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Hospital Bag Essentials for Mom

Purple Star emoji 23 items
This list covers everything hospital bag necessities that mom-to-be needs for labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery, including must-have comfort items, crucial toiletries, and specific products to make those first few days easier and more comforta...
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Comfort & Loungewear

 
Katrina Begari profile picture
This is a bit controversial, I've heard some mom's say its totally unnecessary, and some say it was definitely worth it. I really considered this but just couldn't decide. However, if you're not into the hospital gown, this is softer and more comfor...
Kindred Bravely Labor and Delivery Gown, 3 in 1
 
Katrina Begari profile picture
Definitely do NOT forget this! You never know where the closest outlet is going to be, and if you're going to be facetiming, taking video and photo, you'll definitely want to make sure you can easily charge without having to put your phone on the co...
Anker PowerLine II USB-A to Lightning Cable (10ft) Gray
 
Katrina Begari profile picture
I would advise not to forget any type of sandal. You will definitely be showering and don't wanna be walking all over that hospital floor and shower stall without footwear. This is on my list every pregnancy. If you don't have a comfy waterproof pair... They also come in many colors I thought this sage green is just so cute!
Women's Essentials Arizona Footbed Sandal
 
Katrina Begari profile picture
I stand by Bombas forever! I love their socks and their gripper slippers are no different. They come is so many cute colors and designs that I just can't help myself. The gripper slippers are great to have for walking round during labor, (which is wh...
Women's Gripper Slipper
 
Katrina Begari profile picture
I wore pants home from the hospital because it was quite chilly and I don't live somewhere a maxi dress would be appropriate. These are great because they are so comfy, yet postpartum I felt like they also had a little compression on my mummy tummy....
Maternity PowerSoft Postpartum Support 7/8 Leggings

Postpartum Recovery

 
Katrina Begari profile picture
I put these on my registry as recommended by a family member. It was a great idea to have some high fiber snacks postpartum. We all know the difficulty of the first BM so its great to have a snack that's nutritious, delicious, and easy to eat. The...
Larabar Variety Pack, Blueberry Muffin, Lemon Bar, Apple Pie, Fruit & Nut Bars, 18 ct
 
Katrina Begari profile picture
Prunes are a great natural laxative to help with BM after birth. I love that these are individually packaged so you aren't getting your fingers all sticky every time you go for one.
Sunsweet, Amaz!n, Ones, Prunes, 12, oz
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Katrina Begari profile picture
Water is essential for breastfeeding moms, and this tumbler is amazing! I first love the large amount of water it holds. I have used it for water mostly, but you can put hot liquids as I like to have a hot tea occasionally and use the swig part of th...
Owala 40oz Stainless Steel Straw Tumbler - Periwinkle Twinkle
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Katrina Begari profile picture
I really love this balm as opposed to a lot of the mainstream lanolin based nipple balms you see so often. The natural blend is so soothing and moisturizing I often use it as a lip moisturizer as well. I used it for a while, but ended up just not n...
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter Breastfeeding Cream - 60ml (2 fl oz)
 
Katrina Begari profile picture
These are my tried and true mommy diapers. They provide great coverage and protection, I never had any leaks with there. They are also are a lot easier to manage than undies and a pad when you are freshly postpartum. They are also very stretchy and...
Always Discreet Adult Postpartum Incontinence Underwear for Women - Maximum Protection - S/M - 19ct
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Katrina Begari profile picture
This is not one of those all natural peri sprays but it works wonders. I like to spray it on my peri area and also on my pad before putting it on. the first hospital I gave birth at actually gave me some and I have stuck with it for my second pregn...
Dermoplast Pain Relief Spray for Minor Cuts, Burns and Bug Bites - 2.75oz
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Toiletries & Beauty

I don't like to buy travel size items for the hospital bag, I usually just pack my favorite products because that is what will make me feel most refreshed and comfortable after labor and delivery.

 
Katrina Begari profile picture
I like to wash my hair postpartum, but you may not have the energy for a full shower for a day or two. I've tried this before and it's just a really nice way to refresh your hair and feel a little more human for photos or visitors.
Batiste Original Dry Shampoo - 3.81oz
 
Katrina Begari profile picture
I love these type of hair bands. They are just really gentle on your hair and thats what you wast because you'll spend a lot of time sitting and lying down in that hospital bed, so a soft, gentle band is best.
Kitsch Eco Friendly Nylon Elastics - 20pk - Blush
 
Katrina Begari profile picture
I really don't like hospital towels. So I always bring at least three towels to the hospital, one for me and my hair, one for hubbie. Usually I pack a few washcloths for the face as well. This is a great set and super absorbent. It comes in lots of...
Casa Platino 12 Piece 100% Cotton Towel Set - Bath Towels, Hand Towels & Washcloths - Soft & Durable for Everyday Use - Navy - Walmart.com
 
Katrina Begari profile picture
Hospital soap can be harsh. Using your own familiar, good-smelling products for your first postpartum shower can be a huge morale booster. I don't like to buy one time use products, so I like to bring my usual toiletries. I have very dense, curly, ...
Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo and Conditioner - Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Color Treated Hair - Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner for Men and Women for Curly Frizzy Dry Damaged Hair
 
Katrina Begari profile picture
I've used COSRX for years and this is one of my favorite cleansers for basically all skin types. My husband and I have different skin types and tones and we both share this, so its great to pack in the hospital bag. It's very refreshing and just a g...
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser - 150ml - Ulta Beauty
 
Katrina Begari profile picture
I love COSRX and I also love snail mucin products! Snail mucin is just really gentle and moisturizing on the face, it feels like a spa treatment because of the gel/lotion texture. Snail mucin also has anti-aging properties and always refreshes my s...
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream (3.52 oz)

Personal Items & Paperwork

Remember your photo ID and insurance card.  It's also nice to have some cash on hand for vending machines or food because you never know how long you'll be staying, or what you'll be craving.  Here is a few other things to consider:

 
Katrina Begari profile picture
I didn't do this with my first, but I did for my second pregnancy. Even if you don't use it or forget to give it to the nurses, it's good to write out a birth plan because you may not have thought of a lot of things especially if you are a first tim...
Birth Plan Template: Preparing for Childbirth
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Katrina Begari profile picture
I'm not a fan of earbuds, so I like these. Really any noise cancelling headphone are great for listening to music, guided meditations during labor, or just blocking out hospital noise for a nap.
Sony WHCH520/P Bluetooth Wireless Headphones with Microphone - Pink
 
Katrina Begari profile picture
If reading is calming to you and gets your mind out of reality, you may already have one of these. You'll have downtime waiting for labor to progress and during long feeding sessions. This is a nice distraction.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) - Raspberry

Feeding Essentials

 
Katrina Begari profile picture
You'll most likely want a bra for the trip home. Make sure it's unwired! Your breasts will start to swell as your milk comes in, and if you're like me, you've gained 2 cup sizes! I like this stile nursing bra as opposed to the ones with the clips, I...
CAKYE 3 Pack Maternity Nursing Sleep Bra
 
Katrina Begari profile picture
If you don't want to wear a bra but just want a little support going home this is a nice option. These are really comfortable and nice when you are freshly postpartum because it holds up the girls and you don't have to bother with a bra and top. Fo...
Maternity First Layer Nursing Cami 2-Pack | Old Navy
 
Katrina Begari profile picture
Always nice to have support for your arms and back while figuring out the first few nursing attempts with your baby. Shoving all those pillows around your arms and body while trying to figure it out is so frustrating. If you forget it to the hospit...
Boppy Nursing Pillow - Gray Beige Leaves