I started, and restarted, and RESTARTED this draft. The first draft was just a note in the hospital. A second draft right after we got home. Another a few weeks later. And then a really good one last week before WordPress ate it (seriously the very first time I’ve ever lost anything! I have no idea what happened but I’m still pretty pissed because it was a LONG post and about 85% done. I did cry a little) and NOW the final draft.

Today’s Reese’s 6 month birthday, so… good timing, right? But seriously. She’s 6 months old. This bag-packing nonsense feels like it was a month ago.

I have no fewer than 4 close pregnant friends/family right now, and they’ve all asked me about my hospital bag so it was time to finish this post and share it with the world. As if the world/pinterest needs another hospital bag post, amirite???

Here’s why you should read mine:

• I’m a first time mom
• I read EVERY SINGLE hospital bag post I could find before I packed mine
• I made careful decisions and packed meticulously
• This post is enormous and VERY detailed with everything I brought, why, and if/how I used it, so buckle up
• I was incredibly happy with my hospital bag and had everything I needed!

Now what I needed and what I used was very dependent on my lifestyle, my preparedness before heading to the hospital, and the ease of my labor and delivery. Obviously if you are getting a C-section or don’t want to breastfeed you’ll want to pack different stuff.

WHEN TO PACK

When I went in at 37 weeks I was surprised to hear that I was basically totally effaced and already at a 2, so needless to say I FREAKED. I still had a week of teaching left, I was leaving for a quick St. George trip that night, the nursery wasn’t completed and the hospital bag was definitely not packed. I had read all the hospital bag posts and made a shopping list, and even started buying stuff around 34 weeks… but it was all in a pile in the nursery. When I got home the next Monday we spent FHE at Target getting the last things we needed and packing the bags together. (LOL because then I ended up being induced at 5 days over.)

+ Pack anywhere from 35 weeks on, and for sure have a list of what you want to go in the bag just in case you go into labor suddenly and your husband/sister/mom has to pack it for you.

+ DEFINITELY pack with your husband, if possible. He’s gonna be the one digging around in that bag at 3 am looking for that thing you need.

+ Keep a list of last minute items on a post it on the bathroom mirror (contacts, iphone charger, makeup bag, etc.) so that you or your husband can throw them in the bag when you’re ready to head for the hospital.

+ If you’re induced or labor is slow, repack or at least re-assess your bag before you go in, just in case

HOW TO PACK

I knew that I was being induced and that I was going to request an epidural. I knew that I was going to stay the full 3 days. I knew that I would labor & deliver in one room, and then be moved to another room in Mother/Baby for the rest of the stay. I knew we would be having lots of visitors and that I wanted pictures of our hospital stay. I knew that I’m a chronic over-packer, but also that we live 6 minutes away from the hospital and that our families both live within 15 minutes of the hospital if we needed anything at all.

+ Call your hospital and ask them how labor/delivery/your stay will go. Do you stay in the same room or move? What is in your room? Can your husband shower there? What is the visitor policy? All these things could affect what and how you pack.

+ Pull out several different types of bags (duffles, weekenders, even suitcases), every small pouch or beauty bag you own, and a box of gallon size ziploc with a sharpie. Everything swimming around in a huge bag is a disaster. Experiment with different large bags and then use pouches and ziploc bags to section everything in like categories. Trust me.

+ I’m repeating this because it’s helpful – PACK WITH YOUR HUSBAND. Even if they roll your eyes (I’m looking at you, Beard). It’s helpful for both them and you.

+ Use multiple bags instead of one giant one. It will save you time and be WAY more functional in the long run. I had one for me, one for Ryan, one for our little/entertainment/shared stuff and one for the baby.

+ When you get to the hospital and into your labor/delivery room unpack what you think you’ll need – laptop, journal, phone, camera, chargers. Leave everything else packed and out of the way. Then when you get to your Mother/Baby room where you’ll stay – get completely unpacked. Use the drawers and counterspace! It seems like a hassle but it actually made our room feel like “home” and made it very easy to find everything when we needed it.

+Start with an empty diaper bag. I had already packed mine out of overexcitement, but you won’t need diapers, wipes, or really any baby stuff while you’re there. Pull all of that out and leave it at home.

