Postpartum nurse here! From my experience, I would recommend your own pillow and a comfy blanket to help you sleep/feel more at home. The nursing pillow is a great idea to have because the hospital pillows can be cumbersome to use when trying to get your positioning right. Having the breastfeeding pillow with you will allow you to get the hang of what feels right for you while you have the experience of your nurses and lactation consultants. As for the recovery kit, while the hospital underwear may not be the most comfortable you will be changing them so frequently (every time you go to the bathroom) so you may be better off using what the hospital provides and use your kit when you return home. Most of my patients usually like the mesh underwear and ask for extras to take home with them. (Prepare yourself for things to be messier than you can imagine- you also haven’t had a period for 9months so I think it just comes as a surprise to new moms). As for baby clothes, cute swaddles and those onesies that tie at the bottom are always a hit. It makes changing their diaper simple and easy for you to take on and off to do skin to skin with baby!
With the going home align shorts, just remember you’ll be wearing an adult diaper type situation that can be slightly bulky. I’d consider a pair of comfy shorts too just in case you want!
I was just about to comment something on that. If it was me I would bring comfy shorts. Target has some pajama shorts that worked really well that I really liked.
mom of 2, and I was an unexpected C-Section and planned C-Section. I would also pack a very very loose pair of shorts to go home in just in case. The Frida Diapers are great but the hospitals aren't that bad since they are free. Frida is a lot less bulky so maybe bring a pair or 2 for leaving the hospital? I think everything you have is great! Less is better so you don't have to worry about unpacking when you get home. I always over packed and ended up just wearing the hospital gowns. For dads bag a pillow, blanket, and laptop were the most important to us! :)
I’m 9 weeks postpartum, this is a great list! I would say that postpartum recovery was way messier than I expected, so I opted to stay in the hospital gown and change it when I needed to avoid getting my clothes messy and not being able to wash them. It was also nice for nursing. They have to strip baby down multiple times to do vital checks, so we just kept her in the hospital swaddle to make sure we didn’t lose any of her clothes in the shuffle of things and to just keep it simple for everyone’s sake. I didn’t bring any postpartum care items just so I could see what they had and see what worked for me. You’re only there for a couple days, so keep the good stuff at home where you’ll need it longer, and take as much home from the hospital as you can! I would pack an extra bag, like a lulu shopping bag, to put all the goodies in. That’s what I did. Good luck with everything! Can’t wait to see her!
10000% this!!! I packed my own PJs and robe and didn’t touch them because of how messy it was! I also just kept baby in a diaper and a little white t shirt the whole time. No cute outfit until we were on our way home.
Definitely bring nursing pillow!!! I am a nurse at a birthing center plus mom of three and those are a life saver with breast feeding. The first 48 hours of breast feeding are so important.
Wow! So many helpful tips from your followers! Jenny Holcomb’s advice was spot on (I’m one year postpartum, and she was accurate from my experience). Definitely going to want looser bottoms than the align shorts. You never know if something happens during labor and if a c section is the safest bet, you won’t want anything compressive. Also, vaginal birth is diaper central. The hospital had everything I needed for postpartum recovery despite me bringing my frida stuff, so I would save room and keep them at home. Most importantly YOU’RE SO CLOSE!! We are all so excited for you to be a mama!
I didn’t think about a pair of looser shorts. I loved my compressive bike shorts after delivery but I didn’t have a c-section. Always good to be prepared with both!
I would save the Frida mom kit for at home. if anything from that take the peri bottle, it's just easier to maneuver than the hospital one. My nursing pillow, towel, pillow & blanket were all essentials for me both times. Also a long phone charger so you know it will reach your bed.
I would recommend either a nursing tank or nursing bra to be the most comfy. And also a pumping bra in case you need to pump, you don’t have to hold the pumps on the whole time!
Definitely bring the nursing pillow. I didn’t and wish I had. If you have lactation consultants come to your room, they can help you learn positioning with it. Breastfeeding is a journey of trial and error - give yourself grace as you navigate through it. Maybe a laptop or other device to watch a favorite show on. We used the hospital tv, but also brought a small laptop for streaming services. It helped a lot for those late night hours after birth when I was so exhausted but needed to be awake for feeding or for contact naps.
For chris - boardies or waterproof shorts. I laboured in the shower for a bit and my husband was in with me with the shower head on my lower back so he got wet. He needed a couple of change of clothes and he didn’t even stay overnight.
With the sports bras just keep in mind that you’ll likely have nurses and lactation consultants coming in to watch you nurse so it might be easier to have an actual nursing bra so you can pull a side down. Also your milk might come in while you’re there so you might want to put the nursing pads in a nursing bra
Snacks: bring protein dense snacks! You’ll be starving! Plus, you never r know what time of day you’ll deliver. I delivered my son in the morning and ate right away. I delivered my daughter in the middle of the night and the cafeteria was closed!
Everything looks good!! I just had a baby in March and I hardly used anything I packed. You feel so gross I mostly just wore a hospital gown! As for the recovery stuff I would highly recommend using their stuff! You pay for it all with your stay so you might as well take advantage of it and save your other stuff for when you are at home! It all goes by so fast!
Don’t stress. Everything you have is great! I went into labor at 33 weeks and had barely anything packed. In the moment, for me, everything was just go with the flow and when the baby is there nothing else matters! Something that does help are jolly ranchers. You can’t eat but to have something to suck on does help!
I took notes during your video lol hopefully this is helpful: Bring shower shoes!! I did bring a little makeup and did end up putting it on - made the pics better and made me feel more normal!! I would bring a nursing bra or tank even if you think you’ll be in the robe the whole time - you might be leaking milk and won’t want the boobs just hangin out. I would bring sweats for a going home outfit because you will probably be wearing large pads and it could be uncomfortable to have them compressed in those shorts. Otherwise you’re set!! Awesome job. Good luck!
I think you did great packing. The advice I would give is the same advice I gave you for your wedding forever ago it seems. Just enjoy every minute. Take it all in. Memorize her little face and the room and the smells and the way Chris looks at you when she’s born. Memorize the experience. In the end that’s all that matters. I so enjoy watching you two as a couple. You remind me so much of my husband an I so many years ago. I can’t wait to see you as a family. I wish you guys all the best. Have a wonderful time❤️
Going home outfit for baby that has legs. It’s hard to put them in the car seat with the tie thing at the bottom. I’m due 1 week after you! Can’t wait for a huge sub after birth!
Definitely bring a pillow! The ones at the hospital are so thin! I used like 8! Also, don't forget about shower sandals! We were also so thankful to have brought a laptop so we could both watch a movie together during our down time as labor progressed and then it was great to have there after delivery!
DEFINITELY bring the frida peri bottle. The one they provide is a lot harder to use because it doesn’t have the angle like the frida one. I’d bring the mesh underwear in case you hate the hospital ones, I didn’t mind them plus they are “free”. They will have wipes and tuck pads so that’s not worth bringing. I would highly recommend smooth move tea. I started drinking a cup of that each morning postpartum and my first 💩 was so easy and not painful at all.
I just had my first baby 8 weeks ago! I definitely bled through the first night after giving birth, so I was glad I stayed in the hospital gown. The socks I was wearing got blood on them. So just know that whatever you choose to wear can get messy. I would leave the recovery kit at home and use what the hospital has. When my bleeding slowed, I wish I would have had some granny panties to wear with the pads instead of the mesh underwear. The hospital provided ice pads too. I was fine using the hospital pillows and blankets, but it’s personal preference. I packed a blanket and my husband is the one that used it lol. You might want loose shorts or sweatpants to go home in since recovery underwear can be bulky. I did not take my nursing pillow and wish I would have! Good luck! I’m so excited for you!
Dermaplast! I’m a labor/delivery/postpartum nurse and my hospital doesn’t provide it but I always recommend my patients to send their support person for it! Can make a huge difference on tears and what not.
Bring the Frida mom peri bottle!!! The hospital one is the worst because it’s just a normal bottle that you basically have to put your hand in the toilet to use 🤢 I used the hospital provided mesh undies, pads, and mine had cooling pads. I brought the frida peri bottle and tucks pads, and otherwise used hospital stuff. Ask for Dermaplast if they don’t provide it! It’s an amazing pain relief spray!
I’m sorry if my comment is extremely long lol I just had a baby three weeks ago so this is all so fresh in my mind. I still used all my normal toiletries but just be cautious of using scented things like perfume or deodorant, babies naturally will already know your scent but if you have artificial fragrance on yourself it can throw them off and they’re so sensitive at the begin. I also highly suggest bringing a heating pad, it’s not a common thing that people bring but if you end up having back labor and don’t want an epidural, or even if you do get an epidural sometimes they don’t want you to get it until you were at a certain centimeters dilated, so it might be nice to have on your back. I just had my third child and ended up having back labor for the first time because of his positioning and it was a very different experience than just having normal contractions. I brought make up and never used it for any three deliveries I’ve had lol but it is nice to bring in case you feel like putting on mascara or eyebrows. I had to even stay a few extra days and I did not put clothes on my baby literally until we were going home, the nurses are coming to look at them so often they actually get annoyed when you dress your baby because then they just have to undressed them every couple of hours. Skin to skin is the best for newborn babies, but also just do what you want to. People can make all the suggestions in the world but at the end of the day it’s your experience so just listen to your instincts over what other people tell you lol.
