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This is one of the MOST asked questions I get as a mother-baby nurse and mom of 3! I will say, that EVERYONE has a completely different opinion of what to pack, and that’s totally ok. This is just my experience from doing it myself 3 times with my own births but also from my years of experience as a nurse.
To start off, I always ask people what things would you want to be comfortable if you were going on a trip? If you are someone who for sure likes to have your own personal toiletry items, your own pillow, your own blanket, then bring them! The hospital DOES truly have everything you need–for instance if you were admitted early or caught off guard before packing your hospital bag don’t stress it! It happens fairly often but we really do have all the necessities if you need them.
It also varies what items hospitals carry. My hospital is actually very well stocked and we have a lot of awesome things! We have abdominal binders, briefs, pads, diapers, formula, pumping items, breast care items like shells/shields/hydrogel pads/nipple cream/and more! Be sure to check out my book Why Didn’t I Learn all this Parent Stuff Sooner? to be ahead of the game with tips for choosing a pediatrician and provider, to know usually what happens before you discharge from the hospital, and how to babyproof and prepare your home!
I’m going to list items below now that are FOR SURE items, things I would personally say everyone should bring. Again, if you want to check with your hospital ahead of time to call and ask what they have them you can definitely do that! I’m going to list things below assuming the hospital doesn’t carry these things.
Parent Items:
Baby Items:
Now let’s talk about the “maybe” items. Things they aren’t necessarily for everyone but if you think they might be beneficial or you want them then feel free to bring them!
I also want to remind you that it is totally fine if you pack ALL THE THINGS, or NO THINGS. No one should be judging you, bring whatever makes you happy and comfortable and you don’t need to apologize for a thing.
Another common question I get is about cost of hospital supplies. So typically you get charged a “delivery fee” which includes your provider delivering baby, any medical interventions, medications, etc. Some places the anesthesia (like an epidural or spinal) will be billed separately by the anesthesia group. For postpartum, you usually will see that labeled as a “nursery fee.” That includes your postpartum room and board, all assessments or interventions completed by the pediatricians or nursing staff (like the newborn screen, hearing screen, car seat trial, labs, etc.). Some people are hesitant to ask for supplies from the hospital supply room because of cost, but it’s worth asking if the hospital charges for those items or not. My hospital does not charge for any items at all, they all just get accounted for in that “nursery fee.” Some places do charge for certain items and not others. It is all ran through your insurance if you have it and typically your nursing staff will not know how much each item “costs” since it is dependent on each individual’s insurance. But it’s definitely something to be aware of!
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