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Here’s what I packed in my hospital bag for my c-section and post-delivery, along with what I packed for our baby and what my husband brought.
Our baby has arrived and we‘re totally in love! Below I’m sharing what I packed for our hospital stay. I ended up having a C-section, so while I’m leaving the labor-specific things in this post since I still packed them (and loved them for my first delivery), I am also including a list of C-section essentials, now that I have that experience too.
Packing for the hospital this time around was much less chaotic. As a first time mom with Thomas, I had no idea what I’d need and so I consulted as many people as possible. I ended up mostly referencing the hospital bag packing list from my doula since she has been along for thousands of births and it was SUPER helpful.
For this go ’round, I felt more equipped and had a better idea of what I wanted to have with me. My list didn’t change a ton, but there were a few additions which I’ve noted below. I have a video of packing below or if you prefer, you can also watch the hospital bag packing video on YouTube itself.
Hospital bag checklist for mom, dad and baby
Something I learned from my doula last time was to pack two bags: one for things I’d want during labor and one for things I’d use after delivery. That way, if/when you move rooms, it’s less to pack up. This time, instead of two separate bags, everything went into one bag, but I used two different packing cubes to keep things separate. The weekender bag I brought is bigger than my bag last time, so I just didn’t need two full bags. I also knew I was going to use some things for both labor (or in my case, C-section) and post-delivery, so one bag was a little easier.
All of my thing for the baby went in another separate bag, but I didn’t bring a lot for baby boy #2 since I knew I’ve have a lot of hospital supplies to take home (postpartum things). Tommy packed a bag as well, so we had 3 bags in total.
Okay, here’s what I packed in our hospital bag for baby #2! If you’d like a PDF checklist that you can print emailed directly to you, click here!
Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom
Weekender Bag
I brought my favorite Weekender bag from ShortyLove as my duffle. It’s VERY big – like actually big enough to fit things you’d need for a few nights away. The quality is top notch too.
Here’s what went in it. Some of these things the hospital does provide (like a labor gown or peri bottle), but I learned last time that I preferred mine over what the hospital had.
What I packed for Labor
- Fuzzy socks with grippers
- Oofos sandals
- Labor Gown
- Comfy bra (will also wear post delivery) – I love all of the NEIWAI bras I have.
What I packed for my C-section
- LAKE Cotton Tank Night Gown – This was my favorite by FAR post C-section. It made nursing so much easier (just pull the straps down), and didn’t put any pressure on my incision. I wish I had 2-3 of these. I love LAKE Pajamas – I shared all of the sets I have and sizing details in this post.
- Wedge Pillow – A MUST. Maybe bring two.
- Water bottle without a straw
- Frida C-section disposable undies – I used the hospital undies for the first few days, then switched to these.
- Baobei Undies – After wearing the Frida C-section underwear for a few days, I switched to these.
Post-Delivery
- Joy Street Button front Pajamas – Button front makes nursing and skin-to-skin easier, but you’ll only like these for a vagin*l delivery since the waistband isn’t great post C-section.
- Robe or cozy cardigan
- This sweater set from Amazon as a going home outfit for a vagin*l birth.
- This LAKE lounge dress as my going home outfit for post C-section since high waistbands didn’t feel great on my incision yet.
- Nursing tanks from Amazon
- Vuori joggers
Toiletries
All of these items are going in my beloved Amazon Toiletry bag. It holds SO MUCH STUFF.
- Nipple butter
- Colleen Rothschild Vitamin E Lip Balm
- Prenatal vitamins
- Hair brush
- travel-sized shampoo & conditioner, body wash & body lotion – I was SO happy to shower after having Charles.
- Glasses
- Frida foam
- Peri bottle
- Ursa Major face wipes
- Face wash, facial oil and moisturizer
- Contacts + contact solution
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Scrunchies + claw clips
- Deodorant
- Makeup
Some of this (e.g. makeup and dry shampoo) is for post-delivery, but I want all my toiletries in one place in my toiletry bag.
Miscellaneous Items
- Drivers license and insurance card
- Birth plan
- TENS machine + extra battery
- Charging block + long changing cord – I used the charging block more.
- Blanket and pillow from home (not white so it doesn’t get mixed up with hospital laundry)
- Brestfriend pillowsfor breastfeeding
- Snacks
- My favorite electrolytes
- BabyBub pillow
- Eye mask
- Mouth guard
- Simple Modern water bottle
- “Thank you” baskets for the nurses filled with goodies
- Portable fan
- Ear plugs
Hospital Bag Checklist for Baby
- Diaper bag
- Portable sound machine
- Going home outfit (two different sizes)
- Mittens
- Pacifiers
- Pump
- Cozy blanket
- Car seat
Hospital Bag Checklist for Dad
- Toiletries + toothbrush
- PJs
- Pillow with non-white pillow case
- Change of clothes
- Slippers
- Wallet
I hope this helps if you’re planning for your upcoming delivery and your newborn’s arrival! And if you have any questions, leave a comment and I’m happy to share my experience!
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