+Raid the sample & travel size section at your local Target or grocery store. Most of the stuff we took was JUST for the hospital. It was nice to be able to use it and lose it, plus it didn’t take up very much space.

BEFORE YOU HEAD TO THE HOSPITAL

This is just me, as a very vain and materialistic girl. No one will care if you look like hell. If you’re gonna do natural labor for 24+ hours then this is not smart. And if you’ve been in labor for a week the LAST thing you’ll worry about is putting on some eyeliner before heading to the hospital. This is just me. I went in looking very done up and it made me feel like a million bucks. I love the pictures from the hospital and I didn’t feel gross or embarrassed by how I looked. I was also induced and knew 24 hours in advance, so I had time to get ready. We had to be at the hospital at 6 am, so I got up at 4 to get ready. The Beard thought I was crazy but it was 100% worth it, and it’s not like I was getting much sleep anyway.

• Hit the salon! I got a mani/pedi a few days before. My mom gave me a cut, color and nice blowout the day before I was induced. I had my eyelash extensions filled two days earlier. Anything you can do to raise your baseline look is worth it.
• Shave (everywhere… sorry!). Its SO hard when your belly is humongous. But do your best. Use a nice shaving cream and get comfortable in your shower or tub. Especially with the epidural, people were touching and checking and moving me a bunch, so I was very relieved that at least I was smooth!
• Self-tanner! It was February so obviously I was pale. Not to mention fat and stretch-marked. A little bit of self-tanner does a lot for your sad, sad legs.
• Makeup: The full shebang. Primer, liquid/cream versions of everything and then set it all with matching powder for serious lasting power! I didn’t touch up my makeup until that evening, and nothing had run or smeared or globbed up. Avoid liquid liner and DEFINITELY use waterproof mascara because you’re gonna cry.
• Pick a hairstyle that will last. I put a few extra bends in my hair to touch up the curls my mom did the day before and lit the whole thing up with dry shampoo and hairspray for extra hold. I left it down but had a ponytail for when I needed to pull it up.
• EAT EAT EAT. For the most part when you get there they won’t let you eat, just in case they need to emergency operate or something. I ate maybe 3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt with some granola and berries before leaving my house, and that even reluctantly because I was so nervous. I wish I had eaten something more substantial like a bagel or toast. I was STARVING by 10 am.

WHAT TO WEAR

It really doesn’t matter because you’ll be stripped down the second you get there. I wore the outfit I planned to wear home to cut down on extra packing since I wore it for a total of 30 minutes. I wore my favorite big Star Wars tee, a new Victoria’s Secret Pink sweat suit – the loose boyfriend pants and matching zip hoodie fit me before and after in addition to being so comfortable – and socks with moccasins. I wore a cutesy pair of socks and they let me keep them on so that was fun. Wear slip-on, rubber-soled slippers or moccasins and you can wear them on little walks around the hospital wing after delivery. (Ryan wore comfy sweats, a tee and slip-on shoes, which was good because he was able to nap on and off during labor.) I wore a special little pendant charm necklace and earrings, but no bracelets or dangly things. Don’t wear anything that will get in the way or bug you over time.

THE HOSPITAL BAGS

We took 4 bags – my weekender bag, Ryan’s duffle, Reese’s diaper bag and Ryan’s messenger bag. Everything was carefully grouped and packed according to when we’d need it and Ryan knew where everything was. I also labeled any of the ziploc bags which made it easy for nurses or moms to grab for me.

For Baby

• Nursing Stuff (in ziploc) – nursing bra and nursing tank, Motherlove nipple cream, Target brand disposable nursing pads, nursing cover, nursing pillow (too big for a ziploc, obvs, just carry it in), a couple of burp cloths. I wore a nursing tank for the first day or two and then a nursing bra with a loose tank top for the last day. I liked having two options as I was figuring it out. I didn’t use the nursing cover because I wasn’t comfortable enough to do it in front of anyone I needed to cover up for… but it was small and nice in case someone did need to come in while I was nursing.
• Going home outfit (in ziploc) – I brought two and I was glad I did. The one I originally bought for her was a 0-3 month size and was HUGE on her, so I was glad I threw in a newborn-sized outfit. Go for a onesie, matching pants, socks, and a hat.
• Optional Outfits – We left her in the hospital shirts the whole time, but for our next baby I’ll probably change them into some jammies on day two!
• Headband for baby girls – I didn’t bring one and her little hospital bow fell off by day two. I wish I’d had a little dainty headband to put on her!
• Mittens – their nails are surprisingly sharp!
• Your favorite swaddle – I just used the hospital blankets but I wish I had brought my favorite swaddle to wrap her up in!
• A binky of your choice – we used the soothie
• Baby book & journal with pen – I LOVED having this with me in the hospital so I could write everything down as it was happening and while it was fresh
• Leave the car seat in the car. Have your husband take a load out to the car and bring the car seat in when you’re ready to leave.

