When I was in the hospital after having Waverley, I had no idea what to pack and sent Nate home nearly every day to bring something back to me– yet I simultaneously packed way too much that went unused (as in, my entire makeup bag). Then when I started packing for Magnolia’s birth and our subsequent hospital stay, I completely forgot what I needed! I sought advice from friends and Instagram to ensure I remembered the essentials because having the right items can definitely make the stay better and more relaxed. After having two birth experiences and seeking the advice of several veteran mamas, here is what to pack for the hospital when you’re giving birth!

One: A roomy weekender tote.
Two: An extra phone battery and charge cord, because there will be a ton of pictures to take, texts to send, and calls to make all about the newest little one!
Three: This collection has the best necessities! A cozy robe, a nursing-friendly nightshirt, cashmere socks, and panties that are comfortable yet low enough to avoid a cesarean incision. Even after the hospital, I still live in these items.
Four: Lip balm. Even though this is meant for fellas, I love it.
Five: A pretty new lipstick. Now whenever I wear this shade (pictured here in Flynn), I’ll think of Magnolia’s birth.
Six: A cozy quilt or blanket to help the hospital bed feel more like home.
Seven: A pretty robe to wear for pictures and when visitors come by.
Eight: An essential oils diffuser to keep the room smelling fresh.
Nine: Essential oils. Nate and I were so happy to have had these on hand at the hospital. Everyone commented on how good our room smelled and it made us feel more at home. We loved coordinating oils for our mood or the time of day.
Ten: A comfortable nursing bra without wires or snaps.
Eleven: A great moisturizer because hospital air is so drying! I brought my favorite skin care products in travel size containers because I really cannot sleep without going through my skin care routine.
Twelve: Toiletries from home. I felt so much better forcing myself to shower every morning with my favorite body wash. (Because, postpartum night sweats!)
Thirteen: A real camera for capturing the baby’s first days. Even if you’re not a photographer, this little DSLR is easy to use and very compact.
Fourteen: For both of the girls’ births, Nate has created incredible playlists. We had music going the entire time thanks to our wireless bluetooth speaker. Now when we listen to these playlists we are taken back to this magical time.
Fifteen: A pair of cozy slippers are a must. The hospital will require you to walk around in their bootie socks or slippers with backs (no slip-ons) to prevent falls, so bring these.

I also stocked up on inexpensive pajama bottoms at Target but only wore them when people came to visit. Other than that, it was just robes and nursing tanks. The hospital will most likely provide all of the sanitary or health products needed like pads, squirt bottle, Tucks, lovely mesh disposable undies for the early days, gel nipple pads, pumping equipment, etc.

What else would you recommend packing for the hospital after giving birth?