Congratulations Momma!
It’s an incredible journey that God grants us as He bestows these precious souls as gifts for us, to raise characters for His kingdom.
We are currently 33 weeks along with our fourth baby and feeling ecstatic to meet the little one. While packing up for myself, I felt compelled to create this quick guide to ease the stress for others as they decide what to pack for their hospital stay.
This may not be an exhaustive list but it is unique to c-section mommas since that’s all I know (see our third c-section birth story here).
WATCH some tips on Postpartum Recovery and Newborn Care HERE
What else would you bring to the hospital for your stay?
See a clip of some packing basics for Mom
Feel free to comment below.
Packing for Mom
Comfy LOUNGEWEAR: Feeling cozy, clean, and comfortable is crucial post-partum. Bring loose-fitting clothing that still makes you feel fresh. You won’t want tight waistbands especially post c-section. Here are some of my favorites:
Classic Pajamas - buttery soft jammies with button down for easy nursing
Robe - a cozy robe will help to make you feel at home.
Don’t forget to include a comfy “going home” outfit, preferably with a high waistband (try Blanqi Postpartum Leggings or use their Maternity Belly Support *look for sales).
Slippers & socks - anything cozy and preferably with non-slip soles.
Sleep Mask - may help with all of the nightly nurse check-ins and hospital lights.
Facial Masks - because of the times we’re living in.
BREASTFEEDING support: Remember that fed is best. So while you’ll want to utilize the lactation team to help you adjust to this new skill, if it doesn’t work out, that’s okay! Read this blog if you’re struggling. Here are some helpful accessories to support you:
Boppy Pillow - feels great over an incision as protection too
2-3 Nursing Bras (some brands to consider below)
Lansinoh nursing pads or a reusable one like these washable Blanqi ones.
Lansinoh COOLING gel pads (these have been a favorite since our firstborn or you can find a reusable kind).
Milk catcher - don’t waste a single drop with this Milkies Milk-Saver.
Nursing tanks - Blanqi or Target, something easy to pull down for quick access.
Manual breast pump - sometimes the hospital will give you one but this Haakaa Gen 2 Silicone Breast Pump has come highly recommended. Try this Medela, new Pump In Style electronic pump for more serious pumping
Heat pad - This can multifunction for sore back muscles or be used to soothe engorged breasts, applying heat before a nursing session to help with your “let-down”. We love this thermophore one that gives off some moisture.
Water bottle - Need a good water bottle to stay hydrated. Try a Thermos one-handed release one.
Hydroflask with sports cap, Yeti, & Thermoflask with straw are some other favorites.
TUMMY BINDER: Post-c-section leaves you feeling like your belly is going to fall out from under you. Having a binder of some sort to strap on when you stand up to walk can help you feel more “put together”.
BATHROOM RECOVERY: Disposable Underwear is an absolute MUST! These will keep pads in place and be comfortable enough for dealing with a c-section incision. The hospital may provide a peri bottle to help with perennial care but you may want one or two for home.
*Hint: Feels so nice when filled with warm water.
And, don’t forget your favorite hygiene pads and perhaps a cooling pad for underneath. Remember Colace stool softeners are also a must for post-c-section mommas who don’t want to get constipated.
Ice Pack - Find incision pain relief from your cesarean with an ice pack to lay gently on top.
HYGIENE ACCESSORIES:
Shampoo & Body Wash - We love Honest Company lavender wash for baby.
Lotion or Body oil - I love the Honest Company Mama Care oil or make your own with coconut oil, adding your favorite essential oil scents.
Hairdryer, brush, & hair ties - I personally love the Wet Brush
Chapstick - to soothe dry lips. I like eos USDA Organic Lip Balm - Sweet Mint
Make-up & removal wipes - nothing fancy just touch-ups for pictures.
