This is my third time having a hospital delivery, & I’ve learned a few things along the way that I’m passing on to you with my Hospital Bag Checklist!!
With baby 1 I had a vaginal delivery, baby 2 I had a c-section, and with this 3rd one I’m prepped for both. I’ll be attempting a VBAC, but ultimately will roll with what is safest for baby and I. My hope is that this checklist helps you cover ALL THE BASES.
Some items listed are provided by the hospital (although it depends on your hospital), but others are wonderful to bring on your own and are things you often don’t think of until you’re in the moment.
If you’re planning a hospital birth, you should have your bag packed at least three weeks before your due date.
I’ve included a printable checklist for you below and have linked some additional items as well. Always feel free to connect with me if you have questions about anything specific!
THE CHECKLIST WITH CLICKABLE LINKS (printable found below)
- The Beis Weekender Bag I use & a Bargain Weekender Bag that’s very similar
- Cord Blood Banking Kit (contact Athena Solan 415-530-5542 she’s my contact there & tell her I sent you over for a discount getting set up)
- Gifts for Nurses (I MADE THESE) message me if you want me to share the template with you on Canva
- Snacks: AH-Maze Energy Protein Balls, Elemental Bars, Keto Nut & Seed Bars, Beachbars, Baruka Nuts
- Essential Oil Diffuser
- Bluetooth Speakers
- Robozo Sling (used to support your hips in labor for back pain)
- Nursing Pillow
- Nursing Cover
- Baby Book (for foot & hand prints)
- Homemade Essential Oil peri spray (use leftover mixture from padsicle recipe below)
- Earth Mama Bum Spray
- Earth Mama Nipple Butter
- Organic Pads (the hospital will provide some, I just prefer my own)
- Myo-facial Release Ball
- China Gel or Deep Blue
- Breast Pads or Super Soft Bamboobies
- Yogi Tea
- Baby Sling
- Nursing Hospital Gown/Robe Bamboo Robe
- Nursing Nightgown
- Delivery Dress (front and back and nursing snaps for easy open)
- Comfy Bras (use code: vivavidawellness for discount)
- Belly Band Support (use code: vivavidawellness for discount)
- Support Bloomers (use code: vivavidawellness for discount)
- Slippers
- Sunflower Lecithin (See my Breast Feeding Life Savers Blog HERE)
- Bandeau Bras (easy on & off, minimal pressure for those early engorged days)
- Knotted Knit Gown for Baby
- Bamboo Swaddle Blankets
- Birthing Ball (some hospitals provide this for you, so be sure you check with yours before you bring yours)
- Cozy Blanket (this one is my fave, so so super soft. It’s a splurge, but so so worth it! )
- Kindred Braverly Grow With Me Under ware
LINK TO ALL ITEMS FOUND ON AMAZON HERE
PRINTABLE HOSPITAL CHECKLIST
HOW TO MAKE PADSICLES
INGREDIENTS:
- Feminine pads (any kind – I personally use and recommend either chemical-free pads or cloth pads)
- Witch Hazel (astringent, helps to close pores and heal skin, I used one with a lavender additive, found at Whole Foods)
- Aloe Vera gel — the pure kind (found mine at Whole Foods)
- Lavender Essential Oil (calms swelling or inflammation of the skin, supports cellular regeneration)
- Helichrysum (used for it’s rejuvenating benefits for the skin)
- Frankincense Essential Oil (supports tissue regeneration, prevents scarring)
- Rosemary Essential Oil (fights infection and inflammation, strengthens muscles)
- Geranium Essential Oil (helps heal broken capillaries, conditions skin)
- Small Spray Bottle
- Aluminum Foil
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Fill your small spray bottle about halfway up with witch hazel.
- Add 5-10 drops of each essential oil.
- Top off with witch hazel
- Open up feminine pad and spread with a thin layer of aloe with clean hands.
- Spray with spray bottle mixture – enough to dampen the pad but not soak it through. You want to preserve some of the absorbency of the pads.
- Let dry a little bit, then wrap with aluminum foil and store in the freezer. Your padsicles are done! After baby, use 3-4 pads per day straight from the freezer to soothe and heal!