Hospital “Go-Bag”/Packing List
The closer you get to your due date you will find nearly everyone asking if you are ready and “is your go back packed?”. I started to get anxious when people asked if my “go-bag” was packed and ready go. I literally had no idea what I needed in that bag. Being a new mom to be, who knows nothing…I found myself scouring the internet for what exactly I needed. I found several lists that I cross referenced for similar items that seemed vital for my go bag. While I did find most of the lists to be helpful, they were also very much overwhelming. By the time I finished reading and cross referencing, I still felt like I was left with a long packing list that would require a huge suitcase.
Once I compared all the lists to see what the most common items were and I contacted all my friends who had babies within the last few years to give me their best advice on what I actually needed. So, this is my way of paying it forward and letting you know what I packed and what I actually needed/used. Spoiler alert: my list/s are much longer that what I actually used…
MAMA:
-Nursing friendly comfy PJ’s (I brough 2 pairs: 1 nursing friendly jogger set from Tommy John and 1 soft nursing friendly gown from Target)
-Comfy underwear
–Nursing friendly tops: I wore these oversized t-shirt almost every day.
-comfy pants/joggers: best joggers
-sweater
-pillow
-toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, razor, face wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)
-make up
-Hair brush and dry shampoo
-Diffuser/essential oils (calming: ie lavender)
–cordless headphones (aftershokz)
DADDY:
-comfy lounge wear
-nice shirt for photos
-toiletries
-computer/tablet
-charger cables (long cables)
-blanket
BABY:
-go home outfit
-extra onsie
-bag to take home all the supplies from your hospital room (trust me, you’ve paid for it…it’s alllll yours!)
EXTRAS:
-ALL THE SNACKS: we did a Sam’s/Costco trip to pick up granola bars, chips, fruit snacks…ect. Just bring anything that can keep well in your bag and help tie you over in a pinch.
-Drinks: we brought Gatorade, sparkling water, smart water and anything else you may want that won’t be available at the hospital.
-camera: your phone camera will probably do; you just want to make sure you won’t miss any of the special moments!
In hindsight, I am glad I packed my own pillow, wish I had packed my own blanket for my husband. I was a flaming hormonal mess and wanted the air turned down to artic levels. He was freezing, he won’t admit it but he probably would have enjoyed an extra non-hospital blanket. But outside those items I realized I severely over packed! That being said, I do believe its probably better to be over packed and prepared than to be stuck at the hospital wishing you had something you didn’t pack.
I ended up going to the hospital on a Tuesday night and came home on a Friday late afternoon. I realized after getting home, that I really only used my going home outfit and my toiletries. I had severely overpacked. I know that everyone’s birthing experience is different and our needs are all different. However, I do believe this so called “go-bag” you need to have ready to go in a moment’s notice is not as stressful as everyone makes it out to be. Just remember you going to the hospital, a place that is built to save lives and keep people alive. They are equipped with literally everything you may need!
My birth experience was less than pleasant. Unfortunately, I ended up with a 4th degree tear in addition to another tear. I felt terrible after birth, I struggled with getting out of bed without help and I was less than interested in the food they kept brining us each meal. I ended up not wearing any of my “comfy” pj’s or any of the outfits I brought, not even my own underwear. I stayed in the hospital gown and wore the mesh garments and post-partum pads they provided as well as used the ice packs from the hospital (frozen diapers). Bottom line is I was uncomfortable and nothing was going to help that, not even putting on my own “comfy” loungewear I had packed. Let alone, I was bleeding a lot so I figured why would I want to ruin my clothes. I definitely didn’t have the energy to put on make-up and get all dolled up. Basically, the take away is don’t stress about having your bags packed, sure have your toiletries ready to grab in a pinch but as for everything else just know the hospital is fully equipped with all the other necessities.
Even though I ended up not needing much from my list, I will say the most important things would be to have plenty of snacks and then maybe anything to keep your husband/partner comfortable and occupied so you don’t have to listen to how “uncomfortable” they are…as if you have the patience to listen to that. Also, added to the list would be to make sure you have your electronic devices and chargers. Anything else you may forget; the hospital should be able to provide.