Practical Brilliance: Hospital Bag Truths from a Nurse-Mom
The Reality of Preparing for Labor
When I went into labor with my first baby, I wasn’t ready. Like, really not ready.
I hadn’t finished packing my hospital bag, and what I did throw in last-minute wasn’t exactly helpful. My husband and I had just moved into our first house and there were so many things to do. I wasn’t really thinking about my hospital bag. Once I started having contractions, I grabbed things like multiple lip balms (helpful, but not five of them!) while forgetting the essentials that would have made those first postpartum hours and days so much easier.
Now that I’m pregnant with my second, I’ve gained a whole new perspective. I’m a nurse, and even I learned the hard way that most hospital bag lists for labor and delivery out there are either over-the-top or just not realistic for a new mom.
So let me save you the stress of figuring out your pregnancy bag for hospital. Here’s what I regret packing, what I forgot, and what I’m definitely including in my hospital bag this time around.
What I Regret Packing in My Hospital Bag
1. Too Many Baby Outfits
Let’s start with the obvious: I packed like I was doing a newborn photoshoot. I had multiple outfits and different swaddles to match and everything else in between. We used one going-home outfit. That’s it.
Your newborn will mostly be skin-to-skin, swaddled by the nurses, or sleeping in just a diaper under a warm blanket. Save the cute outfits for home when you’re settled with your baby.
2. Multiple Outfits for Myself
I didn’t know what I would wear in the hospital or how I would feel after birth. Let’s just say I stayed in the hospital gown the entire time. I finally showered and changed into going-home clothes when it was actually time to leave.
My advice for postpartum outfits: Bring a couple of comfy breathable options – preferably button-down pajama tops or a loose dress if you’re planning on breastfeeding. It makes access so much easier for you and baby! Don’t expect your body to bounce back the next day; it will need time to breathe after pregnancy and labor.
3. Pads and Diapers
Hospitals provide these postpartum essentials, and they’re usually the heavy-duty kind you actually need after giving birth. Unless you have a specific brand or non-toxic version you’re committed to, leave them at home and use what’s available there. Plus, it saves you money that can go toward your babylist registry items!
4. Pre-Pregnancy Clothes
I packed leggings I hadn’t worn since 25 weeks pregnant. Spoiler alert: they didn’t fit. Postpartum bodies need comfort and grace—go for stretchy, loose-fitting clothes and don’t expect to “bounce back” immediately after labor.
5. Fancy Robe or Nightgown I Never Touched
It was cute in theory. In reality, I was sore, bleeding, breastfeeding, and didn’t want to deal with adjusting anything unnecessary. Instead, I lived in the hospital gown or a super soft nursing-friendly pajama set that was easy to get on and off during those early postpartum days.
What I Wish I Had Packed When Preparing for Labor
Here’s where things get real. Because I was underprepared for labor and delivery, I ended up without some basics that would’ve made everything smoother. If I could go back, I’d pack:
1. A Long Phone Charger
The outlet was miles away from my hospital bed (okay, like four feet—but it felt like miles when I couldn’t reach it). Between updating family, tracking feedings, and snapping photos of my newborn, my phone died way too fast. Being a nurse, I should have known this, but when I was having contractions, that was not my first thought!
Bring a 6–10 foot charging cord so you’re not reaching and unplugging every few hours during your hospital stay.
2. My Own Bath Towel
Hospital towels are tiny and feel like sandpaper. After labor, you deserve a real towel from home. A warm, soft towel made my first shower post-birth actually feel like a postpartum reset.
3. Nipple Cream—From the Start
I assumed I wouldn’t need this right away when packing for labor. Wrong. Whether or not you’re committed to breastfeeding your newborn, your body starts responding immediately. Having a gentle, natural nipple balm on hand is a must for new moms. I recommend starting to use it a few weeks before labor.
4. A Folder for Paperwork
Between discharge instructions, baby’s medical forms, and postpartum info, I left with a pile of papers shoved in my diaper bag. This time when preparing for labor, I’m bringing a simple folder to keep everything organized and in one place.
5. Snacks I Actually Like
I packed chips and nuts, but what I really wanted was substantial food. This time, I’m bringing a few protein-rich options as well as fiber that I know I’ll eat, like fresh fruit (most rooms have a small refrigerator) or fruit pouches, beef sticks, and electrolyte drink packets. Fiber is super important after having a baby. Trust me – you don’t want to have to push anymore!
6. Belly Support Band
After labor, you will probably be sore, especially in your abs from all the pushing. Labor is hard work! A belly band can support your abs and make it easier when you are walking and getting out of bed during your postpartum recovery. Plus, it will help things go back into place quicker, which is something every new mom appreciates.
Why Moms Overpack—and What to Do Instead
It’s so easy to overpack your hospital bag because we want to feel prepared for labor and delivery. And truthfully? When everything else about pregnancy and birth feels out of your control, packing stuff can feel like a way to take some control back.
But too much stuff can overwhelm you in the hospital room. It clutters your space, makes it harder to find what you need, and often goes untouched during those precious first days with your baby.
What helped me was shifting my mindset to ask: “What will actually make me more comfortable, calm, or confident during labor and postpartum?” If something doesn’t fit in that category, it doesn’t need to go in your hospital bag.
What I’m Packing This Time Around: My Hospital Bag Checklist
This second time, I’m sticking to what I know I’ll use for labor, delivery, and those early postpartum days:
- Loose pajamas/nursing set for breastfeeding access
- Grippy socks or slippers
- Long phone charger
- My own towel
- Light robe or cardigan for postpartum comfort
- Nipple balm for breastfeeding
- Toiletry basics (toothbrush, face wash, deodorant)
- One newborn baby outfit for going home
- Two swaddle blankets for baby
- Folder for paperwork
- Postpartum underwear (because I love mine more than hospital mesh)
- A few of my favorite snacks
- Chapstick (seriously—hospital air is dry!)
Final Thoughts From a Nurse + Second-Time Mom
You don’t have to bring everything you see on Pinterest when preparing for labor. You don’t have to look “put together” during your postpartum recovery. You don’t even have to get your hospital bag checklist perfect the first time—I sure didn’t!
But learning from experience as a new mom is a gift. And if I can help another mama feel a little more ready for labor and delivery and a little less stressed about packing her hospital bag, it’s worth it.
Want the exact hospital bag checklist I’m using this time around? I made it simple, realistic, and helpful for pregnancy and labor—just like I wish I had the first time. [Grab my free Hospital Bag Checklist here] and pack like a pro (without overdoing it).
You’ve got this, mama. Truly. Your labor, delivery, and postpartum journey is about to begin, and with the right hospital bag essentials, you’ll be more comfortable and prepared for whatever comes your way.