WHAT’S IN MY HOSPITAL BAG AND POSTPARTUM PRODUCTS

I’m 38 weeks pregnant today, and have two weeks before our baby arrives! We’re all set and have everything he needs, if you’re still looking for baby registry items you can read my blog post here. He can arrive any day now so I’m finally packing my hospital bag and sharing all the postpartum products recommended to me, along with what to pack for the baby.

I’m trying to not pack too much but I prefer being comfortable and having everything I need. Every hospital is different but there are some items my hospital will be providing for us such as a birthing ball, breastfeeding pillow, and Medela pumps. So here’s everything I’m packing for myself including my postpartum items.

WHAT’S IN MY HOSPITAL BAG

**Updated after giving birth with items I used and found useful. I ended up with an emergency c-section.

Carry-on rolling luggage is a must. I’m already carrying a baby so I want to make my life as easy as possible and pack everything in a rolling carry-on instead of carrying a heavy bag on my shoulders. I’m also bringing one extra small duffle bag to put my water bottle and snacks in and use as extra space to bring home items from the hospital. **I never touched my snacks but the extra duffle bag was helpful.

Toiletries include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup, chapstick, makeup remover, and skincare items. Some moms mentioned bringing dry shampoo as you may not want to shower at the hospital. The hospital should provide most of this but I always prefer having my products.

Camera gear for photos, laptop, and a long charging cord.

Comfy slippers, socks, and/or shower sandals but not necessary. Compression socks may be helpful as your feet will swell up after a c-section.

A towel if you plan to shower at the hospital. A few moms recommended this as the hospital towels are thin and I prefer having my own towel.

Colace to help soften your stool. The hospital also provided this. Gum!! Gum after a c-section can help with bowel movement.

Hands-free nursing bra, nipple cream, robe, going-home outfit, and nightgown (mine is from my Frida Mom kit). I also really like this nightgown as an option.

I highly recommend asking for a breast pump at the hospital! I forgot to do this and the nurses never offered me one to start pumping right away. Moms should start pumping pretty soon after delivery to stimulate the nipples and get the milk supply going along with having the baby latch to help with nipple stimulation. I only started this when I got home from the hospital and I’m having a hard time with my milk supply. The Frida Mom Breast Care Kit is great, silverette nursing cups to help heal.

Cord Blood Registry Kit. I was fortunate to partner with the brand and they’re offering this to us so we will preserve our baby’s stem cells. They provided me with a 50% discount code. Code is “TRAN”.

I was planning to bring a nail trimmer and a sound machine but was advised I don’t need them, and the fewer things to carry the better! However, it may be worth bringing a nail trimmer if your baby has long nails. We did not need to use it.

POSTPARTUM ITEMS

The hospital will provide all of these items so depending on your comfort level some moms prefer using the hospital items and saving all the good stuff for when they’re home. I want to be comfortable the entire time so I’m bringing a few items to the hospital which a few moms also recommended is much better.

Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Kit has everything you will need! Moms have mentioned that these items are really good! If there are any items you should bring, bring the peri bottle and maxi padsicles. I’m packing a few of each and packing the delivery gown it comes with and socks. You may want to buy extra Cooling Pad Liners for when you’re home. ** Since I ended up with a last-minute emergency C-Section I ended up not needing most of the postpartum items but I still used the peri bottle and disposable underwear.

Adult Diapers or the Always brand and pad liners are a must! I had no idea how much we would bleed and you’ll want these! The hospital only offered pads and disposable underwear. The adult diapers I brought were much better.

Tucks Cooling Pads but the hospital might provide this. This is for vaginal delivery.

WHAT I’M PACKING FOR THE BABY

The hospital will have most items for the baby, so here’s what I’m packing for him.

1 Swaddle
1 Baby Blanket
Nuna Pipa Lite RX car seat
Going home outfit: 2 footies, and 1 knitted set. The hospital only provides tops and it’s good to have extra options for sizing in case he dirties any of the clothes. This set from Storq is a great option.
1 hat, 1 mitten, 1 sock, 1 pacifier
Hello World Announcement Card with a sharpie for photos and ink pads for his hand and footprints but the hand and footprints can also be done at home.
His baby book so Ryan and I can write in it when we have some spare time. We ended up never touching this so there’s no need to bring it.

WHAT MY HUSBAND IS PACKING

Ryan is packing a small duffle bag for himself with minimal items as he will also be carrying the car seat.

Personal toiletries
Zip-up or button-down sweater so he can have skin-to-skin with the baby
Pajamas, slippers, and socks
Extra-long charging cord
1 outfit for photos/going home
Pillow and blanket so he can stay comfortable. He loved that we brought our pillow and blanket! Definitely recommend doing this.

What I can’t fit into my own bag, I will fit into Ryan’s bag. And don’t forget cash for snacks at the vending machine just in case!