For Dad

• Clothes – a couple sets of garments, a couple of clean tees, basketball shorts and socks. No real use bringing pajamas, just wear comfies.
• Pillow – The Beard doesn’t ever sleep without his sobakawa pillow. We had to drive across town to a Bed Bath and Beyond once on vacation because he forgot it. Bring a blanket too if you don’t want to use the hospital one. The hospital foldout beds are notoriously sucky, so just be aware.
• Toiletries (in ziploc) – deodorant, body wash, shampoo & conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, and lotion (hand sanitizer 10x a day is drying!).
• Snacks (in ziploc) – Ryan only got 1 free meal from the hospital during our stay, so find out what you can expect food-wise from your hospital. Our families brought us tons of food but we still ate all of our snacks! I got stuff for me and him, and it was super helpful at 3 am when I realized I was starving but didn’t want to disturb anyone. I got some granola bars, gushers, chocolate and goldfish. Next time I’ll bring some fruit, too.
• Any entertainment needs – some dads work from the hospital and bring their laptops & chargers. Maybe he’ll want a book or ipad. The Beard packed his Nintendo 3DS.
• His drink of choice – The Beard needed every ounce of that giant Dr. Pepper, and then some.
• Ibuprofen – it can be exhausting and stressful, plus his back will hurt after sleeping on that crappy bed. A little painkiller can help.

For Mom

• A light, cute robe to wear. I changed into mine as soon as we moved down to mother/baby. I bought this silky kimono-style robe and LOVED it. It’s super nice for nursing, getting checked by doctors and nurses, and going to the bathroom easily. Plus I wear it now while I get ready and it makes me feel glamorous. Yahtzee.
• A few loose or stretchy tank tops – Forever 21’s thin strap tanks were perfect.
• 1-2 big, loose boxer-brief style undies to wear home. I think I wore the mesh ones the hospital gave me but I had a couple of black boxer briefs that I could have worn and I was glad I had on hand.
• Going Home Outfit – wear it there, throw it in the bag when you take it off.
• Toiletries Bag (in ziploc): FULL DISLOSURE – I did not shower at the hospital. I didn’t have a long or strenuous labor and I went into the hospital totally fresh and put together. The nurses cleaned me up really well after delivery and I didn’t feel like I needed a shower until the morning of the day we went home. At that point I was like “well… I’d rather just shower at home” so I didn’t. But if my labor had been longer and more strenuous I would have definitely showered the second day. I packed a travel sized body wash, shampoo & conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush and mouthwash, and kept the bag in the bathroom. I knew I wasn’t gonna bother with shaving LOL. I brushed my teeth whenever I went to the bathroom, which helped me feel fresh.
• Night Bag (in ziploc): When the visitors all went home and I was ready to wind down a little (LOL I can’t say sleep because I don’t think 3 hours in 20 minute chunks counts as sleep), I pulled out this bag to get ready for bed.
  • Makeup remover wipes
  • Moisturizer
  • Contacts/Solution/Glasses
  • Vaseline for my lips and super dry nose (TMI sorry)
• Makeup Bag: I just brought the basics that didn’t need brushes and could be easily applied in bed. I used a tiny compact mirror and did this routine in under 2 minutes each time: Naked Beauty Balm, Bad to the Bronze cream eyeshadow, stick eyeliner, Garnier undereye roller concealer, Maybelline cream blush stick and my Benefit Watt’s Up illuminator. That was the MVP. It helped me to look bright and fresh even when I wasn’t really sleeping.
• Freshen up bag (in ziploc) – Each morning and then whenever visitors started coming in the afternoon/evenings I would have Ryan bring me this ziploc. It’s part of the reason I didn’t feel like I needed to shower (sorry if that’s gross? I just wanted to lay in bed with my baby, sue me). This was probably the best thing I did, to be honest. At first this bag didn’t exist. But by the second morning I pulled these items from other bags and created it out of convenience.
  • Deodorant
  • My favorite body lotion
  • Travel size perfume
  • Gum
  • Eye drops (SO NICE when I was looking tired and bloodshot)
  • Batiste scented dry shampoo
  • Brush, ponytail and bobby pins
  • Finally I’d apply makeup from my makeup bag and felt great!

