I was in the process of getting my hospital bag together for my labor and delivery, and our little guy decided to show up early! That morning Mo and I scrambled to grab some things that I had put on my list and threw them in my bag. Now that it’s all said and done, these are the items I think are necessities for your hospital bag. The hospital did provide a bunch of different items as well, some which I used and I felt were very helpful in my recovery. They also sent me home with a big bag of extras; if they offer, take them!

• Robe– A robe is comfy and makes it easy if you are planning on breast feeding or pumping (This one here is another of my faves)
• Button Pajamas– Another comfy option, although I lived in my robe!
• Sweats- For when you have visitors coming in and out
• Disposable Slippers– Trust me when I say you will want to leave those suckers behind! I loved having a comfy pair to walk around in, but they will get ruined.
• Shower Sandals– I also had a pair of sandals I could use to shower in, but then tossed them when we left.
• Travel Sizes Toiletries- I liked having all of my favorite products to shower and freshen up with, but get the smaller sizes so you have more room in your bag.
• Makeup- I brought some of my makeup with me, but I will tell you that I didn’t not use it once while I was there. If we had done photos in the hospital I would have wanted to use it.
• Bath Towel- I had heard the bath towels were small at the hospital so I brought my own and then left it behind
• Going Home Outfit– I wanted to look put together, but still be comfy. This maxi dress is one of my faves and was perfect!
• Long Phone Charger– I was on my phone a lot, so having an extra long phone charger that reached my bedside was important.
• Snacks– I liked having things to snack on in between meals throughout the day.
• Breast Pump– They gave me one at the hospital to use while I was there. It would have been nice to have mine so that I could get used to it while there; especially when I met with the lactation specialist.

The hospital gave me all of the items I needed for postpartum recovery and I used everything! These are the items they gave me.

• Peri Bottle
• Cooling Spray
• Mesh underwear– I personally recommend buying some Depends. They’re more supportive and you can skip the pad
• Pads
• Disposable ice packs
• Witch hazel pads– These were my absolute favorite!
• Lanolin Cream– For all of you breastfeeding/pumping mamas

Since I ended up going into labor at 35 1/2 weeks, Maurice ended up in the NICU. He wasn’t in my room with me while I was in the hospital, so I didn’t end up needing his bag. If he had been in my room with me, these are some of the things I would have packed.

• Diaper bag– I’m obsessed with this one from Freshly Picked!
• Swaddle blankets
• Burp clothes
• Onesies
• Sleeping Gowns-These are literally the softest gowns, and one of my faves for sure!
• Pacifiers
• Going home outfit
• Boppy Pillow– I have been using this one for feedings
• Car seat
• Comfy blanket– Little Mo loves this one, it’s so soft!

These are the main items I felt were most needed. If I can give you one piece of advice, pack your bag in advance! I wish I hadn’t waited so long to start getting my hospital bag together. And scrambling while I was having contractions wasn’t ideal lol!

For all of you mamas that have experienced labor and delivery, what are some of your must haves??

Xoxo,

Danielle