Wardrobe Stylist, Samantha Brown and Online pre/postnatal fitness coach, Katie Breard have teamed up as guest writers to share their recommendations for what to pack in your hospital bag. Sharing their perspectives, they hope that Sage readers will approach packing with a little more style and with healthy habits that will make the hospital stay more enjoyable.
There’s a first time for everything. I wasn’t entirely sure I’d ever become a mom, and here I am, just a week and a half from delivering our baby girl. Like many first-time parents, I’m going through the whole rollercoaster of emotions from excitement, stress, nerves, anticipation, fear, and trying my best to be patient. As a small business owner (I’m a Celebrity and Personal Wardrobe Stylist), I love having control–something I will undoubtedly lose during the parenting process!
In an attempt to prepare for everything, I started prenatal fitness classes with trainer, Katie Breard, shortly into my first trimester. I sought out a program that would keep me strong and safely teach the effective ways to stay in shape as my body was becoming a literal shapeshifter.
I’ve teamed up with Katie during this home stretch to get real about packing the infamous “hospital bag”. I must admit that I did poll some trusted mom friends to weigh in on what makes sense, what’s essential, and what’s totally unnecessary, but I also tapped Katie for advice on healthy essentials to include as I slowly but surely packed a “Mary Poppins” bag of the best. Staying true to my aesthetic, it was also important that what I packed felt practical AND stylish because even if the stay is very short, I want it to be the best experience possible.
The Bag: Leopard Meow Canvas Collection from Parker Thatch
This bag is the perfect size with amazing functionality. A long strap for easy transport and two matching cases that are ideal for smaller belongings and toiletries. Mine are stocked with an eye mask, chapstick, extra long phone charger, face wash, hair scrunchie, no-slip socks, and rubber flip flops to wear in the shower. The other one has travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, and toothpaste.
The Pajamas: Sunflower Motherhood “Mama” Pajamas
Soft and cute with an elastic waistband and buttons to make them nursing friendly, I have a hunch I’ll be going home in these at the end of my stay.
New Mom Essentials:
Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Kit
Some items are available at the hospital, but it’s important to be stocked with what you need and have extras at home. I packed the delivery gown and no-slip socks to wear in the hospital.
Kindred Bravely Nursing Bra (and joggers!)
Kindred Bravely has mastered the nursing bra, making it both functional and cute with the lace detail in the back. I’ll be packing this in my hospital bag, and buying multiple others to wear at home.
I’ll also be living in these Kindred Bravely postpartum joggers, which have a soft waistband and temperature regulating fabric to keep comfortable.
Snacks:
Protein Bars & Dried Fruit
This is where I sought Katie’s advice because nothing sounds worse than loading up on bad hospital food while we’re there. I’ve also heard that husbands get hungry, and nobody wants to deal with a grumpy husband when we’ve got a lot going on!
Katie says “After you deliver you are most likely going to be starving – and taking care of yourself is going to be the last thing on your mind. There will be food options from the hospital, but most of them are pretty crappy. I recommend packing some snacks for yourself and your husband to have on hand.
Many hospital rooms won’t have a fridge (or possibly a tiny one) so I recommend packing healthy packaged items. I recommend BOBS REDMILL BARS (oats help your milk supply – a bonus), and BARE BAKED dried fruits. But pick some you know you’ll like!”
I pressed Katie for more on the immediate nutritional needs after giving birth, and she added “Fiber. I told you this was sexy! After you deliver, going to the bathroom the first time can be…scary. Plus the hospital food you may be eating isn’t the freshest or fiber-filled, so I recommend bringing some clean fiber to help you out. I love LOVE WELLNESS SPARKLE FIBER.”
She also added, “Staying hydrated the few days post-delivery is super important. I recommend adding some hydration support to help you drink more instead of the juice boxes most hospitals pass out. Needed makes awesome single-use packets with electrolytes and trace minerals. Find them HERE and use code METHOD for 20% off your first order or first 3-month subscription.
Outfit for Baby
Depending on when you deliver and the temperature outside, you’ll also need to pack an outfit for your new baby! A onesie with snaps is ideal, and since I’m delivering in the winter I added a sweater, hat, blanket, swaddle, and snuggly. I want to be prepared to bundle her up if it’s a chilly day. I also packed my own organic formula, in case my milk hasn’t come in yet and I opt out of using the hospital’s brand. (*Make sure to run this by your doctor to be sure you can bring in your own!)
Clean Skincare
I’ve been obsessive about my skincare during this time as so many products and treatments have been “off-limits” during pregnancy. I recently discovered Element Mom, and have been loving their belly masks, moisturizer, and brightening pads. I won’t bring these to the hospital, but I’ll definitely be using them once I’m back home.
I asked Katie for her other recovery essentials since the hospital stay is short-lived. Here are some of her other favorite items to have on hand for the first few weeks back home:
Belly Band
There is very little research that belly support bands actually work in tightening your core postpartum (like they are often advertised) but if you have a c-section I think they help support your posture a ton. THIS is one I recommend from Amazon.
Supportive Tank Top
After you deliver you may be surprised to learn that you still feel and look pregnant for a while, and your core feels really weak. I recommend that my clients have a supportive tank to wear after delivering. Blanqi makes THIS top that I love.
Now Pack it Up!
We hope that packing your bag is a little less daunting now! Wishing all you mamas an easy, safe delivery and speedy recovery!
To Follow Us:
Follow Katie On IG or view her site
Follow Samantha on IG or view her website at samanthabrownstyle.com.
