What’s In My Hospital Bag?

I've been known to be a bit of an over-packer, so when I started packing my hospital delivery bag I posted an IG story and asked for advice. Who better to hear from than people who have been there & done that. I was shocked when hundreds of messages came in with people sharing their must-haves, of course, others asking that I let them know what I learn.

So I've compiled a list of what I ended up packing, and also some tips from followers who have given birth before. I hope it helps.

Here’s what I ended up packing for myself:

+ My Birth Preferences: I printed three copies just in case lol.

+ iPhone Charging Cord: The #1 recommended item was an extra long charging cord for your phone/iPad. The one I linked comes with two, one for each of us. 

+ Pajamas: I'm hoping to breastfeed my baby so I choose button-ups for easy access and the dress makes having checks on me easier. I also have another nightdress from Le Boudoir that is v-neck and easy to whip a boob out of lol. If you want to check out anything from Le Boudoir I have a code for 15% off. Just use code ‘hayleigh’ at checkout.

+ Robe: For Mothers's Day Matthew gifted me the softest, most cozy robe from my go-to bra store Le Boudoir. I've been using it all the time at home and definitely want it with me at the hospital. Code ‘hayleigh’ will save you 15% off any online purchase.

+ Delivery Gown: Not necessary, you can wear the hospital gown, but I think I'll be more comfortable in my own soft material gown.

+ Slippers: These are my ride-or-die house shoes and I like that they are rubber so I can just clean them when we get back home. Also going to take a pair of the classic Old Navy flip-flops for the shower. 

+ Disposable Underwear: I have Frida Momma Undies and Always Discreet for postpartum wear. A hot tip from a labour and delivery nurse was to make sure you wear a pad inside any adult diapers so that the nurses can accurately access your bleeding. If you are wearing adult diapers of any form they are made to hold larger amounts of fluids compared to a pad and this can make it hard to know exactly how you are healing down below.

+Mom Postpartum Care: Peri bottle, nipple balm, breast pads, tucks pads, perineal spray, instant ice pads, & Silverette nipple soothers.

+ Cosmetic Bag: Toothbrush & paste, lip balm, dry shampoo, soap, deodorant, scrunchie & hair tie, headband, moisturizer a few essential oils. 

+ Going-Home Outfit(s): I have a super soft and cozy black dress packed from Le Boudoir. I can't find it linked on their website, but it's from the bamboo collection. I got a size M so I could wear it while pregnant and after. I also packed leggings, socks, a breastfeeding tank and a sweater in case it's a cooler day. Code ‘hayleigh’ will save you 15% off any online purchase at Le Boudoir.

+ Nursing Bras: I packed my most cozy and lounge-like bras. They don’t have the greatest support, but they make getting your boob out easy and that’s what matters. I’d usually skip the bra, but I’ve been leaking a lot lately, and I need one on to hold the breast pads in place. IYKYK

+ Speaker: I want to have music playing while in delivery, this is an option in case you didn’t already know, so we’re taking our Bose Bluetooth speaker with us.

+ Towels & Face Clothes: I was told by dozens of people that the towels at the hospital are really small and really shitty. No surprise, it’s not a hotel lol. So I packed two towels and three face clothes, my go-to is from the local brand Allday Leisure & I get mine from KCAJ.

+ Snacks & Drinks: Reusable water bottles, Cira Hydration (think Gatorade without the sugar & code ‘hayleigh’ will save you at checkout). I don’t actually have the snacks packed yet, but I’ll be bringing some comfort foods, as well as healthy snacks.
One of my followers said they brought a small cooler bag filled with snacks and drinks!!

+ Toilet Paper: Who likes the see though, single-ply toilet paper? No one, definitely not someone who has just given birth. Thanks to the mommas that recommend this. I’ve tossed a role into my bag.

+Pillow & Blanket: Another popular suggestion from parents who have delivered at the HSC in St. John’s.

+ Yoga Ball: I’m planning a natural birth, so taking my yoga ball (which must be deflated), my doula will have a pump.

+ Bag for Dirty Clothes: When I travel I always take another little bag to put my dirty clothes in. It’s usually just a reusable shopping bag, so I tossed one of those in too.

In Baby G’s bag:

+ Outfits: Two knotted gowns with matching hats and two sleepers with the mittens/socks built-in.

+Diapers: I packed a sleeve of newborn diapers based on the feedback from other parents who delivered at the HSC in St. John’s, NL. Many said often times they run out of smaller diapers and can only offer size 1. If they do happen to have newborns I’ll save my own and use theirs lol

+Wet Wipes: Many people said the hospital only has dry wipes that you’ll need to wet at the sink before use. A few parents said they didn’t mind this, but for the sake of convenience, I packed travel-size wipes as well.

+Vaseline: A few people (including two nurses at the hospital) suggested packing vaseline or something similar to coat your babe’s bum in. The first few days of life the poop babies make is very thick, dark and sticky, called Meconium. If you cover their bums in something like vaseline, it helps the sticky poop to come off without the need for as many wipes, or effort.

+Announcement Sign & Blanket: Both feature his name and I want to use them in the classic hospital announcement photo.

+Swaddle Blanket & Hat: My mom gave me the cutest set from Cooper and Pearl. I may not use it, because I know the hospital provides and swaddles the babe, but I’m going to bring it just in case.

+Pacifier: Soooo many people suggested bringing a pacifier to the hospital if you plan on using one. I’m undecided, while I’m not against them, I’m also no willing to go out and buy a bunch to see what my babe prefers. I was gifted two kinds, if he takes one of those, great, if not he won’t have one lol. My brothers and I were never interested in them, so we shall see.

+Nail File: A few people mentioned their babe being born with really long nails and scratching their faces after birth. I’m going to take this file I got just in case to give his nails a little ‘trim’.

In terms of stuff for Matthew, I have all the essentials covered, he just needs to toss in some clothes.

Am I missing anything that you think is a MUST have? Let me know in the comments.