What’s in my hospital bag

As you scroll down I have broken down what you need in your hospital bag down into sections. This first list is just the basic necessities.

1. Beis weekender bag: This was the perfect size tote for my hospital bag! I also really like how it has a separate compartment on the bottom for shoes!
2. DRIVERS LICENSE & INSURANCE CARD: DON’T FORGET
3. Eye care: I bought extra contact cases and solution, packed them in my hospital bag so when the time came, they would already be in there and I wouldn’t have to think about grabbing it before going.
4. Towel/tooth brush: – Hospital can provide, but you will feel more comfortable if you bring your own.
5. Pillow & blanket: Same as above ^
6. Blanqi postpartum leggings: I wore their maternity leggings and they were super supportive so I went ahead and purchased their postpartum leggings and I love them just as much.
7. Charger: for phone, laptop, camera, etc
8. Nordstrom night shirt– These are like my go to night shirts because they are so comfy! With my first pregnancy I packed long sleeve cotton night dresses and pajamas sets, I was so hot and uncomfortable that this time around I wanted an easy, light comfy gown.
9. Cheap shower sandals
10. Nursing bra – I bought these from Amazon and they were inexpensive and comfy.
11. No slip socks: I wore these the whole time in the hospital rather than having to take a pair of sandals on and off. I left the shower flips flops outside of the bathroom door.

So this is by far the most important check list! I had a really hard time during the recovery process with my first pregnancy, I was so sore, extremely uncomfortable, bled so much and was not expecting my vagina to feel the way it freaking did, just being honest!

This time around I wanted to be extremely prepared! Let’s get real, pregnancy and labor is a beautiful journey/process but postpartum is HARD in so many ways but in particular, how you physical feel at first. THANK GOD for the one woman who messaged me and literally listed out all of the products I would need for post birth and why. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have been prepared at all.

Depending on how you deliver, Natural or cesarean, will determine how you feel in certain parts of your body. I have delivered both ways now because my baby girl was an emergency c-section. Now keep in mind, every body is different and that plays a huge roll in how YOU will personally feel/recover. Above are all the things you will most likely need post birth based on my personal experience, in hospital and at home. There are a range of different brands but these are the ones I specifically used.

Also! The hospital will provide some of these things so I would ask ahead of time so you can plan ahead. I brought my own pads but ended up using the ones the hospital supplied because I liked them better.

1. Peri bottle: YOU NEED THIS! I specifically like the Frida Mom peri bottle because it is designed for upside down use. The one I used with my first pregnancy wasn’t and I would have to stick my hand down into the toilet to squirt water up and it was messy and gross. Listen, I am not holding back and going to tell you all the appropriate details I can haha. You will use this every time you go to the bathroom, it helps extremely with pain relief and cleanliness. I’m telling you this will be your favorite part of your bathroom visits – the peri bottle is going to be your best friend.
2. Perineal spray: Perineal spray will help soothe and give instant refreshing relief. I opted for a natural one this time around and honestly I could have done without this one in particular. Do your research, there are other options out there. A lot of women use dermoplast.
3. Perineal ice & heat packs: These were nice to have, I didn’t bring mine to the hospital because they need to be frozen or heated up. If you’re swollen, these are helpful to reduce swelling and anything cool always felt good down there hahaha!
4. Witch Hazel wipes: YOU NEED THIS! Witch hazel wipes are a must! You will want to line your pad/diaper with these after every bathroom visit. They will help with inflammation, swelling, varicose veins that can develop down there (yes I know, terrifying but real shiz) and hemorrhoids.
5. Witch Hazel healing foam: Like I said I was extremely prepared, so this isn’t a must but it was nice to have. I would place a few pumps on the witch hazel wipes.
6. Pads/Diapers: Some women like diapers better but I preferred pads, large ones. You will be bleeding a lot and you don’t want to bleed through so you want either large pads or diapers. I would bring both, just to be safe and see what you like better.
7. Belly Bandit Luxe wrap: I liked using a belly wrap both pregnancies, it helped me feel supported and secure. Especially after my c-section, the added support was nice.
8. Niple and Lip chapstick: My lips get really chapped during the beginning and end of pregnancy and so did my nipples, especially if you plan on breastfeeding. Lather it up ladiesss!
9. Disposable underwear: GET THESE! These were a must for me, I loved them! Before I received them, I was nervous they were going to be flimsy and not secure because I hate when underwear is loose and starts to fall down. These were full coverage, supportive and comfy. The best part was I could just toss them right after! I wore them through out my time in the hospital (went through two packs in three days) and ordered more once I got home. I would put these on, then a large pad, layer with witch hazel wipes and the foam. I healed so much quicker this pregnancy, it could be because I was more prepared or just because my delivery was different this time, who knows, either way its best to be prepared!

