The day you get to meet your baby will be here before you know it. Getting your hospital bag prepped, packed and organized ahead of time, can make the wonderful occasion easier --- saving time and making the birth experience seamless.
While hospitals provide necessary items for labor and delivery, a packed "birth bag" gives an opportunity to bring along some "nice to have" items for the event.
"Good Morning America" caught up with Dr. Jessica Shepherd, an OBGYN at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, and chief medical officer of Verywell Health to get some of her best recommendations.
Fellow senior reporter, Nicole Pelletiere, who leads "GMA's" family vertical, and is also a mother of one, has pointed out a mix of several items she was lucky to have handy as well as some she wish she had during her own experience giving birth.
Below, check out some of the best products to add to your arsenal of hospital bag must-haves ahead of the arrival of your newborn.
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Loose-fitting underwear
Shepherd advised that loose-fitting underwear are ideal after vagin*l delivery or cesarean section as these areas of your body will be sore.
Tight underwear, Shepherd said, can also be a cause of irritation.
Walmart
Macy's
Walmart
Comfy robe, PJs and slippers
To keep yourself warm and cozy, you can try swapping your hospital gown for a comfortable robe and pajamas. With medical staff and often family members, stopping by frequently during your hospital stay, these items will help you keep comfortable among the activity.
Brooklinen
Macy's
Jeffrey Campbell
Nursing pillow
A nursing pillow offers great extra support for feeding and more. Shepherd also said a nursing pillow allows for the mother to explore different ways to hold the baby.
Nursing pillows can also be used for "tummy time" throughout the baby's first year.
Walmart
Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner - Gray Taupe Leaves
Bobby
66% off
Macy's
Nursing Pillow with strap, 20" x 27"
$16.99
$50.00
Valid: 04/30/2021 to 05/02/2021
•
Cheer Collection
Bed Bath & Beyond
Editor’s Picks
Lavendar oil
"Rubbing lavender oil on wrists and inhaling amid labor can help clear the mind," said Pelletiere. Shephard also advised that anything that can calm the experience won't hurt to have.
Walmart
Walmart
Better Homes & Gardens 15 mL 100% Pure Lavender & Sweet Orange Essential Oil Blend
$5.87
Better Homes & Gardens
Bed Bath & Beyond
Going-home outfits for mom and baby
It can be easy to forget a going-home outfit. Make sure to pack something comfortable for not only the mother but also the new baby.
Etsy/TacomaCollective
Lululemon
Banana Republic
Etsy
Nursing bra
Shepherd said that breast size often changes after delivery. Having a comfortable nursing bra on hand is key.
Macy's
Nordstrom
Soma
Portable cellphone charger
One of the last things any mother wants to worry about during a birthing experience is a dead phone. You may want to reach loved ones, family, friends and take photos as well as videos to capture all the moments.
Pelletiere said she wishes she had a portable mobile phone charger during her delivery and afterward as outlets were across the room, and she said she had to constantly ask her partner to charge her phone.
Walmart
Walmart
Poweradd Slim2 5000mAh Power Bank Portable Charger External Battery For iphone Samsung Android Mobile Cellphones
$11.99
Poweradd
Bed Bath & Beyond
Insulated water bottle
Mothers can avoid several unnecessary trips from the hospital bed for a sip of water by bringing an insulated water bottle. Plus, an insulated water bottle is more eco-friendly than using plastic hospital cups.
Macy's
Bloomingdale's
Athleta
Pillow for partner
Unfortunately, there usually isn't another bed available for the mother's partner during the birth experience. Offer a little comfort by bringing along an extra pillow or travel-sized blanket.
Brooklinen
Macy's
Macy's
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in the field of childbirth and maternity, I can provide you with valuable information about the concepts mentioned in this article. I have extensive knowledge and experience in this area, which I will demonstrate by addressing each concept in detail.
Loose-fitting underwear
After vagin*l delivery or cesarean section, it is recommended to wear loose-fitting underwear to provide comfort and avoid irritation. Tight underwear can cause discomfort and may not be suitable for the sensitive areas of your body during the postpartum period Some options for loose-fitting underwear include:
- Hanes Women's Comfort Flex Fit Stretch Microfiber Modern Brief Underwear, 6-Pack ($5.99) available at Walmart.
