Hospital Packing List
Forget the long pack lists and the gigantic suitcases. Keep it simple and keep it light.
Extra Long Phone Charger. Between birth and postpartum, you might be in your room for a long time, and the plug is out of reach. Don’t run out of charge just when you want to take a photo of your sweet baby or play some games to pass the time. Don’t bring just one charger, your birthing partners will thank you.
2. Empty Bag
Packable empty bag. Bring a lightweight, large, empty bag. A new baby isn’t the only thing you will take home. You may find yourself going home with a lot of pamphlets, paperwork, baby blankets, extra postpartum supplies, and even a lot of goodies for your new baby. A large bag allows you to keep everything together without the pressure to pack well, and frees up your hand to take care of the baby, instead.
Soft Nursing Bra. For the birth and immediately after, ditch the fancy and go with simple comfort. These bras are perfect for the end of pregnancy, laboring, and the V makes immediate post-birth feeding a cinch. The bras are comfortable to sleep in, and perfect for the sore nipples.
4. Robe
Soft Robe. You will not want to or be able to put on real clothes given how often you might need to access your boobs, stomach, and every other part of your body. The hospital gown is not only revealing with the open back, but also hard to breastfeed with. Get a cheap but comfortable robe, one that you don’t mind getting dirty.
5. Top
Top
Breastfeeding and Post-Partum Top. Loose and comfy are key: you will need a lot of access to your boobs, and likely won’t want anything too restricting; all while your pregnancy belly doesn’t instantaneously deflate but might even swell. Bring one of your old pregnancy tops, a new breastfeeding top, or better yet, get a loose button down shirt that is sure to serve you well and keep you looking good, too (also available in a short sleeve version).
6. Leggings
Leggings or short version. These leggings became your best friend during pregnancy, and luckily for you, will be there for quite some time after birth. Go with leggings comfortable and soft that will accommodate your continued belly, the swelling, the large sanitary pads, the soreness, and/or the c-section scar.
Toiletries and Makeup Bag. Better to be prepared than not. If you don’t want to shower or to put on makeup then don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. But if you find yourself wanting to freshen up or need to look good for newborn photos, then you might appreciate better toiletries than the hospital toothbrush or dispensed pink soap. Don’t forget your makeup, too.
8. snacks
Protein Bars. Bring your favorite snacks when the cafeteria is closed and you are starving. Or bring the food you know you like to eat and may crave. Make sure to pack some extra food for the others in the room, too