If there is one thing I learned after having my first daughter, it is that the hospital provides pretty much EVERYTHING you need (ours did, anyway!) I packed so much extra last time and didn’t use half of it because I either A) completely forgot or B) the hospital provided. So this time, I am packing very light.
If you want to see what’s in my bag, keep reading. I’ll also share all the things I used at the hospital that they provided for me. I hope that your hospital is the same way.
It may be helpful to call ahead and ask about certain products if you are not sure or concerned. You can always ask if you are taking a tour/walkthrough for the first time, too!
What I’m Packing
- Nightgown – the hospital provides you with one but I did feel more comfortable in my own when we had visitors
- Robe – since she will be born in October/November, it may be chilly. I have a light-weight robe in case
- Fuzzy socks and slippers – not into walking around the hospital floor barefooted
- (1) Nursing tank – for ease of nursing, bringing one of these
- Minimal make-up – cover-up, blush, mascara, lip color
- Chapstick – your lips get very dry
- Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, deodorant, and cleansing wipes to freshen up if I don’t get in the shower
- Hair scrunchie & headband – to keep my hair out of my face and to look semi-polished without styling my hair ;)
- Going home outfit (for me) – black yoga pants (to feel put together) and a loose-fitted top
- Going home outfit (for baby girl) – I know I won’t use both, but packing two sleepers with fold-over mittens, one in size NB and one in 0-3 months
- Swaddle blanket – just one of hers from home for photos and when we go home
- My pillow – the hospital pillows are so flimsy, I liked having mine last time
- Cell & charger
- Wallet
- Sister gift – I made a small gift for Willow from her sister when she comes to visit. It’s just some simple things from the Dollar Store and thrift store – coloring book, crayons, stickers, puzzle, and big sister book!
What the Hospital Provides
- Mesh brief underwear – I truly did not mind them at all and took some home
- Large pads – took home extras
- Ice packs – took home extras
- Dermoplast – and lots of it to take home
- Tucks wipes – again, a lot to take home, too
- Colace
- Peribottle – took home
- Prenatal vitamins
- Food/snacks – they serve meals but there was also a food court area for snacks that my husband or family would bring up to me
- Water
- Baby clothing – they use the kimono-style tops for baby’s first few days before you use going home outfit
- Baby hats
- Diapers – took home so many extras
- Wipes – took home so many extras
- Nasal aspirator – took a couple home
- Swaddle blankets – took home about 4 because they were extra great
- Breast pump – don’t plan on using, but it was good to know they had one
- Formula – in case your milk doesn’t come in right away, they had this on hand
I’m very grateful to have a hospital that is fully equipped with the important things while I didn’t have to pack an entire suitcase full of stuff. It feels good to be taken care of when you are going through labor and postpartum in the first couple days. I hope that your hospital is just as gracious, too. xx bianca
