Top 10 Hospital Bag Must-Haves for Expectant Moms!
Top 10 Hospital Bag Must-Haves for Expectant Moms
Before it is time to head to the hospital to have a baby, knowing what to pack in your hospital bag is essential. It can be a bit confusing since you often hear so many different things. Do you bring everything you own or only a specific list of items?
While both of my pregnancies were different, so was the preparing and packing of my hospital bag. The first time around, while I remembered most things, I felt that I forgot a lot. For example, I didn’t think to pack a warm pair of socks, slippers and music. Thankfully, my wonderful Mom brought a bag of goodies with everything that I had forgotten and then some.
We also failed to remember to pack for Darasak too. I know that I didn’t want him to leave my side so, having things he needed would have been so helpful the first time. The second time around, I knew what I needed to pack and what I could leave at home.
I know that simply “packing a bag” shouldn’t be a BIG deal. But when you’re packing a bag that’s going to help you do something as miraculous as childbirth, it becomes more of a big deal than you’d think.
With that in mind, here are some things you should know about getting your hospital bag ready. Call me a worrywart but, I always believed that you can’t be too prepared when it comes to being prepared. So, for the first-time moms or the mom who has had multiple kids, here are some hospital must-haves for expectant moms.
1. Birth Plan and Important Paperwork
One thing you’ll need that won’t keep you comfortable, but will help with the process is all your important paperwork. Small items like your driver’s license, insurance card, and pediatrician information. In the case that for some reason your OB cannot attend the birth and you have an attending doctor, having a copy of your birth plan is helpful so that all of your choices are respected. Labouring is not the time when you want to be explaining your birth plan. Unless you change your mind, packing the birth plan helps the staff to help you!
2. The Comforts of Home
Unless your hospital is up to date on comfort trends, bring your own clothes with you. I like to bring my own nightgown and comfy pants. Nothing feels better than slipping into something comfy after having a baby.
If you can’t sleep without your own pillow, bring it. I know the hospital has a ton of pillows, but I’m all about the comfort. Bringing my own pillow has always helped me to sleep better and prop myself up better. If your partner will be camping out with you in the same room, a blanket and pillow for them would be a great idea too. A pair of slippers for your partner will be much welcomed. Believe me, it is much better than being in shoes for a couple of days.
3. Poise Pads
After having babies, you will find that your body changes in so many ways. I have experienced changes after having kids, including a noticeable difference in my urgency. Packing Poise pads in your hospital bag can be a big help if you feel the need to void or if you notice a bit of loss of control.
Poise pads are designed for light bladder leakage. They have a much higher absorbent capacity than other feminine hygiene brands since they are specifically designed for leaks. They provide 3-in-1 protection for all the dryness, comfort, and odour control you need.
Post baby bladder leakage is a real thing. Some of us deal with periodic bladder leakage and others deal with LBL (light bladder leaks) so it’s NICE to know there is something out there to help us all. There’s no reason to be shy about bladder leaks, especially as so many of us experience them as a result of carrying a child to term.
One thing I use every day is Poise micro-liners. I use them for freshness and to have the confidence to do everything I need to do, not only as a Mom but, a business woman too. They give me self-confidence, a sense of security and I no longer worry about sneezing or lifting and leaking. You’ll discover that incredible difference when you use the products that support you and make you more self-assured.
With Poise, you don’t have to worry about light bladder leakage and whether you’re a veteran mom or new mom, you can regain that confidence by counting on products that are made specifically for LBL.
4. Toiletries That You Love
I packed all the personal toiletries that I know that I wanted to use like face wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, body lotion, lanolin (nipple cream if you are breastfeeding), hairbrush and make-up wipes for a fresh face. Since I knew that I wanted to take a shower before I left the hospital, I brought a pair of flip flops, shampoo and conditioner and a pair of comfortable clothes to go home in. I also brought the same for Darasak. That way, he was able to be comfortable, fresh and happy, too.
I brought a bit of makeup to freshen up for pictures. I only brought blush, lip balm and mascara. But, bring as little or as much as you want. This is your baby’s birth and there is no shame in wearing make-up if it makes you feel more like YOU.
5. Snacks for the New Parents
Hospitals are generally strict about when breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. After labour, if you’re hungry in between meals, having snacks ready can save the day. Also, having plenty of drinks and snacks for your partner will keep them energized. Plus, they can bring what they like and not have to compromise with what they offer at the hospital.
