Are you getting ready to welcome your bundle of joy soon? How exciting! Whether you are a first time mom or even if this is not your first rodeo, it can be nerve racking to think about all the things you need to bring to the hospital. I thought that I’d share what I packed in my hospital bag for labour and delivery in case it might be useful for you as well. Enjoy!

1. Night gown

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This night gown was so soft, comfortable and stretchy. I wore it during my stay at the hospital and I continued wearing it when I went home – I practically lived in them as I bought a few. It was also easy to breastfeed in it as I could just pop open a button.

2. Nursing bras

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These nursing bras were so comfy! You can unclip them in the front when it’s time to nurse or, if you’re lazy like me, they’re stretchy enough for you to just pull the boob out from the top. They were so well padded that I stopped wearing breast pads after only a couple of days because the pads in the bras prevented leaking on their own.

3. Breast pads

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These worked really well once the milk fully came in but I didn’t use them for long because my nursing bras had a lot of padding.

4. Towel

You can bring any towel from home! Most hospitals provide towels but I just felt more comfortable bringing my own towel from home. It’s up to you!

5. Slippers and socks

Hospitals can get pretty cold so I highly recommend packing a pair of socks and slippers. I just picked up some warm cheap slippers from the dollar store.

6. Flip flops

Also optional but I didn’t want to step on the floor of the hospital showers so I made sure to pack some flip flops for shower time. Again, I got these at the dollar store.

7. Postpartum disposable underwear

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I packed the Always Discreet Postpartum Underwear because I’d heard several good things about them. I didn’t end up using them in the hospital because the hospital provided some amazing disposable underwear and pads which I used during my stay there. I used the Always postpartum underwear when I got home and they worked pretty well.

8. Toiletry and makeup bags

You can pack a toiletry bag and, of course, the makeup bag is optional depending on your preference! Instead of a toiletry bag, I like to buy large ziploc bags from the dollar store which I used to pack and organize all my toiletries. This is useful because you can see everything clearly. Make sure to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, combs, skincare, shower gel, sponge, lotion, deodorant, and so on.

I only ended up wearing makeup when we were leaving the hospital because I wanted to have nice photos and video footage.

Link for my makeup bag

Link for Ziploc bags

9. Drinks and snacks

These are very important! Pack lots of drinks and snacks so that you always have something available to munch on during your stay in the hospital and you don’t have to send your partner to get something for you at the vending machine or food court all the time.

10. Fridamom upside down peri bottle

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I tried to find the Amazon link but it’s sold out on Amazon right now. Guys, this was a game changer! The. Best. Thing. Ever. Right after giving birth (whether vaginally or by c-section) every woman experiences postpartum bleeding. Fill this peri bottle with warm water every time you use the bathroom and spray some water down there to keep you feeling refreshed and clean. The hospital I was at provided a bottle but I didn’t use it because the Fridamom one was way better – the angle of it made it easier to hold and control.

11. Fridamom cooling liners

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Again, I couldn’t get the Amazon link because it’s sold out on Amazon. I ended up having a c-section delivery so I didn’t end up using these even though I’d packed them in my hospital bag. However, many women who’ve had vaginal deliveries vouch for these and say that they work well.

12. Laxative

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Laxatives are a postpartum must have because many women get bloated and constipated after delivery and it can be painful. My hospital provided a laxative that they insisted I use (though it didn’t help at all and I was in a lot of pain) so I didn’t end up using the RestoraLax one even though I had packed it. I’d heard many great things about it from other mothers and I honestly wish I’d used it instead of the one that the hospital provided.

13. Nursing pillow

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Bring your nursing pillow to the hospital with you to make nursing your baby easier!

14. Diapers

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I used the Huggies brand for my newborn baby and they were great.

15. Baby wipes

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I loved these wipes for my baby and I even use them for myself!

16. Baby swaddle

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These easy wrap baby swaddles were so easy to use. I find using normal swaddle cloths difficult because it’s hard for me to make them tight enough. The easy wrap swaddles made the swaddling process a breeze for me.

17. Mom and baby’s going home outfits

Make sure to pack a cute outfit for both you and baby to go home in – and make sure to take lots of pictures and videos to keep as special memories!

18. Phone charger

This seems like a no-brainer but you definitely don’t want to forget your phone charger. Especially because you have to take a bunch of pictures of your little one!

19. Laptop, tablet, and chargers

Depending on how long you’ll be in the hospital for, it’s a good idea to take your laptop and/or tablet with you so that you have something to pass the time with. Make sure to also pack their chargers.

Related topics: Hospital bag checklist, what to pack for labour and delivery, packing your bag for labour and birth