December 31, 2021

What to carry in the maternity bag for the hospital: essentials for the mother

If you're reading this post, you're probably pregnant or helping someone who is, so congratulations! The start of the third trimester is a good time to start thinking about what you want to pack in your maternity bag for the hospital for the day of delivery and the first few days postpartum, whether at home or in the hospital. This list that we share with you is the result of conversations with many mothers and is equally useful for all birth options: hospital, home birth or birth in maternity homes.

In this article you will find:

✔️ Our secret to organizing your bag ↪That will help you have what you need at hand ✔️ Maternity bag for the day of delivery ✔️ Maternity bag for the first days postpartum

Want to plan your postpartum period like a pro? Discover everything no one has told you about the real postpartum experience in our guide—you'll be glad you knew!

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OUR BEST ADVICE: PACK YOUR HOSPITAL BAG WELL

Our first recommendation is that organize everything you're going to take with you in 3 different bags:

A for childbirth
A for the baby (we'll talk about it in another post)
One with what you'll need first days postpartum (whether you are in the hospital or at home.)

If you're having your baby in the hospital, keep in mind that most moms stay in the hospital for between 1 and 5 days, so it's worth packing a bag for 3 days and leaving another one ready at home so someone can bring it to you if you have to stay longer.

Let's get into the details!

Hospital bag 1: essentials for mom on the day of delivery

There are as many births as there are women: natural, by cesarean section, short, slow, or very slow. So it's worth preparing yourself so you can... Create a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere with your music, aromatherapy, or whatever you deem necessary so that the process you go through is the best it can be.

Before we review the list, let us tell you the most important thing: have all the documentation you need to take ready: health card, ID, birth plan, and a folder with all your pregnancy documents.

A large t-shirt or Comfortable nightgown to wear during the first hours of labor (It should be easy to put on and take off if you want to get in the shower or bath). Sometimes it's practical to wear a sarong if you're induced or need antibiotics, since you'll have the cannula in.
If you want to be part of the process in the water, bring a dark top for when you're in the bathtub.
Shoes that they can put on and very easy to remove, and that they can get wet.
Diadem, band or rubber bands for hair.
Lip balm (This is extremely important; you have no idea how much you miss it when you don't have it.)
Bottle reusable water.
A speaker and music ready. Relaxing or meditation music can be very helpful during contractions and dilation.Some mothers need to put on headphones and tune out the noise in the room with their favorite music, but having music in the room helps your support team get on the same wavelength. It's up to you!
Maternity pads (We recommend those with gauze on top, especially in the first few days.)
Hot/cold pack to relieve perineal pain, sterile gauze and a freezer bag so you can put it in the refrigerator
Perineal bottle and Dead Sea salts, to wash yourself every time you go to the bathroom or change your sanitary pad
Postpartum panties, It's better if they're without a mesh, as they're more comfortable, and great if they offer some support.

If you want to breastfeed:

Bras or nursing tops to take after childbirth
Nipple balm, Your nipples will thank you for being prepared :)
Silicone nipple covers (You might not need them, but it's fantastic to have them on hand if you do)

Other essentials you'll be glad to have on hand:

Comfortable clothes which will make breastfeeding easier for you
Toiletry bag with toothbrush, toothpaste, and soaps that are as neutral as possible. Babies are very sensitive to smells, so it's best to minimize perfumes and scents in soaps.
Comfortable socks and comfortable shoes.
Pajamas, nightgowns or pajama-style pants very wide and soft, because the whole body is super sensitive during the first few days.
A bag for dirty clothes
A mobile phone charging cable It's quite long, because the beds are always very far from the electrical outlets in hospital rooms.

Hospital bag: essentials for the mother in the immediate postpartum period

The Disposable panties are perfect for the first 2 days, But make sure you pack cotton underwear that's flexible, comfortable, and dark-colored (they always get stained in the first few days). If you're having a vaginal birth, they should be high-waisted and offer good support for your belly, and if you're having a cesarean section, they should sit above or below the incision.
Many postpartum compresses with gauze, since the bleeding is heavy in the first few days and can last up to 6 weeks (it eases up each week but at the beginning the bleeding can be heavy)
Nursing pillows (For the hospital it's more practical to use disposable masks, and reusable ones at home)
warm socks and comfortable sweaters, sometimes hospitals are quite cold.
A change into comfortable clothes for the day you return home.
Comfortable Crocks-style shoes To go home, your feet will probably still be swollen and you'll appreciate being able to put them on easily.
The person who accompanies you You should also bring a bag., that are sometimes forgotten 😉
Super tip for the first few days: ask someone in your circle (mother, father, in-laws, siblings or friends) that they send you 1 liter of homemade bone broth every day, You can take it throughout the day. It's miraculous for postpartum recovery, and you're sure to find plenty of volunteers. We've included our [link/resource] here. favorite recipe.