As soon as the algorithm figured out that I was having a baby, my explore page was flooded with influencer “what’s in my hospital bag” videos. All these videos had one thing in common: A LOT of stuff. I started to feel overwhelmed; did I really need to bring so much to the hospital? That’s when I decided that listening to influencers was not the best idea and decided to ask my mom friends what I really needed to bring in my hospital bag.
I found out that the hospital I’m delivering at actually provides new moms with a lot, so I don’t need to overdo it. I’m packing everything — my things, the baby’s things, and my husband’s things — in a small carryon suitcase and using packing cubes and toiletry cases to keep everything organized.
Postpartum essentials for down there
Every single one of my mom friends said that after giving birth, things will be rather sensitive down there, to put it lightly. I’m bringing these things to make things more comfortable:
Frida Mom Peri Bottle: Short for “perineum,” the Frida Mom Peri Bottle is used to cleanse down there after giving birth. While the hospital will give you a peri bottle, all my friends said the Frida Mom is superior because of its angled neck.
Frida Mom Instant Ice Maxi Pads:I’ve seen videos of nurses making ice pads for new moms by putting a traditional maxi pad in the freezer. With these, you just fold them in half to activate them, though you can put them in the fridge first for extra cooling. These will help with swelling and tenderness, and are ultra absorbent.
Frida Mom Witch Hazel Perineal Healing Foam and Dermoplast Pain, Burn & Itch Relief Spray: These great for layering onto the Instant Ice Maxi Pad for extra gentle pain relief.
Miralax and Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads: For that first post-labor bowel movement, which one of my friends said “can be terrifying, but it doesn’t have to be.”
Always Discreet Postpartum Underwear: The hospital will have disposable underwear, but I heard it’s not the best. Friends have told me this underwear is really comfortable and will hold in any leaks.
Comfy clothes
Going home outfit for baby: I’m bringing two outfits, one in newborn size and another in 0-3 months, for the baby. Those estimates you get at your appointments can be wildly off, so it’s best to be prepared!
Robe, nursing bras, going home outfit: I’m bringing my robe, some nursing bras from Bodily, and I treated myself to a cozy going home outfit from Skims!
Things you don’t want to forget
Toiletries: I’m packing the basics that are always in my travel bag, including my skincare. I plan to also bring a little makeup but I feel like I’m being ambitious there!
Long phone charges: EVERYONE has given me this tip. I bought these extra long iPhone chargers from Amazon. Apparently the outlets are far from the bed!
A portable fan: This handheld misting fan has been a lifesaver for me this summer. During labor, I know this will come in handy!
Night light: Hospital lighting is brutal. I like soft, warm light so I’m bringing along this egg light.
Breastfeeding accessories
Manual breast pump: I’ll be bringing along my Haaaka Silicone Pump.
Breast milk storage: I probably won’t need this but just in case, I’ve packed the Ceres Chill Breastmilk Chiller.
Nursing pads: I got these washable and reusable ones by Lansinoh.
I think I covered all my bases but feel good knowing that if I really need something, the hospital will likely have it for me. Don’t feel like you need to get everything I or anyone else packed in their bag; we’re all different and ultimately, you need to pack what makes you comfortable and less anxious!
