- Wallet {with ID/insurance card etc}
- Birth plan {if you have one}
- Cord blood banking kit {if you plan on doing that}
- Pillow + pillow case in a pattern distinguishable from hospital white. More than one friend told me that the hospital pillows go through a lot and even though they are ‘cleaned’ it is recommended to bring your own. Say no more! I bought this silk pillowcase {less expensive version here} because a mom friend told me that it helped keep her cool, but also didn’t mess up her hair while pushing, leaving it nice looking for pictures immediately after baby was born {hey! why not, right?!}
- Blanket – The blankets you get in the hospital are often thin. Bringing your own just guarantees a more comfortable {and warm!} stay for you and your partner.
- Towel – same goes for towels! The hospital will probably provide a very small + thin one. I’m bringing this one from Weezie so I can have a nice, cozy shower after what I’m sure will be a very long, hard day of labor!
- Rubber flip flops – to wear in hospital shower
- Extra long charging cords – you never know where a plug in might be in relation to your bed and you don’t want to lose a charge while waiting {and waiting} for baby to come. Might also consider a portable charger and/or an extension cord.
- A portable light – Often times hospital rooms only have super bright overhead lighting. I’ve heard a little clip on lamp goes a long way during the nighttime feedings. I bought this one!
- Glasses or contacts if you wear them
- Hair ties + bobby pins
- Snacks – granola bars, or anything you or your husband want to snack on!
- Chapstick {hospitals can be very dry!}
- Socks – Hospitals can be freezing! A bunch of friends recommended the no-slip grip ones, but I don’t like those {plus I wouldn’t walk around in socks and then put those in the bed….} I will likely just wear a pair of my husband’s tall socks
- Laptop {or any diversion for a long labor – playing cards, book, iPad etc}
- Baby book pages for handprints + footprints and anything other page you would want to fill out {I bought this book!}
- Personal items: This includes anything that will make you feel human again after giving birth! Hairbrush, shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, hair dryer/straightener, face products, + make up
- Nursing bra + nursing pads
- Nightgown + robe {also this one} – I am bringing a few nursing friendly nightgowns {also this} and pajama options.
- Notebook + pen for writing down thank yous + reminders
- Refillable water bottle – I love this one. Holds 40 oz which will be crucial for breastfeeding too! Hospital will most likely also provide one for you, but just in case you want your own!
- Comfortable outfit to head home in {bring clothes in different sizes to make sure they fit!} I plan on wearing an all white or blue striped Mi Golondrina {similar to this one!
- I have a few Feltman Brothers options. Pro tip: pack a few preemie options just in case baby comes out smaller than you expected! Newborn clothing can often swallow the little ones.
- Special baby blanket – I bought this one! Love the sweet scalloped edges.
- Swaddle blanket
- Hat with name – I ordered this one! But without the knot
- A mattress topper
- A blanket + pillow
- An eye mask
- Ear buds
Being open to thousands of opinions on my social media platforms, I know the amount of ‘noise’ or information out there can be overwhelming. But it can also be incredible helpful and empowering! We have such an incredible community of mamas out there with important and relevant information so please feel free to add any thing I missed in the comments section below! I’m always curious to hear from seasoned mamas who know more than I do! 😉