CONGRATS! If you’re reading this blog post you must be pregnant and getting prepped for your labor and delivery (LOVE how prepared you are!) If you’re not and just reading for fun, this post can also apply to travel, so either way, I think you’ll find this checklist beneficial!
We all know how unpredictable births can be, that’s what makes it so nerve-wracking, or maybe that’s just how I felt. Take mine for example, my baby Royce was completely breech, my water broke 3 weeks earlier than my due date, and I needed an emergency c-section! Oh yeah- they reached up there and felt his little toes dangling while I was 90% effaced and 4 centimeters dilated. My point is- the birth of our babies are almost always out of our control, so we want to try to be IN control as much as possible.
Toward the end of pregnancy (or take my story for example and make it earlier), is when you want to think about what’s going to go with you to the hospital for the most amazing moment of your life! Now, naturally I am an over-packer, which I can thank my anxiety for, however I also LOVE being prepared and having everything I need wherever I go. Totally helps the stress levels, especially while preparing for birth. I will say, reflecting on my birth experience I am THRILLED with the way I packed for the hospital! I used every single item I brought and it all made me feel SO much more comfortable. My Mom is a postpartum nurse (and was my nurse when I had Royce, how cool is that) and she helped me A LOT while I was packing by letting me know what I really needed. For reference, our hospital stay was 4 days long while I healed from my C-section. So if you don’t want to listen to me, you can listen to her.
I have most of my hospital bag must-haves linked nice and easy for you right here on my Amazon storefront: https://amazon.com/shop/alexafraserofficial . If you scroll down further, I included a printable checklist for all of my fellow super-planners.
I hope this checklist eases your nerves and makes you feel a bit more prepared to give birth to your little peanut! Congrats again! XOXO
Baby Blanket- They provide them in the hospital (and even swaddle your baby for you, thank God because I still suck at it) but if you want your baby to smell their new home maybe bring your own to swaddle them in.
Stroller Fan(s) -Oh yes, I added an S as in plural! I bought 2 stroller fans from Amazon and they were LIFE SAVERS! Those hormones are no joke, I clipped one on one side of the bed, and one on the other. Never shut them off the whole time I was in the hospital!
Labor Gown- Of course, they provide these in the hospital but i’m all about fashion and NEEDED to look cute while in the hospital. I got a custom hospital gown with my initials on it from www.babybeminematernity.com .
Fuzzy Grippy Socks-Yes, I know they have these in the hospital as well but I wanted cute pastel colored ones from home rather than the boring scratchy grey or tan ones they provide.
Nursing Gown(s)- I brought two of these and wore both! If you plan to breastfeed it makes it much easier in the midst of all the excitement to be wearing something accessible for you and baby. I got one that matched my labor gown from www.babybeminematernity.com.
Robe and Matching Swaddle- Matt and I wanted newborn photos done in the hospital when Royce was born, so I got us matching outfits! I had the robe, Matt had the lounge set, and Royce had the matching swaddle and hat from www.kytebaby.com.
Flip Flops- No matter what kind of birth you have, you’ll probably want to take a shower after. Don’t let those feet hit that shower ground! I got a cheap pair from Old Navy to wear in the shower and throw out after.
Slippers- While you’re up and taking care of baby you’ll want to be comfy and cute, bring a pair of cheap slippers that you can throw out after touching the hospital floor. I got $12 ones on sale at Express.
Essential Oil Machine- I had a mini one and I brought my favorite Disney smells to ease my mind and think of things I love. I get my Disney oils from www.etsy.com. All the nurses complimented the smell in our room!
Nipple Cream- They have some for you in the hospital, at least mine did, but I still wanted to be prepared and bring my own. A necessity if you plan to breastfeed!
Pillow and Case- I grabbed a cheap pillow from Target and put on a pillow case that (duh!) matched with my labor gown! You can find the sets from www.babybeminematernity.com.
Towels and Face Cloth- I grabbed a baby blue towel and matching face cloth since I was having my baby boy Royce, wanted everything coordinating! Plus, the hospital towels are about the size of an actual face cloth so I would highly recommend bringing your own larger towel!
Blanket- I grabbed a big fuzzy fleece blanket from Target and it made my bed feel much cozier and homier!
Own Water Tumbler- I SWORE by my 26 oz Yeti my entire pregnancy so I knew I had to bring that ol’ reliable to the hospital! It kept my drinks super cold and held a lot of liquid (and of course those famous hospital ice chips).
10 ft. Phone Charger- The hospital room is not like your bedroom, there are more monitors and screens hooked up than outlets. The outlet is probably going to be super far from your bed and depending how you need to heal, you’re going to want to sit back, relax, and keep that phone charged to text everyone sweet photos and updates of your new baby!
Hairbrush- My hair got super matted the first couple days in the hospital. I bought a cheap Wet brush from Target that I knew I could just toss out after. It helped me feel so good, combing my hair after the shower.
Toothpaste and Mouthwash- Self explanatory. That mouth wash especially is essential for freshening up; your mouth can get super dry post labor!
Shampoo & Conditioner- I went up and down the aisles at Target trying to find the best smelling travel sized shampoo and conditioner. My hair smelled delish after that amazing first shower!
Body Wash- Again, super essential for that first shower after birth. Get your favorite smelling one possible! It will make you feel like a new person.
Toothbrush- Well, duh.
Gum- Might seem random, but super great for a dry mouth and to just freshen up that breath after all the huffing and puffing!
Baby Going Home Outfit- It’s a big moment! Grab a ton of pictures of your babe in a cute outfit heading home for the first time.
Nursing Bra- This will make things much easier if you plan to breastfeed!
Breastfeeding Pillow- See above tip!
Nursing Pads- If you’re like me, all of a sudden you’ll start leaking! Although it’s only colostrum in the beginning, you’ll want to save your cute robe from any stains and leaks)
Chapstick- Although I had a c-section and wasn’t laboring long at all, this was the biggest necessity I heard from women! Breathing in and out during labor can make those lips feel dry and chapped!
Glasses and Contacts- If you wear them!
Hair Dryer- For that post-birth shower if you want to style your hair and feel more like yourself! A small travel sized one is ideal.