6. Electronics and Chargers
While these will probably be more used by your partner, it is great to bring a camera to document all of the special moments. Bring music to listen to and a pair of headphones if you want to focus. I always enjoyed listening to music through labour and after birth. I guess it depends on your preferences, but this has always made me feel more comfortable. Darasak and I were keen to text and take pictures of the baby after birth. However, you’ll need to make sure you can charge your phone for that. For some reason, hospitals suck the battery life out of phones. So, don’t forget the chargers and having a small and portable battery cell pack will be a lifesaver too.
7. A Journal
Journaling is one of my favourite things to do. I always enjoyed writing things down so I don’t forget it and can look back on it. When I brought a journal, I could write down parts of my birth story that I didn’t want to forget. Whether it was in those quiet moments, when it was no one else but you, baby and your partner in the room and you wanted to write down what you were feeling right then and there. Maybe your partner wants to write something down that they are feeling too.
8. Gear You Prefer
Again, you will want to be as comfortable as possible in the hospital. I found a pair of cozy socks kept me warm and helped me to feel even more comfortable. While the hospital gives you disposable bottoms, you can opt to wear your own maternity undies. If you plan to breastfeed, bring a nursing bra to give you support and have the breast ready. If you think it will help, bring a nursing pillow. I used one for both of my girls and it can be a great aid in getting used to different breastfeeding positions.
9. Less Clutter
Just remember the hospital will have a lot of what you need. You don’t need to pack everything you own. Pack the things that will make you the most comfortable and leave the rest to them.
10. Outfit for Baby
Don’t forget the star of the show! Bring an outfit that you want to take baby home in, I brought one in two sizes in case one didn’t fit. I also made sure to pack a blanket to cover them in their car seats. Of course, this depends on the weather but, it was chilly for ours.
Now You’re Ready!
There you have it, here’s everything that helped me during labour. Hopefully, it will help you too! Another thing to remember is that most hospitals charge for parking. Make sure you have cash on hand so bringing baby home is a breeze and you’re not searching for an ATM.
Don’t forget to transfer your hospital bag from your home to the trunk of your car, one week prior to your expected due date. That way, it’s in the car when you need it!
For information on Poise products and to find a fit that’s right for you, visit www.Poise.com.
What did you pack in your hospital bag?
Let me know, til then–cheers m’deres!
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Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.
What a good idea about the #Poise pads. Every woman is different and every child birth is different. You just never know.
Yes, you are so right!
It’s been a while, but I packed a lot of the same things. I also packed both liquid sanitizer and hand wipes because I had 2 high-risk pregnancies (and my guys were preemies) and the hospital sanitizer was KILLER on our hands over all of our stays.
That is good thinking though. Glad it worked out for you!
Great post for moms-to-be. You explained it very well.
Thanks, you learn as you go!
Food is a must-have.. I thought I would be getting some seriously hearty food and folks would bring me goodies, but it didn’t happen, and boy was I hungry!
Also, a water bottle. I was stuck drinking out of a pitcher of water that sat on a bedside table all day. It was nice to be able to have a water bottle at arms length, even on my bed where it couldn’t go missing.
Oh my! You must’ve been so hungry and dehydrated!
These are great tips for what to pack to go to the Hospital. My friend is expecting her first baby this fall. We were just talking about what she should pack to take to the hospital with her.
This is perfect for her! She’ll be prepared now!
This is a great list. We forgot to pack for my husband, too, when I gave birth to my first born.
Gotta stay prepared even for the daddy’s!
Such a great list! All true to be must haves for the hospital bag! I sure wish I had thought of these when I was giving birth!
Glad you liked the list!
I have several friends that are preggo with their first babies and this post will be perfect to papas on to them! Great job!!
Thanks Ricci!
I relied on this kind of articles when I was pregnant and knows no one around the area to ask questions. This is a great guide.
Glad you liked it Rose! It’s a really good guide.
This is such a good list of things that you need! Life’s going to be easier when you have everything in that hospital bag to help you with your hospital stay.
Makes it so much easier!
I always packed too much for the baby, but the hospital provides most of it while you are there. Just an outfit to go home in. But I love the idea of snacks and comfy clothes for yourself and your partner, I wish I had thought to do that when I was having babies!
Being over prepared is ok. You never know how long you’ll be in the hospital.
