Delivery: What should I pack in my hospital bag?

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Ah, childbirth... That famous mandatory step to cross the finish line. I remember how I felt a certain mixture of emotions thinking about it. I was somewhere between the excitement of meeting my baby and the fear of suffering. I'll tell you, I was scared! However, towards the end of my last trimester, I found myself EXCITED FOR IT TO END. When it came time to get ready, I often asked myself: what should I bring? Should I bring newborn pajamas or 0-3 month pajamas? How many diapers should I bring? Did I forget anything? So, I decided to list here my essentials for childbirth to help you be well prepared. Before we get into the thick of it, I have a tip to share with you: make sure to show your partner where everything is, because on the big day, believe me, you won't be able to tell them which pocket your diapers or baby clothes are in.

*I'm listing the items that were very useful to me, but you don't have to have everything.

Mom's list

• Bottle of water

• Snacks

• Birth plan

• Hospital cards

• Your headphones

• A going-out outfit (I opted for loose pants and a wool sweater since I gave birth in winter)

• Prenatal vitamins (to continue postpartum!)

• 1 or 2 pajamas with buttons in the front (it's easier for breastfeeding) I opted for this long cotton nightgown and a short-sleeved nightgown. I felt more comfortable than in the hospital gown and the nurses had easier access to my Gigi.

• A pair of socks (I brought my warm non-slip socks that I got as a gift)

• Shower sandals

• A peri-bottle

• Disposable diapers for women (I found them very comfortable and especially absorbent, but you can find larger packs at Costco)

• Frida Mom cold absorbent pads (they were so much more comfortable to wear than the ice packs that the nurses brought me. Thanks again to my dear friend Johanna who gave them to me!!)

• 1-2 comfortable panties and regular sanitary towels (in case of a cesarean, but otherwise the hospital provides some)

• A long phone charger

• Toiletry bag 

  (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, elastic, lip balm, deodorant, cream)

• Nursing bra (Personally, I only needed one)

• Nursing pads

• Lanolin cream

Baby list

• 3 newborn pajamas and 2 0-3 month pajamas (personally it's the newborns who did it, but go according to your judgment. Baby's percentile rank might give you an idea)

• A bonnet (we mostly used the hospital one)

• A muslin swaddle (the hospital provides cotton blankets. We mostly used theirs and they can even provide warm ones!)

• 2-3 burp cloths (I loved these muslin ones!)

• About 20 newborn diapers

• Baby wipes (I know they're a luxury, but we used Waterwipes here. I wanted to make sure they didn't contain any irritants for her sensitive little skin)

• A baby bath towel

• A mild soap (for her first bath, we used the baby soap the hospital provided)

• A pacifier

Hospital bag suggestion

Some people prefer to use a small suitcase, because it's more practical. For my part, I used my fav travel tote bag and it did the trick. My partner had brought his gym bag in which there was the little baby bag.

A little practice with that?

A few weeks before, I strongly advise you to install the baby seat in the car. With my partner, we had also decided to do a little "practice" before my expected delivery date. While going grocery shopping, we went to the hospital to see where the entrance and parking were. I felt that it reassured me a lot. I confirm that when the day came, we were ready! If ever the opportunity arises, I encourage you to do it too, it saves a lot of stress. I end by wishing you a good delivery and I hope with all my heart that this article was useful to you.

Best of luck! :)