I didn’t write this, to freak any of you out or scare you, I just wish I had something to turn to when I was trying to prepare. I also wish I was given a list of what I needed and why for the recovery of birth. Just know you’re are strong, capable and MADE FOR THIS! You got this mama!

You are still a human being and the woman you were before you gave birth! I will never understand why people give women such a hard time if they see a picture of a women with her hair or makeup done while giving birth, when you have a baby that doesn’t mean all your personal likes go out the window! With my first pregnancy I literally got my lashes done specifically for our big day haha! Why? BECAUSE I WANTED TO. So below are some of the beauty /selfcare products I brought to the hospital. Now did I use them all, nope but I had them and it made me feel good.

1. Haircare:
   • Shampoo/conditioner
   • hairbrush
   • headband
   • hairties
   • Compact blowdryer/curler: I didn’t use my blowdryer once, but the last day when I knew we were going to be be discharged that day I got dressed and did my hair. It made me feel great and human.
   • Dry shampoo
2. Shower:
   • Shower Caddy: I would say this is a must because hospital showers aren’t the cleanest and it was nice to have a space to hang all my stuff that wasn’t touching anything haha.
   • Shower sandals!
3. Skin Care:
   • I brought my skin care regimen and this was something I did every morning and night and it was refreshing and relaxing and calmed me down when I would feel anxious.
   • Jet Lag mask by Summer Fridays: Great moisturizer and pick me up because lets just say birth leaves you jet lagged x 10.

1. Clothes:
   • Comfy/easy onesies: Zip or magnetic onesies
   • mittens, socks and hats
   • swaddles
2. Feeding/changing:
   • Feeding logbook: I found this feeding log book online, I loved it but the hospital also provides a log for you to track when your baby eats, pees and poops – very important!
   • Diapers/wipes: The hospital will provide diapers and wipes! But if you wanted to bring your own you can.
   • Bottle/formula: If needed, the hospital will provide formula and bottle. My first pregnancy, I just expected to breast feed and didn’t think much into it. However, Antoni would not latch and I had the hardest time so we had to supplement. This time around knowing that, I wanted to bring my own formula, the same one that I used with Antoni just in case I also had a hard time breastfeeding the twins.
3. Going Home:
   • Thank you cards: I saw someone post about bringing thank you cards for your nurses/doctors and I LOVED that idea. This is such a special, personal and experience in your life and the doctor and nurses HELP SO MUCH. Honestly, with both of my births, I don’t know what I would have done with out them at times, even if it was just bringing me a cup of ice, THEY ARE THERE FOR YOU. I wanted them to know how thankful I am for them.
   • Going home outfit for your perfect little angel
   • Baby brief case: You will receive SO MANY documents while at the hospital, this is a perfect space to store them and make sure they are safe.
   • Carseat: Make sure your car seat is installed and ready to go because the hospital cannot legally help you. Set up an appointment with your local fire department and they can make sure and help you install your car seat correctly and safely.
4. Extras:
   • Camera: This is such a special time in your families life, document it!
   • Photo props: If you want, this is a cute way to announce the birth of your perfect little angel!