what’s in my hospital bag
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what’s in my hospital bag

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i know, i know, another post about what to pack in your hospital bag.  i’ve read about one hundred of them.  so why is this one any different?  well i’ve gotten together with some fellow postpartum nurses and compiled a list of what we think are some of the most essential items for you to bring to the hospital with you!

as a nurse, i inadvertently stumble upon new mother’s hospital bags and often cannot believe what I see.  you’d think they were going on a week long vacation!  they’ll likely tell you after the fact they brought way too much, didn’t utilize the majority of their bag(s), but wish they knew what the heck to bring! actually, that was totally me with my first! now, i will do my best to impart a few things i have seen/used that worked well for my patients and myself.

here are some of the items that i have packed in my bag this time:

a robe. this one in particular is so unbelievably comfortable!  you’ll want this when you have visitors after baby, when the nurses come to check your fundus/bleeding every few hours and easy access for nursing.

UPDATE: long sleeved pajamas.  shorts pajamas / lounge pants  anything will do, just make sure there is easy access/stretchiness for skin to skin and/or nursing baby!

UPDATE: you’ll want something on your feet at ALL times when walking around the hospital.  make sure to get slippers with the grips on the bottom, otherwise you’ll be caught and forced into those sexy hospital socks!  i buy super cheap slippers and throw them out when i’m discharged from the hospital.

the gownie. UPDATE: third time around I chose to use this one! and fourth time, this one! Cant go wrong with any of them.

I had read so many reviews from other moms saying not to purchase anything like this because it gets dirty in delivery and ruined, thus a waste of money.  i have to disagree with the crowd on this one.  i had a gownie with all of my deliveries. i really prefer not wearing the hospital gowns because i’ve seen what happens in those gowns, and i’ve also seen the laundering process, insert cringe face. the gownie is super comfortable, you can walk around in it without revealing your bum, and great for after delivery for skin to skin and breastfeeding. UPDATE: for reference i wear the S/M and fits with extra room for belly, no problem!

the belly bandit.  i cannot praise this enough!  this is great for both vaginal and c section deliveries.  i like to think that it pulls all of my “insides” back into place again.  it’s like magic! UPDATE: still using it at 5 months postpartum. i have had questions on sizing- i purchased a size small and wish (now) that i had gotten an XS as i find now that i can’t get it tight enough.

extra long cell phone cord for you and your partner.  your bed will likely not be within reach of an outlet, so having a longer cord will allow easy access to a fully charged phone. UPDATE: a portable charger has been a lifesaver, take in anywhere and you’ll be able to charge your phone from the comfort of your own diaper bag!

toiletries and a towel(s), toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, my fav shampoo/conditioner (LU30 for 30% off!) , blowdryer, my most asked about straightener. trust me on this one, you’ll want your own and not the hospitals’ version of these.  you’ll feel half human again after you freshen up after delivery with your own toiletries.

tucks pads and dermoplast.  i am not sure if every hospital gives these out, even though they should!  you’ll want these for when you get home as well, so go ahead and buy them.

you’ll want to bring chapstick, the hospital tends to be a dry place and your lips will suffer if you don’t have some.

any flip flops for the shower. UPDATE: these, cheap and durable- enough said!  remember my previous statement about wanting something on your feet at all times? or, these flip flops because you can’t go wrong with Old Navy flip flops!

UPDATE: swaddles for baby.  of course the hospital has a ton, but I like using my own and plus these are just so soft and comfortable!  just remember to keep your swaddles from getting mixed in the hospitals’ laundry, that would be a sad day!

a boppy pillow for nursing or bottle-feeding, especially for first time mamas. i have also heard great reviews on this pillow but haven’t personally tried it out! UPDATE: i finally tried the my brest friend nursing pillow and, hands down, love it!

UPDATE: after trying even more bras, i’ve found THE BEST bra. the Ollie Gray nursing bra is so comfortable and the best part is that its a pumping bra (great for working moms!), the perfect workout bra (i legit have had women of all ages come to me at the gym and ask where i got my bra from!) and easy peasy for nursing! i’d hands down reccomend this one for anyone, even not nursing! and no worries, its the perfect transition for after nursing as a great sports bra! another amazing bra that I wear (non nursing) here- perfect wireless and the reviews will speak for it, HERE!

a going home outfit.  something comfy!  i swear by THESE tanks! also, do yourself a favor and grab a pair of THESE (over 35K positive reviews, that should tell you something!) comfortable high waisted leggings. and an oversized top for comfort- these are perfect for leggings and a fan favorite!

going home outfit for baby.  because we don’t know the gender of this baby, i plan on just sticking baby in one of these for the ride home.UPDATE: THIS and THIS adorable baby girl take home outfit! and for those little boys HERE and HERE!

a cooler.  yes, i pack a cooler for the six pack that i’m going to drink once i get this baby out of me!  JUST KIDDING.  actually, its for my placenta.  i have my placenta encapsulated.  i did this with my daughter after researching it and seeing the possible benefits.  although i have nothing to compare it to, i will be doing it again with this baby.  my milk supply was off the charts, my energy was amazing, and i had zero postpartum depression.  i don’t know that any of this was actually related to digesting my placenta but i felt great so i’ve chosen to do it again! UPDATE: if you live in the hampton roads area and want my reference, message me on instagram!

i wasn’t kidding about the cooler 😉                                                                 photo by Melody Gillikin Photography

most hospitals are going to have everything you need, such as the infamous (and most comfortable) mesh underwear, different sized pads, pacifiers, breast pumps, hats for baby, diapers and wipes (make sure you stock up on these before leaving), nipple cream, formula; if you are bottle feeding, etc.  i suggest calling ahead and asking any questions regarding supplies that you may have, that way you are prepared!

PS: although it doesn’t fit in that bag of yours, don’t forget to bring a car seat. comical huh? you’re probably like, “yeah, its been set up in the car for weeks now!” 😉 if you’re still torn on what to get, check out my recent blog where i review the uppababy carseat and two of their strollers that we personally have!

hopefully you have found something that can help you on your big day!  there are no wrong choices and nothing can take away from the miracle of life that you are about to experience. i wish you nothing but health and happiness in your journey, good luck to you and your growing family!

don’t forget to join me on instagram!

xoxo,

  Lauren