Prepping the Hospital Bags

There are moms that don't put much thought into what they want to take to the hospital when it's time to have a baby, and there are moms that make a list and pack their bags two weeks before their due date. Then there's me. I had our (me, my husband, and the baby's) bags packed and in the car over a month before my due date. Was this necessary? Probably not. Was it helpful when labor did happen? Heck yes it was. When the contractions finally started (two weeks early), it was such a relief to only focus on what was going on in the moment. There was no panic-packing or several trips to the car. Our entire focus was on breathing and timing.

Whether you choose to pack your bags ahead of time or not, it's completely your call. I will never tell you how to parent or prepare, I will only ever share what helped us. Having the car packed and ready ahead of time, helped us. So, knowing it doesn't matter when you pack your bags, let's focus on what to put in them.

I suggest taking between 3 and 4 bags:

• Bag for Mom

• Bag for Dad

• Diaper Bag for Baby

• Lunchbox with Snacks

Because I found that Mom needed so very little, I would suggest trying to combine Mom and Dad's bag if possible. The less luggage you have piling up in your small room, the better! Keep in mind though that labor can last DAYS and Mom may not be allowed to eat, but Dad will be super hungry. Having a lunchbox of snacks for Dad is a great way to save money at the Hospital Cafe during all those contractions.

What's in Mom's Bag:

1. One Nursing Bra $18

2. Robe $30

3. Travel Size Toiletries $12

4. Going Home Outfit $30 (something that fit when you were 6 months pregnant)

5. Make-up

6. Hairbrush/Straightener/Curler

7. One Nursing Shirt $30

Let's talk about Mom (and let's talk honestly). After birthing a baby (vaginally - I have no cesarean experience), you will feel disgusting. You will be covered in blood, sweat, iodine, mucus, fluid, and possibly poop and vomit. While you are meeting your new bundle of joy you wont notice any of this, but soon the doctors will leave the room. Then, while your partner snuggles your baby, the nurse will ask if you are ready to sponge off. In that moment you will realize how gross you feel, I certainly did. Your nurse will help you get to the bathroom where they will help you sponge off and become slightly comfortable again.

Once I was fully cleaned, I was asked if I wanted to put on some clothes, I laughed. No, I did not. My body was so sore from what just happened, I was wearing a massive hospital pad and hospital panties, my baby was clinging to my chest every 5 minutes, and I was completely exhausted. I was so grateful for my Robe. My robe was the only thing I wore during my time in the hospital until it was time to leave.

Mind you, I gave birth during COVID. It was acceptable for me to only wear a robe in the hospital, simply because I was not expecting visitors. That being said the only change I would have made if visitors had been permitted would be adding a Nursing Bra and Nursing Shirt. Those first few days in the hospital are all about recovery, learning and bonding. And while nothing should hinder this process, I also understand not wanting your whole family to see you naked. A nursing bra and nursing shirt will help you get the privacy you want without hindering your ability to meet the needs of your baby.

The only time I completely dressed myself (we're talking hair, makeup, outfit) was to go home. This may seem silly to some, but I wanted to look and feel my best to start this new adventure as a family of three! My Going Home Outfit consisted of a maxi dress and my very un-stylish green crocs (don't judge me, I had very swollen feet). I selected a maxi dress for going home, just in case I had to have a cesarean delivery. I've had abdominal surgery before and there's nothing worse than wearing pants over a fresh wound!

What's in Dad's Bag:

1. Two Shirts

2. One Pair of Sweat Pants

3. One Hoodie / Jacket

4. Three Boxers

5. Three Socks

6. Going Home Outfit

7. Ball Cap

8. Travel Size Toiletries

9. iPad / Entertainment

10. Phone Chargers

Dads have it rough y'all. Dad's spend the nights you are in labor sleeping in a chair (if they sleep at all) and then the get upgraded to a couch (maybe) once the baby is born and your room changes. I'm not saying dads have it worse that mom, I'm simply trying to say the hospital adventure isn't the most luxurious for them either.

During our birthing journey, we spent four nights at the hospital and we only packed clothes for two. Was it the end of the world that Haydn was short on clothes? Nope. There were a few more important things going on than changing his own outfit every day.

Remember, there is no way to know how long you are going to be in the hospital. Only the Lord has the answers to how long labor will last, how many nights you will spend, if there will be any complications that require a longer stay, etc. We learned that having less is more in the hospital, even if that means only wearing one pair of pants for five days. Those hospital rooms are small and don't have much storage space, so keeping luggage to a minimum really is important.

What's in the Diaper Bag:

1. Going Home Outfit (size NB) $12

2. Photo-Op Supplies (if this is your thing) $30

3. Spare Outfit - 1 (size NB) $10

4. Nail Clippers or Mittens $6

5. Hat for Baby $15

6. Blanket $35

When we headed to the hospital, our Diaper Bag was so full that it would hardly close, and that was me packing "light". I think we maybe used 5% of everything we brought, it was so unnecessary! Please, don't be like me!

The hospital seriously provides everything your baby needs to survive. They will have diapers, wipes, bathing supplies, hats, swaddles, bottles, formula and even a breast pump if you need it. Please hear me now, don't bring your entire nursery to the hospital. Those nurses are AMAZING at meeting all of your baby's needs, you really don't have to worry if you forget anything.

There are a few things I was grateful I brought with us to the hospital, so let's talk about those items.

We planned the cutest Going Home Outfit for our son. It consisted of a simple white footie pajama set, a customized hat, and Haydn's old baby blanket.

I did bring two sets of the going home pajamas, because well babies make messes. We also had a stuffed animal for a Photo Shoot prop and one additional set of pajamas.

The only thing you'll need out of that Baby Grooming Kit you purchased is the nail clippers, or better yet, just pack some socks, they make the best mittens!

Shocked by how little you really need to bring for your baby? Join the club! If I can leave you with just a few parting words, let them be this: "You are doing so well already and you are going to be great at this! I am praying for you every day, and I couldn't be happier to walk this journey with you. Congratulations!"

So there you have it, everything we needed in our Hospital Bags! Find this helpful? Drop a comment and let me know! Already have a baby and need something I didn't list? Drop a comment and share your experience so we can all learn more together!