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pregnancy

What I pack in my hospital bag.

July 31, 2015

pregnancy

Posted 09/12

What to pack in a hospital bag | IHODhospital bag spill

It’s safe to say I didn’t use half the things I packed in my hospital bag with my first baby boy (yeah you probably won’t have time to read that book…), and wish I had known about half the things I actually needed. Thanks to the experience of a few babies, but also talking with friends, and reading up on recs, I finally got it figured out. You don’t need much, but it sure helps to have a few lifesavers stowed away for the hospital! I’d love to hear your favorites as well.

Hospital bag breakdown:
Socks – they keep rooms pretty cold, and bringing your own blanket probably wouldn’t hurt either..
Phone & charger
Camera Bag – My personal favorite due to all the pockets and padding. (c/0)
Camera & Charger
Robe
You really want to get out of the itchy hospital gown as soon as you are able, so I usually bring a few comfortable pieces to change into when I get back to the recovery room. This robe was so soft and is convenient for nursing. 
Blanqi Support tanks and leggings
 Fantastic for post partum support. I wear these for weeks after. 
Nursing bras

Diffuser & Oils – my friend Christina made me a few mixes that helped with labor contractions, post uterus contractions, milk supply, etc. and I was able to use them in roller bottles and in a diffuser. It filled the room with an incredibly calm aroma and also made a big difference in labor and post delivery. (You can message her to get a hold of some!)
Larabars – I always crave hearty healthy food and those fill you up and give you much needed energy. I also find myself dreaming of ways to take home the hospital ice machine. THE perfect ice pellets.
A bag to fit everything in. – Mine pictured is old, but here is a similar one.
Your own pillow. – Because you guys, hospital pillows…
In addition to your standard toiletries, these are a few things that really come in handy:
Lip balms – you tend to have really dry lips during pregnancy and post birth, so pack your faves!
Lansinoh Gel pads & Lanolin – because holy smokes it’s painful to breastfeed the first few days.
Bottom spray – oh the wonders…and things they don’t tell you about post delivery;)
Disposable nursing pads

For baby:
Swaddle blankets – (The few I brought from here and here. Personalized name blanket from Swell Forever)
Pacifiers  – (The hospital provides these! Although my favorites are Natursutton)
Sleepers – I love sleepers and baby caps for those first few days. The white gender neutral outfit is from Flora & Henri.
The hospital takes care of everything else, unless you have preferred products. They really only need diapers, onesies, and a whole lot of skin to skin time with mama!

What were your hospital must haves? 🙂

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  1. Anna says:

    I agree about the books and laptops – there is not time for leisure when you are in pain! but basically you got it girl!

    Happy Medley

  2. Meredith

    says:

    Definitely those gel pads. I have HORROR stories to tell about chapped and cracked nipples from those first few days. A nursing pillow is another thing to bring if you are planning on using one, because you can get the lactation consultants to show you how to work it!

  3. Andi says:

    OMG I actually miss the ice pellets!

  4. Kate M

    says:

    Slippers and my own night gown. I had to have my second c-section a month ago and slippers are key for geting up and walking around as soon as possible. I also used my tablet a lot for Netflix. Half hour shows were key and there is nothing good on daytime tv:) also my own shower stuff, the hospital stuff just didn’t cut it for me. Smelling like myself helped me feel more like a normal person.

  5. Oops, left this comment in the wrong post!

    My must-have in the delivery room and in the days that followed was my iPod and some small speakers. Having music on while I laboured was a nice distraction, and also helped me ignore all those annoying hospital ward sounds when it was just bubs and me in the room having some quiet time. I set up a few different playlists (fast music, slow music, sleepy time music) in the weeks before so I could switch around depending on my mood.

  6. Shveta

    says:

    Do you remember what scents you used for the essential oils in your diffuser?

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