Definitely snacks! Some hospitals make dads pay for their meals while moms are included. I’ve had 2 babies in the last 2 years. I didn’t bring my peri bottle because the one at the hospital works just fine and I actually ended up bringing it home to put in the spare bathroom. Definitely bring the stroller fan! Labor is a marathon aka you sweat! I didn’t mind my hospital’s blankets and pillows but a breastfeeding pillow is necessary. I would leave your frida kit at home because the hospital has everything and more. They usually have their own ice packs as well as homemade ice packs using baby diapers. Use those! They’re so much softer!! They have dermaplast which is great. Dad should bring easy on/off shoes, a big water bottle, pillow, 2 outfits. I would think about adding anything you might want while in labor, like electrolyte drinks/powder, essential oils, fairy lights or electric candles (you want the room to be dark to allow labor to progress), affirmation cards, headphones so you can tune out everything around you.
Personally, I would keep the recovery kit at home. My hospital provided mesh underwear, cooling wipes, peri bottle, pads, and cooling pads. I was surprised by how many days the bleeding continued so it may be nice to have that stuff to come home to!
Lived in PJs/Robes too! BUT absolutely would recommend full button up shirt with open bottom/no shorts for PJs for after birth. With the bleeding/changing of everything it was so nice to have a full button up shirt was amazing. A star above from target! 💜💜 Mesh underwear YES SO much better than the ones at the hospital. No to cooling pads they give you lots of that and those I was thankful to have at home
Just gave birth to my second last month, and in my opinion, less is more! I waaay overpacked for both myself and my babe with my first. I think a couple of outfits/swaddles for baby girl is perfect. I’m not a robe person, so I lived in pajamas with buttons down the front and matching loose shorts. So comfy and easy for breastfeeding. One thing I will say, postpartum sweats are REAL, so lightweight pajamas is where it’s at. I also brought grippy slipper socks and lived in those. As for the going home outfit, I would consider loose and dark colored shorts. You will be wearing either an adult diaper or large pad, which can be difficult to conceal! I wore dark colors in case of an accidental leak. I would also recommend bringing nursing bras. Much easier to navigate when trying to breastfeed! I also brought pads to stick in my bras. My milk didn’t come in until I got home from the hospital, but I used them just in case. Other things I found helpful: bedside fan for labor, pillow from home, blanket from home and an extra long phone charger! I brought a whole bunch of peri care items with my first and didn’t use a single thing. I felt the hospital provided everything I needed for the 1 night we were there. I chose to save my nice Frida mom stuff for home!
OB nurse here!!! You have such a great list! I would recommend maybe having your breast pump in the car with you incase you want it at the hospital! The nurses and lactation can give you tips and tricks on how to best use it when you first start pumping and go through all the settings with you for when you go home to keep your supply up!
Girl I went into spontaneous labor at 30 weeks so I didn't even have a bag packed yet. I survived haha. I would have HIGHLY overpacked. My husband came back home to get my pillow, chapstick and charger.
So excited for you!!! I’d definitely recommend wearing a nursing bra under button-up pajamas, or a nursing nightgown postpartum. I personally wore a nursing nightgown and robe after both my vaginal births and it was great. The doctors and nurses could easily check down below, and nursing was so much easier to just unclip the top. Even unsnapping the hospital gown to breastfeed was kind of a pain. There is a lot of bleeding and mess after birth so dark colored nightgown, pajamas, and robe is what I chose in case it did get bloody I wouldn’t have to worry about stains. I loved the Frida peri bottle, it’s so much better than the hospital one but not an absolute necessity. I found Depends to be much more comfortable than the mesh underwear with pads after the bleeding slowed down a bit, the mesh ones are a bit flimsy with the pad and ice pack but good for immediately after delivery. Other than the Depends, the hospital recovery stuff works fine. For baby girl, zip-up pajamas or an outfit with pants to wear riding in the car seat home. Also, they tell you just to bring the car seat up to the room when it’s time to go home, but this last time I also had my husband bring the stroller up to the room as well so he could just snap the car seat in and roll her out. It just makes it easier to get down and out to your car with baby and your things for Dad since you’ll likely ride down to the car in a wheelchair. Snacks and entertainment for you and Chris!
Save the FridaMom kit stuff for home. Yes, the hospital mesh undies suck, but there will be so much going on and you’ll be so exhausted that you won’t even care. Your first few days postpartum you have HEAVYYYYY bleeding so use the nasty hospital undies that way you can switch them out whenever needed. The hospital also has dermoplast spray and ice packs. Save the nice Frida stuff for at home when you’re more mobile with your baby and need something better quality.
I gave birth for the first time last fall, and I packed less than you and still overpacked. After birth I was so exhausted and overwhelmed I didn't have time for cute outfits, taking in and out contacts (I just wore glasses), taking cute photos etc. The only thing I wish I brought were adult diapers. They're not glamorous, but I had issues with the pads shifting around in the mesh underwear or me peaking out the sides. The one "extra" we're glad we brought were our own pillows. Their pillows were super flat. I used their blankets and towels though no issue. Once again, I was so exhausted and in pain that a slightly scratchy towel didn't even register with me.
I would consider bringing loose shorts/pants. I ended up having an emergent c section (there was no signs prior to delivery that this was going to happen) and there was no way I could wear tight clothes over the incision. Don’t forget the marker for her name sign! And definitely bring a white noise machine. It was amazing for us cause the hospital can be so noisy. And I definitely recommend bringing your own pillows and blankets. It’s a lot to carry but makes a difference. Plus we ended up staying for 6 nights (with c section and baby ended up in nicu for a couple nights) so I was glad to have my own pillow
Leave your recovery kit at home! You’ll definitely want it all set up when you get home, and the hospital will provide all the cooling stuff, pain relief, all that. You’ll go through it sooooo quickly those first few days, and the recovery kit doesn’t come with very much. The hospital sent me home with SO much extra stuff.
Bring your peri bottle. It’s way better than the ones the hospital provides because of the curved spout. Also, leave your postpartum recovery stuff (pads, ice packs, etc.) at home. I’d just use what the hospital provides and save your stuff for when you get home! Also, consider bringing your own labor and delivery gown. I had one gifted to me (it wasn’t something I would have purchased on my own) and it was a game changer. It was super comfy like a robe and I hung out in it basically the entire day after giving birth.
I’m a L&D/Post partum nurse! The first few things that come to mind… For baby I always recommend moms just bring an outfit for pictures and a going home outfit! Between providers and nurses, baby gets 3-4 assessments done per day and it’s very challenging to always be taking them out of personal clothes! The swaddle we provide in the hospital is easiest for everyone. Each hospital is different as well but we don’t allow babies to be swaddled in a blanket/swaddle blanket because it’s an unsafe sleep environment (they can shimmy their arms up and move the blanket around). The hospital I work at they must be in a sleep sack swaddle. The other thing I recommend is don’t bring your own underwear!! We provide them!! And it’s MESSY. Save your own for when you get home. 100% recommend bringing your own blanket and pillow!
I would bring a sharpie to fill in baby girl’s name tag! And bring shower shoes or slide sandals! My baby had to be put in the little lincubater overnight for jaundice. She had a miserable time sleeping, so my portable white noise machine was a LIFE SAVER! It was the only thing that helped her sleep. Also I would consider for going home outfit, bring something loose for bottoms because the diaper and pads and everything is so thick and bulky and painful. For recovery, your hospital should have every thing that you need for the time you’re there, including the cooling ice pack. The frida mom recovery kit is AWESOME and I loved it for at home but I wasn’t in the hospital for long so I just used what they had until I got home. Good luck mama, you got this!!!
In my experience (3x mom), I wore a robe with nursing tank or nursing bra under it for easy feeding but still able to cover up. You’re going to want to wear something not fitted to go home with the diaper/pad situation, more loose fitting around the lady bits for your comfort.
