The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist (+ More!)
From the moment we discover the joy of pregnancy, that very first birthing experience is something that we spend a lot of time mentally readying ourselves for. And many first time moms, myself included, have no clue if they should pack minimal or extra. I was that super extra first timer who took our BIG suitcase loaded with various types of outfits (since I had no clue what I'd actually be able to wear), a bluetooth speaker, my own pillow, a throw blanket for my husband, and more. One nurse actually gasped in astonishment when she was transferring us from the birthing room to the recovery floor, haha!
We delivered all three of our babes at the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital by way of Fairview Hospital. I rave about them to everyone, because they make the recovery experience so amenable, providing gifts to mothers and the extra little things that help speed up recovery*. Many of these "extras" I had never heard about until delivering. Unfortunately, not all hospitals offer the same recommendations of postnatal care options, so I highly recommend and encourage you to talk with your doctor or nurse beforehand to check on what the hospital provides or doesn't so that you can be as best prepared as possible. Those first couple of days are the most important in a healing recovery, so print off this list and take it with you to your next prenatal checkup.
Next comes the question of what to wear post-delivery. My style is all about comfort, but I also knew we would have family visiting so I wanted to be functional (for breastfeeding), cozy, and somewhat presentable. This list is curated based on those three criteria, so adjust according to your own preferences. As for baby, we find outfits unnecessary until going home. Skin-to-skin time between you and baby or your partner and baby is encouraged during any wake time, and when baby is sleeping they are usually swaddled warmly.
Let's talk about a few items on the lists. Witch hazel pads (called Tucks) are round cotton pads that have been soaked in witch hazel and can be placed directly between your skin and the dry pad. The witch hazel promotes healing as well as soothes the area (think of aloe vera on a sunburn.) Epsom salts aren't absolutely necessary, a warm water "sitz" bath will do, however they also help promote healing, so I like to use them. Nipple cream is helpful for chapped nipples during those first few days when baby is stimulating milk flow. If provided, try it out, however our lactation nurse showed me that you can also use your own breastmilk as a protectant. Simply squeeze a little out and rub it around after each feeding.
For baby, diapers, wipes, and bath soap are all provided, however if you prefer to use safer options you are always welcome to bring your own. A brand new sleep swaddle may be offered for your baby's use and to keep, however check with your hospital. Bringing your own swaddle will be helpful if one is not provided. A suction bulb is always available for any mucus or amniotic fluid the baby may be spitting up.
As for your own personal care, if you plan to breastfeed, nursing tanks are amazing. They provide the easiest access for round-the-clock feedings, and make skin-to-skin time a breeze since you simply unsnap both sides and let baby rest on your chest. Bring a zip-up sweatshirt or button-down top to keep covered around visitors or if you get chilly. For your pants, bring your favorite bottoms from your third trimester. You won't automatically be smaller right after birth, so my favs to bring were athletic shorts and a pair of joggers.
For hygiene, travel-sized options for everything you plan to bring is a good way to plan ahead. That way it is packed and ready to go. I always was able to shower within a few hours of delivery, however its a great idea to bring body wipes for a quick refresh if you have visitors coming or are not able to shower. On the topic of wipes, it took me two births and a potty-trained toddler to finally discover for my third recovery that flushable wipes are a life-saver for those first few bathroom visits. Seriously. Just grab a pack. You can find them in the diaper section.
Snacks. You'll be very hungry after childbirth, and if you plan to breastfeed, then your body will be doing double duty healing and producing milk. Hospital kitchens are only open during daytime hours, so packing your favorite snacks will keep your energy up, your blood sugar stable, and save you from becoming seriously hangry.
One thing that is not on this list, is stool softener. Some hospitals offer it with your pain medication, while others do not. Personally it is something that I take at the hospital, as well as for a few days once returning home. Postpartum, lots is going on inside your body biologically and physically (organs shifting back into place). Constipation is not something you want to deal with, especially when potentially healing a tear. Ask if it will be offered at the hospital, and if not make sure it is ok to bring your own.
I do want to note that the list of what the hospital provides is a guide to double check with your doctor. Most items are provided, however if they are not, you can easily buy them and pack them.
I wish you the very best friend!
*I can only speak about recovery in terms of a vaginal delivery. If you have a planned or emergency c-section, recovery will look different, so be sure to utilize your care team and ask any and all questions. Not all items on the list are provided by all hospitals (such as epsom salts or witch hazel pads, but they are essential supporters of healing everything down there.) If you have options, I highly recommend delivering with a hospital that has bathtubs available in all recovery rooms to be able to sit in a warm bath (called a sitz bath) for 15 minutes at a time once or twice a day. The warm water increases blood flow, therefore promoting a more rapid recovery. If unavailable, start this once you get home. Finally, I am not a medical professional, and these lists are written based on personal experience with my own three births and recoveries.