As a new Mom, I was eager, excited and ready. At the time, I wasn’t really sure what to expect or what I would need. But I just thought of it like I was spending a couple nights away. I researched, checked Pinterest, read blogs and I took all their advice and followed my gut. That meant I packed a lot…
Looking back at my list, a can tell you a few things right off the bat that I didn’t need or use.
- Hair Straightener. I never go on an overnight trip without my straightener, except for when I’m camping. So clearly, I thought ok, I should look presentable and I want to look good for any photos being taken at the hospital so I’ll pack my straightener! When really, I didn’t even think of straightening my hair… I didn’t even think of showering at the hospital (haha gross I know)… My labour and delivery happened very quickly and after Mikayla was born I was nursing all the time, sleeping or had visitors. So the thought of straightening my hair… nuhuh. Didn’t even cross my mind. I actually didn’t even touch my straightener for 3 weeks after giving birth because I didn’t have time to straighten my hair.
- Pads and underwear. The hospital (in Vancouver, Canada) provided me with these huge pads and underwear! I loved them. Seriously. After pushing a baby out, the last thing I wanted to do was to physically put underwear on. So.. the nurses did it for me. GOD BLESS THEM. I loved the stretchy underwear they put on me so much, I asked for a couple more to take home. They’re like Depends!! (Haha so sexy).
- Leggings and a T-shirt. I brought 2 sets of clothes to change into and although it felt great to freshen up and get out of my pyjamas I didn’t wear leggings because I was so hot. Mikayla was born in July and it was smokin’ outside, and I couldn’t nurse my baby in the t-shirt I brought! Which brings me to a few things to think about when packing your hospital bag…
Here is my revised packing list for my hospital bag:
- A set of Dark Pyjamas that I can nurse in – the top should have buttons or be a nursing tank. Dark PJs so I don’t have to care if it got stained.
- Nursing Bra (read my post “How To Find The Right Nursing Bra“)
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- Nursing Pads
- Toiletries
- Makeup – I can’t go out without make up
- Towel
- Flip Flops or Slippers
- Comfortable outfit for leaving the hospital – that I can EASILY nurse in
- Camera
- Husband’s Stuff – Toiletries and a pillow and/or blanket
And here’s my revised list of things to bring for the newborn baby:
- 2-4 Receiving Blankets – 2 nice ones for photos, 2 for the car seat (to roll up and go on either side of the baby’s head)
- 1 Beanie
- 1 Pair of Mitts
- 1 Pair of Socks
- 2 Bodysuits/Onesies
- 1 Outfit To Go Home
- A Couple Diapers and a Pack of Wipes
- A blanket for the car ride home (if it’s cold out).
- Infant Carseat
We love using the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat! Here’s my video tutorial on how to clean it.
Amanda is a writer, photographer, videographer and a content creator with a passion for sharing stories. With her family of 5, they share experiences, tips and ideas that empower Moms to make memories with their families right here in British Columbia.