I’m just commenting as I go so I don’t forget things! Definitely nursing pillow! I didn’t personally shower at the hospital any time but I brought the toiletries for peace of mind. Definitely snacks! And maybe a foldable tote bag to bring all the extras home (the diapers and stuff on the baby cart are yours to take home)
Definitely agree with baby clothes, diapers, etc. they provide everything. The clothes you bring for baby are just to look cute haha. BUT I will say bring an easy to tighten swaddle just in case. The hospital with my first just had the halo swaddles with no Velcro and it’s annoying to keep tight and use. I used halo swaddles with my first babe and Velcro is a must! Blanket swaddles are pretty and cute (I have so many I didn’t use with my first) but in reality you want something that is easy to take baby in and out of all day every day. I’m 37 weeks today. We’re so close to meeting our girls!! 😍
This is just my opinion on what helped me when I was at the hospital. I was just like you and had literally no idea what I was doing either! Lol. For postpartum: the only thing I would be sure to bring is the Frida mom peri bottle. The hospital does provide them l, however the way the frida mom one is designed is just amazing. You’ll be happy to have it. They have pain relief spray and the tucks pads so you will most likely be good with what they have at the hospital. Save the expensive stuff for home. For you: slippers, robe, bra and going home outfit is perfect. I wore hospital undies, a bra and a robe until I left. Was just easy and you didn’t feel like you were trapped in clothes. The staff will be all up in your business, so the less clothes the better really. Your toiletry bag sounds wonderful! The hospital stuff sucks so anything you would use at home, bring it. It will make you feel like a new woman after you give birth. For baby: a going home outfit is all you’ll need. They have literally everything she will need! Also, remember to ask the nurses what you can take home when you leave. Anything opened in your room has to be thrown out, so you mine as well take it! I was in the hospital for two nights and the pillows and blankets from home made me sleep so much better. Some hospitals have fans you can use, but if you’re like me during labor you’ll be hotter than heck and be thankful if you bring your own. I was able to have my mom and my husband there during my labor so I didn’t feel I needed a speaker but if you have a playlist you’ll want to listen to i would bring it. Definitely bring snacks! Hospital food isn’t the best and while you most likely could have Chris get you food, it’s nice to have food with you. I would just make sure Chris has a change of clothes and toiletries. His bag will be like he’s going somewhere overnight. Don’t forget chargers! With long cords or an extension cord.
For my 3rd baby I finally decided to use the depends "adult diapers" and they were a game changer!! So comfortable and not a single leak. The big pads they give you dont stick very well and can be super uncomfortable! Only regret is not using them for my other two deliveries.
Consider some compression socks for after delivery. I didn’t have an issue with swelling during pregnancy but my feet and ankles swelled a lot after delivery both times because of the fluids you get during delivery
Yes to the nursing pillow. Leave the recovery kit at home, they will provide everything at the hospital. I second the align shorts to just be mindful that you’ll have an adult diaper on and if those shorts are tighter, it will look bulky. I would definitely opt for a nursing bra. Pulling a tighter sports bra down seems easy right now but it’s a pain and like someone else said, you’ll have nurses and doctors coming in nonstop… having a bra that easy clip on and off will be a game changer. Also GAMES! Bring like card games or board games. You never know how long you’ll be laboring for and if you get an epidural, you’ll be just chilling for hours (maybe, depending on your experience).
For recovery stuff I personally didn't bring anything. (First time mom too) I saved all that stuff for home so I had enough to last me the first few weeks postpartum. I didn't think their recovery stuff was that terrible.. I think you'll be uncomfortable either way the first day or two after delivery I don't think it would have made me feel any better with my own mesh undies, cool packs, etc. Definitely pack your own pillow and blanket & Chris too!! What the hospital had for my husband was terrible!
L&D nurse here! Snacks- depending on circumstances, many patients are placed on a “liquid diet”. Our hospital provides cranberry juice, apple juice, popsicles, and sugar free jello as quick “liquids”. You may want to pack 1-2 other options to spice things up depending on how long your labor and/or induction is!
I also typically recommend using the hospital gown when in active labor just so your cute stuff doesn’t get dirty for when you want it postpartum, but totally up to you (esp if you have options)! Excited for you and this journey ahead!
You won’t need your recovery kit at the hospital. They will have everything you will need, cold packs, pads, I personally loved the mesh undies (I asked for several to take home), peri bottle, cooling wipes/spray. For baby I recommend just 2-3 onesies/outfits, and a blanket/swaddle, it’s likely you’ll only stay 1 night or so before being discharged given everything looks good. They will have plenty of diapering stuff and everything else she’ll need. For dad he will just need 2-3 changes of clothes, pajamas, snacks, snacks, snacks, drinks, chargers etc. Me and Andy both wished we had our own pillows, their blankets were fine but the pillows were flat. The towels do suck but it wasn’t a big deal to us. Any supplements like your prenatals etc just grab a few in a pill organizer so you can continue them. A cup with a straw!! I didn’t have a straw for my tumbler and it was such a pain bc you’re going to be so thirsty and laying around/tossing and turning, so the straw will make it so much easier to drink while laying down or when you’re uncomfortable and don’t want to sit up every few mins to drink.
This is a great list! I packed a ton and used so little of what I brought 😂. I was constantly hot so definitely recommend bringing the stroller fan. Slippers and robe are also a must! I didn’t use socks because I was too dang hot. Headbands are also very useful. I had an induction so I did my make up before. Pitocin kicked my butt so definitely would not have cared to put make up on if I hadn’t already done so. I was sweaty and just bleh 😂. Don’t bother with the peri bottle or really any of the postpartum things imo. Save what you have and use what they have there. Yes, the frida mom stuff is better but not so much better you shouldn’t use the free stuff. I’m really glad I did this because I had a peri bottle for upstairs and downstairs when I got home and I went through postpartum care items way faster than I thought 😂. I didn’t stay in the hospital long enough to shower. I like to heal at home. There is nothing cozy really about a hospital for recovery. But, if you do stay, I’d recommend adding shower shoes if you don’t want to use your slides for that. Highly recommend the nipple cream. My nips were very sore for the first two weeks of breastfeeding. I brought a hair comb to squeeze during contractions. It really helped me with the pain. Lastly, I second the others recommending lose clothing, including bottoms. Align shorts are comfy but something that breathes a little more may be easier to get on and be more comfortable after. My stomach felt super weird after birth. So trying to pull on aligns or leggings wouldn’t have been enjoyable. Sorry for the novel but those are all my tips!
I had a baby almost 3 weeks ago and I brought some items from the post partum recovery kit but I ended up having an emergency C-section and now I can’t return the kit. I found that they had all the items I would need had I not had a C-section. Bag items look great!
Also maybe some type of under eye mask or face mask, or ice roller or gua sha to kind of treat yourself post birth! I know that’s not a must have, but I definitely want to bring that to the hospital to have a little moment to myself after🙌🏼
The Align shorts and mesh underwear/Frida Mom underwear did not work for me! 😂 I recommend trying it on in advance. You'll probably want to go with comfy shorts.
I know it’s not cute but the depends were my go too over the mesh! I wanted nothing to do with tight compressive shorts/pants. You might want loose shorts as an option to wear home. So excited to see baby girl. Enjoy this next chapter. So much fun!
One thing I wished I brought was ocean spray. It’s sooo dry in the hospital. Also call and asked what they provide for you after birth. I honestly just used the underwear and pads and witch hazel and peri bottle they provided and that’s alll I used after I got home. I literally lived in my robe. You will be doing a lot of skin to skin with baby girl to keep her warm and it will be easier to just swaddle her and put whatever hat you want to put on her to keep her warm when you’re not holding her. I didn’t get my son dressed until we were discharged. With going home outfit, I wore baggy pants bc those pads are HUGE and you feel and look like you are wearing a diaper. Bring you’re own pillow bc hospital ones suck! Sound machine! You will be bleeding a lot so using their towels work fine. I would get a nursing bra and also a pumping bra just in case you want to pump to help bring in your milk. Ask all the questions with the lactation consultant. Have them look and make sure if you do plan on pumping that all of the pumping bottles fit perfectly on your breast. All in all pack light bc you both are going to be super tired and less stuff you have the less things you have to load back into your car. Congratulations you guys! Soooo exciting!!
I ended up really liking having a pull down nursing bra that I grabbed from target to wear while I was in the hospital. I had that on and then just wore my hospital gown and when I got hot it was easy to just strip down to just my bra and a sheet. I’ve found that sports bra are just a little uncomfortable on the side you’re not nursing on because they pull. Just a personal preference!
What you’ll want and need seriously depends on how your birth goes and how “high or low maintenance” you are with your looks and comfort. I chose to stay in the hospital gown the entire time due to pain and frequency of getting checked by nurses. I showered when I got home. Maybe pack for what you think you’ll want and need for different birthing outcomes?. Baby gets checked a lot while in hospital so mine just stayed in diaper and swaddle. Had an outfit for cute pics and going home outfit. And as others have said you’re going to be wearing either a really big pad or diaper going home. You might want something looser fitting to wear to not accentuate the diaper 😅 a dress or looser bottoms. And honesty I’d say ditch the slippers and just use the slides. You can walk in them, shower in them, arrive and go home in them . One less thing to pack.
