Jacq’s Hospital Bag

Packing for the hospital was one of the things that brought on the most anxiety for me when I was pregnant. It probably had a little something to do with the fact that I was anticipating this massive life transition and packing made it feel the most real. But per usual, preparing ahead of time did help calm some of the nerves I was feeling. It helped me feel like although I had zero control over how bringing Monrow into this world would go down, I had everything I needed to at least feel comfortable when and after it happened. You know, kind of like how I always say that we will never be able to control the inevitable or all things outside of ourselves, but what we CAN control is how we show up?

This was one of those things. This list made me feel like I was prepping to still be able to show up for me, even during a time that I knew almost all my focus would be pulled towards my daughter.

If I can help you do the same, or make it even slightly less anxiety provoking for you by providing another one of my prep lists, then my day is made!

PS- I aggressively overpacked and didn’t use half the stuff I brought, so this list is edited based on what I did use.

BABY
Newborn Outfit & Hat for going home
Swaddles
Burp Cloths
Wipes (incase they don’t have wet ones)
Extra Blankets (if its a cold month)

MAMA
Skincare
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Wash
Cheap Shower Flip Flops
Towels, Washcloths, Handtowels (Hospital provides but you’ll thank me later)
Toilet Paper (again, you’ll thank me later)
Lotion
Makeup Remove & Pads
Deodorant
Hair Brush
Hair Ties
Lip Balm (it was so damn dry in there!)
Prenatal Vitamin (2 days worth, 3 if you have a C-Section)
Supplements (I took a Probiotic & Magnesium)
Medicine (if applicable)
Jewelry Pouch (Incase you need a C-Section)
Pajamas / Lounge Clothes (2-3 pairs)
Robe
High Waisted Underwear
Belly Band
Slippers or Warm Socks
Compression Socks for swollen feet
Outfit to wear home
Nursing Bra (if nursing)
Nipple Cream (if nursing)
Pillow
Sleep Mask

DAD
Pajamas / Lounge Clothes (2-3 pairs)
Outfits (2-3 pairs if planning to change)
Sweatshirt
Pillow
Blanket
Toiletries
Cheap Shower Flip Flops
Computer and/or iPad
Chargers
Glasses, Contacts & Contact Solution

SNACKS
Coconut Water or Water
Fruit
Bars
Nuts
LMNT

MISC
Insurance Card / ID
Baby Document Folder (tons of papers to take home)
Disposable Masks
Straws
Extra Long iPhone Chargers
Empty Bag (to take home extra hospital supplies)
Mini Speaker (if you want to play music, we played music during my C-Section)
Nursing Pillow (if you plan to nurse)
Car Seat installed
Cord Blood Registry Kit (if you plan to do this, we used CBR)
Cooler (if encapsulating placenta, I used Windy City Doulas)
Roku (to hook up to the tv to watch our shows)