What's In My Hospital Bag

Now that I'm almost 36 weeks along, it's time to start packing my hospital bag! Here are all the items I can think of that I plan on bringing with me to the hospital. In some cases, I bring a few things more than necessary because I want my own organic products. I've also listed optional items, gathered some snacks, and created a list of last minute items that I don't want to forget! I hope this is helpful to you!

For the Little Man

• Car Seat! We're installing the base this weekend. ;)
• 4 Outfits - I'm bringing 3 onesies and 1 pair of pjs with footies.
• 2 hats, 2 pairs of mittens, 2 pairs of socks
• 2 swaddling blankets. Mine are from Aden & Anais.
• 4-6 Burp Cloths. I have a mix of organic & regular burp cloths. 
• Organic Cotton Balls - I'm using these with water instead of wipes for the first few weeks. They're also great for wiping eye boogers!
• Diaper Cream - I'm using Seventh Generation because it's fragrance free, hypoallergenic and non-toxic with no parabens or phthalates. Plus it's a Vermont-based company!
• Optional: Diapers - I'm bringing a handful but plan to use as many as the hospital will give me!
• Optional: I'm bringing just 2 multi-use wash clothes for random needs. The hospital will also provide some.
• Optional: Baby Memory Book - for footprints.
• Optional: Pre-sterilized pacifiers.
• Optional: Stuffed animal, blankie or other memory items.
• Optional: Extra lip balm - for me. I spread them throughout the bags so I can always find some!

Labor & Delivery

• Trash bag & an old towel for my seat on the car ride to the hospital.
• Forms: Hospital Forms, insurance information, and several copies of my birth plan.
• Lavender & Peppermint Organic lotions for calming. You could also use essential oils.
• Organic coconut oil- I got mine at Trader Joe's.
• Lavender neck wrap (and/or eye pillow) for relaxation.
• Birthing Ball & pump - the RN on my hospital tour said they don't have many. (On my last minute list.)
• Wood massager
• Pillows (Also on my hospital stay & last minute lists.)
• Wash Cloths 
• Labor Books - I'm bringing Natural Birth the Bradley Way & Active Birth.
• Disposable Flip Flops for walking with swollen feet and taking a shower during & after labor.
• iPod with music doc or Laptop
• Optional: Robe; slippers or socks to walk around in; magazines or light reading.

Breastfeeding

• Nursing Bras - 2-3 in case one gets wet.
• Nipple Cream - I'm using Motherlove Organic cream, but Lanolin is fine.
• Disposable Breast Pads - I'm starting off with Lansinoh Ultra Soft pads.
• Nursing pillow + cover (I'm still waiting for my covers to arrive from Etsy!)
• Optional: Organic Washable Breast Pads -  I'm saving these for home.
• Optional: Breastfeeding book
• Optional: Breast pump - the hospital will provide one or rent one to you if you want.

• Optional: A pre-sterilized Nipple Shield if you anticipate problems with breastfeeding. Ask your lactation consultant about them. 

Hospital Stay Necessities

• Toiletries: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, face lotion, body lotion, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouth wash, floss, minimal makeup, partner's deoderant. (Don't forget those shower flip flops from above!)
• 2 Towels - for showering in case the hospital towels are small. (Remember the third towel is for the car ride!)
• Extra travel size bottles to put soaps in if it's more convenient. 
• Squirt bottle with water or witch hazel for post-delivery recovery.
• Lip Balm
• Hair brush & hair ties
• Vitamins: My organic prenatals from New Chapter, DHA and Iron. 
• Any other medications
• Pillows & a blanket (on my last-minute packing list)
• Tissues
• Empty bag for gifts and hospital extras.
• Empty folder for records, blank paper & pens.
• Cash & change for vending machines
• Camera & charger
• Laptop, Phone & chargers (on my last minute list)
• Clothing: Nursing bras (listed above), maternity underwear, lots of socks, loose clothing for nursing and sleeping, a maternity outfit for when I leave the hospital. Oh, and a few things for my husband! ;)
• Optional: Sound Machine - in case the hospital is noisy.
• Optional: I'm bringing my own organic soap/shampoo for baby from Earth Mama Angel Baby because it's a more non-toxic option than I suspect the hospital might offer. I only need a little, so I'm just putting it in one of my travel-size bottles.
• Optional: Lotion for baby. I am bringing my own Burt's Bees Fragrance Free lotion for the same reason. Not sure how much I'll use since baby doesn't get a bath in the first +12 hours of life. 
• Optional: Journal. I'm leaving it at home because I don't expect to have the energy!
• Optional: Razors, Loufas, Q-tips, Advil

Snacks!

• Water
• Some type of chocolate - obviously!
• Multigrain Pita Chips for sustenance- these are from Trader Joe's.
• Almonds or other nuts/trail mix - protein!
• Granola bars - to keep blood sugar up (mostly for my husband!)
• Peppermint Tea
• Optional: Last minute fresh food (see last minute packing list for ideas).
• Optional: Some women insist on having coconut water because it basically a natural Gatorade, packed with electrolytes. I have tried to like it, but - yuck! 
• Optional: I found this Organic Red Raspberry Leaf Tea from Earth Mama Angel Baby that is supposed to naturally induce labor. I'm not sure if I'll bring it to the hospital since I'll already be in labor, but I might drink it after 39 weeks!

My husband is prone to fainting because when his focus on me, he forgets to eat & drink. My mother-in-law has been telling me that I need an extensive snack collection ready! ;) Don't forget your partner when packing!

My Last Minute Packing List

• Any extra clothes, toiletries or medications I couldn't pack in advance
• Pillows & a blanket
• Birthing Ball (pump is already packed)
• Laptop & Charger
• Phones & Chargers
• WATER
• A peanut butter & jelly sandwich, a banana, an apple, some chedder or any other fresh snacks you or your partner might want.

Leave at Home

• Any clothing you don't want ruined. This is self-explanatory.
• First Aid & Grooming supplies for baby. You'll use them at home soon enough! 
• Deodorant - if you plan on breastfeeding.
• Advil or other medications you might get at the hospital for free.
• Too many diapers - try to get free ones if you can!
• Extra sanitary pads - unless you are particular, get more free things while you can!

While You're Packing

• Make yourself some witch hazel pads and pop them in the freezer for post-delivery care.
• Bring a vase or two out if they're tucked away. ;)
• Tell your partner or other family that will be at your place if you specifically want anything when you return from the hospital. I want some Pinot Noir or champagne, chocolate and a cheese, cracker & fruit spread! ;)

I hope you found this helpful! Let me know if I missed anything!

xo kristen genevieve