My Hospital Bag

YouTube has a few people who make videos about what is in their hospital bags. Here, I’m sharing what I packed and what I won’t next time, because I overpacked. Partially because I didn’t want to be underprepared, but also because I ended up having a C-section.

For Me

Pajamas: For after delivery. Not sure how I’ll feel in just the hospital gown. Also, if we have a few guests, I can feel comfortable getting up (as long as it is advised).

Robe: It’s really just a sweater that is long enough to cover my butt. Especially if I am able to leave the room.

Underwear: I’ll most likely use the mesh stuff that is available at the hospital, or as Ali Wong calls them, “Asian Pear Underwear.” But, again, what if I want something much more comfortable, then I have my own.

Nursing Bras and Tops: I want to try to nurse in the hospital. Will it work? We’ll see. But at least I can say I tried.

Nursing Pads: I’m just bringing a few. If I’m gonna try to nurse, I should have those pads handy.

Going Home Outfit: I picked something that I work up to when I was seven months pregnant. Comfy pants and a t-shirt.

Socks: My feet get cold. Also, I don’t want to walk on the hospital floor with my bare feet.

Slippers: Something to wear around the hospital if I’m permitted to get up.

Toiletries: I’ll be there for at least 48 hours. I’ll probably want to shower at least once. I definitely will want to brush my teeth. This includes dry shampoo, a hairbrush, and hair ties. This list would be way too long if it detailed EVERYTHING in this category.

Mario Badescu Spray: I have a cucumber and aloe spray. More to help cool me off if/when I need to.

Charging Cords/Camera/Laptop: These are just things to have to keep us entertained, in communication with others, and charged.

Boppy: Again, I plan to try and nurse. Would be nice to have available.

Pads: I think I’ll have this more to go home in. The ones at the hospital aren’t exactly comfortable. But I’ll use the ones at the hospital while I’m there.

Paperwork/ID/Insurance Cards: Basic needs to have when you’re being admitted to the hospital.

Water Tumbler/Snacks: Something to keep water in and snacks for after delivery.

For the Baby

Clothes: I’m bringing a couple of sizes for the baby to come home in. Right now, she’s measuring big, so I don’t know what will fit.

Blanket: Something to cover us when we do skin-to-skin.

Hat: She’s due in January. Meaning it’s winter. She needs something to keep her head warm.

Mitts: For her hands because it’s cold.

If there’s anything I’m missing, let me know! I’m always up for learning.

What I Won't Pack Next Time and Why

Pajamas: When you have a C-section, they are constantly checking the incision and bleeding. It’s easier to stay in the gown the hospital provides. It’s also easier because nothing is pressing down on the incision.

Underwear: I was right, I stayed in the mesh underwear that is provided. Makes it easier to not ruin your own underwear. I’ll pack one to go home in.

Nursing Bras and Tops: Because I’ll stay in the gown, I really don’t need nursing bras. The clasps make it easy to come down and try to nurse. Which, by the way, is not easy. Again, I’ll simply pack one to wear home.

Socks: The ones the hospital gives are warm and have the grips at the bottom to help when you’re walking around.

Pads: The hospital has giant pads to offer. When you wear the mesh underwear, it fits nicely. Instead of wasting my own supply, I’d just use the hospital’s.

Water Tumbler: The cup the hospital gives is great. It’s big, has a straw, and a handle. When you bring your own, you have to worry about another thing to take home.

One Tip: Make sure your going home outfit is loose. Not everyone has a planned C-section. Mine wasn’t. And you need something loose because of the incision.