Did you know that you need a whole separate bag for all of your postpartum goodies? The reasoning is simple, when you are in labor, you won’t necessarily want to lug in all of your stuff, especially if you aren’t certain whether that wetness in your pants is amniotic fluid or pee.

If your labor and postpartum stuff is packed together, you may find that you have to search through multiple bags just to find your phone charger or tooth brush. Then, at least in most hospitals, you have to pack up everything and move to a different postpartum room, maybe even a different floor. Do you really want to have to get that big ole cart to move all of your luggage? For most person the answer is simply “no thanks.”

I also want to remind you, that these items are just for added comfort.  You actually NEED very little for your actual stay, so don’t sweat it if you leave anything off the list.

Just as a reminder, these are the things in your labor bag that you will be using during your postpartum stay (the labor bag will go to pospartum with you, so no need to pack two).

• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Hair Ties
• Snacks (but maybe you could pack some more)
• Blankets (2) and Pillows (2)
• Phone Chargers
• Water Bottle with Straw

Here are a few items that will really make your postpartum stay a little easier.

For Mom:

• Robes/Nightgowns (2-3 short ones): I used to say nightgowns, but think robes work even better for skin to skin and there are a ton of cute ones on the market.
• Going home outfit for mom: whatever you will feel most comfortable in, just make sure it from your maternity wardrobe and not your pre-pregnancy clothes. Just because the baby is out doesn’t mean your uterus is back to normal size!
• Nursing Bras (2-3): If you want to wear a bra during your hospital stay, plan to pack one for each day.
• Underwear (0): Just wear the (non) sexy mesh underwear from the hospital.
• Shampoo/Conditioner/Soap/Lotion/Deodorant
• Hairdryer/Straightener/Curling Iron: You may not want them, but they typically do amazing pictures of the family while you are there, so whatever your daily hair routine looks like, plan for it.
• Photo Outfit: Something that will be camera ready, yet easy to wear.  Think solid colors.
• Makeup: See above. ?
• Nursing Pillow: If you want, totally not necessary, you can use extra pillows.
• Breastpump: Check to see if your hospital will provide a pump should you need it during your stay.

For Partner:

• Clothes (2-3 outfits): Packing button downs can really help modest partners who may want to do skin to skin.
• Pajamas: If you can stay the night at the hospital it is usually a huge help!
• Family Photo Outfit: Talk to decide together how matchy-matchy you want to be, again think solid colors.
• Anything from the above list that you need for personal hygiene that is different from Mom’s.

For Baby:

• Wrap Shirts: These tend to be a little easier the first few days.
• Outfits (4-6, 2-3 size newborn, 2-3 size 0-3 months). If you end up with a really long baby, they may not fit in newborn sizes.
• Family Photo Outfit and/or any special prop you may want to use!
• Car Seat: This may be the most important thing on any list, the hospital can usually help with other things.
• Baby Book: The nurses can help you with footprints.
• Blanket: For the ride home.

For Big Siblings:

• A gift from baby! This is a fun way for them to feel included.
• A picture from when they were a newborn. This can often be an uncertain time. Showing a picture of when they were little will help them understand that this is all “normal,” even though it feels pretty new to them.
• A special job: If they are old enough, have them and their caretaker work on a special job to prepare the house/nursery for when mom and baby come home. This will help reenforce that you will be home soon. Ideas: put diapers in the changing station, move the baby swing to the living room, pack snacks for beside Mommy’s bed, do the dishes (wouldn’t that be awesome!), etc.

Things you DO NOT need to pack:

• Diapers/Wipes
• Lanolin
• Underwear for mom
• Pads (for breasts and bottom)

Things to take with you when you leave:

• Peribottle
• Opened packs of anything (check with the nurses, but most of these are OK)
  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Pads
  • Lanolin
  • Chucks Pads
  • Shake and Break Pads
• Peribottle
• Peribottle
• Peribottle, please don’t forget this!

Here are a few things I love. These links will take you directly to Amazon and I’ll e:

Honestly, I am also in love with the entire maternity/nursing line from Latchedmama.com!