Whether you’ve got a planned caesarean or just know that your due date is on the horizon, it’s a good idea to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go as the date nears. As we all know, we can get a little nervous and scatterbrained during our pregnancy, so we’ve put together an easy-to-follow New Mom Hospital Checklist so you know exactly what to take with you – and why!

Here’s the list (print it out if necessary!):

 

New Mom’s What to Pack for Hospital Checklist

For You

• Your cell phone and charger (Ideally pack a spare charger now, and take your cell phone with you at the last minute. This way you won’t be without a way of contacting your friends and family should you need them or want to share the good news while you’re still in hospital!)
• Toothbrush and paste (it’s a good idea to buy an extra tube and brush so you can keep them in your bag ready to go)
• Hairbrush and ties
• Face care (just bring the essentials – whatever that means for you)
• Deodorant
• Pregnancy underwear
• Max-absorbency pads (whatever you’re most comfortable with. The hospital will provide this but you may prefer your own alternative)
• Nursing bra
• Post-partum shapewear to offer your body some compression and help you feel more comfortable after birth (we’ll list a few of our recommendations for this after the checklist)
• Some baby wipes/makeup wipes so you can wipe your face/armpits etc. if a shower isn’t possible
• Snacks! (Don’t underestimate how much you’ll need this one)
• A basic makeup bag and mirror so you can feel human again after the delivery
• A lip balm
• Pajamas
• Robe
• Socks and/or slippers
• A comfortable outfit for when you go home
• A pillow
• Glasses if you need them or normally wear contacts
• A large towel or two

 

For Baby

• A going home outfit for when you take your new baby home
• A blanket or two
• A few diapers (hospital will likely provide a few, but it’s a good idea to be prepared)
• Car seat
• Information on your pediatrician
• Bottles (even if you plan to breastfeed)

 

Other

• A few copies of your birth plan
• Proof of insurance
• Any other paperwork you need to take
• Books/Nintendo Switch/cards – anything that would be easy to use for entertainment while you wait, or as distraction during a long labor

 

Recommended Post-Partum Shapewear

Post-partum shapewear can be a lifesaver – our bodies start going through a huge number of changes after we’ve given birth, and while you will have lost a significant amount of weight (ahem, your baby), you’ll still have a pregnancy stomach for some time. Equally, if you have a cesarean, either planned or emergency, the healing process can often be supported with compressive shapewear. So, it’s a great thing to pack in your bag to have on hand after birth, even if you don’t end up wearing it until after you return home. Here are three of our most popular choices:

 

 

Tummy Control Bodysuit Shapewear – this is a great choice for breastfeeding new moms because you can easily wear your nursing bra with it, allowing you to be as comfortable as possible. It offers mid-compression, so you’ll feel gently supported and it will never roll down. An added benefit is that you’ll feel more your pre-baby self instantly because it will help smooth the extra bumps you’ve gained throughout your pregnancy. If you’re not sure what sizing to go for, simply email our team and we’ll guide you to the right choice. 

 

Semi-Vest Waist Body Shaper – if you don’t like the idea of your shaper going down below your butt, this shaper will give you the tummy support you’re looking for while being easy to get on and off. The three different levels of support mean you can continue to wear it as your body shrinks after birth.

Ultra-Smooth Invisible Butt Lifter Shapewear – this offers you complete support from the knees up. If you’re looking for shapewear that will help keep bulky pregnancy pads in place, this is the perfect solution. It smooths and supports everything from knee to bust, so you’ll feel comfortable and more yourself even as it helps your uterus return to it’s original shape.

 

As a new mom, there are two things you can do for yourself to make your life easier:

• Be prepared, and
• Give yourself ways to feel more yourself and human again!

By packing your bag early you’ll cover the first, and by packing makeup, skincare, and the right shapewear and clothing you’ll be able to do the latter. So make sure you keep this list handy, and we wish you a speedy and easy birth!