As you prepare to give birth, it can feel like there are a million things to think about and pack. There are hospital bag checklists galore, websites with lists of what to pack, and friends who have given birth with advice on what they wish they’d known. The truth is that there isn’t one list of what you need to bring because every birth is different and every hospital visit is different too.
Fortunately, most hospitals will provide guidance on what you need when you’re giving birth in their facility. In this blog post, we will look at some of the essential items you might want to pack in your hospital bag when you have pre-booked your section and, where possible, checklists for what to bring when visiting for an antenatal appointment or other related appointments.
What to pack in your hospital bag: What you need to know
It’s easy to forget to pack hospital bags for mom when you’re in the final few weeks of your pregnancy because there’s so much going on. Believe us when we say that the last thing you want is to be unprepared for the arrival of your little one. In an effort to make things easier for you, we have compiled a list of things that should definitely be included in the contents of your hospital bag.
Obviously, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for families, and you might have other things that you want to bring with you (like your own pillow or a special blanket).
Toiletries and hygiene items
We all know what it feels like to be caught unprepared. Think of what it’s like when you realize you forgot your phone, wallet, or keys at the last minute before leaving for work or school. The situation is frustrating, but it usually doesn’t cause too much angst. However, there are some items you shouldn’t forget – especially if you’re packing hospital bags for mom. Those items include toiletries and hygiene products.
For most of us, these items are an essential part of our daily routine. But if you’re heading to the hospital for the birth of your baby, they become even more important. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time in the hospital, and you’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable and able to take care of yourself and your new baby.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste: After eating hospital food, keep your mouth clean and fresh with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Hairbrush: hospital beds aren’t known for their comfort, so you might do a lot of tossing and turning. A hairbrush will help keep your locks from getting too tangled.
- Facial cleansing wipes: These can be a lifesaver for quickly freshening up your face – no water necessary. Just make sure they’re alcohol-free so they don’t dry out your skin.
- Deodorant: We assure you that you will require deodorant after the strenuous work of labor because you will be sweating a great deal.
- Lip balm: Hospital air can be very drying, so lips should be protected with lip balm.
Of course, every mom is different, so you’ll need to tailor your hospital bags for mom to your own needs and preferences. But these items should give you a good starting point. So whether you’re packing for yourself or someone else, don’t forget the toiletries! They might just make all the difference in a stressful situation.
Something comfortable to wear
There are a few essential things that should be included in the hospital bags for mom that a new mother brings to the hospital. First and foremost, make sure to bring along a change of comfortable clothes so that you can put them on after the baby is born.
Bring a few outfits that are both comfortable for you and the baby. In addition to packing clothing for the baby, you should also pack clothing for yourself. Pants with a loose fit and a shirt made of soft fabric are almost always a good choice. You shouldn’t forget to bring a warm blanket or robe with you just in case you end up getting chilly while you’re there.
Whether you plan on giving birth vaginally or through cesarean section, you’ll want to stock up on comfortable undergarments for the post-delivery period. There is a good chance that the hospital may supply you with mesh underwear and thick pads; yet, the vast majority of mothers have never found these items to be particularly comfortable. As a consequence of this, comfort being quite vital, it is recommended that you bring your own.
Some clothes for after the birth
A nursing bra, comfortable shoes, and an outfit suitable for going home should be packed in the hospital bags for mom. During your recovery period following labor and delivery, it’s important that you feel comfortable as much as possible. You should steer clear of anything that is overly restrictive or binding. During the first few days after giving birth, you will most likely be lounging around your own home quite a bit.
For this reason, it is a good idea to stock up on a few cute and comfortable outfits that you can wear while doing so. Consider wearing leggings, cozy sweaters, and tops that are loose-fitting. Don’t forget to bring a robe or two with you; they come in very handy for making quick trips to the pump room or covering up while you’re nursing your baby.
When it comes to footwear, slip-on sneakers or flats are your best bet; as your body changes, you’ll want something that’s simple to put on and take off. When shopping for clothes to wear after giving birth, comfort should be your top priority.
An outfit for leaving the hospital
When you are getting ready to leave the hospital, the last thing you want to worry about is what to wear. After all, you have just been through one of the most life-changing experiences of your life. Whether you are a first-time mom or a seasoned veteran, it is important to have a comfortable outfit that will make you feel confident as you step out into the world with your new bundle of joy. Here are a few outfit ideas to include in the hospital bags for mom for leaving the hospital in style.
For Mom: A maxi dress or a loose-fitting jumpsuit is a great option for new moms. You want something that is comfortable and easy to breastfeed in, but that also makes you feel beautiful. Add a cardigan or jacket to keep warm during those cold hospital nights.
For Baby: Your baby will be spending a lot of time in his or her carrier, so it is important to choose an outfit that is comfortable and breathable. A onesie with footies or a simple sleep sack are both great options. Don’t forget to pack a hat or booties to keep your little one warm on the way home.
Snacks and healthy meals for you and your baby
What should you pack in your hospital bags for mom to ensure you have snacks and meals after giving birth? A new mother’s stay in the hospital can be a time that is both chaotic and overwhelming. There is a lot to consider, from the medical procedures and tests to the people who will visit you and how you will deal with your pain. However, food is an essential component that must not be overlooked.
You will need nutritious snacks and meals to help you heal and recover, regardless of whether or not you are breastfeeding your baby. It is important to pack your own hospital bag with nutritious snacks and meals that are simple to prepare because the food offered in hospitals frequently lacks the variety and nutrition that new mothers require. The items on this list are some suggestions for what you might want to bring with you when you pack.
- Apples, oranges, carrots, celery, grapefruit, and other fresh fruits and vegetables are some examples.
- Fruits and nuts that have been dried, such as apricots, raisins, almonds, and pistachios, among others.
- Foods that are high in protein, such as eggs poached in hard water, yogurt, cottage cheese, grilled fish or chicken, peanut butter, etc.
- Pita bread, whole wheat bread, rice cakes, granola bars, and other similar products are examples of bread and crackers that contain whole grains.
- Avocados, olive oil, wild salmon, pumpkin seeds, and other foods are high in healthy fats.
- Teas that are made from herbs, such as chamomile, ginger, lavender, and other flavors.
The health of the mother and the newborn depends on her regular eating after the baby’s delivery. The food provided in hospitals typically does not provide new mothers with the necessary nutrients for them to heal and recover after giving birth. You can make sure that you are getting the proper nourishment that you require during this critical time by packing your own hospital bag with nutritious snacks and meals that are simple to prepare.
A small supply of your favorite foods
Ensure that you bring a few of your go-to snacks with you to the hospital so that you can keep your energy levels up while you are giving birth. Because the food served in hospitals is often tasteless and unappetizing, it’s a good idea to bring along some of your personal favorites to help make the stay a more positive experience.
Aim to bring along a variety of foods that can boost your energy, such as nuts and fruit, as well as something to drink, such as herbal tea or water that has electrolytes added to it. Also, remember to bring some snacks for your companion; they’ll appreciate it. They don’t always have a good time with the hospital food, either.
You can help make the experience of being hospitalized more bearable and even enjoyable by bringing along a small supply of your favorite foods to keep in your room.
Bonus Tip
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for anything, and that includes being prepared for the hospital when you go into labor. While every hospital is different, there are some essential items that you’ll want to make sure you have packed in your hospital bag.
In addition, don’t forget to bring along your hilarious sense of humor. The process of giving birth can be challenging, but it’s also an incredible adventure. Bringing even a little bit of laughter into the hospital can go a long way toward making patients feel more at ease there.
