Today I wanted to share what’s in my hospital bag as a Pediatric PA and as a soon to be second time mom! Cannot believe how fast the time is going until baby #2 arrives. Last time with Emma, I didn’t even have my hospital bag packed since she came early so this time I wanted to make sure I was packed and ready to go! After baby #1, you kind of get a feel for what you need and don’t – so these items are all focused around comfort and making things easy for me.
- Comfy rollover pants – as I will be having another C-section, the soft waist band on pants were an absolute must for me last time in the hospital as well as postpartum. I grabbed these ones which are sooo buttery soft and I also have this pair. They are some of the first things I added to my hospital bag!
- Nursing Tanks – I plan on breastfeeding again with baby #2. For me, I found the easiest attire consisted of rollover pants, padded nursing tanks, and then a robe for privacy with visitors. I grabbed these tanks as well as these this time around.
- Robes – I am bringing two options for post partum that are soft and cozy. This striped one I used with Emma and I picked up this neutral one to bring along this time too.
- Silver Nipple Cups – I am super excited to try these out with breastfeeding this round. A lot of my newborn moms’ have loved them! I recommend using them immediately and around the clock to avoid cracked and dry nipples when initially sorting through nursing as it is rarely perfect right off the bat! A lot of my mamas have told me they have avoided any lanolin or nipple creams just by using these to soothe and heal.
- Haakaa – I could go on and on about this. I routinely recommend this to my newborn mamas who are nursing as you can collect such a stash without having to use a pump. I actually don’t recommend pumping at all for the first 6 weeks as long as your milk supply is great as it can cause overproduction. In the hospital I will just use the haakaa to collect extra milk if we need to syringe feed or bottle feed if any transferring issues with feeds (i.e. tongue or lip tie).
- Breastfeeding pillow – this is the best ergonomic pillow if you’re nursing! Keeps you from slouching and back supportive. I used this last time with Emma and for sure using it again. I always tell Matt I feel like I’m selling “popcorn, peanuts, and cracker jacks” at a baseball game when I’m wearing it though, lol!
- Hot/Cold Packs – definitely wish I would have had these the first time around with painful engorgement and mastitis! Love that you can use them to be hot or cold!
- Long phone cord – I loved having an extra long phone cord while in the hospital last time no matter if I was in bed or sitting up in the chair! Great for your partner to have with too.
- Slippers – these are my favorite slippers! They are so affordable you can use them just in the hospital then toss after, or save them for when you get home.
- Grippy Socks – these are nice to have when you don’t feel like putting anything clunky on your feet but still be able to get up and move around.
- Shower sandals – definitely bringing these super cheap and comfy “cloud sandals” to use for in the shower – easy to slip on and off, and perfect for swollen feet and cankles!
- Heating Pad – this large heating pad is great for the uterine contractions that come after birth. I heard it’s worse with each subsequent child and I also remember the terrible pain after a C-section and the nurses doing fundal massages. Also will plan on using this for back pain or shoulder pain that is common after a C section as well.
- Nightlight – this is the nightlight I loved with Emma to be able to turn off harsh hospital lights and keep bedside for night feedings. I loved having this on my nightstand too when we were home and for as long as she was in our room for. You just tap to adjust light level and to turn on/off.
- Abdominal Binder – this is the same as the hospital grade one you can request after a C section. I loved having this for the first week or two so I could move around normally while feeling like my core was supported as it was healing. Side note – you should never wear abdominal binders long term to get back to pre-baby weight. You should also see a pelvic floor PT or a pelvic floor core rehab program, as binders long term can actually cause more problems!
- Hair Ties – these stretchy, no pull hair ties are great to keep on hand and keep your hair out of your face – especially during labor and after!
- Other misc items I’m packing:
- Toiletries
- My own pillow (if you know me, you know!) It’s this one that I love!
- Gift basket for the nurses/hospital staff – bring a nightshift AND dayshift one! I like to fill mine with some yummy snacks, instant coffee, beauty products (face masks, chapstick), nice pens, nourishing hand creams, chocolate, and some healthy options too, like protein bars or fruit.
- Snacks for me and Matt!
- Eye mask to help block out hospital lights
- Ear plugs (honestly Matt will probably use these not me!) but in the hospital you have CONSTANT coming and going in and out of your room, so these are great to be able to still catch some sleep.
- Lip Balm**
Things I am NOT bringing: my own underwear/pads/adult diapers because honestly just stock up as much as you can on what the hospital has since you’re paying for it while there anyways! Make sure to leave room in your suitcase to bring a stockpile home.
That’s everything I have for now in my hospital bag! I’ll make sure to update if there’s something else I wish I had brought and please let me know below in the comments what items you loved having with you!
Coming up next will be my Baby Bag must haves so stayed tuned for that!
xoxo, Tracy
PS – cannot wait for you all to meet baby Girl or baby Boy so very soon!
