10 Items for Mom to Pack in your Hospital Delivery Bag

I have been getting so many questions about what you should and shouldn’t bring with you to the hospital.  Below are 10 items you should have packed and ready to go (Note: the last 3 are for breastfeeding/pumping mamas only):

For all Mamas

1. Granny Panties like these (and size up)— I know right? But just trust me. You will want these no matter what kind of delivery you have. But, If you end up with a c-section you want something that will not rub against your incision. For c-section mamas I really love these too for after delivery. Just a side note for all mamas (vaginal or c-section), you will bleed A LOT after delivery, and you cannot wear tampons. The hospital will provide giant pads, but if you prefer your own, bring them. Another option instead of the granny panty/pad combo are these. You may want to size up, but I will say these are really a great option too.
2. A loose-fitting dress to wear home. I love this one. Again, this is most comfortable no matter what kind of delivery you have. Since your maternity clothes will most likely be too big and your pre-pregnancy clothes will be too small, a loose-fitting dress is your best option. And if you end up with a c-section (you should be ready for anything), the last thing you want is for something to be pressing against your wound.
3. Comfortable slippers. These are my favorite.  Because you are not going to want to walk around barefoot and your feet will be REALLY swollen.
4. Robe like this one – they will urge you to walk around the day after delivery, so a robe is a nice thing to throw over your hospital gown so you wont feel so naked.
5. Flip flops (these are my favorite flip-flops)- two reasons you should bring flip-flops:
   1. Because I am a germaphobe I prefer to wear shoes in the shower to prevent picking up athletes foot.
   2. As mentioned above, your feet will be super swollen. Flip Flops should be an easy thing to wear home.
6. Toiletries that make you feel more at home. Toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash (when you feel yucky you may not feel like getting out of bed to brush your teeth — a travel size version will do), shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and a brush. The hospital may have some of these items, but I prefer to just have my own. Consider bringing makeup if you think you may take advantage of a hospital photographer (yes this is a thing).
7. Your own pillow. In case you end up staying more than 24 hours, having your own pillow will make you more comfortable in the hospital. Along this line, consider bringing one for your hubby if he plans to stay overnight as well.

*Don’t forget all of your chargers too!

For the Breastfeeding Mama

1. Nursing Bra like these. This is different from a regular bra. It unclasps to allow easy access to feed baby. Eventually you may consider getting fitted for a underwire nursing bra, but while you are in the hospital I suggest something soft and comfortable.
2. Hands free pumping bra. This is the best one (and only one you should consider) in my opinion. I tried several different hands free bras and some of them caused blisters and/or were hard to get on or off. A hands free pumping bra is very different from a nursing bra. If you plan to pump at all, you NEED this and you should plan to bring it with you to the hospital! If you forget it, I promise you will be mad at yourself.
3. Breastfeeding pillow. Since you will have lactation support in the hospital, I recommend bringing whatever pillow you plan to breastfeed at home with so that your lactation consultant can help you with positioning of baby. For twins I recommend this one and for singletons there are several options. Some people prefer structured pillows like this. They claim the structure makes it easier to feed and prevents back pain. A lot of lactation consultants like this one. The less structured and open aspect of this pillow makes it easier to “set up” to feed baby.

Plan to breastfeed?

Make sure you go through insurance. You can read my article here on how to get your pump for free. Even if you upgrade, insurance should cover a portion of your pump!

Rachel

Rachel is a mama to two beautiful identical twin girls, Izzy and Maddy, and lives in Atlanta with her husband, girls, and cute little pup. Rachel graduated with honors from New York University earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and the Founders’ Day Scholar Award. She also received her Masters of Science in Nursing degree from New York University. Rachel has spent the majority of her career as a pediatric nurse and currently works in pediatric oncology.