[No that’s not a photo of my hospital bag. It’s just aesthetically pleasing for our eyes.]

I’m a planner, and I make pack lists before I got on trips, so it was natural for me to want to create a pack list for my hospital bag.

I could throw in a few other things from the time I write this to when I actually put it into use, but this is the plan:

Victoria (that’s me!)

Clothes:

+ loose pants (I’m not going to want anything tight I’m sure)

+ nurse friendly tops (loose with quick boob access)

+ cardigan (easier than trying to put sweater on)

+ warm socks (if my feet get cold)

+ slippers (wear these or sandals to walk around and be mobile)

+ brief undies (well just loose underwear that can hold those big ol’ postpartum pads)

+ sports bras (favorite bras at the moment and they’ll be perfect for breastfeeding)

+ pumping bra (my sister recommended this one, just going to cut some holes in an old bra, Mean Girls style)

+ easy sandals (what I’ll wear there and to go home in)

+ robe (so I can go topless if I want but keep them covered when not in use)

Toiletries:

+ hair ties/scrunchies

+ lotion

+ chapstick

+ toothbrush/toothpaste

+ face wash

+ dry shampoo

+ pads (I’m going to be collabing with a cool company for these)

+ makeup (you never know)

Electronics:

+ phone + charger

+ portable charger

+ camera + charger

+ SD cards

+ laptop + charger (might want to watch netflix as a distraction who knows)

+ headphones (so I can listen to my hypnobirthing tracks, music, etc.)

Comfort:

+ pillow (I don’t like crunchy, hospital pillows)

+ blanket

+ green massage ball (It’s the size of a tennis ball and really firm, great to dig into knots and sore muscles)

+ misting fan (I overheat easily, and I don’t want Michael to have to fan me with a clipboard for hours when I have this nifty handheld fan already.)

+ few essential oils (lemon for sure - it’s my favorite. I’ve also heard lavender and peppermint are good for labor. Just something to sniff if I want.)

Misc:

+ water bottle (and will someone remind me to drink during labor)

+ snacks (my midwives will let me eat small things during labor, yay!)

+ hard candy (heard it’s sometimes nice to have something to suck on during labor)

+ sleep mask (probably frivolous, but I’ve been sleeping with one since the first trimester)

+ nipple cream (Who knows how my nips are going to react and I want a brand I’ll want to use if I need it)

+ breast pump (use it to stimulate labor if needed, and if I needed after labor for some reason, but I’ll probably keep it in the car)

Michael

(I’m going to let him back his own bag, just going to recommend a few things for him)

Clothes:

+ clothes

+ pajamas

+ slippers/slip on sandals

Toiletries:

+ toothbrush

+ glasses

+ extra contacts

+ medication

Electronics:

+ phone + charger

+ laptop + charger

+ headphones

+ portable speaker (I might want some music during labor)

Comfort:

+ pillow

+ blanket

+ camping roll (hospital couches aren’t the best but I think if we throw on that camping roll it will be super comfy + I want a well rested birth partner.)

+ ear plugs (he’s a light sleeper, and might want them)

Misc:

+ water bottle

+ snacks

Baby

Clothes:

+ 2 short sleeve onesies

+ 2 sleepers

+ 1 swaddle

+ 1 hat

+ pair of baby mittens

Misc:

+ have carseat installed beforehand 😉

Bada-bing bada-boom that’s the plan. And we’re only 7-10 minutes away from the hospital if I need someone to go run and get me something. Plus if all goes well I’m going to scoot boot and boogie out of the hospital as soon as they’ll let me.

What did you bring that you used, and what could you have left at home?