New Mama: What to Pack for the Hospital

OVERNIGHT BAG: LO & SONS THE CATALINA BAG [SIMILAR] / FOOT MASK: KOCOSTAR / NURSING DRESS: JOJO MAMAN BEBE

Since my last birth was in a hospital and this birth will be too, I am a little more prepared this time around for what exactly I will need for the big birth-day. This guide also works for whichever type of birth you are preparing for: homebirth, birth center birth, or hospital birth. Here are my list of essentials that I would recommend to any pregnant mama. 

FOR MAMA

TOILETRIES

THINK OF WHAT WOULD BE MOST COMFORTING AND MAKE YOU FEEL MOST LIKE YOURSELF AFTER THE MARATHON OF BIRTH. HOSPITAL AIR IS OFTEN VERY DRY, SO PACKING MOISTURIZING ITEMS IS SUPER IMPORTANT. 

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant

• Body lotion or oil (I plan to bring jojoba oil) and a rich lip balm or salve (I packed Egyptian Magic Cream)

• A mini makeup kit of basics (I'm packing Beautycounter Brow Gel, Josie Maran Vibrancy Concealer, Beautycounter Color Pinch Cream Blush in Caramel, and Saie Mascara).

• Bottom spray (I prefer to bring my own, rather than use the Dermoplast spray the hospitals use) for cooling/ healing after a vaginal birth

• Shampoo, conditioner, soap, comb

• Cleansing oil, micellar water, cotton pads, eye cream, face cream, and a facial oil to restore the lipid barrier which is often dried out from hard water and oxidative stress

CLOTHING

DARK, COMFORTABLE, LOOSE CLOTHING THAT WILL MAKE GETTING IN AND OUT OF A HOSPITAL BED EASIER, NURSING POSSIBLE, AND WITH MINIMAL WORRIES ABOUT STAINS, ETC.

• Black maternity leggings (I like H&M MAMA and Ingrid & Isabel brands)

• Black nursing tanks

• 1-2 drapey sweaters to use for nursing (I packed this one & this one)

• Robe, cozy socks, slippers

• High waisted underwear

PERSONAL ITEMS

EXTRAS THAT MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE DURING AND AFTER LABOR. 

• Essential oils for aromatherapy and pressure points (I stowed away Lavender, Frankincense, and Peppermint)

• Essential oil diffuser

• Camera, phone charger

• Nursing pads, Medela SoftShells (relieves the skin from pressing against fabric in between feedings), Nipple Balm

• Overnight pads (my favorite brand is Seventh Generation because they do not use bleach)

• Snoogle pregnancy pillow (because hospital beds need all the help they can get) & travel case

FOOD

HOSPITAL FOOD IS ALWAYS IFFY AT BEST, AND THOUGH THEY OFFERED AN ENDLESS SUPPLY OF CRANBERRY "JUICE" CUPS AND VENDING MACHINE FOOD, NOTHING CAN SUBSTITUTE SNACKS YOU REALLY LOVE. PLUS, SOMETIMES THE KITCHEN IS CLOSED WHEN BABY IS BORN! 

• Protein (I packed canned salmon, but beef jerky or tuna in olive oil could work too)

• Chocolate (bring your favorite! Mine is Hu Kithcen or Eating Evolved brands)

• Chips (I packed plantain and sweet potato chips)

• Dried fruit (my favorite at the moment are Raw Goji Berries) or your favorite snack bars

• Nuts (I don't tolerate regular nuts, but Tigernuts are almost the same!)

• Bulletproof Coffee Supplies (Mini French Press, Bulletproof Coffee, Brain Octane Oil, Ghee travel packs, electric frother)

• Electrolyte-rich drink to hydrate right after birth (I'm packing Bulletproof FatWater)

• Tea (I packed my favorite Tazo Spicy Ginger)

• Olive snack packs (a good source of healthy fats)

FOR BABY

HOODED BUNTING: BABYGAP [SIMILAR] / SOCKS: H&M BABY / FUR CROCHETED HAT: BABY H BOUTIQUE

BABY WILL HAVE ACCESS TO ALMOST EVERYTHING THEY NEED (EVEN CLOTHES AND BLANKETS) BUT IT'S NICE TO HAVE A FEW ITEMS THAT ARE YOURS.

• Newborn diapers (a small pack) in case you don't want a generic brand and wipes

• A few cotton hats or beanies

• A swaddle blanket (also works for covering while nursing)

• The famous "going home" outfit (something comfortable and simple)

• If it's cold out: a zippered bunting and carseat cover like this or this

• A safe carseat (I love our UppaBaby Mesa) with a thicker blanket to put over their feet while they ride home

• Socks (1-2 pairs)

• Mild baby soap (I packed a travel-size Dr. Bronner's castile soap) and lotion

• Nail scissors (nail care is considered cosmetic, so pack these if you have a longer stay such as a C-section or time in the NICU)

If you are preparing for your baby's birth, I hope you found this roundup useful! The products I listed are truly my favorites, and I know having them on hand will make this second birth a much smoother, more comfortable experience for me and my family. Know a mama about to give birth? Share this with her, and I'm sure she will thank you! 

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