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Deodorant - I really like Schmidt’s Deodorant Sticks Charcoal Scent
Shower Flip Flops
ENTERTAINMENT:
Books - There is nothing like a good book to engage your frontal lobe and reduce screen time. I’m in the middle of The Seven Levels of Intimacy by Matthew Kelly and will be starting Why Motherhood Matters: An Invitation to Purposeful Parenting by September McCarthy (See her Etsy shop for more amazing goodies!)
Bible or Devotional - to keep your mind on things above!
Phone - Try to limit screen time when you can but clear your phone for all the pictures you’ll want to take of your precious new addition.
Charger & extension cord - You’ll need a longer cord to reach the outlet on the wall behind your bed.
Healthy SNACKS - bring fiber and nutritious-filled snacks that are your favorite to munch on during late-night nursing sessions.
DOCUMENTING BABY:
Baby Announcement - There are so many ways to announce a baby’s arrival but some of our favorites are: Felt Like Sharing Letterboard, Sage.De.Belle. Milestone Discs, (Zvili has a gorgeous, more expensive wood cut-out version), OR my cousin’s wonderful trade of custom pennants from Eventide Pennant Co. to announce your baby’s new name or even track milestone growth.
Baby Book or Journal - As You Grow Modern Memory Book or Promptly Journal - Post-Partum Journal or Childhood History Journal are some of our favorites.
Packing for Baby
Watch a clip of some packing basics for BABY
PACIFIERS: Some new parents are hesitant with pacifiers because they are afraid their baby might have nipple confusion and not want to nurse but if you’re not worried about that and want them to take to a soother right away try some of these brands that are our favorite:
Bibs - natural rubber made in Denmark
Ryan & Rose -stage 1
Frigg - Daisy style, natural rubber made in Denmark
*You may also want a pacifier clip and a holder case to keep 2 sterile.
CLOTHING: zippered sleepers are a MUST (Try Goumi Kids, H&M Baby, Target, or Old Navy)
Onesies & a “Going Home Outfit”
Hat & Accessories (Lou Lou & Company, Hadley Girl)
SWADDLES: We have one from Lou Lou Company that we love for its comfy stretchy fabric but we also love Aden + Anais Muslin swaddles and Mushie (rainbow, or fog design). We have also heard amazing reviews of the Miracle Blanket Swaddle Wrap.
BURP CLOTHS: Muslin burp cloths are so soft, also check out the Mushie contour design.
DIAPERS & WIPES: Let’s be honest, we stock up on the Kirkland brand at Costco during a sale but they don’t come in newborn sizing so our favorite newborn brands are: Pampers Swaddlers, Honest, or Hello Bello. The hospital should provide you with some while you’re there.
*The hospital will also provide body wash for baby’s first bath but we love, Honest Company lavender wash.
NURSING SUPPORT: Boppy Pillow - feels great for momma and keeps baby close for a nice latch. Don’t forget a couple of extra covers.
*Mom might have already packed this in her list above but it is also nice to have a manual breast pump, especially if she has one leaky side. The Haakaa Gen 2 Silicone Breast Pump has come highly recommended.
BABY WRAP: If you’ve had a c-section, you won’t feel comfortable with a wrap tied around your waist for a long time. Yet, you might want to consider one for later. Try a Solly Baby or Ergobaby 360 you can purchase an infant insert for the Ergo (We have used our Ergo for years!)
Lastly, Don’t forget a CAR SEAT: We really love our Britax B-Safe but you also might want to consider an One4Life ClickTight All-in-One that can be used from infancy (5lbs to 120lbs) up to booster status. We’ve also heard great things about Chicco and Graco.
A Portable Sound Machine could help with sleep transitions as baby grows.
We are so thrilled for you and your new addition!
Remember, there is really no right or wrong way to pack for your hospital stay. These are only some helpful tips. As you navigate this precious time, you may battle some heavy emotions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, know that your experience is valid, and find encouragement that you are not alone (see some older blogs of mine related to motherhood)!
Postpartum Recovery & Newborn Care
Click on the image below to watch
