What A New Mom REALLY Needs In Her Hospital Bag For Birth

Hey new-to-be mama!

Your about ready to pop and feeling all the emotions about having a baby….trust me, I remember!

I also remember how frazzled I was about packing my hospital bag for labor and birth. I wanted to include IT ALL and with with my first son, I did just that. We had two, yes count them TWO bags with us during our whopping one-night all-inclusive stay at resort hospital.

I mean, I had no idea what I may have been in need of! I was a new mom and being prepared eased my nerves about labor.

Now when my due date with my youngest came around, I knew what to expect this time so I limited my hospital bag by a lot.

But that didn’t mean that I left out the good stuff.

Aside from the cute newborn outfits, I want to save you from the over-packing hassle and tell you what you REALLY need in that hospital bag after having a baby (trust me – it’s a lot less than you imagined).

1. Toiletries

I will start off with the most obvious items to include in your hospital bag and that is toiletries – shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, mouthwash and a toothbrush.

After baby is born and you’re feeling up to it, you WILL want to shower!! I felt like a brand new human after a hot shower. I recommend buying the travel-size products since you will most-likely take only one shower during your stay.

2. One Bath Towel from Home

The hospital will provide you with towels but I think including one of your own is a nice touch of comfort. Plus, the hospital towels they give you are white…..’nuff said.

3. The Most Comfy Outfit in Your Closet

This is probably a no-brainier but you NEED comfy clothes after delivery – and just one outfit will be enough. I took my shower long after delivery so I wasn’t in my new outfit for very long.

I would recommend yoga or sweatpants with a long pajama-style maternity shirt.

4. Large Granny Panties and Sports Bra/Nursing Bra

The larger the granny panties, the better! Now would be the time more than ever to take advantage of going through labor by wearing some of the most comfy underwear you can find – granny panties are the best for that postpartum belly and to hold that insanely large sanitary pad!

Also, a sports bra (nursing bra if you plan to breastfeed) to keep “the girls” supported and comfortable.

5. Phone Chargers

When you’re not sleeping or staring at your incredible bundle of joy, you will be on your phone…a lot! You definitely don’t want to forget any phone chargers – that also includes for your partner so pack two!

6. Socks

Delivery rooms can be cold – pack a pair of extremely comfy and warm socks. I’d say to pack two – the hospital floors are dirty, your feet will get sweaty…win win.

7. A Zip-Loc Bag of Trail Mix

You will be provided with meals but I still wanted snacks to munch on (breast-feeding made me soooo hungry!) and I needed something healthy-ish to sustain my energy. I’m so glad that I packed some trail mix…it was the perfect amount of salt & sweet!

8. Something to Make You Feel Pretty

You will be exhausted but you’ll also want to look (but mainly) FEEL pretty after having a watermelon removed from your body.

I kept it simple with some lip-gloss and mascara – because honestly, you won’t be up for an hour-long make-up routine but you DO want to look half-alive for visitors (and any photo-ops).

9. One Form of Entertainment

On the off-chance when your not sleeping or adoring your baby, you may want something to keep your mind occupied. I suggest packing a book, crossword puzzle or an adult-coloring book. Keep it simple – I was so preoccupied with motherhood that the TV in my hospital room was sufficient.

There you have it – what a new mama REALLY needs in her hospital bag.

Just keep it simple… you don’t need too much since the hospital will provide you with your essentials (hint: there’s no need to bring your own sanitary pads. the hospital will throw them at you to keep).

I recommend packing YOUR bag first – after all, you WILL be the star of the show!

Happy packing mamas – and good luck!