If you're a first-time mom and you're anywhere in your second trimester, you've undoubtedly thought about what you should pack in your hospital bag and when you should do it. It's one of those things that nesting moms-to-be tend to fixate on in the weeks—and sometimes even months—leading up to delivery. As a mom whose been there twice, I can tell you, you probably don't need half of the items you've thought about packing.
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Some things you won't need? Almost anything for baby or a breast pump (the hospital will have all of that covered), underwear for yourself (you'll be wearing adult diapers), non-prescription medications, nursing pads and other accoutrements. Believe me, you'll want to skip all the extras. No one is going to feel like lugging a heavy bag all over the hospital in the midst of contractions or on the way home either. Just carrying a baby strapped into a carseat is enough for you and your partner combined! So, to help you know exactly how to be prepared, we're sharing the eight essential items to pack in your hospital bag when you're going to have a baby.
A cozy robe is important.
Comfort is going to be of the utmost importance when you're in labor yes, but even more so after you've had your baby and your body is feeling a bit used and abused. Plus, a nice comfy robe offers easy access for nursing moms. One with pockets is great for keeping small things like nipple cream or a pacifier at the ready. Oh, but we recommend going with a thinner, cotton robe rather than a thick, fuzzy ones. Hormonal hot flashes are definitely a thing after giving birth.
Pack a reusable water bottle.
The thirst after giving birth can feel absolutely insatiable. You likely won't be thinking about it too much while you're in labor, so by the time you have your baby you'll be dehydrated, especially if you're not on IV fluids. Those teeny, tiny hospital disposable cups are just an annoyance. Bring your own so you'll be able to fill up more at once. Even better if it's insulated so you can enjoy sipping on cold water throughout the day and night.
Don't forget your chargers.
Between timing contractions, playing music, possibly reading ebooks and taking more pictures and videos than you've ever taken in your life, your phone is going to die…more than once. Don't forget your charger and bring a back up if you can.
Stash a few snacks.
You're very likely going to get hungry at inconvenient times like the middle of the night, especially if you're breastfeeding. Pack a few emergency snacks in your bag to avoid getting hangry in the hospital.
You'll need your eyewear.
Be sure to pack your glasses. They can be uncomfortable during labor so you may take them off at home and forget to grab them on your way to the hospital. Alternately, if you wear contacts make sure to pack enough for your hospital stay as well as cleansing solution.
Having your own pillow is nice.
Hospital pillows are flat and sometimes hard, and when your body is already super-uncomfortable that's just not good. Bring your own from home so you'll at least have a second pillow at the ready to prop yourself up. If you have a pregnancy pillow that'll be nice to have too and can double as a nursing pillow.
Throw in the essentials.
You honestly might be so exhausted after labor and delivery that you don't care all that much about what kind of soap or shampoo you bathe with, but you are going to want to have your toothbrush, a tube of lip balm, some hair ties, your own brush or comb, and products (especially if you have curly hair).
You'll need going-home outfits.
We know you've probably thought about and maybe even already bought a few going-home outfits for baby, and we urge you to pick one and not forget to pack it. But you're also gonna need a going-home outfit for yourself and it should be ultra-comfy. You're not going to fit into your regular clothes a couple of days after giving birth, so some soft, stretchy leggings or joggers and a loose T-shirt or nursing tank are perfect options. If you give birth during the warmer months, a soft cotton dress might be comfortable as well.
