My 10 Must Haves After A Hospital Birth

If you asked a bunch of women what they found useful after birth, every birthing individual would have a different answer as to what that looked like for them. After giving birth in the hospital twice, these are the things I found most useful after birth. What made your list of things to pack?

1. Food- After giving birth to both of my girls I was so hungry. With my oldest I was lucky. By the time I gave birth and the staff left it was time for breakfast. They were the worst pancakes ever, but I had the option of eating. My second was born in the early morning hours. The only thing that was open in my little town was McDonald's, and I didn’t think to send my husband out for something before he fell asleep. When everything was quiet, after the staff left, and my husband fell asleep, was when I realized I was so very hungry. If I ever had another baby at the hospital, I would pack a little bag of things to eat after the baby.
   
2. Pillow- Let us be honest, sleeping in the hospital isn’t the best sleep. Bringing a pillow from home can make that just a little more comfortable.
   
3. Always Maxi Overnight Extra Heavy Flow Pads- Your hospital probably provides pads for postpartum women. They might be amazing and have full coverage, or they might be flimsy and weak. In the first 24 hours there is a lot of discharge that comes out of you. Having something that provides great protection is just one less thing to worry about, especially if you are having visitors
   
4. My own clothes- Some people prefer to rock the hosptial gown post birth, but not me. I find them uncomfortable, and difficult to nurse in. I would much prefer a nursing tank and the comfy maternity yoga pants I love.
   
5. Shower- This isn’t really so much something that you bring but it is something that I find to be amazing. There is a point after birth, after I have eaten, and slept that a shower is just rejuvenating. This brings me to…
   
6. Hygiene products- Maybe I am just one of those people who likes my stuff, but I far prefer my shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste/toothbrush, brushes.
   
7. Something to do should you find a moment to yourself and you aren’t tired. My kindle app is on my phone so I just needed the charger plugged in the wall and near me should I need for it.
   
8. Witch Hazel Pads- I always used Tucks, I found them incredibly soothing to my sore perineum.
   
9. Motherlove Nipple Cream- this stuff is amazing. I love it. I would have never made it through the first few months with my second without it. In both my hospital experiences they provided Lansinoh. My second would not take my nipple with it on. I made my husband run home for my Motherlove because I had forgotten to throw it in my bag. If you don’t want to use Motherlove, take a look at these other nipple creams.
   
10. A book about breastfeeding- A book about breastfeeding, such as Breastfeeding Made Simple, can be a good addition to your hospital bag for the postpartum time. If you didn’t get around to reading it during pregnancy, you might find yourself seeking out information. If you did read it, maybe you want to glance through it again. You might not be at the hospital long enough to need, or want, it then again, you might be.