Scrunchi Mama

Many new moms tend to over pack their hospital bags or leave out things that may actually be useful. I personally have had three kids and I asked other moms as well what items are best to pack in your hospital bag. I usually recommend having your bags packed by 37 weeks for a low risk pregnancy and even early for high risk. You can also keep a running list in your phone of last minute things you need to grab before you head out the door. Most moms recommended 2 bags: Labor and postpartum/baby bag. Let’s break it down.

Labor Bag

• chapstick: your lips can get chapped and dry during labor and bringing your favorite chapstick can help keep you comfortable.
• Snacks! Stick with light snacks for yourself and whatever your partner likes. The cafeteria is not open at night so depending on when you are laboring you and your partner will want to keep up your strength.
• Body lotion: dry hands and feet may bug you during labor and this can also be used during a massage from your partner or doula. Unscented works best, as you don’t know what smells will bug you at this time.
• Any registration forms, birth plan, insurance, and ID
• Socks that aren’t too tight; Your feet may swell even more during labor
• Check to see if your hospital has a birthing ball you can use, otherwise bring your own. Also ask what other props they have for you to use.
• Suckers; During a long labor you deserve some sugar!

Postpartum/ Baby Bag

• 1-2 comfy outfits or pajamas for yourself and your partner
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothbrush, hairbrush, anything you would bring for a 3 night stay anywhere. You will feel like a whole other person after showering
• Card game or other things to do as it can get boring
• Extra hair tie and bobby pins
• A robe
• Comfy nursing bra or nursing tank
• Your own pillow and blanket from home; this may make your hospital room feel more like home
• Extra long charger

For the baby

• Going home outfit
• 2 or 3 pajamas or onesie and pants sets
• Socks: their little feet can get cold, I recommend preemie socks if you can find them
• Light swaddle blanket
• Blanket

What Not to Bring

• The hospital will provide all of the diapers and wipes for the baby, pads, peri bottle, and breast pump parts (if you use their pump) no matter how long you stay. Don’t forget to take what’s left when you leave!
• Nursing pillow- This is something that most moms do not end up using those first few days. Unless you know for sure you will use it, you can skip this one.
• You probably don’t need to bring all your hair care items like curling or straightening iron, blow dryer, just your shampoo and conditioner will do. Some hospital rooms may even have a blow dryer.
• Lots of makeup. Most likely you won’t be doing a full face of makeup while you are in the hospital but if you want to bring your mascara, DO IT!
• Pacifiers; If you are planning to breastfeed it’s a good idea to wait on using pacifiers until your milk supply is established

When packing your bag, use this opportunity to reach out to other mom friends to ask what they recommend bringing. Most moms love giving advice to new moms and you may even find some moms that can help you out after baby if you need it. Remember that everybody has a different birth experience. These are just the basics. If you want to use some Essential Oils, massage oils, or pressure point balls, bring them! Remember that if you hire a doula, ask what they bring to births.