HOSPITAL BAG - WHAT WE ACTUALLY USED

Searched the archives for a list of the things we packed for the hospital with Andi and wanted to list the things we actually used. Since I was induced, the process at the hospital was a long one. We checked in around 10 pm on May 7 and ended up being discharged from the hospital around noon on May 10. Here are all the things we used and couldn't live without at the hospital:

CLOTHING I USED:

Frida Baby delivery gown - I was gifted the Frida Baby Labor & Delivery and Postpartum Recovery Kit from my registry and it had the comfiest delivery gown in it that I LOVED. It was so much more comfortable than the hospital gown and I had washed it in the washer before, so I loved that it smelled like our detergent and made me feel more at home. It was the first thing I put on when I checked into our room!

Black Nursing Friendly PJ Dress - I honestly stayed in this my entire stay at the hospital until it was time to go home. Since my recovery was so difficult, it was super nice having a dress and it made me feel more put together.

Long Robe - I didn't get up from the bed much, so I didn't use this quite often, but I wanted to include it because I know many of you mamas are looking for a nice robe to bring to the hospital. This one is light and comfortable, hits the floor, and is so beautiful. I've been living in it at home!

Grippy Socks - I got a pair of the Frida Baby socks in my recovery kit that I wore the entire time. The bottoms of them having rubber gripping on the bottom so that you don't slip. Also linked some from Amazon. I honestly didn't wear my slippers more than a couple of times.

TOILETRIES I USED:

Frida Baby Postpartum Kit - all I can say is.. HEAVEN SENT. Is it worth it? Absolutely 100% yes. The peri bottle included in the kit is much better than what they give you at the hospital because it has a bent end and is easier to use. The underwear was amazing and disposable and the kit comes with multiple pairs. The perineal cooling pad liners and ice packs were ESSENTIAL for my recovery. And the healing foam was just so soothing.. I used it for almost 2 weeks afterwards as well. Highly highly recommend. The quality compared to what they give you at the hospital is unmatched. Thank me later.

Tucks Cooling Pads - If you aren't wanting to get the Frida Baby Recovery Kit, I highly highly suggest you get a tub of the Tuck's Cooling Pads. Provides instant coolness and relief ~down there~ and you can just pack your undies with them.

Travel Makeup Mirror - I used this before we were discharged so that I could feel put together leaving the hospital. We kept our room dark the entire time, so the light was amazing. We weren't allowed to have visitors because of Covid, so I didn't have makeup on the entire time besides when we were leaving. But, if you are delivering after all of this and plan on having visitors and want a good travel mirror, this one from Amazon is great.

Lavender Shower Bombs - Call me boujee, but it's the little things. No one tells you this, but they wouldn't let me shower until I could go pee on my own (which surprisingly was a struggle) and I couldn't WAIT to get in the shower. I added one of these lavender shower bombs to my first shower and it just made me feel like I was in a spa even though I was in a hospital shower ha. You just lay one on the ground and let the water hit and it fills the air with lavender essential oils. Amazing.

Shower Shoes - because yeah..

I also used all of my other normal everyday toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)

GADGETS / MISC ITEMS:

Portable Charger - I used this thing the ENTIRE TIME. I love it because you don't have to have a cord already, it comes with one attached and to charge it you just plug it directly into the wall. It charges your phone super fast and stays charged for a long time. I never had to recharge it during my stay. I'd get 2 and give one to your man.

Camera - We vlogged our entire experience and you can checkout our Youtube video here! I loved being able to capture the entire experience because it's so easy to forget so many moments and I can't wait for Andi to look back on it one day.

Portable Speaker - We had music playing a ton. I wanted worship music playing while I was pushing and it really helped me feel calm and at peace. We also played some Justin Bieber when we got to the hospital to lighten the mood a little and make me feel less nervous, ha! I can't link the one we have, but will link similar.

Laptop - Josh played games on it while we waited, but you could also watch movies if your hospital doesn't already have good ones playing (ours did!)

Own Blanket and pillow - I brought my own Barefoot Dreams blanket and used it the entire time! Josh used my pillow I brought!

BABY THINGS WE USED:

Diaper Bag - obvi

Newborn footies - We kept her in these the entire time. I love that they cover her little feet and hands so she doesn't scratch her face. Bring multiple. I wish we had brought more because we almost ran out. You are feeding a lot and changing her a lot, so definitely need extras. Newborn size was perfect. They say newborn sizes fit up to 10 lb babies.

Swaddles - out of the womb, babies want to be swaddled. And loved being swaddled so we kept her swaddled almost the whole time. We LOVE Nested Bean swaddles because they’re so easy to put on and baby cant wiggle out of them. The new “zen one” version also allows baby’s arms to be up instead of swaddled down as an option which is great because you don’t know how baby will like to be swaddled once they arrive! Andi only liked her arms up. You can use code BRESMITH for 15% if you buy from Nested Bean’s website.

Hats - the hospital is cold so we always kept a hat on her to keep her warm. Linked some cute ones with bows fro Amazon.

Hello My Name Is Sign - can't forget this for their first pic! I linked the one we used and another cute option I bought. Both super affordable and arrived within days. (might be different since it’s around holiday season now!)

Barefoot Dreams Baby Blanket - Andi was obsessed with this!! I bought for this baby too and it’s totally worth it. I also love that it’s somewhat stretchy so you can actually swaddle them in it!

Hope this helps! Good luck to any of you expecting mamas, you are going to KILL it and I am so excited for you to hold that sweet baby in your arms!

x Bre