MotherhoodTips + Hacks
Written By Britny Murray
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Before you dive in - peep our segment on Indy Now - where we chatted all about packing that bag!
Whether prepping for your first baby or your third, the maternity and post-partum market can be overwhelming. With the nursery painted, diapers stocked, and the baby shower behind you, we’re narrowing down what to pack in your delivery-day bag so you can relax and “add to cart,” stress-free!
Here are some of our must-haves and faves for the big day:
But first…you need the perfect bag, and we’ve got it. Meet the CalPak Luka Duffel. This bag has the ideal amount of space, huge pockets, and even a compartment for your slippers.Not to mention it’s sturdy, beautiful, and you will reach for it again and again!
Extra long charger cord: There’s so much hospital equipment plugged into the outlets right behind your bed. Sometimes the next closest plug is a few feet away.
Comfy clothes: Whether you deliver vagin*lly or via c-section, you’ll want high-waisted pants. Loose shirts, or a button-down if you plan on breastfeeding).
This softest set for the hospital and postpartum
Target maternity leggings are a must!
These lounge pants that you can wear during pregnancy and postpartum
Slippers or non-slip socks: While the hospital always has grippy socks, you may be more comfortable in your own pair of slippers.
Postpartum underwear: Again, think high-waisted, stretchy, and comfortable.
Hygiene essentials: Toothbrush, shampoo, soap, and don’t forget chapstick.
Wireless Bluetooth speaker: The ability to turn on soothing music during labor can be a lifesaver - or to crank up that “push playlist” when the time comes!
After d-day, be ready for postpartum at-home:
We promised a list of what to pack for delivery day, but those first couple of days at home with a newborn can be overwhelming too. Between keeping track of their sleep, feeding, and poop schedules…it’s a lot! Remember to also take care of yourself and create a basket of postpartum essentials:
Ice packs (We love these from Frida Mom!)
Peri bottle (Many hospitals will have one for you, be sure to grab one before you go…or pick-up this one!)
Witch hazel cooling pad liners to soothe pain and swelling after vagin*l birth
Disposable underwear (Pro tip: Your recovery nurse will fill your bag, don’t be shy!)
Set-up a few prepackaged snacks, water bottles, and pain meds in the spaces you plan to spend the most time: nursery, bedroom, and living room.
We see you, c-section mamas!
This dual-use heat or ice band will be your best friend
Keep a pillow nearby to hold over your incision when you laugh, sneeze, or cough. Trust us.
If you’re planning on breastfeeding or pumping, you’ll definitely need a few (ok, all) of these:
Nursing bras (Kindred Bravely and Gratlin make some comfortable and supportive bras for nursing)
Breastpump (Pro tip: If you don’t have one yet, many hospitals will have one for you to borrow while you’re there. If it’s your first time using a breast pump, you can bring it with you and ask the lactation consultant to help you!)
Nursing bra pads (Because #leaking, IYKYK)
The hospital will already have everything for the baby…
…but if you’ve got some time and space in your bag, why not snag a few more goodies to amp up this special stay?
While your newest family member may live in jammies, you might want a newborn outfit for those photo ops!
One or two pairs of pajamas (especially to wear on the ride home)
Polaroid camera (and film!) for you and your partner, the nurses, or visitors to snap some candids you can hang in the nursery right when you get home
Pro tip: Most of the items the hospital has in your baby’s cart are free to take. Ask your nurse! You can likely bring home the sleep sack, swaddle, pacifier, diapers, and even formula.
If you’re a first-time mom, have your bag packed by 36 weeks or sooner if you’re having multiples. Leave the bag by the front door or in the car next to that freshly installed car seat. Now get ready to enjoy all those baby snuggles!
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Britny Murray
Britny is a mom to two littles, a wife to a baseball coach, a veteran, and a photographer for theCityMoms. She loves to read, go to Purdue football games, and is always up for a girl’s night in with Moscato.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a wide range of information and can provide insights on various topics. While I have personal experiences or opinions like a human expert, I can provide factual information and answer questions based on available sources.
Now, let's discuss the concepts mentioned in the article "Motherhood Tips + Hacks" by Britny Murray.
Hospital Bag Must-Haves
The article discusses what to pack in a hospital bag for delivery day. Some of the suggested items include:
- The Perfect Bag: The article recommends the CalPak Luka Duffel as an ideal bag for packing your delivery-day essentials.
- Extra Long Charger Cord: It is suggested to bring an extra-long charger cord to ensure you can charge your devices even if the nearest plug is a few feet away.
- Comfy Clothes: High-waisted pants, loose shirts, or button-downs are recommended for comfort during and after delivery. Target maternity leggings and lounge pants are mentioned as must-haves.
- Slippers or Non-Slip Socks: While hospitals provide grippy socks, bringing your own slippers can add to your comfort.
- Postpartum Underwear: High-waisted, stretchy, and comfortable underwear is suggested for postpartum recovery.
- Hygiene Essentials: It is recommended to pack toothbrush, shampoo, soap, and chapstick for personal hygiene.
- Wireless Bluetooth Speaker: Bringing a wireless Bluetooth speaker allows you to play soothing music during labor or create a playlist for the delivery.
Postpartum Essentials
The article also provides suggestions for postpartum essentials to have at home after delivery. Some of the mentioned items include:
- Ice Packs: Frida Mom ice packs are recommended for soothing pain and swelling after vagin*l birth.
- Peri Bottle: A peri bottle is suggested for personal hygiene after delivery.
- Witch Hazel Cooling Pad Liners: These can help soothe pain and swelling after vagin*l birth.
- Disposable Underwear: It is suggested to bring disposable underwear, which is often provided by the recovery nurse.
- Prepackaged Snacks, Water Bottles, and Pain Meds: Setting up a few prepackaged snacks, water bottles, and pain medications in the spaces where you plan to spend the most time (nursery, bedroom, and living room) can be helpful.
Breastfeeding and Baby Essentials
For breastfeeding or pumping, the article recommends the following items:
- Nursing Bras: Kindred Bravely and Gratlin are mentioned as brands that make comfortable and supportive nursing bras.
- Breast Pump: If you don't have a breast pump, many hospitals provide one for borrowing. You can also bring your own and ask a lactation consultant for assistance.
- Boppy Pillow: A Boppy pillow is suggested for comfortable breastfeeding.
- Nipple Cream: Nipple cream is recommended for soothing and moisturizing sore nipples.
- Nursing Bra Pads: Nursing bra pads are mentioned to help with leaking.
Additional Suggestions
The article also provides additional suggestions for items to consider bringing to the hospital:
- Newborn Outfit: While the hospital provides most items for the baby, bringing a newborn outfit for photo ops is suggested.
- Pajamas: One or two pairs of pajamas are recommended, especially for the ride home.
- Polaroid Camera: Bringing a Polaroid camera and film allows you to capture candid moments with your partner, nurses, or visitors.
- Ask Your Nurse: It is suggested to ask your nurse about items that are free to take, such as sleep sacks, swaddles, pacifiers, diapers, and formula.
Remember, these suggestions are based on this article. It's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider or refer to reputable sources for personalized advice and recommendations.
