Hey New Mama, how’s your day?

The other morning, I did a Instagram story about what was in my hospital bag and it sparked a conversation along with a lot of DMs. Having a baby is super shocking and somewhat traumatic… the hours and days AFTER you deliver a baby. Before I had Azalea in Feb., I had one girl prepare me for what was to come but honestly I didn’t want her to go into detail. I was scared and wanted to have my own experience and I was one of those googling addiction mamas who looked at every worst case scenario. I was so afraid of dying.…. I’m thankful though because I did get somewhat of an idea for what I was about to endure. I feel prepared. I was ready to have my own beautiful experience even if everything I was told sounded scary. I ended up packing a lot of stuff because I wanted my hubby and I to be comfortable. I wanted to feel like I was at home.

So, in this post we’re going to go over each thing, with links & details.

Here is my simplified version of what to pack in your hospital bag. I kind of waited too long to do this but my baby girl did not want to come into this world as I was almost 42 weeks pregnant by the time they made me get induced. That’s why I actually made a specific Amazon Store called “What’s in my hospital bag” & I also talked about it on my new Instagram account @JennaCamilleBurns. ( Follow along for standout stars & total gems that I just think everyone needs. You’ll find the best, most useful accessories, skin care, office gadgets & just things you can’t live without. )

Truthfully the hospital provides everything you and baby will need while you’re there, down to newborn diapers and the diapers for you to wear too ha not joking… They will also send you home with a bunch of supplies for postpartum to take care of yourself, take them! You’ll be so thankful you did! Also, ask them for extra supplies even if you haven’t run out of pads and witch-hazel. Basically, you’ll just want to bring your comfort items and an outfit or two for baby (which I totally forgot), I only brought a swaddle lol. Thank goodness for the nurses because they grabbed my daughter Azalea the cutest white bunny zip up onesie from the NICU. You’ll also want to bring snacks for your hubby and make sure the car seat is ready for the baby.

The Bag|

I packed a suitcase because the last thing you want is to not have your shoulders weighed down. I like to be able to roll my baggage around and stack other things on top of it. Here is the suitcase I brought…

Conrad needed a bag as well so we purchased this duffle bag by Herschel (He doesn’t know it but I’m going to borrow it.)

SLEEP SHIRT|

This labor and delivery gown unbuttons so you have really easy access if you’re planning on nursing and the doctors can access your backside easier. I like the labor gown to be black just in case it’s a battlefield and we need to be warrior mommas. I also love the sleep shirt nightgown. They’re buttery soft and don’t cling to your new postpartum body. I feel beautiful AND comfy in them. You’ll want to grab a couple extra pairs because you’ll want to wear these everyday for a while.

COMFY SLIPPERS & SOCKS

Hospitals can get cold and who really wants to walk around the cold hospital floors barefoot!? These comfy slippers are so cute and would make a great addition to a new mom survival gift. The hospital usually gives you a free pair of socks.

NURSING BRA

This one is kind of obvious but easily overlooked. This bra is soft enough to wear under your sleep shirt. You’ll definitely want to grab some nursing pads too and/or a milk catcher! The nursing pads I like to use are reusable because I like to think I’m making a difference by helping the environment, I’ve used the disposable ones before and realized the reusable are just like the ones you throw away except you can wash them over and over again. Pick whatever fits your lifestyle but keep the earth in mind mama….Diapers already fill our land fields…

NIPPLE SHIELD

A nipple shield will help curb the pain of those first initial days/weeks of nursing. I kept track of how long the “break in” period was for nipple pain last time and it was about 2 weeks. If you can just get through the first 2 weeks of nursing it will be smooth sailing from there! I PROMISE! The nipple shield helps with nipple pain, latching, etc. I am SO thankful I had this!

Typically the initial latch is the toughest part so I usually wear the nipple shield a couple days in when the pain is peaking. Hang in there momma, it will be SO worth It and always remember that NONE of these tough phases are forever.

NURSING PADS

When I had Logan I would have had no idea what you were talking about. Nursing pads catch the extra milk that comes out of the breast that isn’t being nursed on. When you have a “let down” your other breast will “leak”. Nursing pads are great to wear at all times during your nursing journey.

MILK CATCHER

The original was a Haaka and it saved my life! I was able to store all the milk that otherwise would have been wasted. I ended storing enough that I didn’t have to pump hardly at all. There are a few brands out there. I’ve only ever tried Haaka and it’s amazing and worth every penny. You’ll be SHOCKED at how much milk is saved that otherwise would have been sucked up in a nursing pad. SAVE THE MILK!

MAKEUP WIPES

This may not be necessary for you. I usually walk into the hospital with makeup on, deliver my baby and when I’m ready to go to bed that night I want it off! It’s hard to say what your delivery will be like and whether or not you’ll be able to get up and around right away. I always like to play it safe and pack makeup wipes so I can easily wipe it all off without having to make an extra trip to the bathroom to wash my face.

BABY SOCKS AND MITTENS

Love these velcro mittens, they seem comfier for baby than the elastic kind. And these socks! Love the ribbed detail on them.

VELCRO SWADDLES

I’m TERRIBLE at swaddling babies and it makes me nervous when they wiggle out of them, We have used these velcro swaddles with all the kids and LOVED them. I’ve never brought them to the hospital before but it seems like a no brainer now!

TOOTH BRUSH + PASTE

Another obvious one but easily overlooked when you’re thinking about baby!

SNACKS

I don’t know about you, but I don’t love hospital food. Hospitals make me feel so grubby and I don’t know what their kitchen looks like! lol I always pack snacks because you never know how long you’ll be there and sometimes it isn’t convenient for your hubby to run out for snacks.

GOING HOME OUTFIT

Be prepared for your belly to look like something you’ve never seen before. It’s flabby, it’s sometimes saggy and really squishy. I LOVE high waisted leggings to keep it all in. This might not be common but I remember walking around after I had Logan and if I wasn’t wearing something supportive around my stomach, all the jiggling took my breath away like it was knocking the wind out of me. Who knows what that was but I like to wear things that are comfortable and keep me all in one place.

The nursing tank is also great so you aren’t having to layer a bunch. It will give you easy access, offer support to your tummy and your tatas and you’ll still look cute!

BABY OUTFITS

2-3 should do! The hospital will have extra white ones just in case. But who doesn’t want to take photos of their beautiful new baby in the cutest outfit!?

BABY SWADDLE

Again, mostly for photo purposes. The hospital will have swaddles for your baby but I like to bring a fun color and snap a pic.

MAKEUP

Again this one may not apply to you, but I feel good when I look good. Each delivery, when I wakeup in the morning I brush my teeth and then put my makeup on. It’s a great way to keep your regular routine and feel like yourself. TOTALLY not necessary but I’ve found it helpful to get ready, especially in those early days to give myself a feeling of normalcy. Here’s the makeup bag I use to store all my things and easily pack in my hospital bag.