What’s in my Hospital Bag & an Open Letter to my future Bebe

WHAT’S IN MY HOSPITAL BAG?

In today’s post I’ll be going over what’s in my hospital bag.  A preface to this post is that this is my first pregnancy, so I’m by no means an expert.  All that I did was some research.  Along with asking my followers on Instagram the things they recommend the most.  I have an entire highlight on my Instagram called “Spoopy Bebe” that has all of those answers listed if you’re interested.

It’s completely possible that I have over packed.  I’m the type of person who goes on a weekend trip and brings enough underwear for a week.  However, I’d rather come over prepared than missing items.  In addition I say hospital bag, but I have a few bags.  I’ll go over what’s in those as well.  Once I have the bebe, I’ll make an updated post if there’s anything else that I suggest bringing with you.  In addition, I’ll also be writing an open letter to the baby at the end of this post.  It’ll be a short letter, but I did want to add it to this post.

Related:  My sunflower diaper bag is here!

Diaper Bag: Amazon // Hospital Bag: Amazon

HOSPITAL BAG ESSENTIALS

This is where I’ll talk about the essentials.  In my opinion, I think a lot of what I’m talking about today is essential, but the following list is the true essentials you need.  There are things that are provided to you at the hospital such as the mesh underwear, pads, and breast pumps, but I want to bring my own things.

It just makes the hospital stay a little more pleasant and comfortable.  You’re already going to be in the process of healing whether you have a vaginal or C section birth.  You have to stay longer when you have a C section.  Which is another reason why I have so much in my bag.  As a just in case because as of right now, my doctor doesn’t want to do a C section, but who knows if I’ll have to have an emergency C section.