I think everyone is different, but from my experience I think If you are going to be induced you will actually use some of that. If you spontaneously go into labor and labor at home for a while and then go in you probably won’t use anything at all besides something for the baby because everything just happens so fast. It’s good to have everything you want just in case, but just remember you will have to unpack it all when you get home and you will be exhausted! 😊
Quite a few births here --- I'm team have outfits/swaddles/cloth diapers (if going that route), blankets for baby x2-3 sets. I've had babies that were hot babies and lived skin to skin with light blanket. I've also had babies that were cold babies and need clothes + blankets + being on my chest + a hat to maintain body temperature. I bring it because I've learned the hard way every baby is different. For me, I've had all different recoveries of birth as well, some extremely hard with tearing and blood loss and some relatively easy. I always want flowy clothes to go home in --- loose sweats, low rise, in the winter and maxi dresses in the summer. I wear contacts as well and have always put a fresh pair in after labor --- my eyes just got so worn out from everything it was needed. Definitely bring all your own toiletries and be prepared for swelling - my face always looked so puffy after birth and some sort of cooling mask, roller, or lotion would do a world of difference over any makeup. My body temperature also fluctuated so much after birth -- I didn't want make up or hot, tight clothes. They do checks/stomach compressions every few hours. I live in a loose Nightgown or Robe the entire visit, sit with a blanket on my lap if I have company. I've brought stretchy, super comfortable leggings/pjs --- have not worn them a single time. Either a nursing bra (i use Kindred Bravely) or no bra is best I've found personally. Some of my babies nursed nonstop in the hospital and the bra was useless. As for the "husband bag".... my husband always packed his clothes while I was in labor. He just packed he was comfortable in and moved on. I don't think he's ever packed his stuff before hand but that's just him. A snack bag though is a MUST. Hospital snacks/meals are not at all something either of us ate. We brought cash for take out (a lot of hospitals will give you a whole stack of menus for places that will deliver), and packed 2 to 3 days worth of our favorite snack foods across the board. One of my labors was 56 hours total --- my husband ate and drink a whole lot of those snacks just to be able to help support. If there's any bag I go overboard on every single time, it's the snack bag. Nursing pillow is worth it to bring as well. And in my opinion, no postpartum care stuff. It's a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions getting there and leaving with a baby... I loved having my postpartum care station set up at home already and used their stuff while there. Nipple butter YES --- needed EVERY SINGLE TIME.
Everyone is different, but I definitely would wear a flowy dress home from the hospital. Hopefully you won’t, but if you happen to have a C-section, tight shorts won’t feel so great. I had a C and between my incision and the mesh underwear situation, I couldn’t have possibly worn anything fitted. Maybe a dress as a backup outfit! 😊
Girl love you 😘 you are so funny 😂 I mean all the things…forget it mama no one will be looking at you anymore lol it’s the other girl … yeah. You are so cute but you will never have time for all this anymore. Yeah mama Grace with love and kisses love watching you all the best keep pushing ❤️🌸💕
I would try and pack as much as you can now bc if you go into labor in the middle of the night you will forget a lot of the last min things even with a list. If you can add like a travel toothbrush and toothpaste along with extra hair ties and Bobby pins it will be a lot less stressful when your rushing to get everything to go to the hospital. I went into labor with 2 of my kids at night and with the first I forgot a lot! Also you will be wearing a bulky pad and mesh underwear home so if you have leggings it might be pretty visible.
I would only bring the ice pack pads bc the hospital ones are great but only an ice pack and they don’t absorb the bleeding. Plus you really only use ice the first 1 to 2 days
Definitely a portable sound machine!!! If you get hot bring the fan but if you have been normal temp wise then you probably don’t need it. If you want to bring a little bit of home with you then bring the pillow and blanket but it’s not necessary. Sorry for the multiple comments lol I just had my third and I’m a L&D nurse so wanted to give ya all the advice lol
You will probably want to have pajamas on under your robe. There will be alot of people (staff) going in and out of your room and prodding/checking you and you'll probably feel really exposed if you're not wearing anything under your robe. You will still be sore when you leave the hospital, so maybe bring a casual dress instead of shorts? You will also have things leaking from everywhere (lol) so you may want to wear something that you won't mind getting dirty. Highly recommend makeup or something to make you feel prettier for pics. I did not wear makeup or do my hair for pics and I looked like a swollen mess lol. Recovery wise, the hospital provides everything. Definitely bring pillows to make sure you and hubby are comfortable. Highly recommend shower shoes and slippers. I wouldn't recommend speakers or noise machines, but definitely bring something to do during labor. Alot of labor is just waiting so an ipad or laptop may be helpful.
The only thing you need for baby girl is a picture outfit and her going home outfit lol. You will probably keep her in the hospital swaddle since it'll be easier to get her in and out of and they'll be checking her as much as they check you.
Oh and don’t forget receiving blankets for beside babies head in the car seat at least 4! Bring her a paci if you want one, extra outfit/blanket in case she poops or pukes on her outfit. And girllll you can eat the deli meat now lol just don’t over do it
Oh gosh I feel like people are telling you to over pack!! The peri bottle and diapers/undies they give you there are fine for the short period of time you’re there and they make you ice packs for down there! Don’t worry about your pillow, definitely no to white noise machine there’s plenty noise at the hospital plus you could play it on your phone lol and no speaker or stroller fan unless you want air blowing in your face while you’re labouring and in pain! Just wear your robes but if you want pjs do the button up, bring an extra outfit in case your husband makes you laugh and you pee yourself haha align shorts are probably too tight for a diaper bring loose ones.. don’t forget to pack your own water bottle!! Also I hated my copper pearl nursing pillow, it didn’t offer enough support for the little baby to hold them properly unfortunately
I would recommend another bottom for you , some thing more lose on your waist. Yes, take your own underwear, take hats and gloves for baby girl. It’s cold and gloves to protect her from scratching herself.
Just to reiterate what basically everyone else said: nursing bras and nursing pads. Also, just get adult diapers. Skip the mesh underwear. Seriously. Game changer.
You’ll want to be careful about pulling your non-nursing bras up over your breast or below your breast to nurse, it can put pressure on your milk ducts causing them to clog and potentially develop mastitis. Having a nursing bra that allows your breast full freedom will be easiest for regulating your supply and learning to breastfeed.
Hi Kelly i just so absolutely love all of your beautiful videos so very very much you are such the greatest most sweet beautiful gorgeous woman ever in the whole wide world i love you Kelly xoxo.
As someone who works in a hospital- bring your maty sheet/paperwork they asked you to fill out, bring water bottles, there should be a spring water jug thing at almost every corner so you can have Chris fill up for you. The air will be dry and you will be super thirsty. Bring moisturizer I can’t remember if that was on your list. Hospital air is so so dry.
Oh girl you are gonna NEED nursing bras I promise you! You’ll have letdown and your robe will be soaked, you need a bra and nursing pads to absorb your letdown and drippage
Definitely button up pajamas bc you BF every 2-3 hours!! Going home outfit I used the align biker shorts but it wasn’t the comfiest bc of the huge diaper you wear. I wish I would’ve done comfy sweat shorts! Also I ended up wearing the skims fits everybody bra & not a sports bra bc again you feed so often and the nurses are in helping you & lactation consultant as well!!
Postpartum nurse here!
From my experience, I would recommend your own pillow and a comfy blanket to help you sleep/feel more at home. The nursing pillow is a great idea to have because the hospital pillows can be cumbersome to use when trying to get your positioning right. Having the breastfeeding pillow with you will allow you to get the hang of what feels right for you while you have the experience of your nurses and lactation consultants.
As for the recovery kit, while the hospital underwear may not be the most comfortable you will be changing them so frequently (every time you go to the bathroom) so you may be better off using what the hospital provides and use your kit when you return home. Most of my patients usually like the mesh underwear and ask for extras to take home with them. (Prepare yourself for things to be messier than you can imagine- you also haven’t had a period for 9months so I think it just comes as a surprise to new moms).
As for baby clothes, cute swaddles and those onesies that tie at the bottom are always a hit. It makes changing their diaper simple and easy for you to take on and off to do skin to skin with baby!
Best advice! Always listen to the experts👏🏼
With the going home align shorts, just remember you’ll be wearing an adult diaper type situation that can be slightly bulky. I’d consider a pair of comfy shorts too just in case you want!
I had this same thought as I was packing my bag today! Haha or at least wear a shirt that will cover your bulky butt haha
Yah a loose pair of shorts is best you'll be able to the the huge bulk of your adult diaper in tight shorts
I was just about to comment something on that.
If it was me I would bring comfy shorts. Target has some pajama shorts that worked really well that I really liked.
