When you’re a first time mom, figuring out what you need to bring to the hospital can be really confusing. Obviously, you have no idea what to expect, which means you’ll either not bring enough, or you’ll bring way too much. With my first child, I was not prepared at all because when I was admitted to the hospital 10 days prior to my due date, I hadn’t even packed a bag yet. Way to procrastinate, I know. But while being there I certainly learned what you do and do not need to bring with you to the hospital. You can find endless amounts of articles on the internet about what you SHOULD pack in your hospital bag, but today I’m actually going to tell you what you DO NOT need to pack in your hospital bag. There are a few things that you really do not need to bother with and if you do, you’ll just be wasting space in your bag. So here’s my list of items NOT to pack in your hospital bag for your maternity stay in the hospital.
1. Underwear
Okay, I already know what you’re thinking – “There’s no way I’m not going to wear underwear at the hospital!” I completely agree with you, but here’s the thing – you will be wearing underwear, just not your own. The hospital provides these amazing mesh underwear for you to wear after birth which is perfect because one, they’re stretchy as heck which means they’re super comfy, and two, since you’re going to be bleeding after birth you won’t care if you get blood all over those things. You can just throw them away and put on a new pair. No sense in ruining your perfectly good underwear from home.
2. Diapering Products
You’re having a baby, which means you’re going to need diapers and wipes to change them right? Wrong! The hospital will have wipes, diapers, and even diaper cream for you if you need it. Don’t wast space in your bag for stuff like that.
3. Pre-Pregnancy Clothes
Look ladies, I know as first time moms we all think as soon as that baby pops out that our bodies are going to go back to their glorious pre-pregnancy weight and shape. Well, I have bad news for you…you’re still going to have a belly. That means your pre-pregnancy clothes still aren’t going to fit. So bring some comfy maternity clothes to wear in the hospital as well as for the trip home. Trust me, the last thing you want is anything tight around your stomach (especially if you have a c section) or anything tight “down there.”
4. Full Beauty Bag
I know we all have wonderful aspersions to look like those beautiful mamas we see on Pinterest after they’ve given birth, but the reality is you probably won’t have time, or energy, for that matter, to shower, shave your legs, blow dry your hair, then curl it, then do a full face of make up. I was in the hospital for 3 days after I had my son because he came via C-section and guess how many times I was allowed to shower? ONCE! Just bring a few makeup essentials and maybe a curling iron to style your unwashed hair. But don’t think you’ll be doing full glam, because you won’t. There just won’t be time to do all of that between taking care of a newborn and getting rest.
5. Feminine Pads
I’m sure you already know that you’re going to bleed after birth. A whole lot actually. As a first time mom you might automatically think you need to pack some pads to soak up all that blood. Well guess what? The hospital gives you these giant pads that are the most amazing thing ever for after birth. Trust me, you’ll need the biggest pads you can get, and they have them already there for you. You can also take a bunch when you leave, so take as many as you can because you’ll need them for a few weeks.
6. Your Bed Pillow
Okay, I’m sure there will be lots of moms that disagree with me on this but honestly, the hospital has A MILLION pillows for you to use. If you like having your head more elevated, then ask for more pillows. Don’t waste space in your bag or in your hands to bring your pillow from home. I do, however, suggest that you bring a nursing pillow, especially if it will be your first time nursing. Nursing can be really difficult and confusing and having a nursing pillow to help support you and your baby will make it much easier.
7. Entertainment
So, I know you’re probably thinking you’ll need to pack a few books and movies to occupy all that down time when you’re in the hospital, right? Well, let me clue you in on something – there is no down time. Okay, so technically there is, but when you do have a few minutes when you’re not taking care of your new baby, you should be SLEEPING. You will be so tired after you’ve had your baby and when you go home you won’t have nurses there 24/7 to take care of you and your baby. You’ll be doing a lot more of the work yourself the second you walk out of that hospital, so you’ll need all the rest you can get. If you want to bring like one book, then go ahead, but don’t bring so many books and movies thinking that you’ll be on a vacation for a few days with nothing to do, because, trust me, you won’t.
8. No Extra Room
I know you can’t technically “pack” this but trust me you will not want to pack your bag so full that you don’t have any extra room to take anything home. While at the hospital you will get diapers, wipes, pads, underwear, nipple cream, a bugger sucker, a water cup, gifts from visitors, etc. You will need extra room in your bag, or even a separate bag for all that stuff, otherwise you’ll be making a million trips to and from your car and your hospital room.