• Phone Charger: I feel like this is pretty self explanatory.  What I was told in particular was make sure you bring a charger with a long cord.  That’s something A LOT of people made sure to tell me.
• Medication: I bring my medication everywhere as it is, but I have epilepsy so I make sure to always have medication on me.  I currently even have some in my purse as a just in case.  However, make sure you bring your medication and make sure someone at the hospital knows if it’s a medication you have to take at specific times.  My husband will be monitoring the times, but I do have to take my medication twice a day.  So we will be letting the nurses know as well.
• Going Home Outfit: I put this under essential because you want to feel refreshed.  You could always just wear your PJ’s, but I want to wear something fresh home so that it can symbolize a new beginning.  I’m just weird like that.  I chose to go with this dress (the black one because it’s a set) from Boohoo and my Birkenstocks.  I’ll most likely use my robe from my nightgown set as a “jacket” because it’s a thinner material.  What I’ve read is to make sure you bring maternity clothing, don’t bring pre pregnancy clothing.  Some women lose a lot while they’re in the hospital, but you don’t want to have to go home in clothing that is too tight, especially when you’re in the healing process.
• Pajamas/Nightgowns: Technically, you don’t really need these because you will be given a hospital gown, and that will suffice.  However, I wanted to be a little more comfortable and cozy and I decided to bring PJs and a nightgown.  I also made sure to purchase a nightgown/robe set.  The PJs and nightgown I purchased were in the nursing section so that it’s easier to breast feed.  I’m hoping I’m able to breastfeed, but if not that’s ok too.
• Toiletries: loofa, soap and travel size body wash, hand lotion, face creams, shampoo and conditioner, chapstick, toothbrush with toothpaste and mouthwash, and a hair brush.  I feel like these are the normal toiletries I bring everywhere.  The toiletry bag that I bought was this one from Amazon.  I could’ve gotten away with a smaller one, however I figured it was good to have for any future trips.  I was told by numerous people to make sure to have chapstick with you because for whatever reason their lips were so dry in the hospital.  Chapstick is something I always have on me because my lips are dry to begin with so that’s something I was going to have anyway.  In addition, I have a bad habit of biting my lips, so the chapstick helps in preventing me from doing that.
• Scrunchies/Hair Ties: I’ve been wearing scrunchies for the past year, maybe year and a half.  They’ve been really comfortable and they don’t break like regular hair ties.  I don’t have thick hair by any means, but I noticed I always break hair ties.  I bought these scrunchies, and this Betsey Johnson one.  This is when I decided to splurge a little bit.
• Stool Softener: I didn’t even think about this until someone responded to my Instastories.  They told me that (this my be tmi) the first time you go number 2 after birth it feels like you’re giving birth again because everything is healing.  They recommended to get a stool softener to help with this so it’s easier and less intense when I finally go to the bathroom.  I’m sure the hospital would supply me with this, but I figured it’s easier to just have on hand and not have to wait for a nurse to bring it to me.  Especially after one of my emergency room visits.  I had a bad experience with my first accident.  I had told the nurses and doctors as soon as I got to the hospital that I really needed to use the bathroom because I had been holding my pee for my long drive home.  An hour had gone by along with plenty of nurses and doctors being told I needed a bed pan or help to the bathroom.  Finally, I saw an officer outside of my room and I yelled for him to help me.  Well, thankfully that officer was very nice and got the nurses to get me a bed pan.  I’m well aware not every hospital is like this, but it was a bad experience.
• Breast Pads: I may sound like a noob after saying this, but I didn’t even know breast pads were a thing.  One thing I was aware of, was leakage.  However, I didn’t know they actually made pads for your girls to help with this.  I find that so freaking cool.  These are going to be in my hospital bag because I’m sure it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Nipple Cream:  Another thing that I didn’t know existed was nipple cream.  So many people told me to get this, and a lot of articles and blogs I read talked about making sure this was in your hospital bag.
• Maternity Bras:  I have tried so many different maternity bras, including ones other bloggers/influencers have suggested.  None of those recommendations worked for me.  Believe it or not, I bought these maternity bras in pink and black from Shein and they’re wonderful.  I’ve been wearing them during pregnancy too when I’m not wearing a sports bra at work (I walk a lot).  They’ve been great.  They’re super comfortable and supportive.
• Maternity Underwear: These were the normal ones I bought from Amazon after they were suggested.  However, I did also get these super cute ones from Shein (pair #1, pair #2, pair #3).  Those were more for fun because they’re cute and pretty.  The first package of maternity underwear that I shared was because they were normal ones to bring.  I probably won’t need a lot of these, but I wanted to feel cute even after birth.
• Adult Diapers: So many people suggested that I purchase adult diapers.  This is because of the mesh underwear the hospital supplies.  I’ve heard how much they suck for lack of a better term.  I know that I’m going to be uncomfortable as it is.  So I figured, I’d just buy some adult diapers.  Plus, they’ll probably work better than maxi pads.
• Maxi Pads: Even though I’m already bringing adult diapers, I’m going to bring some maxi pads as a backup.  Plenty of people have told me that the pads you get at the hospital are really terrible and go all the way up your back.  Which is why I’ll bring my own that I’m comfortable with and have used in the past.
• Snacks: As a snack queen, I’m surprised that I didn’t think of this sooner.  What happens if I give birth in the middle of the night and I’m hungry afterwards.  I highly doubt anything in my area stays open 24/7 besides maybe 1 or 2 gas stations.  This is a small town, well I consider it a small town.  I’ll be bringing some snacks with me for myself and my husband.  I’m specifically bringing peanut M&Ms.  When I was in the process of my epilepsy diagnosis, my parents bought me a party size bag of peanut M&Ms for me to bring when I had to go to the hospital for monitoring.  I was there for 48 hours and ate almost the entire bag because I wasn’t allowed to sleep so I ate out of boredom haha.  Ever since then, whenever I go to the hospital or for a neurologist checkup I get myself peanut M&Ms.
• Towel: I know that the hospital will provide towels, but I’m weird when it comes to using towels that aren’t mine.  Unless it’s family, that’s different, but I try to avoid using towels at places like hotels at all costs.  I know they wash them, but I’m really weird when it comes to towels.  This is why I’m bringing my own to the hospital.
• Slippers: I don’t like my feet touching surfaces I don’t know.  Which is weird because I’ll walk barefoot outside, but when it comes to hospitals and hotels I’m weird about that kind of stuff.  I bought myself this pair of fuzzy slippers just for fun.  I could’ve easily used ones that I had at home, but I wanted a brand new pair, plus, they’re fuzzy and black.
• Flip Flops:  I’m bringing an old pair of flip flops with me for the shower.  I’m sure hospitals are way more sterile than anything else out there, but again, I’m weird.  I’m not trying to be offensive towards any nurses and doctors who may read this, I know it’s sterile.  It’s just something that’s stuck with me for many years.  I’m not even a huge germaphobe which is the weird part.
• Car Seat: While you obviously can’t fit this in a bag, make sure you have a car seat ready for your trip home.  I know this is probably common sense to some people.  But I’m sure there have been times where babies have come early and maybe parents forgot to put the carseat in.