Yesssssss! Very good point!! As nice as the adult diaper look is…..😬😬🤣😜
I wore lulu home but baggier longer shirt/sweater to cover the pad bump
mom of 2, and I was an unexpected C-Section and planned C-Section. I would also pack a very very loose pair of shorts to go home in just in case. The Frida Diapers are great but the hospitals aren't that bad since they are free. Frida is a lot less bulky so maybe bring a pair or 2 for leaving the hospital? I think everything you have is great! Less is better so you don't have to worry about unpacking when you get home. I always over packed and ended up just wearing the hospital gowns. For dads bag a pillow, blanket, and laptop were the most important to us! :)
I’m 9 weeks postpartum, this is a great list! I would say that postpartum recovery was way messier than I expected, so I opted to stay in the hospital gown and change it when I needed to avoid getting my clothes messy and not being able to wash them. It was also nice for nursing. They have to strip baby down multiple times to do vital checks, so we just kept her in the hospital swaddle to make sure we didn’t lose any of her clothes in the shuffle of things and to just keep it simple for everyone’s sake. I didn’t bring any postpartum care items just so I could see what they had and see what worked for me. You’re only there for a couple days, so keep the good stuff at home where you’ll need it longer, and take as much home from the hospital as you can! I would pack an extra bag, like a lulu shopping bag, to put all the goodies in. That’s what I did. Good luck with everything! Can’t wait to see her!
10000% this!!! I packed my own PJs and robe and didn’t touch them because of how messy it was! I also just kept baby in a diaper and a little white t shirt the whole time. No cute outfit until we were on our way home.
Definitely bring nursing pillow!!! I am a nurse at a birthing center plus mom of three and those are a life saver with breast feeding. The first 48 hours of breast feeding are so important.
Bring the sound machine!!! That’s the number one thing in glad I brought with my son.
Wow! So many helpful tips from your followers! Jenny Holcomb’s advice was spot on (I’m one year postpartum, and she was accurate from my experience). Definitely going to want looser bottoms than the align shorts. You never know if something happens during labor and if a c section is the safest bet, you won’t want anything compressive. Also, vaginal birth is diaper central. The hospital had everything I needed for postpartum recovery despite me bringing my frida stuff, so I would save room and keep them at home. Most importantly YOU’RE SO CLOSE!! We are all so excited for you to be a mama!
I didn’t think about a pair of looser shorts. I loved my compressive bike shorts after delivery but I didn’t have a c-section. Always good to be prepared with both!
Adding those to the bag!! Thank you!!
I would save the Frida mom kit for at home. if anything from that take the peri bottle, it's just easier to maneuver than the hospital one. My nursing pillow, towel, pillow & blanket were all essentials for me both times. Also a long phone charger so you know it will reach your bed.
I would recommend either a nursing tank or nursing bra to be the most comfy. And also a pumping bra in case you need to pump, you don’t have to hold the pumps on the whole time!
Definitely bring the nursing pillow. I didn’t and wish I had. If you have lactation consultants come to your room, they can help you learn positioning with it. Breastfeeding is a journey of trial and error - give yourself grace as you navigate through it.
Maybe a laptop or other device to watch a favorite show on. We used the hospital tv, but also brought a small laptop for streaming services. It helped a lot for those late night hours after birth when I was so exhausted but needed to be awake for feeding or for contact naps.
For chris - boardies or waterproof shorts.
I laboured in the shower for a bit and my husband was in with me with the shower head on my lower back so he got wet. He needed a couple of change of clothes and he didn’t even stay overnight.
Tennis balls 🎾🎾🎾 in a sock 🧦 to roll/pressure (if you experience back pain.)💪🥰
With the sports bras just keep in mind that you’ll likely have nurses and lactation consultants coming in to watch you nurse so it might be easier to have an actual nursing bra so you can pull a side down. Also your milk might come in while you’re there so you might want to put the nursing pads in a nursing bra
I ordered some lol!! Thank you!!
Snacks: bring protein dense snacks! You’ll be starving! Plus, you never r know what time of day you’ll deliver. I delivered my son in the morning and ate right away. I delivered my daughter in the middle of the night and the cafeteria was closed!
Everything looks good!! I just had a baby in March and I hardly used anything I packed. You feel so gross I mostly just wore a hospital gown! As for the recovery stuff I would highly recommend using their stuff! You pay for it all with your stay so you might as well take advantage of it and save your other stuff for when you are at home! It all goes by so fast!
Don’t stress. Everything you have is great!
I went into labor at 33 weeks and had barely anything packed. In the moment, for me, everything was just go with the flow and when the baby is there nothing else matters!
Something that does help are jolly ranchers. You can’t eat but to have something to suck on does help!
Once you’re postpartum, could you do an updated video on what you actually needed/if you think there’s anything else you should have brought?
I took notes during your video lol hopefully this is helpful: Bring shower shoes!! I did bring a little makeup and did end up putting it on - made the pics better and made me feel more normal!! I would bring a nursing bra or tank even if you think you’ll be in the robe the whole time - you might be leaking milk and won’t want the boobs just hangin out. I would bring sweats for a going home outfit because you will probably be wearing large pads and it could be uncomfortable to have them compressed in those shorts. Otherwise you’re set!! Awesome job. Good luck!
Thank you so so much!!!
I think you did great packing. The advice I would give is the same advice I gave you for your wedding forever ago it seems. Just enjoy every minute. Take it all in. Memorize her little face and the room and the smells and the way Chris looks at you when she’s born. Memorize the experience. In the end that’s all that matters. I so enjoy watching you two as a couple. You remind me so much of my husband an I so many years ago. I can’t wait to see you as a family. I wish you guys all the best. Have a wonderful time❤️
Going home outfit for baby that has legs. It’s hard to put them in the car seat with the tie thing at the bottom. I’m due 1 week after you! Can’t wait for a huge sub after birth!
Her one onesie has legs!! I did think of that too lol thank you!!
Definitely bring a pillow! The ones at the hospital are so thin! I used like 8! Also, don't forget about shower sandals! We were also so thankful to have brought a laptop so we could both watch a movie together during our down time as labor progressed and then it was great to have there after delivery!
lol WILL DO!!! Thank you!!!
DEFINITELY bring the frida peri bottle. The one they provide is a lot harder to use because it doesn’t have the angle like the frida one. I’d bring the mesh underwear in case you hate the hospital ones, I didn’t mind them plus they are “free”. They will have wipes and tuck pads so that’s not worth bringing. I would highly recommend smooth move tea. I started drinking a cup of that each morning postpartum and my first 💩 was so easy and not painful at all.
I just had my first baby 8 weeks ago!
I definitely bled through the first night after giving birth, so I was glad I stayed in the hospital gown. The socks I was wearing got blood on them. So just know that whatever you choose to wear can get messy.
I would leave the recovery kit at home and use what the hospital has. When my bleeding slowed, I wish I would have had some granny panties to wear with the pads instead of the mesh underwear. The hospital provided ice pads too.
I was fine using the hospital pillows and blankets, but it’s personal preference. I packed a blanket and my husband is the one that used it lol.
You might want loose shorts or sweatpants to go home in since recovery underwear can be bulky.
I did not take my nursing pillow and wish I would have!
Good luck! I’m so excited for you!
Dermaplast! I’m a labor/delivery/postpartum nurse and my hospital doesn’t provide it but I always recommend my patients to send their support person for it! Can make a huge difference on tears and what not.
Bring the Frida mom peri bottle!!! The hospital one is the worst because it’s just a normal bottle that you basically have to put your hand in the toilet to use 🤢
I used the hospital provided mesh undies, pads, and mine had cooling pads. I brought the frida peri bottle and tucks pads, and otherwise used hospital stuff.
Ask for Dermaplast if they don’t provide it! It’s an amazing pain relief spray!
I’m sorry if my comment is extremely long lol I just had a baby three weeks ago so this is all so fresh in my mind.
I still used all my normal toiletries but just be cautious of using scented things like perfume or deodorant, babies naturally will already know your scent but if you have artificial fragrance on yourself it can throw them off and they’re so sensitive at the begin.
I also highly suggest bringing a heating pad, it’s not a common thing that people bring but if you end up having back labor and don’t want an epidural, or even if you do get an epidural sometimes they don’t want you to get it until you were at a certain centimeters dilated, so it might be nice to have on your back. I just had my third child and ended up having back labor for the first time because of his positioning and it was a very different experience than just having normal contractions.
I brought make up and never used it for any three deliveries I’ve had lol but it is nice to bring in case you feel like putting on mascara or eyebrows.
I had to even stay a few extra days and I did not put clothes on my baby literally until we were going home, the nurses are coming to look at them so often they actually get annoyed when you dress your baby because then they just have to undressed them every couple of hours. Skin to skin is the best for newborn babies, but also just do what you want to. People can make all the suggestions in the world but at the end of the day it’s your experience so just listen to your instincts over what other people tell you lol.
