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You probably think you are all set for the big day. Like most new moms, you’ve probably Googled “What should I pack in my hospital bag for labor?”. I’m sure you found a beautiful printable with a checklist of everything you could possibly need. I hate to be a dream crusher, but there are so many things you need that no-one tells first time moms. One of them being what you really need in your hospital bag for baby delivery.
I get it. No one wants to be the person who tells it like it is and scares new moms.
Here’s the thing- this post won’t scare you. It’s not intended to!
Instead, I wrote it to prepare you because I wish someone had prepared me. So toss out everything you may have learned about packing for the hospital for a new baby. I’m about the blow your mind and truly prepare you. I still don’t feel like a pro at parenting, but after birthing 3 kids, I do have some pretty stellar advice on what you should pack in your hospital bag.
What You Really Need in Your Hospital Bag for Baby Delivery
Let’s dive right in, shall we? I’m not going to start with the basics. Nope. I’m going to go ahead and list out the items that no one else tells you that you MUST have in your labor and delivery hospital bag.
What no one tells you to pack in your labor and delivery hospital bag
PREPARATION H®– I hate to tell you this, but if you deliver vaginally, you might end up with hemorrhoids. Heck, I’ll go ahead and admit that I had hemorrhoids during pregnancy. And y’all, it is not fun. You know what else isn’t fun? Dealing with hemorrhoids on top of a vaginal tear after 3 hours of pushing. Even if you have a C-section, you could still deal with hemorrhoids left over from pregnancy. Be prepared with PREPARATION H® . There are two great products I’d recommend:
Go ahead and buy both (click on the image above to buy right now). You’ll want the PREPARATION H® Rapid Relief with Lidocaine Cream for right after delivery and the PREPARATION H® Totables to keep in your diaper bag once you are home. I think they are great for when you are changing your pad. Go ahead and use the wipe too. It has witch hazel in it which is perfect for vaginal tears. Have I terrified you yet? I just want you do be prepared and know that hemorrhoids are easily treated. Learn some more information about Preparation H and hemorrhoid relief at the end of this post.
Good, expensive pads
I am just as passionate about this item as I am about PREPARATION H®. Buy the best, most expensive pads on the market. You know how cheap I am, right? Well, let me tell you something. The cheap hospital pads do nothing. They barely even soak up the blood. And they smell. So treat yourself, girl. Go buy the most expensive pads you can find. You deserve it. You just gave birth.
Throw away underwear
Yes, you need to go to the store right now and buy the cheapest and most comfortable underwear you can find because even with the best pads, you will probably bleed through your underwear. The hospital will probably provide you with some mesh panties. If they do, go ahead and ask for a couple extra to take home. You think I’m joking but I’m not. You’ll thank me later.
Nipple cream
If you plan to breastfeed, your nips are about to go for the ride of their lives, and not necessarily in a good way. A little nipple cream helps so much. Some hospitals provide some but not all. Make sure to bring some with you just in case.
Bathrobe
I see this on the list of “nice to have in your hospital bag” all the time, and I think it should be on the “must have in your hospital bag” list. Why? If you expect a lot of visitors you will want something that can cover you up quickly. Boobs will be all over the place, you might have blood stained pants, and you may even have pee and poop on you. A bathrobe can hide all of this.
Snacks & drinks
You must bring your own snacks, and if you like something other than water, bring beverages too. Yes, the hospital will provide three meals a day, but you will probably get hungry in between. Grab some of your favorite snacks to help you power through between meals.
Comfortable going home clothes
Don’t pack cute clothes in your hospital bag for your going home outfit. Not unless the clothes you pack are cute and ultra comfortable. Comfort will be the key here. Remember this: you are not Kate Middleton and no one is taking your picture as you leave the hospital. You have permission to leave in pajamas if you feel like it.
Extra pillow
Once again, this is something that I see on the “nice to have for your hospital bag list”, but never on the must have list. Listen to me, girl. You need an extra pillow. If you don’t use it, your partner will and will be eternally grateful.