Related:  The best maternity nightgowns.

EXTRA BAGS

In this section I’ll talk about a few extras and why I have more than one bag.  I actually have three, but I only have two pictured here because I took these photos before my third bag came in.  These three bags are categorized differently so I know exactly where to find everything.

• Breast Pumps (both my manual and electric ones): I bought this manual pump, and this electric pump.  Before you buy them outright though, call your insurance company.  While I’d love to get the affiliate commissions if you purchase through my links, all of this gets very pricey after a while.  And, the tip I got was some insurance companies will either send you a free breast pump, or at a discounted rate.  My Spectra was bought at a discounted rate.  After doing a lot of research and reading reviews, I chose the Spectra as my electric breast pump.  The manual breast pump is a backup, or something I can bring with me in my purse if I’m ever rushing around and forget to pump, I have a manual one.  Both of these are in my hospital bag because I want to ask the Lactation Consultant how to properly use both of them.  I will say that my Spectra was damaged in transit, but their warranty department is great.  They had a new pump out to me within a few days so their customer service was awesome.
• Bebe’s stuff: baby diapers, going home outfit, blanket, toy, etc.  I know the hospital provides diapers and things like that, but I want to bring my own as well.  The going home outfit I chose is super cute, but I’m actually bringing two.  This is because this time of year is weird in Florida.  One day it’s super hot, like dead middle of summer hot, and the next it’s a really nice breezy day.  Because bebe is due in October, I want to make sure I have one outfit that’s great for the breezy day and one that’s great for the summer day.  I have so many blankets and toys, I kind of went overboard.  Since we didn’t plan on having children, we are now planning on this being the only one, so I kind of wanted to spoil bebe in the beginning.
• Makeup: I know some women want a full face of makeup ready for pictures, but because we won’t be doing that, (we weren’t planning on doing it to begin with) but with COVID restrictions, only my husband is allowed in the hospital with me.  However, I might bring a CC cream, or something light just to brighten up my face for when we leave, but I’m not planning on doing a full face of makeup.  I think another reason why is because we are keeping bebe private and not posting anything publicly.  If I do post something publicly, bebe’s face will be covered.  I want the beginnings to be a little more private and intimate.  That’s just what I’m doing and I’m not judging anyone who does the complete opposite.  You do what you want, the last thing I would want anyone to think is that I’m mom shaming.
• Non Slip Socks: I know that I already had slippers on the list of essentials, but I did purchase non slip socks in case the slippers are a little snug.  When the slippers came in, I tried them on and maybe it’s because it was at the end of the day, but my feet were pretty swollen.  Which is why, just in case I’m bringing non slip socks if the slippers are too snug.

Related:  A letter to those who are only telling me the bad about pregnancy and motherhood.

NOT ESSENTIAL, BUT I’M BRINGING IT ANYWAY

I know that you won’t need all of this, nor is it necessary, but I’m bringing it anyway.  I’m sure some of the things I already spoke about aren’t truly necessary because a lot of things are available at the hospital but I want to be a little more comfortable.  Plus, if I do have to go in for an emergency C section, I know I’ll be in the hospital a little bit longer.  As I’ve already said a few times, I’m not a fan of hospitals so being a little more comfortable will be really helpful.