Definitely snacks! Some hospitals make dads pay for their meals while moms are included. I’ve had 2 babies in the last 2 years. I didn’t bring my peri bottle because the one at the hospital works just fine and I actually ended up bringing it home to put in the spare bathroom. Definitely bring the stroller fan! Labor is a marathon aka you sweat! I didn’t mind my hospital’s blankets and pillows but a breastfeeding pillow is necessary. I would leave your frida kit at home because the hospital has everything and more. They usually have their own ice packs as well as homemade ice packs using baby diapers. Use those! They’re so much softer!! They have dermaplast which is great. Dad should bring easy on/off shoes, a big water bottle, pillow, 2 outfits. I would think about adding anything you might want while in labor, like electrolyte drinks/powder, essential oils, fairy lights or electric candles (you want the room to be dark to allow labor to progress), affirmation cards, headphones so you can tune out everything around you.
Personally, I would keep the recovery kit at home. My hospital provided mesh underwear, cooling wipes, peri bottle, pads, and cooling pads. I was surprised by how many days the bleeding continued so it may be nice to have that stuff to come home to!
Thank you!!! I think I'm going to so I have everything I need at home lol
For pjs…they’ll be doing a lot of checks shortly after delivery to monitor bleeding. Just to make a note of if you’re gonna wear pants!
Lived in PJs/Robes too! BUT absolutely would recommend full button up shirt with open bottom/no shorts for PJs for after birth. With the bleeding/changing of everything it was so nice to have a full button up shirt was amazing. A star above from target! 💜💜
Mesh underwear YES SO much better than the ones at the hospital. No to cooling pads they give you lots of that and those I was thankful to have at home
Safe your recovery fit for home!!! The Hosptial will provide all of it
I used the frida gown and lived in that while in the hospital!
I love the Ilia skin tint not the Ilia foundation and I love the Ilia mascara in the white tube.
Just gave birth to my second last month, and in my opinion, less is more! I waaay overpacked for both myself and my babe with my first. I think a couple of outfits/swaddles for baby girl is perfect.
I’m not a robe person, so I lived in pajamas with buttons down the front and matching loose shorts. So comfy and easy for breastfeeding. One thing I will say, postpartum sweats are REAL, so lightweight pajamas is where it’s at. I also brought grippy slipper socks and lived in those.
As for the going home outfit, I would consider loose and dark colored shorts. You will be wearing either an adult diaper or large pad, which can be difficult to conceal! I wore dark colors in case of an accidental leak.
I would also recommend bringing nursing bras. Much easier to navigate when trying to breastfeed! I also brought pads to stick in my bras. My milk didn’t come in until I got home from the hospital, but I used them just in case.
Other things I found helpful: bedside fan for labor, pillow from home, blanket from home and an extra long phone charger!
I brought a whole bunch of peri care items with my first and didn’t use a single thing. I felt the hospital provided everything I needed for the 1 night we were there. I chose to save my nice Frida mom stuff for home!
This is so helpful!! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Jersey mikes was the first thing I ate after delivery and it was the best meal ever!
Lol I truly CANNOT WAIT!
OB nurse here!!! You have such a great list! I would recommend maybe having your breast pump in the car with you incase you want it at the hospital! The nurses and lactation can give you tips and tricks on how to best use it when you first start pumping and go through all the settings with you for when you go home to keep your supply up!
Oh that's a great idea!! Thank you so much!
Girl I went into spontaneous labor at 30 weeks so I didn't even have a bag packed yet. I survived haha. I would have HIGHLY overpacked. My husband came back home to get my pillow, chapstick and charger.
So excited for you!!!
I’d definitely recommend wearing a nursing bra under button-up pajamas, or a nursing nightgown postpartum. I personally wore a nursing nightgown and robe after both my vaginal births and it was great. The doctors and nurses could easily check down below, and nursing was so much easier to just unclip the top. Even unsnapping the hospital gown to breastfeed was kind of a pain. There is a lot of bleeding and mess after birth so dark colored nightgown, pajamas, and robe is what I chose in case it did get bloody I wouldn’t have to worry about stains. I loved the Frida peri bottle, it’s so much better than the hospital one but not an absolute necessity. I found Depends to be much more comfortable than the mesh underwear with pads after the bleeding slowed down a bit, the mesh ones are a bit flimsy with the pad and ice pack but good for immediately after delivery. Other than the Depends, the hospital recovery stuff works fine. For baby girl, zip-up pajamas or an outfit with pants to wear riding in the car seat home. Also, they tell you just to bring the car seat up to the room when it’s time to go home, but this last time I also had my husband bring the stroller up to the room as well so he could just snap the car seat in and roll her out. It just makes it easier to get down and out to your car with baby and your things for Dad since you’ll likely ride down to the car in a wheelchair. Snacks and entertainment for you and Chris!
Just ordered nursing bras!! Thank you!
Save the FridaMom kit stuff for home. Yes, the hospital mesh undies suck, but there will be so much going on and you’ll be so exhausted that you won’t even care. Your first few days postpartum you have HEAVYYYYY bleeding so use the nasty hospital undies that way you can switch them out whenever needed. The hospital also has dermoplast spray and ice packs. Save the nice Frida stuff for at home when you’re more mobile with your baby and need something better quality.
Thank you for posting this! I am so lost as to what to bring!
I gave birth for the first time last fall, and I packed less than you and still overpacked. After birth I was so exhausted and overwhelmed I didn't have time for cute outfits, taking in and out contacts (I just wore glasses), taking cute photos etc. The only thing I wish I brought were adult diapers. They're not glamorous, but I had issues with the pads shifting around in the mesh underwear or me peaking out the sides. The one "extra" we're glad we brought were our own pillows. Their pillows were super flat. I used their blankets and towels though no issue. Once again, I was so exhausted and in pain that a slightly scratchy towel didn't even register with me.
I would consider bringing loose shorts/pants. I ended up having an emergent c section (there was no signs prior to delivery that this was going to happen) and there was no way I could wear tight clothes over the incision.
Don’t forget the marker for her name sign! And definitely bring a white noise machine. It was amazing for us cause the hospital can be so noisy. And I definitely recommend bringing your own pillows and blankets. It’s a lot to carry but makes a difference. Plus we ended up staying for 6 nights (with c section and baby ended up in nicu for a couple nights) so I was glad to have my own pillow
Slippers my feet were so swollen! Thank goodness my daughter was born in October wore the socks the hospital gave home! Good luck!
Leave your recovery kit at home! You’ll definitely want it all set up when you get home, and the hospital will provide all the cooling stuff, pain relief, all that. You’ll go through it sooooo quickly those first few days, and the recovery kit doesn’t come with very much. The hospital sent me home with SO much extra stuff.
Bring your peri bottle. It’s way better than the ones the hospital provides because of the curved spout. Also, leave your postpartum recovery stuff (pads, ice packs, etc.) at home. I’d just use what the hospital provides and save your stuff for when you get home! Also, consider bringing your own labor and delivery gown. I had one gifted to me (it wasn’t something I would have purchased on my own) and it was a game changer. It was super comfy like a robe and I hung out in it basically the entire day after giving birth.
I’m a L&D/Post partum nurse! The first few things that come to mind… For baby I always recommend moms just bring an outfit for pictures and a going home outfit! Between providers and nurses, baby gets 3-4 assessments done per day and it’s very challenging to always be taking them out of personal clothes! The swaddle we provide in the hospital is easiest for everyone. Each hospital is different as well but we don’t allow babies to be swaddled in a blanket/swaddle blanket because it’s an unsafe sleep environment (they can shimmy their arms up and move the blanket around). The hospital I work at they must be in a sleep sack swaddle. The other thing I recommend is don’t bring your own underwear!! We provide them!! And it’s MESSY. Save your own for when you get home. 100% recommend bringing your own blanket and pillow!
I would bring a sharpie to fill in baby girl’s name tag! And bring shower shoes or slide sandals! My baby had to be put in the little lincubater overnight for jaundice. She had a miserable time sleeping, so my portable white noise machine was a LIFE SAVER! It was the only thing that helped her sleep. Also I would consider for going home outfit, bring something loose for bottoms because the diaper and pads and everything is so thick and bulky and painful. For recovery, your hospital should have every thing that you need for the time you’re there, including the cooling ice pack. The frida mom recovery kit is AWESOME and I loved it for at home but I wasn’t in the hospital for long so I just used what they had until I got home. Good luck mama, you got this!!!
In my experience (3x mom), I wore a robe with nursing tank or nursing bra under it for easy feeding but still able to cover up. You’re going to want to wear something not fitted to go home with the diaper/pad situation, more loose fitting around the lady bits for your comfort.
I wore a lounge/pajama set going home.
To take her home you’re going to want not a gown style outfit because of the car seat, a sleeper outfit is the easiest for sure.
