If you read my previous post on what to pack for your baby’s hospital bag then you know I’m all about the no-nonsense checklists. You barely need anything for your little one. Mom, on the other hand, needs a lot more.
Let’s be real, maternity care in the U.S. kinda blows. Once you pop that baby out, sure you get checked on here and there to make sure you’re not about to die but that’s about it. I really do not recommend being in the hospital alone without a partner/friend/family member for help.
My labor and delivery nurse was amazing and constantly asking if I needed anything. Recovery was a different story… I felt more like a burden on the nurses and they did not seem to care one bit about my comfort. Which is why I strongly recommend you don’t try to tough out your hospital stay without your partner or a friend!
The hospital does not provide as much for you as they do for your baby, so you need to pack a bit more!
NEED
- Comfy loose clothes and pajamas– While the hospital does provide hospital gowns, I always feel much more comfortable in my own clothes.
- Granny Panties– You will be wearing what is basically a doggy pee pad so you need some room in there.
- Nursing Bras– even if you are not planning on breastfeeding, you’ll want comfy bras for when your milk first comes in.
- Toiletries– shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, and hair ties. This squeeze pod toiletry kit is really cool! It’s leak proof and TSA approved!
- Birth Plan and paperwork- If you have a birth plan or any prior paperwork that the hospital needs then have those packed.
- Insurance Information
- Pads- The hospital does have pads but you might go through them very fast before they can give you extra.
Optional
- Socks/slippers– The hospital has fuzzy socks for you but if you feel more comfortable in your own and plan to walk the hospital halls then pack some slippers.
- Camera- If you do your own Fresh 48!
- Snacks- If you will be in the hospital alone, definitely pack your favorite snacks. If your partner will be with you then they can be your snack bitch 😉
- Entertainment- I slept the whole time after I had my epidural, but if you are being induced you may be sitting around for a while so take your laptop and watch some Netflix or read a good book. I was also bored out of my mind during the recovery stay. The hospital I went to required a minimum stay of 24 hours after a healthy delivery. So keep that in mind!
I hope you found this post helpful! If you’re a first-time mom, don’t be nervous! I know the internet is full of the negative labor and delivery stories but don’t let that scare you. Your body knows what it’s doing and you have your doctor or midwife to help! Also, epidurals are nice 😉
