I wasn’t going to write this post.
There are probably millions of hospital bag packing lists on Pinterest. Every pregnant blogger feels the need to write this post, like it’s some sort of new discovery. They’re all the same, and they all are TOO MUCH. Pick any hospital bag post, and I can almost guarantee you will never need that much stuff in the 2-4 days after giving birth (but, I wore the hospital gown from the time I was admitted to the time I went home, so maybe I’m not typical).
Need a packing list for baby? You can find that.
For dad? You bet.
Having a scheduled c-section like me? There’s a special list for that too.
Like I said, there is no reason for me to write this post… but I’m doing it anyway. Why, you ask? Because the one version of hospital bag I searched for – the one the applies to me and millions of other mothers out there – doesn’t exist.
Need a hospital packing list that doesn’t include nursing items/clothing/supplies? YOU CAN’T FIND IT.
It’s true. Planning to formula feed? You’re out of luck in the hospital packing list department. As a mom who tried and failed to breastfeed my first daughter, this irritates me for a variety of reasons. Instead of adding to that noise though (other than to say you should NEVER feel ashamed of your decisions as a parent), I’m simply here to provide a solution.
So, if you already know you can’t breastfeed, this list is for you. If you choose not to breastfeed, like me, this list is for you. If you’re a light packer, this list is for you. If you’re a c-section momma, this list is for you. If you are nursing, just add a nursing bra to this list and you’re golden.
You’re welcome.
Things to note:
- I list pajamas and night gowns as optional. They totally are. Like I said, I wore the hospital gown the entire stay the first time and it worked out just fine. If you’re having a c-section, opt for the night gown over the pants. Trust me.
- My toiletries will include dry shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a hair tie, my glasses… and that’s pretty much it. My hospital provides everything else I could possibly need.
- I don’t list undergarments. One, because you’ll only need the mesh panties the hospital gives you. Two, bras are totally unnecessary until you go into public.
- I didn’t take my own pillow the first time, because it sounds excessive. But, I plan to this go round.
- You can literally forget everything else on this list, except for the car seat. Don’t forget the car seat.
That’s it! 10 items is all C2 and I need. What would you add (or remove)?
Great list! I think you and I are very similar with our packing styles. I went WAY overboard when Mila was born and took everything that every list on the internet said to take. I literally could’ve shown up to the hospital with nothing and I would’ve been fine. One random thing we took was a laptop (didn’t have a tablet at the time) and we used it to watch movies while I was in labor. Otherwise, I used my camera, phone, and a few toiletries. I even went home in the same clothes I came in because the clothes I packed didn’t fit me.
Exactly! I didn’t really NEED anything the first time. I’m planning to keep it super simple and if I discover I’m missing something, surely someone will be able to bring it to me, right?! 😉 Congratulations on your news as well, Leslie!
I took my bump nest pregnancy pillow to use during labor, and I used it in recovery too. So many doctors and nurses commented on it haha. It was the best thing I took I think.
When my mom had my little sister, she packed a small present to give me when I got to see the baby in the hospital. She said that I was upset about the baby getting all the attention until she gave me my present of fake costume jewelry. Then I was excited.
I’m planning to do this for Dorothy! I still haven’t decided on what the present will be (I’m struggling between something I know two-year-old Dorothy will like, or something more heirloom that adult Dorothy will like), but that’s happening too!
This list is great! I didn’t even touch half of the things I brought to the hospital!
Me either. In fact, I didn’t even have my purse with me for a few days (my mom and I both had yellow purses at the time, and somehow she managed to take mine home with her). It all turned out just fine!
I wish I had this list when having Jay. I took way too much the first time.
I LOVE this list, and I definitely needed a LOT of the same items when I was there, just a vaginal birth feels like it’s so quick (in and out seriously in just about 1 full day) and this list is minimal and perfect for anyone!
I also blogged about 10 things this Tuesday if you want to head on over to my blog and show some love! Happy Tuesday!
https://sheridanjohnson.com/2016/05/03/10-things-i-dislike/
I’m having a scheduled c-section (so I’ll be there for 3-4 days), and I probably won’t even use everything on this list. Maybe I’m just weird!
this was my list +lanolin, chapstick, and a big water bottle. You need so little those first days.