• An extra bag: Ok, hear me out.  I know I already have a few bags, but someone told me to bring an extra empty bag.  This is because any extra diapers or anything like that in the hospital room is ours to keep.  With that being said, since I already know the bill is going to be astronomical (I’m based in the U.S. for anyone who’s unsure) for the hospital, I’m taking the extra stuff.  That way it’ll help for those first few days to have a few extra things.
• Pillow: I bought myself a nice firm pillow with that adorable Frenchie pillow case from Walmart.  It’s definitely not necessary, but I figured it would be more of a luxury item to bring.  A lot of people have told me to bring something from home that smells like home, but I decided not to.  I already have so many things in my hospital bag(s) that I don’t need an extra thing like that.  However, I did want to mention it to anyone who maybe wants to do that.  I wanted to bring an extra pillow for my husband as well so that he was more comfortable, but he asked me not to because I already have so many things to bring.
• Blanket: The hospital provides their own blankets, but I found this really soft blanket at Walmart and I had to have it.  I was going to get two so my husband had one but he refuses since he said the hospital blankets will be enough for him.  That’s on him, I want to be as comfortable as possible!
• Things for nurses: This is listed under the non essential items, and I don’t want any nurses reading this to think I don’t care about them.  It’s just I know a lot of people out there are really budgeting so this may be an expense that they just cannot handle.  So to any nurses, please don’t take this as me thinking any less of you, nurses are heroes in my opinion.  To anyone who can’t afford this, no one should think any less of them either.  I still haven’t gotten these goodies together so I’m hoping bebe can wait and not come early.  I want to make sure I get some snacks and little drinks for the nurses.  One of my bump buddies (I have a few) bought some chocolates and Starbucks frappuccinos.  I was thinking of doing the same thing.  That way, it’s a nice thank you to the nurses who I’m sure deal with a lot of nonsense throughout the day.

Related:  A few of my favorite recipes for a healthier pregnancy.

ANYTHING TO ADD?

If you’re reading this, and you have anything you’d like to add, please leave it in the comments section.  I think any new mom should have all the support and information she needs.  This is my first baby, so I’m a newbie.  I only have what’s in my hospital bag currently thanks to research and advice that I decided to seek out.  Before moving on to the letter, below is a compilation of everything linked above.

LETTER TO BEBE

Hello Bebe!

You should be arriving in less than a month, and hopefully you wait until your actual due date.  The reason why is because that’s your dad’s birthday too.  It would be really awesome for you two to celebrate your birthdays together.  Especially because he hates his birthday and “cancels” it every year.  This way, he wouldn’t be allowed to cancel it.  Even though you’re starting to make things very uncomfortable for me, and I’m sure you’re starting to get squished, I really hope you wait until your actual due date.  If you’d like to be born on my birthday, I’m totally down to share my birthday with my badass child.

You have already been referenced as a “covid baby” or a “pandemic baby” but I want you to know, you’re not a covid or pandemic baby, you’re a baby.  Your dad and I may have not been expecting you, but you are by no means a result of a pandemic.  Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.  In my opinion, it diminishes your future existence on this earth.  I hate that people have dubbed it down to these babies being the result of a pandemic.  If I’m being honest, you being called that probably angers me more than it’ll ever anger you.

I truly hope that you love the new life you’re about to come into.  Your dad and I have been getting everything ready for you kind of last minute.  The doctor told us you’re measuring a little bit ahead of schedule. But today we go for an ultrasound to see how big you really are.  With that said, we had to start getting everything ready for you.  Your dad and I won’t get everything right, but we’re going to do the very best we can.  There will be good and bad days, I get it, I was young once.  Just know, that we are trying our very best to give you the life you deserve.

I can’t wait to see who’s eyes you’ll have.  I’m hoping you’ll have your dad’s eyes and hair.  That way you won’t be as blinded by the sun as I am (I have light eyes, your dad has dark eyes), and if you can inherit your father’s Italian thick hair, I’ll be so happy for you.  My thin hair is a curse haha!  I wonder what you’ll look like since you’ll be mostly Polish with Italian and a tiny bit of German mixed in there.  I’m hoping that you have your dad’s wit and cleverness.  It’ll be really fun to see your dad meet his own match.

We are so excited to meet you our little bebe.  We will see you soon.

Related:  Can we stop mom shaming/judging?