courtney shields

Life
09.11.17

What’s (Really) in My Hospital Bag

It’s official, our hospital bags are packed and ready to go. Up until last night, we had created a list of everything we thought we needed, ordered what we didn’t have, gathered what we did, but it was all just sitting in a cardboard box. Talk about glamorous, right?! But hey, you guys know I keep it real around here. Now that we’re officially packed, it’s taken the “realness” of becoming parents to a new level. Honestly, I still don’t think it’s really sunk in, but as I laid in bed last night, looking over at Alex, I just kept saying…”we made a tiny human and she’s about to be here!” Cue all of the soon-to-be mom feels, but I can hardly believe it’s almost time!

When I started thinking about packing, I realized that I really had NO idea what to pack. What did the hospital provide? What would I need? Alex? Baby girl? So, I googled. Some things were helpful and some not so much, but the most helpful tips actually came from you guys! I posted on Instagram asking what we would need and all of my momma readers pulled through! Y’all sent me so many amazing suggestions and thoughts about what we would need, what we didn’t need, and even tips for the best way to pack. After reading all of your suggestions (a big thank you to everyone who messaged me), I realized that while most lists will you tell you to pack a pretty robe, they tend to leave out the nipple cream lol. So, today’s post is what I’m REALLY packing in my hospital bag in hopes of helping you guys! Let’s just call it – the good, the bad, and the pads (although it seems like they’ll provide pads at the hospital, and really you just need to make sure you’re stocked up at home).

We started by laying everything out, and then took a tip from one of you (that I LOVED), and put everything into ziplock bags. That way, when we need to grab toiletries or baby’s going home outfit we don’t have to rummage through the whole bag because let’s be honest, it’s best to make things as easy as possible at first!

WHAT’S IN MY BAG (MOM’S BAG)

Wallet – for drivers license and insurance card.

Toothpaste, toothbrush, floss and my grill (aka. my retainer) 

Razor – maybe wishful thinking here, but just incase lol

Body wash 

Extra pads – a lot of you guys have messaged me saying the ones at the hospital aren’t great!

Chapstick – my favorite is Aquafor, you can get it at Target!

Coconut oil – I’ve been using this one in particular to hydrate my body for the past few months and I’m completely obsessed. Plus, it’s 100% organic, so when my little one is laying on me I won’t have to worry about any chemicals from other types of lotion.

Skincare – I’m packing just the bare minimum here. My cold cream (to remove makeup), Tula Face Wash, Day and Night Cream and Eye Cream. I have a discount code for 20% off Tula – COURTNEYNEW20 (case sensitive). For my full skincare routine, see this post. 

Makeup bag –  A few essentials so that I can look half-way presentable and feel like a real human. My must-haves include: This CC-Cream, concealer, bronzer, blush, clear brow gel, eyelash curler and mascara (my new favorite, this stuff is AMAZING).

Hair stuff – Extra hair ties, hair brush, and travel size items: shampoo, conditioner, leave-in detangler, and dry shampoo (because well, #momlife).

Robe – Packing a pretty one for photos and a dark and cozy one to wear when I’m lounging and nursing baby. I hear things get not-so-pretty, so dark is good.

Flip flops – for the shower

Slippers– Whatever your favorite comfy slippers are – comfort is key!

Socks – Two pairs. Again, the cozier the better. Personally, I love these!

Nursing Bra

Cozy outfit – to wear home; nursing shirt + comfy postpartum leggings

Boppy – for nursing! I have this one.

Nipple Cream 

Towel – I hear the towels at the hospital aren’t the best.

Pillow

Granny Panties – something high and comfy!

Extension Cord 

Phone Charger

Blanket – this one is ultra soft and so cozy!

Essential Oils – I’m thinking lavender and maybe peppermint, but I haven’t fully decided yet.

Gift for the nurses

Wooden Rolling Pin – A sweet lady at the gym, gave me THE best tip! She suggested bringing an old school wooden rolling pin (like for rolling out pizza crust etc.) for when Alex needs to rub certain parts of my back and his hands get tired.

FOR BABY

Infant carseat – You’ll want to have this already installed and ready to go!

Going home outfit – I’m packing two because #firsttimemom over here! Complete with beanie, because apparently all babies are cone heads at first lol.

Blanket

Socks – two pairs

Swaddles – the hospital will have some, but I’m bringing two of ours. One for a potential family pic (just something candid) and the second to wrap baby girl in and have my parents bring home for Berklee and Chase. I’ve read that it’s great to wrap baby in a swaddle or blanket and bring it to the pups so that they can smell her scent.

