Hospital Mama Bag Essentials
One of the most common things clients ask me if they are having a hospital birth is “what should I bring to the hospital with me?” Here are some must haves for your labor, birth, and postpartum stay.
Chapstick. Hospital air is dry and after birth we can have a loss of fluids and a big dip in hormones that might leave our skin and lips dry. Your lips are going to need some TLC.
Upside down peri bottle. Yes, the hospital will give you a peri bottle, but they won’t give you an upside down one that really helps to reach all the areas we want to make sure are clean. This will promote healing and make you feel a little bit more put together. I really love this one by Frida Mom.
Snacks! Most likely you will be ravenous after bringing a baby earthside and hospital food doesn’t always cut it. Trail mix, Gomacro bars, honey sticks, nuts, Chomps meat sticks and some chocolate are all helpful to have on hand for when the cravings hit.
Comfy clothes for you, your partner, and your babe. I recommend three comfy outfits + hats for baby and have a whole post here on what to pack for baby. These gowns are my favorite and super nursing friendly. I am obsessed with this robe and wear it all the time.
Nursing bra. If you are intending on breastfeeding and you like to wear bras, bring a good quality nursing bra. If you aren’t a bra person, be free my love! One less thing to pack. My favorite is the Bodily Everyday nursing bra.
Toiletries for you, your partner, and baby. Trust me, you are going to want your own products to make you feel more comfy and refreshed.
Hair ties or scrunchies! That is, if you have long hair! This is one of the most common things my clients ask me for. I always keep extras in my doula bag.
Your favorite pillow for you and your partner. If you’re a blanket person and blankets bring you comfort, pack it too!
Slippers! Trust me, you want them. Those hospital floors are NOT forgiving. I love these and these.
What were some of your essentials you brought? What were some items you packed and didn’t use? Let us know in the comments.