Hospital Bag- Most and Least Used Items

When I went to go pack my hospital bag, I spent SO much time reading other peoples "must haves" list and decided it was better to overpack and be over-prepared than the opposite situation.

Now that our sweet Teddy man is here and I've unpacked our bags, I decided to compile a list of all of the items that were truly needed versus some of the items I never touched in hopes that this helps a mama you know!

Top Items Used:

• Our own pillows: this made sleeping in a hospital far more bearable! I also recommend using a bright colored pillowcase so you don't leave it behind.

• A 40 OZ refillable water jug: I used my Stanley and it was perfect for keeping my water chilled. Some hospitals offer you a big cup to drink out of, but I noticed it keeps water luke-warm which isn't my jam.

• 10 foot long charger: Some of the charging ports were really far away so this item was key! Note: make sure your charger works prior to leaving for the hospital- mine did not and I had to borrow one from a nurse haha

• Portable fan that attaches to the hospital bed: It gets SO hot when you're in labor and having contractions. I got one on Amazon! I brought two fans and unfortunately for me, I did not pack the chargers and they both died- thankfully the hospital had a giant one they gave me!

• Epidural dress: I personally didn't want the itchy hospital dress or to have so much exposed in the back when moving around. I bought these epidural dresses from Kindred Bravely (brought 2 which was the perfect amount)- and they were amazing. They have velcro in front and back for nursing/access/epidural access in back!

• One set of PJs: I only wore PJs once while I was there, so I would recommend only bringing one of your favorite pairs :) These PJs feel like butter.

• Donut for after birth: OOOO the hemorroids...Sorry to say but those bad boys are rough during labor and postpartum. The donut pillow helped relieve some of the pressure down there (and made it more comfortable to sit upright).

• Shower shoes: The ground was so cold and gross (lots of bodily fluids and liquids in general happening haha), so I was really happy to have comfy shower shoes to roam around the room in!

• Robe: Loved having my favorite robe to wear- it made me feel like myself after only wearing a hospital gown/epidural dress for a few days! This one feels like butter.

• Makeup: This helped me feel a bit more like "myself" after a few days in the hospital. Most people don't bring this with them, but I was so glad I did!

• Compression socks: The IVs and fluids made me swell so much after delivery, and the compression socks were key in helping keep the swelling at bay as much as possible. Once I got home from the hospital, they were all I wore for a week straight!

• Grippy socks: It got cold in the hospital room and I slept in the grippy socks all 3 nights.

• Nipple butter: Holy cracked nipples is all I'll say here.

• Toiletries: A given of course, but I was so happy I had all of my favorite items with me in the hospital to help me feel clean.

• Eye pads: A completely random item, but I was so happy I brought these because they helped reawaken myself and gave me some energy.

• Lip balm: Holy dry lips- that is all I will have to say.

• My own blanket: the hospital bed blankets are super thin, and sometimes it got cold in the room so I was happy that I had my Barefoot Dreams blanket to wrap myself in during quick naps! This blanket is the perfect amount of cozy while keeping you cool.

• Eye mask: Depending on when you go into labor and depending on when nurses check in on you throughout your stay, it can be really bright in the room. An eye mask helped me get some shut eye in an otherwise bright environment.

• Ear plugs: Oh my goodness the sounds of the hospital room are SO loud hahaha, the IV and epidural machines are constantly making so much noise and beeping at different points.

Untouched Items:

• Shampoo/Conditioner: I didn't end up taking a shower while I was there- I was too anxious about "down there" to get wet yet haha

• Blow dryer and round brush: same as above reason!

• Towels: I didn't use any of the body towels I brought, I did however, use a small face towel for washing my face!

• Nursing bras: these stayed in the bag the entire time. As seen above- you're naked the entire time and there was no opportunity to put a nursing bra on like I anticipated.

• Nursing pillow: I just ended up using the pillows around me since I was hooked up to IVs and couldn't get out of bed.

• More than one set of PJs: Trust me, you're essentially in an epidural dress/hospital gown 99% of your stay- especially with all the IVs and checking they do post-birth. It wasn't worth bringing more than one set!

• My own peanut ball: The hospital had one on hand, so we didn't even end up inflating ours!

• My own diapers/pads: The hospital had an entire bag of them available to you along with Tucks witch hazel pads and a peri bottle!

• Tripod: We never took photos like I thought we were going to haha

• Underwear: Trust me when I say you are naked 99.9% of the time you are in the hospital hahahaha

Hope this helps!

X,

Style and Steph