What I Packed in my Hospital Bag for Labor, Delivery, & Recovery

I can't believe that we are about 2 weeks away from Kennedy's arrival.  Fielding and I have our bags packed and ready to go for when Kennedy decides to makes her appearance, and today I'm sharing what's inside!

{For details on my nursery decor, check out my Nursery Reveal post!}

First and foremost, I should point out that I'm a first time mama, so everything that I packed is based on recommendations from friends and family, research, and information we learned during our hospital tour.

I am delivering at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, and when we did the tour a few weeks ago, we learned that the room that you labor & deliver in is on a totally different floor than where you recover.  Therefore, they suggest that you bring 2 bags: 1 for the labor / delivery room and 1 for the recovery room.  Disclaimer:  All hospitals may not be set up this way, so two bags may not be necessary for your respective place of delivery.

Bag 1: Labor / Delivery

While I'm in labor, I will be wearing a hospital gown and as soon as the baby is born, they will wrap her in a receiving blanket and hospital hat.  Therefore, you only need the basics for the Labor / Delivery bag.  Also keep in mind that whatever you bring to the L&D room, you'll have to move with you to recovery; so I suggest packing light.  I am using my go-to Sole Society weekender bag for L&D.

• Insurance Card / Checkbook / Folder for papers
• Robe {I love this one from Pink Blush Maternity}
• Cardigan {I packed my favorite Barefoot Dreams cardigan in case I get cold}
• Cozy Socks {Again, packed my beloved Barefoot Dreams socks}
• Slippers {these are memory foam and nearly identical to $100+ UGG slippers}
• Pillow {with my favorite silk pillowcase, of course}
• Fan to attach to bed {this was a suggestion from my sister who recently had a baby and said it was a must-have}
• Extra long phone charging cable {I picked up two of these 10 foot ones from Amazon}
• Basic Toiletries: Face Wipes, Chapstick, Lotion, Deodorant
• Gum / Mints {apparently you can't eat while in labor, so having gum and/or mints helps}
• Camera

Bag 2: Recovery

Once the baby is born, the remaining 2-3 days in the hospital will be spent in the recovery room. This is where you'll need more of your personal items, as well as, a few items for the baby.  The hospital will provide most of the things you'll need for postpartum recovery {like postpartum undies, peri bottle, medicated cooling pads, etc.}, so I left most of those items at home with the exception of a couple below.  I packed the items for me, Fielding, and Kennedy in my Delsey carry-on luggage.

For Mama:

• Pajamas {3 sets} - I packed my absolute favorite Beautifully Soft by Stars Above pajama sets from Target.  I threw in the pants set, short set, and sleep shirt.
• Toiletries - face wipes / skin care, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste
• Hair - shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, brush, styling tools {if you're taking photos at the hospital}
• Makeup Bag {if you're taking photos at the hospital} 
• Shower Flip Flops
• Towel - I've heard the ones they provide at the hospital are paper thin
• Going home outfit - I'm planning to wear these joggers, loose nursing friendly top, & sneakers
• Nursing Bras {3} - I've been wearing this nursing bra and this sleep nursing bra.  I'm obviously not nursing yet, but they're both extremely comfortable.
• My Breast Friend Nursing Pillow - Many people have told me they prefer this pillow for nursing vs a boppy
• Earth Mama Nipple Butter
• Earth Mama Perennial Spray
• Nursing Pads
• SNACKS - I know I'll be STARVING after baby arrives

For Dad:

• Pajamas {3 sets}
• Change of clothes / boxers / socks {3 sets}
• Pillow
• Sleeping Bag OR Twin Sheet Set 
• Toiletries
• Towel
• Basic Meds - I packed Tylenol and Tums
• Computer - to stream Netflix, play music, etc.

For Baby:

The hospital will provide the basic necessities for baby - diapers, onesies, formula, a receiving blanket, and more, but I opted to bring my own outfits and swaddles for some cute pictures, of course.  I've also heard to bring an extra bag to stock up on all the supplies the hospital gives you, you're paying for them anyway!

• Baby book for foot / hand print - LOVE this one from Sugar Paper
• Onesies / Sleepers {3 sets}
• Socks {3 pairs}
• Mittens
• Swaddles - I packed this adorable swaddle from Copper Pearl
• Hats / Bows - I brought the matching hat and bow to the Copper Pearl swaddle
• First Picture Props - I packed my letter board and this adorable personalized swaddle set from Etsy
• Going Home Outfit - This Etsy shop - SK Creations - makes the CUTEST going home outfits
• Car Seat - You don't need to bring this inside until time to go home

For all you experienced mamas out there, what am I forgetting?  What were your hospital must-haves?  Tell me in the comments below!