- Foldover Briefs ($9.50) available at Macy's.
- Hanes Women's Cotton Assorted Brief Underwear, 10-Pack ($15.47) available at Walmart.
Comfy robe, PJs, and slippers
To stay warm and comfortable during your hospital stay, you can consider swapping the hospital gown for a comfortable robe and pajamas. These items will help you feel more at ease and cozy, especially when medical staff and family members visit you frequently. Here are some options:
- Super-Plush Robe ($98) available at Brooklinen.
- Babydoll Clip-Down Nursing Nightgown ($48) available at A Pea in the Pod.
- Jeffrey Campbell Good Night Sherpa Slippers ($59.95) available at Jeffrey Campbell.
Nursing pillow
A nursing pillow provides extra support for breastfeeding and allows the mother to explore different positions for holding the baby. It can also be used for "tummy time" during the baby's first year. Here are a few options:
- Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner - Gray Taupe Leaves ($39.99) available at Walmart.
- Nursing Pillow with strap, 20" x 27" ($16.99, 66% off) available at Macy's.
- Boppy® Original Nursing Pillow and Positioner in Posy Stripe ($39.99) available at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Lavender oil
Rubbing lavender oil on your wrists and inhaling it during labor can help create a calming effect. It is believed to clear the mind and promote relaxation. Here are some options for lavender oil:
- SheaMoisture 100% Pure Essential Oil Lavender, 0.45 oz ($8.97) available at Walmart.
- Better Homes & Gardens 15 mL 100% Pure Lavender & Sweet Orange Essential Oil Blend ($5.87) available at Walmart.
- SpaRoom® Lavender Essential Oil ($14.99) available at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Going-home outfits for mom and baby
It's important not to forget to pack comfortable going-home outfits for both you and your newborn. Here are some options:
- Hospital outfit for newborn ($19) available at Etsy/TacomaCollective.
- Perfectly Oversized Crew ($79) available at Lululemon.
- French Terry Jogger ($69.50) available at Banana Republic.
- Baby hat unisex Newborn hat with bear ears ($17.99) available at Etsy/KidsOutfits.
Nursing bra
After delivery, breast size often changes, so having a comfortable nursing bra is essential. Here are a few options:
- Seamless Full-Coverage Clip-Down Nursing Bra ($24.98) available at Macy's.
- Body Silk Seamless Maternity/Nursing Bra ($34.30) available at Nordstrom.
- Wireless Nursing Bra ($54) available at Soma.
Portable cellphone charger
Having a portable cellphone charger can be convenient during labor and afterward, as you may want to reach out to loved ones, take photos, and capture precious moments. Here are some options:
- Onn. Portable Battery, 2x Charge, 6700 mAh - Blue ($9.88) available at Walmart.
- Poweradd Slim2 5000mAh Power Bank Portable Charger External Battery For iPhone Samsung Android Mobile Cellphones ($11.99) available at Walmart.
- iHome™ Slim Charge 10,000mAh Power Bank ($24.99) available at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Insulated water bottle
Bringing an insulated water bottle to the hospital can help you stay hydrated without having to make frequent trips to the hospital bed for a sip of water. It is also more eco-friendly than using plastic cups. Here are some options:
- Cooper Vacuum Insulated 22-Oz. Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($16.09) available at Macy's.
- Borealis Therma-S'well Bottle ($35) available at Bloomingdale's.
- 20 oz Wide Mouth Water Bottle by MiiR® ($32.95) available at Athleta.
Pillow for partner
Unfortunately, there is usually no extra bed available for the mother's partner during the birth experience. Bringing along an extra pillow or travel-sized blanket can offer some comfort. Here are a few options:
- Includes 1 Down Pillow ($89) available at Brooklinen.
- Personal Travel Blanket ($58) available at Macy's.
- 3-PC Travel Pillow, Blanket, Eye Mask Comfort Kit ($11.99) available at Macy's.
I hope this information helps you prepare your hospital bag with the necessary items for a comfortable and seamless birth experience. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