I’m just commenting as I go so I don’t forget things! Definitely nursing pillow! I didn’t personally shower at the hospital any time but I brought the toiletries for peace of mind. Definitely snacks! And maybe a foldable tote bag to bring all the extras home (the diapers and stuff on the baby cart are yours to take home)
Definitely agree with baby clothes, diapers, etc. they provide everything. The clothes you bring for baby are just to look cute haha. BUT I will say bring an easy to tighten swaddle just in case. The hospital with my first just had the halo swaddles with no Velcro and it’s annoying to keep tight and use. I used halo swaddles with my first babe and Velcro is a must! Blanket swaddles are pretty and cute (I have so many I didn’t use with my first) but in reality you want something that is easy to take baby in and out of all day every day.
I’m 37 weeks today. We’re so close to meeting our girls!! 😍
This is just my opinion on what helped me when I was at the hospital. I was just like you and had literally no idea what I was doing either! Lol.
For postpartum: the only thing I would be sure to bring is the Frida mom peri bottle. The hospital does provide them l, however the way the frida mom one is designed is just amazing. You’ll be happy to have it. They have pain relief spray and the tucks pads so you will most likely be good with what they have at the hospital. Save the expensive stuff for home.
For you: slippers, robe, bra and going home outfit is perfect. I wore hospital undies, a bra and a robe until I left. Was just easy and you didn’t feel like you were trapped in clothes. The staff will be all up in your business, so the less clothes the better really. Your toiletry bag sounds wonderful! The hospital stuff sucks so anything you would use at home, bring it. It will make you feel like a new woman after you give birth.
For baby: a going home outfit is all you’ll need. They have literally everything she will need! Also, remember to ask the nurses what you can take home when you leave. Anything opened in your room has to be thrown out, so you mine as well take it!
I was in the hospital for two nights and the pillows and blankets from home made me sleep so much better. Some hospitals have fans you can use, but if you’re like me during labor you’ll be hotter than heck and be thankful if you bring your own.
I was able to have my mom and my husband there during my labor so I didn’t feel I needed a speaker but if you have a playlist you’ll want to listen to i would bring it. Definitely bring snacks! Hospital food isn’t the best and while you most likely could have Chris get you food, it’s nice to have food with you.
I would just make sure Chris has a change of clothes and toiletries. His bag will be like he’s going somewhere overnight.
Don’t forget chargers! With long cords or an extension cord.
For my 3rd baby I finally decided to use the depends "adult diapers" and they were a game changer!! So comfortable and not a single leak. The big pads they give you dont stick very well and can be super uncomfortable! Only regret is not using them for my other two deliveries.
Consider some compression socks for after delivery. I didn’t have an issue with swelling during pregnancy but my feet and ankles swelled a lot after delivery both times because of the fluids you get during delivery
Just from working in a hospital bring towel
She will be here any day now.😊
I know!!! Eeeeeek crazy to think lol
Yes to the nursing pillow. Leave the recovery kit at home, they will provide everything at the hospital. I second the align shorts to just be mindful that you’ll have an adult diaper on and if those shorts are tighter, it will look bulky. I would definitely opt for a nursing bra. Pulling a tighter sports bra down seems easy right now but it’s a pain and like someone else said, you’ll have nurses and doctors coming in nonstop… having a bra that easy clip on and off will be a game changer. Also GAMES! Bring like card games or board games. You never know how long you’ll be laboring for and if you get an epidural, you’ll be just chilling for hours (maybe, depending on your experience).
Button pajamas and pillow and blanket for your husband. Maybe your own towel too
For recovery stuff I personally didn't bring anything. (First time mom too) I saved all that stuff for home so I had enough to last me the first few weeks postpartum. I didn't think their recovery stuff was that terrible.. I think you'll be uncomfortable either way the first day or two after delivery I don't think it would have made me feel any better with my own mesh undies, cool packs, etc. Definitely pack your own pillow and blanket & Chris too!! What the hospital had for my husband was terrible!
L&D nurse here! Snacks- depending on circumstances, many patients are placed on a “liquid diet”. Our hospital provides cranberry juice, apple juice, popsicles, and sugar free jello as quick “liquids”. You may want to pack 1-2 other options to spice things up depending on how long your labor and/or induction is!
I also typically recommend using the hospital gown when in active labor just so your cute stuff doesn’t get dirty for when you want it postpartum, but totally up to you (esp if you have options)! Excited for you and this journey ahead!
So exciting
You won’t need your recovery kit at the hospital. They will have everything you will need, cold packs, pads, I personally loved the mesh undies (I asked for several to take home), peri bottle, cooling wipes/spray.
For baby I recommend just 2-3 onesies/outfits, and a blanket/swaddle, it’s likely you’ll only stay 1 night or so before being discharged given everything looks good. They will have plenty of diapering stuff and everything else she’ll need.
For dad he will just need 2-3 changes of clothes, pajamas, snacks, snacks, snacks, drinks, chargers etc.
Me and Andy both wished we had our own pillows, their blankets were fine but the pillows were flat. The towels do suck but it wasn’t a big deal to us. Any supplements like your prenatals etc just grab a few in a pill organizer so you can continue them. A cup with a straw!! I didn’t have a straw for my tumbler and it was such a pain bc you’re going to be so thirsty and laying around/tossing and turning, so the straw will make it so much easier to drink while laying down or when you’re uncomfortable and don’t want to sit up every few mins to drink.
Bring your own peri bottle! Life saver
In my birth class the teacher said bring your own TOWELS! She said the hospital ones usually suck and obviously that makes the shower not as nice.
I’ve heard that from a lot of mamas too!! Thank you!!
This is a great list! I packed a ton and used so little of what I brought 😂. I was constantly hot so definitely recommend bringing the stroller fan. Slippers and robe are also a must! I didn’t use socks because I was too dang hot. Headbands are also very useful. I had an induction so I did my make up before. Pitocin kicked my butt so definitely would not have cared to put make up on if I hadn’t already done so. I was sweaty and just bleh 😂. Don’t bother with the peri bottle or really any of the postpartum things imo. Save what you have and use what they have there. Yes, the frida mom stuff is better but not so much better you shouldn’t use the free stuff. I’m really glad I did this because I had a peri bottle for upstairs and downstairs when I got home and I went through postpartum care items way faster than I thought 😂. I didn’t stay in the hospital long enough to shower. I like to heal at home. There is nothing cozy really about a hospital for recovery. But, if you do stay, I’d recommend adding shower shoes if you don’t want to use your slides for that. Highly recommend the nipple cream. My nips were very sore for the first two weeks of breastfeeding. I brought a hair comb to squeeze during contractions. It really helped me with the pain. Lastly, I second the others recommending lose clothing, including bottoms. Align shorts are comfy but something that breathes a little more may be easier to get on and be more comfortable after. My stomach felt super weird after birth. So trying to pull on aligns or leggings wouldn’t have been enjoyable.
Sorry for the novel but those are all my tips!
I had a baby almost 3 weeks ago and I brought some items from the post partum recovery kit but I ended up having an emergency C-section and now I can’t return the kit. I found that they had all the items I would need had I not had a C-section. Bag items look great!
Also maybe some type of under eye mask or face mask, or ice roller or gua sha to kind of treat yourself post birth! I know that’s not a must have, but I definitely want to bring that to the hospital to have a little moment to myself after🙌🏼
Oh that’s a good idea and already sounds so nice lol!
The Align shorts and mesh underwear/Frida Mom underwear did not work for me! 😂 I recommend trying it on in advance. You'll probably want to go with comfy shorts.
I know it’s not cute but the depends were my go too over the mesh! I wanted nothing to do with tight compressive shorts/pants. You might want loose shorts as an option to wear home. So excited to see baby girl. Enjoy this next chapter. So much fun!
Just remember that everything you bring has the potential to get lost or left behind at the hospital!!
One thing I wished I brought was ocean spray. It’s sooo dry in the hospital. Also call and asked what they provide for you after birth. I honestly just used the underwear and pads and witch hazel and peri bottle they provided and that’s alll I used after I got home. I literally lived in my robe. You will be doing a lot of skin to skin with baby girl to keep her warm and it will be easier to just swaddle her and put whatever hat you want to put on her to keep her warm when you’re not holding her. I didn’t get my son dressed until we were discharged. With going home outfit, I wore baggy pants bc those pads are HUGE and you feel and look like you are wearing a diaper. Bring you’re own pillow bc hospital ones suck! Sound machine! You will be bleeding a lot so using their towels work fine. I would get a nursing bra and also a pumping bra just in case you want to pump to help bring in your milk. Ask all the questions with the lactation consultant. Have them look and make sure if you do plan on pumping that all of the pumping bottles fit perfectly on your breast. All in all pack light bc you both are going to be super tired and less stuff you have the less things you have to load back into your car. Congratulations you guys! Soooo exciting!!
What size do you wear in the cozy earth robe? If I’m tall 6ft should I size up ?
I ended up really liking having a pull down nursing bra that I grabbed from target to wear while I was in the hospital. I had that on and then just wore my hospital gown and when I got hot it was easy to just strip down to just my bra and a sheet. I’ve found that sports bra are just a little uncomfortable on the side you’re not nursing on because they pull. Just a personal preference!
