What I Packed In My Hospital Bag For My Second Delivery
We will be snuggling up with our baby by the time this article is live, but today I’m sharing a list of things I packed in my hospital bag for labor! There are so many things I learned the first time around and brought a lot of unnecessary things. Since this is my second time going to a hospital for delivery, I’m hoping I can provide some insight as to what I learned the first time around and show you what I plan on bringing this time.
A lot of the lists I had read up until this point were long, not practical, and honestly too much to carry. So I hope this post comes as a practical list for you as well! I didn’t buy anything new to bring to the hospital this time around, I just packed everything I already had on hand. So I like to think of this as a minimal and practical approach to the hospital bag!
I will be updating this post after delivery as well to give you a better idea of what I actually used and loved this time around.
For Mama
My bag - The first time we packed for the hospital, I brought a weekender duffle bag. After packing my camera equipment, snack cooler, husband’s bag, and car seat, that was just too much that we were having to actually carry. So this time around, I am using my luggage on wheels, then our cooler bag can hook right to it! This will leave one less bag to haul up and down the hospital. I have also lived out of this bag for 3 weeks during our trip to Japan, so I know if it could fit 3 weeks worth of luggage then I will have no problem for a quick hospital trip. We are anticipating only a 24-hour stay this time around so I didn’t pack a whole lot.
Button-down PJ set - Honestly, I didn’t know we were allowed to put our own clothes on after delivery. So I’m ready to get comfortable this time around! I’m bringing this fuzzy and comfortable button down pajama set that I was gifted for Christmas a few years ago! Bonus: they are dark in case I leak through. Being button down and pairing it with my tank top will make for an easy time nursing.
2 Waffle Knit Button Down Top - We are only supposed to be at the hospital for 24 hours, as long as plans don’t change. So one of these tops will be my going-home outfit and the other will be a backup. I also went with earthy, neutral colors for pictures of mom and baby.
2 Pairs Maternity Leggings - Last time, I went home in a maternity dress because I read you wouldn’t want pants on. That was true! But with it being winter this time, I’m going with stretchy, comfortable, maternity leggings instead. Again, I’m packing two and one will be a backup.
Nursing Tank - Unfortunately, there is quite the backup and my nursing bras won’t be here in time for the hospital. So I’ll be packing my nursing tank top instead. This is the same tank top I wore through my entire nursing experience with our first daughter, so I know it is comfortable and works! Honestly, I should probably have a couple more for when they get dirty but my bras will be here by then.
Sports Bra - We are planning for a waterbirth. It is recommended to bring a bathing suit top, but my bathing suits are all one pieces. So, I’ll be bringing some comfortable sports bras instead.
Robe - Again, I’m planning for a waterbirth, so I’m packing my super soft and lightweight robe to wear after getting out of the water. (update: My labor happened so fast that my tub didn’t even fill up in time! So I ended up not getting my waterbirth, but I know I would’ve loved my robe if I had.)
Period/Postpartum Underwear - The hospital will provide mesh undies that I will wear until we go home! I know my period underwear won’t leak and will be comfortable too during my healing. (update: This was an amazing decision! My period underwear has been phenomenal this time around and saving the planet from all the waste of pads.)
Cozy Socks with Grips - I brought these last time and I was able to wear them after delivery. I was not allowed to wear my own at the last hospital, so I’m not sure if this hospital will force me into their grip socks or not.
Snow Boots - I mean, it’s winter… I wish slip-ons were an option but we currently have 6+ feet of snow.
Sandals - This time around we aren’t guarantied to have a shower in our room. So I’m planning for a community shower after my waterbirth!
Toiletries
Earth Mama’s Nipple Butter - I probably won’t need this this early, but I’m prepping my body just in case. I’ve been saying just like you need chap stick for your lips, you will want nipple butter for your nipples too. Breastfeeding is hard work on your body and it took me a long time to figure out that putting nipple butter on before and after nursing (or pumping) helps to alleviate the pain!
Claw Clips - These are the only size that actually holds all of my hair.
Pony Tails - To put my hair up and out of the way during my waterbirth.
Headbands - I like to wear headbands while my hair is up to keep strays from falling out or getting the hair along my hairline wet.
Shampoo Bar - Our hospital provides all toiletries, so this isn’t necessary. But, I prefer the shampoo bar to shampoo in plastic containers! (update: I ended up not using the shower facilities there. I took a shower before heading to the hospital, then we were only required to stay for 24 hours so I took my showers at home).
Organic Cotton Nursing Pads - Again, I probably won’t need these just yet. It took a few days for my milk to come in last time and a few more days for my body to leak. But, I’m bringing them just in case this time in case my milk comes in quicker.
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Chapstick
I will not be packing anything for postpartum healing because my hospital provides it ALL. They will even send us home with everything as well. Check with your provider, but mesh undies, perineal spray, peri bottle, witch hazel pads, and other things are typically provided. Your care providers should also walk you through each one after birth.
Extras
Birth Playlist - Our hospital provides a speaker hookup, so I just need to bring my phone!
Phone Charger
Water bottle - The hospital will provide a large cup for water, but it was Styrofoam last time and I want to make this trip a little more environmentally conscious.
Coconut water - SOOO Hydrating for labor & breastfeeding. I will be bringing just a basic jug of coconut water and then my favorite body armors. I’ll mix them to make my body armor last a little longer. Having two 16oz glasses of coconut water a day can help with milk production too!
Snacks - Labor is intense! Your body will need calories. My husband only gets one meal provided and then we have to pay for meals after that. We are allowed ample snacks from the labor unit however, but we will probably make a run to the grocery to pick some healthier, more calorie dense, snack options.
I was induced with my first daughter. So we brought books to read, card games to play while we waited, and my husband packed an HDMI cord to hook our own laptop up to the hospital TV. Since we don’t anticipate a long stay, we aren’t bringing anything to keep us busy this time around. I packed candles last time and didn’t use them. My midwife highly recommended an oil diffuser, but I don’t want to have to pack that extra thing, set it up, and then move it when we are moved from the water birthing unit into recovery.
For Baby Girl
Our announcement onesie - I will be bringing our ‘Adventure’ onesie from our baby announcement to hopefully take some Fresh48 pictures of our babe this time around and announce her arrival to our family.
Going Home Outfit - I packed this cute outfit first daughter was gifted. The pants come with footies and the shirt has built in gloves. Baby gloves and socks really don’t stay on, so I thought this outfit was perfect!
Spare socks - I don’t remember if the hospital provides socks, but I do know they provide onesies while you are there. So I’m bringing these for while we are at the hospital and for pictures.
Knitted hat and booties for ride home - This was made and gifted to our first daughter, so I thought it would be so meaningful for our second daughter to wear on the ride home. It will also be the middle of winter and she will need something to keep her warm until we reach the car.
Swaddle - Again, the hospital will provide the basic hospital blanket, so I’m bringing this one for pictures! But also, the hospital blanket is so bulky and does not stay swaddled so I thought it would be nice to have a cozier blanket during cuddles.
You really don’t need to bring anything for baby. It’s all optional! I packed a whole diaper bag last time and didn’t touch it. So this time, I went simple. The hospital is providing diapers, wipes, first aid equipment, blankets, boppy pillow, onesies, hats, and so many other things. Talk to your provider beforehand to double check what will be provided for you.
I hope this list helps! Like I said, I will update this to tell you if there was anything we ended up not using or wish I had brought, but I know everything will be provided so I’m not too worried. Much of my labor should be in the comfort of my own home this time around. Is there anything else you would have added to my list?