What you really need in your hospital bag
Hey y’all! This week I’m going to share what you really need in your hospital bag. I brought everything To the hospital. Literally everything.
So the first thing you need is a birth plan(preference list), write this in advance. Birth on the Daily can help. Have your midwife/ OB sign off on it at a prenatal. Have your doula and support team be familiar with it and know their role in your birth. Print a few copies and bring them to the hospital and give them to the nurses and/or lay them on the counter in front of wherever they are so they see it.
Bring a lawyer. Lol, just kidding. Bring a doula or make sure your spouse or support person is ready to fill those shoes. A doula will help with contractions/ pain management more so than a nurse. They will help try to fulfill your birth preferences and help the environment be a positive one. They will help advocate for you and help there be open communication between everyone in the room, to make sure everyone is on the same plan.
A cell phone charger, preferably one with a long charger.
A fan, labor can get hot.
A water bottle that keeps your water cold. Like a hydro flask or similar.
Mix ins for your water, I like liquid IV.
A cutie holder, these make great cup holders for your hospital beds.
Snacks, something salty, sour, sweet, some beef jerky, crackers. Just fill up a little bag with things you love that will give you comfort.
A toothbrush/toothpaste or gum for your partner. Men like to eat beef jerky while they are there, not sure why but you probably do not want beef jerky breath in your face in labor.
Affirmations, twinkle lights, battery powered candles, and a diffuser. All these items are great for a peaceful atmosphere.
Command hooks, twine, or tape to hang the things listed above.
A yoga mat! I needed this and forgot to bring it. I wanted to be on my hands and knees most of my contractions and they were so red and bruised afterwards.
Footwear. Flip flops , slippers, crocks, or socks with grips. Bring something comfortable to kick off and slip back on to walk the hallways.
Pillows, bring At Least 2. They will add comfort to your visit. They are helpful in labor, resting afterwards, and even helpful for Breast feeding.
A nursing pillow, like the boppy or similar.
Toiletries- body wash, shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush, dry shampoo, hairbrush, pony tail holder, headband, hair product if you want, spray deodorant.
Baby soap if you want to give your baby their first bath there and you do not want to use their soap.
A change of clothes. I would bring a nursing gown, a robe, leggings, and a big T-shirt. I would not worry too much about overpacking here. Just bring a couple of staples. A nursing bra, at this point I was already wearing them throughout my pregnancy but you may want a clean fresh one for after.
Things for baby- clothes maybe a gown, zipper footie, and a going home outfit. A swaddle, a hat or headband, mittens, socks, and pacifier. Photo props.
I also wish I had brought my own gown for labor and delivery. They allow this, I just forgot to shop for one. Try to find one that gives the nurses easy access to your tummy and back. Hospital gowns can make you feel more like a patient and remind you of being sick.
I brought a birth ball and pump with me just in case, I needed one throughout my labor and was worried they would not provide one. They did have to look for it so I’m glad I brought one even though they found one for me.
A playlist, this should be at the top. Go back and read Hannah's blog about creating one.
Have your partner pack a bag with toiletries, clothes, pillow, and charger for himself.
That is all I can think of at the moment, a lot of other necessities the hospital will provide. They have a pedi bottle, pads, panties, hot and ice packs, they even have a pump you can use.
Also, check with your doula, they will come with their labor bag and bring a lot of the things listed above. This way you can save money, and she truly enjoys doing these things for you.
Make sure your partner/support person knows where Everything is in the bag so when you need something and are unable to dig through and find it, he will be able.
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