I always packed way too much stuff. Even though the hospital provided blankets, I loved having a light weight receiving blanket it. It was perfect for nursing when I had people in my room visiting.
Nothing wrong with that at all! What ever makes you happy and comfy!
A warm pair of socks is something I didn’t think about my first time either. This is definitely a list made by a mother who has been through it once or twice.
Gotta stay prepared! I must say my second child I was more prepared tho!
These are definitely some great must-haves for the hospital bag. Makes it easier to get ready when it’s time to go. 🙂
Everyone is in panic mode when it’s that time so being prepared makes it a lot easier!
Both of my bags (2 births) were very basic. I didn’t have any touches from home. I would have liked a gown, but I didn’t want it to get blood on anything on it.
I did bring a little journal though.
Mine were pretty basic too!
Don’t forget the camera! How horrible if someone forgot to bring a way to capture the special moment.
Oh my I can only imagine! Gotta capture special moments like that!
It’s important to make sure that the new momma has everything she needs to make that hospital stay comfortable and relaxing. This is definitely a good list!
Thanks Carol!
I love the list that you have created! I can tell you know what you are talking about – all of these items are important to have to create that comfort space even at a hospital. I remember my best stays were for the later kids when I had more experience, the first one was one of the most difficult ones as we didn’t know what to expect. 🙂
Thanks! I really hope I could help mothers to be, be more prepared and be comfortable when it comes that time.
This is a terrific roundup of must-haves for the hospital bag. I’m sure my sister would find this post helpful when that time comes.
Glad I can help your sister out Louisa!
I have had only homebirths. But I have been told that packing less is better because the hospital supplies a lot.
I guess it depends on the hospitals. Never hurts to over pack tho!
Snacks are a must. I packed some and snuck some when I was in labor as I was starving
Oh me too! I was starving! Had my hubby pack some extra food!
What fun to see this list as many of the items didn’t exist when my boys were born in the 1980s … as even onesies only arrived after my first son was born, and before my younger son was born.
We’ve come along way to prepare for this journey in our lives.
You’re lucky that in your country almost everything is provided when giving birth. Here we must bring everything we need!
I had no idea! Hope my list was helpful.
These sound like some great must haves, I will have to share on this post with some first time pregnant friends who are thinking about the things they should pack.
Hope it helps your friends out Sarah!
It’s funny that when I was pregnant I did so much research in terms of what to bring to the hospital when giving birth. It turned out that most of the stuff I brought I didn’t use. The hospital had diapers, blankets, and everything that the baby would need. And for me, only moisturizer and night cream was needed. Oh, a maternity dress…that’s it. There was a professional photographer (very affordable) who were able to take our pictures. But everyone is different and it’s always a good idea to over pack.
Nothing wrong with over packing! You’ll never know if you need something!
OH YES, the Poise pads are a must. Everyone thinks …nope it won’t happen lol believe me, it definitely happens. This is a great list of must have’s!!
You’re so funny Anne! It sure does happen!
You nailed it! What great list as I went through it I was like yep, uh yeah! Jaja seven months ago I probably had a littlr too much in my bag butI sure had most of these.
That is awesome! Thanks for your kind words.
Packing a hospital bag can be so much fun but when you have mommy brain you are bound to forget something lol With my son I packed for 3 days but was in the hospital for 10 days. With y daughter, I might have over packed but forgot to bring diapers and wipes! LOL Total fail! I didn’t even need the 5 pair of socks that I packed because I was out 24 hours after I gave birth to my daughter.
I rather be super prepared, though!
Great list! I didn’t think to have poise in my bag but it totally makes sense…there are so many bodily fluids that are out of control after birthing a child that it just totally makes sense.
Yes, you are so right!
Interesting to read this roundup post. This will be handy when i am already pregnant 🙂
That is awesome!
For my first baby, we really planned everything well including those things were gonna bring to the hospital, but we still have forgotten some things and hubby needed to go back home to get those stuff. This is an important reminder especially to first times Moms and Dads so they save money, time and energy.
Yes, I think we all forgot something at first!
Good tips for expectant mothers! I would recommend leaving the bag by the door if you put any toiletries or electronics in it. Extreme heat or cold could affect those items in a trunk.
Yes, thanks for that! Great tip!
A pregnant woman’s comfort is the very important thing to consider especially all the grueling hours and discomfort she is experiencing before the delivery. Great tips on these must haves. And don’t forget the camera!
Yes, you are so right!