Hospital Packing List
First off, I realize this is a HIGHLY subjective topic but I wanted to share what I packed for my stay in the hospital for the birth of my daughter. I firmly believe there is no one right packing list or approach to this as everyone is different in terms of their creature comforts and what they want with them during the labor and immediate postpartum experience, but I found it very helpful to see what other women brought with them.
Despite my planning, I actually used very little of what is on this for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the fact that my shared postpartum room was so tiny that I had M take the majority of my things home before we were even discharged to give us a bit more space.
One thing I would definitely recommend is organizing your things in pouches so it is easier to corral small items and you can easily direct whoever is with you to “get the blue pouch” etc. rather than have them hunt for a specific item. Also, make sure you take an empty tote with you for the things the hospital will send you home with.
Admin:
Picture ID
Insurance card
Hospital paperwork
Birth plan / preferences sheet
Toiletries:
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Shampoo/conditioner
Body wash
Skincare/face products
Deodorant
Face wipes {Note: I would double down on these in the event that you end up in a scenario like me and cant shower the whole time you are in the hospital - ugh.}
Bath towel / washcloth (that you don't mind leaving behind) {Note: I took an old one that was dyed blue in the laundry but didn’t use it, see note about lack of shower above, but left it behind anyway and the hospital actually called me to ask if i wanted it back!}
Hairbrush and hair ties
Lip balm
Hand lotion
Clothes:
Labor gown (Due to circumstances/timing I just wore what the hospital provided both for labor and in recovery until I changed to go home, but I still think this would have been a more comfortable option!)
Grippy socks (These were a must have!)
Sports bra
Nursing bras
PJs that button: {I didn’t wear any of this in the hospital but they have all been great options for postpartum recovery at home.}
Going home clothes: (Here I wanted a few options because I am not sure what will feel most comfortable. {Edit: I wore the pants and blouse.})
Miscellaneous:
Face masks
Handsanitizer
Water bottle
Snacks (protein bites, electrolyte powder, fruit, granola bars etc.)
Phone and charger (the longer the better!)
Extra phone battery
Camera and charger
Earbuds
Eyemask / earplugs
Pillowcase (Many people suggest packing a pillow but I don’t want to deal with something that bulky so I decided to bring a pillowcase from home to put over the hospital one and to use to corral dirty laundry in.) {Edit: I didn’t use but M did as his pull out chair was missing a pillowcase in the sheet set that was provided.}
Breast pads (disposable and reusable)
Nipple balm
Spouse:
Change of clothes
Toiletries
Phone charger
Earbuds
Reading material
Baby:
Baby clothes:
Swaddling blanket
Hat
Socks
Scratch Mitts
Pacifier
Infant car seat