Since this was my first time packing a maternity hospital bag, I opted to read a few different blogs to gather some ideas about what was needed and what wasn’t. I was pretty happy overall with everything I packed, but I would maybe make a few changes next time.

Here is everything I packed or wish I packed. When we first arrived at the hospital when I was in labor, we just brought in a backpack with some necessities and left the big suitcase and pillows in the car until we were moved to our overnight room with the baby.

Things I brought:

• Nightgowns/Sleepshirts (don’t bother bringing pajamas with bottoms because there is a lot going on down there and its easier if you don’t have to bother with pants every time you use the washroom or they check you). These ones with buttons are my favorite (the buttons are easy to open with one hand), or this set from Amazon. I brought 3 nightgowns and used all 3 during our 2 day stay.
• Snacks for you and your support person. And make sure your support person stays hydrated too. Jon didn’t eat or drink barely anything during labor, so the morning after I delivered, he fainted on the floor in our room! It was definitely because he hadn’t eaten or drank anything for 24hours.
• Blankets. I brought one for Jon and one for me, but Jon ended up using both at night because he was freezing and I was burning up from the hormones. It isn’t totally necessary to bring blankets, since they do provide blankets for your support person too, but it’s nice to have something cozy if you want it.
• Pillows– one for Jon and one for me. They will give you all the pillows you want, but they are pretty flat- so it was nice to have our own as a comfort item. Just put them in colored pillow cases so you don’t forget them or they don’t mistake them for the hospital ones.
• Soft Baby Blanket. I brought this baby barefoot dreams blanket and I’m glad I did! It was so nice and cozy to wrap Charlie up and snuggle her.
• Boppy pillow for breastfeeding. I didn’t bring this because I wanted to try and pack light and was already bringing pillows for us to sleep on, but I wish I would have because the pillows were flat at the hospital and I had to pile up a few every time I fed. 
• 10ft Charging cords– The outlets aren’t always easy to access, so bring large charge cords.
• Nipple cream– if you are planning on breastfeeding, you will need this!
• Depends diapers– I could go either way on bringing these. I actually used the provided hospital mesh underwear that you add their pads to, and it was fine. But now that I’m home and using Depends, I like them better because the pad is built in. But you bleed a lot at the hospital, so it was almost easier to just replace the pad frequently than have to get a whole new Depend diaper. But at home, the Depends are a must. And they don’t look as frumpy as the hospital mesh ones (according to Jon. Lol) 
• Slippers/warm socks and shower shoes. I brought shower shoes, but didn’t use them. I know some people are freaked out by the hospital floors and showers, but I just didn’t care in the moment. Lol
• Warm clothes for support person. They keep the labor room very cold.
• Premie outfit and newborn outfit, just in case one doesn’t fit. I pretty much just kept her in the hospital swaddles the whole time (with a diaper underneath) and just put her in a couple outfits for pictures. But you can definitely keep your baby in clothes if you want. It was just easier for skin to skin and the nurse checkups if she was pretty much naked. Lol. I brought so many clothes for her that I didn’t use- but make sure to pack a going home outfit. Side note- she was 8.8lbs (and then down to 8lbs after birth) and newborn outfits were still roomy on her. 
• Hydrating lip balm– your lips dry out, so this is a must. 
• Extra tote to take home hospital items. I took baby diapers, pads, wipes. And you can ask for more too. 
• Baby Shusher– We didn’t end up using this, but I know a lot of people that did- so it doesn’t hurt to bring one just in case you have trouble getting the baby to sleep.
• Makeup– I brought makeup and put it on because I wanted to look decent in photos, and I’m glad I did! 
• Eye mask– we kept one of the ceiling lights on at all times to make it easy when I got up in the night, so the mask was nice to help me fall back asleep easier between feedings. 
• Vava night light- I also used this little nightlight for night feedings. They are a must at home too! 

Optional Items

• Nursing bras. If you are breastfeeding, you may want to bring a couple of these. I brought them because I am breastfeeding, but honestly didn’t wear a bra the entire time I was there except when I went home. But if you are a bra person, bring a couple comfortable nursing bras! I like these affordable ones from target.
• Pacifier– I didn’t give her a pacifier but I did bring one just in case. 
• Frida mom peri bottle– I didn’t bring mine because they have a peri bottle for you, but the frida mom one is more convenient and a must-have at home! 
• Hair tools– I didn’t wash or style my hair while I was there- just brushed and used dry shampoo. But if you like to have your hair washed, bring shampoo and conditioner and a hairdryer, etc. 

Things I didn’t need

• Hospital Gown– Some people bring their own gown to labor in, but I was fine with the one they have. It wasn’t that uncomfortable and I don’t have to worry about laundering it. Then I changed into my sleep shirts once we were in our room.
• Water jug. They provide you one. I got one during labor and also one in my room. They are big and I still use it by my bed at home now. 
• Towels. A lot of people complain about the hospital shower towels and how they are small and itchy, so they bring their own. But I’m pretty sure I got blood all over it after my shower as I was still bleeding quite a bit. The last thing I want to worry about is bringing home a dirty towel to wash. 
• Diapers or wipes for baby. The hospital provides everything (plus you can take home any extras)

Hope you found this helpful- let me know if you have any questions! Thanks for stopping by!
Jaclyn