MotherhoodTips + Hacks
Written By Britny Murray
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Before you dive in - peep our segment on Indy Now - where we chatted all about packing that bag!
Whether prepping for your first baby or your third, the maternity and post-partum market can be overwhelming. With the nursery painted, diapers stocked, and the baby shower behind you, we’re narrowing down what to pack in your delivery-day bag so you can relax and “add to cart,” stress-free!
Here are some of our must-haves and faves for the big day:
But first…you need the perfect bag, and we’ve got it. Meet the CalPak Luka Duffel. This bag has the ideal amount of space, huge pockets, and even a compartment for your slippers.Not to mention it’s sturdy, beautiful, and you will reach for it again and again!
Extra long charger cord: There’s so much hospital equipment plugged into the outlets right behind your bed. Sometimes the next closest plug is a few feet away.
Comfy clothes: Whether you deliver vagin*lly or via c-section, you’ll want high-waisted pants. Loose shirts, or a button-down if you plan on breastfeeding).
This softest set for the hospital and postpartum
Target maternity leggings are a must!
These lounge pants that you can wear during pregnancy and postpartum
Slippers or non-slip socks: While the hospital always has grippy socks, you may be more comfortable in your own pair of slippers.
Postpartum underwear: Again, think high-waisted, stretchy, and comfortable.
Hygiene essentials: Toothbrush, shampoo, soap, and don’t forget chapstick.
Wireless Bluetooth speaker: The ability to turn on soothing music during labor can be a lifesaver - or to crank up that “push playlist” when the time comes!
After d-day, be ready for postpartum at-home:
We promised a list of what to pack for delivery day, but those first couple of days at home with a newborn can be overwhelming too. Between keeping track of their sleep, feeding, and poop schedules…it’s a lot! Remember to also take care of yourself and create a basket of postpartum essentials:
Ice packs (We love these from Frida Mom!)
Peri bottle (Many hospitals will have one for you, be sure to grab one before you go…or pick-up this one!)
Witch hazel cooling pad liners to soothe pain and swelling after vagin*l birth
Disposable underwear (Pro tip: Your recovery nurse will fill your bag, don’t be shy!)
Set-up a few prepackaged snacks, water bottles, and pain meds in the spaces you plan to spend the most time: nursery, bedroom, and living room.
We see you, c-section mamas!
This dual-use heat or ice band will be your best friend
Keep a pillow nearby to hold over your incision when you laugh, sneeze, or cough. Trust us.
If you’re planning on breastfeeding or pumping, you’ll definitely need a few (ok, all) of these:
Nursing bras (Kindred Bravely and Gratlin make some comfortable and supportive bras for nursing)
Breastpump (Pro tip: If you don’t have one yet, many hospitals will have one for you to borrow while you’re there. If it’s your first time using a breast pump, you can bring it with you and ask the lactation consultant to help you!)
Nursing bra pads (Because #leaking, IYKYK)
The hospital will already have everything for the baby…
…but if you’ve got some time and space in your bag, why not snag a few more goodies to amp up this special stay?
While your newest family member may live in jammies, you might want a newborn outfit for those photo ops!
One or two pairs of pajamas (especially to wear on the ride home)
Polaroid camera (and film!) for you and your partner, the nurses, or visitors to snap some candids you can hang in the nursery right when you get home
Pro tip: Most of the items the hospital has in your baby’s cart are free to take. Ask your nurse! You can likely bring home the sleep sack, swaddle, pacifier, diapers, and even formula.
If you’re a first-time mom, have your bag packed by 36 weeks or sooner if you’re having multiples. Leave the bag by the front door or in the car next to that freshly installed car seat. Now get ready to enjoy all those baby snuggles!
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Britny Murray
Britny is a mom to two littles, a wife to a baseball coach, a veteran, and a photographer for theCityMoms. She loves to read, go to Purdue football games, and is always up for a girl’s night in with Moscato.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or opinions. However, I can provide you with information related to the concepts mentioned in this article. Let's break down the concepts and provide relevant information:
Hospital Bag Must-Haves:
When preparing for delivery, it's important to pack a hospital bag with essential items. Here are some common items that are often recommended to include in a hospital bag:
- Comfy clothes: Pack high-waisted pants, loose shirts, or button-down shirts for comfort during and after delivery. Maternity leggings are also a popular choice.
- Slippers or non-slip socks: While hospitals usually provide grippy socks, having your own slippers can add to your comfort.
- Postpartum underwear: High-waisted, stretchy, and comfortable underwear is recommended for postpartum recovery.
- Hygiene essentials: Don't forget to pack toothbrush, shampoo, soap, and chapstick for personal hygiene.
- Wireless Bluetooth speaker: Having a speaker can allow you to play soothing music during labor or create a playlist for the delivery.
- Ice packs: Ice packs can help soothe pain and swelling after vagin*l birth.
- Peri bottle: A peri bottle is used for postpartum hygiene and can be helpful for cleaning after vagin*l birth.
- Witch hazel cooling pad liners: These pads can provide relief from pain and swelling after vagin*l birth.
- Disposable underwear: Hospitals often provide disposable underwear, but it's a good idea to have some extra pairs.
- Prepackaged snacks, water bottles, and pain meds: Having snacks, water bottles, and pain medication readily available in the nursery, bedroom, and living room can be convenient during the postpartum period.
C-Section Specific Tips:
For those who are planning a c-section delivery, here are a few additional tips:
- Dual-use heat or ice band: A dual-use heat or ice band can help with pain management and provide comfort after a c-section.
- Pillow for incision support: Holding a pillow over the incision area when laughing, sneezing, or coughing can help reduce discomfort.
Breastfeeding and Pumping Essentials:
If you plan on breastfeeding or pumping, consider including the following items in your hospital bag:
- Nursing bras: Comfortable and supportive nursing bras are essential for breastfeeding.
- Breast pump: If you don't have a breast pump yet, many hospitals provide one for borrowing. You can also bring your own and ask for assistance from a lactation consultant.
- Boppy pillow: A Boppy pillow can provide support and make breastfeeding more comfortable.
- Nipple cream: Nipple cream can help soothe and protect sore nipples during breastfeeding.
- Nursing bra pads: Nursing bra pads can help absorb leaks during breastfeeding.
Additional Tips:
Here are a few additional tips mentioned in the article:
- Newborn outfit: Consider packing a newborn outfit for photo opportunities.
- Polaroid camera: Bringing a Polaroid camera and film can allow you to capture candid moments in the hospital.
- Ask your nurse: Many items provided by the hospital, such as sleep sacks, swaddles, pacifiers, diapers, and formula, may be available for you to take home. Don't hesitate to ask your nurse about what you can bring back with you.
Remember, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider or follow any specific guidelines provided by your hospital when packing your hospital bag.
