Go-bag must-haves
Somewhere around Week 38, you’re going to want to start packing a bag for the hospital. Here are some things you don’t want to forget.
Extra long phone charger. Worth it to track one down as the bed is often very far from any outlet.
Wear shoes you can slip on and off!
Some kind of portable light. A quick nightlight that you don't have to plug in will help with the overnights because even the lowest lighting in the hospital rooms can be harsh.
Battery operated fan. To use while pushing or if your night sweats start right away.
Toiletries bag of course!
Scrunchies or hair ties! Not a clip!
FridaMom peri bottle. This is the one product that's definitely better than whatever you get at the hospital and I was glad I had it!
Nursing bra. Honestly LIVING in these but also bought this.
Hands free pumping bra. This was the very last thing I bought but it ended up being essential for the hospital... I didn't think I was going to need to pump right away but you never know! I bought this one but they come in all sorts of configurations.
PJs that button! I spent that first night in the hospital gown but changed the next morning. These from the Gap (Top. Bottom.) are the absolute most comfy material ever, I bought two sets.
Comfy lounge wear that you can yank your boobs out of at a moment's notice and that stretches enough to fit around your post partum middle... You aren't going to want to wear leggings, but looser joggers or sweats are good!
Water bottles for you and partner
Change of clothes + PJs/sweats for partner
Baby's going home outfit! Back-up newborn and/or 0-3 onesie, because you never know if they'll actually fit into the first choice.
Lastly! Snacks! Granola bars, trail mix, peanut butter crackers, apples, anything snacky/crunchy/vaguely breakfast oriented will be useful to have on hand.
And now a list of things I thought I needed but did not...
Cozy socks (I was freaking sweating and did not want socks and they obviously have the grippy hospital socks they can give you too)
Speaker (Never even occurred to me to turn music on, but then things happened pretty quickly for me!)
Underwear (obviously you'll be wearing the mesh underwear as soon as they can get you in it with the ice packs and witch hazel pads and everything)
Robe (I did pack one but didn't wear it, I'm not a robe person, but if you feel like you'll want to be cozy/cover up right away then definitely pack one!)
Pillow from home/towel from home (Again, totally optional. I did bring the pillow and didn't regret it but also not necessary)
Flip flops for the shower (I brought them but forgot to use them when I did shower haha but if you're a germaphobe then it's one more thing to think about packing!)
And a bonus: things to ask for and take home from the hospital. Rule of thumb: if the package is open, take the rest home!
Sitz bath. (unless you have a handheld shower handle at home)
Nipple gel pads. Got these from lactation and then ordered more. They're freaking expensive but if you're really in pain they feel amazing!
Ice packs!
Snot sucker for baby
Diapers/wipes
Maxi pads
Witch hazel pads
Mesh underwear
Bed pad for leaks! I laid on this at home for like a week. You don't need to buy your own.
The trademark hospital baby blankets
This was key: grey bucket to wash bottle parts/pump parts! It has saved us!
Medela microwavable sanitizing bags for bottle parts/pump parts
Mini tubes of lanolin
Mini size soap for bottles/pump parts
Mini size Aquaphor
Mini size baby shampoo