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This is my second go-around at packing a hospital bag for birth and I feel like I have a pretty good handle of what you actually need. In all honesty, this list is very similar to the one I made for my first birth, I just added a few more things for baby other than an outfit!

If you only learn one thing from this blog, it is that using a small, rolling, carry-on suitcase is CLUTCH for your hospital bag. It fits everything and is easy to maneuver which is so needed when you arrive and leave the hospital.

Do you feel like this list hit the mark? Would what you add? What would you remove?

What I Packed

For Mom

Comfy lounge set – for going home

Front button pjs – for easy skin to skin as well as nursing access

Nursing bra – I am hoping to breastfeed again so I love that is bra has both pull-down and front-clip nursing access 

Pair of compression socks – I experienced major swelling and didn’t have these last time, so I’m glad I’ll have them this time

Pair of regular socks – if I don’t have foot swelling this time then I’ll just wear regular socks

Slides – I really like being comfortable and these are nice if your feet are swollen

Pillow – a given as we all want to be comfy and cozy with our newborn

Blanket – I’m so glad I brought my own last birth because hospital beds are just no comfortable

Bath towel – my hospital only provides a small hand towel which is not enough for a proper postpartum shower

Chapstick – your lips can get really chapped during labor especially if you become dehydrated

Makeup – this is totally personal preference if you want a little make up or not – I’m not a big makeup gal, but I did use some mascara, brow gel and under eye concealer (this is the brush I use) last birth

Toiletries bag (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant) – don’t forget these!

Hair brush – my hair was a hot, tangled mess after labor and I’m glad I brought a brush

Hair ties/scrunchie or a claw clip – to keep it out of your face during labor 

Phone charger – make sure to pack an extra long one so it reaches the hospital bed

Food/Water

Large water bottle – I prefer this one with a straw for easy drinking access 

Snacks – this is also based on personal preference, but definitely bring a quick digesting carb for refueling during labor.

Electrolytes – Nobody talks about the importance of not just being hydrated during labor and immediately postpartum. The taste of the new Cellular Hydration from Perelel is perfect…not too salty, not too sweet.

Postnatal Vitamin – I honestly forgot to bring any sort of postnatal supplement with me last pregnancy and I won’t forget this time! I used Perelel’s trimester-specific Prenatal all through my pregnancy and will be switching to their Mom Multi Support for my postnatal vitmain.

For Your Pelvic Floor

Foldable squatty potty – to help ease those early bowel movements

Perineal spray – whether you experience tearing or not, this cooling spray feel SO good post-delivery

Frida Mom cooling pad liners – my hospital provided pads and mesh underwear, but not any sort of perineal care, so I bring these along

Long-stem peri bottle – a must if you don’t want to do gymnastics bending over with the peri bottle they give you

For Baby

Portable sound machine – another item we didn’t bring last time, but wish we had (honestly for both baby and us parents – hospitals are LOUD)

Swaddle – the Ollie swaddle SAVED us with our daughter Ava which is why we’re bringing it this time

Knotted gown outfit – even though our daughter was born at full term, she was small and we were glad we packed a knotted gown so we could adjust the fit to her size

Baby Footprint Ink Pad Kit – my hospital did not do this for me, so I was glad I brought one

Pacifier – who knows what paci baby boy will take and if he’ll take one in general, but we are bringing this one to try out

For Breastfeeding

Nipple Balm from Nemah – breastfeeding made my nipples reaalllll sore last time (use code drmaehughes for 15% off)

Nursing pads – my milk came in very quickly while I was still in the hospital last time and I wished I had brought these 

Boppy – ok this one seems silly and some may not use it, but I wish I had brought mine with my last baby to help with feedings rather than using a million hospital pillows

You’ve Got This Mama!

Honestly, you could just show up as you are without a bag and you’d survive! Technically the hospital provides you with enough items to get by, but who doesn’t want their own things after labor, right? But in all seriousness, if you have a short stay you really do not need much, so I promise you’ll be fine!