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10 Minimalism Hospital Bag Needs For Your Labour!
Written by Katie
April 2020
Take it from me. I overpacked my hospital bag. A lot.
And I even thought I was being minimal! It’s surprising how few things the mama-to-be needs for the hospital.
TO NOTE:
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This list doesn't include things like, health insurance cards, birth plans or IDs. Make sure to bring anything you need along these lines.
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I was only in the hospital for 24 hours, and did not plan on staying any longer than that. So if you are having a c-section or a pregnancy that could result in a longer stay, adjust this list! I also understand that complications can arise, and that if I did HAVE to stay longer, my husband could always scoot home to get what we needed for our unplanned extended stay, such as breast pads or a nursing bra.
- I gave birth in the summer so you will have to adjust needs for the season I.e winter blankets, clothes, socks and hats
This list is just based on my experience and what I’ll pack for baby #2 :)
WHAT YOU NEED:
1. An outfit to wear out of the hospital: I went with a light, loose summer dress that I wore when I was pregnant. This is a momentous occasions, leaving the hospital with the new addition to your family for the first time! Do you really want to be in sweatpants?! Hell no! Pick something really light and loose, that you feel good in, and that looks half decent too!
2. Slippers or socks: If you don’t want to be skin to floor during your stay, you’ll need a pair of these to get around the room comfortably.
3. Snacks: This is a big one and maybe the most important. I don’t know what I would have done without snacks to have on hand. Because as much as you think your hubby with continue to go to the cafeteria or vending machine, he’ll be tired and asleep too and if the hunger strikes during his nap you’ll be glad to have food on hand and in reach. I packed homemade trial mix, roasted chic peas, chopped watermelon and freshly squeezed orange juice. My husband packed power bars and chips I believe.
4. Toiletries: At some point you’ll want a shower and you'll want to brush your teeth. You’ll be sweaty and smell like hospital, and it's good to get clean for you and your babe. Plus, you may want to feel a bit of normalcy again, and what better way to do so than a warm clean shower.
5. An outfit for your baby : You only really need one outfit for your newborn, and that's just for the drive home. Your little one will most likely be naked and skin to skin with you and your partner during your stay.
6. Change of clothes and underwear for papa: Dad will need some basic items too : )
7. Blankey for baby: Whether a light muslin blanket or a handmade knit one, have a blanket on hand for you and your baby during your stay and for the car ride home.
8. Car seat: No way around it, you will need a car seat to get you and your baby home!
9. Phone chargers: With all those photos and videos you'll be taking, your batteries will die quick! Keep a charger on hand for sure.
10. Elastic or headband: You’ll want to ensure your hair is pulled back at some point or another, whether during labour, breastfeeding or post-shower. Have a few elastics on hand for sure!
WHAT YOU DON'T NEED:
1. Underwear: The hospital should provide you with a pair or two of these big bad boys and I highly suggest you take them!
2. Pads: The hospital should provide you with heavy duty pads for your bleeding, take these too, they are essential for the first couple days!
3. Clothes: In my opinion, you don’t need any clothes. I was skin to skin with my daughter the entire time, and the only clothes I wore was the hospital gown for easy access to the bathroom etc.
4. Baby outfits: Other than the outfit your baby needs for the car ride home, your babe will probably be naked, wrapped in a light blanket and only wearing the diaper.
5. Breast pads and maternity bra: Your breast milk won't come in for a few days, so these aren't necessary if you are only in the hospital for a short time!
6. Diapers and wipes: The hospital should provide these. Unless you want to start with cloth diapers from day one, just use these ones for the first few days!
7. Beauty items: Items like hairdryers and make up (other than some mascara of your into it) don't seem too necessary to me for your short stint in the hospital. But you do you!
Hope this helps!