Preparing for your new baby’s arrival can be a daunting task, yet exciting, especially for first-time parents. One of the essential items to have ready is a mommy hospital bag. A mommy hospital bag is a special bag that contains all the necessary items a new mother needs during her stay in the hospital after delivery.
When I was preparing for labor and delivery, it was in the middle of the pandemic… Yep August 2020. I had no idea what I was doing, as this was my first baby and my first pandemic. I spent countless hours researching bags, products and what was allowed in the hospital at the time. I definitely overpacked, like I always do, but I would rather be comfortable than to be missing something. After spending three days in the hospital, I learned the items that I would re-pack vs. the items I could have lived without.
The best way to make this as stress free as possible is to start with a checklist. You can download a fancy checklist or just make your own. I just started writing down thigs I found online and determined if it was something I needed. Below is a list of the items I found useful for me during our three day stay vs. the items I could have left out.
First things first! You need a super cute mommy bag to pack all of your new mommy things in. This bag is super cute and comes with two other bag accessories, one for baby and one for your toiletries.
Nursing bras will be an essential part of breast feeding and/or pumping. It is important to choose bras that are comfortable, washable, durable and supportive.
If the hospital allows it, and you find that a fan provides comfort and relaxation during labor, consider bringing a small, portable fan with you. Battery-operated fans or USB-powered fans can be convenient options. I had a fan during labor and found it to be comforting and relaxing. Remember that comfort measures during labor can vary greatly from person to person. What works best for you may depend on your individual preferences and the specific circumstances of your labor.
I found these super cute two-piece pajama sets that were very useful. Having a two-piece set that buttoned up the front was super helpful for breast feeding. I chose the shorts and short sleeve set since I was giving birth in August and the middle of summer. This was the perfect loose fitting pajama set to recover in.
This maxi dress was super comfortable and convenient. Since it was mid-summer, I wanted something light and loose to wear home. This dress hit all the marks plus it has pockets! This was a great going home outfit and was also a nice addition to my wardrobe.
Slippers and flip flops were really convenient and helpful because I was able to put them on quickly to go to the bathroom or to take a stroll around the hospital.
If you are like me, you love having your own blanket. It just provides a sense of security and a piece of home. I love this leopard print throw blanket.
Last but not least, the Frida Postpartum Recovery Kit. The hospital provided all of the necessary items after giving birth, but I found certain items in this kit to be more comfortable, such as the disposable underwear.
Breast Pump: I brought my Spectra breast pump (I received mine through my insurance company – no link) so I could have help getting familiar with it.
See below for a list of other ideas of things you may want to bring:
- Cash or Change for Vending Machines
- Snacks
- Personalized Delivery Gown
- Personal Pillow
- Sound Machine
- Head Phones
- Extra Long Phone Charger
- Chap stick
- Medical Insurance Information and Paperwork
- Birth Plan