In Our Hospital Bag
📍 Darien, CT
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Shirt || Jeans || Ballet Flats (Similar) || Bean Bag || Earrings
Now that Brennan has been with us for over a month, I’ve finally been able to sit down and reflect back on my delivery. What went well, what I wish I could have changed, and what were some things beyond my control? One thing you can almost always control is what you bring along in your hospital bag. Since we only had a 48-hour notice that our sweet girl would arrive three weeks early, I didn’t feel nearly as prepped as I would have liked to. Still, I found that I didn’t need all that much from what I packed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with everything you’ve heard about packing your hospital bag, have no fear. Here’s what we brought in our (minimalistic) hospital bag.
My Going Home Outfit
I didn’t exactly have big plans for a going home outfit, as mid-April can be so unpredictable. My Hill House Home dress turned out to be the best pick to have on hand. Nursing-friendly and incredibly comfortable, it was also the perfect outfit for the photographer who stopped by to document our first day as a family.
Lounging Pajamas
Although I sat in the hospital gown the majority of the time, I am so happy I brought along a set of LAKE pajamas. You already know about my deep love for the brand, but the Kimono Pajama Set was another win during our hospital stay. My only suggestion would be to opt for a dark color to combat any unnecessary staining that may occur.
Slide On Sandals
Although not the worst I’ve ever seen, my feet were really swollen just before delivery and after being discharged. What a blessing to have packed such forgiving sandals, like my trusty Birkenstocks. I was able to slip them on so I could shuffle around the hospital room. I mean, if we’re being honest, they’ve long been my go-to sandals to run errands and pop around the neighborhood.
Memory Foam Pillow
While the hospital provides the mom-to-be with an ample number of pillows, I was so happy to have brought my own Casper Memory Foam Pillow from home. For one, it was way more comfortable than the hospital issue, and it also just smelled like home. When I was experiencing peak pain, I would bury the side of my face into my pillow and feel just a little better. Don’t forget to pack an additional memory foam pillow for the dad-to-be or whoever is in your hospital suite with you.
Digital Camera
You know me, I’m such a shutterbug! While no pictures were taken before and during delivery, we had our Sony a600 Camera on hand for candid shots after Brennan was here with us. Since our hospital had a photographer on staff, we didn’t take as many pictures as usual. Don’t feel like this is a must-have item when your phone is so handy and probably takes excellent photos, too!
Shower Care Set
One of the things that I wanted to prep for was the first post-delivery shower. Nothing is more therapeutic, in my eyes, than a steaming hot shower. To celebrate the minor victory of getting out of the hospital bed and finding a moment of self-care, I decided to splurge on a set of my favorite products from Malin + Goetz. It definitely made a world of difference and was so much better than what the hospital provided.
Detangling Brush
Something I did not anticipate was the full-on rat’s nest I would gain from delivery. My hair gets incredibly tangled on even the best day. Couple that with sitting in a hospital bed for the better part of two days, and it was knot central. I’m so thankful to have packed my detangling Wet/Dry Brush. It took several attempts, but I could finally work out the tangles before things got too out of control.
Cordless Pump
This wasn’t an item I brought with me, but I wished that I had! My body wasn’t quite ready to feed the little one, and it was the one moment when I got emotional. It was disheartening to think I wasn’t making the one thing Brennan truly needed. I had already purchased my Spectra Breast Pump, but we left it at home because I would be breastfeeding. If I could pack all over again, I would have had the pump handy to help jumpstart the process.
Nursing Bra
It’s crucial to have not just a nursing bra but a bra that will always help make pumping a hands-free activity. The HATCH Essential Bra is a bit of a splurge compared to other brands, but it’s incredibly comfortable. It’s a great choice to wear all day when you’re in between pumping.
Baby’s Going Home Outfit
I wanted to get our little Jacadi Onesie monogrammed to celebrate the big day, but it looks so great on its own. Being a self-described francophile, I want to sprinkle little Parisian elements into every moment of little Brennan’s early life. What better excuse than shopping for this French company? Knowing that there is a boutique close to me in Greenwich is going to be very dangerous for my little bank account.
Installed Car Seat
If there is ONE thing you need on your big day, this is (legally) it! We had just received our UPPAbaby Mesa Max from a store in Greenwich, and they were so wonderful to install it for us. Not only that, but they also spent a lot of time making sure we understood how to safely secure our little one. Let me tell you, David is such a pro now; he can probably strap up Brennan in his sleep.
Large Tote Bag
We purchased a Large LL Bean Tote to use as our diaper bag for Brennan. Embroidered with her name, I love the classic look and very affordable price tag. Long story short, this bag is honestly just too big to use as a daily pick, but it’s going to be great to have when traveling with our little one. Instead, I’ve ordered the Medium Bean Tote with Regular Straps, which should be a better fit for our busy lifestyle.
There’s so much that could be added to this list, but like I said, timing was not on our side! In this surreal experience, I learned to trust the process and take comfort in the fact that the hospital will have a good portion of what you need for the baby. And don’t forget to bring it ALL home with you after you’re discharged.
Love from Connecticut,
Katie
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