The Everything Else Bag

In Ryan’s messenger bag we stashed everything else. This was the stuff we figured we’d need to be pulling out during labor & delivery and wanted to have on hand. A messenger bag or backpack would work best for this stuff.

• Phones & chargers – bring one for each of you, and buy at least one extender. The plug closest to my bed in Mother/Baby was several feet away but with the extender it could reach my bed.
• ***External Chargers – these were AWESOME. My mom gave them to us as stocking stuffers and they are the best. I had mine and Ryan’s all charged up before we left and we used them both.
• Wallets
• Folder with paperwork from the doctor, insurance, etc. You’ll also get a ton of paperwork from the hospital to go in there too.
• Camera – pull this out as soon as you get there and take a “before” picture. Then leave it on an easily accessible counter. Have your husband, mom or even a nurse take some photos for you when the baby arrives! And don’t stop. Take TONS of pictures. They change SO MUCH in those first few days.
• iPad – load it up with movies if you want, but all I needed was the wifi password and I had Netflix up and running! Pinterest, social media… anything you want.

What I didn’t need

• The hospital had the mesh undies, pads, Tuck’s medicated pads, spray bottles and wipes. I brought some Depends but didn’t need them. Use what the hospital has – they know what they’re doing. Take home everything they’ll let you.
• I brought stool softener but they had some for me.
• I brought my big water bottle – but the hospital gave me a big awesome one with a straw that I LOVED. They even let me take it home. WOOT.
• I am not weird about pillows so I didn’t bring one for myself and I was fine

What I’ll bring next time

• A blanket or shawl because the bedding was really thin and I got cold
• More snacks
• Thank you cards to write for the nursing staff. They were so incredible, and I left them a quick, short thank you on the comment card but I wish I’d been able to leave a more thorough thank you!
• A few more pairs of fun, printed socks so I can switch them out! Maybe some knee-length ones for warmth. I’m serious.

ADDITIONAL HOSPITAL TIPS

• Write EVERYTHING down. I wrote some of it in my journal, some in the baby book and most of it in a note on my phone, but I was glad to have it!
• My mom brought flowers to the hospital room when Reese was born and it was SO NICE! I loved having a pretty bouquet to brighten up the room during our stay. I know that’s weird to ask a family member to bring flowers… but if they ask what they can do for you or if your husband has a second to run down to the gift shop it might be nice.
• Schedule visitors and don’t feel bad if you have to turn people away. You’ll be exhausted and your emotions are crazy and your boob is out all the time. Have people show up at a specific time and make your husband the bouncer. Seriously. Don’t feel bad kicking people out if they’ve overstayed their welcome or you’re tired.
• It’s ok to send your baby to the nursery. We did for a couple of hours each day and took quick power naps, which made us way happier and more functional for the rest of the day.
• Stay on top of your pain & healing. Whenever they gave me pain pills they wrote the next time I could take them on the whiteboard, and I always took them on schedule. Some people are like “Oh I only took them when I needed them…” Ok. You will have just pushed a baby out and maybe tore. You need them. I just took them regularly and I didn’t feel any pain at all. Drink a ton of water, go to the bathroom frequently (its weird because all of a sudden your bladder will hold more than 1 oz of urine) and freshen up the Tuck’s pads. Ask for a fresh ice pack each time the nurses come in to check on you (which is about every 90 minutes or so).
• Likewise – pay attention to your eating schedule. It’s so easy to just get wrapped up with that adorable new little baby and forget about yourself. I was absolutely ravenous after Reese was born, but then didn’t feel hungry again until about 2 am that night. Luckily I had that bag of snacks close by or I would have had to wake Ryan up to go get me some food.

What about you guys? Any other good advice you have for these soon-to-be-new-moms? What about for the second or third time around? (Yes I’m already thinking about and excited for it!!!! I’m crazy.)