When you’re on bed rest for 4 weeks leading up to your induction, you really have a way of making sure every t is crossed and every i is dotted when it comes to checking off your hospital bag list. I read blog after blog and multiple books outlining what I had to make sure I brought to the hospital with us. Hindsight is 20/20. This was my list…BOLDED what I actually USED!

• Birth Plan
• Insurance information
• Ultrasound picture to push inspiration

Toiletries

• My glasses
• Pillow + old pillowcase
• Witch hazel wipes
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Vaseline
• Hair bands
• Contact lens case and solution
• Hair Brush
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Deodorant
• MascaraI actually was glad I brought it. Putting it on for visitors made me feel at least a bit more human!
• Face wipes
  
• Bath Towels

Labor

• • iPad & charger
• • Cell phone chargerI’d recommend this one.
• • Bible
• • Snoogle
• • Yoga eye pillow

Clothing

• Nursing bra
• Robe & nursing dressI’d recommend this. It was practical and I felt comfortable when guests came to visit.
• Change of clothes for going home
• Throwaway undiesEnded up wearing Depends.
• Cute gownCOMPLETE WASTE OF MONEY!
• non skid socks

Nursing

• Boppy
• Nipple cream
• Nursing pads

Gracie

• Blanket
• Swaddle
• Going home outfit
• What I didn’t pack but wish I would have: Baby nail clippers!

For Corey: I packed protein bars. And they were EATEN!

My advice? When you’re at the hospital, family, friends, and nurses can bring you any items you absolutely need. Spend time researching the self-care and breastfeeding items you will need when you return to your home.

• Set up a nursing station at your house:Breastpump
• • • Bottles, bags, caps
• • Phone charger
• • Remote
• • Boppy
• • Large water bottle
• • Nipple cream
• • A Haaka
• • Milk savers – I actually slept in these at night when Grace would go long stretches in those early months!
• Self-care baskets in your bathrooms:Depends
• • Dermaplast
• • Witch hazel wipes – I’d recommend these. They are shaped like wipes instead of the Tucks small round pads and were more effective at alleviating pain.

What were your hospital bag must haves?