Often times moms and dads obsess over what needs to be included in a hospital bag. You’ve got the planners who have list upon list and double and triple check to make sure they haven’t missed ANYTHING.. then you’ve got the procrastinators who pack the bag as mom is huffing and puffing her way through labor. Either way, you’ll find many debates over what exactly needs to be in the bag, so that’s where I come in! You can google and you will find many different mom sites who offer lists of the “must haves” but honestly, you’re having a baby, not going on vacation! So I found a list off a common mom site and I’m going to break it down here for ya!
Hospital Bag Check List:
For Momma:
So this is the list they provide.. sheesh! So let’s break this down a bit; your essentials are as follows:
-Any hospital paperwork, insurance cards or any paperwork that is related
-Tooth brush
-rubber band/head band/hair pins to keep hair from your face
-Camera and any other assorted recording devices
-Birth plan (if you have one, if not DON’T worry)
-extra clothing (I preferred to deliver my kids in nothing more than a sports bra!)
-lip balm! (trust me, you’ll want it!)
-baby book
-if you’re planning to delivery natural any birthing aids you might be using
That sums up the must haves. Really, that’s it. Let me be realistic with you.. You’re in labor, you’re not having a party. You’re not likely to be playing games, you’re not likely to even be allowed to have snacks! Bring as little of your own linens as possible for fear of things getting left behind. Our hospital always had more wash cloths than I could even think of using! I knew who to call. Although I’d admit a massage would have been nice, oils and stuff is just bulky fun stuff. Perhaps that sort of thing would serve best during a natural labor. Chances are if you aren’t delivering naturally, there for have an epidural, you’re going to be resting when you can. The hospital will provide you with lovely socks with grippies for you to walk with along with all the ice chips and water in Styrofoam cups you want! The less you bring into the labor room the better! You’re not going to want to worry about keep track of all it when you’ve got a shiny new baby to play with.. trust me! Now let’s discuss the postpartum bag…
Alright the must have essentials:
– Car seat (which typically is already ready in the car)
-Personal hygiene items (shampoo, toothbrush, hair brush= MUST!)
-Going home outfit for mom (yes, baggy clothing is best! also consider to bring something that won’t irritate a c-section incision site should that be the end results of delivery)
-Going home outfit/blanket for baby
-Nursing bras/tanks (if you’re going to be nursing)
-Boppy pillow (this sort of pillow WILL typically make nursing especially for a first time mom, much easier!)
Yup folks, THAT’S IT! The hospital is going to provide EVERYTHING ELSE. They’ll give you all the pads and cute undies you want! They’re going to provide you with all the lovely hospital gowns you could think to dirty up! (I wouldn’t suggest dirtying your own clothing). However, if you’re anything like me, you’ll WANT those things, which is totally fine, but remember, not essential. As far as your partner, heck, they’re on their own! Some other things you may want by that point are “normal food” rather than hospital mush, so make sure you take that into account and plan accordingly.
Obviously there is nothing wrong with taking more than this but just remember if you’re in a panic, as long as you have a few of the essentials then you’re going to be just fine 🙂 Pack your bag early to avoid not being ready when labor decides to show up! I started keeping mine in my car at about 34 weeks (but my kiddos were at the risk of being early) I think the ‘average’ time is about 37 weeks!
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