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I tend to be a “less is more person” but after my own birthing experience, I’d recommend overpacking and being overprepared. I was SO cold, I didn’t pack my birthing plan (tiktok videos of mean nurses saying they just toss it in the trash convinced me no one needed it. WRONG.) I packed a few things from this list but not enough to feel comfortable and I ended up awake for 3 days straight in the hospital. I don’t want moms to echo that experience, so if you’re about to give birth and you have no idea what to bring in your hospital bag, here’s my recommended packing list for mom:
Recommended Packing List For Birth & Postpartum
6 foot charging cable for your phone
You never know where the outlet will be located, or if it’s convenient for you. You will want your phone just in case, plus it might be nice to watch a movie or something to take your mind off of giving birth if your labor is going slow. Once labor picked up I was obviously occupied but there was a large portion of time for me that was very quiet since I had to be induced.
Any medication and/or sleep aids you normally take
It’s important to remember to pack enough for at least a week in your bag, JUST IN CASE. I forgot my melatonin and didn’t sleep for 3 days in the hospital because I had a difficult birth and they needed me to stay longer than just the usual 24 hours for vaginal deliveries. It felt like torture.
Your own pillows & blanket(s)
This is another one I don’t think I brought, I remember shivering under the many many hospital blankets I begged for. I was SO cold and couldn’t get warm anymore (due to blood loss). But I just know if I’d have brought my own blankets and pillows I’d have been so much better off.
Maternity gown and robe to wear afterwards
There are plenty of options so that you can wear something more comfortable than the typical hospital gowns, this option from Kindred Bravely is lovely. This soft robe from Hatch is excellent to wear after giving birth to allow for skin to skin without limiting access for various checks nurses might need to. I love the long sleeves because I particularly remember freezing. However, in the summer rooms do tend to heat up due to the sunshine.
Nursing bra that opens to the front
Selecting a nursing bra that feels soft and stretches nicely as your breasts will fluxuate in size based on when your milk comes in. Kindred Bravely has plenty of fantastic options up to a 3X, but if you’re hunting for something more budget friendly Target has these available.
Soft pajamas with a lot of stretch
I really like this top from Kindred Bravely, since it makes skin to skin easy and has a lot of give. You’ll want something that can accomodate a body that will probably still be swollen. Ready to head home? This hospital departure set from Hatch is lovely and fully functional for when you’re discharged.
Disposable adult diapers
There should be options available up to 3X, but if you can’t find them in your size, buy the largest pads you’ve ever seen in your life, the cheapest granny panties you can find in your size, and lean with it rock with it. Trust me when I tell you, no one cares what’s happening down there while you recover. Just be gentle with yourself and use what you can.
Nipple Cream
Nipple cream should be organic and should be safe to use on your nipples to sooth any cracks or irritation without take off before baby feeds. This option is my recommendation.
Bluetooth Speaker
Whether you’re giving birth listening to Enya or your favorite podcast, having something to distract you that sooths your nerves never hurt.
For baby
White noise machine for baby
Nail clippers or files
Babies are born with freakishly long nails.
Carseat with the base pre-installed
Going home outfit with matching hat
Swaddle blanket that matches the outfit and hat
Bunting bag if you’re having your baby in cold weather
Bunting bags that goes over the carseat in case you’re going home in cold weather are a LIFE saver. No worrying about carseat safety and heavy coats.
