This is more of a friend question than a pediatrician question, but I do get asked quite often what to pack in the hospital bag. After 3 deliveries, these are my tried and true favorites (with the exception of the bag…which is on my wish list). Here are your self-care hospital bag essentials:
This tote bag is for sure on my wish list (hint to my husband, who for sure is reading this because he clings to every word I write….desert ochre, please)
Lanolin to help with your transition to breastfeeding, if that’s your plan. This is my favorite brand (I wish I were cool enough to be a connoisseur of something other than lanolin).
A comfy nursing bra. I love this one because it has a racerback and is super soft (plus the anesthesiologist had a chuckle at the brand name when giving my epidural)
Barre socks. These are much more comfy/less frumpy than the hospital-issued pair… plus they have cute uplifting messages on the bottoms.
A fun, easy read. Sometimes there is more waiting/downtime than you think. This is my most recent favorite.
Those are my favorite hospital bag essentials! I usually end up overpacking, and you can certainly survive without a bunch of “stuff”…but, as in all of motherhood, taking care of yourself is more than half the battle. Take care of yourself, mama!
If you’re packing a hospital bag, now is a good time to freshen up on the things you need to know before leaving the hospital with your newborn (“caring for your newborn video in the developmental timeline).
*This post contains affiliate links. I make a small percentage of each sale at no extra cost to you. I would never recommend products I haven’t used (with the exception of the items we are purchasing for this year’s birthday- labeled) or found to be useful or products that are not in support of AAP-recommended safety guidelines.
