Great Essentials for Your Hospital Bag

The fantastic thing about the hospital is that they really have the essentials on hand whether it is the fantastic full mesh panties or diapers. In any medical environment where you are excited, nervous, anxious and vulnerable it is beneficial to have the peace-of-mind of bringing what you feel like you will need.

One Tough Mother Postpartum Survival Kit

This kit is created by a local BC Mom and shipping is free in BC as well. This kit is meant you to feel empowered with the essentials that you need for after your birthing experience. Included in this kit:

  • One Tough Mother eBook that provides practical information that will help you understand everything from prenatal course options and whether a doula might be right for you, to how EI works and where the best local Mama and baby hang outs are. Comes with useful checklists and real life Mama experiences.
  • Disposable Nursing Pads (4 sets)
  • Reusable Nursing Pads (1 set)
  • Heavy Pads (12)
  • Witch Hazel
  • Peri Bottle
  • Hospital Grade Mesh Underwear (3 pairs)
  • Nipple Cream
  • Ibuprofen
  • Stool Softener
  • Snack
  • Epsom Salts

Favourites from Home

Comfort is key! Bring your favourite pillows, housecoat, pajamas, baggy sweatpants, and favourite no-slip socks or slippers. Nursing bra or two are important to have on hand. Shirts that make for easy skin-to-skin access are the best to pack. You may not know how long your stay will be so dry shampoo and if you wear make-up basics might be a good item to have on hand for when you have visitors and pictures being taken. Chapstick, brush, deodorant and hair ties. Don’t forget about a few items for your partner too. A bag to put dirty clothing is essential. 

Shower Essentials

Bring large towels from home if you think that will make you feel more comfortable. Flip flops or no-slip shoes are great idea. Bring your favourite body wash. Depending on the length of your stay you might want to have razors on hand for yourself and spouse. Toothbrushes, toothpaste and facewash. 

Playlists

Music can make any experience more enjoyable and sleeping in the hospital can be challenging. Most hospitals have free wifi so I recommend making a few playlists and downloading a few podcasts or streaming your favourite movies or shows to help past the time. Don’t forget your charger! 

Food

Depending on the hospital that you give birth in your food options may be limited. It’s always a great idea to pack snacks for yourself and your partner. Research local food options and download the local food apps whether it be Skip The Dishes or Uber Eats. Pack change for vending machines. Bring a water bottle or a re-usable coffee cup.

Baby Essentials

The hospital will have diapers but can always bring a specific brand or reusable options and bum cream are a great idea. A few onesies as they can get dirtier than you would expect. I would also bring a few different sizes as you can never fully predict what size the baby will be. Bring an extra bag for any essentials that are sent home with you. 

What essentials were you happy you had for your hospital stay? 

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