfect timing!!
Thank you for the post. To the point and very informative. I’m due 11/12/20 with our baby girl. I’m trying to stay calm and informed during a time of uncertainty. Congrats on your baby girl, she’s gorgeous!
Thank you for sharing! I’m being induced on Sunday even though this is my second child it’s been 7 years so this helped!
Thank you!!! It’s overwhelming to think about all the stuff you COULD need. This helps ease my mind a bit and is very straight forward. Congrats on the baby!
Love this! I defiantly overpacked with my first but the other 2 i learned and hardly brought anything. And i for sure chuckled about the super cute mesh undies and the biggest pads you’ve ever seen that the hospital provides you! Those are so fun lol! Hope this helps those first time mommy’s so they don’t stress you much ����
This list was SPOT ON!!! I delivered 9 months ago with my first which I definitely overpacked for, and these items were exactly the only things used. Much more realistic than all the Pinterest lists I read lol ??
This is so accurate!!!! I gave birth on the 10th and didn't need like anything I packed. I lived in the hospital gown also so really only needed an outfit to go home in. My hospital gave me all the pist recovery items. And my baby only needed two sleepers and a going home outfit and I wanted my own blanket for her. And spouse literally only needed an outfit. We were only there after 24 hours and got to go home.
Also our hospital wasn't doing the new born pictures due to covid so I packed a bunch of her outfits for nothing.
Wonderful that you’ve took the time to do this for others from your real experience. You rock.
I love this list!!! So awesome to hear from someone who has gone through it all and being able to learn from your mistakes or what you wish you had done.
We plan to get pregnant within the next month or two and this is so helpful!!
Thanks momma!
Love this! I am pregnant with my first and freaking out lol! The information on your blog is gold to us first time mamas! Thank you! ??