Nursing pillow
If you plan to nurse, you absolutely need this! So often I see this on the “nice to have list” when in reality you need it if you plan to use it at home. Why not bring it so the lactation consultant can help you maneuver it? This will save you so much time later on at home.
Swaddle
The nurses do an amazing job of swaddling your precious new baby just right. They will swaddle them and then leave you will a content baby for about 10 minutes until the baby poops or decides to eat and want skin on skin time. Then you will unswaddle the baby and if you are anything like me you will cry and have a complete meltdown when you unsuccessfully try to reswaddle your baby. Enter a ready made swaddle. There are so many brands out there. Buy one that wraps or zips or ties or velcro. Just buy one and pack it for when you’ve buzzed the nurse 10 times in the last hour and just want to successfully swaddle on your own.
Laptop
Lots of hospitals these days have amazing movie selections in labor and recovery rooms. However, yours may not. Ask during your hospital visit and if they answer is no, bring a laptop so you and your partner can watch movies together.
Mouthwash
You’ll have a new baby. You may not feel up to brushing your teeth. Pack mouthwash just in case.
Eye mask
Here is something no one tells you: nurses will be in and out of your room every couple of hours. Maybe more. Even if you baby is sleeping, allowing you to rest, the nurses will not let you rest. They will come in to check on your vitals and to check on the baby. Get an eye mask so you can get a little extra shut eye when the door opens or so you can take a nap during the day.
Don’t Let Hemorrhoids Make Postpartum Worse
Even though you’re going to be excited to meet your new bundle of joy, postpartum life is tough. Don’t let hemorrhoids make it worse. PREPARATION H® provides relief from hemorrhoids. I’m talking real relief, as in no feeling at all. When you squeeze a nearly 9 pound baby out, you need a little relief somewhere on your body. No more pain, itching, or burning. There are two products I recommend:
- PREPARATION H® Rapid Relief with Lidocaine Cream- the powerful combination of maximum strength lidocaine, plus glycerin that provides a soothing protective layer, to offer relief of hemorrhoid symptoms. This has the highest strength lidocaine available without a Rx. (5%)
- PREPARATION H® Totables- I really love the portability of this discreet, travel size product. These things are individually wrapped, making it the perfect relief when you are on the go with a new baby. It’s flushable, septic safe, gentle, and safe to use with the Prep H Cream.
Both products can be purchased at Walmart near the pharmacy.
To qualify for Visa ® Rewards Virtual To qualify for Visa ® Rewards Virtual Account from Fandango, purchase at least 2 participating Prep H or Wipe products in one transaction at participating Walmart stores between 09/11/2019 and 11/11/2019.
Be sure to retain your receipt. For full offer terms visit www.activaterewards.com/PrepH *Online purchase excluded. No manual reproductions will be accepted. One reward per receipt submission. Must be a resident of the U.S. Reward link is void if not activated by 11/30/2019 and Virtual Account is void if not used within 2 months from the date of online reward link activation. Virtual Account can be used online wherever Visa debit is accepted for purchase(s) up to $5. Use is governed by terms in Accountholder Agreement at www.activaterewards.com/virtualvisa/terms_and_conditions. If lost or stolen cannot be replaced. No cash value, except as required by law. Not valid with any other offer. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid only in the U.S. Limit 2 rewards per household. Virtual Account issued by MetaBank®, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. This optional offer is not a MetaBank, nor Visa, product or service nor does MetaBank, nor Visa, endorse this offer. Fandango Loyalty Solutions, LLC is not a sponsor or co-sponsor of this program. See www.activaterewards.com/PrepH/Details for full details. Disclaimer: For children under 12 years of age, consult a doctor. Please read the package for product warnings and complete labeling informationDisclaimer: For children under 12 years of age, consult a doctor. Please read the package for product warnings and complete labeling information
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