WHAT’S IN ALEX’S BAG (DAD’S BAG)

Snacks

Toiletries

Gum

Shorts + a tee for sleeping

Outfit or two for hospital days

Fuzzy socks

iPad with movies – in case we have a long labor

Camera – for some candid pics

Pillow

Blanket

Advil

Towel

 

 

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xo, Courtney
37 comments
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  • Hello! I just recently started following you via the suggestions is another blogger I follow (Mara from m meets m). I love your blog and really enjoy following you! Congrats on your baby girl! Motherhood is the most amazing gift... your heart will stretch farther than you ever thought possible. Your hospital bad looked great- I had a baby two years ago and brought lots of the same things with me. I did have two comments- coconut oil is amazing for sore breastfeeding nipples too! You can really lather it up and it doesn't harm baby where you have to limt usage with the lanisoh. Also, the oils are a great idea but if you plan to breastfeed one of the major oils they tell you to stay away from is peppermint. it can mess with your milk supply. Good luck and can't wait to hear how it goes!!
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  • Love this post! can't wait for baby girl to arrive! The anticipation is real :)
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  • Check out truffleco.com! Cute and efficient bags for packing and transportation ;)
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  • Omg thank you for this!! I am 32 weeks and freaking out that I dont have a bag packed! I googled things and got overwhelmed but this has helped so much!! ???
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  • If you are picky about feminine products (I am!) the. Bring those too!
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  • Sorry I sent a dm as well. Honestly-hemorrhoid pads will be your friend. Place them on the pad - it will help with episiotomy stitches as well. Life saver! Granny panties will also be important at home for at least a week.
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  • Sounds weird, but take your own toilet paper! I tore, and I am soooo glad I took my own soft toilet paper and didn't have to use the sandpaper at the hospital. Also, Colace. Start taking it immediately!
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  • FIRST, I WANT TO SAY GOOD LUCK AND CONGRATULATIONS! WHAT A beautiful AND EXCITING TIME OF LIFE! I ALSO JUST WANT TO MAKE a few QUICK suggestions... 1. make sure the hospital will allow you to bring an extension cord. i'm a nurse, and at the hospital where I work, they are not allowed (fire hazard). 2. GET SOME TOOTHBRUSH COVERS! 3. *MOST IMPORTANT*: WHEN YOU GET HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL, SANITIZE EVERYTHING! SERIOUSLY, WIPE DOWN EVERYTHING WITH SOMETHING ANTIBACTERIAL (CLOROX WIPES, ETC) - WIPE DOWN YOUR phone CHARGERS, EVEN YOUR MAKEUP/SKIN CARE PRODUCTS, AND WASH ANYTHING WASHABLE (BABY BOTTLES, PACIFIERS, BREAST PUMP EQUIPMENT, ETC.)
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  • You also might want to pack you and Alex some soap for the shower. I'm not sure what the hospital will offer, but you might be glad you did. I think it is a brilliant idea to bring your own toilet paper and towel. :)
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  • You are officially the most prepared mom I have ever seen! There were so many things I wish I had with me for my first baby. We ended up in the hospital much longer than planned due to an emergency c-section. But you will have it all! You are so ready! Ill be taking notes from you for my next one!
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  • Great list! you don't want to do peppermint if breastfeeding though, sometimes it dries up supply.
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  • Really great bag! I also did research when it was time to pack and found some lists to be hit or miss. One comment I saw that I absolutely agree with, is nix the peppermint oil since you'll be nursing. Mint can negatively impact your milk supply! ? Ive loved following you and can't wait to hear how everything goes. Becoming a mommy is pure magic! Good luck with nursing too! My journey was so impactful for me that my journey inspired me to create a breastfeeding accessory! It saved me in the early months when babe had a poor latch and I needed something to help keep my shirt out of the way so I could focus. Hoping that you have a smooth breastfeeding journey, but your amazing community of moms will help if you have any questions! wishing you an amazing delivery and an overflowing heart full of love Once you meet your little love! Very best, casey @flutternursingclip
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  • Awesome job! You will be comfortable and prepared! Your Daughter is blessed to have you as her Mom!
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  • Can you link the actual bag??
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  • Don't forget deodorant and breast pads! I leaked like CRAZY even in those first few days and didn't have any...fail hahah! Also, more than one nursing bra. The not so hot postpartum talk...you sweat like crazy and for no good reason. Always nice to have a back up! I love the post!!
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    • Def. got DO and I just ordered breast pads to add in!! Thank you!!
