basically my mantra for packing my hospital bag for our second son has been “as least amount of ish possible to still feel prepared and comfortable”. this is our second baby, but first time planned hospital birth! so it kinda feels like our first round since i don’t know what to expect 100% from a planned hospital birth. can you relate to this?!

you can read more about my first son’s birth in the below mentioned blog posts — we essentially were a home birth family transferred to the hospital that resulted in an emergency c-section. talk about birth trauma that we were not expecting, holy WOW.

some blog posts that might resonate with you after this one:

• 5 intentional things i’m doing in my second pregnancy to prioritize my physical and mental health
• preparing for a redemptive birth and nursing experience after unexpected birth trauma

i already wear the same outfits for as long as i can with my changing body (is this called a capsule wardrobe?) — this makes my morning “what should i wear?” question much more approachable! when my shirts and pants color palette already go together, it is one less massive decision i have to make for the day. routine is the name of the game, especially postpartum and when ya girl already struggles with ADHD.

WHAT I HAVE PACKED IN MY HOSPITAL GO BAG —

please note that my “go bag” is a duffle bag that i borrowed from my parents that they’ve had for YEARS. it is nothing special at all and works perfectly! don’t read into the hype that you need to go and purchase something adorable and cute for aesthetic purposes, especially IF you already have something that will serve this purpose. underconsumption is sexy!

literally most of the things on my list are things i already own — i will note the things that i purchased specifically for my hospital bag. again simple, minimal, type B human over here. let’s make this as less stressful as we can!!! because the packing should be the least stressful part about preparing for labor, right?

***please note that some of these links have affiliates, and i do get a small kickback if you order anything through my individual link! THANK YOU because this helps me continue to give you pumping and breastfeeding content and support this community!!!

(P.S. the items highlighted are the items that i actually used when our boy came early at 37 weeks 3 days!!!)

FOR MAMA —

• Nest & Nurse robe (use code “bethanyb15” for 15% off)
• Movemama nursing/pumping sweatshirt
• x2 long sleeved nursing shirts
  • Ekouaer brand
  • MLM brand (use code BETHANYB for 10% off)
• maternity pants
• x2 maternity biker shorts
• x2 period underwear
• x2 nursing/pumping bras
  • Davin & Adley Amelia bra (use code BETHANYBOU for 10% off)
  • Larken X bra
• handful of men’s Depends disposable underwear (i like no fragrance/scent, and this is the size that fit me)
• x4 breast pads
• Medela hand pump
• hygiene needs
  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • face cleanser
  • moisturizer
• blanket
• pillow
• phone charger (long cord)

FOR LABOR —

• mini fan
• TENS unit
• valor + lavender essential oils
• headphones
• snacks
  • applesauce pouches
  • string cheese
  • fruit leather strips
  • chocolate
  • soft fruit bars
  • Gatorade zero packets (electrolytes)

FOR BABY —

• Hippie Joey Air carrier (use code BETHANYBOURGOIN10 for 10% off)
• x2 swaddle blanket
• x2 outfits newborn size
• x2 outfits 0-3 month size
• nail clipper (this was the only thing that i didn’t get to pack, that would have been SO helpful after birth! kiddo came out with freaking talons and it looked like he got attacked by a bear on his cheeks)

what did you find so helpful in your hospital bag? what would you add or take away from this list?

xoxo, Bethany | Certified Lactation Counselor | Your Overproducing Exclusively Pumping Mama