Your water jug for sure is missing. Add one of those. And your water flavor options
What you’ll want and need seriously depends on how your birth goes and how “high or low maintenance” you are with your looks and comfort. I chose to stay in the hospital gown the entire time due to pain and frequency of getting checked by nurses. I showered when I got home. Maybe pack for what you think you’ll want and need for different birthing outcomes?.
Baby gets checked a lot while in hospital so mine just stayed in diaper and swaddle. Had an outfit for cute pics and going home outfit.
And as others have said you’re going to be wearing either a really big pad or diaper going home. You might want something looser fitting to wear to not accentuate the diaper 😅 a dress or looser bottoms. And honesty I’d say ditch the slippers and just use the slides. You can walk in them, shower in them, arrive and go home in them . One less thing to pack.
I think everyone is different, but from my experience I think If you are going to be induced you will actually use some of that. If you spontaneously go into labor and labor at home for a while and then go in you probably won’t use anything at all besides something for the baby because everything just happens so fast. It’s good to have everything you want just in case, but just remember you will have to unpack it all when you get home and you will be exhausted! 😊
Quite a few births here --- I'm team have outfits/swaddles/cloth diapers (if going that route), blankets for baby x2-3 sets. I've had babies that were hot babies and lived skin to skin with light blanket. I've also had babies that were cold babies and need clothes + blankets + being on my chest + a hat to maintain body temperature. I bring it because I've learned the hard way every baby is different. For me, I've had all different recoveries of birth as well, some extremely hard with tearing and blood loss and some relatively easy. I always want flowy clothes to go home in --- loose sweats, low rise, in the winter and maxi dresses in the summer. I wear contacts as well and have always put a fresh pair in after labor --- my eyes just got so worn out from everything it was needed. Definitely bring all your own toiletries and be prepared for swelling - my face always looked so puffy after birth and some sort of cooling mask, roller, or lotion would do a world of difference over any makeup. My body temperature also fluctuated so much after birth -- I didn't want make up or hot, tight clothes. They do checks/stomach compressions every few hours. I live in a loose Nightgown or Robe the entire visit, sit with a blanket on my lap if I have company. I've brought stretchy, super comfortable leggings/pjs --- have not worn them a single time. Either a nursing bra (i use Kindred Bravely) or no bra is best I've found personally. Some of my babies nursed nonstop in the hospital and the bra was useless.
As for the "husband bag".... my husband always packed his clothes while I was in labor. He just packed he was comfortable in and moved on. I don't think he's ever packed his stuff before hand but that's just him.
A snack bag though is a MUST. Hospital snacks/meals are not at all something either of us ate. We brought cash for take out (a lot of hospitals will give you a whole stack of menus for places that will deliver), and packed 2 to 3 days worth of our favorite snack foods across the board. One of my labors was 56 hours total --- my husband ate and drink a whole lot of those snacks just to be able to help support. If there's any bag I go overboard on every single time, it's the snack bag.
Nursing pillow is worth it to bring as well. And in my opinion, no postpartum care stuff. It's a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions getting there and leaving with a baby... I loved having my postpartum care station set up at home already and used their stuff while there. Nipple butter YES --- needed EVERY SINGLE TIME.
Everyone is different, but I definitely would wear a flowy dress home from the hospital. Hopefully you won’t, but if you happen to have a C-section, tight shorts won’t feel so great. I had a C and between my incision and the mesh underwear situation, I couldn’t have possibly worn anything fitted. Maybe a dress as a backup outfit! 😊
Girl love you 😘 you are so funny 😂 I mean all the things…forget it mama no one will be looking at you anymore lol it’s the other girl … yeah. You are so cute but you will never have time for all this anymore. Yeah mama Grace with love and kisses love watching you all the best keep pushing ❤️🌸💕
I would try and pack as much as you can now bc if you go into labor in the middle of the night you will forget a lot of the last min things even with a list. If you can add like a travel toothbrush and toothpaste along with extra hair ties and Bobby pins it will be a lot less stressful when your rushing to get everything to go to the hospital. I went into labor with 2 of my kids at night and with the first I forgot a lot! Also you will be wearing a bulky pad and mesh underwear home so if you have leggings it might be pretty visible.
Also maybe darker color clothing bc leaks happen right postpartum 😳
Snacks and entertainment bc you never know how long your labor will be!! We brought a portable speaker for music and some cards lol
I would only bring the ice pack pads bc the hospital ones are great but only an ice pack and they don’t absorb the bleeding. Plus you really only use ice the first 1 to 2 days
Definitely a portable sound machine!!! If you get hot bring the fan but if you have been normal temp wise then you probably don’t need it. If you want to bring a little bit of home with you then bring the pillow and blanket but it’s not necessary. Sorry for the multiple comments lol I just had my third and I’m a L&D nurse so wanted to give ya all the advice lol
You will probably want to have pajamas on under your robe. There will be alot of people (staff) going in and out of your room and prodding/checking you and you'll probably feel really exposed if you're not wearing anything under your robe. You will still be sore when you leave the hospital, so maybe bring a casual dress instead of shorts? You will also have things leaking from everywhere (lol) so you may want to wear something that you won't mind getting dirty. Highly recommend makeup or something to make you feel prettier for pics. I did not wear makeup or do my hair for pics and I looked like a swollen mess lol. Recovery wise, the hospital provides everything. Definitely bring pillows to make sure you and hubby are comfortable. Highly recommend shower shoes and slippers. I wouldn't recommend speakers or noise machines, but definitely bring something to do during labor. Alot of labor is just waiting so an ipad or laptop may be helpful.
The only thing you need for baby girl is a picture outfit and her going home outfit lol. You will probably keep her in the hospital swaddle since it'll be easier to get her in and out of and they'll be checking her as much as they check you.
Oh and don’t forget receiving blankets for beside babies head in the car seat at least 4! Bring her a paci if you want one, extra outfit/blanket in case she poops or pukes on her outfit. And girllll you can eat the deli meat now lol just don’t over do it
Oh gosh I feel like people are telling you to over pack!! The peri bottle and diapers/undies they give you there are fine for the short period of time you’re there and they make you ice packs for down there! Don’t worry about your pillow, definitely no to white noise machine there’s plenty noise at the hospital plus you could play it on your phone lol and no speaker or stroller fan unless you want air blowing in your face while you’re labouring and in pain!
Just wear your robes but if you want pjs do the button up, bring an extra outfit in case your husband makes you laugh and you pee yourself haha align shorts are probably too tight for a diaper bring loose ones.. don’t forget to pack your own water bottle!!
Also I hated my copper pearl nursing pillow, it didn’t offer enough support for the little baby to hold them properly unfortunately
Thank you so much!!!
I don’t have a baby, and I’m not pregnant, but! An idea would be to give the nurses a thank you gift with your Worth It candy in it ;)
don't forget a sharpie to fill in the name sign info! (if you didn't say that!!)
Sorry for the comment overload. 😅 I’m so excited for y’all! ❤
I would recommend another bottom for you , some thing more lose on your waist. Yes, take your own underwear, take hats and gloves for baby girl. It’s cold and gloves to protect her from scratching herself.
Just to reiterate what basically everyone else said: nursing bras and nursing pads. Also, just get adult diapers. Skip the mesh underwear. Seriously. Game changer.
You’ll want to be careful about pulling your non-nursing bras up over your breast or below your breast to nurse, it can put pressure on your milk ducts causing them to clog and potentially develop mastitis. Having a nursing bra that allows your breast full freedom will be easiest for regulating your supply and learning to breastfeed.
Hi Kelly i just so absolutely love all of your beautiful videos so very very much you are such the greatest most sweet beautiful gorgeous woman ever in the whole wide world i love you Kelly xoxo.
I used Depends underwear. Very practical and you just throw it out.
As someone who works in a hospital- bring your maty sheet/paperwork they asked you to fill out, bring water bottles, there should be a spring water jug thing at almost every corner so you can have Chris fill up for you. The air will be dry and you will be super thirsty. Bring moisturizer I can’t remember if that was on your list. Hospital air is so so dry.
i put makeup on before going in to the hospital and brought all my makeup with me but i am the person who cannot stand being in public without makeup
💞🙏💞
getting close to birth now :D
Me watching even though I've never been pregnant: 👁👄👁
Oh girl you are gonna NEED nursing bras I promise you! You’ll have letdown and your robe will be soaked, you need a bra and nursing pads to absorb your letdown and drippage
Definitely button up pajamas bc you BF every 2-3 hours!! Going home outfit I used the align biker shorts but it wasn’t the comfiest bc of the huge diaper you wear. I wish I would’ve done comfy sweat shorts! Also I ended up wearing the skims fits everybody bra & not a sports bra bc again you feed so often and the nurses are in helping you & lactation consultant as well!!