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  • Hi! Just started to follow you. It would be nice to find you in bloglovin as well :) Can you make a post about beauty and cosmetics during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is a lot of ingredients they tell you shouldn't use and at least i'm already very confused what i really can use and what not. Would be nice to hear your thoughts about it.
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  • Hi again! I originally asked on IG but saw you'll answer comments here, so! Would you be able to share what bag you decided to pack into? and what gifts you'll be giving the nurses!? again stealing ALL the ideas I can!
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    • hey!! It's lo and sons - I tried to reach out to them to get a code for you guys or something, but unfortunately, they didn't get back to me! For nurses, I'm thinking cookies or brownies!! and maybe starbucks cards?
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  • great list! One thing I wish I brought was a water bottle with a straw. Nursing made me sooo thirsty and since you'll be using both hands until you get more comfortable, someone can help keep you hypdrated. I learned this lesson quickly after my husband poured Gatorade all over my face trying to help pre-straw :)
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    • Ohhhh good one! I don't go anywhere without my yeti (it has a straw haha), so I'll bring that with.
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  • THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WRITING THIS!!! I am not a mama-to-be yet, but this is seriously going to save my life when I am! Saving this blog post right now :). I love how you added to pack a gift for the nurses. I can't wait to celebrate with you when you have your little girl! Like someone else mentioned, I'd love to know what makeup is safe for pregnancy and what isn't. Ive seen so many different opinions on this, but would love to know what you've been using. Also, a follow-up post after this (after you get settled with baby girl, of course) would be awesome if you feel like you forgot some things you needed or if you packed just right!
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    • Aw I'm so glad!! Thank you, so sweet! I can't wait either :) As far as products I use pregnant, I switched my body lotion to pure coconut oil (I have a post on my favorite, just search coconut in the search tool) etc, but I am still using most of my normal makeup! It's just all personal preference. I Just shared a post about my everyday makeup, so you can see it all in that video!! Hope that helps!! x
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  • Oh my goodness, this is so exciting!!!
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    • hehe right?!!
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  • Thank you so much for this post! I'm 32 weeks pregnant, working on my hospital bags, and found your list very helpful. I was wondering though, What are you giving the nurses for gifts?
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    • Yay!! So glad it helped! :) Congrats girlfriend - boy or girl? I'm thinking brownies or cookies and maybe a starbucks card for the 1-2 that help deliver.
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    • I'm a labor and delivery nurse and honestly every nurse loves food, but the big thing is to not forget about each shift. I work nights and night shifters tend to get forgotten. I had one dad bring us fresh warm bagels one morning and all the girls were SO grateful!!! Gift cards are always appreciated too lord knows us nurses need our caffeine so Starbucks is always a good go to gift. Hope that helps! XO
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      • AHHH perfect!! That's exactly what we were thinking. Bagels are also a great idea!
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  • Love it all!! You are so detailed and it's amazing. So many women will benefit from this.
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    • That makes me so happy! Hope so! Glad to help :)
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  • Just left the hospital one week ago from my delivery and your list looks great! We really toon advantage of the shirts and swaddles they provided at the hospital. Onesies and pants weren't necessary with all the diaper changes
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    • So good to hear!! and congrats, that's so exciting!
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  • lOVE THE LIST! i AM 32 WEEKS WITH OUR SECOND AND A COUPLE THINGS i THOUGHT WERE HELPFUL THE FIRST TIME WAS HARD CANDIES (MY MOUTH FELT SO DRY), SOME CHANGE FOR VENDING MACHINES (MORE FOR THE HUBBY), AND dERMOPLAST SPRAY. i TORE AND THIS MADE THINGS SO MUCH BETTER THE HOSPITAL GAVE ME SOME BUT WAS A GEM THOSE FIRST FEW DAYS AT HOME!
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    • ohhh hard candies are a great idea! I haven't gotten that suggestion yet - thank you!
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  • Do you plan on having newborn pictures taken? If so, what outfits do you plan on wearing for them? Thanks, this was extremely helpful.
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  • CongrAts on your baby girl! We just had our first girl in February and it has been such a fun time! I would recommend bringing some extra cardstock like paper for hand/foot prints. We also brought the page from her baby book, but the extra copies were able to be framed etc. we had such a sweet night nursery nurse who took her to do this, so we could get a little sleep. The first few days are such an incredible rush of emotions! Enjoy it all!
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